2021 SLCHAMBER.COM
U TA H ’ S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E A N D R E L O C AT I O N G U I D E
QUALITY LIVING
The Utah Way WORK LEARN LIVE PLAY
LUXURY LIVING IN UTAH Step into luxury living in Utah surrounded by the picturesque mountains, beautiful ski resorts, and endless recreation opportunities. Grand single- and two-story home designs, national award-winning architecture, high-end kitchens, relaxing primary suites, finished basement options, and much more await you. Make the home your own with a choice of open floor plans with distinctive features and hundreds of personalization options.
Resort-style clubhouse, pool and 7 parks 2 home collections Lehi, Utah
Clubhouse, pool, fitness center and 20 acres of parks 2 home collections Herriman, Utah
Close proximity to Downtown Salt Lake City 2 Home collections featuring hillside and valley views North Salt Lake, Utah
Build your new home with confidence. With a commitment to quality and a reputation for excellence, Toll Brothers is a home builder you can trust. DI S C OV E R TH E DI FFE R E NC E TollBrothers.com/LifeinUtah
Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. Listing Broker Toll Brothers Real Estate Inc.
Large home sites offering mountain views and close proximity to transportation services Herriman, Utah
slcc.edu/community
CL ASSES THAT FIT AROUND JOBS, KIDS, AND JUST PLAIN LIFE. Life doesn’t pause for education. That’s why SLCC has been providing online classes and flexible schedules for years. Our students come from all backgrounds: many have full-time jobs and kids. Over half are the first in their family to attend college. We believe education should be available to everyone, regardless of where they’re from or their stage in life. Increasing opportunity for all isn’t impossible. It’s SLCC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS LIVE
WORK
10 WELCOME TO UTAH 12 GETTING AROUND 14 UTAH HOUSING MARKET 16 HEALTHCARE 18 UTAH REGIONS
32 UTAH EMPLOYMENT TRENDS 34 TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 36 EXECUTIVE PROFILE: STERLING NIELSEN 38 EXECUTIVE PROFILE: DONNA MILAVETZ 40 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS 42 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
44 RURAL UTAH 46 UTAH ECONOMY TRENDS 48 SMALL BUSINESS IN UTAH 50 DIVERSITY & INCLUSION 52 MENTAL HEALTH
58 SUPPORT LOCAL ON ROAD TRIPS 60 RED ROCK & DARK SKIES 62 POWDER DREAMS 64 NATIONAL PARKS 68 YOUNG AT HEART
70 SKI UTAH 72 FAMILY FRIENDLY 74 FESTIVALS 78 CALENDAR
Discover why people love Utah
Transportation options in Salt Lake
What's in store for 2021
Award-winning healthcare
Discover your favorite part of the state
LEARN
54 PUBLIC EDUCATION IN UTAH 56 HIGHER EDUCATION
Utah’s school system
Utah's diverse education system
What's on the horizon for Utah business
Companies in Utah to work for
President and CEO of Mountain America Credit Union
Regional Vice President, Steward Healthcare Network UT/AZ
WTC Utah elevates Utah's path to economic recovery
Utah real estate rising up to face unprecedented challenges
PLAY
Travel with eye for community impact
Stargazing the national parks
Guide to distinct ski areas and resorts in Northern Utah
Your guide to Utah's national parks
Helping Utah grow off the Wasatch Front
Utah's economic and demographic trends
Opportunities for small businesses in Utah
Utah Compact on Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Steps for the private sector and mental health crisis
Your perfect mountain getaway awaits
Activities for the whole family
Events for all seasons
Monthly activities around the state
Staying active for life in Utah
PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
VOLUME XXXV
PRESIDENT & CEO
Derek Miller
ISSUE 2021
BOARD CHAIR
CRAIG WAGSTAFF
801-364-3631 | slchamber.com
EDITORS Marisa Bomis, Maria Loftis, David Hursey
ADVERTISING SALES Justin Dunkley
EDITORIAL/CREATIVE TEAM Megan Donio, Marketing Manager Camille Durtschi, Layout and Design
COVER PHOTO Professor Creek Autumn by Charlie Lansche
PUBLISHER
Donnie Welch
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55 North 300 West, Ste. 500 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 801-839-1404 | utahbusiness.com
CONTENT PROVIDED BY CBRE, Downtown Alliance, Economic Development Corporation of Utah, Governor's Office of Economic Development, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Mountain America Credit Union, Salt Lake Chamber, Ski Utah, Small Business Association of Utah, Utah Association of Realtors, Utah Community Builders, Utah Department of Workforce Services, Utah Office of Tourism, Utah Media Group, Utah State Board of Education (USOE), Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), Visit Salt Lake, World Trade Center of Utah (WTC Utah). *Images provided by the Salt Lake Chamber, Getty Images and Twenty20 unless otherwise stated. Regional business data provided by jobs.utah.gov. County employment data provided by data.bls.gov. Life in Utah is an official and yearly publication of the Salt Lake Chamber and is distributed throughout Utah. Copyright ©2021 by the Salt Lake Chamber. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any format without consent of the Salt Lake Chamber. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Salt Lake Chamber, Utah Media Group and Utah Business magazine assume no liability for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. All critical information should be independently verified. Utah Media Group and Utah Business are proud to produce the Salt Lake Chamber’s official relocation magazine with a title that reflects its extended scope: Life in Utah.
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Education Matters, Like Never Before.
NOW ENROLLING
16 ACCREDITED SCHOOLS | INFANT TO 12TH GRADE | ALL FAITHS WELCOME
www.dioslc.org/schools
Life in Utah is like the facets on a diamond, each shining in their own way as the light gleams across them. Our state is one that has beauty in every degree and corner. This new year brings new opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in Utah. While the pandemic has brought challenges across the world, Utah was quick to act with a plan to get us through the urgent phase of the coronavirus and map out a journey to stabilization and recovery. While this process will be ongoing as a new risk to manage, many reasons abound to visit and live in Utah. The disruption of COVID-19 caused us to focus on what matters, work and strategize to weather the economic and personal challenges, and retrain for emergent jobs. Through it all, we have learned that training and education have never been more accessible or stronger than they are now. The ability to upskill and grow our talents has increased with the rapid expansion of online learning. University options for those seeking degree credentials abound among all of our institutions of higher education, providing myriad options and opportunities for growth and personal development — options that are only limited by our desires and dreams. Also, telework has gone from a luxury feature of work to a necessity in this new economic environment. Utahns across the state enjoy access to tech careers with a growing silicon footprint along the Wasatch Front. Advanced manufacturing has made a comeback, and defense careers are a growing option for engineers. The diversified economy provides stability and strength that makes the business climate one of the best in the nation — one that promotes entrepreneurship and progress for all. Another wonderful benefit of visiting and working in Utah include the Mighty Five® National Parks, some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth that draw out nothing short of spiritual awe in their natural majesty. And of course, they are complemented by Utah’s winter landscape and activities — the greatest snow on earth that is available to enthusiasts within 30 minutes of landing at Salt Lake City 21st-century airport. State of the art in every way, Salt Lake City International will continue to make Utah a business and recreational destination — the true crossroads of the west. All of this, of course, is overshadowed by Utah’s greatest asset — our people and a legacy of heroic engagement. Utahns have not only tamed a harsh frontier, making the desert blossom like a rose, but they have supported one another and created a spiritual heritage manifest by our scenic destinations in cathedrals, temples, synagogues, mosques, and conference centers — houses of worship that make Utah an paralleled example of the blessings that come through pluralism. With open arms, we invite you to Utah. Come to visit, or stay and join our community. We welcome you and look forward to working together to continue building a bright and promising future for everyone. Sincerely,
Derek Miller President & CEO Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance
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LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
The most
AMAZING CARE anywhere
Shriners Hospitals for Children — Salt Lake City has been changing the lives of children like Owyn since 1925. Specializing in pediatric orthopaedics, services include surgery, orthotics and prosthetics, physical and occupational therapy, wheelchair and mobility devices, outpatient clinics, low-radiation imaging and a motion analysis center. All insurances are accepted and care is provided regardless of families' ability to pay.
Learn more at ShrinersSLC.org
If you know a child who could benefit from our services, please give us a call at 800-314-4283.
RESOURCE GUIDE Map of Utah
Logan
Randolph
Brigham City
Ogden
Farmington
Coalville
Manila
Salt Lake City
Tooele
Heber City
Vernal
Lehi Provo Duchesne
Nephi Price
Manti Castle Dale Fillmore Richfield Moab Loa Beaver
Parowan
St. George
Junction
Monticello Panguitch
Kanab
ENRICHING LIVES Utah is a great place to do business. With a robust
deliver solutions to its customers, it’s also important
and varied economy, unmatched workforce and
that we give back to the communities where we live,
breathtaking landscapes, it is the ideal place for a
work, and play. At the LHM Group, our mission is
company to call home – something the Larry H.
to enrich lives, including for those who work in our
Miller Group of Companies has done for more than
businesses, our guests and customers, and our
40 years. And, while it’s important for every
community friends and neighbors. It’s not just good
business to generate revenue, provide good jobs, and
business; it’s the right thing to do.
LHM.COM
PRIME INSURANCE An Industry Innovator Covering The Niches And Gaps
W
hen Rick Lindsey was a young insurance agent, he was frequently frustrated with the lack of flexibility and creativity in the insur-
ance products he was able to sell, and the rigidity and risk-averse nature of the insurance companies he worked with. “If you wanted to cover Evel Knievel jumping over the Snake River you had to call Lloyds of London,” he said. It also bothered him that companies were so quick to settle when facing possible lawsuits – even when they were in the right. It all added up to Lindsey wanting to take a different approach. Today, Lindsey runs Prime Insurance Company, based in Sandy, Utah, and he has been able to make his vision a reality. The company now has 160 employees and does business nationwide. And the results have been
circuses, exotic pets, taverns, dating websites, midwives, hot air balloons, water parks, drivers with DUIs, trampoline parks, concealed carry permit holders, and more. A pet-loving homeowner might have a good overall liability policy, except that the policy won’t cover the owner’s pit bull, or the trampoline in the backyard. XINSURANCE will step in and fill those gaps, working with the homeowner’s existing insurance agent. “If you like your insurance, keep your insurance,” says Lindsey. “But you’d be surprised what those policies don’t cover. We’ll fill those gaps seamlessly with your existing policy and agent.” The
question
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arises:
How
can
XINSURANCE cover these high-risk activities and remain profitable, while most companies avoid such coverage?
impressive. Prime now does $174.5 million in
As in most instances of business excellence,
business and in 2018 had a combined loss and
said Lindsey, the answer is in hard work, atten-
expense ratio of 77.6 percent, performing 26.3
tion to detail, getting the little things right, know-
points better than its peer average of 103.8 per-
ing the customer, and fighting for the customer.
cent. A combined ratio under 100% indicates excellent performance and high profitability.
Prime and XINSURANCE are successful because they develop close relationships with clients, un-
Prime has become an innovator and industry
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immediately into action when something bad
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happens, and handle everything in-house, in-
To focus more specifically on high-risk business, Lindsey formed XINSURANCE, which spe-
cluding attorneys, underwriting, claims, and risk management.
cializes in “true umbrella” liability coverage for
Lindsey is also unafraid to take on plaintiff at-
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torneys and fight in court rather than quickly set-
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tle claims at the threat of a lawsuit. He believes
tects individuals and businesses with an addi-
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peace of mind.
plaintiff lawyers.
Today, XINSURANCE covers 700 risk classes,
As the insurance industry evolves and becomes
and is adding more. The firm insures sky-div-
even more risk-averse, Lindsey sees a bright fu-
ing and parachuting, bungee jumping, avalanche
ture for his companies. Using a flexible, specialty
control experts, rock climbing and river running,
approach, and by providing enhancement prod-
bounce houses, gymnastics and aerial arts, and
ucts and true umbrella policies, Lindsey expects
heli-skiing. XINSURANCE can insure just about
a doubling or tripling of business over the next
anything – corn mazes, acro-yoga, guard dogs,
decade.
RICK J. LINDSEY President | CEO | Chairman Prime Insurance Company 801-304-5510 | RJL@primeis.com
GET COVERAGE FOR YOUR
COVERAGE COVER YOUR INSURANCE GAPS WITH A TRUE UMBRELLA POLICY Your current policy could be leaving you exposed to lawsuits. The more you have, the bigger a target you become. Think about it: Pets. Trampolines. Watercraft. Firearms. High performance vehicles. If someone gets hurt, your assets are at risk because traditional policies exclude more than you might think. XINSURANCE offers customized enhancement coverage that adds an extra layer of protection to your existing policies without even changing your agent. We are the only ones who offer True Umbrella specialty liability coverage–giving you true peace of mind–so you can focus on you, not litigation. Now that’s covering your assets.
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W
elcome to Utah! If you haven’t already done so, take a moment to look around and enjoy the view. From towering mountain vistas and fiery red rocks to scenic overlooks and grand panoramas, Utah’s natural beauty is second to none — and it’s just one of the many reasons to love the Beehive State.
LIVE
Utah is a great place to call home. In 2018, Wallet Hub ranked Utah the fourth safest state in the nation, and according to U.S. News and World Report, Salt Lake City is the fifteenth best place to live. Young or old, everyone can find what they’re looking for, from outdoor recreation and high-quality education, to a strong economy, thriving neighborhoods and world-class healthcare. Top-notch hospitals and medical facilities are located throughout the state, including the nationally-ranked Huntsman Cancer Institute, Primary Children’s Hospital and University of Utah Health. For the past nine years straight, University of Utah Health has ranked in Vizient, Inc.’s Top-10 for quality healthcare among leading academic medical centers. Utah is also home to Intermountain Healthcare, the largest healthcare provider in the Intermountain West. If you’re a newcomer to the state, you’ll find it easy to get around. Utah streets are set up on a grid system, with all addresses emanating from a single point. There’s also a comprehensive public transportation system that includes light rail, buses and a commuter rail system that runs through three different counties along an 89mile corridor, extending to the north and south of downtown Salt Lake City.
WORK
Employees in Utah enjoy some of the shortest and easiest commutes in the country, and the number of jobs in the state is increasing at a steady pace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Utah’s economy added 47,400 jobs between July 2018 and July 2019, tying it with Nevada for the top spot in the nation when it comes to percentage of jobs gained. If you’re an engineer or other tech knowledge worker, you’re in especially high demand, thanks to Utah’s Silicon Slopes — the technology corridor located in Salt Lake and Utah Counties. The many tech start-ups and the constant need for skilled workers means there’s even a chance to get in on the ground floor with what may become a hot company. Other top industries in Utah are aerospace and defense, health technology, sporting goods, natural products, renewable resources and travel/tourism.
COST OF LIVING
Even though Utah is among the top states in terms of job growth, residents still enjoy the benefits of a lower cost of living. Although housing prices have risen in recent years,
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LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
those costs are somewhat offset by a lower cost for goods and services. According to the Tax Foundation, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, the real value of $100 in Utah is $103.09. Essentially, for $100, Utah residents can purchase goods and services that would cost $103.09 in a state whose prices are at the level of the national average.
LEARN
Utah is the perfect place for lifelong learning: the state boasts eight public universities and colleges in the Utah System of Higher Education, including the University of Utah, Utah Valley University and Utah State University. There are also 21 private universities and colleges, including Brigham Young University and Westminster College, as well as several vocational schools from which to choose.
PLAY
People in Utah know how to have fun. The state is essentially one big outdoor playground. There are 15 ski resorts, 5 national parks, 7 national monuments and 43 state parks at your disposal. If there’s an outdoor adventure you want to try, you can likely do it here: hike, bike, rock climb, ski, camp, boat, fish, kayak, river raft, snowmobile, snowshoe, hang glide and more. If you’d rather spend your time in the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some shopping, dining and culture, downtown Salt Lake City has you covered. The city offers a multitude of places to dine, from fine cuisine to more casual eateries. Likewise, there are plenty of places to quench your thirst; be it a bar, brewpub, brewery, distillery, winery or restaurant — there is no shortage of excellent options. If your taste leans more toward the cultural variety, check out one of the many art galleries or live music venues in town. You also have the option of enjoying an opera, a symphony or a ballet — Salt Lake is one of the few major metropolitan cities that still has all three. If you’re a fan of art, don’t miss the Utah Arts Festival; it’s held in downtown Salt Lake City each year at the end of June. Artists and art connoisseurs travel from across the country to buy and sell original works of art. This popular outdoor festival also features live music, performers and culinary delights.
CLIMATE
For the most part, Utah has four distinct seasons. Autumn boasts pleasant, moderate temperatures, and canyons that are ablaze with color. Winter is cold, but often sunny, and much of the snow stays in the mountains, making for perfect ski conditions. Spring is unpredictable: it can be warm and sunny one minute, with snow flurries the next. Summer is warm, dry and absolutely perfect! So, whether you’re here to visit, or here to stay: Welcome to Utah — where we work hard and play harder. We’re glad you’re here!
A common sense approach to banking and mortgages. We’re new to the Utah market, but not new to banking and mortgage lending. Hillcrest Bank is one of the most wellcapitalized, strongest banks in the country. In addition to your money being protected by FDIC insurance, we have a sound balance sheet and the liquidity necessary to withstand market volatility.
Whether you own a business and are looking for a common sense approach to your banking or are buying a home and looking for experienced mortgage bankers to help you navigate the Utah real estate market, Hillcrest Bank has a common sense, customized approach for your banking relationship or homeowning process. Banking center:
Mortgage office:
801 North 500 West, Suite 210
8941 South 700 East, Ste. 102
Bountiful, UT
Sandy, UT
385.300.7250
801.565.4000
CONNECT WITH US ©2020 NBH Bank. All rights reserved.
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trips; simply undock a bike, ride it to your destination and dock it at a GREENbike station within 30 minutes. For more information visit greenbikeslc.org.
Getting Around in
One of the newer transportation options introduced in Salt Lake City is electric scooters. If you’ve been downtown lately, you’ve likely seen this popular transportation trend in action. As in many other states, electric scooters have descended upon The Beehive State and they’re creating quite a buzz.
Salt Lake
WRITTEN BY: SHAWN STINSON, VISITSALTLAKE.COM
O
ne of the first tasks Brigham Young and his followers undertook upon settling in Salt Lake was to design what would become one of the most logical and easy-tonavigate city street plans in the nation. The grid system — featuring 132-foot-wide streets, wide enough that a wagon team could turn around — allows for simple navigation throughout Utah’s capital city and throughout the Salt Lake Valley. In keeping with that original plan, there are now numerous ways to move around the Wasatch Front.
Salt Lake’s streets are some of the easiest to navigate if you have a basic understanding of the grid system and a rudimentary appreciation of direction. The epicenter of all street coordinates is at Temple Square, from which numeric addresses emanate east, west, north and south. If you can remember the towering Wasatch Mountains are to the east, you’re all set. Of course, there are some streets with names such as Redwood Road and University Avenue, as well as the local vernacular of shortening streets such as 900 South or 1100 East to 9th South and 11th East, but you’ll quickly figure out where the named streets are located and come to appreciate the abbreviated directional numbers. Once you have a basic understanding of the grid system, the next step is deciding what mode of transportation best suits your travel needs, be it an automobile, train, bicycle, scooter or walking. Driving your personal vehicle is easy, but it’s important to note that Salt Lake, and other communities along the Wasatch Front, have taken great strides in developing an effective mass transit system, the use of which is critical for the long-term well-being of locals and visitors alike, especially considering the projected growth of the Salt Lake Valley. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates a comprehensive bus route throughout the valley that complements its ever-growing TRAX light rail system. If you haven’t utilized TRAX, 12
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
Photo credit: Austin Diamond Photography for the Utah Office of Tourism
do yourself a favor and hop on the next time you’re heading downtown, to the airport, the University of Utah or any other high-traffic destination. TRAX tickets are just $5 roundtrip or $6.25 for a full-day pass. The impetus of UTA’s now-expansive TRAX network was Salt Lake City’s hosting of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games; its overwhelming success and ridership has necessitated multiple new lines. One of the most anticipated — and now appreciated — TRAX lines is the one running to the Salt Lake City International Airport. The ride takes just 20 minutes from downtown and costs only $2.50 each way. For those needing to travel further north and south, UTA’s FrontRunner commuter rail runs the length of the Wasatch Front, allowing passengers to travel from Provo, in the south, to Ogden, up north. FrontRunner stations connect seamlessly with UTA’s TRAX lines and buses, allowing passengers to travel effortlessly along its 89-mile route. Visit rideuta.com for information on routes for all UTA mass transit options.
Two companies, Lime and Bird, have deployed hundreds of ready-to-ride scooters at convenient locations around the city. Since they don’t need to be docked and locked, there’s always one nearby — an advantage over transit options like bike sharing and TRAX light rail. Download the appropriate app to your smartphone to see a map of available scooters near you. From there, you just scan the code and you’re on your way. Upon arrival at your destination, simply leave your scooter on the sidewalk for the next person looking for a ride. Don’t forget to “complete” your ride in the app. Whether you’re going a few blocks or a few miles, scooters have proven to be a quick, fun, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way to get around. Starting at just $1 a ride, they’re perfect for short- to medium-distance trips where it’s a bit too far to walk, but a ridesharing app like Lyft or Uber is overkill. Pairing a scooter ride with another mode of transportation, like driving or TRAX, makes downtown navigation even easier. Instead of driving in circles, searching for a parking spot near that new restaurant everyone’s clamoring to check out, just park where it’s convenient and enjoy a fun scooter ride the rest of the way.
For shorter excursions — in and around Salt Lake’s 19 unique neighborhoods, a plethora of options exist. For most of the year, bicycles are a fantastic option, as there’s been a concerted effort to improve and continually enhance the cycling experience via designated bike lanes and paths.
Like all fun things, both GREENbikes and electric scooters should be enjoyed responsibly. Sidewalks are for pedestrian traffic only, so do your cruising in bike lanes, or in the road close to the curb. Bikes and scooters can move quickly and are virtually silent, so they can be hard for cars to see. Follow all traffic rules and remember the cars will win out over bikes and scooters every time. All riders must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license and should always wear a helmet.
In the downtown area, GREENbike SLC is a fun, affordable and simple way to get around. GREENbike SLC is a bike-sharing program for locals and visitors that provides an alternative and emission-free transportation option for getting around town. There are 34 stations strategically placed in popular areas. GREENbike is a membership-based program where members can take any bike from any station as often as they like for a small fee. Memberships options range from 24 hours to a year and allow unlimited 30-minute
Then, of course, there’s the simplest of all modes of transportation: walking. Assuming your destination is relatively close, Salt Lake’s clean, safe and wide sidewalks make a stroll easy and enjoyable. Just remember that during the winter months sidewalks can be a bit slippery, so take precaution, button up and enjoy a brisk walk; rarely is it so cold that a 10 to 15-minute walk in Salt Lake isn’t plausible. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the sights along the way: excellent street art, beautiful architecture, and the stunning Wasatch and Oquirrh mountains.
The CanyonTheartCanyon installation by Gordon Huether art installation by Gordon Huethe
WE’RE WE’RE READY READYTOTOFLY FLYWHEN WHENYOU YOUARE. ARE. Now Airport is open, there’ s a lot to enjoy — the— the Nowthat thatthe thenew newSalt SaltLake LakeCity CityInternational International Airport is open, there’ s a for lotyou for you to enjoy views, the technology, the efficiency, the variety of shops and restaurants. And one of the things views, the technology, the efficiency, the variety of shops and restaurants. And one of the things we think you’ll also like is our commitment to your safety — employing the absolute best practices we think you’ll also like is our commitment to your safety — employing the absolute best practices in sanitization throughout the airport. As the world re-opens to travel, it’s not going to be the in sanitization throughout the airport. As the world re-opens to travel, it’s not going to be the same. But when it comes to flying in and out of The New SLC, we think it will be even better. same. But when it comes to flying in and out of The New SLC, we think it will be even better.
UTAH’S REAL ESTATE MARKET IN 2021 N WRITTEN BY: UTAH ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
ot even a pandemic could slow down Utah’s hot housing market. Despite the economic shutdowns that disrupted the spring 2020 buying season, the Beehive State was still on track, as of the end of October 2020, to beat the 2019 record for the most homes sold in Utah during a single year. Year-to-date sales were up 8%, and the median sales price increased 10% to $350,000, according to the Utah Association of Realtors. As of October 2020, homes were selling at one of the fastest paces on record as buyers fought for scarce inventory.
Experts say the strong housing market is expected to continue in 2021 — especially in Utah. Here’s a closer look at what they’re saying:
NATIONAL RECOGNITIONS Utah’s housing market has been so impressive during the pandemic that several national organizations have recognized its resilience.
A second report from the National Association of Realtors said Salt Lake was one of the best markets for millennials during the pandemic. Additionally, a separate report from Lending Tree said Salt Lake was the most popular metro for Generation Z buyers.
Finally, Utah ranked No. 4 among states for home price appreciation in the third quarter with a 10.7% increase over the past year, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Among local areas, all five Utah metros ranked in the top 50 markets in the U.S., according to FHFA’s alltransactions index.
2021 OUTLOOK Powering Utah’s housing demand is strong population growth — including people moving to the state for jobs, lifestyle reasons and more affordable housing — as well as household formations from Utah’s young population of millennials and Generation Z.
For example, Bankrate named Utah No. 1 on its The National Association of Realtors also Housing Heat Index for third quarter 2020. The predicts the increase in people working from state received high marks for strong job growth, home will continue to affect the market in rising home prices and a low tax burden. 2021. As people stay at home during the first Another national recognition came with Provo- part of 2021 and as employers offer flexibility, Orem’s placement on the National Association people are likely to re-evaluate their housing of Realtors’ list of the Top 10 Markets During situation. Buyers will look for houses that and in a Post-COVID-19 Environment. The better match their lifestyle and work-fromorganization expects real estate in the Provohome needs. Orem metro to perform well over the next two With one of the most resilient economies in years because of low unemployment, strong the country, Utah’s job situation will support migration to the area and an environment home-buying activity. In October 2020, Utah conducive to work-from-home arrangements. had the second-best job growth in the country, 14
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
only falling below Idaho. Along with the state’s efforts to keep businesses open, Utah’s diversified industries and favorable business climate have helped boost the state’s job creation during the pandemic.
Along with Utah’s strong economic conditions, low mortgage rates will support Utah home buyers in 2021. A consensus forecast from more than 20 economic experts says interest rates will average 3% in 2021 and 3.25% in 2022, according to the National Association of Realtors. The consensus forecast also expects an 8% increase in U.S. home prices and lists Salt Lake City as one of the top prospective markets in 2021. Should mortgage forbearance programs end, any rise in foreclosures is likely to be offset by the lack of homes for sale. The pandemic exacerbated an already-existing housing shortage, which is expected to continue into 2021. As of October 2020, the number of Utah houses for sale was at a record low, according to Utah Association of Realtors records that date back to 2003. In summary, Utah’s housing market is wellpositioned for future growth. 2021 looks to be another year with strong real estate sales, home price increases and lots of competition for buyers. To learn more about the unique conditions in your area and for help navigating the competitive real estate landscape, contact a local Realtor. Find a directory of Utah Realtors at UtahRealtors.com.
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I
You Can Trust
llness is never fun. We hope that while you're visiting the Beehive State, you can enjoy your stay and avoid the need for medical care. If you are not that fortunate, the state has you covered with some of the best-quality healthcare to be found. Topnotch hospitals, specialists and clinics across the state are available to serve any healthcare need. Here is a list of just a few Utah healthcare providers that receive national recognition:
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH HEALTH University hospitals and clinics rely on more than 1,400 board-certified physicians and more than 5,000 healthcare professionals to provide routine, urgent and specialized care for the residents of Utah and five surrounding states. University of Utah Health offers the latest medical technology and advancements, including some services that are not available anywhere else in the region.
INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTHCARE With a team of nearly 40,000 caregivers, Intermountain Healthcare is the largest healthcare provider in the Intermountain West. This not-for-profit health system headquartered in Salt Lake City serves the healthcare needs of people across the Intermountain West, but primarily those of Utah, southern Idaho and southern Nevada. Located in the city of Murray, the flagship hospital of the Intermountain Healthcare system, Intermountain Medical Center, was named one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America in 2016 by Becker’s Hospital Review. That same year, Becker’s also named three Utah Intermountain Healthcare hospitals — Bear River Valley Hospital, Cedar City Hospital and Logan Regional Hospital — to their list of 100 Great Community Hospitals for being a vital part of their respective regions.
For many families, however, the shining star of the Intermountain Healthcare system is Primary Children’s Hospital. This 300-bed The only academic healthcare system in the facility provides pediatric care — with access Mountain West, University of Utah Health to more than 800 pediatric providers and 60 consistently earns top spots in both state and pediatric specialties — to a service area spanning national rankings. For the past nine years, six states: Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, University of Utah Health has ranked in Wyoming and Alaska. Vizient, Inc.’s Top-10 for quality healthcare among leading academic medical centers. In Primary Children’s is designated as a Level 1 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked trauma center and a Level 4 neonatal intensive the orthopedic specialty at University of care unit, meaning they provide the highestUtah Health as No. 50 in the country, and level care possible in these respective areas. the University of Utah Hospital as No. 1 in The hospital is also nationally ranked in eight the Salt Lake City metro area. different pediatric specialties.
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LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
Primary Children’s provides expert-level care to its young patients, but it doesn’t stop there. By partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Primary Children’s also provides comfortable living facilities and other helpful support for the families of patients undergoing treatment.
HUNTSMAN CANCER INSTITUTE Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West. Located on the University of Utah campus, HCI serves the residents of five states: Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming. HCI hosts more than 142,000 patient visits annually and has consistently been ranked among the best hospitals in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News and World Report. Entirely owned by the State of Utah, HCI is designated by the state legislature as the official cancer center of the state. The Salt Lake City campus includes a cancer hospital that utilizes a team approach to cancer care. The hospital also has two clinics in the surrounding community and five affiliate hospitals in neighboring states. HCI is at the forefront of cancer research; at any given time, there are approximately 150-200 clinical trials open for enrollment. The hospital also boasts a state-of-the-art research space where more than 177 research teams study all aspects of cancer. Through their exhaustive research, HCI has discovered more genes for inherited cancers than any other cancer center in the world, including genes responsible for hereditary breast, ovarian, colon, head and neck cancers, along with melanoma.
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THE AGE OF EMPOWERMENT IS HERE Use SeniorLeaf.com to make informed decisions about healthcare, housing and financial matters so you or your loved one can live well now and prepare for the future. Or, call 1-833-MY-SENIOR to speak with a Care Advisor.
WELCOME TO
NORTHERN UTAH
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
© Image courtesy of @artist-6097 via Twenty20
Bear Lake, less than an hour drive from Logan, is a freshwater lake that straddles the Utah-Idaho border. Known for its vibrant, turquoise-blue water, the town is also known for its recreation in the summer that includes fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing or just soaking up some sun on the beach. Don’t forget to grab one of their famous raspberry shakes! If you’re not looking for activities on the water, take one of the many hikes in the area, a bike ride around the lake, or enjoy a round of golf.
PROMINENT CITIES BRIGHAM CITY
Summer high 91° Winter low 16° MORGAN
Summer high 88° Winter low 11°
LOGAN
Summer high 88° Winter low 11°
TREMONTON
Summer high 88° Winter low 17°
L
ogan, the flagship city of the Bear River Region, has been repeatedly named one of the top five college towns in America. Home to Utah State University, Logan offers friendly people, a bevy of culinary delights, a lively cultural scene, access to plenty of outdoor recreation and so much more.
Opera lovers can enjoy Broadway-style musical theater by visiting the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre. Attendees have compared the performance and production quality to those of shows found in New York City. About 100 miles to the southwest of Bear Lake is another lake that is equally inviting — a natural saltwater lake boasting a unique piece of art that’s sure to impress. The Spiral Jetty, a larger-than-life earthwork crafted right into the bed of the Great Salt Lake, was created by sculptor Robert Smithson in 1970. Smithson used 6,000 tons of black basalt rock and earth to create the black, spiraling coil that sits at 1,500 feet long and 15 feet wide. It’s so epic it can be viewed from both the sky and the ground, but only if the level of the saltwater lake is low enough.
LaBeau’s
750 N 1200 E, Logan
69 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City
Crumb Brothers Artisan
Logan’s Heroes
291 S 300th W, Logan
101 Main St, Logan
Brigham City Community Hospital
MountainStar Healthcare
950 Medical Dr, Brigham City
Browning
Sporting and recreational goods
Cache Valley Hospital
MountainStar Healthcare
Gossner Foods
2380 N 400 E, North Logan
Cheese/dairy production and sales
Logan Regional Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
500 E 1400 N, Logan
Manufacturer of fitness equipment
HIGHER EDUCATION
Northrop Grumman
Production of military flight systems
Bridgerland Technical College
Nucor Building Systems
Post-secondary education — a campus of the Utah College of Applied Technology
Steel manufacturing Pepperidge Farm
1301 N 600 W, Logan
Production of cookies, crackers and breads
Utah State University
Procter & Gamble
Old Main Hill, Logan
Manufacturer of paper products
Nationally recognized research university
RR Donnelley
Commercial printing Space Dynamics Laboratory
Research and development
Bear Lake
Freshwater lake straddling the Utah-Idaho border stateparks.utah.gov
MayMoes
fws.gov
600 W Center St, Logan
981 S Main St, Logan
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
905 N 1000 W, Tremonton
Aerospace Parts Manufacturing
Cafe Sabor
1435 E Canyon Rd, Logan
Intermountain Healthcare
ATK Launch Systems
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Breakfast, Brunch
Bear River Valley Hospital
Motor vehicle parts manufacturing
Deli, Greek
Herm’s Inn
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Autoliv ASP
EXPLORE Fast Food, Shakes
Mexican Bistro
HOSPITALS
Biotechnology, laboratory equipment
Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt
Bakery
BUSINESS
Thermo-Fisher Scientific
SAVOR Aggie Ice Cream
GROW
Cajun/Creole, American Tandoori Oven
Indian, Pakistani
720 E 1000 N, Logan
Refuge offers bird watching via a walking trail and an auto trail
Brigham City Peach Festival
Annual festival in September to celebrate the city’s peach harvest boxelderchamber.com
Hardware Ranch WMA
Enjoy a wagon ride and view wild elk wildlife.utah.gov
Logan Canyon Scenic Drive
Scenery-filled drive from Logan to Bear Lake fhwa.dot.gov
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre
Five-week summer festival of opera and Broadway-style musical theatre utahfestival.org
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WELCOME TO
WASATCH FRONT NORTH
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
When they’re covered in snow, there’s no better skiing to be found. After all, Utah boasts the Greatest Snow on Earth®. If you’re looking to hit the slopes, this region offers four world-class ski resorts: Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude, all within minutes of one another. As the state capital and urban center, Salt Lake City offers everything you would expect from a major metropolitan area, and contrary to some prevalent misconceptions, that includes plenty of bars and clubs. The people of Utah especially like their craft beer: there are 18 brew pubs and microbreweries in Salt Lake City alone.
PROMINENT CITIES OGDEN
Summer high 90° Winter low 20° SALT LAKE CITY
Summer high 90° Winter low 26°
T
SANDY
Summer high 95° Winter low 22° WEST VALLEY CITY
Summer high 93° Winter low 23°
he Salt Lake Valley — Salt Lake City and its suburbs — sits nestled between two mountain ranges, the Wasatch and the Oquirrh. The epic mountain peaks surrounding the valley tend to mesmerize, but also catch visitors off guard by their proximity to the population center and by their stunning beauty, especially when covered in snow.
When it’s time to satisfy your appetite, the options are endless. The city offers every type of cuisine imaginable. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or some fine dining, your choices will be plentiful … and, oh so delicious! If you’re in the mood for an evening of art or culture, there are multiple art galleries and performance venues from which to choose. On any given night, you can select from one of the many touring acts in town, from Broadway plays to comedians and live musical acts. Or, take in one of the performances by the city’s opera, symphony or ballet companies: Salt Lake is one of the few major cities that still have all three.
GROW BUSINESS Amazon
Online retail, product fullfillment ARUP Laboratories
Laboratory research and development Boeing Company
Design and manufacturer of airplanes, rockets, satellites and missiles Delta Air Lines
Architectural landmark and home to the Utah Symphony artsaltlake.org
Ballet West
American ballet company in downtown Salt Lake City balletwest.org
Clark Planetarium
Planetarium in downtown Salt Lake slco.org/clark-planetarium
Hikes
Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Ensign Peak and The Living Room Hike alltrails.com
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Intermountain Medical Center
Intermountain Healthcare 5121 Cottonwood St, Murray
Primary Children’s Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare
100 Mario Capecchi Dr, Salt Lake Salt Lake Regional Medical Center
Steward Health Care
1050 E South Temple, Salt Lake City
Airline hub in Salt Lake City
University of Utah Hospital
eBay
University of Utah Health
Online retail
50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City
Goldman Sachs
Global investment banking, securities and investment firm
VA Medical Center
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 500 Foothill Dr, Salt Lake
Intermountain Healthcare
HIGHER EDUCATION
Healthcare provider Jetblue Airways
Salt Lake Community College
Kennecott Utah Copper
4600 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake
Merit Medical Systems
Public university
Airline
Utah’s largest two-year college
Mining
Weber State University 3848 Harrison Blvd, Ogden
Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing
Westminster College
Private liberal arts college
Wells Fargo
1840 S 1300 E, Salt Lake
Financial services
University of Utah
Zions Bank
Public research university
Financial services
EXPLORE Abravanel Hall
HOSPITALS
201 Presidents Cir, Salt Lake
SAVOR Lagoon Amusement Park
Intermountain West's top amusement park lagoonpark.com
Utah's Hogle Zoo
42-acre zoo in Salt Lake City featuring more than 800 animals hoglezoo.org
Bombay House
Squatter's Pub
2731 E Parleys Wy, Salt Lake
147 W Broadway, Salt Lake
Indian
Caffé Molise
Italian, Wine Bar
404 S West Temple, Salt Lake Pie Pizzeria
Pizza
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
1320 E 200 S, Salt Lake
umfa.utah.edu
Mexican
Destination for global visual arts
Utah Opera
Opera company in downtown Salt Lake utahopera.org
Microbrewery, Pub Fare Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade
American, Breakfast
54 W 1700 S, Salt Lake Tona
Red Iguana
Japanese, Sushi 210 25th Street, Ogden
736 W North Temple, Salt Lake
Vito's
Sawadee Utah Thai
Thai
754 E South Temple St, Salt Lake
Italian, Sandwiches
100 S Main St, Bountiful
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PROUD TO CALL UTAH HOME Roosters is a locally owned, independent brewing company
RESTAURANTS/BREWPUB • FAMILY FRIENDLY OGDEN - 253 HISTORIC 25th STREET LAYTON - 748 W HERITAGE PARK BLVD B STREET TAPROOM (21+) OGDEN - 2325 B AVE
www.roostersbrewingco.com
New Roosters location inside the SLC Airport COMING SPRING 2021
@RoostersBrewing
WELCOME TO
WASATCH BACK
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
T
he Wasatch Back and the surrounding area is perhaps best known for hosting the Sundance Film Festival attracting travelers and celebrities from around the world each year, as well as being one of the sites of the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games. If you add in some of the best skiing in the world, it is no wonder why this area attracts so many. In Midway and Heber, you can find not only outdoor recreation, but also take a swim in a crater hot spring, or a train ride on a historic railroad.
PROMINENT CITIES COALVILLE
Summer high 86° Winter low 11° HEBER CITY
Summer high 90° Winter low 17° VERNAL
Summer high 90° Winter low 7°
MIDWAY
Summer high 87° Winter low 13°
PARK CITY
Summer high 83° Winter low 9°
ROOSEVELT
Summer high 92° Winter low 3°
EXPLORE Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Exhibit Hall
Head east and you'll find some family fun at Utah's Dinosaur Land. Take a trip back in time at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum and learn all about these prehistoric creatures and roam among 17 full-sized replicas. If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, take a drive to Flaming Gorge. This manmade reservoir — named for its brilliant red canyon walls that appear to be on fire when the sun hits them just right — is fed by the Green River and straddles the Utah-Wyoming border. Mirror Lake
Covered quarry wall features 1,500 dinosaur bones
Picturesque lake with fishing and boating fs.usda.gov
Egyptian Theatre
Sundance Film Festival
nps.gov/dino
Live theater in Park City egyptiantheatrecompany.org Fantasy Canyon
Unusual rock formations created by erosion blm.gov
Heber Valley Historic Railroad
Take a ride on one of the scenic or adventure trains
Annual film festival held at the end of January in Park City sundance.org
Swiss Days
Midway’s September celebration with arts, crafts and entertainment
BUSINESS
Intermountain Healthcare
Canyons Resort
Intermountain Healthcare
Skiing and outdoor recreation
Park City Hospital
Ashley Regional Medical Center
LifePoint Hospitals
Skiing and outdoor recreation
150 W 100 N, Vernal
Skullcandy
Sales of headphones, earbuds, speakers, etc.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Sundance Institute
USU Extension
Non-profit dedicated to the advancement of independent film and theatre
Regional campus for Utah State University
1258 Center Dr, Park City
Encana
Petroleum and natural gas extraction
Uintah Basin Technical College
Public technical training institute 1100 E Lagoon St, Roosevelt 450 N 2000 W, Vernal
Flaming Gorge Resort
Accomodation
USU Vernal
Simplot
Regional campus for Utah State University
Food and agribusiness
320 Aggie Blvd, Vernal
SAVOR Antica Forma
High West Saloon
251 E Main St, Vernal
703 Park Ave, Park City
Pizza
Billy Blanco’s
Mexican
8208 Gorgoza Pines Rd, Park City Back 40 Ranch House Grill
American, Bar
1223 N Hwy 40, Heber City Café Terigo
Bar
Lola’s Street Kitchen 24 E Main St, Midway Plaza Mexicana
Mexican
51 E Main St, Vernal Riverhorse on Main
Italian
Fine Dining
midwayswissdays.com
424 Main St, Park City
540 Main St, Park City
Utah Olympic Park
Dairy Keen – Home of the Train
Round Robin Drive Inn
199 S Main St, Heber CIty
The Corner Restaurant 195 W Main St, Midway
Utah Field House of Natural History
Dinosaur Brew Haus
stateparks.utah.gov
550 E Main St, Vernal
Winter tourist attraction for families, featuring ice castles, princesses and fire shows
1485 S Hwy 40, Heber City
900 Round Valley Dr, Park City
Deer Valley Resort
Homestead Crater
Ice Castles at Homestead Resort
Heber Valley Hospital
Sales of outdoor recreation gear and clothing
hebervalleyrr.org
homesteadresort.com
HOSPITALS
Backcountry.com
Activity sports park, originally built for the 2002 Winter Olympics
One-of-a-kind geothermal spring for swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling
utaholympiclegacy.org
Natural history museum in Vernal U.S. Parks & Forests
Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge, Red Fleet State Park, Sheep Creek Bay and Starvation State Park fs.usda.gov
icecastles.com
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GROW
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
Burgers, Shakes
Burgers, BBQ Glitretind
New American
7700 Stein Way, Park City
Fast Food, Burgers
1500 E Hwy 40, Roosevelt
The Hideout Steak House
Steakhouse
8400 S Parriette Rd, Myton
Hideout Steakhouse
Vernal Brewing Company
281 N Main St, Heber City
55 S 500 E, Vernal
Steakhouse
Gastropub
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The edge of indulgence At the Valley’s Edge, find world-class quality dining experiences and savor the freshest farm-to-table cuisine. Come to Heber Valley and live life on the edge of indulgence.
GoHeberValley.com
WELCOME TO
WASATCH FRONT SOUTH
Beautiful Mount Timpanogos — affectionately called “Mount Timp” by locals — is one of the most popular mountain hikes in the state. There are two long, rugged trails leading to its stunning peak. Another, shorter paved hike leads to the naturally-formed Timpanogos Cave. During the warmer months, guided tours take visitors on a journey through the cool, colorful caverns full of geological wonders.
PROMINENT CITIES OREM
Summer high 92° Winter low 20° PROVO
Summer high 94° Winter low 22°
U
TOOELE
Summer high 92° Winter low 22°
NEPHI
Summer high 89° Winter low 20°
tah County, the most populous county of this region, lies less than 40 minutes south of the state capital. As you enter the county, looking west, you’ll see the shores of Utah Lake. Glance to the east and you can’t miss the towering, majestic wall of Mount Timpanogos — the second highest peak in the Wasatch Range.
Or, you can take a short drive up the south end of Provo Canyon to visit Bridal Veil Falls. Named for the lower falls’ resemblance to a bride’s veil, this spectacular, two-tiered waterfall starts its descent from more than 600 feet above ground. You’ll get stunning views and photos from the base, or you can hike a short, but steep trail to the bottom of the lower falls for a closer look. West of Utah County, beyond the Oquirrh Mountains, lies Tooele County, home of the Bonneville Salt Flats. This natural salt pan stretches more than 30,000 acres along I-80 near the UtahNevada border. The flat, white, salty surface looks much like snow and seems to go on forever, making it the perfect location for auto racing and other similar activities. Many land speed records have been set at the Bonneville Speedway, an area that’s designated specifically for motorsports.
EXPLORE Bonneville Salt Flats
Expanse of densely packed salt on the western edge of the Great Salt Lake blm.gov
Covey Center for the Arts
Performing arts theater in Provo provo.org/community
Hike the "Y" Trail
Popular 2.2-mile-round-trip hike to the top of BYU’s “Y” painted mountainside alltrails.com
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
GROW BUSINESS Adobe Systems
Intermountain Healthcare 170 N 1100 E, American Fork
Ancestry.com
Mountain Point Medical Center
Genealogical information and genetic testing
Steward Health Care
3000 N Triumph Blvd, Lehi
Cabela’s
Outdoor and recreation store
Mountain West Medical Center
Domo
2055 N Main St, Tooele
Independent
Software publishing
Timpanogos Regional Hospital
doTERRA International
Essential oils and related products
IM Flash
Electronic component manufacturing
Nestlé
MountainStar Healthcare 750 W 800 N, Orem
Utah Valley Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 1034 N 500 W, Provo
HIGHER EDUCATION
Specialty food manufacturing
Nu Skin
Dietary supplements and personal care products Qualtrics
Brigham Young University (BYU)
Private, nonprofit research university
Provo
Mountainland Technical College
Research software company
Public technical training institution
U.S. Department of Defense
Tooele Army Depot and Dugway Proving Ground Vivint Solar
2301 Ashton Blvd, Lehi
Tooele Technical College
Public technical training institution 88 S Tooele Blvd, Tooele
Solar energy company
Utah Valley University (UVU)
Largest public university in the state
Young Living Essential Oils
800 W University Pkwy, Orem
Sales of essential oils
SAVOR Mount Timpanogos Cave
Steep, paved hike to a natural cave with guided tours offered during summer nps.gov/tica
Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days
Utah’s longest-running city celebration, held each June
strawberrydays.org Roots of Knowledge at UVU
Permanent, stained glass panorama of history and human drama
Asa Ramen
Oriental Garden
1120 S State St, Orem
1200 N Main St, Nephi
Ramen
Black Sheep Cafe
Native American
19 N University Ave, Provo
Burgers, Breakfast
7760 Hwy 36, Stockton
3330 N University Ave, Provo
1831 N State St, Provo
Bombay House
Yummy’s BBQ & Sushi
American
mlbean.byu.edu
smofa.org
Donuts, Sandwiches
463 N University Ave, Provo Nigh-Time Donuts
299 N Main St, Tooele
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
Penny's Cafe
Block Restaurant
Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
Utah’s first museum for the visual fine arts
Chinese
Waffle Love
Indian
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American Fork Hospital
Software publishing
uvu.edu Springville Museum of Art
Natural history museum at BYU
HOSPITALS
Breakfast, Waffles
Korean, Hawaiian 360 S State St, Orem
© Image courtesy of @krisangel via Twenty20
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WE BUILD WHERE Y O U WA N T T O L I V E ®
Local builders serve their buyers best. As the local leader, Ivory Homes gets first choice of the best properties in the state. We’re proud to offer beautiful new homes in over 70 incredible locations. Ivory Homes has 45 gorgeous model homes sprinkled across our communities, allowing homebuyers to walk through and get a firsthand feel for the quality, functionality and design we offer.
Scan to learn more
WELCOME TO
CENTRAL UTAH
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
Fanciful, castle-like formations can be seen jutting out from sandstone walls in various locations throughout the region. For an out-of-this-world experience, take a trip to Goblin Valley State Park, in Emery County. It’s filled with unique sandstone formations, known as “hoodoos,” that often resemble goblins or other mythic creatures. The landscape is so surreal that many sci-fi programs have taken advantage of the area for filming purposes.
EPHRAIM
Summer high 90° Winter low 16°
MANTI
PRICE
Summer high 87° Winter low 17°
C
Experience natural formations of mushroom-shaped rocks stateparks.utah.gov
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Canyon Fuels Company
Gunnison Valley Hospital
Independent Hospital
Mining
64 E 100 N St, Gunnison
CaptionCall
Translation services
Sanpete Valley Hospital
Great Lakes Cheese
1100 S Medical Dr, Mt. Pleasant
Intermountain Healthcare
Cheese production
Sevier Valley Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 1000 N Main St, Richfield
HIGHER EDUCATION Snow College
State College located in Ephraim 150 College Ave E, Ephraim
Freight trucking
USU Eastern
Staker and Parson Companies
451 E 400 N, Price
Regional campus for Utah State University
SAVOR Abundance
Sandwiches, Salad
27 N Main St, Ephraim Balance Rock Eatery & Pub 148 S Main St, Helper Manti-La Sal National Forest
1.4-million acre mountain range for outdoor recreation fs.usda.gov
mystichotsprings.com
Goblin Valley State Park
126 White Sage Ave, Delta
Construction company
fs.usda.gov
stateparks.utah.gov
Coal mining
Savage Industries
Mystic Hot Springs
Discover pictographs, artifacts and petroglyphs
Intermountain Healthcare
LifePoint Hospitals
Delta Community Hospital
Pittman's Family Farms
Fishlake National Forest
Fremont Indian State Park & Museum
Bronco Utah Operations
Poultry processing
EXPLORE
Natural mountain lake for fishing, bird watching and recreation
300 Hospital Dr, Price
Trucking
PacificCorp
With national and state parks like Capitol Reef National Park, the Fremont Indian State Park and Fishlake National Forest, you’ll have a lot to explore.
nps.gov/state/ut
Barney Trucking
Utilities
entral Utah is home to an array of natural wonders — dinosaur bones, goblins and "castles" — which are sure to delight even the youngest adventurers.
Features the Waterpocket Fold: a buckle in the earth's surface, almost 100 miles long
Castleview Hospital
Aerospace design & development
Cattle/Milk Production
Summer high 82° Winter low 15°
Capitol Reef National Park
ACT Aerospace
Morgan Ranches Diary
RICHFIELD
Summer high 88° Winter low 10°
HOSPITALS
BUSINESS
Soak in mineral-rich waters in natural hot springs Nine-Mile Canyon
Prehistoric artwork, structures and artifacts spanning 8,000 years castlecountry.com
San Rafael Swell
Recreation area of brightly colored sandstone formations and canyons blm.gov/visit
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
Capitol Burger
Burgers
Food Truck, Torrey Cluff’s Car Hop
American Café
270 N Main St, Fillmore Das Café
Café
33 N Main, Spring City Duke’s Slickrock Grill
American
275 E Hwy 24, Hanksville Happiness Within
Coffee
153 S Main St, Helper Hunt & Gather Restaurant
American
599 W Main St, Torrey
Ideal Dairy
Ice Cream, American 490 S Main St, Richfield Malena’s Café
Mexican
295 N Main St, Ephraim Sagebrush Grill
Steakhouse
1345 S 350th W, Richfield Sherald’s Frosty Freeze 434 E Main St, Price Tacos La Pasadita
Mexican
215 E Main St, Green River Tamarisk Restaurant
American
1710 E Main St, Green River The Tangerine Eatery
Salad, Soup, Sandwiches 695 E Main St, Price
Photo credit Utah Office of Tourism
PROMINENT CITIES
If you’d rather take a trip back in time, consider a visit to the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, where you can literally walk among fossilized dinosaur bones — just be sure to plan ahead, as their operation schedule is limited.
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WELCOME TO
SOUTHWESTERN UTAH
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
© Image courtesy of @timcrabb via Twenty20
pieces held in the Adams Shakespearean Theatre, or an outdoor replica of the Bard’s original Globe Theatre. Less than an hour’s drive from Cedar City is the City of St. George, the fastest-growing metro area in the nation, according to the Census Bureau. One visit and it’s easy to see why: its stunning natural beauty and red rock cliffs, combined with access to outdoor recreation and mild winter temperatures, make it the perfect year-round place to live and play. Access to two national parks, Zion and Bryce, and one national monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante, mean a bevy of natural wonders are just waiting to be explored.
PROMINENT CITIES CEDAR CITY
Summer high 90° Winter low 17° HURRICANE
Summer high 101° Winter low 29°
C
KANAB
Summer high 93° Winter low 24°
ST. GEORGE
Summer high 102° Winter low 33°
edar City is not only home to Southern Utah University, but also its annual Shakespeare Festival that draws in about 100,000 patrons each year over a sixteen-week season held from late-June until midOctober. This festival features a mix of contemporary plays and Shakespearean
In the heart of historic downtown St. George, you’ll find many shops, art galleries and restaurants to explore. But for a really unique experience only 20 min from downtown, take a trip to Kayenta Art Village which is perfect for grabbing brunch, and walking around local art shops while viewing the amazing red rock cliffs. Nearby is another theatre famous in the region, that is a must-visit. Tuacahn Amphitheater, surrounded by stunning red rock cliffs, has been entertaining crowds for more than 20 years with their musical productions, Broadway-style theater and famous entertainers.
EXPLORE Kayenta Art Village
nps.gov
kayentautah.com
Arts center with galleries, studios, theaters and restaurants
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Sand Hollow State Park
nps.gov
stateparks.utah.gov
Popular reservoir for water sports and home to Lake Powell
Reservoir popular for camping, fishing, boating and ATV riding on the nearby sand dunes
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Tuacahn Center for the Arts
blm.gov
tuacahn.org
Three distinct regions for outdoor recreation
Red rock amphitheatre featuring Broadway plays
Kanarra Falls
Utah Shakespeare Festival
Challenging slot canyon hike in Kanarraville kanarrafalls.com
Theatre festival in Cedar City, runs summer to early fall bard.org
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BUSINESS
HOSPITALS
American Pacific Corp
Beaver Valley Hospital
Chemical manufacturing
Independent
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Animal rescue organization
1109 N 100 W, Beaver Cedar City Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare
CaptionCall
1303 N Main St, Cedar City
Interpretation services
Dixie Regional Medical Center
Holt Farms
Intermountain Healthcare
Support for crop production
1380 S Medical Center Dr, St. George
Intermountain Healthcare
Garfield Memorial Hospital
Healthcare system
Intermountain Healthcare 200 N 400 E St, Panguitch
Litehouse Foods
Food manufacturing
HIGHER EDUCATION
Metalcraft Technologies
Aircraft parts manufacturing
Dixie State University
Milgro Newcastle, Inc.
Public university
Nursery
225 S 700 E, St. George
Paparazzi
Dixie Technical College
Direct sales
Public technical training institution 610 S Tech Ridge Dr, St. George
RAM Company
Manufacturer of fabricated metal products SkyWest Airlines
Southern Utah University
Public university
351 W University Blvd, Cedar City Southwest Technical College
Air transportation
Public technical training institution
Smithfield Foods
757 W 800 S, Cedar City
Meat packing
SAVOR
Bryce Canyon National Park
Largest collection of hoodoos found on the planet
GROW
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
Blues Katz Rock N Roll Grill
Sandwiches, Café
307 N Bluff St, St. George Centro Woodfired Pizzeria
Pizza
50 W Center St, Cedar City Cliffside Restaurant
New American
511 S Airport Rd, St. George Lighthouse Seafood and Grill
Seafood, Steakhouse
2107 N Main St, Cedar City
Park Place Eatery
Sandwiches, Crepes
23 W Center St, Cedar City Sakura
Steakhouse, Sushi
939 E Saint George Blvd, St. George Sego Restaurant
New American
190 N 300 W, Kanab Viva Chicken
Peruvian, Chicken
1183 E 100 S, St. George
Painted Pony
Southwestern
2 W St George Blvd, St. George
LIVE
Welcome to trusted advice in the Beehive state. Our trusted advisors are here to keep businesses and individuals up to speed on the latest tax and accounting issues. Whether you need help avoiding regulatory pitfalls, reviewing cybersecurity risk, or getting insight on the latest COVID-19 updates, our expertise far exceeds standard accounting services. Plus, we can help you weather the current economic storm and reach your goals. Visit bkd.com for insightful articles, free webinars, and our COVID-19 Resource Center.
Everyone needs a trusted advisor. Who’s yours? 801.531.9100 • bkd.com • @BKDLLP
WELCOME TO
SOUTHEASTERN UTAH
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
S
outheastern Utah is home of Arches and Canyonlands national park, as well as some of the most unique terrain that looks like it is out of this planet, and on Mars. Known for its red sandstone, arches and dramatic scenery, it’s no wonder why this area draws toursists in from all over the world. Try rafting down the Colorado River, biking the slickrock trails, hiking through the sandstone arches or racing down Moab’s Sand Hill. With so much to do and explore, you’re sure to come back for more.
PROMINENT CITIES BLANDING
Summer high 91° Winter low 22°
MOAB
Summer high 99° Winter low 20°
MONTICELLO
Summer high 83° Winter low 14°
EXPLORE Arches National Park
Natural stone arches and other unique formations nps.gov
Canyonlands National Park
Canyons and buttes formed by the Colorado River nps.gov
Cedar Mesa Pottery
Authentic Native American pottery cmpottery.com
Corona Arch Trail
3-mile round trip hike leading to a natural sandstone arch blm.gov
Edge of the Cedars State Park
Looking for something a little less outdoorsy, but still unique to this region? Check out Moab’s only winery, Castle Creek. Yes, it’s a winery in the desert – and it’s an award-winning winery at that. The wine is bottled, labeled and boxed by hand on-site using locally grown grapes. Wine tours and tastings are offered seven days a week, so you can satisfy your inner sommelier whenever the mood strikes.
Moab Music Festival
Outdoor music festival features a stunning natural backdrop moabmusicfest.org
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Awe-inspiring panoramas and buttes discovernavajo.com
Natural Bridges National Monument
Features ancestral Puebloan ruins and natural bridges
BUSINESS
HOSPITALS
City Market
Blue Mountain Hospital
Grocery stores
Independent
802 S 200 W, Blanding
Kilgore Companies
Moab Regional Hospital
Construction company
Independent
450 Williams Wy, Moab
Gouldings Lodge
Accommodations
San Juan Hospital
Lisbon Valley Mining Company
Mineral mining
Independent
380 W 100 N, Monticello
HIGHER EDUCATION
Monument Valley Lodge
Accommodations
USU Blanding
Red Cliffs Lodge
Regional campus for Utah State University
Resolute Natural Resources
USU Moab
Utah Navajo Health System
125 W 200 S, Moab
Accommodations
639 W 100 S, Blanding
Petroleum extraction
Regional campus for Utah State University
Healthcare
SAVOR Arches Thai
La Sal House
Patio Diner
60 N 100 W, Moab
11 E 100 N, Moab
95 N Grayson Pkwy, Blanding
Thai, Noodles
Atomic Grill & Lounge
Burgers, American
1393 N Hwy 191, Moab Doug’s Steak & BBQ
Steakhouse, Burgers
496 N Main St, Monticello
American, Cocktail Bar Miguel’s Baja Grill
Mexican
51 N Main St, Moab Moab Garage Company
American, Traditional 78 N Main St, Moab
American, Traditional PJ’s of Monticello
Breakfast, Burgers
216 E Center St, Monticello Sabuku Sushi
Sushi
90 E Center St, Moab
nps.gov
Sand Flats Recreation Area
Recreational area with hiking and biking trails sandflats.org
Features Anasazi pottery and an authentic Puebloan village
Slickrock Bike Trail
Moab Museum
grandcountyutah.net
stateparks.utah.gov
GROW
Scenic 10.5-mile loop for motorcycles and mountain bikes
City museum featuring a variety of artifacts moabmuseum.org
© Image courtesy of @marcobertoliphotography via Twenty20
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LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
LIVE
Podium HQ
Divvy HQ
OFFICE
Developing space for life in Utah. The Gateway
The District
RETAIL
Anthology
Holbrook Farms
RESIDENTIAL
Propack
Readerlink
INDUSTRIAL
visit www.boyercompany.com or follow us @boyercompany
• Information Technology: Utah's tech sector has been referred to as the next "Silicon Valley," ranking second in the nation in fastest-growing states for tech jobs at an increase of almost 6%. • LifeSciences: Utah is one of the top states in the nation for life science employment at approximately 42,000 jobs, and 70% of the arterial and vascular access medical devices used worldwide are produced in the state. • Manufacturing: In 2019, Utah had more than $16 billion in manufactured goods exports, supported by 138,000 manufacturing employees in the state.
EMPLOYMENT TRENDS IN UTAH WRITTEN BY: UTAH DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES
L
ooking at employment trends in 2021, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In the first eight months of the pandemic in the United States, more than 340,000 Utahns applied for unemployment benefits, more than all of 2008 and 2009 during the great recession. While the pandemic naturally created many challenges and hardships, it also created opportunities for change and improvement in employment and workforce.
REMOTE WORK After years of making small steps towards telecommuting, thousands of employers suddenly made a huge leap into the world of remote work at the beginning of the pandemic. With the proliferation of video conferencing software like Zoom and Google Meet, many organizations found the transition easier than anticipated, although still with its own learning curve. Younique, a Lehi-based cosmetics and skincare company, sent most of its 300 corporate employees home to work in March 2020. Working from home, Younique content writer Christa Woodall finds it easier to create a quiet, peaceful environment to focus. “I love the autonomy; I love the flexibility; I focus better,” said Woodall. She also appreciates the efforts made by her team to meet regularly via video conference and to gather periodically in person to retain valuable face-to-face interactions. Like many Utah employers, Younique executives are looking at this experience as a learning opportunity and considering what telecommuting options they may want to maintain after the pandemic has subsided. “The benefits and challenges of remote work can be quite individual,” said Younique Chief Legal Officer Jamon Jarvis. 32 32
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Some individuals and teams have seen increased efficiency and improved work-life balance, according to Jarvis, but “it can be difficult to replicate the benefits of in-person work and collaboration through any virtual platform.” They are also looking at how remote work allows the company to expand its talent pool beyond geographic limitations.
UTAH’S HOT JOBS While the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted some industries, especially those related to leisure and hospitality, other industries continue to grow and are actively hiring new employees. To help unemployed workers connect with those opportunities, the Utah Department of Workforce Services launched an online tool that compiles the top industry-selected jobs for seven of the state’s fastest-growing industries at jobs.utah.gov/ hotjobs. Utah’s hottest jobs can be found in:
RETRAINING FOR A NEW CAREER Salt Lake City resident Timeal Galvin had spent her career working in the corporate office world, but lost her job as part of a major layoff at the beginning of the pandemic. As a single mom of two young children, Timeal wanted to have additional job flexibility to spend more time with her family. After the layoff, she took the time to meet with an employment counselor at the Department of Workforce Services and look at all of her options, rather than simply trying to get rehired in her previous field. Timeal decided to pursue dental assisting, where hours are generally flexible and employers are often small, family-run businesses. She enrolled in a 10-week dental assisting program that only required one or two days of class per week. Despite starting at a lower wage than her previous job, Timeal prefers the lifestyle that her new field allows, with more time for her children and the athome schooling needed during the pandemic.
As Timeal discovered, re-training does not necessarily require a full-time school commitment. There are training opportunities that are part-time, online or on-the-job. • Advanced Manufacturing: Utah has Short-term training is available for a wide one of the highest concentrations range of careers, like cyber security, software of advanced materials and advanced manufacturing companies in the nation, development, pharmacy technician, diesel mechanic, medical assistant and many more. employing more than 10,000 workers. Another training option is apprenticeships, • Construction: The construction which include both classroom learning and industry has an average employment hands-on experience in the field, all while growth rate of 7% over the last five getting paid. Typically associated with the years with an increase in wages of 4% construction industry, apprenticeships are also year over year. available in manufacturing and IT and are • Finance and Banking: Utah employs expanding to new fields. more than 82,100 people in the While economically uncertain times financial industry, which has had employment growth of more than 20% can be frightening, they can also present opportunities to make individual career over the last five years. changes as well as large scale adjustments to • Health: Health and human services jobs the workforce that can have positive longaccount for 12% of Utah’s workforce, term impacts. Utah employers and employees with continued growth projected alike are working to sustain healthy families nationally. and businesses during the pandemic and grow and improve in the future.
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 34 34
Intermountan Healthcare
Healthcare | Employment 20,000+ intermountainhealthcare.org
University of Utah (including hospital) Healthcare | Employment 20,000+ utah.edu
State of Utah
State Government | Employment 20,000+ utah.gov
Brigham Young University
Higher Education | Employment 15,000-19,999 byu.edu
Wal-Mart Associates
Warehouse Clubs/Supercenters | Employment 15,000-19,999 walmart.com
Hill Air Force Base (civilian employment) Federal Government | Employment 10,000-14,999 hill.af.mil
Amazon.com Services
Courier/Express Delivery Service | Employment 10,000-14,999 amazon.com
Davis County School District
Public Education | Employment 7,000-9,999 davis.k12.ut.us
Utah State University
Higher Education | Employment 7,000-9,999 usu.edu
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10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Smith's Food and Drug Centers Grocery Stores | Employment 7,000-9,999 smithsfoodanddrug.com
Granite School District
Public Education | Employment 7,000-9,999 graniteschools.org
Alpine School District
Public Education | Employment 7,000-9,999 alpineschools.org
Jordan School District
Public Education | Employment 7,000-9,999 jordandistrict.org
Salt Lake County
Local Government | Employment 5,000-6,999 slco.org
Utah Valley University
Higher Education | Employment 5,000-6,999 uvu.edu
U.S. Department of Treasury
Federal Government | Employment 5,000-6,999 home.treasury.gov
U.S. Postal Service
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Delta Air Lines
Air Transportation | Employment 4,000-4,999 delta.com
The Home Depot
Home Centers | Employment 4,000-4,999 homedepot.com
United Parcel Service
Courier/Express Delivery Service | Employment 4,000-4,999 ups.com
Weber County School District Public Education | Employment 4,000-4,999 wsd.net
Zions Bancorporation
Banking | Employment 4,000-4,999 zionsbank.com
Autoliv
Motor Vehicle Equipment Manuf.. | Employment 3,000-3,999 autoliv.com
ARUP Laboratories, Inc.
Medical Laboratory | Employment 3,000-3,999 aruplab.co *Source: Major Employers 2019, Utah Department of Workforce Services.
Federal Government | Employment 5,000-6,999 usps.com
The Canyons School District
Public Education | Employment 5,000-6,999 canyonsdistrict.org
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Utah’s Largest Manufacturing Employer
airbags • seatbelts • steering wheels | autoliv.com
“Mountain America believes in hiring and retaining the best talent possible. Providing an environment that allows employees to grow, develop and give back to their local communities is vital."
Q
uiet confidence. Words that appropriately describe both the state of Utah and Sterling Nielsen, Mountain America Credit Union's president and CEO. Utah is often unlikely to attract the national attention of some of its louder siblings like California and New York. Yet, during both the Great Recession of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Utah quietly moved forward with one of the country's most robust economies and best living standards. Sometimes a whisper carries farther than a scream. Mountain America was born in the mid1930s in Salt Lake City, with the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People." Today, the credit union continues that mission by guiding individuals and business owners forward to achieve their 36
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
financial dreams. The credit union also supports local communities in becoming better places to live and work. Born and raised near San Francisco, California, Nielsen first came to Utah for college. After graduating with bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University, Nielsen quietly began his career with an international accounting firm here in Utah. His family decided to make this pretty, great state their permanent home. What hasn't been so quiet is Mountain America's growth and success. As one example, assets have grown an average of over 12% annually since Nielsen became president and CEO in 2008. The values and social capital that attracted Nielsen to Mountain America make
Utah a top state for doing business. In his book, "Bowling Alone," Robert D. Putnam defines social capital as the "social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them." One report rates Utah as the leader of the 12 states with the highest social capital. Utah is known for giving back and as a place where people help one another. AmeriCorps ranked Utah as the top state for volunteering. According to Nielsen, Mountain America believes in hiring and retaining the best talent possible. Providing an environment that allows employees to grow, develop and give back to their local communities is vital. Utah's pool of top talent has contributed to Mountain America's growth over the years. In the past five years, Mountain America
has added nearly 900 new jobs in Utah. The Mountain America Month of Caring, a program that provides employees with paid time off to serve, allows employees to connect with their local communities and experience what Utah is all about. Utahns are resilient, hardworking and always willing to help, making the state one of the top three for small businesses. Recognizing the impact of small business on individuals and families, the Salt Lake Chamber jumped in to lead the state's efforts in helping small businesses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. This commitment to helping individuals and small companies succeed has once again allowed Utah's economy to rebound quickly and experience one of the lowest unemployment rates. Sharing this same commitment, Mountain America helped more than 7,000 businesses get funding through the Paycheck Protection Program, allowing them to keep their doors open. To help individuals, Mountain America also launched several free financial education initiatives. Financial Guide personal
coaching sessions, Guiding You Forward podcasts and regular free webinars for community members were part of last year's offerings. Utah's entrepreneurial spirit mixed with a focus on family, wellness and giving back fosters healthy communities. Growing up in the Bay Area, Nielsen grew accustomed to and values diversity. He noted he's "Happy that Utah has become home for so many different people while remaining true to the values that have made it so attractive for decades." Over the years, Mountain America witnessed firsthand the concern for others Utahns demonstrate. Through the Pay it Forward program, Mountain America has recognized more than 500 individuals and non-profit organizations working tirelessly to help others. Each Utah Jazz season, hundreds of community members nominate deserving charities for the "Pass it Along" program. Mountain America is honored to support these charitable programs and many other community partnerships to help keep the spirit of Utah alive.
From red rocks to mountain terrain, Utah provides a unique canvas of diverse entertainment and recreational options. From skiing to professional theatre and sports, there is something for everyone in Utah. "Whether you're indoorsy or outdoorsy, Utah has something for you," says Nielsen. Mountain America is honored to support a variety of local community partners, including the Mountain America Performing Arts Centre (the home of Hale Centre Theatre), Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Hogle Zoo, Utah Jazz, Brigham Young University and Dixie State University. "The economic strength and vibrant communities in Utah that allow individuals and families to flourish have also allowed Mountain America to experience tremendous growth," adds Nielsen. "While Mountain America has grown over the years and continues to grow, our commitment to helping people and improving the community is unwavering."
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manage specialty and hospital-based care spending. Steward Health Care is the largest physician-led, privately-owned health system in the United States, with international operations. Steward employs more than 50,000 employees, owns 35 hospitals and has its own Accountable Care Organization. It is a physician-led, patient-focused company invested in moving healthcare into the value-based space of reimbursement, rewarding quality and care collaboration to lower the total cost of care for the patients served. Within the State of Utah, Steward has 5 hospitals, a standalone Emergency Department, Urgent Care Partners, stand-alone imaging centers, 180 employed physicians spanning multiple specialties and over 700 providers in the Steward Healthcare Network.
DR. DONNA MILAVETZ REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, STEWARD HEALTHCARE NETWORK UT/AZ
D
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onna Milavetz, MD, MPH, FACP has lived in Utah since 2002, and while she has lived all over the United States — from New York, Tucson, Boston, to Minneapolis — she considers Utah her “home.” She is thrilled about how great a place it is to raise a family, as it is “safe, affordable and childfriendly.” The outdoor enthusiast in her also said, “the state offers a playground of natural beauty to explore in every season. We have visited all five of our National Parks, some more than once, and they can be easily reached within a four-hour drive from our home.”
Medicine physician with Intermountain Healthcare, serving as the Medical Director of the Ogden-based McKay Dee Women’s Health Center. But wanting to make an impact in the community, in 2007, Dr. Milavetz started the healthcare company, OnSite Care, Inc., which provides on-location clinics to employer groups in Utah, eliminating the barriers of cost and access to primary care. OnSite has helped stabilize healthcare costs for employers and provided aggressive early intervention into chronic disease management to reduce long-term healthcare spending.
As a licensed medical doctor and Internist with more than 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Milavetz started her professional career in Utah as an Internal
In 2019, recognizing the importance of making a larger impact on cost reduction for employer groups, OnSite partnered with Steward Health Care to help
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When discussing what it is like in Utah to be an executive and woman in business, Dr. Milavetz said she has found the environment to be “very welcoming” and “supportive” of a femaleled enterprise. She notes how fellow CEOs, colleagues and mentors have shown her the same respect as her male counterparts, and how start-up capital is available to women entrepreneurs, which traditionally has been a problem. Dr. Milavetz also said her company is one of the many thriving businesses from the numerous efforts to help small business owners succeed in Utah, as this is the engine for growth in our economy. She highlighted a few available resources, such as the Women’s Business Center of Utah, Salt Lake Chamber Small Business Committee, and Silicon Slope. Lastly, when reminiscing about the most rewarding aspects of her career, Dr. Milavetz includes doing business in Utah. When asked why, she said, “The environment is one of collaboration on shared interests, problem-solving to find sustainable solutions for big problems that face our state, and genuine decency with mutual respect towards each other.” Utah is quite well known as a businessfriendly environment devoted to helping businesses thrive and grow, so this is not too surprising.
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ST RE FO AM R LI FR V EE E T V
FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Watch Anytime, Anywhere pbsutah.org
HOST LIZ ADEOLA
This Is Utah, a weekly series from PBS Utah, celebrates the diverse people who call this state home. Host Liz Adeola guides viewers through stories about the arts, culture, places, and events, as told through the voices of the people and communities that make Utah unique.
Watch online at pbsutah.org/ThisIsUtah
UTAH’S PATH TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY RUNS DIRECTLY THROUGH GLOBAL MARKETS
T
hough the coronavirus pandemic is keeping us closer to home than ever before, now is the time to engage globally and pursue partners and customers abroad. International trade and investment are some of the most powerful ways to remedy the economic effects of COVID-19. Businesses that export grow faster during economic expansions and are far more resilient during economic downturns. The United States International Trade Commission reported that during the 20082009 financial crisis, small and medium-sized businesses that exported had more than twice the total revenue of their non-exporting counterparts. These exporters had revenue growth of 37% between 2005 and 2009, while total revenue declined by 7% for nonexporting businesses over the same period. International trade and investment now support nearly one in every four jobs in the state, with small businesses accounting for 85% of Utah’s exporters. Last year, international sales added nearly $5 billion in additional revenue for these small business exporters, and Utah’s export growth rate has led the nation for the past two years. Despite the pandemic’s unprecedented global economic disruption — or perhaps because of the opportunities hidden within the crisis — Utah’s path to economic recovery and
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WRITTEN BY: WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH
revitalization runs directly through global markets, just as it did a decade ago. World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) is dedicated to accelerating growth for Utah’s new-to-export businesses and the 3,500 Utah small and medium-sized enterprises that are already competing and winning on the global stage. As a result of participating in WTC Utah’s global business services, international programming, trainings and education events, Utah companies are better prepared to pursue opportunities. By partnering with Utah’s best service providers, WTC Utah can assess a company’s strategy and capabilities before an investment in international expansion is made. “The goal is to catalyze growth for Utah businesses while also mitigating risk,” said Aaron Starks, vice president of global business services of WTC Utah. “Businesses that engage globally grow much faster and are far more resilient than those that don’t. We have the resources that Utah companies need to identify global opportunities, develop a strategy to take advantage of those opportunities, and then compete and win in the global marketplace.”
their marketing, move product and become legally compliant. Each service is provided to help increase international sales and, when applicable, facilitate global investments. WTC Utah also administers public and private grant programs that are designed to catalyze global growth for small Utah businesses, especially those in rural Utah and the state’s multicultural communities. One of these grants is the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant, which provides small businesses anywhere in the state with up to $15,000 to offset the cost of their international expansion. At $641,000 in funding for the coming year, Utah was awarded a record-high STEP Grant to accelerate the growth of global sales for Utah small businesses. STEP is funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). “How exciting! We can partner with any company at any stage and provide the consultative services they need to generate revenue and create jobs for Utah’s economy” said Starks. “Our tendency to think global, work together and lead-out is the recipe to our secret sauce”.
Visit wtcutah.com to learn more and start After helping to shape and inform a seizing the international opportunities company’s decision, WTC Utah can provide available to your company. services to develop a company’s website, refine
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GOOD FOR YOU. GOOD FOR UTAH. #InUtah
Help support intentional connections between consumers, businesses, and experiences in Utah. Join the #InUtah effort. Together, we can build our best future.
SHOP. DINE. STAY. WORK. TOUR. PLAY. business.utah.gov
InUtah.org
Commercial Real Estate UTAH REAL ESTATE RISING UP TO FACE UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES WRITTEN BY: CBRE
C
ommercial real estate is at the heart of the economy. No matter your circumstances, you are being impacted by the trends and health of commercial real estate; it touches where we work, play, shop, eat and live. For the past ten years, Utah’s economy has been expanding, bringing job, wage and population growth with it, but all that came to a halt in the second quarter of 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the world. Markets nationwide — including Utah — expected a degree of uncertainty in 2020 due to the length of the current business cycle and the presidential election, but nothing could prepare the world for what we’ve experienced. When you factor in the additional challenges of a major earthquake, hurricane-force winds and civil unrest, Utah has experienced its fair share of unique challenges recently. However, Utah’s strong foundation of business-friendly leadership, work ethic and its diverse economy and population have aided in keeping commercial real estate afloat — and even expanding in some cases — as the industry has risen up to meet a year of unprecedented challenges.
When looking at the market as a whole, Utah has continued to earn national recognition for its sturdy economic growth, even during a global pandemic. The ability for many to work from home has created a changed mindset in the general populace and made Utah an even more attractive location for those seeking a market that offers year-round access to outdoor recreation.
GROWTH AND EVOLUTION
OFFICE
Despite recent road bumps, Utah’s commercial real estate industry experienced growth in 2020. At the time this piece was authored in November 2020, the industrial sector had 6.5 million square feet under construction and an extremely low vacancy rate of just 3.0%. Office construction remained at historical record levels with 3.5 million square feet under construction, though the vacancy rate was an elevated 14.7%. But regardless of property type, one common thread throughout the industry is that of COVID-19 acting as an accelerant to alreadyexistent transformations.
Office space in Utah was arguably the market segment most affected by the pandemic, as remote work became the norm for the majority of office-using employees. In the previous cycle, the Salt Lake City-Provo office market experienced robust growth with steady construction taking place, but throughout 2020 office vacancy increased along with landlord concessions, as companies began to reevaluate their space needs. This has resulted in a steadily increasing inventory of sublease space available throughout the market, which had reached more than 2.1 million as of Q3 2020.
For the past several years, there have been profound changes in the ways commercial real estate spaces have been marketed and utilized. Office users have been focused on creating more collaborative environments and reducing the 42 42
amount of office space dedicated to individual workspaces, building more flexibility into their lease structures; retail investors have focused on omni-channel marketing to reach their customers across various platforms and create more immersive destinations; and industrial users have increased the efficiency of their buildings to incorporate advancements in technologies and logistics to accommodate the increasing volume of online sales. Though these trends had already taken hold, the need for strategic agility took center stage in 2020. Companies that had already begun to adapt to the changes within their industry have fared much better in the past year than those that were forced to start from scratch during the pandemic.
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available in today’s market. Given the increase in remote work, prioritizing flexibility will continue to take precedence in the future. In September 2020, CBRE conducted a "Workforce Sentiment Survey" with a focus on remote work during the pandemic in which 32 companies in 18 countries participated. Three key takeaways from this survey were: 1) 90% of employees and employers feel remote work is productive, 2) 85% of employees prefer to work remotely at least two to three days per week in the future, and 3) 60% of respondents believe that office is here to stay and plan to return to the office for collaboration and community. The office segment will continue to evolve into a more agile environment to meet the growing desire and needs for ongoing flexibility, but office space is not going away.
INDUSTRIAL The phenomenal growth of Utah’s industrial sector has not skipped a beat during the past year’s challenges — record-breaking construction has persisted, while vacancy rates have decreased even further, ending Q3 2020 near record lows at 3.0%. The industrial segment’s growth has been augmented by the environment created by the pandemic, as more consumers have turned to online shopping to avoid doing so in-person. The convergence of the industrial and retail segments began long before the pandemic, but has grown even stronger, as large e-commerce
The evaluation of a company’s needs for office space is nothing new; in fact, it’s a trend that began years ago and gave rise to many of the coworking and short-term lease options
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and logistics providers continue to dominate in the current economy. As such, the outlook remains very positive for the industrial segment, and demand and construction are projected to hold steady for the foreseeable future.
RETAIL Since the Great Recession of 2008, retail has been evolving toward experience- and servicebased models, as landlords have seen the need to attract customers to brick-and-mortar storefronts, but these business models were hit hard by pandemic-related restrictions. Many retailers are once again finding themselves forced to rethink things in an ongoing effort to keep their properties and products safe and accessible. However, retail has become increasingly resilient as it has faced the need to reinvent itself multiple times in recent decades. What we have seen in retail is a bifurcated environment where certain businesses are faring quite well, while others have faced far greater challenges. The already-begun focus on omni channel retail — the ability to reach customers across multiple platforms and locations — has added a level of security to those businesses who have implemented this business model. In addition, new big-box vacancies have been countered by new construction and positive user activity, leaving vacancy at a healthy 7.2% as of Q2 2020. This balance of resiliency has led to a retail market that continues to hold its ground.
INVESTMENTS As commercial real estate markets in Utah grow and evolve, so do its sources of capital, and when it comes to financing investments, 2020 was a banner year. Despite the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, debt and equity levels remained elevated throughout 2020, as historically low interest rates equated to opportunities for cheap debt. (It’s important to remember that these totals consist of both refinances as well as loan originations.) Investor interest in Utah properties remained constant, though certain property types were in higher demand than others. Multifamily continues to be the darling of the Utah investment market, with industrial and office performing favorably as well. Despite short-term struggles, investors still view the Utah investment market as one with strong economic fundamentals and mid- to long-term positive growth potential.
LOOKING AHEAD WITH OPTIMISM A little over ten years ago, global markets collapsed, creating the steepest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Though many have been anticipating a similar market correction for years, the economic aftermath of COVID-19 still came as a massive shock. Previous to Q2 2020, Utah’s commercial real
estate market was thriving, and thanks to the groundwork laid by many businesses during the past economic expansion, the industry is still relatively healthy. Real estate investors and users have seen the need to "right size" the amount of office space leased and have implemented omni-channels into their supply chains to offer customers multiple purchasing options. Likewise, logistics companies have aided the new retail environment by adjusting the size and technologies of their buildings. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these trends — and many others — forcing real estate users to become even more flexible and strategic in the way they develop and operate. Those companies which had been resistant to change prior to the pandemic have had a harder time playing catch-up in the midst of such a challenging environment, but companies that are adaptable will continue to succeed, further strengthening the local commercial real estate market. For further statistics and analysis on Utah’s commercial real estate market, visit cbre.com/ slc. *due to publishing timelines, all statistical figures in this article are either Q3 2020 data or initial year-end projections and may differ from published Q4 2020 figures
All Utahs should be able to afford a home in the community where he or she works.
Utah Housing Corporation can help. Down Payment Assistance
If cash at closing is your challenge, a Utah Housing Down Payment Assistance Second Mortgage can help. When combined with our first mortgage, qualified borrowers can purchase a home with little or no cash investment.
Home Loans
Utah Housing Corporation, a Utah State independent government entity, has several mortgage loan programs to help you purchase a home with credit scores of 620 and higher.
Eligibility
First-time homebuyers and previous homeowners with low-to-moderate incomes for owner-occupied properties, such as single family and two-unit dwellings, condominiums, PUD’s, and manufactured homes.
West Valley City, UT 84120 801-902-8200
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Helping Utah Grow Off the Wasatch Front WRITTEN BY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION UTAH
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irtually every community off the Wasatch Front is looking for “stickiness” — that healthy, diverse local economy that boosts community morale and allows the next generation of job seekers to stay close to their roots.
prepared for site visits. Interaction between communities, statewide, has been enhanced. Engagement with EDCUtah’s private sector partner companies has increased,” said Alan Rindlisbacher, EDCUtah director of community strategy.
The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) is helping — along with many partnering organizations — to build the economies of rural Utah. For more than three decades, EDCUtah has been working with state and local governments and private industry to attract competitive, high-value companies and spur the expansion of local Utah businesses.
Another program, EDCUtah’s Know the Customer (KTC) initiative, seeks interviews with company leaders to understand successes and challenges of doing business in Utah. By understanding what is working, as well as knowing what impediments exist, economic development professionals work to bolster the benefits and fix the faults. County economic development leaders in San Juan County, Box Elder County, Iron County and elsewhere, have assisted EDCUtah in identifying target companies to talk to, and have joined EDCUtah staff on these fact-finding sessions.
EDCUtah, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), and other partners collaborate on programs and initiatives to spur growth statewide. Working with GOED in FY2020, EDCUtah successfully managed some marquee corporate expansion projects that help communities across the state. Three notable wins include Procter & Gamble’s third major expansion (Box Elder County), Sutter Health (Cedar City and Richfield) and West Point Dairy Products (Hyrum). These three projects alone represent future growth of 310 jobs and $375 million in capital expenditures. In FY2021, EDCUtah supported an expansion by Malouf, Inc. in Cache County that represents 1,195 jobs and $120 million in investment.
The compiled results of the first year of KTC surveys show a bright spot, that holds true on and off the Wasatch Front: The perception of Utah as a place to do business is high. With a rating above 60, Utah has an excellent net promoter score (NPS) — a benchmark organizations use to measure customer loyalty. To provide context, Amazon has a score of 62, and Netflix of 68 (source: Retently.com).
A fourth effort, EDCUtah’s Mega Sites program, identifies and certifies sites of 400 or more acres, intended to attract large-scale The Development Ready Communities (DRC) industrial projects that have substantial direct program is another way EDCUtah helps and indirect economic impact. Certification foster growth. The DRC program prepares shortens development timelines, increases communities to attract and grow companies via cost savings, reduces risk for developers and a five-stage process of community assessment, serves as a growth catalyst for local economies, planning, marketing, training and integration especially in rural Utah, where the majority with “Team Utah.” of large-acre sites are located. Off the Wasatch Front, communities with Mega Sites include In October 2020, the first cohort of eight Elberta, Millard County, Tooele County, urban and rural cities and counties held a Washington County, Iron County and Carbon “graduation” ceremony, celebrating their County. The program is expanding in FY2021, completion of an intensive set of educational with the addition of Certified Sites, which will sessions, and development of a local assessment have a smaller acreage requirement. and partnering plan. These included Box Elder County, Brigham City, Cedar City, Grand In another collaborative effort, EDCUtah has County and San Juan County. partnered with GOED, the Salt Lake Chamber and the Utah Dept. of Workforce Services “After participating in training sessions, we’ve (DWS) to create the Rural Workforce Network seen the quantity and quality of local partners’ to identify and encourage urban companies responses to our Requests for Information to find employment opportunities that can be improve dramatically. Communities are better done in rural Utah. The pandemic has forced 44 44
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a dramatic shift, but it has been proven that remote work works. More companies, from Utah as well as those expanding into the state, are reaping the benefits of hiring rural Utah workers. Responding to pandemic protocols, DWS orchestrated several statewide virtual job fairs in 2020. Further amplifying the state’s efforts, GOED’s Office of Rural Development (ORD) provides resources and programs to sustain business and improve employment opportunities. In coordination with local governments and other development partners, ORD offers programs — from tax credits to grants — that enhance economic development in rural Utah. These include: •
Enterprise Zone Tax Credits — Incremental tax credits for new jobs paying above county average wage, and capital investment tax credits
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Rural County Grants — For business recruitment, development, and expansion; workforce training and development; and infrastructure and capital facilities improvements
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Rural Co-working and Innovation Center Grants — To assist in the creation of facilities designed to provide individuals working within designated rural areas with the infrastructure and equipment to participate in the online workforce
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Rural Economic Development Incentive — Grants to businesses for new positions created in rural Utah counties
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Utah Rural Jobs Program — Enables an eligible small business located in a rural county to expand and create high wage jobs by providing flexible and affordable capital.
In any of the dozens of rural communities, organizations like EDCUtah, GOED, DWS, and the Salt Lake Chamber will continue to offer support, and work to ensure that we improve that “stickiness” for which we all strive. For more, visit edcutah.org.
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GLOBAL DATA. CUSTOM SOLUTIONS.
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Learn more at cbre.com/thewayforward
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute serves Utah by preparing economic, demographic and public policy research that helps the state prosper. We are Utah’s demographic experts, leaders on the Utah economy, and specialists on public policy and survey research. We are an honest broker of INFORMED RESEARCH, which guides INFORMED DISCUSSIONS, and leads to INFORMED DECISIONS™.
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OVID-19 has left an indelible mark on the Utah economy. The economic recession spurred by the pandemic has been sudden, severe, uneven and long-lasting. Despite these impacts, however, Utah remains one of the best performing state economies in the nation. As a result, it can be said with a high level of confidence that the state can and will recover to better.
EMPLOYMENT Utah’s nonagricultural employment decreased by an estimated 0.9%, or 14,800 jobs, between September 2019 and September 2020. Nationally, employment decreased by 6.4%, or 9.7 million jobs, between September 2019 and September 2020. Utah’s unemployment rate was 5.0% in September 2020, higher than the September 2019 rate of 2.5%. The national unemployment rate was 7.9% in September 2020, considerably higher than the September 2019 rate of 3.5%. Unemployment rates remain uneven across Utah, ranging from 3.4% in Cache County, to 12.8% in San Juan County. Rural counties in the eastern part of the state have been hit particularly hard, where local economies are less diverse and more dependent on the hard-hit energy and tourism sectors.
PERSONAL INCOME Utah’s total personal income reached $173.0 billion[1] in the second quarter of 2020, rising 11.2% from the second quarter of 2019. Utah’s growth ranked 24th in the nation. Nationally, personal income increased 10.4% over the same period. Utah’s per capita personal income was $53,218 in the second quarter of 2020, growing 9.4% over the second quarter of 2019. Per capita personal income for the nation was $61,842, a year-over-year increase of 9.8%.
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RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND HOUSING MARKET
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION
Utah’s housing market set a record for the first six months of 2020 by permitting 13,792 units, edging out the previous record of 13,683 units set in 2005. There were 6,422 single-family permits, an increase of 9.6% from last year, and permitted condominium/townhome/duplex units increased 17.5%, adding 3,175 units.
Commercial real estate (CRE) has been the most susceptible to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recession. The diverse property types of CRE are easily impacted by changes in employment and consumer preferences. Cultural shifts in CRE have been occurring for some time. The growth in e-commerce has added exponential demand for warehouse space and pushed more retail activity away from brick-andmortar stores. The recent pandemic-induced changes in consumer behavior are likely to accelerate this. Overall, Utah’s commercial real estate construction value through June 2020 is $1.1 billion, an 8.0% decrease over last year.
Three major areas are keeping the housing market strong: Pent-up demand, record low resale of inventory and historically low mortgage rates. Utah’s housing shortage has led to a tight housing market over the last decade and continues to drive up housing prices. The shortage of 53,100 units as of 2019 has put homeownership out of reach for many young households. As the home-buying season kicks off in the spring, the number of for-sale homes typically increases, but as the COVID-19 pandemic worsened, the hesitation of existing homeowners to put their properties on the market led to record low inventory. The average number of listings between May and August of 2020 is down 31.0% compared with the average listings for the same period in 2016 through 2019. This decline in supply, in combination with the housing shortage, has made the housing market more competitive. Finally, while annual home price growth is staying in positive territory, changes in monthly payments are not, due to a steady decline in mortgage rates. In June of 2019, the monthly mortgage payment was $1,655 for a single-family home with a median sales price of $355,000 and an interest rate of 3.8%. By June 2020, the median sales price had increased by 7.0% to $380,000, but because the interest rate had fallen to 3.2%, the monthly mortgage payment shrank to $1,636 per month. Declining mortgage rates have incentivized buyers to lock in at historically low rates.
DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS Utah’s 2019 population was estimated at 3,220,262. Between 2010 and 2019, the state grew by 447,891, representing an average annual percentage growth rate of 1.7%. The state remains relatively young with 29.3% of the population being preschool or school age (under 18), compared with 11.2% at retirement age (65 and older). However, like the rest of the nation, the state continues to age rapidly as birth rates drop, people live longer, and baby boomers reach retirement ages. Between 2010 and 2019, the median age rose from to 29.3 to 31.7. The retirement age population grew faster than any other age group, averaging 4.2% growth annually. For all ages, the state is expected to continue growing, in large part due to above-average birth rates and positive net migration. Utah has emerged as a consistent net in-migration state because of an expanding economy, wide array of outdoor opportunities, and vast network of global cultural and economic interconnections. [1] Seasonally adjusted at an annual rate
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2020 Utah Life ad.pdf
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Utah Business Persons of the Year Jen and Joseph Watson, owners of K-9 Sport Sack.
SMALL BUSINESS IN UTAH
SBA DEMONSTRATES STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO UTAH’S SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY WRITTEN BY: U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, UTAH DISTRICT OFFICE
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), through its Utah District Office, remains committed to providing its full range of programs and services, including new COVID-related loans, to small businesses throughout the state. The business landscape has changed dramatically over the last year, but SBA’s mission to provide financial, technical and management assistance to small businesses has not. “In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Congress enacted legislation that has enabled SBA to support and sustain small businesses through the crises with critical new lending programs” observed Marla Trollan, District Director of SBA’s Utah District Office. “These specialized lending programs have allowed Utah small businesses to keep and pay employees during the economic downturn. These programs, combined with the inherent resiliency of Utah’s economy and small business owners, have allowed for a swifter recovery in Utah’s economy and job market.”
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The Utah District Office continues to host successful events such as National Small Business Week, various webinars, and rural roundtables and roadshows. “The current pandemic presents logistical challenges, but we continue to focus and execute on our major outreach and rural initiatives to provide support and resources to communities across the state,” Trollan continued. Trollan also noted the significant local impact of SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program during the pandemic and recent natural disasters. “Since March, these two loan programs have provided more than $6.5 billion of capital to Utah small businesses. The most current figures we have available through the end of September 2020 show that SBA, through its lenders, has provided Utah small businesses with more than 52,000 PPP loans totaling over $5.2 billion. Additionally, SBA directly funded almost 22,000 EIDL loans totaling over $1.3 billion. SBA EIDL loans
have also been made available in many rural communities due to drought conditions.” Aside from its emergency loan programs, in its 2020 fiscal year, SBA also approved 1,065 traditional 7(a) and 504 loans amounting to almost $626 million in funding to small businesses across the state. Due to the significant efforts of its two certified development companies, the Utah District Office ranked fifth nationally in the number of approved 504 loans and seventh nationally in the dollar amount of approved 504 loans according to the latest SBA data. To further support Utah’s business owners in accelerating the growth of international sales, SBA has awarded World Trade Center Utah with a State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant of $641,000, a record amount for the program here in the state. SBA has increased Utah’s STEP Grant from $300,000 to $641,000 over the past two years, the largest increase among any state in the country in this
highly competitive process. WTC Utah will administer the grant by providing financial support and business services to Utah small businesses to help them compete and win in global markets. STEP is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the SBA. Utah’s export growth rate has been the highest in the nation for the past two years. Eightyfive percent of Utah’s exporters are small businesses, and international sales add $5 billion in additional revenue for these small business exporters. STEP Grant funding ensures that these small businesses have the tools necessary to expand and market their products and services around the world. Additionally, the Utah District Office will continue to work closely with its resource partners — the Small Business Development Center Network of Utah, the Women's Business Center of Utah and SCORE, all of which receive funding from SBA. These partners provide free counseling and low-cost training for new and existing businesses. The Utah District Office also collaborates with other stakeholders and service providers such as the World Trade Center Utah, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, several chambers of commerce and non-profit business support organizations, USDA Rural Development, U.S. Commercial Service, SLCC Global Business Center and many others. Small businesses lead innovation and job growth in our communities. They employ more than half our workforce and create two out of every three new jobs in the private sector. They give character to their neighborhoods and sponsor charitable and scholastic endeavors in their communities. In difficult times, it is often small businesses that step up to support those in need. This has been no more apparent than during the difficulties of this past year.
K-9 SPORT SACK — UTAH SMALL BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR Joseph and Jen Watson of K-9 Sport Sack, located in Orem, were selected as the 2020 SBA Utah Small Business Persons of the Year during National Small Business Week. They represented Utah during National Small Business Week and participated in the national ceremony. Since launching their business in 2015 the Watsons have made a global impact on the pet
industry, shifting the way people incorporate pets into their modern lives. They originally designed a front-facing dog back-pack for their then-puppy Daisy, whom they rescued from a dumpster. The resulting design morphed into a light-weight carrier that has grown in popularity internationally. The carrier allows people to carry their pets on public transportation and enjoy every-day activities regardless of the pets age or ability. K-9 Sport Sack has grown exponentially each year since its inception and throughout the Watsons have stayed true to their No Dog Left Behind mission. The company has supported numerous animal rescue organizations as well as homeless and disabled pets, while using social media and their considerable online following to support those efforts. Most recently the Watsons have worked with the SBA to secure funding through the Paycheck Protection Program to help keep their employees paid and working through the coronavirus pandemic. They also applied for SBA loans through the 7 (a) Loan Program.
STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? REACH OUT TO SBA RESOURCE PARTNERS For assistance in building your business plan, presentation or pitch, connect with your local business experts at the Women’s Business Center of Utah, the Utah Small Business Development Center Network and also with SCORE where information, counseling and workshops are available to you for little or no cost. Although not lenders, these experts become your guides as you work through the process of finding and applying for funding. The Women's Business Center of Utah (WBCUtah) located in Salt Lake City and in Cedar City, provides tools and support to help women (men too) establish, grow and sustain businesses throughout the state of Utah. WBCUtah is focused on providing confidential business counseling and training services to entrepreneurs and is a critical resource to those who are economically or socially disadvantaged. To learn more visit wbcutah.com or call (801) 328-5066. The Small Business Development Center Network of Utah supports 15 centers around the state, focusing on counseling in areas such as financial analysis, business planning, training and workshops and loan packaging assistance to help small businesses achieve their goals of growth, expansion, innovation
Stephanie Loud, Owner of Mountain West Precast
and success. Check out their website at utahsbdc.org for more information. Each local SBDC offers the following services areas for start-ups, existing and expanding businesses: •
Financial Analysis
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Business Planning
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Operations Assistance
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Marketing & Social Media Assistance
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Training & Workshops
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Entrepreneurial Development
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Loan Packaging Assistance
SCORE is a non-profit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Because SCORE is supported by the SBA, and by a network of 10,000 volunteers, SCORE can provide services at no charge or at very low cost. •
Volunteer mentors share their expertise across 62 industries
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Free, confidential business mentoring in person, via email or by video
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Free business tools templates and tips here online
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Inexpensive or free business workshops (locally) and webinars (online 24/7)
For more information call (801) 957-5453 or visit their website at: saltlake.score.org. Email: scoresaltlake@gmail.com.
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Utah Compact on Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Declaration of five principles and actions invite individuals, businesses and organizations to commit to be anti-racist and advance equal opportunity for all
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n December 15, 2020, Governor Gary R. Herbert joined community leaders on the steps of the Utah Capitol to launch a new compact committing to anti-racist principles and actions.
structures and policies that give some people greater opportunity than others. Signatories of the compact pledge to work toward priorities and laws that create equal opportunity and access, and to foster communities of respect.
“All men and women are created equal. The rights to education, housing, employment, healthcare, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness must belong to all of us — to people of all races,” Gov. Herbert said. “I believe, and hope, that most Utahns want to make that happen. In signing this compact, Utahns can commit to the important work of loving their neighbor, and ensuring equity and equality in our state.”
All signatories also commit themselves to acknowledge and fight racism, invest time and resources in creating greater opportunity or people of color, and to advance solutions to racial ills by listening and creating policies that provide equal opportunity and access to employment, housing and health care. They also promise to engage communities of color by upholding the principle “nothing about us, without us.” Finally, all signatories commit “Today, during the most unbelievable and to join a movement for social, racial and trying times in our state, country and world, economic justice. and alongside the most political partisan extremism and government rage many of Gov.-elect Spencer J. Cox said racial equity will us have ever experienced in our lifetime, be an important part of his administration. this is a moment — another positive and compassionate Utah moment — where we
The compact is founded on the principles that all people are created equal and that all Utahns must have a truly equal opportunity to prosper. It explicitly acknowledges racism as a system of ideas, beliefs, practices, 50
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“History teaches us that progress doesn’t just happen. It requires forethought, commitment and deliberate action. These principles reflect a firm resolve toward racial justice, a direction toward equity and inclusion that will continue during my administration,” Cox said. “This isn’t about political correctness, it’s about human correctness. It’s about kindness, decency and love for our fellow travelers. Indeed, it is about striving to deliver on the self-evident truths recognized from our founding: ‘That all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights’.”
stand as a state, alongside our partners and say “no” to racial inequities, disparities and unequal opportunities, and “yes” to a movement, collective and consciously toward racial justice,” said Sen. Jani Iwamoto. “I am excited for this development and hopeful for the work that different leaders across the state will forward through the Utah Compact on Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” said Sen. Luz Escamilla. “Recognizing the history of inequities, disparities, and gaps that our communities have faced and continue to face is instrumental to implementing solutions that create equal opportunities and access for all. This is a great first step, and I’m looking forward to seeing the measures that help bring prosperity to ALL Utahns.”
“Today’s event rang with a spirit of hope. For the first time in a long time, I felt that we had leaders who have made a head and heart shift. Listening to the speakers’ personal stories and revelations lead me to believe that our Black community was not in this struggle alone! Not a moment but a movement.” — Betty Sawyer, Executive Director of Project Success Coalition and President of the NAACP Ogden Chapter
“This compact represents the framework for Utah to move forward making sure no community is left behind. The courage shown by the Governor and various allies today is the beginning of a journey together; to shape our state and communities, ensuring that we are inclusive and united in every aspect. It’s exciting to see Utah lead on this incredibly important issue.” — Simba Maponga, Vice-Chair for the Commission
“Today is an example of what can happen when our multicultural communities are invited to help design, construct and advance good policy for legacy. It is important to note, however, that we stand on these The compact is the most public of several steps of Utah’s State Capitol today thanks to the tireless efforts of great steps Governor Herbert took during 2020 leaders including the late Archie Archuletta and Frank Cordova, Pastor to introduce anti-racist policies following meetings he held with the Martin Luther France Davis, Miss Jeannetta Williams and Miss Betty Sawyer, to name just King and Multicultural Commissions in June. a very few.” Members of the governor’s senior staff and — Byron Russell, Co-Chair for the Utah Multicultural Commission and Co-Chair of cabinet have recently completed a monthsthe Multicultural Advisory Committee of Utah’s COVID-19 Response long implicit bias training program, which included a rigorous schedule of educational “This compact is a statement and promise of leadership, unity and materials and virtual training meetings with commitment to end systemic racism and provide equal opportunity to experts in implicit bias and race relations. all who live in and visit our great state... We need to do better at listening, To view and sign The Utah Compact, visit learning, understanding, acting and advocating. I am grateful to all who slchamber.com/utahcompact. are signing the compact. We are all in this together.” — Gail Miller, Owner and Chair of Larry H. Miller Group of Companies
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3 SIMPLE STEPS FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO LEAD US OUT OF THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
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efore the pandemic, Utah’s rates of depression exceeded the national average. Since the pandemic began, mental health challenges at home and across the nation have only increased.
From 2019 to 2020, nationwide symptoms of anxiety tripled (from 8.1% to 25.5%), and depression symptoms nearly quadrupled (from 6.5% to 24.3%). Call volume to the University Neuropsychiatric Institute increased nearly 25% in May 2020. But there’s good news: never before has there been such a concerted effort from business, government, and non-profit leaders to prevent suicide and improve the mental and emotional well-being of Utahns.
non-profit organizations like Room Here, dedicated to normalizing the conversation around mental health by wisely reframing it as “mental fitness.”
In addition, Utah Community Builders — the Salt Lake Chamber’s non-profit social impact foundation — launched a new statewide initiative in late 2020 called “Workforce Resilience through Mental Fitness.” Leaders in mental health, advocates and experts in clinical care and upstream wellness, and pioneering CEOs have joined together in this campaign to empower Utah businesses to improve the mental fitness of their employees.
A hallmark piece of this initiative is the new “Suicide Prevention in the Workforce Employer Toolkit,” created in partnership with the Take for example the Huntsman Utah Department of Health, Utah family’s $150 million commitment Department of Human Services, NAMI in 2019 to improving mental health Utah, the Utah Suicide Prevention through the establishment of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Or Coalition, and Live On. This toolkit the state’s new Live On Utah campaign, gives businesses helpful information and resources for crisis intervention, driven by the Utah Suicide Prevention as well as midstream and upstream Coalition to provide crisis resources preventative efforts. statewide. Or the creation of new 52
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Utah Community Builders and the Salt Lake Chamber also partnered with groups like Blunovus and SafeLane Health to offer Chamber members exclusive free or discounted access to a library of wellness content, employee mental health assessment tools, and more.
The goal is simple: for each business in Utah to take steps today to help uplift the mental fitness of their employees. The impact is tremendous: creating a culture of mental fitness in the workplace can help save lives by preventing suicide — but it also has untold benefits for all of Utah’s workforce through better mental and emotional health. This positively affects the workplace, but also ripples through our families, communities and entire state. So, if you’re a business leader not sure where to start, review the Suicide in the Workforce Prevention Toolkit and other Workforce Resilience through Mental Fitness content, and consider these three simple steps:
1. UNDERSTAND YOUR BASELINE. How are your employees doing right now? Are the resources you already provide actually helpful? 2. IMPLEMENT A PLAN OF ACTION. What are the key steps, and who are the key players in your organization who need to be on board to move this forward? 3. TRACK AND MEASURE RESULTS, ADAPTING AS NEEDED. How can you use both operational and experiential data to measure the success of your efforts? Next to our home environment, our workplace arguably has the biggest impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. The private sector is perfectly poised to help pull Utah out of the current mental health crisis that has been so severely exacerbated by the pandemic. With the new information and tools at our disposal to do just that, Utah’s business leaders can make 2021 the year that permanently changes the trajectory for Utahn’s mental health, and foster a culture of mental fitness for all.
EMPLOYER TOOLKIT
THE UPSTREAM, MIDSTREAM, DOWNSTREAM PARABLE
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magine you are walking along a river and hear a cry for help from someone drowning. You are startled but excited as you dive into the water to save him. Using all your strength, you pull him to shore and start administering CPR. Your adrenaline is racing as he starts to regain consciousness. Just as you are about to get back on your feet, another frantic call comes from the river. You cannot believe it! You dive back into the river and pull out a woman who also needs life-saving care. Now a bit frazzled but still thrilled that you have saved two lives in one day, you mop the sweat from your brow. When you turn around, however, you see more drowning people coming down the river, one after another. You shout out to all the other people around you to help. Now there are several people in the river with you – pulling drowning people out left and right. One of the rescuers swims out to the drowning group and starts teaching them how to tread water. This strategy helps some, but not all. Everyone looks at each other, completely overwhelmed, wondering when this will stop. Finally, you stand up and start running upstream. Another rescuer shouts, “Where are you going? There are so many people drowning; we need everyone here to help!” To which you reply, “I’m going upstream to find out why so many people are falling into the river.” When it comes to suicide prevention and mental health promotion, most of the focus is on pulling people out of the water. Many find themselves exhausted while resources are depleted, and everyone keeps throwing in the life preservers and performing other heroic deeds. Upstream interventions – like shifting culture, building skills that support wellness, and making environmental changes – can help prevent people from falling into the stream in the first place. If we are only focused on the downstream rescue, then we will never get ahead of all the crises demanding our attention. To be truly impactful and reduce suicides in Utah, we must find a balance between upstream, midstream, and downstream approaches. UPSTREAM: Bolster workplace protective factors that can prevent mental health problems from occurring.
MIDSTREAM: Detect early signs and symptoms of mental health and suicide prevention needs before they become more severe and refer employees to resources.
To download the suicide prevention toolkit and learn more, visit slchamber.com/workforceresilience.
DOWNSTREAM: Respond in a safe and effective way when mental health or suicide crises occur to promote employee healing and return to organization’s mission.
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Public Education in Utah
tah’s public schools were in a unique position to face the challenges of 2020 and are prepared to build on those successes in the future. This preparedness begins with having clear vision, purpose and direction. What are the hopes, aspirations and dreams that our community has for young people? What skills and mindsets do young people need to ensure opportunities for their future? A few years ago, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) engaged in an inclusive strategic planning process that began with addressing these questions. What resulted is Utah’s Portrait of a Graduate — a frame for student success and school quality that goes beyond academic mastery by also recognizing skills like communication and creativity, dispositions like resilience and respect, and other social and emotional dimensions of learning. The Portrait of a Graduate serves as a north star for system transformation. As school districts and charter schools tailor 54
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the Portrait of a Graduate for their unique communities, state education leaders aim to create the conditions for school systems throughout the state to intentionally deliver on this powerful vision. To this end, USBE has adopted goals and strategies for our public education system focused on the following four areas: early learning, effective educators and leaders, personalized teaching and learning, and safe and healthy schools. These goals continue to be a guiding light through the uncertainties of the past year. While we learn and adapt in response to the pandemic, we remain laser-focused on our goals and advancing the aspirations for our students outlined in Utah’s Portrait of a Graduate. Utah’s forward-looking vision has yielded dividends. Long before the pandemic resulted in the necessity to provide remote and online learning options, state and local education leaders were prioritizing digital teaching
and learning. Since 2015, the state has invested in a Digital Teaching and Learning Grant Program. This initiative began with stakeholders from across the state including the local school systems, the Utah State Board of Education, Utah Education and Telehealth Network, and the Legislature creating Utah’s Master Plan to best leverage the power of technology for learning. This plan articulates “Utah has a powerful opportunity to act, and to harness technology as an extraordinary tool to our benefit… To move all students to high levels of learning powered by technology, all students will need access to infrastructure, devices and applications that can be most effectively incorporated into learning… With teachers serving as architects of learning combined with the knowledge to effectively integrate technology, schools can provide students with a pipeline to explore real world concepts, interact with real world experts, and analyze and solve real world problems.” This initiative enabled Utah to transition to
remote learning much more seamlessly and effectively than other states. Online education whether done wholly or partially, has long been a choice for Utah students. High school course credits have been available through online classes in Utah since 1993, making Utah a pioneer in electronic education. The state offers a statewide online education program that allows students to gain course credits through online courses regardless of where students attend school. Nearly 95% of homes in Utah have a computer and nearly 90% have broadband internet subscriptions. During the pandemic, Utah schools also provided local hotspot connections and drove buses with Wi-Fi capabilities to fill in some of those gaps.
scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress with just one exception: Utah eighth graders are in the top 20 for math. However, those same eighth graders are the top performers in the nation in science. Among the 17 states where the ACT college entrance exam is given to all high school juniors, Utah has the best in the nation average composite score. Our state’s high school graduation rate is pushing toward 90% with seven straight years of improvement.
Secondary schools offer a wide variety of career and technical education pathways integrated with industry needs. A recent investment by the Utah Legislature and the technology industry of Silicon Slopes invested millions of dollars in a computer science initiative for students Utah’s preparation and clarity of vision and teachers. This strategic investment and direction is paying off in terms will ensure that all students, regardless of student outcomes. Utah’s fourth of geography, have access to computer and eighth graders place in the top 10 science offerings. This is one example JDCS Utah Life ad 2020.pdf 1 12/17/20 AM in reading, mathematics and science of an8:57 industry partnership in public
schools that will perpetuate more highly skilled employees filling Utah jobs. Most Utah high school students will earn some form of college credit before graduation through either Advanced Placement courses, concurrent enrollment in Utah colleges, or the International Baccalaureate Program; saving money for Utah families and helping students be more prepared for post-secondary education. We encourage you to learn more about Utah public schools. Utah has 41 school districts and over 125 charter schools who are responsible for locally operating Utah’s public schools. You can find contact and link information to all 41 districts at schools.utah.gov/schooldistricts. You can also find more information about individual schools within each of the districts, and information about charter schools at schools.utah.gov/ schoolsdirectory. Utah students and educators are on the road to awesome!
All ages included. C
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Daycare, Elementary, Middle and High School options available on our Draper and Riverton campuses just minutes from Downtown SLC or Silicon Slopes!
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2020, 2019 & 2018 Utah’s Best of State Private School
Learn more & schedule a tour at
be-included.com
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Left photo courtesy of Davis Technical College. Middle photo courtesy of Utah State University. Right photo courtesy of Salt Lake Community College.
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HIGHER EDUCATION IN UTAH
tah’s continued success is, in large part, due to the state’s robust, innovative, and efficient system of public colleges and universities. This system includes two research universities, the University of Utah and Utah State University; four regional universities, Weber State University, Southern Utah University, Dixie State University and Utah Valley University; two community colleges, Salt Lake Community College and Snow College; and eight technical colleges, Bridgerland Technical College, Davis Technical College, Dixie Technical College, Mountainland Technical College, Ogden-Weber Technical College, Southwest Technical College, Tooele Technical College and Uintah Basin Technical College. In 2020, the Utah System of Higher Education merged with the state’s technical college system, to create one higher education system for all Utah public colleges and universities. This newly combined system will better support students by increasing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities and by growing seamless education pathways from certificates to degrees. The merger has also enhanced collaboration between institutions and will allow Utah’s colleges and universities to meet the rapidly changing needs of a growing workforce over the coming years. One timely example of the system’s ability to rapidly meet the needs of Utah’s workforce was the Learn & Work In Utah outreach and education initiative. The initiative was developed in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the negative impact it had on Utah’s economy, specifically to provide education to employees displaced by COVID-19. The Utah System of Higher Education, in partnership with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development and its Talent Ready Utah team, worked with public colleges and universities to create and promote short-term training programs, aligned with high-demand jobs across the state, to assist Utahns in upskilling or re-skilling to quickly return to work. These programs were made available at low or no cost to students through federal funding. Programs in high-demand fields were offered through the Learn & Work In Utah initiative in areas such as healthcare, information technology, business and finance, manufacturing, technical training, and others. The programs were available to students in a variety of online, in-person and hybrid 56
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formats. Utah’s public colleges and universities continue to offer credentials in high-demand fields to support Utah’s communities and workforce. UTAHNS CONTINUE TO FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION Even in the midst of a pandemic, Utah students continue to further their education — with college enrollments reaching approximately 230,000 in 2019-20, including technical college enrollments. During the 2018-19 school year, Utah’s degreegranting colleges and universities alone awarded more than 38,000 degrees and certificates. Utah’s system of public colleges and universities is a vital piece in supplying the talent needed to sustain Utah’s robust economy. Each institution is uniquely tuned in to industry needs to ensure they provide students with valuable skills to succeed in the workforce. Utah’s colleges and universities are expected to collectively add more than 43,000 students over the next decade, making graduates from this system the primary talent pipeline for Utah’s rapidly developing economy. UTAH’S UNIVERSITIES CONDUCT INNOVATIVE RESEARCH High-end research, innovative commercialization and entrepreneurship in higher education are also critical to sustainable economic growth. In 2020, Utah garnered a record $989 million of outside funds for research and grants at Utah’s public colleges and universities which not only provide significant benefits to the higher education community, the State of Utah, and society as a whole but also through patents and job creation. In 2020, both University of Utah and Utah State University were involved in researching COVID-19, contributing to the efforts worldwide to understand and develop a vaccine for the disease. UTAH IS COMMITTED TO MAKING COLLEGE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL STUDENTS The Utah Board of Higher Education is committed to providing students an accessible, affordable college education, with easily transferable credits, that gets students through school and into the workforce quickly. The Board of Higher Education continues to develop programs in partnership with K-12 that focus on college access and readiness, which are key to an educated and trained workforce.
Concurrent Enrollment While in high school, students can also earn college credit through Concurrent Enrollment courses. Last year, high school students who participated in Concurrent Enrollment courses, saved an estimated $54 million in future tuition costs. High school students in Utah have the opportunity to earn credit for a single college course, a general education certificate of completion, or even an associate degree by the time they receive their high school diploma. Concurrent Enrollment saves Utah students time and money on their college education and gives them a direct connection to post-secondary opportunities. Utah College Application Week Utah College Application Week provides high school seniors the opportunity to apply to college during the school day, with support from educators, counselors, and volunteers. Each year, Utah’s high school students complete more than 24,000 college applications through this program. Utah Promise Scholarship The Utah Promise Scholarship was created in 2019 to help make college dreams a reality for all Utahns. The Utah Promise Scholarship covers up to the cost of tuition and fees for up to the first two years of college for qualifying Utah students. This scholarship is available to recent high school graduates and adult learners at all of Utah’s public colleges and universities.
UTAH’S COLLEGES ARE AFFORDABLE: • Third-lowest tuition in the nation • Lowest student debt in the nation • Of those who borrow, the average student debt of Utahns ($17,935) is the lowest in the country (national average: $29,290)
COLLEGE REMAINS A GOOD INVESTMENT:
• In 2019, the average Utah college graduate with a bachelor’s degree earned nearly $17,000 per year more than the average worker with a high school diploma. • In July 2020, the unemployment rate of a Utahn with only a high school diploma was 5.2%, while for a Utahn with a bachelor’s degree, it was 2.7%.
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INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION HIGH QUALITY TEACHERS SMALL CLASS SIZES CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT MOTIVATED STUDENTS
Utah’s Independent Schools The Independent School Difference EDUCATION FOR THE WHOLE CHILD. Independent schools nurture students’ intellectual ability and curiosity, personal and social growth, and civic conscience. American Heritage School
The McGillis School
K to Grade 12 American Fork (801) 642-0055 american-heritage.org thefamilyschoolonline.org
K to Grade 8 Salt Lake City (801) 583-0094 mcgillisschool.org
INDEPENDENT EDUCATION. Independent school teachers and administrators take the time to know each student to encourage achievement in and out of the classroom, and to generate excitement about learning. HIGH QUALITY TEACHERS. Faculty at independent schools combine top teaching skills with a passion for their subject areas. Many teachers bring to the classroom knowledge from advanced degrees and successful careers. Their energy and enthusiasm create significant learning experiences for their students. INCLUSIVENESS. Independent schools are diverse and vibrant communities that welcome and respect each family.
Park City Day School
Rowland Hall
PreK to Grade 8 Park City (435) 649-2791 parkcitydayschool.org
PreK to Grade 12 Salt Lake City (801) 355-7485 rowlandhall.org
Est.1875
Wasatch Academy
The Waterford School
Grade 8 to Grade 12 Mt. Pleasant (435) 462-1400 wasatchacademy.org
PreK to Grade 12 Sandy (801) 572-1780 waterfordschool.org
ACCESSIBLE EDUCATORS. Independent schools understand that parents are important partners in a child’s education. Parents are encouraged to contact administrators and teachers with questions or concerns about their child’s school experiences. SAFE SCHOOLS. Independent schools maintain up-to-date facilities and provide a safe and nurturing environment for children. Parents can rest assured that faculty know their students well and can help them when they are confronted with problems. REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE. Independent school leaders know that students benefit from interaction with people who hold different perspectives and come from difference backgrounds. They strive to provide students real-world experiences to prepare them to achieve not only in school, but also in work, in further academic pursuits, and in life. In addition to being exposed to a broad array of courses, independent school students participate in community service work and keep up with political affairs. The schools listed are fully accredited members of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS), an organization which promotes high educational quality through the establishment and advancement of comprehensive accreditation standards.
How to Support Local On Your Utah Road Trip Travel with a renewed sense of awareness and an eye for community impact. ADAPTED FROM THE UTAH OFFICE OF TOURISM STORY AT VISITUTAH.COM WRITTEN BY: ELAINNA CIARAMELLA FOR THE UTAH OFFICE OF TOURISM
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n light of the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever, small businesses need support from travelers near and far. After all, it’s the one-of-a-kind shops, galleries and eateries that give Utah’s cherished communities their unique flavor.
Why Your Trip Matters
Camille Johnson Taylor, the executive director of the Kane County Office of Tourism says tourists are the lifeblood of their communities, including the charming town of Kanab, home to nationally-recognized Best Friends If small businesses can’t survive an economic Animal Sanctuary. “We are one of the most downturn, they’ll be replaced by large chains tourism-dependent economies in the state so and communities will lose what makes them the COVID-19 restrictions disproportionately special. And, I don’t know about you, but hit Kanab/Kane County’s economy. By when I go vacationing, I don’t want things to supporting our local businesses, customers are look exactly the same from town to town, and protecting the heritage of many local families I’m certainly not seeking a “chain experience” and the community. Helping these towns when I hit the road. Supporting smaller recover through visitation in the short-term establishments on road trips does more than secures the future of amenities and services, provide memorable experiences, it helps these like Kanab’s vegan-friendly pizzeria, Peekaboo communities survive economic ebbs and Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen; Zagat-rated flows. But what about locals? Even though restaurant, Zego; artisanal bakery, Kanab many small businesses and restaurants serve Creek Bakery; and pet-friendly hotels perfect locals year-round and during the “off season,” for visitors adopting a new family member there isn’t always enough mom and pop during their visit. support to sustain them, so they rely heavily on visitors to keep their doors open. As such, Steve Kennedy is the owner of GearHeads in Moab where the big draws include Arches it’s common for smaller hotels and Main Street services in Utah to function because of and Canyonlands national parks. Kennedy said that while they have a great following tourism spending. of locals, about 90 to 95% of his business 58
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comes from tourists, who are vital to Moab’s economy. Kennedy said that as much as you like to go on a vacation or adventure well-equipped, there’s probably an upgrade or interesting item you can buy at your destination to make your trip more memorable, whether it’s from a local gift or gear shop. Plus, stopping in a local shop gives you a perfect chance to pick-up some insider tips. “Interact with the people who live in the place you’re visiting,” says Kennedy. “You can always ask for advice on where to go, what to do, how to avoid crowds and how to be prepared for desert conditions.”
Why Support Local Tourism?
There are many reasons to support local — just ask Jennifer Leaver, a tourism research analyst at the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. She explained how a greater reliance on local supply chains raises the overall economic activity in a community. This means you’re helping local families put food on the table and do things like pay for dance classes and buy soccer or football gear.
Leaver says local sales tax revenues are important because they support a community’s public infrastructure and local government services. Thus, local businesses retain their profits and keep them circulating in the local economy while large chains typically centralize profits at their corporate headquarters. Additionally, research shows that local businesses usually donate more money to local charitable organizations than large chains due to their vested interest in the community. Adam Ross, chef and owner of the Twisted Fern restaurant in Park City is on the same page as Leaver. “When you’re supporting your local businesses, your dollar goes much further in the local economy,” says Ross. The Twisted Fern keeps most of its revenues within a 25mile radius of Park City. Ross said he obtains fresh ingredients from four local farms and a local bread and ice cream maker. Most of his meat comes from Utah or Idaho, and most of his beer and spirits are locally sourced. He also uses the services of local accountants, plumbers and interior designers.
to the local business and you’re helping the next traveler coming around looking for something unique and fun.” — Flint Timmins, destination development specialist at the Utah Office of Tourism
3. Go on an Adventure with a Guide
“When you go with a guide, you can try a new activity like canyoneering, rafting or mountain biking. Even if it’s an activity you know how to do well, the guide will tell you the history and geology of the place. Many of Utah’s guide and outfitters services can book you a private trip so you’re not worried about going in a van with people you don’t know.
6. Shop Away from Home
“If you take a road trip, instead of hitting Walmart or Costco on the way out of town, perhaps save a few things to purchase when you arrive at your basecamp town. I have discovered many unique mom and pop grocery stores on trips outside of the city by saving my grocery shopping until I arrive in my host town. Although local stores might not have your favorite brand of bread or peanut butter, they may have something even better, like the most delicious raw honey or locally-grown raspberries you’ve ever tasted. The same goes for sporting outdoor recreation retailers that are small, local, one-of-a-kind stores. My favorite pair of flip flops hail from a tiny retail shop in Kanab, and I adore the sun hat I bought in a little shop in Moab. Always travel with a few desired items in mind — you may find exactly what you need while at the same time supporting your host community’s economy.
Also, a lot of guides are now tailoring something specific to individual families. They will take you to the backcountry safely, so you don’t have to plan as much. They’ll pack a lunch for you, make sure you have enough water and proper gear. It puts your mind at ease. Local guides are passionate about their natural landscapes and “Small, local businesses not only add cultural amenities. They’re treasured in the character to a marketplace, but also have "Always travel with a few desired items in community and have a wealth of knowledge.” greater ability to provide products and mind — you may find exactly what you need services custom-tailored for their consumer while at the same time supporting your host — Monique Beeley, founder and owner of base. Catering to local consumers is often community’s economy." Discover Utah Kids Magazine more difficult for large chains because they Supporting Local Utah 4. Spend and Focus on the often rely on corporate marketing plans. Businesses: Getting Started Intangibles Whereas chains tend to homogenize, small As a conscientious traveler, you can make local businesses tend to diversity, enhancing “Eat, purchase art, recreate on the river, small adjustments to your travels that the unique qualities of a marketplace and support local festivals — all of those will mean a lot to the communities you generating a sense of community pride.” actions support our businesses. What is less visit. When you support a local shop, eatery obvious are the intangible things such as — Jennifer Leaver, senior research analyst at the or hotel during your travels, you can feel good sharing positive experiences about visiting Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. knowing that your trip, your travel dollars, is our community, publishing positive posts making a difference in someone’s local life. 7. Local Staycations Matter, Too on social media, and speaking well of the experience to family and friends. Those “When you travel to Mexico, you’re willing to Here are a handful of tips from intangibles are as important as the actual pay for tourism excursions, but when you do knowledgeable locals to get you started: expenditure as it positions new travelers to it in your own backyard, you may not. If you 1. Hit the Sidewalk find and explore a small town like Helper.” do, your experience will be totally worth it. “Enjoy a downtown sunset from a restaurant Take the opportunity to use those funds that — Lenise Peterman, mayor of Helper, Utah patio or a family take-out picnic in a public would be appropriated for something else and 5. Get Off the Interstate & park. Call for current hours for any business apply them to being a thoughtful visitor in or attraction you may be visiting. Web listings Ask Around your own backyard. Why not put those travel may not be updated as operating hours are dollars into your own economy?” “Set your GPS to choose a back way option. changing as businesses adapt and reactivate.” Take the long way whenever possible that — Cody Adent, vice president/CFO of St. Georgetakes you off the interstate and through towns based Vibrant Management — Dee Brewer, executive vice president of the Salt Lake Chamber and executive director of and along main streets. Be friendly and ask for recommendations from the people around More ways to support local by taking mini the Downtown Salt Lake City Alliance you. If you’re getting gas, ask them where they adventures on your Utah road trip can be 2. Take Advantage of Online like to eat lunch. When you’re eating lunch, found online at visitutah.com/articles/utahsReviews unexpected-pit-stops. ask them where they like to eat dinner. Ask “Read and give positive reviews locals, ‘Where should I go? What hike should Read more on how to support Utah's on TripAdvisor and Yelp. When you write I take that’s off the beaten path?’” local artists online at visitutah.com/articles/ reviews, add ratings, and leave comments supporting-utah-artists. — Kristen Lavelett, executive director of Local on Google Maps or Trip Advisor this really First Utah helps small businesses. You’re doing a service
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4 Days • 459 Miles
RED ROCK & DARK SKIES: STARGAZING THE NATIONAL PARKS National parks keep getting better after dark
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erene sanctuaries of natural darkness dominate this Utah corridor after the sun goes down. Hit the road for a celestial feast of awesome sights, sounds and skies. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or have experienced red rock before, pay attention to how it comes alive under a dark night sky. This road trip through southwest Utah takes you to four of Utah’s best places to see the Milky Way — Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument. (Please see note below for spring travel). Three of these dark sky locations are certified International Dark Sky Parks, certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Cedar Breaks) and Kodachrome Basin is surrounded by the Grand Staircase — Escalante National Monument, a rugged and vast red rock landscape under sweeping dark skies. Take advantage of star parties for optimal viewing and ranger-led interpretations to guide you through the night sky. You'll also pass through Utah's first International Dark Sky Community, Torrey, at the gateway to Capitol Reef.
BY THE UTAH OFFICE OF TOURSIM
The highlight of this four-day trip is the nighttime, and each night will have you staring at the heavens and filled with awe. While this itinerary has some of the most popular daytime experiences, it's also like nothing you've ever done before. Do everything you'd normally do — hike, climb, hang out — but when the stars come out, you won't be going to bed. If you’re planning this trip in the summer, the Milky Way will be as spectacular as ever. During New Moons, the sky will be at its darkest and the stars will really shine, in Utah, one of the best places to see the Milky Way. Embrace the spirit of astrotourism as you escape from the city lights and commotion. There’s a big, beautiful dark sky out here for the viewing and the dark sky locations to treasure this astral adventure are suggested below. Discover more about stargazing in Utah and find tips on what to pack or when and where to stargaze at visitutah. com/darkskies. See these three and many more itineraries on visitutah.com.
Note: If visiting in the spring, the road to Cedar Breaks National Monument, at 10,000 feet above sea level, may still be closed for the winter. To extend this trip, consider adding a day in the beginning for a stop at the IDA-accredited International Dark Sky Park Goblin Valley State Park.
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Photos courtesy of Utah Office of Tourism.
DAY 1
DAY 2
SALT LAKE CITY TO CAPITOL REEF
CAPITOL REEF TO KODACHROME
Linger for breakfast or brunch in vibrant downtown Salt Lake City or get right on your way to your first Mighty 5® destination. When you get close, enjoy your cruise on the Capitol Reef Country Scenic Byway, or if you're not tired of time on the road, continue your scenic drive on a recommended route. If you're ready to stretch your legs, park the car and take off on a day hike, ideally through one of Capitol Reef National Park's slot canyons. Meander your way back in time for dinner (or a pie at nearby Gifford Homestead) and set your sights on the stars. They're worth the wait and a little less sleep. It's time to experience the Milky Way served up Capitol Reef style. Camp in the national park or overnight in Torrey.
Whether you take the morning slow or fast, find your way to Zagat-rated Hell's Backbone Grill in Boulder, which happens to be a convenient midway destination between today's stopping points. If you want, stop in at the Anasazi State Park Museum. The best news of the day? The entire day's drive is along the famous AllAmerican Road: Scenic Byway 12. This overlook-full drive is one of the most fascinating stretches of road in the country. If you have a hike in you, make it Lower Calf Creek falls. Wear yourself out, but not so much that you can't stay up for another outstanding night of stargazing in Kodachrome Basin (an astrophotography favorite). Stay at one of Kodachrome Basin's campgrounds or in nearby Cannonville where cabins and villa rentals are available.
224 MILES | TORREY, FRUITA HISTORIC DISTRICT
115 MILES | ANASAZI STATE PARK MUSEUM, LOWER CALF CREEK
DAY 3
DAY 4
KODACHROME TO BRYCE CANYON
BRYCE CANYON TO CEDAR BREAKS
Take a quick drive from Kodachrome Basin to Bryce Canyon National Park, your second Mighty 5® destination of the trip. Explore Bryce Canyon on a scenic drive or take a memorable hike on the Navajo Loop trail. This trail is a beautiful loop any time of day or year, but Sunset Point is a great place to be as the sun descends below the horizon — with only the rocky hoodoos to keep you company. Check in to Bryce Canyon Lodge and enjoy rustic accommodations and tasty food in a beautiful setting. In the evening, catch a ranger-led astronomy program or experience the dark sky splendor in your own way. As the second certified International Dark Sky Park of the trip, during moonless and clear nights at Bryce, 7,500 stars will welcome you to their domain. Additional lodging options include in-park campgrounds or in Bryce Canyon City when planning an evening of stargazing in Utah.
If it suits your fancy, take a break from the outstanding performances of the natural world and experience culture at the Tony award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City. After catching a performance or two and a bite to eat, switch from the theater to a natural red rock amphitheater at Cedar Breaks National Monument. The final certified International Dark Sky Park of the trip, Cedar Breaks is a perfect place to reflect on the famous Shakespeare line "All the world's a stage," as you lay on your back, look up and enjoy a final star show. Too tired to drive home? There’s great high-elevation camping at Cedar Breaks' Point Supreme Campground or terrific resort lodging at nearby Brian Head Resort. (Road closed in winter.)
22 MILES | QUEEN'S GARDEN TRAIL AND NAVAJO LOOP
98 MILES | UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
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3 Days • 113 Miles
POWDER DREAMS
BY THE UTAH OFFICE OF TOURSIM
Quick access to three distinct ski areas and a choice of seven resorts
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his three-day powder dream ski vacation takes you to Utah ski resorts all known for their seemingly endless stashes of deep powder. In Salt Lake City and Ogden, you can ski or ride all day then relax slopeside for the night, or make the short trip back to the city for a night on the town. Salt Lake City isn't your regular ski town — it's a Ski City. With big city, world-class amenities galore and 10 different resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City, Utah ski trips can satiate any skier's or snowboarder's lust for more time on the mountain's powder. And not just any powder: Utah’s own
brand of powder, the fluffy stuff with perfect floatation we call The Greatest Snow on Earth®. Best of all, living your powder dreams can be budget-friendly, or can tap a metropolitan lifestyle and high culture. This three-day itinerary visits your choice of Ski City’s four resorts, plus makes the short drive north for a bonus day on one of Ogden’s resorts. Once you get a taste for Utah ski trips — and once you realize how close it all is — you may never want to ski anywhere else. Explore the itinerary, then start planning your Utah ski vacation online at visitutah.com/plan-your-trip/plan-your-ski-trip.
DAY 1 SLC TO BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON
36 MILES | SALT LAKE CITY, BRIGHTON, SOLITUDE, NIGHT SKIING
Take your pick from the Big Cottonwood Canyon resorts: Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Ski Resort. The amenities, accessibility and affordability of both resorts make Brighton and Solitude a great deal — it’s no stretch to say they’re some of the best family ski resorts out there. While you can enjoy an incredible day at either resort, they also offer the combined SolBright Pass, which enables skiers to access your choice of 15 lifts and over the resorts’ combined 2,250 skiable acres and 130 named runs. The SolBright access trail is from the Milly lift at Brighton, though lessexperienced skiers may opt for the short bus trip to the other resort. Brighton Ski Resort has one of Utah’s longest ski school traditions, multiple terrain parks for riders and excellent night skiing. Milly Bowl is a powdery playground that can keep you interested all day. Deer Valley’s acquisition of Solitude Mountain Resort ushered in an era of legendary customer service and incredible dining experiences
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in the resort’s European-style village and base (complete with Nordic center and ice skating) and mid-mountain. Don't miss Honeycomb Canyon. If your legs can take it, try out night skiing at Brighton Resort, offering 200 acres of lighted runs. Sometimes the best powder comes out to play at night. LODGING: Choose
from 150 hotels for a base camp in Salt Lake City, which offers the best access to the city’s culture, nightlife and 1,000+ restaurants. Or lodging at one of the resorts offers cozy mountain accommodations at great rates and the shortest path to first chair if you’re less of a morning person and want the extra 30 minutes of sleep.
THE DRIVE: It’s less than 10 minutes from SLC International to downtown, and roughly 30–40 minutes to the top of the canyon. Add a few minutes for canyon ski traffic on the weekend.
DAY 2
DAY 3
SLC TO LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON
SLC TO OGDEN
Big Cottonwood Canyon’s not-so-little sibling to the south, Little Cottonwood Canyon, also offers quick metro-to-mountain access and the same option to pick a single resort, or purchase a combined pass. You’ll also find plenty of gear rental outfitters if you don’t have your own equipment.
Spend a day on the slopes of one of Ogden's three resorts, then grab an early meal in Ogden Valley or extend your night on the historic, lively and artsy 25th Street area of downtown Ogden.
32 MILES | SNOWBIRD'S CLIFF SPA, ALTA'S RUSTLER SPA
The AltaSnowbird Pass enables skiers to access both resorts' terrain via a connection gate at the saddle separating Alta's Albion Basin and Snowbird's Mineral Basin. The result is a combined 4,700 acres and some 283 runs. Though there’s a good balance among beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain (with the edge going to intermediate and advanced), both resorts offer some of Utah’s best steep and deep. Alta Ski Area is a skier's paradise (no snowboards allowed) that receives 550 inches of the fluffy white stuff per year on average and features a vertical drop of more than 2,000 feet and some of Utah’s most storied ski runs, like the infamous High Rustler. While there’s great terrain for beginners at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, expert skiers and riders can carve first tracks in wide-open bowls, fly down steep chutes, and make their way through the mountain itself on North America's only ski tunnel. Be sure to hit the 1,200 vertical feet and 40-degree pitch of North Baldy. New for 2016 is the 23,000-square-foot Summit Lodge on Snowbird's Hidden Peak, which offers a local-inspired menu with an 11,000-foot view.
45 MILES | OGDEN, SNOWBASIN, POWDER MOUNTAIN, NORDIC VALLEY
During the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Snowbasin Resort was the site for men and women’s downhill, super G and combined races. You'll see why this epic resort was selected for three competitions with its 3,000 skiable acres, 3,000 vertical feet and luxurious day lodges. The view into the Ogden Valley from the Gondola is alone worth the ride up the mountain. The largest of the three Ogden ski resorts, Powder Mountain, offers prime powder stashes on this sprawling mountainscape with 7,000 acres of skiable terrain. Skiers relish in both the groomed slopes and the sidecountry and backcountry acres like the incredible Shug’r Bowl. Steep, untouched and unbelievable, Shug’r Bowl is pure mountain bliss. Accessible only by snowcat, it’s like a VIP room for powder hounds and exactly what you would expect from a resort with powder in its name. Work is underway to grow the boutique Nordic Valley Ski Resort to 2,000 acres. For now, you’ll enjoy intimate slopes that showcase great variety, excellent night skiing, and a terrain park with more than 20 features. THE DRIVE: On I-15 northbound, it’s less than an hour to the Ogden Valley. It’s about 30 minutes back to downtown Ogden.
After two days of skiing, relax at a spa and loosen up for an evening out on the town. Salt Lake City boasts the metropolitan culture and nightlife of a world-class city. LODGING: Salt
Lake City or slopeside at Alta or Snowbird. Both resorts offer extensive lodging options and amenities, ranging from inexpensive dorm-style rooms at Alta and rustic bars to the fine dining and renowned rooftop spa of Snowbird’s Cliff Lodge.
THE DRIVE: Return to Salt Lake base camp after skiing Big Cottonwood Canyon or head straight to a lodge or hotel up Little Cottonwood. It’s about 35 minutes back downtown, or 45 minutes to the top of the neighboring canyon. Add a few minutes for canyon ski traffic on the weekend.
Photos courtesy of Utah Office of Tourism. Top photo by Jeremiah Watt. Middle photo by Marc Piscotty. Right photo by Scott Markewitz.
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Utah's National Parks: Just the Start of Your Southern Utah Itinerary
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ADAPTED FROM THE UTAH OFFICE OF TOURISM’S OFFICIAL UTAH TRAVEL GUIDE WRITTEN BY: ANDREW GILLMAN, ROSIE G. SERAGO AND SARA HOBBS, UTAH OFFICE OF TOURISM
reat access to Utah’s parks and outdoors begins within 30 minutes of the Salt Lake City International Airport in northern Utah, including national forests and monuments crossing high-alpine adventure, tranquil lakes, mountain ranges and hidden caverns.
Once you head south, you’ll find yourself on one of the many astonishingly scenic drives that mark the way for visitors to The Mighty 5® national parks. Though a truly memorable road trip requires taking in all the unexpected national monuments, national forests, towns, state parks and scenic lands in between the iconic parks.
Before you start, stop in at a local visitor’s centers for tips and resources. Be aware of cooler nighttime temperatures, check weather/closures and make sure to secure permits if you plan to enter the backcountry. Learn more about all five parks at visitutah.com/ mighty5.
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
Where pioneer orchards meet wild and unexpected geology
WHAT TO DO Near the visitor center, hike Hickman Bridge or the Grand Wash, among other trails. Take the time to examine petroglyph panels and drive the 8-mile scenic drive. You can also explore the rainbow-hued sandstone “reefs” and canyons of the Waterpocket Fold or tour the Temples of the Sun and Moon and the rest of Cathedral Valley’s sculptured sandstone monoliths.
WHERE TO STAY The welcoming and eclectic town of Torrey is the primary gateway to Capitol Reef and includes local dining like Cafe Diablo. In towns between Hanksville and Loa you’ll find additional motel and bed and breakfast accommodations. Boulder boasts the Zagatrated Hell’s Backbone Grill. Open yearround, Capitol Reef ’s campgrounds are firstcome, first-served, including a developed campground in Fruita and primitive campgrounds in the backcountry.
COMPLETE YOUR ITINERARY
CLEVELAND-LLOYD DINOSAUR QUARRY & JURASSIC NATIONAL MONUMENT | 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES FROM CAPITOL REEF
Utah’s newest national monument displays the world’s densest concentration of dinosaur bones — more than 12,000 discovered. Open April–September; but check before you go. Kids get in free.
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FREMONT INDIAN STATE PARK AND MUSEUM | 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES FROM CAPITOL REEF
This museum marks the site of one of the largest-known Fremont culture villages and showcases the discovery of this village by a road construction crew. Nearby hiking trails explore petroglyphs and pictographs. Camp or rent a teepee for an evening beneath pristine dark skies. GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK | 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES FROM CAPITOL REEF
Whimsical sandstone landscape captures and stretches the imagination. Experience this amazing place by hiking, camping and biking the surrounding canyons. It’s also a certified International Dark Sky Park. SAN RAFAEL SWELL | 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES FROM CAPITOL REEF
Start at the 1,000-foot Wedge Overlook, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective of the Little Grand Canyon, a 14-mile path cut by the San Rafael River. Next, drive down into the Buckhorn Draw Backway to experience a wealth of petroglyphs, hiking, climbing and camping. The southern portion of the Swell is more rugged, so take a map and plenty of fuel. Most roads in this area are unpaved, needing high-clearance and 4WD. Top photo courtesy of Audrey Livingston. Top right photo courtesy of Tom Till |Temples of the Sun and Moon - Cathedral Valley - Capitol Reef NP. Middle right photo courtesty of Gifford Barn | Capitol Reef National Park. Bottom right photo Goblin Valley.
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Every arch frames 300-million-years of patient erosion
WHAT TO DO
COMPLETE YOUR ITINERARY
Garden beg a closer look.
GREEN RIVER | 45 MINUTES FROM ARCHES VISITOR CENTER
DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK | 40 MINUTES Enjoy the 18-mile scenic drive (one-way) — travel patiently and respect parking regulations. FROM ARCHES’ VISITOR CENTER Also, note the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint! Many visitors find the views at Dead Horse Point to be more captivating than the Grand Park Avenue, Balanced Rock and the Canyon. A visitor center and gallery provide Windows Section hikes display diverse a wonderful introduction to the park’s formations and high concentration of geology. There are also mountain biking arches. More than 2,000 arches give the park its name, but Delicate Arch and Devils trails, campsites and reservable yurts.
WHERE TO STAY Five miles away in Moab, find great local cuisine, coffee, brews and abundant accommodations, or seek out nearby resort destinations like Red Cliffs Lodge or Sorrel River Ranch and Spa. Pack your tent for the public lands that surround Moab. There are additional lodging options in nearby Green River. Devils Garden Campground fills up, so make reservations up to six months in advance for stays March 1–October 31.
Green River is the name of a welcoming small town, a lush state park and one of the West’s great rivers. Stay in the town of Green River as a base camp for Arches National Park, or for a rafting trip on the Green River Daily, or another world-class float. With a rafting guide or permit, take on the Green River’s famous Desolation Canyon. MOAB MOUNTAIN BIKING | MOST TRAILS 10–20 MINUTES FROM ARCHES OR MOAB
The Slickrock Trail of Sand Flats is one of the most famous trails located within a stone’s throw of the biking/hiking/off-road mecca
known as Moab. But there’s biking for days: Magnificent 7, Intrepid, Klondike Bluff and Bar M are just a few of the must-ride trail systems in the area. UPPER COLORADO RIVER SCENIC BYWAY | JUNCTION 5 MINUTES SOUTH OF ARCHES ENTRANCE
Part of the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, the 44-mile state Route 128 accesses trailheads, rafting, wine tasting, renowned hiking, and multi-pitch climbing in Fisher Towers and Castle Valley, both of which have served as popular backdrops for film and TV, from John Wayne to “Westworld.”
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Wave after wave of deep canyons formed by two mighty rivers
WHAT TO DO A Canyonlands’ adventure includes short hikes, rapids and backcountry. Island in the Sky is the popular northern section accessible from Moab, where hikes access views of the Colorado River and the Green River. The Needles District has short hikes but is also a backpacker’s playground. The remote Maze District is Canyonlands’ jumbled stone playground, requiring backcountry use permits and a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle. With an extra day, see the Great Gallery pictographs of Horseshoe Canyon.
WHERE TO STAY Moab and Monticello are popular base camps for Island in the Sky and the Needles
districts, respectively, and each offers excellent accommodations. While Moab is known as an outdoor adventure destination and for its proximity to Arches National Park, Monticello is a high-elevation retreat with easy access to Bears Ears National Monument, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and the Four Corners region. Consider Green River for Horseshoe Canyon and Blanding or Bluff for Bears Ears.
COMPLETE YOUR ITINERARY
EDGE OF THE CEDARS STATE PARK MUSEUM | 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES FROM NEEDLES VISITOR CENTER
This museum is a beautiful repository for ancient artifacts in the Four Corners region. The exhibits and on-site kiva showcase Ancestral Puebloan culture along with contemporary Native American items and the largest display of artifacts in the area. GOOSENECKS STATE PARK | 30 MINUTES FROM MONUMENT VALLEY
Look down upon the San Juan River 1,000 feet below you and see the results
of 300-million-years of erosion. It’s worth lingering for the sunset. From this primitive state park, you can see the famous goosenecks and also enjoy a picnic and a campsite with great views. MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK | 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES FROM NEEDLES VISITOR CENTER
The iconic symbol of the American West and sacred heart of the Navajo Nation will feel hauntingly familiar and deeply spiritual to fans of Hollywood as your Navajo guide escorts you through the park — the best way to experience the park. Please respect tribal customs. NATURAL BRIDGES NATIONAL MONUMENT | 2 HOURS 15 MINUTES FROM NEEDLES VISITOR CENTER
Discover three majestic bridges carved by water and time including Sipapu (“place of emergence”), the world’s second-largest natural bridge. See the bridges from the scenic drive or hike down moderate to difficult trails. Stay late for a star show under some of the nation’s darkest skies.
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BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees
Landmark, is open April through November and offers cabin rentals. Check for limited The 37-mile scenic drive from the visitor center availability during winter months. accesses multiple overlooks. The Rim Trail COMPLETE YOUR ITINERARY offers sights deep into the main amphitheater ANASAZI STATE PARK MUSEUM | 1 HOUR 40 while Rainbow, Yovimpa and Inspiration MINUTES FROM BRYCE CANYON Points access different perspectives. At the base of the towering 11,000-foot Some of the park’s iconic hoodoos stand Boulder Mountain, get an up close and 10 stories tall — something you’ll have personal look into life from almost 1,000 to hike (or horseback) into the canyon to fully appreciate. The park’s colors also come years ago. Explore what was once one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan communities alive with sunrises and sunsets, and the west of the Colorado River. show continues at nightfall with dark sky astronomy programs. ESCALANTE PETRIFIED FOREST STATE PARK | 1
WHAT TO DO
WHERE TO STAY Bryce Canyon City, Panguitch, Tropic, Cannonville and Henrieville offer a range of accommodations on Highway 12 with easy access to Bryce Canyon, Dixie National Forest and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. There is camping in the park, but it fills up fast. Nearby Kodachrome Basin State Park also offers great camping. Bryce Canyon Lodge, a National Historic
This massive and remote area is packed with outdoor adventure and star-filled night skies. Slot canyons, slickrock and other geologic wonders fill your line of sight while hiking, mountain biking, off-roading and camping. Get help planning at the visitor centers in Big Water, Kanab, Escalante or HOUR FROM BRYCE CANYON Cannonville. Check out the 4-mile hike to Discover the kaleidoscopic colors of fossilized, Escalante Natural Bridge. prehistoric wood alongside expansive vistas KODACHROME BASIN STATE PARK | 40 of the surrounding mountains and Grand MINUTES FROM BRYCE CANYON Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This state park features 67 monolithic stone Cool off in idyllic Wide Hollow Reservoir spires, part of a multicolored landscape so and enjoy great fishing and camping at this beautiful it earned the nickname “Kodachrome” state park base camp. after a popular Kodak film. Today, visitors GRAND STAIRCASE–ESCALANTE NATIONAL enjoy camping and hiking across 2,240 acres of MONUMENT | 30 MINUTES FROM BRYCE CANYON TO THE CANNONVILLE VISITOR CENTER photogenic, geologic wonder.
ZION NATIONAL PARK
A thousand-foot-deep red rock canyon, nested in dramatic surroundings
WHAT TO DO Plan time for ranger-led programs and the Human History Museum. Hike the Pa’rus, Grotto and the Watchman trails, but with more intensity, hike to Observation Point to find Zion’s monoliths and a grand view.
COMPLETE YOUR ITINERARY
CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT | 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES FROM ZION
Drive at 10,000 feet through the lush Dixie National Forest, where a fairyland amphitheater of multicolored limestone Explore Zion Canyon’s famous slot canyons, strata plunges 2,000 feet deep into the plateau. Explore hiking trails or camp under including The Narrows, which are better explored with a guide. Rent gear from a local the stars in summer and enjoy cross-country skiing in winter. outfitter and hike them in the winter! Be sure to also visit the Kolob Canyons section CORAL PINK SAND DUNES STATE PARK| 1 HOUR FROM ZION and the backcountry of the West Rim. This park boasts 2,000 acres of sand open WHERE TO STAY to OHVs. It’s the only major sand dune On scenic state Route 9, Springdale is the field on the Colorado Plateau, and great for primary gateway to Zion, and it offers a full OHV enthusiasts, hikers, sandboarders and range of accommodations, as well as diverse families in search of a unique site. dining, coffee, spa and entertainment GLEN CANYON AND LAKE POWELL | 1 HOUR 45 hotspots. Reserve a spot for the Watchman MINUTES FROM ZION or South campgrounds. Numerous lodging Accessed from Wahweap marina (or Bullfrog options are available in nearby towns La marina from the northeast), this is a Verkin, Virgin, Rockville, Cedar City and 1.2-million-acre paradise for houseboaters, St. George. Though further away, Kanab is kayakers, anglers and photographers. For the also a great base camp for certain itineraries. most adventurous, Rainbow Bridge National 66
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
Monument is accessible from Lake Powell (depending on lake level and trail condition) and is one of the world’s largest natural bridges. With a permit, serious trekkers can also backpack to the bridge. SNOW CANYON STATE PARK | 1 HOUR FROM ZION
Cut by water, sculpted by wind and time, Snow Canyon’s Navajo sandstone cliffs share the same history and geology as Zion, and offers hiking, climbing, cycling and camping.
r e v o c s i D our y ture n e v d A Photo Credit: Amanda Livingston
JuabTravel.com | (435) 623-5203
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YOUNG AT HEART AND ACTIVE FOR LIFE:
R
etirement is just the beginning for those find one of Utah’s many lakes to soak up the sun and wait for the fish to bite. who are young at heart, and Utah is the perfect playground for those young A DIFFERENT TYPE OF MOVIE or old. Whether you live in Utah, or are just NIGHT visiting, you’ll have endless opportunities to stay active, get some fresh air, or even stay in. Drive-in Movies, slowly becoming a thing of the past, made a comeback across the country THE ULTIMATE PICNIC in 2020. Grab some popcorn and snacks, drive Whether you’re in the heart of downtown to one of the drive-in theatres across the state, Salt Lake City, or anywhere else in the and enjoy a movie from the comfort of your state, chances are you’re close to both a own car just like back in the day. Enjoy a new farmer’s market and many leisurely hiking blockbuster film, or showings of some popular opportunities. Take a stroll through one of the classics. many local farmer’s markets in the summer, ACTIVE IN THE BACKYARD sample and buy local products from some of Utah’s many farmers and food sellers, and take One of the best ways to stay active, and get a hike to find the best picnic spot in nature. some fresh air, is spending time outside at Check out some beautiful hiking trails across your own home. Take some time to garden the state at visitutah.com/things-to-do/hiking and make your space a sanctuary where you’ll
THE GREAT OUTDOORS If you live in Utah, it is likely you’ve enjoyed one of Utah’s favorite pastimes of getting out to fish or hunt in the early morning hours, or set up camp in the mountains to enjoy the sound of the wind through the aspen trees. If you are not one to enjoy sleeping in a tent, rent an RV or find one of the many cabins or yurts throughout the state to camp in style. Then, 68
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
want to spend all your time. Take a class on Localscapes by the Conservation Water Park (many are free) for the best ways to utilize waterwise plants.
Now that you have made your backyard a place of comfort, take your exercise outside with an online fitness class. You are sure to find one at any comfort level, and can fit it into your schedule at any time that works best for you.
Or, search out one of the many group outdoor fitness classes available across the state.
TAKE IN AND CAPTURE THE SCENERY Utah has so many scenic drives and byways from which to choose. Pack up your camera and hit the road on a relaxing, and beautiful drive. Take some time to stop along the way, stretch your legs, and practice your photography. Find a small local restaurant to grab lunch, and ask a local the best things to see.
TAKE A TOUR VIRTUALLY One thing that has allowed for travel to anywhere in the world, from the comfort of your own home, is the increasingly popular virtual tour. Power up your computer, and choose from one of the many available tours. For a compilation of virtual tours to take in Utah, go to visitutah.com/articles/how-toexperience-utah-virtually No matter what adventure your heart desires, you can likely find it in Utah. Come visit and see for yourself — you might just decide you want to stay forever.
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Ski Utah: W
hen you think of the Greatest Snow on Earth®, a few things probably come to mind — deep, dry fluffy powder turns, perfectly groomed corduroy, that special crunching sound that only a perfectly fresh snow can make under your ski boot, and most of all … the big, happy smiles all around. But Utah doesn’t just provide the Greatest Snow on Earth® (and it does, based on empirical scientific research done at the University of Utah by atmospheric scientist, Jim Steenburgh), it also provides the greatest time on Earth (no research needed). Finding a vacation spot that fits the bill for everyone in the group isn’t always an easy feat. One person wants to see local artists and experience the dining, another is an
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YOUR PERFECT MOUNTAIN GETAWAY AWAITS WRITTEN BY: ANELISE BERGIN, SKI UTAH
adrenaline-seeker looking for the next big adventure, and there’s always a few in the group who just want that perfect Instagram post. Tired of pulling your hair out trying to accommodate all these requests? Pile them all in the car, or on a non-stop flight (offered from over 98 cities around the world) and bring them to Utah. With 15 resorts in the state (10 less than an hour from the airport), 54 local breweries and distilleries, and an average of 229 sunny days in Park City, the possibilities are endless. Stay in Salt Lake City and experience local restaurants, shops and history while others in the group head for a day on the slopes at one of 10 resorts located just 45 minutes away. Stay in the town of Park City and experience ski-in, ski-out mountain-town luxury with
Sundance Ski Resort. © 2016 Marc Piscotty.
plenty to do for the whole family, from snowshoeing to spa experiences to gallery hopping. Find an off-the-beaten-path, artfocused experience beneath the towering Mt. Timpanogos at Sundance Resort. Ski in the desert red rock in Southern Utah at Brian Head Resort. Find quiet powder skiing and epic views at Snowbasin or Powder Mountain, then head back to Ogden to see the stars like never before at North Fork Park, a designated International Dark-Sky Association location, just minutes from downtown. A true crowd pleaser, Utah’s resorts are ready to show your group a great time. Experience a getaway, and snow, unlike any other — only in Utah.
ALTA SKI AREA
BEAVER MOUNTAIN
BRIAN HEAD RESORT
Average Annual Snowfall: 547” Highest Point: 11,068’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 2,614 Vertical Drop: 2,538’ Distance from SLC Airport: 37 miles Best Known For: Incredible powder for skiersonly since 1938. Alta is the second oldest ski area in America to have lift-served skiing and is one of only three resorts in the United States that does not allow snowboarding.
Average Annual Snowfall: 400” Highest Point: 8,800’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 828 Vertical Drop: 1,700’ Distance from SLC Airport: 2 hours Best Known For: No crowds, affordable lift tickets and an old-school style. Thanks to a northeastern slope exposure and wellmaintained slopes, “the Beav” offers some of the best skiing and riding in the state.
Average Annual Snowfall: 360” Highest Point: 11,307’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 650 Vertical Drop: 1,707’ Distance from SLC Airport: 3.5 hours Best Known For: Utah’s southernmost ski resort with unreal red-rock scenery and dry powder. New for the 2019-20 ski season, the new high-speed Navajo Express quad chairlift has replaced the fixed-grip triple chair on Navajo Mountain.
BRIGHTON RESORT
CHERRY PEAK RESORT
DEER VALLEY RESORT
Average Annual Snowfall: 500” Highest Point: 10,500’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 1,050 Vertical Drop: 1,875’ Distance from SLC Airport: 36 miles Best Known For: Where the locals learn to ski or ride. Brighton has excellent terrain parks, a variety of advanced terrain, and is one of the snowiest resorts in the state, with every run accessed by high speed quad.
Average Annual Snowfall: 322” Highest Point: 7,050’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 200 Vertical Drop: 1,221’ Distance from SLC Airport: 1.5 hours Best Known For: A refreshing, nonintimidating, affordable ski experience. Perfect for beginners and those who are looking for an intimate, unique experience hidden away in the Cache Valley. Open seven days a week for night-skiing.
Average Annual Snowfall: 300” Highest Point: 9,570’ above ski level Skiable Acres: 2,026 Vertical Drop: 3,000’ Distance from SLC Airport: 39 miles Best Known For: An iconic, skiers-only, luxury resort experience with a friendly vibe, offering everything from a ski valet to ski-in, ski-out luxury accommodations, to a five-star dining reputation. Renowned for its expertly groomed runs and an exceptional ski school.
EAGLE POINT RESORT
NORDIC VALLEY
PARK CITY MOUNTAIN
Average Annual Snowfall: 350” Highest Point: 10,600’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 650 Vertical Drop: 1,500’ Distance from SLC Airport: 3 hours Best Known For: A picturesque resort off the beaten path with affordable lift tickets. After the holidays, Eagle Point is only open Friday through Monday, reserving Tuesday through Thursday for private groups. Rent the entire resort for yourself and 200 of your closest friends.
Average Annual Snowfall: 300” Highest Point: 6,400’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 120 Vertical Drop: 1,000’ Distance from SLC Airport: 53 miles Best Known For: All-access night skiing — ski 100% of the resort until 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Small and intimate, Nordic Valley offers an authentic experience with all its base services out of one lodge, an iconic red-roofed barn.
Average Annual Snowfall: 355” Highest Point: 10,000’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 7,300 Vertical Drop: 3,200’ Distance from SLC Airport: 37 miles Best Known For: Expansive terrain, a worldclass ski and snowboard school, and historic, mountain-town charm. The most lift-served acreage in the United States, nestled right against the beautiful town of Park City.
POWDER MOUNTAIN
SNOWBASIN RESORT
SNOWBIRD
Average Annual Snowfall: 500” Highest Point: 9,422’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 8,464* Vertical Drop: 2,205’ Distance from SLC Airport: 57 miles Best Known For: You won’t find many lift lines or tracked-out runs at Powder Mountain. Only 1,500 tickets are sold daily, preserving an unprecedented ski experience with plenty of powder to go around. Over 8,000 acres when you include cat skiing and ski shuttled terrain.
Average Annual Snowfall: 300” Highest Point: 9,350’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 3,000 Vertical Drop: 3,000’ Distance from SLC Airport: 47 miles Best Known For: Despite being named as the most accessible resort in the West by Ski Magazine (2019), Snowbasin has remained of the best-kept secrets of Utah. The resort was also home to the downhill events in the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Average Annual Snowfall: 500” Highest Point: 11,000’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 2,500 Vertical Drop: 3,200’ Distance from SLC Airport: 32 miles Best Known For: Snowbird has the longest ski season of any resort in Utah, with its closing day often in May, and occasionally in the summer months. The mountain is home to Utah’s only aerial tram, a 125-passenger lift that whisks up 2,900 vertical ft.
SOLITUDE MOUNTAIN RESORT
SUNDANCE MOUNTAIN RESORT
WOODWARD PARK CITY
Average Annual Snowfall: 500” Highest Point: 10,488’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 1,200 Vertical Drop: 2,494’ Distance from SLC Airport: 34 miles Best Known For: A European-style base village with inviting lodging, incredible views and a variety of terrain from beginner to advanced. In addition to downhill, Solitude also boasts 20 kilometers of Nordic skiing.
Average Annual Snowfall: 300” Highest Point: 8,250’ above sea level Skiable Acres: 450 Vertical Drop: 2,150’ Distance from SLC Airport: 55 miles Best Known For: Nestled directly under Mountain Timpanogos’s 12,000 ft. peak, Sundance boasts some of the most breathtaking views in Utah. The resort also boasts two award winning restaurants and a charming village.
Indoor Area: 66,000 square feet Outdoor Area: 125 acres Highest Point: 6,812’ above sea level Distance from SLC Airport: 27 miles Best Known For: Woodward’s first Utah location offers a world-class, year-round, action sports and ski resort. Outdoor facilities will teach skiing and riding at every level and indoor activities will include trampolines, foam pits, parkour, skateboarding, a tumbling floor and more.
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FUN FOR THE
LOVELAND LIVING PLANET AQUARIUM
Entire Family
Marine-life aquarium with multiple displays featuring more than 2,400 marine animals and three unique experiences: Shark Encounters, Penguin Encounters and Stingray Encounters. thelivingplanet.com MUSEUM OF NATURAL CURIOSITY
A
Explore more than 400 interactive experiences that teach about science and nature in this glass-walled museum located at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. thanksgivingpoint.org/experience/ museum-of-natural-curiosity
s the state with the largest percentage of children in the United States, with nearly 30% of the population under the age of 18, it’s no wonder why there is such a large variety of activities in Utah for families. With both fun and educational options available, you are sure to have fun along with them. BOONDOCKS FUN CENTER
HILL AEROSPACE MUSEUM
With locations in Draper and Kaysville, Boondocks has everything you need for family fun: mini-golf, gokarts, bumper boats, laser tag, arcade games, food and more. boondocks.com CLARK PLANETARIUM
HOGLE ZOO
A planetarium for visitors of all ages who want to discover and learn more about space and science. slco.org/clark-planetarium
DINOSAUR QUARRY EXHIBIT HALL
KENNECOTT COPPER MINE
LABYRINTH REALITY GAMES
Multiple hands-on exhibits allow children the opportunity to learn and be creative while playing and interacting with their environment. discoverygateway.org EVERMORE PARK
The Kennecott Copper Mine is known as the largest man-made excavation, and deepest open-pit mine in the world. Visit the new visitor experience, see the amazing view of the mine and watch the giant dump trucks with 12.5-foot-tall wheels drive by. riotintokennecott.com/visit
LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
Enjoy plant collections, display gardens and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs at Red Butte, the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West. redbuttegarden.org
Non-profit children’s museum in St. George, dedicated to providing vibrant and engaging interactive activities that invite children and families to discover, imagine and create.
sgchildrensmuseum.org THANKSGIVING POINT
A non-profit farm, garden and museum complex just 20 minutes south of Salt Lake. Families love the multiple offerings, including The Museum of Ancient Life, Ashton Gardens and the Butterfly Biosphere. UTAH OLYMPIC PARK
An amusement park in Farmington with fun for all ages: a water park, thrill rides for the adrenaline junkies, a kiddie-land with rides for the little ones, and a variety of games and entertainment. lagoonpark.com Photo courtesy of Audrey Livingston.
THE LEONARDO MUSEUM
This historic 16-mile railroad based in Heber City offers regular scenic passenger trains and various themed family train rides throughout the year. hebervalleyrr.org
RED BUTTE GARDEN
ST. GEORGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
LAGOON AMUSEMENT PARK
HEBER VALLEY RAILROAD
Located at Research Park on the campus of the University of Utah, the mission of the museum is to illuminate the natural world and the place of humans within it. A variety of exhibits make learning fun. nhmu.utah.edu
Take your pick from a variety of themed reality games featuring multi-dimensional escape room challenges. Requires a team of two to four people. Reserved timeslots are available and recommended. labyrinthrealitygames.com
An old-world, European village-themed experience park in Pleasant Grove. This blend of theme park, events, thrills and theatrics allows your family to become immersed in an incredible and unforgettable story. evermore.com
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Exhibiting thousands of artifacts, two galleries, an outside air park, and 70 aircraft on display depicting the history of aviation of the United States Air Force, Hill Aerospace Museum is sure to amaze and educate both children and adults alike. aerospaceutah.org This 42-acre zoo features shaded pathways and more than 800 animals from diverse ecosystems. Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. hoglezoo.org
View the wall of approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones including an Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. There are even places you can touch 149 million year old dinosaur fossils! nps.gov/dino DISCOVERY GATEWAY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF UTAH
WHEELER HISTORIC FARM
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, this museum seeks to connect science, technology and creativity. Kids will love the excitement that comes with creating their own art and technology in the museum’s hands-on exhibits. theleonardo.org
thanksgivingpoint.org
Built for the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games, the Olympic Park has a variety of adventurous activities for the family including bobsledding, watching Nordic ski jump practice in the pool, touring the facility and wandering through the free museum.
utaholympiclegacy.org
A historic farm and public park serve as a large, natural open space in the Salt Lake Valley. With 75 acres of natural landscape, trails and backwoods area, it’s an ideal location for walks and picnics. slco.org/wheeler-farm/visit/park.
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ethnic communities that make Salt Lake their home. From Bosnian stuffed pitas and West African samosas to Chinese dragon dancing and Scottish bagpipes, the sights, sounds and flavors of the festival cannot be found at any other cultural event in Utah.
SUMMER Utah Arts Festival View the latest-and-greatest artwork and find the perfect piece that speaks to your soul at the Utah Arts Festival — the state’s largest outdoor festival. More than 160 visual artists and 100-plus performing artists gather to promote the arts and enhance the quality of life in Utah. The festival features an artist marketplace, music and performing arts, film, street theater, literary arts and Art Yard.
SPRING Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point As the weather turns warmer, the tulips at the Ashton Gardens begin to bloom! Check out the arrival of 280,000 tulips at the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. Spread throughout the 55-acre Thanksgiving Point Gardens, it is definitely a sight to be seen. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Tulip Festival includes music, vendors, food and storytelling for children. Fun fact: All tulips at this festival are imported directly from Holland.
Ogden Twilight
Each spring, Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork explodes with various kinds of hues at the Festival of Colors. This widely popular event observes the tradition, Holi, which celebrates the arrival of spring and the passing of winter. Come ready to get doused in the colors of the rainbow.
Living Traditions Festival
Salt Lake Twilight
Every year, more than 70 different cultural groups come together for the Living Traditions Festival — a free, cultural celebration that showcases traditional music, dance, foods and crafts of the LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
Rainbow flags line the streets of Salt Lake City during the first week of June for the Utah Pride Festival. Celebrate Utah’s diversity and LGBTQ+ community by attending the festival or one of the many Utah Pride Week events, such as the Utah Pride Parade, Pride Interfaith Service, or Pride March and Rally. From its humble beginnings in 1974 as an informal gathering in the park, the Utah Pride Festival has come a long way and continues to grow each year.
Where can you find big-name acts for an unbeatable price? The Ogden Twilight Concert Series, of course! Bands like The Flaming Lips, CHVRCHES, Cold War Kids and The Shins have all graced the Ogden Amphitheater stage at one time for this world-class concert series. On your way to the venue, check out Ogden’s Historic 25th Street, grab a bite at Lucky Slice, then get ready for a night of unbeatable fun and music.
Holi Festival of Colors
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Utah Pride Festival
The Twilight Concert Series is an annual summer event that has been happening in downtown Salt Lake City for over 30 years. Presented by the Salt Lake Arts Council, the goal of the Twilight Concert Series is to bring a diverse line-up of internationally
acclaimed artists to our city with a focus on community involvement and affordability.
Utah Shakespeare Festival Find your inner thespian at the Utah Shakespeare Festival — one of the premier regional theaters in the county and one of the biggest Shakespeare festivals in the nation. During the sixteen-week season, the festival presents classic and contemporary plays in repertory. These plays are then enhanced by interactive festival experiences, such as backstage tours, seminars and orientations — all in an effort to entertain, enrich and educate.
Days of ‘47 Celebrate the arrival of the first pioneer settlers to the Salt Lake Valley by attending one of the many Days of '47 events. From dusting off those cowboy boots for the Days of ‘47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo to camping out for the Days of ‘47 Parade, to working up a sweat at the Deseret News Marathon and the Pioneer Day Concert with The Tabernacle Choir, there is something for every Utahn to do at this time of the year.
Salt City Sounds Concert Series Created in 2016, the Salt City Sounds Concert Series, aims to bring people to the city center to enjoy quality artists and entertainment, and has enjoyed continued success over the last three years.
Loveloud Festival Founded in 2017 by Dan Reynolds, the LOVELOUD Foundation, is a catalyst to bring communities and families together to help ignite the vital conversation about what it means to unconditionally love our LGBTQ+ youth. LOVELOUD offers hope to young people, letting them know they’re not alone and encouraging acceptance in the home and community.
Utah Blues Festival This is the only festival in Utah solely dedicated to increasing awareness of a uniquely American musical/cultural art form — blues music. This festival connects Utahns to a musical genre that has used the American experience as its voice — the blues! By showcasing national and local blues artists, as well
as a Youth Showcase and Workshops, the Utah Blues Festival will provide a unique experience for Utahns to meet and connect around this culturally important musical art form, the foundation of all other American music to follow.
Wasatch International Food Festival The Wasatch is home to some of the greatest and most diverse food on Earth. With the downtown Salt Lake City and Park City hip gastronomic scenes, to restaurants that specialize in locally sourced ingredients, to the traditional ethnic offerings of the West Side's diverse community, you can tour a different part of the world every night of the week. The Wasatch International Food Festival celebrates haute cuisine, street food, and everything in between. We want to dish up these rich and diverse menus with you, with a side of music and fun.
Tastemakers Taste Utah’s innovative culinary landscape at Salt Lake City’s premier outdoor progressive food and drink event— Tastemakers. The two-day Tastemakers pass brings you sample tastings from Utah’s best restaurants in Salt Lake magazine’s exclusive dining pavilion at The Gateway. Limited tickets are available and will sell out….Don’t miss out!
Fairy Tale Festival Join us to celebrate magic, fairies and the rich characters of fairy tales! Everyone will enjoy as we bring these folk tales to life discussing the science and history behind these stories and what we can learn from them. Come experience fairy tale themed crafts, activities and performers in the magical Ashton Gardens. It will be an adventure the whole family can enjoy!
DIY Festival The Craft Lake City DIY Festival is Utah’s largest local-centric, three-day arts festival, with over 250 local artisans, DIY engineers, vintage vendors, and craft food creators, the Google Fiber STEM Building, two stages of music and dance performances, local food trucks, and approximately 20,000 attendees.
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a plethora of events including a rodeo, demolition derby, truck pull, carnival rides and all the fair food you can eat.
Fall Autumn Aloft Join us as we take to skies in beautiful Park City, Utah! The Autumn Aloft features up to 24 hot air balloons and includes Saturday and Sunday morning launch events and a candlestick event on Saturday night set on Park City’s Historic Main Street. All Autumn Aloft events are free to spectators.
Oktoberfest Fall is the time for Snowbird Mountain Resort's annual Oktoberfest, one of Utah’s largest festivals, which draws more than 60,000 visitors. Attendees can enjoy food, brews and fun activities designed for all ages. Discover why Snowbird’s annual festival was voted one of America's 10 Best Oktoberfests by Men's Journal Magazine.
Utah State Fair Bring the whole family out to the Utah State Fairpark and have some fun at the Utah State Fair! This extravaganza offers
Escalante Canyons Art Festival
centerpieces, quilts and gingerbread houses. While you’re finding your festive spirit, meet Santa Claus, check out the gift shops, visit the playhouses and more. All proceeds benefit the Primary Children’s Hospital.
Artists, art lovers, rangers and outdoor enthusiasts gather to celebrate Utah’s canyon country. This week-long festival brings together people near and far for this premier art event of the Colorado Plateau. The festival includes plein air festivities, art exhibits, hands-on activities for all ages, live entertainment, speaker series, film showcase and so much more. Enjoy the changing of the seasons in one of the most beautiful areas in the south.
Last Hurrah
WINTER
Sundance Film Festival
Festival of Trees O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches. Start the holiday season off right with the magic, wonderment and joy of the Festival of Trees. After Thanksgiving, the Mountain America Expo Center is transformed into a winter wonderland of uniquely decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, playhouses,
Take the stress out of planning the perfect New Year's Eve celebration and head to downtown Salt Lake City for Last Hurrah. This free community event features multiple outdoor live music stages, indoor games and a 21-and-over speakeasy lounge. Guests of all ages will find some kind of fun at Utah’s largest countdown celebration.
Every winter since 1985, the Sundance Film Festival becomes the gathering house of storytellers and audiences seeking new voices and fresh perspectives. Their annual program includes dramatic and documentary features and short films; series and episodic content; filmmaker conversations, panel discussions and live music events. It is one event any cinephile won’t want to miss.
ONE UTAH, MANY VOICES The story of religious pioneers settling by a salty sea is the most familiar chapter in Utah’s statehood history. Yet that’s only one story in this state’s fascinating past. As Utah turns 125, celebrate! Attend a virtual event. Explore a multi-faceted exhibit. View an educational video (with lesson plans). > For this and more, visit: thrive125.utah.gov
Thank you to Utah Life and our sponsorsfor their support:
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LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
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Smithfield
Tremonton
Brigham City
Willard Ogden Kaysville Salt Lake City
Mtn Green Park City
Toole Lehi
Heber City Spanish Fork Nephi
Vernal Jensen Roosevelt
Price Huntington
Centerville Redmond Elisinore Beaver Cedar City St. George
Green River
Panguitch Mt. Carmel Kanab
Page
www.stakerparson.com | 801-731-1111
JOIN OUR TEAM
EVENT CALENDAR 2021 ACTIVITIES FROM AROUND THE STATE January Garden City bearlake.org
Sundance Film Festival
January 28-February 3 sundance.org
FEBRUARY
Kanab Balloons & Tunes Roundup
February 19 Kanab visitsouthernutah.com
MARCH
Holi Festival of Colors March 27–28 Spanish Fork festivalofcolorsusa.com
APRIL
St. George Art Festival April 2-3 St. George sgartfestival.com
SLC Marathon
April Virtual Event saltlakecitymarathon.com
Tulip Festival
April-May Lehi thanksgivingpoint.org
MAY
Living Traditions Festival
June 12 Salt Lake City utahbluesfest.org
Utah Shakespeare Festival June 21–October 9 Cedar City bard.org
Utah Arts Festival June 25–27 Salt Lake City uaf.org
Utah Pride Festival June Salt Lake City utahpridecenter.org
JULY
America’s Freedom Festival July 4 Provo freedomfestival.org
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre July–August Logan utahfestival.org
Days of ‘47 Parade July 24 Salt Lake City daysof47.com
AUGUST
Tour of Utah
August Statewide tourofutah.com
Raspberry Days August 6–8 Garden City bearlake.org
© Image courtesy of @swingking via Twenty20
May Salt Lake City livingtraditionsfestival.com
Utah Blues Festival
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LIFE IN UTAH 2021 | SLCHAMBER.com
Sandy Balloon Festival
Xterra Utah Off-Road Triathlon
Craft Lake City DIY Festival
FanX Comic Convention
August Sandy sany.utah.gov
August Salt Lake City craftlakecity.com
September 25 Ogden xterraplanet.com
North Pole Express
November-December Heber City hebervalleyrr.org
DECEMBER Zoo Lights
September 16–18 Salt Lake City fanxsaltlake.com
December Salt Lake City hoglezoo.org
Kanab Western Legends Rodeo
Utah Humanities Book Festival
Lumaze Lights
Oktoberfest
Witchfest at Gardner Village
The Lights at Temple Square
August 27 Kanab visitsouthernutah.com August-October Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort snowbird.com
September-Octover West Jordan gardnervillage.com/ witch-fest
Loveloud Fest
Pumpkin Train
Chalk Art Festival
OCTOBER
August Salt Lake City loveloudfest.com
December-January Salt Lake City utahstatefair.com
September utahhumanities.org
December Salt Lake City templesquare.com
Kanab Polar Express December Kanab visitsouthernutah.com
September-October Heber City hebervalleyrr.org
August Salt Lake City utahfostercare.org/ chalkartfestival
SEPTEMBER
Salt Lake Greek Festival
September Salt Lake City saltlakegreekfestival.com
Swiss Days
September Midway midwayswissdays.com
Festival of Trees
Utah Pride Road Rally October Salt Lake City utahpridecenter.org
December Sandy intermountainhealthcare. org
Craft Lake City Holiday Market
Dine O’Round
October-November Salt Lake City dineoround.com
December-January Salt Lake City craftlakecity.com *Due to publishing timelines, dates and information may change. Please verify dates and times before attending an event.
Pumpkin Nights
October Salt Lake City pumpkinnights.com
NOVEMBER
Luminaria: Experience the Light
Utah State Fair
September Salt Lake City utahstatefair.com
November–January Lehi thanksgivingpoint.org
Ogden Valley Balloon Festival. Photo by Matt Morgan.
Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
JUNE
Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival. Photo by Steve Greenwood
JANUARY
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2021
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