Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The NAACP Salt Lake Branch was established in 1918, and has been dedicated to lifting up the community, championing fairness, supporting local youth and strengthening opportunity for all. President, Jeanetta Williams, joins us with more. Jeanetta Williams: At the NAACP Salt Lake Branch, we carry forward the mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, founded on February 12, 1909, in New York City by 60 activists, social reformers and journalists dedicated to advancing civil rights. Our branch has a mission to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights for all, and to eradicate racial hatred and discrimination. Our vision is a society where all individuals enjoy equal rights and to eliminate racial discrimination. In Utah, we have a long history of combating discrimination and promoting equality through initiatives such as the Albert Fritz Civil Rights Award, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, the

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since its founding as a small family-owned construction company, Mortenson has grown into a trusted leader in Utah, delivering transformative projects across the state, shaping communities, supporting local growth and driving innovation that strengthens the region. Director of Business Development, Josh Caldwell, joins us with more. Josh Caldwell: Since 1983, Mortenson has proudly delivered transformative projects across the state — and consistently since 2017. Today we have more than 200 team members who call Utah home, bringing national expertise and a ton of horsepower to execute locally. We’ve built over 5,000,000,000 dollars in projects here, over the past couple of years and we’re shaping communities through healthcare facilities, data centers, life science labs, industrial spaces and iconic sports and entertainment venues. But Mortenson is more than just a builder — we’re a developer and an investor as well, having acquired over 500,000 square feet of

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For 60 years, Haskell has been a fully integrated architecture, engineering and construction firm, delivering complex capital projects both across the globe and right here in Utah. Director of Business Development, Matt Williams, joins us with more. Matt Williams: Founded in 1965, Haskell was one of the first firms to bring design and construction together under one roof to improve outcomes for clients. As a founding member of the Design-Build Institute of America, our team now includes more than 2,800 professionals worldwide and 3,000,000,000 dollars in annual revenue. In Utah and the Mountain West, we focus on water and wastewater treatment, municipal facilities, education, healthcare, religious and cultural spaces, aviation and aerospace and food and beverage manufacturing. We self-perform key scopes of work, giving us greater control over quality, safety and schedule. Consistently recognized by the Engineering News-Record as a top national and regional contr

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1968 in American Fork, Horrocks is a full-service engineering firm with over 50 years of experience. They offer transportation, telecommunication, construction management and community infrastructure services to communities across the west. President Bryan Foote joins us with more. Bryan Foote: At Horrocks, our motto is “What we do matters.” Whether it’s designing safer roads or improving water systems, our goal with each project is to improve the quality of life for the people it serves – because we believe infrastructure should serve and strengthen communities. We provide comprehensive services that span the entire lifecycle of infrastructure projects, from initial planning and design to construction management. Our teams include civil engineers, surveyors, environmental scientists, GIS specialists, public engagement professionals and many others. This year, we reached a major milestone: Horrocks has grown to over 1,000 employees, and we’re proud to

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Salvation Army in Salt Lake City has been supporting those in need in our community since 1865. Thousands of Utahns receive assistance each year through a broad array of social services. Corps Officer Major Robin Bottjen, joins us with more. Major Robin Bottjen: The overall mission of The Salvation Army is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Here in Salt Lake Corps, we do this through a number of different services, including: a client choice food pantry, material assistance, such as hygiene products, daily hot meal program for families; utility and rental assistance, and regular church activities. Many people are familiar with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle during the Christmas Season and we are grateful for those monetary donations we receive, as they help fund our programs year-round. Due to inflation and the rising costs of food and utilities, requests for our services are at an all-time high. In

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Downtown Farmers Market’s mission is to support sustainable agriculture, build community and make local food accessible year-round. Joining us to share more about the Winter Market is Carly Gillespie, Deputy Director at the Urban Food Connections of Utah. Carly Gillespie: The Downtown Farmers Market is a Salt Lake City tradition, and we’re excited to announce a new chapter for our Winter Market. Now hosted at the Civic Center, formerly the Leonardo Museum, in downtown Salt Lake City all season long. We will be filling that space with sights, smells and flavors of Utah’s best local food every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our farmers are extending their growing seasons so you will still find fresh produce like carrots, garlic, onions and beets alongside artisan breads, cheeses, sauces and meats. Plus, Utah’s best makers and crafters will have that perfect holiday gift. It’s more than a market, it’s a community gathering place that connects you directly wi

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. One of Utah’s oldest and largest private philanthropic organizations, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation has touched the lives of thousands and profoundly improved life as we know it in the Beehive State. Foundation President and COO Lisa Eccles joins us with more. Lisa Eccles: My Uncle George and Aunt Lolie were dynamic, compassionate community leaders who loved Utah. That’s why they created the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation: to uplift, open doors of opportunity and improve the quality of life in Utah. 67 years later, the Foundation partners with more than 400 nonprofits each year to make a meaningful difference in every corner of our state. Whether it’s building a much-needed University of Utah hospital in West Valley City, funding a mobile food pantry in Fairview, protecting our incredible landscapes or supporting, yes, a second Winter Olympics. We’re so proud to say, we’re completely committed to Utah now, and in perpetuity. Mo

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. In 1986, SymbolArts was founded with a single goal: to create meaningful, high-quality custom products that recognize achievements and celebrate stories of accomplishment. Nearly 40 years later, that same passion continues to drive them every day. CEO, Greg Sanders, joins us with more. Greg Sanders: When you think of Utah’s business community, you think of innovation, craftsmanship and pride in what we make. That’s SymbolArts. We design and manufacture custom products — badges, challenge coins, medals, pins, awards, medallions and patches — crafted to represent departments, brands and events in a personal, meaningful way. Nothing is off the shelf. You’ll find our work at Harley-Davidson dealerships, Scouting America stores, Corporate America and police and fire departments nationwide. More than 80 percent of Utah’s public safety officers wear insignia made by SymbolArts, a source of pride for us. With the American Sesquicentennial coming in 2026, we’re honored t

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. When it comes to protecting Utah’s workforce, WCF Insurance helps keep businesses running smoothly and employees supported when injuries happen. Their local approach and community roots make getting help and care straightforward. CEO and President, Matthew Lyon, joins us with more. Matthew Lyon: At WCF Insurance, we’ve been serving Utah for over 100 years — and we’re proud to still call this place home. We live here, we work here and we’re deeply invested in the people and businesses that make our communities thrive. What began as a workers’ compensation specialist has expanded into a commercial lines partner — businessowners policies, commercial auto and more — so companies can grow with confidence through one carrier that knows Utah and the Mountain West. ‘People Matter’ is our north star. Beyond policies, we put that belief to work. Through charitable giving and thousands of employee volunteer hours, we invest in education, housing, safety and community re

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Blue Star Families supports military-connected families in Utah by providing resources, programs, and advocacy. They help families build connections, access essential services and thrive despite the unique challenges of military life. Executive Director, Marcie Valdez, joins us with more. Marcie Valdez: The families of our All-Volunteer Force make unprecedented sacrifices to serve our country. Blue Star Families was founded by military spouses to empower these families to thrive as they serve. Utah is home to more than 42,000 military-connected individuals, and over 150,000 veteran families. We are committed to strengthening Utah’s military families by connecting them with their neighbors — both individuals and organizations — to create vibrant communities of mutual support. We deploy local programs that address the highest needs of Utah's military community, including food insecurity, financial readiness and a sense of belonging. Since January, we have offered 4

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1996, Adecco has been connecting people with meaningful work while helping businesses build skilled, flexible teams. Along the way, they’ve focused on creating opportunities and making a positive impact in the community. Branch Manager, Steven Whittaker, joins us with more. Steven Whittaker: At Adecco, we’re proud to be the world’s leading workforce solution company. We connect people to meaningful work and help organizations build strong, flexible teams that succeed over the long term. Every day, Adecco provides jobs for more than 600,000 people worldwide. We support a wide range of industries – from manufacturing and logistics to administrative and professional services – offering temporary and permanent placement, as well as outsourcing solutions. This gives businesses and jobseekers the flexibility they need to thrive. Here in Utah, we’re helping employers meet strong demand for skilled manufacturing, warehouse, logistics and distribution talent, par

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Select Health has been helping Utah for decades by connecting insurance with doctors and clinics, so members can easily get care and feel supported in their healthcare journey. Director over Large Employer Sales, Amy Inette, joins us with more. Amy Inette: What sets Select Health apart is our connection with Intermountain Health. Being part of an integrated health system means your insurance and your healthcare providers work together, not separately. This alignment helps prevent gaps in care, ensures your doctors and health plan are on the same page, and gives you access to one of the region’s leading health systems. For members, that means smoother care, better coordination for chronic conditions, easier access to specialists, more affordable services, faster support when needed and greater peace of mind every day. And while our close relationship with Intermountain Health streamlines care, our broad network with other health systems ensures flexibility and cho

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Deseret Management Corporation is a global operating company with a wide range of businesses dedicated to serving communities and strengthening values. Joining us to share news on some exciting reopenings is Temple Square Hospitality Corporation President, Gary Porter. Gary Porter: 2025 has been a year of reopening for Temple Square Hospitality Corporation. In July, we welcomed guests back to The Garden Restaurant, and in November, The Roof Restaurant officially reopened, providing a truly elevated dining experience — quite literally. Located ten floors up in the historic Joseph Smith Memorial Building, you’ll be treated to unforgettable views and a culinary experience that’s uniquely Utah. Our menu draws inspiration from local food favorites, showcasing familiar Utah flavors with a twist. Whether you’re looking for a night on the town, a celebration, a dine-in business meeting, or a casual lunch The Roof is sure to elevate every occasion. The Roof will be open

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Downtown Alliance works year-round to make downtown Salt Lake City a vibrant place to live, work and celebrate. From dining and arts to community events, their efforts help downtown thrive as Utah’s gathering place — especially during the holiday season. Executive Director, Dee Brewer, joins us with more. Dee Brewer: There’s something special about Downtown Salt Lake City at the holidays. The lights are twinkling and the spirit of the season is alive on every block. You can make a night of it before taking in holiday traditions like Ballet West’s The Nutcracker or the Utah Symphony’s Messiah Sing-In. Make memories with the whole family at the Gallivan Center ice rink, and enjoy nostalgic traditions like the holiday windows at City Creek Center, and of course, the spectacular lights at Temple Square. Here’s my downtown holiday pro-tip: plan your parking destination before you get on the road. Or you can hop on TRAX and let public transit whisk you right into

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Hilton Salt Lake City Center, in the heart of downtown just minutes from the Salt Palace Convention Center, Temple Square, and City Creek Center, is a great destination to experience what makes Salt Lake special. Director of Sales and Marketing, Melissa Allen, joins us with more. Melissa Allen: Hilton Salt Lake City Center features 19 distinctive suites, including a themed Cabin Suite that captures the beauty and spirit of Utah. Our rooftop hosts four active beehives, symbolizing teamwork, dedication, and community values that define our team. Guests and meeting planners can take advantage of over 32-thousand square feet of flexible event space, a fully equipped fitness center with Peloton bikes, and a relaxing indoor pool, making our property the perfect downtown destination. Our on-property restaurant, Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, has earned multiple honors, including the Diner’s Choice and Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence six consecutive years, featurin

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah’s economy is deeply connected to the global marketplace — with more than 430 thousand jobs tied to international trade. But success in the global economy takes more than strong products. It takes strategy, speed, and insight. That’s where World Trade Center Utah comes in. As a private nonprofit, they help companies navigate global challenges, manage risk, and pursue smart international growth. Here to share more is Tiffeny Yen-Louie, World Trade Center Utah’s chief marketing officer. Tiffany Yen-Louie: Utah companies are built to lead — and World Trade Center Utah helps them grow globally with confidence. Markets shift, tariffs rise, and trade rules evolve. Our job is to help companies stay ahead — with strategies to strengthen supply chains, navigate disruption, and attract investment. That includes our Foreign-Trade Zone program, which helps importers and manufacturers defer or reduce duties on the goods they bring in — this frees up cash to reinvest loca

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. BioMérieux is a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics, headquartered in Salt Lake City, where it continues to advance patient care and set global standards in diagnostics. Meghan Kuehn, who leads operations in Salt Lake City, joins us for more. Meghan Kuehn: Here in Utah, bioMérieux’s teams are leading the way in advancing innovation and public health across the state, across the nation, and around the world. BioMérieux’s products are used in more than 160 countries to identify infectious disease, and detect contamination in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. We’re proud to call Salt Lake City our North American Headquarters, where thirty-six hundred team members across six facilities bring their talent to work every day. R&D, manufacturing, and support teams work together to develop and make diagnostic solutions that identify the source of infectious disease, providing valuable information to health care professionals treating patients. As Utah’s

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. EyeCare4Kids makes sure children in underserved communities get the vision care they need. Through screenings, mobile clinics, and outreach programs, they help kids see clearly, learn confidently, and enjoy every day to the fullest. CEO, Maggie Cline, joins us with more. Maggie Cline: At EyeCare4Kids, our mission is simple: to make sure every child has access to professional eye care and the glasses they need to clearly see their world every day. Since 2001, we’ve provided more than 500,000 vision care services including vision screenings, eye exams, and corrective eyewear, to underserved children and adults in the Southwest United States and Africa. In Utah, we work with fourteen school districts, maintain two permanent clinics, and send our mobile vision clinic to homeless shelters, refugee centers, Native American reservations, schools, and rural areas, reaching children where they are and removing barriers to care. Because vision doesn’t wait, neither do we.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For seventy years, Les Olson IT has been helping Utah businesses thrive with reliable technology solutions and expert IT support, strengthening communities and empowering growth across the state. Owner and Chief Business Development Officer, Troy Olson, joins us with more. Troy Olson: Les Olson IT has long been Utah’s trusted office technology partner. What began with Les Olson himself has grown into a mission that still guides us today: helping businesses succeed through reliable technology and exceptional service. Our values are rooted in integrity, family, and community. As Les believed, strong relationships and genuine care are the foundation of lasting partnerships. That’s why we put people first — our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve. Printers and copiers have long been a part of our story, and for over a decade we’ve also delivered the IT services and support businesses rely on. Today, our solutions include burglar alarms, digital dis

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Farm Bureau Financial Services helps people prepare for life’s what-ifs. They provide insurance and financial planning that gives families and business owners peace of mind, confidence for the future, and the right support. Farm Bureau Financial Services Agent, Felicia Wright, joins us with more. Felicia Wright: At your local Farm Bureau Financial Services office, I understand that protecting what matters most isn’t just about insurance, it's about having the right strategy. I’m here to help you safeguard your family, home, business, and goals. Whether it’s through auto, home, life, business coverage or even investments, we’ll create a plan that fits your unique needs. I believe in building relationships, not just policies. That means taking the time to listen, understand, and be there when it counts. Wherever life takes you, we’ll navigate it together. Because you deserve more than coverage, you deserve confidence and peace of mind. Let’s build a strategy tha