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ASSOCIATIONS
- Ryan Smith, founder and CEO of Recyclops Inc., was recently named to the National Small Business Association Leadership Council, a nonpartisan small-business advocacy organization that works to promote the interests of small business to policymakers in Washington, D.C. Recyclops builds landfill diversion programs for communities and brands, diverting approximately 1 million pounds of material away from landfills every month. Founded in 2014, it operates in 30 states. Smith also is owner of the Utah Jazz.
- The Park City Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced its highlights during 2023. It welcomed 136 new members, bringing total membership to 1,000. It achieved four major activations in the innovative Sustainable Tourism Plan, including the creation of the first-ever Lodging Sustainability Toolkit, encouraging and recognizing 20 local event organizers that created sustainable elements for their 2023 events, and being named a “Green Destinations Top 100 Stories” finalist. The chamber/bureau also led innovative programs like the Chamber Sponsored Employee Benefit Program and updated the Seasonal Workforce Resource Guide and the WE RIP program. It also was involved in 11 ribbon-cuttings, seven “Business After Hours” mixers and 10 Business University educational sessions.
- The Utah Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Initiative, a public-private partnership, working to elevate Utah’s advanced materials and advanced manufacturing across several industries, has announced several financial successes in 2023. They include facilitating $45 million in cash flowing to Utah small businesses in advanced manufacturing, $8 million in federal grants, and $1.7 million in matching funds from state appropriations. It provided 128 small businesses with technical and business development and created 750 jobs. It undertook nine information sessions in rural Utah, with 220 attendees. It introduced defense manufacturing to 8,200 students at 150 schools. More than 1,000 people attended UAMMI ecosystems events. It also aided in establishing the Miller Applied Research Solutions Center at Weber State University, and advocated to a $1 billion national private equity fund based in Utah for advanced manufacturing.
BANKING
- D.L. Evans Bank has appointed Raymond Mudrow as a mortgage loan officer at its South Ogden branch. He will initiate the mortgage process for potential clients, preparing, analyzing and verifying mortgage loan applications for the purchase or refinance of real estate. Mudrow has over 30 years of banking experience, including work in a banking legal department as well as helping his customers with their residential and commercial loan needs. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.
- Utah First Credit Union, based in Salt Lake City, has appointed Nicole Sherman as chief operating officer. Sherman has over 25 years of leadership experience, including holding roles at the chief, executive and senior vice president levels. She has expertise in retail and digital banking, commercial and business banking, wealth management, corporate marketing and communications.
- TAB Bank, based in Ogden, has provided two printing companies in Ohio with a $5 million credit facility. The facility consists of a $4 million revolver and a $1 million term loan. The new facility is extended through a multi-year agreement and will provide for the companies’ ongoing working capital needs. The companies provide point-of-purchase and merchandising display solutions, specializing in plumbing fixture displays as well as paint color cards and other products for sales and marketing purposes.
CONTESTS
- The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute is accepting nominations through Feb. 1 for the 2024 Informed Decision Maker of the Year Award, which recognizes individuals and entities that work, often behind the scenes and with little fanfare, to help the community prosper. Selection criteria is consistent with the institute’s core values: responsibility to the community, research integrity and relevance, accountability, collaboration and positivity and passion. Details are available by contacting colleen.larson@utah.edu.
- The Utah Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Initiative is accepting nominations through Jan. 31 for its “Women at the Forefront” and Men Allies (advocating for women). UAMMI will honor women leaders actively guiding Utah’s advanced manufacturing industry forward, as well as men who advocate for women in advanced manufacturing. Details are available y calling (801) 871-8148.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
- Uthans arriving late to work are costing the state economy nearly $630 million per year, according to a study by The Savvy Wrist. It found that the average Utahn arrives to work 40 mins late over the course of the week (which is above average), costing their employer $189 per year. The cost nationally is over $61 billion a year. Nationally, the average worker loses 35 minutes per week to lateness, costing employers $166 per worker every year. The most-punctual workers are in Montana and North Dakota, at just 10 minutes late per week. The least-punctual are in Maine, at 70 minutes late each week. Details are at https://thesavvywrist.com/workplace-tardiness/.
- Provo is No. 2 for the percentage of credit cardholders with at least one maxed-out card, according to a study by Lending Tree. Only 16.5 percent of residents there have at least one maxed-out card and 5.6 percent have more than one, which is the second-lowest in both categories. The study found that 23.7 percent of credit cardholders in the 100 largest U.S. metros have at least one maxed-out card. The highest percentage is in Bridgeport, Connecticut, at 30.8 percent. Among those with multiple maxed-out cards, Memphis leads, with 14 percent. Among the cities with the largest increase in the percentage of holders with at least one maxed-out credit card are Salt Lake City at No. 5, with a 22.5 percent increase, and Ogden at No. 8, with a 20.4 percent rise. Raleigh, North Carolina, had the highest increase, at 27 percent. Details are at https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/study/maxed-out-credit-card-balances/.
- Utah is ranked No. 23 on a list of places with the most bilingual people, compiled by Test Prep Insight. It found that more than 1 million Utahns, or 30 percent of the state’s population, say they speak more than English, in part because many Utahns serve missions abroad. The top-ranked state is Rhode Island. The bottom-ranked state is Iowa. Details are at https://testprepinsight.com/resources/study-most-and-least-bilingual-states-in-america/.
- Sixty-seven percent of surveyed Utahns trust their local media, according to a study by press release distribution service PRFire.com. Nationally, the study indicates that 60 percent of respondents have confidence in local media, markedly higher than the 47 percent who trust national outlets. Local media trust is highest in Delaware, at 83 percent. It was lowest, at 50 percent, in Tennessee, Oregon and Idaho. Details are at https://www.prfire.com/hometown-headlines/.
- Springdale is ranked No. 22 and St. George is No. 70 on a list of the “Most Coveted Towns in America to Escape the Rat Race,” compiled by JoyOrganics.com. It surveyed 3,000 professionals to uncover the 150 most popular destinations for “escaping the rate race.” The top-ranked location is Kailua, Hawaii. The No. 150 location is Mountain View, Arkansas. Details are at https://joyorganics.com/pages/rat-race-refuge.
- The average Utahn was predicted to shed their post-holiday weight gain on Jan. 28, according to a study by FeastGood.com. That is a 28-day average to hit their weight-loss goals. FeastGood.com determined the average weight gain during the holidays, the typical number of calories burned in a workout session, and the regularity of exercise routines among participants. People in New Mexico were expected to lose that weight gain the soonest, on Jan. 21. People in West Virginia are expected to do so on Feb. 18. Details are at https://feastgood.com/resolution-results/.
EDUCATION
- Utah State University will offer a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. It says it will be the first Utah school do to so. The undergraduate program will be housed in the electrical and computer engineering department. New faculty with cybersecurity experience are being hired. The cybersecurity engineering B.S. degree path will prepare future leaders who design and create robust safeguards for complex, interconnected systems and will train future engineering professionals to design hardware and software solutions that are resilient to cyber attacks.
FOOD
- Swig, a Lehi-based beverage company, has named Angela Kavanaugh as director of people and culture. Kavanaugh has more than 12 years of human resources experience, most recently serving as head of people at Narvar. Before that, she was director of people at Entrata. Founded in 2010, Swig has 60 locations in seven states. It plans to add 25 corporate and 40 franchise stores this year.
HEALTHCARE
- MSU Health Care, an academic health center of Michigan State University, has joined Nomi Health’s employer-directed network to meet the needs of self-funded employers in Michigan. The collaboration is one of the first of its kind, which brings direct and affordable healthcare options to Michigan employers looking to provide high-quality and affordable care to their employees. Through Nomi Health’s network, Michigan employers and their employees gain access to MSU Health Care’s list of more than 300 physicians.
HOSPITALITY
- CoralTree Hospitality, based in Denver, has been selected to manage theStelle Lodge, a new four-season, boutique mountain resort in Park City. It is located in the new SkyRidge Mountain Community, lakeside on the Jordanelle Reservoir and across from Deer Valley Resort. TheStelle is expected to open in late 2026. It will offer approximately 65 residential resort rentals, three dining options, a spa and meeting space, with access to the amenities SkyRidge has to offer, including an equestrian center, golf course, shuttle to Deer Valley Resort, and hiking and mountain biking trails. Formed in 2018, CoralTree is a wholly owned subsidiary of Los Angeles based Lowe, a real estate investment, management and development firm.
PARTNERSHIPS
- 47G, an association of aerospace, defense and cyber companies in Utah, has partnered with education technology company YouScienceto launch a workforce development program that aims to connect emerging local talent with member organizations in the 47G network using Employer Spotlight to build early talent pipelines and boost economic growth in those industries. Through Employer Spotlight, member organizations can present their company information and career opportunities (including work-based learning programs, internships, apprenticeships and entry-level job openings) to students with the aptitudes the organization is looking to hire. In coordination with the effort, all local Utah schools have access to YouScience Aptitude & Career Discovery, where students can take a scientifically backed aptitude assessment to discover their natural talents, interests and get best-fit career opportunities. The pilot program is available to more than 100 member organizations and 20 academic institutions in the 47G network.
- Solis Mammography, a Texas-based independent provider of specialized breast health services, has announced a partnership with MountainStar Healthcare, a division of HCA Healthcare with eight hospitals in Utah. Solis will manage MountainStar’s comprehensive breast imaging services in Orem, Bountiful, Ogden and Salt Lake City, with plans to expand access to additional communities. The first screening and diagnostic breast imaging center location under Solis Mammography management opened Jan. 22 at Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem. Solis operates more than 120 centers in 15 markets. It operates both wholly owned centers and multiple joint venture partnerships with large hospital systems and medical and academic institutions.
REAL ESTATE
- Northmarq, a resource for real estate investors, has hired Rawley Nielsen and Mark Jensen, both managing directors, and Darren Nielsen, senior vice president, for its Rocky Mountain region investment sales team in its Salt Lake City office. They will be responsible for supporting clients and growing the company’s multifamily advisory business throughout Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Rawley Nielsen has two decades of experience in private client and institutional investment sales. He joins Northmarq after eight years at Colliers International in Salt Lake City, where he served as president of investment sales. Jensen has 20 years of experience in multifamily investment sales and development in Utah and the surrounding region. Most recently, he served as executive vice president of investments at Colliers International in Salt Lake City.
- Sentry Financial and Newport National Corp. have completed the purchase of the Clift Building, an office building totalling 106,000 square feet at 10 W. Broadway in downtown Salt Lake City. Newport and Sentry provided the equity capital and First Utah Bank provided a $15 million purchase money loan with a portion allocated to capital/tenant improvements. Built in 1919, the building was most recently renovated in 2022. It has eight tenants and is approximately 77 percent leased. Newport’s portfolio totals 5.5 million square feet, as well as residential masterplan properties totaling over 1,500 acres. Salt Lake City-based Sentry is a diversified financial services firm that invests in companies and projects that have high growth potential and which positively impact their communities.
RECOGNITIONS
- Wilford Clyde, chairman of Clyde Cos., has been named a recipient of the 2024 Mountain States Legacy Award for the Intermountain area, presented by ENR Mountain States. The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated a lifetime to service in design and construction, contributing their expertise to both the profession and the communities they serve. Clyde recently retired after a 45-year career in the Utah construction industry. His community roles include serving on the AGC of Utah board of directors and the Utah State Board of Regents, as well as serving as mayor of Springville.
- David S. Layton, president and chief executive officer of Layton Construction, has been named 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year by the MountainWest Capital Network. Each year, MWCN, a business networking organization, recognizes entrepreneurs who create industry-shaping businesses in Utah, inspire others with their entrepreneurial vision and give back to the community. Layton formally took the helm of the family’s construction business in 2004. It has 1,300 employees in 12 offices throughout the U.S. It has completed projects in 42 states. Since 2004, its annual revenue has increased ten-fold to more than $3.5 billion in 2022, earning the No. 1 ranking on MWCN’s list of top revenue growth companies for the past four years. Layton has also led philanthropic efforts in numerous communities, including support for cancer research and promoting higher education and their local athletic programs. He also has served on several community boards, including the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, the University Healthcare Foundation, the University Healthcare Board of Trustees, the Salt Lake City Committee for the Olympic Games and the Utah Sports Commission board of trustees. The MWCN Entrepreneur of the Year event honoring Layton will be Jan. 31 at the Little America Hotel.
- Zions Bank, based in Salt Lake City, is listed as a winner in the Best West Regional Banks, Best Premium Checking Accounts and Best CD Accounts categories in rankings by GOBankingRates. It analyzed more than 100 of the nation’s largest banks to reveal the best regional banks. It considered factors such as monthly fees, mobile app ratings and products offered. Zions has over 100 branches across Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. Details are at https://www.gobankingrates.com/banking/banks/best-west-banks/.
- Scorpion, a Salt Lake City-based provider of digital marketing solutions for local businesses, has been named a winner in the 2024 BIG Innovation Awards, presented by the Business Intelligence Group. It won the Internet & Technology category for Scorpion Connect with AI Chat, which was launched in the 2023 fourth quarter. It empowers organizations to activate their own specialized conversational AI chatbot on their websites.
- Black Desert Resorts, Ivins, has been recognized in rankings of the best new, residential and resort golf courses in the U.S. by Golf Digestand Golfweek. Black Desert received runner-up honors in Golf Digest’s ranking of best new courses. It also was No. 22 on Golfweek’s ranking of the top 200 residential courses in the U.S. and No. 26 on Golfweek’sranking of the top 200 resort courses in the nation. Black Desert opened for play on May 27, 2023.
RETAIL
- Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc., a West Jordan-based outdoor specialty retailer, has named Craig McNair as chief retail officer to oversee store operations. McNair will be responsible for the customer experience, in-store programs, training and talent development, and driving growth. McNair most recently served as chief retail officer at Batteries Plus Bulbs for over four years. He also has served in key roles for both Academy Sports+Outdoors and Cabela’s Inc., where he was responsible for large regions of stores. He also served in store leadership roles with Sam’s Club from 1988-2016, where he spent over 25 years.
TECHNOLOGY
- Tract, a Denver-based developer of master-planned data center parks, has completed the acquisition of more than 668 acres of land in Eagle Mountain. The company said the land is within the Regional Technology Innovation Overlay, which allows for by-right use for data centers, advanced manufacturing, research and development sites, supported by expedited administrative review processes for site plans and permits. Tract said it is working with Rocky Mountain Power to deliver more than 400 megawatts via new transmission infrastructure by 2028.
- Alta Labs, a Hurricane-based company focused on networking technology, has named Chris Buechleras principal architect. Buechler will be primarily focused on the new router and switching product offerings Alta Labs is developing. His experience in the networking and security industry includes being co-founder and project leader of pfSense. Most recently, he served as principal engineer at Ubiquiti.