Building Utah

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The food we eat at restaurants comes to us through great firms such as Nicholas and Company, the largest independent food distribution service in the Intermountain West. Vice President Scott Albert gives us a taste of what they offer. SCOTT ALBERT Restaurants need the freshest ingredients from a reliable source, and that’s exactly what we do at Nicholas and Company. We take great pride in the personal service and strong partnerships we have with the eateries we serve and use our vast network and buying power to help our customers get the highest value. We don’t settle for anything but the finest and do it all with next day delivery service. Our broad reach includes Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, and Eastern Oregon. The last 18 months have been a challenge for everyone, and we had to get creative to attract sufficient employees who help service our restaurant partners. We are proud of our current staff and pleased that we decided early on to take care o

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah’s financial strength is the result of good management, a diverse economy, and a culture of mentorship. Clarke Capital is one of Utah’s largest consumer-focused investment firms and CEO James Clarke is here to share the essential role of mentoring in their business. JAMES CLARKE As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve grown companies from millions to billions, but I didn’t do it alone. My mentors made all the difference. They knew what to do because they’d been there before, and there’s no doubt that I stood on their shoulders. Clarke Capital is a consumer-focused investment firm that actively mentors entrepreneurs who want to scale profitable businesses. Our founding members have the know-how and first-hand experience to offer operational guidance in addition to capital. And managers of our own capital, we have the flexibility to make decisions that align with the long-term goals of entrepreneurs and other investors. We seek the best operators, people who work as har

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Cyberattacks will cost Utah companies millions of dollars this year. Fortunately, Webcheck Security in Salt Lake City helps businesses world-wide develop strategies and effective steps to reduce their cyber-risk. Greg Johnson, the CEO of Webcheck Security, has more information. GREG JOHNSON A single cybersecurity officer can cost $150,000 a year or more, so many firms just ignore the risk and hope for the best. But now there is a cost-effective way to provide cybersecurity for your company without breaking the bank. Webcheck Security offers experienced, certified professionals – we call them fractional information security officers -- who will work with your firm for either a set number of hours or as needed each month, providing cybersecurity-protection and substantial cost savings. Our experts will work to find holes in business policies, system infrastructure, and web applications. One client recently hired us to run a cyber risk assessment of their prod

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Saving for a college education is important and 529 Plans are designed to help families maximize education savings. Here to tell us about saving for education is Richard Ellis, Executive Director of my529 -- Utah’s official college savings plan. RICHARD ELLIS my529 was established by the Utah Legislature in 1996 to help families save for education. The money saved can be used at any institution that accepts federal financial aid, whether at a university, technical, or trade school. Named after a section of the federal tax code, Utah’s program now has more than $20 billion in assets and over 475,000 accounts and is recognized as one of the top plans in the country. We have a team of over 90 dedicated professionals working at my529 to make higher education and skills training affordable. Investments in my529 have helped thousands of students attend schools in Utah and across the country -- helping families prepare to pay tuition, as well as fees, books, and

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. One of the keys to success for any company or institution is sound legal counsel. Nolan Taylor, Managing Partner of the Salt Lake City Office with the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney, LLP, is here to tell us about his firm and the services they provide. NOLAN TAYLOR For 25 years, the international law firm of Dorsey & Whitney has provided top-tier legal services for companies doing business in the region and around the world. As trusted advisors for Utah’s business community, we offer clients full service strategic legal advice on matters such as corporate mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and transactions in capital markets. We also provide expertise in natural resources, as well as intellectual property, finance and restructuring, government affairs, and litigation. We help Utah’s start-ups grow and mature companies succeed. At Dorsey and Whitney, we focus on providing a proactive approach to our clients’ legal and business needs, with location

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah’s drug usage is half the national average, but Utah’s drug death rate is higher than average. The Other Side Academy helps prevent those tragedies by providing a free place to change lives. Executive Director Dave Durocher tells us about their program. DAVE DUROCHER The Other Side Academy is here to help long-term drug addicts and even criminals change their lives and start contributing to society. I know this because I spent the first part of my life addicted and incarcerated, until I turned my life around. All of our staff have changed their lives and are now helping others break free from addiction and criminal behavior. We all know someone. Maybe it is a father or brother, sister or daughter, friend or neighbor. They say this time will be different. But it never is. They start using again, committing crimes again, and breaking hearts. If you have someone in your life who has tried everything else, invite them to check us out at TheOtherSideAca

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Jamie Rowley spent a decade as an office manager at a mental health practice before forming Kairos (Kai-ruhs) Billing Solutions. Kairos is an ancient Greek word meaning the right, critical, or opportune moment, and here at the right moment is Jamie Rowley with more about her firm. JAMIE ROWLEY Kairos Billing is a mental health billing and credentialing company that works with private practices nationwide. Our amazing team brings over 55 years of combined experience enabling us to take on the challenges of health insurance billing and credentialing requirements. That keeps the money flowing so that providers can focus on their patients and the success of their practice. We work with all types of outpatient mental health providers, including psychiatrists, advanced practice registered nurses, social workers, as well as clinical and professional counselors. At Kairos we match providers with dedicated billing specialists who provide clear communication, quick respo

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. On November 19th, the Salt Lake Chamber will host its annual Women & Business Conference. There, we will present the ATHENA Leadership Award to Natalie Gochnour, director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. And, here’s some of what she will share. NATALIE GOCHNOUR It’s an honor to be selected as the 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Salt Lake Chamber for this recognition. The Chamber is a force for good in this community. As I accept the ATHENA Leadership Award, I’m mindful of the incredible talent on the team that I work with every day at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. In a very real way, this award reflects their work and the amazing people I’ve had the privilege of working with during my career. To everyone I’ve worked with in this community, I want to say thank you. I would also like to acknowledge the talented and dedicated women who have received this honor befor

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. It’s often a good idea to bring in fresh eyes from time to time to help your business find new markets. Big Red Jelly helps businesses grow through effective branding, web design, and digital marketing. Here’s co-founder Josh Webber. JOSH WEBBER Big Red Jelly started as three employees operating out of a pool house in American Fork. Two of my brothers and I had a vision of empowering local businesses with digital marketing tools to help them succeed and see exponential growth. In four short years, we have refined and perfected our three-step process - brand, build, grow - helping over 700 businesses brand, build, and grow their business online. It is vital for every business to have a strong online presence. We combine human creativity with digital solutions to accelerate business growth. A well-defined, memorable brand is the first step in building an unbreakable online foundation. Build a website with powerful automation and integrations, cutting-edge design,

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Top companies are increasingly offering wellness programs that focus on improving the lives of company employees. Monnica Manuel, the President of RSG Performance, tells us how her firm’s advanced training can positively impact companies throughout Utah. MONNICA MANUEL In April, and then followed again in July, and again in August, the number of workers who quit broke all-time records. Even before this Great Resignation as it’s being called – GALLUP RESEARCH showed us that employee disengagement was already costing U.S. companies $450 billion annually. Forbes magazine is telling us that that's 34% of each employee's annual salary. For owners and managers, it's a wake-up call and we encourage leaders to reconsider company culture to find new ways to get employees ‘involved-in, enthusiastic about, and committed to their work and workplace’. Gallup also showed that employees want career development and self- improvement - not ping-pong tables and free lunches, and

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Water is the lifeblood of the West and protecting this resource, while saving companies money, is the key focus of Smart Rain – a Utah-based company focused on ending overwatering on commercial properties. Rob Densley, Vice President of Sales, is here to tell us more. ROB DENSLEY Our friends at the Utah Department of Natural Resources tell us that we have never been through a drought like this before. At Smart Rain, we recognize the problem and have our sights set on creating efficient solutions that save both water and money. By using our Smart Rain watering technology, our clients now save between 35 to 50 percent on their irrigation use. That in turn saves companies thousands of dollars each year. As you know, approximately 70% of water used in Utah goes to landscaping alone, so even a little bit of overwatering can have a huge impact on the bottom line. Smart Rain technology shines a light on this problem and, more importantly, helps solve it. We

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah is fortunate to have great companies that give back, led by people like Katharine B. Garff who serves as Board Chair with Ken Garff Enterprises and the Success in Education Foundation. Here’s Kathi to share how the foundation helps people in Utah. KATHARINE B. GARFF The Keys to Success program motivates students and adults to unlock their future by connecting them to scholarships, internships, and careers. With more than 85,000 users and over $160 million in scholarships, Keys to Success serves as a one-stop shop for college and career readiness in Utah. We are pleased to announce that during October’s College Application Month, more than 10,000 Utah students engaged with higher education institutions using the Keys to Success app. Through partnerships with the Department of Workforce Services, the Utah System of Higher Education, and local industry, Keys to Success creates a platform for both students and organizations to participate in workforce developm

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. On November 19th, the Salt Lake Chamber will host its 45th annual Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon. Jennie Taylor, the widow of former Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor, will be one of our speakers. Here’s part of her story. JENNIE TAYLOR Three years ago this month, I received a call from my mother that no one should ever receive. Two Army officers had come to my home while I was away to tell me that my husband, Major Brent Taylor, had been killed in Afghanistan. I had no idea how I would cope nor what I would say to comfort our seven children – the oldest was just 13 years old at the time. Brent had served in the Utah National Guard for fifteen years and as the mayor of North Ogden for five years. He had served two tours in Iraq and was on his second deployment in Afghanistan when evil prevailed. I decided to honor his legacy by creating the Major Brent Taylor Foundation which provides scholarships to students that show outstanding service-oriented l

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. A recent survey found that real estate is the number one investment choice for Americans right now and Cameron Gunter is here to tell us why. He is the founder and CEO of the PEG Companies, an award-winning Utah-based commercial real estate firm. CAMERON GUNTER High returns, diversification, tax advantages, and consistent cash flow are just some of the reasons so many people are choosing to invest in commercial real estate right now. The opportunities to invest strategically have never been better in this hot real estate market, especially with our low unemployment rate here in Utah and the Mountain West. Keying on this trend, my firm is launching one of the first build-for-rent housing brands in our region, providing discerning renters with high-end single-family homes located in secure and attractive communities. We’re also building one of Utah’s first standalone mechanical parking lift systems at Paperbox Lofts, an apartment community in Salt Lake City.

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation has been developing cutting-edge robotics technologies for more than 30 years and went public on Nasdaq just last month. Steve Hansen, Chief Financial Officer at Sarcos, is here to tell us about his company and its technology. STEVE HANSEN Sarcos is a global leader in the development of highly dexterous mobile robots, which augment rather than replace humans for the jobs that cannot be automated. Our systems are designed to increase productivity while reducing strain on the body and diminishing the risks of job-related injuries. We focus on powered, full-body robotic exoskeletons and remote-controlled robotic avatars that give super-human capabilities. Sarcos has been developing the technologies underlying our exoskeleton and robotic avatar for more than three decades, and we expect to commercially launch these products late next year. Sarcos works with customers in manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, aviation, au

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. On Friday, November 19th, the Salt Lake Chamber will host its 45th annual Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon. Trina Limpert, the CEO & Founder of RizeNext, will be one of our speakers. Here’s some of what Trina will share. TRINA LIMPERT RizeNext was founded in 2018 with the vision of helping organizations move from awareness to action in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We call it DEI for short. Also, we have built robust DEI frameworks to assist firms in integrating best practices into their businesses. Our strategy makes it easier for companies to align their teams and track impacts within organizations and communities. We are excited to be sharing our “experience first” approach to DEI strategy at the upcoming Salt Lake Chamber Women & Business Conference on November 19th. We also will be hosting a DEI panel with Dominion Energy at the Salt Lake Chamber Diversity Summit on November 4th. Join us there to learn how to make your own impact an

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. October is National Disability and Employment Awareness Month and with a shortage of workers everywhere, it’s important businesses consider hiring those with challenges. As an incentive, federal tax credits can provide up to $9,000 to businesses hiring disabled people. Leah Lobato is a key leader in this area and is here to tell us more. LEAH LOBATO As the Director of the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, I strongly encourage business owners to consider hiring qualified individuals with disabilities – federal tax credits obviously help, and many accommodations and devices are available to assist in creating an inclusive workplace. It’s worth noting that disability is the only minority group any of us could enter or exit at any time. The Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities has been in existence since the 1960s and just last week we awarded the 47th annual Golden Key Awards to business partners who have excelle

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Friday, November 19th, the Salt Lake Chamber will host its 45th annual Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon. One of our speakers will be Elizabeth McMillan, Director of Communications at the Utah Department of Transportation. Here’s Elizabeth with insights on her upcoming presentation. ELIZABETH McMILLAN The Utah Department of Transportation is pleased to support the Chamber’s efforts to recognize women in the workforce. The session I’ll be speaking at is titled: “You’d Be Prettier if You Smiled and Other Lies Women Learn about Positivity.” During the pandemic women have been particularly hard hit – more left the workforce than men and they’ve been slower to return, creating challenges for managers. In my work at UDOT I help people understand that well-being and quality of life are measurable, which means we can build better behaviors and environments based on data. I have firsthand experience. When I was studying positive psychology during

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. It’s hard to mistake the signs of growth in Salt Lake City. Ben Kolendar is the Director of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development, and he’s here to tell us how the city government is working to enhance economic opportunity for all. BEN KOLENDAR As the capital city in the state with the strongest economy in the nation, we seek to harness the City’s global influence in a manner that develops an equitable economy, produces quality jobs, and fosters an environment where local entrepreneurs, commerce, culture, and industry thrive. We have a concentrated focus on advancing Mayor Mendenhall’s “Tech Lake City” initiative, fostering a vibrant arts and entertainment ecosystem and supporting an inclusive environment for our residents. While we are optimistic about the growth happening already, it is vital to city leadership and our department to maintain the feel and culture of an urban environment while helping our economy provide the jobs we need. As a part

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Consistent, reliable, and affordable electricity is essential in today’s wired economy. In the past much of Utah’s power came from traditional sources, but times are changing and Gary Hoogeveen, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Power, tells us about the developments now underway. GARY HOOGEVEEN It’s an exciting time at Rocky Mountain Power as we continue to increase renewable energy generation and move to a more sustainable electrical grid. We recently announced the completion of a sweeping initiative that more than doubled our wind production, making PacifiCorp the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West.  Using 2005 as a baseline, our latest long-range plan will achieve a 74 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 98 percent reduction by 2050. We are currently negotiating contracts for 1,200 megawatts of solar, along with 680 megawatts of installed battery capacity, which will be built in rural Utah. Our plan also incl