2020
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
CELEBRATING 20,000 HOMES SOLD CELEBRATING 20,000 HOMES SOLD 20,000 HOMES SOLD “We want to CELEBRATING say thank you to the 20,000 homebuyers who have helped make Ivory
“We want to say thank One you to the 20,000for homebuyers who have helped Ivory Homes Utah’s Number Homebuilder 32 consecutive years. Beingmake number one “We want to say thank One youmost to thehouses, 20,000 homebuyers whoopportunities have helped make Ivory Homes Utah’s Number Homebuilder 32 consecutive years. Beingfor number one isn’t just about building the it’sfor about creating so many Homes Number Homebuilder 32 consecutive years. Beingfor number one isn’t justUtah’s about building One the-Clark most houses, it’sforabout creating opportunities so many families and individuals.” Ivory, CEO isn’t just and about building the-Clark most houses, it’s about creating opportunities for so many families individuals.” Ivory, CEO families and individuals.” -Clark Ivory, CEO
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DECORATED DECORATED MODEL HOMES DECORATED MODEL HOMES MODEL HOMES
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INNOVATIVE INNOVATIVE HOME PLANS INNOVATIVE HOME PLANS HOME PLANS
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STUNNING STUNNING COMMUNITIES STUNNING COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES
We're confident we can build you the perfect home to match your lifestyle in a We're confident we can build Get you ready the perfect match your lifestyle in a convenient location. to callhome Utahtoyour new home. We're confident we can build Get you ready the perfect match your lifestyle in a convenient location. to callhome Utahtoyour new home. convenient location. Get ready to call Utah your new home. DOWNLOAD OUR 2020 CATALOG AT IVORYHOMES.COM/DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD OUR 2020 CATALOG AT IVORYHOMES.COM/DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD OUR 2020 CATALOG AT IVORYHOMES.COM/DOWNLOAD IVORYHOMES.COM | 801.747.7000
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TABLE OF CONTENTS LIVE
WORK
14 WELCOME TO UTAH 16 GETTING AROUND 18 UTAH HOUSING MARKET 20 HEALTHCARE 24 UTAH REGIONS
44 UTAH EMPLOYMENT TRENDS 56 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE 48 TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 58 RURAL UTAH 50 EXECUTIVE PROFILE: MOLLY MAZZOLINI 60 UTAH ECONOMY TRENDS 52 EXECUTIVE PROFILE: BJ STRINGHAM 64 SMALL BUSINESS IN UTAH 54 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS 66 CLOSING THE GENDER WAGE GAP
LEARN
PLAY
Discover why people love Utah
Transportation options in Salt Lake
What's in store for 2020
Award-winning healthcare
Discover your favorite part of the state
PUBLIC EDUCATION IN UTAH 70 74 AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS 76 HIGHER EDUCATION 78 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 80 BETTER DAYS 2020 Utah’s school system
Additional education and development
Utah's diverse education system
The many ways Utahns can volunteer
Popularizing Utah women's history
What's on the horizon for Utah business
Utah real estate confidently growing
Companies in Utah to work for
Growing Utah's rural workforce
Brought to Utah by the 2002 Olympics
Utah's economic and demographic trends
Stylish first impressions from Utah business
Opportunities for small businesses in Utah
WTC Utah elevates Utah's global status
How to have gender equality in the workplace
84 A NEW VIEW OF SOUTHERN UTAH 86 SAMPLE SALT LAKE 88 NORTHERN UTAH ROAD TRIP 90 NATIONAL PARKS 98 SKI UTAH
Find your next adventure
What's available in and around Utah's capital
Explore more than just Red Rocks
Just the start to your southern Utah itinerary
Your perfect mountain getaway awaits
100 ACTIVE SENIORS 102 FAMILY FRIENDLY 104 FESTIVALS 106 CALENDAR
Utah is your playground
Activities for the whole family
Events for all seasons
Monthly activities around the state
PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VOLUME XXXIV
PRESIDENT & CEO
Derek Miller
ISSUE 2020
BOARD CHAIR
Linda Wardell
175 E. University Blvd. (400 S.), Suite 600 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 801-364-3631 | slchamber.com
saltlakechamber
slchamber
Salt Lake Chamber
slchamber.com
PRESIDENT & CEO
PUBLISHER
4770 South 5600 West, West Valley, UT 84118 801-204-6300 | utahmediagroup.com
90 South 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84121 801-839-1404 | utahbusiness.com
Brent Low
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EDITORS Marisa Bomis, Maria Loftis
ADVERTISING SALES Justin Dunkley
EDITORIAL/CREATIVE TEAM Megan Donio, Marketing Manager Kristy Kuhn, Editorial Coordinator Camille Durtschi, Layout and Design
COVER PHOTO The Watchman by Charlie Lansche
CONTENT PROVIDED BY Better Days 2020, CBRE, Downtown Alliance, Economic Development Corporation of Utah, Governor's Office of Economic Development, Infinite Scale, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Salt Lake Chamber, Ski Utah, Small Business Association of Utah, UServe Utah, Utah Afterschool Network, Utah Association of Realtors, Utah Department of Workforce Services, Utah Office of Tourism, Utah Media Group, Utah State Board of Education (USOE), Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), Utah Woolen Mills, Visit Salt Lake, World Trade Center of Utah (WTC Utah). *Images provided by the Salt Lake Chamber and Getty Images 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 ©2020 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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PH I LA NTH R O PY
UTAH JAZZ LEGACY TR UST
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Our Vision: To Be the Best We believe in doing the right thing. It’s fundamental to how we do business. Our culture of integrity allows us to build a strong team of dedicated professionals—people who do everything they can to create the best place in town to work and the best place in town to do business. Together, we are able to enrich the lives of those in our communities in numerous ways each and every day.
LHM.COM
Welcome to Utah! Congratulations, you have just uncovered the gem of the West. Countless media outlets, including Forbes, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and CNBC, have recognized Utah as a number one Congratulations, you have just uncovered the gem of the West. Media outlets including Forbes, business destination, a place where the American dream is alive Business Insider, continue to recognize Utah as a top business destination, a and well. And, whileBloomberg I like to brag and aboutCNBC, Utah’s economic success, I am even more proud of the work-life we And, while I like to brag about Utah’s economic place where the American Dream is alivebalance and well. continue to achieve. world-class outdoor recreation balance and high quality of living we continue to success, I am evenWith more proud of the work-life opportunities, vibrant cities, nationally renowned restaurants, achieve. With world-class outdoor recreation opportunities, vibrant cities, nationally renowned budding artists, and a diverse cultural heritage, it is no wonder restaurants, diverse cultural heritage, it is no wonder Utah is one of the fastestUtah is one ofbudding the fastest artists growingand states in the nation.
growing economies and states in the nation, and you can be a part of our dynamic story. Our sound fiscal policies and business-friendly attitudes allow Utah
Our sound fiscal policies business-friendly allow Utah to remain an unparalleled land of to remain an unparalleled landand of opportunity. We believeattitudes our residents and businesses thrive when we allow them the opportunity for individuals, couples and families. We believe our residents and businesses thrive when flexibility need succeed. Ultimately, Utah’s success is Ultimately, a we allow they them thetoflexibility they need to succeed. Utah’s success is a testament to the testament to the industriousness, foresight, and ingenuity of its industriousness, foresight and ingenuity of its residents. residents. When Utahns aren’t working in our thriving tech, finance, manufacturing, tourism and aerospace When Utahns aren't working in our thriving tech, finance, manufacturing, tourism, and aerospace sectors, they can be found living Life Elevated®. Envision a day spent skiing the Greatest Snow on sectors, they can be found living Life Elevated ® . Envision a day spent skiing the Greatest Snow on Earth® or backpacking through of Utah’s Five® National Parks. Earth ® or backpacking through one ofone Utah’s Mighty Mighty Five ® National Parks. Life in Utah magazine will give you a better look into Utah’s economic and cultural landscape. Stories Life in Utah magazine will give you a better look into Utah’s economic and cultural landscape. Stories cover everything from global business ventures to the details it work, is likeand to do live, work and do cover everything from global business ventures to the details of what it is of likewhat to live, business Utah. business ininUtah. ItIt is timetotoplan plan a visit to Utah won’t — you won’t want leave once you are here. is time a visit to Utah—you want to leave oncetoyou are here. Sincerely, Sincerely,
Gary R. Herbert Gary R. Herbert Governor Governor of Utah
There’s something special about Utah. We call it “Life Elevated,” the awareness that for those who know where to look, nothing about this state is ordinary. From its founding and faithful pioneer stock who created a culture of industry and service to its current diversity and world-class creativity in the arts, technology, medicine and business, Utah offers something for everyone — whether you’re moving here to be part of our community or simply visiting for the weekend. There’s no better place to work hard and play hard. In Utah, business is booming along what has become known as Silicon Slopes, where new companies are regularly joining the rare ranks of unicorn enterprises, with valuations over $1 billion. Our universities lead the nation in technology transfer — moving research and development into successful commercial enterprises. Where else can you chase your professional dreams, float in knee-deep powder on the finest ski runs in the world, explore sandstone arches and play 18 holes of golf — all in the same day! Life in Utah is what you make it. Opportunities abound. The state economy is among the strongest in the nation and boasts the most educated workforce available anywhere. Sound fiscal and regulatory policies promoted by what’s often referred to as the best-run state government in America has created an environment that welcomes risk-taking and rewards hard work. And there is abundant opportunity to contribute, grow and play, whether in our bright urban centers — teeming with nightlife, music and motion — or in some of the most beautiful rural communities found anywhere. In Life in Utah, we provide you a survey of all of this. Within these pages are the details in narrative and images to give you a taste of what Utah is all about. We hope you enjoy this issue, and if you are moving here we welcome you with the assurance that you will soon be surrounded by friends and richly rewarding experiences. If you are visiting, we look forward to playing host and ensuring you feel welcome — that your time spent with us is memorable and you’ll keep a little of us with you when you return home. Sincerely,
Derek Miller President & CEO Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance
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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
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 rock 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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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, five national parks, seven 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!
Getting Around in
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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-to-navigate 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 longterm 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, 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 round-trip 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. 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. 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 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. 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.
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. 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. 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.
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
LIVE
UTAH HOUSING MARKET U
tah’s housing market continues to experience significant growth. In fact, sales in 2019 will likely set a record for the most homes sold in the state in a single year — outpacing the previous 2018 record, according to the Utah Association of Realtors (UAR).
among states for the highest increase in housing prices in third quarter 2019 and had four metro areas in the top 20, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
housing affordability on records dating back to 2006. There are simply not enough houses to meet buyer demand — especially for starter homes.
In fact, from 2011 to 2018, Utah home sales have increased 61% from about 32,000 to more than 52,000. The recovery from the Great Recession, along with the state’s booming economy and increase in residents have supported this immense growth.
With such a strong real estate market in 2019, what’s expected for housing moving forward? Here’s a closer look at what to expect in 2020.
STRONG DEMAND FOR STARTER HOMES
For example, the number of properties for sale priced below $500,000 has fallen 28% in the past 12 months. The supply of inventory is only about 2.5 months for homes in this price range, according to UAR.
In the past five years alone, Utah’s population has grown by nearly 225,000 people, according to the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. The booming job market is supporting this population growth and the demand for homes. As of October 2019, Utah had 3.3% job growth, adding more than 51,000 jobs in the past 12 months, according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services. With these new jobs and new residents, Utah is expected to have strong demand for housing in 2020, especially as Utah’s significant population of millennial buyers continue entering their prime home-buying years. In fact, Realtor.com named Salt Lake City the No. 2 market for millennial buyers. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) also named Ogden-Clearfield as one of its Top Ten Outperforming Metro Markets for the Next 3-5 Years based on housing affordability, local economic expansion and population growth. Housing markets in the Beehive State continue to be some of the hottest in the country. As of October 2019, Utah was among states with the highest buyer traffic and fewest number of days on the market, according to the NAR Realtors Confidence Index. Utah also ranked No. 4 18
WRITTEN BY: UTAH ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
The 2020 housing market will be characterized by continued demand, especially for entry-level homes, although sales will likely be held back by an inadequate supply of housing. In fact, the inventory of Utah homes for sale continues to hover near record lows. In November 2019, the number of properties for sale statewide was down 22% from the year prior, according to UAR. As demand continues to outpace supply, particularly for starter homes, prices will rise. Utah Realtors expect home prices to increase 3-4% in the next 12 months, according to the November 2019 Realtors Confidence Index. Similarly, Realtor.com is predicting Salt Lake City will have home price growth of 3.5% in 2020. In Salt Lake City, Realtor.com is predicting home sales will remain at about the same level as in 2019. Sales would likely be stronger, but the high housing prices will limit the number of transactions.
MORE CONSTRUCTION NEEDED TO ADDRESS HOUSING GAP Experts predict housing availability and affordability will continue to be a challenge in 2020. In fact, as of November 2019, the Utah Association of Realtors reported the lowest
Builders have faced several challenges that have limited construction, including increased costs on building materials, lack of land availability and a labor shortage. Government regulations have also held back construction of new housing. The National Association of Home Builders reports regulatory costs are up 29% over the past five years. In fact, government regulations account for nearly a quarter of the price of a new home. To help ease the housing gap, builders, government officials and communities need to work together to find solutions to make sure Utahns have an adequate supply of homes, including supporting a variety of housing types. While lack of affordable housing will continue to be an issue in 2020, low mortgage rates will fortunately help soften the effect of rising prices. In 2020, the rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is expected to average 3.8%, down from 4% in 2019, according to NAR. Rising incomes will also support homeownership. A report from Salt Lake County expects Utah wages to grow 6.9% in 2020. The housing shortage will make the market tough to navigate in 2020 as buyers face tough competition and sellers navigate multiple offers and tricky pricing situations. To find a Realtor to help guide you through these conditions, visit MyRealtorStory.com.
LIVE
If you can dream it, we can find it. All in, for you. winutah.com
Sugar House Agent Abbey Drummond
AWARD-WINNING HEALTHCARE
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. Top-notch 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. The only academic healthcare system in the Mountain West, University of Utah Health consistently earns top spots in both state and national rankings. For the past nine years, University of Utah Health has ranked in Vizient, Inc.’s Top-10 for quality healthcare among leading academic medical centers. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked the orthopedic specialty at University of Utah Health as No. 50 in the country, and the University of Utah Hospital as No. 1 in the Salt Lake City metro area.
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By partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Primary Children’s also provides With a team of nearly 40,000 caregivers, comfortable living facilities and other Intermountain Healthcare is the largest healthcare helpful support for the families of patients provider in the Intermountain West. This not-for- undergoing treatment. profit health system headquartered in Salt Lake HUNTSMAN CANCER INSTITUTE City serves the healthcare needs of people across the Intermountain West, but primarily those of Huntsman Cancer Institute is the only National Utah, southern Idaho and southern Nevada. Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West. Located Located in the city of Murray, the flagship on the University of Utah campus, HCI serves hospital of the Intermountain Healthcare the residents of five states: Utah, Idaho, Montana, system, Intermountain Medical Center, was Nevada and Wyoming. named one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America in 2016 by Becker’s Hospital Review. HCI hosts more than 142,000 patient visits That same year, Becker’s also named three annually and has consistently been ranked Utah IHC hospitals — Bear River Valley among the best hospitals in the nation for Hospital, Cedar City Hospital and Logan cancer by U.S. News and World Report. Regional Hospital — to their list of 100 Great Entirely owned by the State of Utah, HCI is Community Hospitals for being a vital part of designated by the state legislature as the official their respective regions. cancer center of the state. The Salt Lake City For many families, however, the shining star of campus includes a cancer hospital that utilizes a the Intermountain Healthcare system is Primary team approach to cancer care. The hospital also Children’s Hospital. This 300-bed facility provides has two clinics in the surrounding community pediatric care — with access to more than 800 and five affiliate hospitals in neighboring states. pediatric providers and 60 pediatric specialties — HCI is at the forefront of cancer research; at any to a service area spanning six states: Utah, Idaho, given time, there are approximately 150-200 Montana, Nevada, Wyoming and Alaska. clinical trials open for enrollment. The hospital Primary Children’s is designated as a Level 1 also boasts a state-of-the-art research space where trauma center and a Level 4 neonatal intensive more than 177 research teams study all aspects of care unit, meaning they provide the highestcancer. Through their exhaustive research, HCI level care possible in these respective areas. has discovered more genes for inherited cancers The hospital is also nationally ranked in eight than any other cancer center in the world, different pediatric specialties. including genes responsible for hereditary breast, ovarian, colon, head and neck cancers, along Primary Children’s provides expert-level care to its young patients, but it doesn’t stop there. with melanoma.
INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTHCARE
LIVE
How one Utah senior exercises more than ever at 89 years old
H
arold Simons is a modest man. He is careful to point out that he’s not the poster boy for physical fitness and he’s not aiming to become a body builder; he simply wants to maintain a healthy body composition — nevertheless, at 89, he works out far more than many people half his age. Harold and Dolores, his wife of 64 years, moved to Sagewood at Daybreak in Octo-
ber 2018. The community’s emphasis on physical fitness was a key factor in the couple choosing Sagewood as their new home. “Before coming here, both Dolores and I were involved in a fitness program, called Fit and Fall Proof, offered by the local hospital,” said Harold. “I had that kind of experience and I valued it.” Harold works out most days of the week for about an hour per day. He says, for
him, working out consists of two components: attending classes and the availability of individual fitness equipment. He’s involved in three or four different fitness classes at Sagewood. Each class is 30 minutes long and offered twice per week. He says the classes offer more than just physical improvement, they also offer something just as important: social connection. “In addition to the physical
improvements offered by the classes, there’s also an association with others — a social aspect,” Harold says. “That’s an appeal to me.” When he’s not taking classes, Harold takes advantage of the hydraulic weight lifting machines available in Sagewood’s fitness room. There are four specific machines he uses to strengthen his upper and lower body. Behind the fitness equipment is a cheerful white wall etched with positive, affirming words, such as “strength” and “fitness.” Harold is happy that the fitness instructors regularly emphasize the non-competitive nature of the classes, “If somebody couldn’t lift much weight, they might be intimidated if they thought
it was a competitive type of facility,” says Harold. The fitness room has multiple chairs available, so everyone can participate. Harold says both independent and assisted living residents participate in the fitness classes and he enjoys the inclusivity they offer. “There’s one fellow who’s confined to a wheelchair and he’s an active Zumba participant,” says Harold. If you are interested in a senior living community that emphasizes physical fitness and wellness, stop by and meet residents like Harold, and take a look at the amenities offered by Sagewood at Daybreak. Visit lifeatsagewood.com or call 801.806.0636 for more information.
ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCED BY SAGEWOOD AT DAYBREAK
WELCOME TO
NORTHERN UTAH
L
ogan, the flagship city of the Bear River Region, has been repeatedly named as 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.
PROMINENT CITIES BRIGHAM CITY
LOGAN
MORGAN
TREMONTON
Summer high 91° Winter low 16° Summer high 88° Winter low 11°
Summer high 88° Winter low 11°
Summer high 88° Winter low 17°
If you are a fan of opera and Broadwaystyle musical theatre, plan a visit to the city during the summer and check out the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre. Attendees have compared the performance and production quality to those of shows found in New York, and during the summer months, the weather will be perfect for some outdoor recreation at Bear Lake. Less than an hour’s drive from Logan, Bear Lake is a freshwater lake that straddles the Utah-Idaho border. Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its vibrant, turquoise-blue water, the
EXPLORE American West Heritage Center
Living history museum located in Cache Valley awhc.org
Bear Lake
Brigham City Peach Days
Festival in September to celebrate the city’s peach harvest boxelderchamber.com
Hardware Ranch WMA
Enjoy a wagon ride and view wild elk
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Logan Canyon Scenic Drive
Refuge offers bird watching via a walking trail and an auto trail fws.gov
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.
About 100 miles to the southwest of Bear Lake is another lake that’s sure to impress — a natural saltwater lake boasting a unique piece of art that’s sure to impress. The Spiral Jetty, a largerthan-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
SAVOR
Freshwater lake straddling the Utah-Idaho border stateparks.utah.gov
recreational opportunities here are plentiful. Whether you want to fish, boat, swim, water ski or just soak up some sun on the beach, Bear Lake has it all. If you’d like to take in the beautiful scenery, but don’t necessarily want to hop in the water, try a scenic hike or take in a round of golf. Before you leave, make sure to indulge in some of the area’s famous raspberries; they are prized across the state and, in Bear Lake, you can find them in everything from shakes to jam, and even salsa.
wildlife.utah.gov
Scenery-filled drive from Logan to Bear Lake
Aggie Ice Cream
Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt 750 N 1200 E, Logan
Bluebird Restaurant
El Toro Viejo Mexican Restaurant
Mexican
1111 Main St, Logan
Logan’s Heroes
Deli, Greek
101 Main St, Logan
Idle Isle Café
Romo’s Mediterranean Grill
Cafe Sabor
24 S Main St, Brigham City
661 Main St, Logan
600 W Center St, Logan
Italian
American
19 Main St, Logan
Mexican Bistro
American, Traditional
Mediterranean
Le Nonne
Tandoori Oven
129 N 100 E, Logan
720 E 1000 N, Logan
Indian, Pakistani
fhwa.dot.gov
Lyric Repertory Company
Utah State University’s theatre company lyricrep.usu.edu
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre
Five-week summer festival of opera and Broadway-style musical theatre utahfestival.org
Wind Caves
Popular, moderately difficult 3.5-mile hike in Logan Canyon © Image courtesy of @karen4 via Twenty20
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LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
© Image courtesy of @criene via Twenty20
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
Š Image courtesy of @artist-6097 via Twenty20
GROW BUSINESS Autoliv ASP
Motor vehicle parts manufacturing Browning
Sales of sporting and recreational goods Conservice
Utility billing, equipment and maintenance Gossner Foods
Cheese/dairy production and sales Hyclone Laboratories
Pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
Manufacturer of fitness equipment Inovar
Electronic manufacturing
HOSPITALS Bear River Valley Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 905 N 1000 W, Tremonton
Brigham City Community Hospital
MountainStar Healthcare
950 Medical Dr, Brigham City Cache Valley Hospital
MountainStar Healthcare 2380 N 400 E, North Logan
Logan Regional Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 500 E 1400 N, Logan
HIGHER EDUCATION Bridgerland Technical College
Campus of the Utah College of Applied Technlogy 1301 N 600 W, Logan
North Eastern Services
Utah State University
Northrop Grumman
Old Main Hill, Logan
Social services
Nationally recognized research university
Production of military flight systems Nucor Building Systems
Steel manufacturing Pepperidge Farm
Production of cookies, crackers and breads Procter & Gamble
Manufacturer of paper products Schreiber Foods
Cheese manufacturing Space Dynamics Laboratory
Research and development
Thermo-Fisher Scientific
Biotechnology, laboratory equipment RR Donnelley
Commercial printing
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WELCOME TO
WASATCH FRONT NORTH
T
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 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.
PROMINENT CITIES OGDEN
Summer high 90° Winter low 20° SALT LAKE CITY
Summer high 90° Winter low 26°
SANDY
Summer high 95° Winter low 22° WEST VALLEY CITY
Summer high 93° Winter low 23°
When the sun goes down and you’re ready for some nightlife, you won't have to travel far: it’s less than a 40-minute drive to go from traversing the slopes to navigating the bustling city streets of downtown Salt Lake.
Hikes
artsaltlake.org
alltrails.com
American ballet company in downtown Salt Lake City
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.
SAVOR
Abravanel Hall
Ballet West
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!
As the state capital and urban center, Salt Lake City offers everything you would expect from a major metropolitan area, and
EXPLORE Architectural landmark and home to the Utah Symphony
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.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Ensign Peak and The Living Room Hike Lagoon Amusement Park
Intermountain West's top amusement park
Bombay House
Red Iguana
2731 E Parleys Wy, Salt Lake
736 W North Temple, Salt Lake
Indian
Sawadee Utah Thai
404 S West Temple, Salt Lake
754 E South Temple St, Salt Lake
Italian, Wine Bar
balletwest.org
lagoonpark.com
Clark Planetarium
Salt Lake Film Society
1320 E 200 S, Salt Lake
slco.org/clark-planetarium
slfs.org
Utah's home of independent film
Pizza
Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade
American, Breakfast
54 W 1700 S, Salt Lake
Caffé Molise
Pie Pizzeria
Planetarium in downtown Salt Lake
Mexican
Thai
Tona Sushi
Sushi
210 25th Steet, Ogden
Squatter's Pub
147 W Broadway, Salt Lake
Microbrewery, Pub Fare
Vito's
Italian, Sandwiches
100 S Main St, Bountiful
Utah's Hogle Zoo
42-acre zoo in Salt Lake City featuring more than 800 animals hoglezoo.org
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Destination for global visual arts umfa.utah.edu
Utah Opera
Opera company in downtown Salt Lake utahopera.org
© Image courtesy of @tephi via Twenty20
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LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
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EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
GROW BUSINESS Amazon
Online retail, product fullfillment ARUP Laboratories
Laboratory research and development Boeing Company
Design and manufacturer of airplanes, rockets, satellites and missiles
HOSPITALS Huntsman Cancer Institute
University of Utah Hospital
1950 Circle of Hope Dr, Salt Lake Intermountain Medical Center
Intermountain Healthcare 5121 Cottonwood St, Murray McKay-Dee Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare
Delta Air Lines
4401 Harrison Blvd, Ogden
eBay
Intermountain Healthcare
Airline hub in Salt Lake City Online retail Goldman Sachs
Global investment banking, securities and investment firm Intermountain Healthcare
Healthcare provider Jetblue Airways
Airline
Kennecott Utah Copper
Mining
L3 Technologies
Manufacturer of systems for military and commercial aviation Lifetime Products
Manufacturer of sporting and athletic goods Merit Medical Systems
Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing Pluralsight
Specializes in online professional learning UPS
Primary Children’s Hospital
100 Mario Capecchi Dr, Salt Lake Salt Lake Regional Medical Center
Steward Health Care
1050 E South Temple, Salt Lake City University of Utah Hospital
University of Utah Hospital 50 N Medical Dr, Salt Lake VA Medical Center
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 500 Foothill Dr, Salt Lake
HIGHER EDUCATION Davis Technical College
Public technical college 550 E 300 S, Kaysville
Salt Lake Community College
Utah’s largest two-year college 4600 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake
Ogden-Weber Technical College
Public technical college
200 Washington Blvd, Ogden Weber State University
Public university
3848 Harrison Blvd, Ogden
Package delivery
Westminster College
Wells Fargo
1840 S 1300 E, Salt Lake
Financial services Zions Bank
Financial services
Private liberal arts college University of Utah
Public research university 201 Presidents Cir, Salt Lake
LIVE
WELCOME TO
WASATCH BACK
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
T
he Sundance Film Festival, held annually in Park City, is a shining beacon calling out to the rest of the world. Each year, at the end of January, the Hollywood elite descend upon this mountain resort town to be a part of the festivities, enjoy some skiing, and mingle with the locals. The beloved festival has made an undeniable impact on this region. If you happen to be in town when it’s taking place, jump right in: you’ll marvel at the sights, sounds and excitement that it brings to the area — you might even catch a glimpse of someone famous. When the snow melts and the sun is out, this region doesn’t close down, it comes alive. Enjoy all the usual mountain pursuits and so much more: glide down the mountain on the Alpine Slide, enjoy some live music, or stroll through the Park Silly Market on weekends.
PROMINENT CITIES COALVILLE
MIDWAY
HEBER CITY
PARK CITY
Summer high 86° Winter low 11° Summer high 90° Winter low 17°
Summer high 87° Winter low 13° Summer high 83° Winter low 9°
Swiss Days
deervalleymusicfestival.org
Live stage performances egyptiantheatrecompany.org Homestead Crater
HOSPITALS
BUSINESS Backcountry.com
Sales of outdoor recreation gear and clothing Jans
Sales of ski, bike and fly-fishing gear PandoLabs
Community of entrepreneurs helping others with new business development RMD Management
Heber Valley Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 1485 S Hwy 40, Heber City Park City Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare
900 Round Valley Dr, Park City
HIGHER EDUCATION USU Extension
Masonry contractor
Regional campus for Utah State University
Skullcandy
1258 Center Dr, Park City
Sales of headphones, earbuds, speakers, etc. Sundance Institute
Nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of independent film and theatre Triumph Gear Systems
SAVOR
Deer Valley Music Festival
Egyptian Theatre
GROW
Design and manufacturer of automotive components
EXPLORE Outdoor summer home to the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera
© Image courtesy of @itsjudicious via Twenty20
Back 40 Ranch House Grill
Fletcher’s
American
Main Street Social
American, Bar
Midway’s September celebration with arts, crafts and entertainment
American, Bar
1223 N Hwy 40, Heber City
562 Main St, Park City
midwayswissdays.com
Utah Olympic Park
Cortona Italian Café
Seafood, Sandwiches
American, Gluten-Free
1612 W Ute Blvd, Park City
1897 Prospector Ave, Park City
434 Main St, Park City
Five5eeds
Grub Steak Restaurant
Asian Fusion
Activity sports park, originally built for the 2002 Winter Olympics utaholympiclegacy.org
One-of-a-kind geothermal spring for swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling homesteadresort.com
Italian
Breakfast, American 1600 Snow Creek Dr, Park City
Freshies Lobster
Steakhouse
98 S Main St, Heber City Purple Sage
Windya’s Place
32 S Main St, Heber City
2093 Sidewinder Dr, Park City
Midway Ice Castles
Winter tourist attraction for families, featuring ice castles, princesses and fire shows icecastles.com
Park City Institute
Performing arts organization parkcityinstitute.org
Sundance Film Festival
Film festival held at the end of January sundance.org
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LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
LIVE
If you can dream it, we can find it.
1240 East 2100 South, #200 Salt Lake City, UT 84106
1059 E 900 S, #202 Salt Lake City, UT 84106
801.485.3151
WINCRE.COM
WELCOME TO
WASATCH FRONT SOUTH
U
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.
PROMINENT CITIES OREM
TOOELE
PROVO
NEPHI
Summer high 92° Winter low 20° Summer high 94° Winter low 22°
Summer high 92° Winter low 22°
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. Although the hike is short, it’s strenuous, climbing more than 1,000 feet in 1.5 miles. During the warmer months, guided tours take visitors on a journey through the cool, colorful caverns full of geological wonders.
Summer high 89° Winter low 20°
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. Hiking any further is dangerous and prohibited. If your visit includes the family, don’t miss the trout pond near the base of the falls: you can buy pellets for a quarter and let the kids feed the fish.
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.
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 Utah-Nevada border. The flat, white, salty surface looks much like snow and seems to go on forever, making it the © Image courtesy of @masha_wbs via Twenty20
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
SAVOR Hike the "Y" Trail
Asa Ramen
Waffle Love
1120 S State St, Orem
1831 N State St, Provo
alltrails.com
Black Sheep Cafe
Popular 2.2-mile-round-trip hike to the top of BYU’s “Y” painted mountainside Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
Natural history museum at BYU mlbean.byu.edu
Mount Timpanogos Cave
Steep, paved hike to a natural cave with guided tours offered during summer nps.gov/tica
Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days
Ramen
American
3330 N University Ave, Provo Bombay House
Indian
463 N University Ave, Provo
Donuts, Sandwiches
Roots of Knowledge at UVU
Oriental Garden
Utah’s first museum for the visual fine arts
360 S State St, Orem
19 N University Ave, Provo
strawberrydays.org
Springville Museum of Art
Korean, Hawaiian
Block Restaurant
Nigh-Time Donuts
uvu.edu
Yummy’s BBQ & Sushi
Native American
Utah’s longest-running city celebration, held each June
Permanent, stained glass panorama of history and human drama
Breakfast, waffles
299 N Main St, Tooele
Chinese
1200 N Main St, Nephi Penny's Cafe
Burgers, Breakfast
7760 Hwy 36, Stockton
smofa.org
© Image courtesy of @krisangel via Twenty20
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LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
GROW BUSINESS Adobe Systems
Software publishing
Ancestry.com
Geneological information and genetic testing
Cabela’s
HOSPITALS American Fork Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 170 N 1100 E, American Fork
Central Valley Medical Center
Independent
48 W 1500 N, Nephi
Outdoor and recreation store
Mountain Point Medical Center
Domo
3000 N Triumph Blvd, Lehi
Software publishing
doTERRA International
Essential oils and related products
Entrata
Property management software
IM Flash
Steward Health Care
Mountain View Hospital
MountainStar Healthcare 1000 E 100 N, Payson
Mountain West Medical Center
Independent
2055 N Main St, Tooele
Electronic component manufacturing
Timpanogos Regional Hospital
Nestlé
750 W 800 N, Orem
Specialty food manufacturing Nu Skin
Dietary supplements and personal care products Qualtrics
Research software company Solutionreach
Medical software company U.S. Department of Defense
Tooele Army Depot and Dugway Proving Ground Vivint Solar
Solar energy company Wayfair
MountainStar Healthcare Utah Valley Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 1034 N 500 W, Provo
HIGHER EDUCATION Brigham Young University (BYU)
Private, nonprofit research university
Provo
Mountainland Technical College
Public technical training institution 2301 Ashton Blvd, Lehi
Tooele Technical College
Public technical training institution 88 S Tooele Blvd, Tooele
Online retailer
Utah Valley University (UVU)
Young Living Essential Oils
800 W University Pkwy, Orem
Sales of essential oils
© Image courtesy of @mikiamaloney via Twenty20
Largest public university in the state
LIVE
WELCOME TO
EASTERN UTAH
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
E
astern Utah is home to the city of Vernal, also known as Utah’s Dinosaur Land. You’ll know you have arrived when you see “Dinah,” the 40-foot-tall pink cartoon brontosaurus, welcoming you into town. Take a trip back in time at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, where you’ll learn all about these prehistoric creatures while roaming among 17 full-sized replicas. If you’re still wanting more, continue your journey with a visit to the quarry at Dinosaur National Monument. The exhibit hall is built right over the top of a quarry wall containing 1,500 dinosaur bones in their final resting place.
PROMINENT CITIES VERNAL
Summer high 90° Winter low 7°
ROOSEVELT
Summer high 92° Winter low 3°
EXPLORE Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Exhibit Hall
Covered quarry wall features 1,500 dinosaur bones nps.gov/dino
Dinosaur River Expeditions
Guided, whitewater rafting adventures dinosaurriverexpeditions.com Fantasy Canyon
Unusual rock formations created by erosion blm.gov
32
If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, take a drive to Flaming Gorge. This man-made 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.
Pink Brontosaurus Dinah
GROW BUSINESS BHI
Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge, Red Fleet State Park, Sheep Creek Bay, Starvation State Park
Uintah Basin Medical Center
Independent
Encana
Petroleum and natural gas extraction
250 W 300 N, Roosevelt
HIGHER EDUCATION
Occidental
Natural gas production
Uintah Basin Technical College
R. Chapman Construction
Asphalt and concrete company Simplot
Public technical training institution 1100 E Lagoon St, Roosevelt 450 N 2000 W, Vernal USU Uintah Basin
Food and agribusiness
Regional campus for Utah State University
Walmart
General merchandise stores
987 E Lagoon St, Roosevelt USU Vernal
Regional campus for Utah State University 320 Aggie Blvd, Vernal
SAVOR Antica Forma
Chinese
U.S. Parks & Forests
150 W 100 N, Vernal
Utilities company
Utah Field House of Natural History stateparks.utah.gov
LifePoint Health
Dominion Energy
Pizza
Natural history museum in Vernal
Ashley Regional Medical Center
Construction company
Take a photo with Vernal’s huge pink brontosaurus vernalcity.org
HOSPITALS
251 E Main St, Vernal China Star
737 E 200 N, Roosevelt Dinosaur Brew Haus
Burgers, BBQ
550 E Main St, Vernal
Mama Lia’s Pizza
Pizza
415 S Hwy 40, Roosevelt Marion's Variety
Diner
29 N Main St, Roosevelt
Round Robin Drive Inn
Fast Food, Burgers
1500 E Hwy 40, Roosevelt Swain Brothers
Steak, Seafood
1684 W Hwy 40, Vernal
Plaza Mexicana
Mexican
51 E Main St, Vernal
fs.usda.gov
LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
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r e v o c s i D our y ture n ty e n u v Adn Juab Co i
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LOCATED IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN
163 WEST PIERPONT AVE (240 S) PIERPONTPLACE.COM 801.200.3113
WELCOME TO
CENTRAL UTAH
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
I
f you’re heading to Central Utah, plan some time for a road trip. The region boasts connections to Capitol Reef National Park, the Manti-La Sal National Forest, Fishlake National Forest and many other canyons and parks. Central Utah also has some hidden gems when it comes to hot springs. Take the Meadow exit off I-15 and drive 15 minutes along a dirt road to Meadow Hot Springs. The owners of this private hot spring have graciously made it open to the public; it will remain that way as long as it’s treated with respect.
PROMINENT CITIES EPHRAIM
Summer high 88° Winter low 10°
RICHFIELD
Summer high 90° Winter low 16°
MANTI
Summer high 87° Winter low 17°
EXPLORE Capitol Reef National Park
Features the Waterpocket Fold — a buckle in the earth's surface, almost 100 miles long nps.gov/state/ut
Fairview Museum of History & Art
Museum featuring contemporary and historical art fairviewmuseum.org
Fishlake National Forest
Natural mountain lake for fishing, bird watching and recreation fs.usda.gov
Just outside of Richfield is Mystic Hot Springs. As the name implies, it can be quite the ethereal experience, especially when coupled with some epic views: sunsets are particularly beautiful, as is the night sky featuring the Milky Way in all its glory. Both day-passes and overnight stays include a soak in the hot springs.
Manti-La Sal National Forest
GROW HOSPITALS
BUSINESS
Delta Community Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 126 White Sage Ave, Delta
Gunnison Valley Hospital
Critical Access Hospital
ACT Aerospace
Aerospace design & development Great Lakes Cheese
Cheese production
Pittman's Family Farms
64 E 100 N St, Gunnison
Poultry processing
Sanpete Valley Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare
1100 S Medical Dr, Mt. Pleasant Sevier Valley Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 1000 N Main St, Richfield
HIGHER EDUCATION Snow College
State College located in Ephraim 150 College Ave E, Ephraim
SAVOR Abundance
Ideal Dairy
Roy’s Pizza & Pasta
490 S Main St, Richfield
81 S Main St, Ephraim
1.4-million acre mountain range for outdoor recreation
Sandwich, Soup, Salad
Meadow Hot Springs
Deli
American
Café Diablo
Main Street Pizza
Solid Rock Cafe
599 W Main St, Torrey
101 S Main St, Manti
96 E Center St, Richfield
fs.usda.gov
Consists of three soaking areas which are located on private property, just south of Fillmore utah.com/meadow-hot-springs Mystic Hot Springs
Hot springs with soaking areas, restored pioneer cabins, camping, concerts and hiking trails
27 N Main St, Ephraim Big Daddy’s Deli
60 W 100 N, Richfield
American
Dirk’s Farmhouse Restaurant
American
115 N Main St, Manti
Ice Cream, American
Italian, Pizza
Little Wonder Café
Sandi’s Drive Inn
101 N Main St, Richfield
704 Cove View Rd, Richfield
Pizza
American
Coffee Shop
Malena’s Café
Steve’s Steakhouse
295 N Main St, Ephraim
510 S Main St, Richfield
Mexican
Steakhouse
mystichotsprings.com
Pioneer Heritage Gardens
Tranquil spot with reflecting pond, statue and interpretive pathways pioneerheritagegardens.org Spring City
Named by Forbes as one of the “prettiest towns in America” springcityutah.org
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LIVE
Federally Insured by NCUA
WELCOME TO
CASTLE COUNTRY
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
U
PROMINENT CITIES CASTLE DALE
Summer high 89° Winter low 10° GREEN RIVER
Summer high 92° Winter low 12°
PRICE
Summer high 82° Winter low 15°
tah’s Castle Country is home to an array of natural wonders — dinosaur bones, goblins and, of course, castles — which are sure to delight even the youngest adventurers.
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.
Coal mining
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.
BUSINESS Bronco Utah Operations CaptionCall
Translation services Castle Valley Mining
Coal mining
Komatsu Mining Corp
Machinery and equipment wholesale company
300 Hospital Dr, Price
HIGHER EDUCATION USU Eastern
Regional campus for Utah State University 451 E 400 N, Price
Utilities
Savage Industries
Freight trucking
Staker Parson Materials & Construction
Construction company
SAVOR Bryner Pioneer Museum
Experience Utah’s pioneer history with a guided tour brynerpioneermuseum.com Desert Wave Pool
Outdoor wave pool and indoor pool pricecityutah.com
Nine-Mile Canyon
Prehistoric artwork, structures and artifacts spanning 8,000 years castlecountry.com
San Rafael Swell
Recreation area of brigthly colored sandstone formations and canyons blm.gov/visit
USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum
Prehistoric museum considered to be a hidden gem usueastern.edu
LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
Castleview Hospital
LifePoint Health
PacifiCorp
EXPLORE
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HOSPITALS
Chow Hound
American
30 E Main St, Green River Fatty’s Pizza & Grill
Pizza, Burgers
340 E Main St, Castle Dale Greek Streak
Greek
84 S Carbon Ave, 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
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MINUTES AWAY
A WORLD APART Wasatch County welcomes Ventum Racing as the latest business to relocate to the Heber Valley. Discover why Ventum Racing relocated its headquarters from Miami Beach to the Heber Valley at www.gohebervalley.com/ventumracing.
475 North Main, Heber City, Utah 84032 435-654-3666 | gohebervalley.com
WELCOME TO
SOUTHWESTERN UTAH
E
ach summer, Shakespeare aficionados descend upon this region for the annual Shakespearean Festival. Held in Cedar City from lateJune until mid- October, this festival features a mix of contemporary plays and Shakespearean pieces, the latter of which are held in the Adams Shakespearean Theatre, an outdoor replica of the Bard’s original Globe Theatre.
PROMINENT CITIES CEDAR CITY
KANAB
HURRICANE
ST. GEORGE
Summer high 90° Winter low 17° Summer high 101° Winter low 29°
Summer high 93° Winter low 24° Summer high 102° Winter low 33°
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 — hello, red rock cliffs — combined with access to outdoor recreation and mild winter temperatures make it the perfect year-round place to 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.
EXPLORE Bryce Canyon National Park
St. George also has a reputation for being a prime golfing destination, partly because the moderate climate allows golfers to hit the greens year-round. The city happily boasts a unique offering of golf courses — a golf trail consisting of 10 different greens, each offering its own epic views of the region’s natural beauty. As it turns out, that natural beauty is the perfect backdrop for theater as well. At Tuacahn, St. George’s outdoor amphitheater, the soaring red rock
Centro Woodfired Pizzeria
nps.gov
blm.gov
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Kanarra Falls
Chef Alfredo’s Ristorante Italiano
Popular reservoir for water sports and home to Lake Powell nps.gov
Head over to historic downtown St. George for a bite to eat before the show. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the area because, along with ample restaurants, you’ll also find unique shops, art museums and historic buildings to pique your interest.
© Image courtesy of @rymotto via Twenty20
SAVOR Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Largest collection of hoodoos found on the planet
cliffs serve as the venue’s backdrop. For more than 20 years, Tuacahn has been entertaining crowds with its Broadwaystyle theatre and musical productions, which offer fun for the entire family.
Three distinct regions for outdoor recreation
Challenging slot canyon hike in Kanarraville kanarrafalls.com
Kayenta Art Village
Arts center with galleries, studios, theaters and restaurants kayentautah.com
Pizza
50 W Center St, Cedar City
Italian, Wine Bar 2313 Hwy 56, Cedar City
Erawan Thai
Thai
1190 Sage Dr, Cedar City
Lighthouse Seafood and Grill
Seafood, Steakhouse
2107 N Main St, Cedar City Painted Pony
Southwestern
2 W St George Blvd, St. George Park Place Eatery
Crepes, Vegan
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
Little Hollywood Land
Kanab museum featuring Hollywood movie sets and memorabilia littlehollywoodmuseum.org
Tuacahn Center for the Arts
Red rock amphitheatre featuring Broadway plays tuacahn.org
Utah Shakespeare Festival
Theatre festival in Cedar City, runs summer to early fall bard.org
© Image courtesy of @priscillaramirez65 via Twenty20
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EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
© Image courtesy of @timcrabb via Twenty20
GROW BUSINESS American Pacific Corp
Chemical manufacturing
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Animal rescue organization
CaptionCall
Interpretation services
HIGHER EDUCATION Dixie State University
Public university
225 S 700 E, St. George Dixie Technical College
Public technical training institution 610 S Tech Ridge Dr, St. George
Southern Utah University
Genpak
Public university
Holt Farms
Public technical training institution
Manufacture of food service containers Support for crop production
351 W University Blvd, Cedar City Southwest Technical College
757 W 800 S, Cedar City
Intermountain Healthcare
Healthcare system
Litehouse Foods
Food manufacturing
Mauser Packaging Solutions
Plastic manufacturing
Metalcraft Technologies
Aircraft parts manufacturing
Milgro Newcastle, Inc.
Nursery
Paparazzi
Direct sales
RAM Company
Manufacturer of fabricated metal products SkyWest Airlines
Air transportation
Smithfield Foods
Meat packing
HOSPITALS Beaver Valley Hospital
Independent
1109 N 100 W, Beaver Cedar City Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 1303 N Main St, Cedar City
Dixie Regional Medical Center
Intermountain Healthcare
1380 S Medical Center Dr, St. George Garfield Memorial Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare 200 N 400 E St, Panguitch
© Image courtesy of @allieyycat via Twenty20
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WELCOME TO
SOUTHEASTERN UTAH
EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW
I
f you’re up for some excitement, and the weather is right, try rafting down the Colorado River. There are plenty of river rafting companies in this region from which to choose. You can select the length of your trip — from a full day to a half day — and also choose the level of excitement you’re seeking, from a relatively mild float, to an intense, white-knuckle adventure.
PROMINENT CITIES BLANDING
Summer high 91° Winter low 22°
MOAB
Summer high 99° Winter low 20°
MONTICELLO
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.
Summer high 83° Winter low 14°
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
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
SAVOR Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Arches Thai
La Sal House
Patio Diner
discovernavajo.com
60 N 100 W, Moab
11 E 100 N, Moab
95 N Grayson Pkwy, Blanding
Awe-inspiring panoramas and buttes Museum of Moab
City museum featuring a variety of artifacts moabmuseum.org
Natural Bridges National Monument
Features ancestral Puebloan ruins and natural bridges
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 Music Festival
grandcountyutah.net
stateparks.utah.gov
BUSINESS
Healthcare
EXPLORE Arches National Park
GROW
Scenic 10.5-mile loop for motorcycles and mountain bikes
Outdoor music festival features a stunning natural backdrop moabmusicfest.org
© Image courtesy of @marcobertoliphotography via Twenty20
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LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
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EMPLOYMENT TRENDS IN UTAH WRITTEN BY: UTAH DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES
I
n 2017, Eileen was a newly-single mother of three young children in Ogden, Utah. She knew her previous work as a restaurant server wouldn’t be adequate to support her family, so she decided to make some big changes. With the help of the Utah Department of Workforce Services, Eileen enrolled at Nightingale College and completed her associate’s degree in nursing. Now, just a year and a half later, she is employed as a nurse at a local hospital and has positively changed the trajectory of her life, as well as the future of her children. It’s stories like Eileen’s that capture the success of Utah’s economy and workforce — not just the state’s impressive employment and growth numbers, but the ability for an individual to fully participate in that economic growth and improve their family’s circumstances in lifechanging ways.
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ECONOMIC STRENGTH CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER GROWTH
Development Division at Workforce Services. Conditions are particularly ideal for those looking to move into the state’s fast-growing construction, healthcare and tech sectors.
Utah enjoys one of the best economies in the country, with low unemployment, high job growth, high educational attainment and a supportive environment for businesses and entrepreneurs. In October 2019, the state’s unemployment rate of 2.5% was the secondlowest in the nation. At the same time, the yearover-year job growth rate at 3.3% more than doubled the national average of 1.4%. Utah also has a strong tradition of higher education, with nearly a third of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree.
“There are more options than ever before for someone who wants to change careers,” explained Merrill. “There are short-term training programs, certificate programs, internship opportunities and, of course, apprenticeships.”
“Utah’s strong growth and low unemployment create an excellent atmosphere for individuals looking to change jobs or shift to a new career,” said Loggins Merrill, director of the Workforce
UTAH’S EXPANDING APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES Apprenticeships are an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway option in which employers can develop and prepare their future workforce. As an apprentice, individuals obtain paid work experience, formal classroom instruction, and a portable credential, certificate or credit toward a degree.
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Recognizing the importance of apprenticeships in meeting Utah’s growing need for a skilled workforce, the state legislature established a new Commissioner of Apprenticeship Programs in 2019 and assigned the position to Workforce Services. In August 2019, the department appointed Melisa Stark to serve as the state’s first commissioner. Her primary role is to promote apprenticeships in the state and facilitate connections within industries, education and the community at large to expand apprenticeship opportunities. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to grow and expand Utah’s apprenticeship program because of the strength of our economy and the workforce,” explained Stark. Utah has 221 apprenticeship sponsors (employers and educational partners), including seven programs added in 2019. Most have at least five apprentices, with a total of 3,752 apprentices in the state. While the majority of those apprenticeships are in construction and trades, opportunities are now expanding to other industries like healthcare and technology. Another apprenticeship program, specific to one of Utah's fastest growing industries, is Apprenti, which was brought to Utah by Silicon Slopes, an organization that represents Utah's startup and tech community. Apprenti is designed to “provide an age-old solution for a new era to two problems in Utah’s technology sector,” according to Silicon Slopes. “There’s a professional talent shortage in the technology sector in Utah that grows every day. There is also a ceiling to access training for technology sector careers for a range of demographically-diverse As unemployment in Utah’s metro areas populations in Utah.” continues to decline, employers have Apprenti matches job seekers with an employer experienced challenges in recruiting and and a training program where they can put retaining workers. These employers are finding what they’re learning into practice every day. an untapped workforce in the rural parts The brand-new program recently began its first of the state, made accessible by advances in cohort of students who have completed their technology that allow employees to work from classroom training and are now in the on-thealmost anywhere. job portion of the program. Entrata is a Lehi-based company serving nearly SUPPORTING RURAL JOB GROWTH 20,000 apartment communities around the THROUGH REMOTE WORK world, offering a variety of web-based software Unfortunately, booming economic growth is not tools for leasing, rent collection, marketing and management, all on one platform. In equally enjoyed throughout the state. Most of the growth is occurring around the state’s urban recent years, the company found that hiring in Utah’s population centers was becoming more centers along the Wasatch Front (following the and more competitive. Entrata’s management mountain range from Ogden in the north to discovered that by expanding their call center Provo in the South, with Salt Lake City in the outside of that competition, they could center). While the unemployment rate in Salt more easily hire quality workers. To date, the Lake County registered at 2.1% for October company has 150 employees working remotely 2019, a number of rural counties experienced in rural parts of the state, and they continue to unemployment rates at or above 4%. add more. Not only does hiring in rural Utah
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enhance Entrata’s hiring flexibility, but it also helps them to increase their name recognition throughout the state, instead of just on the Wasatch Front. The rural hiring effort has been so successful that Entrata is now looking to expand job opportunities into neighboring Idaho and Wyoming. Job seekers can search specifically for telework positions on the Department of Workforce Services website, jobs.utah.gov, among the more than 20,000 available jobs posted on the site. Advances in technology and fluctuating demands of consumers will continue to impact local, state, national and global economies. The public and private sectors must continue to work together to develop a dynamic workforce that is able to meet current and future needs, which in turn strengthens our communities.
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
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
48 48
Hill Air Force Base (civilian employment) Federal Government | Employment 10,000-14,999 hill.af.mil
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
Smith's Food and Drug Centers Grocery Stores | Employment 7,000-9,999 smithsfoodanddrug.com
LIFE LIFE IN IN UTAH UTAH 2018 2020||SLCHAMBER.com SLCHAMBER.com
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Granite School District
Public Education | Employment 7,000-9,999 graniteschools.org
Zions Bancorporation
Banking | Employment 7,000-9,999 zionsbank.com
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 lco.org
Utah Valley University
Higher Education | Employment 5,000-6,999 uvu.edu
U.S. Postal Service
Federal Government | Employment 5,000-6,999 usps.com
U.S. Department of Treasury
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
The Home Depot
Home Centers | Employment 4,000-4,999 homedepot.com
Delta Air Lines
Air Transportation | Employment 4,000-4,999 delta.com
Weber County School District
Public Education | Employment 4,000-4,999 wsd.net
United Parcel Service
Courier/Express Delivery Service | Employment 4,000-4,999 ups.com
Vivint
Electrical Contractors | Employment 3,000-3,999 vivint.com
Autoliv
Motor Vehicle Equipment Manuf.. | Employment 3,000-3,999 autoliv.com
ARUP Laboratories, Inc.
Medical Laboratory | Employment 4,000-4,999 aruplab.co
*Source: Major Employers 2018, Utah Department of Workforce Services.
Federal Government | Employment 5,000-6,999 home.treasury.gov
The Canyons School District
Public Education | Employment 7,000-9,999 canyonsdistrict.org
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LIFE IN UTAH EXECUTIVE PROFILE:
MOLLY MAZZOLINI WRITTEN BY: BETHANY LOPEZ
M
olly Mazzolini is no suit. Nor did she anticipate putting down roots in Utah. Like many other professionals, she came to work in one of the many jobs related to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake. And, like many others, she stuck around when the dust settled. She’s defined by the unexpected: a woman in the sports industry, a female executive, a progressive thinker punctuating boardroom dialogue with fresh thinking and contagious energy. She found fertile ground for bold business ideas in a state that, while trending conservative, has a pioneer streak baked into its DNA. Little did Mazzolini know at the time, but on the exact same day she arrived in Utah to work for the U.S. Olympic Committee’s marketing department, her future colleagues and business co-founders started working for the Olympics as well. Cameron Smith and Amy Lukas had been drawn here by the Games — and with Mazzolini, they created an innovative collaborative creative process between brand marketing partners. Their methodology perfectly balanced the needs of the games and venues with corporate
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LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
Infinite Scale Partners (from L to R) – Molly Mazzolini, Cameron Smith and Amy Lukas.
sponsors’ campaign needs, resulting in a unified and comprehensive design look. “People don’t realize what a complex design challenge it is to bring sports branding to life, using venues to tell a story, while balancing the logistical demands of building design and signage as well as giving corporate partners and sponsors the visibility and presence they deserve too,” explains Mazzolini. But she and her team managed it in 2002: the Salt Lake Olympics wowed with athlete images carefully produced as part of a memorable cityscape design program. The images covered the downtown skyline for visitors and viewers to see, with additional cleverly branded design touches appearing throughout 20 snow and ice competition venues. The 2002 Olympic Winter Games’ branded design was such a hit that Mazzolini, Lukas, and Smith knew they’d landed on a special recipe for creative collaboration in the sports world, where there are always multiple stakeholders at play. And, even as the Games packed up and left, this trio put down roots and founded a sports design consultancy called Infinite Scale.
Today, two decades later, Infinite Scale does creative and strategic sports design work for clients all around North America, building a look and feel for venues like the Chase Center (the new home for the Golden State Warriors) and Allegiant Stadium (home of the NFL’s Raiders) as well as events like the College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the NHL All-Star Game. The work has taken Mazzolini over 30 trips in 2019 alone. So why choose Salt Lake for a home base? “I’ve turned into an unofficial ambassador for Utah,” she laughs. “I think people have their own preconceptions about Utah, and I get to tell them what I love about living and working here, and how good it’s been to me.” Salt Lake’s primo positioning as a Delta hub certainly helps. Nearly 350 different flights depart from the airport each day, and the airport’s served by a TRAX line that connects businesses straight to the terminals. Conveniently, a TRAX stop is just outside of Infinite Scale’s new studio in the Central Ninth neighborhood designed by a local firm and neighbor, Atlas Architects, and built by
Okland Construction — both major players headquartered in Salt Lake City. Mazzolini sees Utah’s culture as uniquely friendly to business — and to newcomers, too. “In many cities’ more cutthroat atmosphere, you need to identify as an entrepreneur or business leader to stand out. But here, it feels like we literally have the space, air, growing room, and network of support to take cool seeds of ideas and grow them,” Mazzolini explains. “The culture in Utah is very DIY and innovative. People here love having a sense of purpose. They welcome outsiders and transplants. It’s very warm — and very Western. This culture fosters a surprising number of cool, progressive businesses that are based and thriving in this city, making their creative fingerprints well beyond Utah.” Rather than feeling like an outsider in Utah, she’s made a home — and leaned right into her position as an occasional outlier around conference room tables as a female, a Utah transplant, and someone who brings a fresh playbook to the process. “It’s a joy to bring different perspective to decision-making and watch that ripple effect on the business community around us,” says Mazzolini, who served for 10 years on the board of the Salt Lake Chamber and the Downtown Alliance. And she does more than bring her insight to Utah business; she brings the design work of Utah’s best and brightest to venues and events around the nation. Her work in the sports industry goes beyond state lines, and beyond convention. “People don’t realize that, since the sports industry is 24/7, those who do design work for sports venues and events need to adapt and evolve 24/7 too. We’re constantly developing contingency plans — such as how to switch the look of a venue from hosting an NFL one day to hosting a college national championship the next day if a certain team makes it to the championships and it will thus be hosted in that city.” It’s a task that keeps Mazzolini and her entire team on their feet, which is perfectly fitting for people who love sports so intently.
Games. The bid was a shoo-in, thanks to Salt Lake’s ongoing embrace of the venues and sports it first welcomed 20 years ago. Salt Lake has been designated the official U.S. candidate for the 2030 or 2034 Olympics, and it’s in a strong position to make the final cut and welcome the Games back — with venues that have been fully maintained and loved, an even bigger fan following, improved public transit, and a far more colorful bar and restaurant scene to celebrate the fun.
Her enduring fondness for the Olympics led Mazzolini to serve on the exploratory committee that put together Salt Lake’s proposal to host the 2030 Olympic Winter
“Since the founders of Infinite Scale first met at the Olympics, the Games certainly have special meaning for us. They’re a bit of our soul and our roots, and we’d love to see Salt
Lake’s dedication to the Games rewarded with a whole new round — along with all the new people, business, and culture the Games inevitably bring.” While Utah eagerly awaits a final decision on its Olympics 2.0 bid, Mazzolini and her Infinite Scale team continue repping Utah’s love for sports, design, and the people behind them both.
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LIFE IN UTAH EXECUTIVE PROFILE:
BJ STRINGHAM STYLISH FIRST IMPRESSIONS FROM A FIFTH-GENERATION UTAH BUSINESS
I
f anyone knows how important a first impression can be, it is BJ Stringham and the company he represents, UWM Men’s Shop. Starting at the age of 12, BJ and his brother Brandon manned the sidewalk sales at their family’s prestigious men’s clothing store located in downtown Salt Lake City. “How you appear to others, like it or not, will many times open or close doors of opportunity. Leave people thinking you know what you’re doing rather than wondering if you just woke up!” Stringham said as he folds a sweater in the shop. UWM Men’s Shop, formerly known as Utah Woolen Mills, has created a very
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unique fashion experience in Salt Lake City. Nowhere else in the state can you find high-end men’s brands like Ermenegildo Zegna, Isaia, Kiton and Brioni to name a few. UWM is known on a national level for its wide selection of suits, sport coats, jeans and other fashionable clothing. The shop caters to top executives, business owners, athletes and even young grooms looking for their wedding suit. “We take great pride in offering an amazing product in every price point so that every man who leaves our doors feels like James Bond,” said Stringham. “There is something about wearing a suit that has been tailored specifically to your build, and having it later that same day doesn’t hurt either,” he laughed.
Every day, people wander into the shop across the street from the iconic Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and are blown away at this extraordinary find. Walking in you’ll find beautiful woodwork contrasted against a ping-pong table, basketball hoop and handmade men’s suits. “Our shop is a fun place for guys to hang out, grab a drink and be a guy,” Stringham said. “In the process, he goes from feeling like Joe Schmoe to Leonardo DiCaprio.” In December of 2016, BJ and Brandon started a program called Suited for Good, a charitable arm of their shop that has since outfitted over 800 men with new suits to help them improve their lives. “I’ll never forget the first man we outfitted in a Suited for Good suit. It was
took the Suited for Good program on the road last year, buying a motorhome and traveling as far west as southern California spreading the tailored love. Bart, Stringham’s dad and fourth generation of the business admire what he and his boys have created. “I’m proud of what our business has become, from a woolen mill to a specialty store, to a nationally recognized establishment for men to be their best,” Bart said as he looks over the beautifully curated store. a humbling yet powerful experience for all involved and it changed how I viewed my role in the company and community,” Stringham said. Since that day, the company has made extreme efforts to find men who are trying their best and simply need a hand up. Many of the men they have found and outfitted are now gainfully employed and paying it forward. The Suited for Good program has garnered national attention from the likes of The Steve Harvey Show, NBC Nightly News and many others. The Stringhams even
The Suited for Good program and the caliber of products and service found at UWM Men’s Shop are a reflection of what it means to be a Utahn. The state has provided an amazing canvas by which companies like UWM have been able to build a successful business and way of life. The ability to mountain bike before coming into work and be with family after hours is why there is such an appeal to be in this beautiful state. It is unusual to find such an amazing combination of metropolitan amenities and outdoor adventure in one harmonious package.
It is this kind of harmony that the shop exemplifies, blending men’s high-end fashion and business professionalism with the joys of family life. Stringham feels like he is living in a dream of sorts, “I get to live in a beautiful city surrounded by mountains where my wife, kids and I get to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.” He continued to say, “As a cherry on top, I get to be part of a company that makes a difference for those who have never seen themselves in a positive light, whether or not they can afford it.” It all comes back to the importance of first impressions. Since 1905, UWM Men’s Shop has made a business out of creating the best first impression for every man that walks in their store.
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© Images courtesy of WTC Utah
ELEVATING UTAH'S GLOBAL STATUS
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round the world, we are witnessing a shift in power away from gridlocked national and multilateral institutions, giving an edge to innovative states like Utah that effectively lead out on global issues. This is an unprecedented opportunity for Utah businesses, one that the team at World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) takes seriously. As Utah’s top international business leader since its creation in 2006, WTC Utah leads Utah’s international business development and elevates Utah’s global status to promote prosperity and build economic resilience.
WRITTEN BY: WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH
aims to reach even more in the coming year. Working to help Utah companies grow where they are, five boot camps for rural development are scheduled for 2020 utilizing funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Working through WTC Utah gives Utah businesses access to qualified investors interested in Utah companies, funds and projects to invest in. WTC Utah hopes to bring more international investment into Utah. Multiple international companies have expressed WTC Utah is part of an international network interest in moving to Utah on the back of of more than 300 World Trade Centers our international outreach, including the operating in 90 countries and supported Governor's trade mission to Tokyo. Working by 15,000 WTC professionals that deliver closely with EDCUtah, WTC Utah will look reciprocal resources to WTC members. This to turn those leads into relocation projects. This trade and investment ecosystem is designed to make doing business around the world as easy as also includes efforts in working to develop a "soft landing" program to help international doing business across the street. entrepreneurs emerge in the U.S. market Utah is positioned to take on the challenges via Utah. Additionally, WTC Utah will be of expanding into a global economy in the introducing international institutional money 21st-century. One in five Utah jobs are tied to managers from the Middle East and Asia to international business, and 95% of the world’s local companies for investment and partnership. consumers live outside of the U.S. The state is well-poised to pursue international business STATE & INTERNATIONAL as Forbes has ranked Utah as the #1 state for OUTREACH business six out of the last nine years, with international growth as a particular strength. In Besides a strong investing network, WTC Utah connects international businesses, government fact, Utah ranked #3 overall in 2018 for export leaders and business organizations to expand growth in the U.S. Utah’s network of partners around the world WTC Utah supports Utah companies in their while also elevating the state’s global status. international business development by providing: Through providing high-quality programming and events, the organization has garnered global EXPORT TRAINING & SERVICES media attention. WTC Utah provides thorough market TRADE MISSIONS AND TRADE intelligence, training and one-on-one counseling from a large network of trade SHOWS and industry experts to Utah companies WTC Utah organizes a series of Trade Missions throughout the state. In 2019, WTC Utah and Trade Shows meant to bring Utah consulted more than 110 companies and 54 54
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companies in direct contact with the key market and industry leaders where they are looking to expand. 2019’s travel highlights included missions led by Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert to Switzerland, France, Italy and Japan. Upcoming trade shows and missions in 2020 from WTC Utah will include trips to Germany, Singapore, France, the U.K., Australia and the Middle East.
NATIONAL RESOURCES & GRANT ADMINISTRATION WTC Utah provides small and medium Utah companies with funding to grow their businesses internationally. WTC Utah was awarded a State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant of $500,000 to support export growth among small businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) competitive grant process. STEP is funded in part through a grant with the SBA. Thanks to the tremendous success we experienced over the previous year, this year’s award to WTC Utah is a $200,000 increase over last year’s award, which is the largest increase among all grantees nationwide.
TEAM UTAH World Trade Center Utah pursues its mission in tandem with Utah businesses, state and local governments, federal agencies, civic and economic development organizations, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and educational institutions. WTC Utah is proud to provide strategic leadership on international engagement to this statewide network, elevating Team Utah's work to a global level to support partner efforts at home and abroad, promote prosperity, and build economic resilience.
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Commercial Real Estate
UTAH REAL ESTATE CONFIDENTLY GROWING AND EVOLVING TO FACE UNCERTAIN TIMES WRITTEN BY: CBRE
C
ommercial real estate is the footprint of an economy; it is where people work, play, shop, eat and live. In Utah, that footprint has been growing at an accelerated pace for nearly a decade, with topranking economic and demographic growth creating both opportunities and challenges for each of the major commercial real estate sectors. Overall, real estate owners and users have risen to the occasion, and like its economy, the commercial real estate market in Utah ranks among the best in its class. In 2020, as this expansionary period stretches beyond all others in U.S. history, markets nationwide — including Utah — face as much
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uncertainty and challenge as ever. But Utah’s diverse economy and growing demographic base ensure that commercial real estate will continue to grow and evolve with the times.
GROWTH AND EVOLUTION Looking at the numbers, Utah’s growth is undeniable. In Salt Lake and Utah Counties alone, over 27,000 multifamily units have been built since 2014, along with 9.0 million square feet (MSF) of new office space, 2.8 MSF of retail, and over 16.4 MSF of industrial. In 2019, industrial and multifamily reached near-record levels of growth, delivering 3.4 MSF and 4,960 units respectively. And beyond
new construction, renovation, conversion and repurposing projects abound.* Commercial real estate is also experiencing profound changes in how spaces are marketed and utilized. This is driven not only by growth but by a variety of factors, including advances in technology and shifting priorities within the populace. In Utah, the evolution has been tangible, though differs among property types. These adaptations have served to better position both Utah’s real estate and its economy to weather an increasingly complex, cyclically uncertain world.
While indicators suggest continued confidence, economic uncertainty is changing the timing and strategies of many office users. Operational agility has become a key priority, leading to the rise of ‘co-working’ and other ‘flexible office space’ options. Since late-2017, over 570,000 SF has been leased to co-working firms in Salt Lake City-Provo — more than doubling the prior footprint. These providers grant flexible access to full-serviced space which individuals, groups and corporations can occupy on a subscription or contractual basis. While some co-working giants have experienced troubles with leadership and scaling, the overall concept of flexible space is sound, and will continue to provide important options to office users in Utah and nationwide.
INDUSTRIAL Utah’s industrial sector has grown both in capacity and prominence. In 2018, an Inland Port Authority was established, facilitating the creation of a foreign trade zone and overseeing roughly 20,000 acres of prime, intermodal industrial land in Salt Lake City’s northwest quadrant. With increased capacity and capabilities, elevated demand for large, institution-grade facilities has become the norm. In fact, six of the top ten largest industrial buildings existing or under construction in the market (the largest of which is 1.3 MSF) have been built in the past three years.
OFFICE Office growth in Utah is the result of strong demand from both local and out-of-state businesses. In particular, the Salt Lake City-Provo area (as one of the top secondary markets in the U.S.) has served as a low-cost, high-lifestyle alternative to saturated and expensive primary markets like Seattle and San Francisco. Developers have responded to this demand, doubling Utah’s Class A office inventory in the past ten years (adding 10.7 MSF). Most of this new office space has been secured by new occupiers even before building completion, and the overall market vacancy has stayed relatively low.
While Salt Lake’s industrial sector is diversified over many industries, the recent surge in demand has been driven primarily by large e-commerce and logistics providers. In 2018, Amazon and UPS both completed construction on large regional distribution centers, each over 800,000 SF. In 2019, Amazon broke ground on another, even larger fulfillment center totaling 1.3 MSF. Combined with numerous new last-mile logistics locations, this christens a new, best-of-class distribution network throughout the Salt Lake valley, thus increasing the area’s ability to attract and service heightened levels of commerce.
RETAIL Out of all property types, retail has seen the most struggles during the expansion. Retail growth has been robust in residential boom areas like southwest Salt Lake and northern Utah counties, but nationwide closures from behemoths like Sears/Kmart, Macy’s, Shopko and Toys-R-Us have impacted Utah as much as any other market. Faced with elevated vacancy (the number of vacant big-box storefronts in Utah has more than doubled since 2016), landlords in Utah have had to re-evaluate and modernize their centers.
The results are promising. Retail lease activity reached record levels in 2018, and near-record levels in 2019. Tenant activity has been diverse, catering to modern preferences for experience, convenience, community, and cost-saving. As such, a third of leased space over the past two years went to recreation, fitness and entertainment services — much of which was old department store space. Vacant retail is also being marketed for non-retail uses like creative office and call centers, among other uses.
INVESTMENTS As commercial real estate markets in Utah grow and evolve, so do its sources of capital. To investors, Salt Lake City is a low-risk, goodreturn alternative to larger, saturated cities across the U.S. This has resulted in increased funds being approved for deployment by diverse, global entities. Multifamily has been the most attractive property type, with nearly $1 billion in acquisitions in 2019 alone; not far off 2018’s record $1.4-billion year.* Burgeoning investor interest is only constrained by the limited availability of institution-grade assets for sale. However, an increased number of developers are willing to sell, shifting from traditional develop-and-hold strategies that have long dominated the local market.
KEEPING GROWTH IN CHECK Considering the abrupt U.S. economic collapse just ten years ago, headline-hogging growth causes uneasiness for some. But commercial real estate metrics show that — in Utah — growth remains in check. Vacancy is low, indicating demand has largely kept pace with new supply. Shifts in how real estate is being built, utilized, and traded show a nimble base of developers and users. Altogether, fundamentals suggest that Utah’s commercial real estate market is healthy, thriving with both tenant activity and careful — yet confident — developers. 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 2019 data or initial year-end projections and may differ from published Q4 2019 figures.
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companies to find employment opportunities that can be done in rural Utah, and fill the jobs with workers from rural communities. GOED’s Office of Rural Development provides resources and programs to sustain business and improve employment opportunities. The office collaborates with local governments and other development partners to support rural economic growth: State tax credits are possible through enterprise zones, targeted business tax credits, non-profit tax credits and recycling market development zones.
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hen Infab, the nation’s largest manufacturer of X-ray medical protection gear selected Hildale, Utah, a geographically remote community on the Utah-Arizona border as the site for expansion and 90 new high-paying jobs, Mayor Donia Jessop exclaimed, “This is a gamechanger for us.” Virtually every rural community in Utah is looking for a game-changer — an economic development opportunity that will add jobs, boost community morale and strengthen the local economy — to allow the next generation of job seekers to stay close to their rural roots.
Rural Fast Track grants offer unique opportunities for rural companies who are investing in their businesses and hiring new employees. However, off the white-hot corridors of strong economic growth in Utah’s urban population centers, rural communities face challenges. Job growth in 2018 was below the state’s average in nine of Utah’s rural counties.
The Rural Economic Development Incentive (REDI) program gives grants to businesses creating new positions in small rural counties, providing opportunities for online remote workers.
EDCUtah, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and other partners statewide are working together to offer programs and create initiatives that help spur growth in rural Utah.
Business Resource Centers (BRCs) are formed in partnership with a local college or university to house and coordinate the resources of local business service provider partners to offer comprehensive services and ongoing assistance to help businesses expand and grow.
EDCUtah’s Development Ready Communities program is designed to better prepare communities to attract and grow companies through a five-stage process of community assessment, planning, marketing, training and integration with “Team Utah,” as we all work together to build the state’s economy.
In the case of Hildale, it was a 60,000 squarefoot facility, recently vacated by another company’s expansion and move to Cedar City, which created an opening for Infab. Good news, EDCUtah’s Know the Customer initiative seeks all around, for southwestern Utah. interviews with company leaders statewide to The Economic Development Corporation of understand successes and challenges of doing Utah (EDCUtah) is poised — along with many business in Utah. With an understanding of partnering organizations with similar goals what is working to make Utah great, as well as and objectives — to continue to help build the knowing the impediments to growth, economic economies of rural Utah. EDCUtah has been development professionals work to bolster the serving Utahns for more than three decades, benefits and fix any faults. working with state and local governments and EDCUtah’s Mega Sites program identifies and private industry to attract and grow competitive, certifies sites of 400+ acres, intended to attract high-value companies and spur the expansion of large-scale industrial projects, which will have a local Utah businesses. substantial direct and indirect economic impact The state’s Wasatch Front is booming. Utah’s on the surrounding communities. Certification annual job growth of 2.8% is nearly twice the shortens development timelines, increases cost national average. Accolades continue to flow. savings, and serves as a growth catalyst for local Best Private Sector Job Growth (State Policy economies, especially in rural Utah, where the Report), Best State for Entrepreneurs (Forbes), majority of large-acre sites are located. Best State for Upward Mobility (Bloomberg), EDCUtah has partnered with the Salt Lake Best State for the Middle Class (SmartAsset), Chamber and Utah Department of Workforce and Most Volunteers (Corporation for National Services (DWS) to create the Rural Workforce and Community Service), to name a few. Network to identify and encourage urban
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Upstate from Hildale, we find another success story, as Price, Utah reaps the benefits of new jobs. In late 2019, GOED and Carbon County announced that Intermountain Electronics, Inc. would expand, adding nearly 300 jobs and an estimated $12.5 million in capital investment over the next 15 years. This is great news, especially for Carbon and Emery counties, for a company that is headquartered in Price but had options to expand at other locations out of state. Intermountain Electronics CEO Phil Blackburn said, “The strong interest and collaboration from officials at both the county and state level helped us become comfortable with proceeding here.” Carbon County commissioner Larry Jensen replied, “The scale of this expansion will ensure many of our children will not have to leave for employment and other local businesses will see growth as demands for products and services increase.” Whether in Price or Hildale, or any of the dozens of rural communities across the state, organizations like EDCUtah, GOED and the Salt Lake Chamber will continue to offer support, and work to ensure that we accomplish communities’ economic dreams.
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Plan your next adventure! Fishing • Hiking • Swimming • Skiing Boating • Sightseeing • and So Much More!
UTAH’S ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS WRITTEN BY: KEM C. GARDNER POLICY INSTITUTE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
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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ince 2010, the number of jobs in Utah has increased by 336,000, a gain of 28.2%, the largest percentage increase of any state (Figure 1). Nevada ranks second with a 24% increase. The West is, without question, the high growth region of the country, with Utah leading the way in economic performance. Utah’s annual rate of job growth since 2012 has averaged 3.2%, or about 50,000 new jobs a year. Job growth, however, slowed in 2019 to 2.8% with the addition of 43,700 jobs. Utah's nonfarm employment totaled 1.56 million jobs in 2019. The state ranks 28th among all states in nonfarm employment, just below Iowa and slightly above Oklahoma.
ECONOMIC TRENDS Labor Market Gets Tighter — The state's strong job growth has pushed the unemployment rate lower each year for nine consecutive years to 2.9% in 2019. Only two out of the last 70 years, 2006 and 2007, have had lower rates of unemployment. Consequently, labor shortages prevail in many industries — construction, manufacturing, food and leisure — with little chance of near term relief for employers. Conversely, for Utah
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workers, it’s the best job market in years. Employment opportunities are plentiful. Average Pay Increase Not Quite as Strong as 2018 — Solid wage gains over the last two years are attributed, in part, to labor shortages. In 2019, the average pay per job in Utah increased by 3.7%. Wage growth was even stronger in 2018, with a gain of 4.2%. In the past two years, the average pay per job in Utah has increased from $45,728 to $49,401, the two best years for wage growth since the Great Recession. Retail Sales Show Moderate Growth — Retail sales hit $36.4 billion in 2019, an increase of 4% from 2018. Retail sales help support a workforce of some 175,000 employees in retail trade, more than any other sector in Utah. Wal-Mart, with over 15,000 employees in the state, is the largest employer, followed by Smith's Food and Drug Centers, a distant second, with 8,000 employees. Home Depot, Costco and Harmons round out the top five retail employers. Residential Construction Stronger than Expected — Residential construction in 2019 was projected to stall due to higher interest rates, higher home prices and fewer new households. It looks like 2019 will be the second-highest year ever for new residential
construction. The record year was 2005 when the number of building permits issued totaled 28,325. Although short of the record, the number of residential permits issued in 2019 will be around 26,500 units. Apartment and condominiums are driving the boom in residential construction. Apartment units will set a record high in 2019 with the number of permits for apartment units approaching 9,000, surpassing by more than 30% of the previous peak of 6,742 set in 2014. The 5,400 condominium units receiving building permits in 2019 will be only two percent below the all-time high of 5,500 units, a record set in 2018. The 14,400 new apartment and condominium units will account for 55% of all new residential units in Utah in 2019. While the apartment and condominium market is booming, single-family construction is sluggish. The number of new single-family homes receiving building permits in 2019 will be about 10% less than in 2018. Lower interest rates in 2019 have had little impact on the demand for new homes. The number of permits issued for new homes will be roughly 12,000 units in 2019.
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Housing Prices Increases Drop to Single Digits — The median sales price of a home in Utah in 2019 was $330,000, an increase of 7% over 2018, a continuation of the brisk pace of price increases since 2012. The median sales price of a home statewide has increased by about 70% in eight years. Home prices will likely increase in the 5-6% range in 2020. Nonresidential Construction Surprisingly Strong — The value of permit authorized nonresidential construction will likely hit the second-highest level in the sector’s history, on pace to reach $2.3 billion in 2019. The 6% increase over 2018 is not far below the record of $2.7 billion set in 2016. In addition to the high level of permit authorized construction, non-permit authorized construction (public projects not included in permit authorized construction) is at a record level with the redevelopment of the Salt Lake International Airport ($3.6 billion), the new Utah State Prison ($780 million), state-funded highway and road construction ($1 billion), and public school construction totaling in the hundreds of millions. Economic Growth Benefits State Coffers – State tax revenue from all sources totaled $10.7 billion in fiscal year 2019, up 7.8% from 2018, or $774 million. Driven by high rates of economic growth, tax revenues from income, and state sales tax — the two major sources of tax revenue — have increased 54% in just five years.
DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS Utah Leads All States in Demographic Growth — Although fertility and net in-migration rates have declined recently, Utah still has the highest percentage growth in the population of any state (Figure 2). Since 2010, Utah’s population has increased by 14.37%, or 397,220. Texas ranks second with a 14.4% increase. Utah’s population totaled 3.16 million in 2018 and ranks 30th among all states in total population, behind Connecticut and ahead of Iowa. Population Growth Slows as Net In-Migration Drops — In 2019, Utah's population growth rate slowed to 1.6%, slightly below the last three years, but nearly identical to the annual rate of growth since 2010. The 2019 estimates were created by the State of Utah Revenue Assumptions Working Group.
UTAH’S ECONOMIC INDICATORS The State of Utah's Revenue Assumptions Working Group produces a consensus forecast for Utah's economic indicators four times a year. The most recent forecast (October 2019) provided the data for this article (Table 1).
Figure 1 Top Ten States in Percent Change in Employment 2010-2018 Washington 20.1% Oregon 19.2%
N. Dakota 15.3%
Idaho 22.2%
Nevada 24.0% California 20.2%
Utah 28.2%
Colorado 22.7%
Texas 20.5% Florida 22.4%
Figure 2 Top Ten States by Percent Increase in Population 2010-2018 Washington 12.06%
N. Dakota 13.01%
Idaho 11.91% Nevada 12.36%
Utah 14.37%
Colorado 13.25%
Arizona 12.20%
South Carolina 9.92%
Texas 14.14% Florida 13.29%
Table 1 Utah's Economic Indicators, 2018-2019 2018
% Chg. 2019 2018-2019
1,518
1,560
2.77%
$47,630 $49,401
3.72%
Nonagricultural Employment (000) Average Annual Pay Unemployment Rate
3.1%
2.9
—
Populations (million)
3.16
3.21
1.6%
Net Migration (000)
29.1
22.9
-21.31%
Nonresidential Construction (billion)
$2.2
$2.2
0.00%
Number of New Dwelling Units (000)
24.2
26.5
9.50%
Value of Residential Construction (billion)
$5.2
$5.6
7.69%
Utah Home Price Index (FHFA)*
493
528
7.10%
$33.4
$34.7
3.89%
134
137
2.24%
$14.4
$16.5
14.58%
Taxable Retail Sales (billion) Number of New Auto and Truck Sales (000) Utah Exports (billion)
*price index Source: State of Utah Revenue Assumptions Working Group.
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SMALL BUSINESS IN UTAH SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
WRITTEN BY: U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, UTAH DISTRICT OFFICE
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tah is benefitting from its strong economy through an all-time low unemployment rate, small business growth and business startups experiencing faster fiscal stability. These indicators, along with less regulation and longer-term loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as enhanced collaboration with partners, contribute to a small businessfriendly environment in our state. “Utah’s economy remains one of the strongest in the nation, and the SBA’s small business lending and contracting programs continue to be a critical economic development driver in the state,” said SBA Utah District Director Marla Trollan. “The SBA creates or retains more than 10,000 jobs, finances the Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and SCORE Chapters, and contributes over $1 billion a year toward the state’s economy.” The Utah District office continues to present successful events such as National Small Business Week, rural roadshows, roundtables, workshops, 8(a) summits, international boot camps and other events while serving as a pilot district office in leading various efforts across the agency. Earlier in the year, a new Women’s Business Center of Utah office opened in Cedar City to offer more resources in southern Utah. Utah was also granted an additional $200,000 toward the State Trade Expansion Program, totaling $500,000 in grant opportunities for businesses that want to start exporting. Small businesses can apply to receive a grant from
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World Trade Center Utah, the administrator of the program. The office landed an additional $250 million contract for its 8(a) firms, launched a Utah Global Trade Center, supported a new 8(a) Association and landed a new SBA cluster in southern Utah. The Utah District Office established new formal agreements with the Hispanic Chamber, World Trade Center, Suazo Center, St. George Chamber, Warriors Rising and numerous others are in the pipeline. In addition, the Utah District Office will continue to work with its resource partners including the Women’s Business Center of Utah, SCORE and the Small Business Development Center Network of Utah which are funded by the SBA. The office also collaborates with other stakeholders and service providers, such as World Trade Center Utah, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Salt Lake Chamber, Wasatch Front Chamber, Hispanic Chamber, USDA Rural Development, U.S. Commercial Service, SLCC Global Business Center and more to achieve its priority goals.
“Small businesses are the innovators and job creators of our communities — they employ half our nation’s workforce and create two out of every three net new jobs in the private sector. They are also the glue that holds communities together. They give neighborhoods their character, sponsor the Little League teams and place ads in the high school yearbooks. And in times of trouble or tragedy, it’s often the small businesses that step up to meet the needs of their neighbors,” said Chris Pilkerton, SBA acting administrator. The SBA continues to prioritize its rural initiative to encourage an increase in rural and overall lending and organizes periodic Rural Roadshows to present its programs to communities located further from urban settings, locations such as Vernal, Tooele and Richfield.
BÖHME BOUTIQUE Böhme was selected as the 2019 SBA Utah Small Business of the Year as part of the National Small Business Week recognition. Raised in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Fernanda and Vivien Böhme moved with their parents to Utah when they were only 9 years old. Vivien was already interested in numbers and could make a financial spreadsheet at age 11, proving to her parents they could indeed afford a bicycle … and Fernanda was always creative and built artistic displays. With the usual struggles of an immigrant family new to the U.S., work was inevitable from an early age. Years later, their hard work paid off with opening a women’s fashion apparel business. As a startup, they had to bootstrap their way through challenges and be creative with what they had. They had a credit card to fund them along the way and tremendous faith in what they were doing. Soon, Böhme became #1 for sales per sq. ft. in the mall where their boutique was located, so the chain grew into multiple store locations. They learned to trust their business intuition. Böhme as a brand values creativity above all other business skills and breaks all the rules along the way. Today the chain has grown to 16 store locations throughout the Midwest, along with an online store. Recently named Top Women-Run Business; listed in Inc. 500 Fastest-Growing Companies; seen in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Us Weekly, Salt Lake Magazine, Utah Business and Cosmopolitan Magazine. Named one of the Wasatch Front Top Workplaces; the company employs over 200 women. Böhme also donates yearly to battered women’s shelters to strengthen local communities.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? The U.S. Small Business Administration approved over $509.6 million in loans to Utah small businesses in Fiscal Year 2019.
loans, worth $19.7 million, and 71 were 7(a) success. Check out their website at utahsbdc. loans, worth $32.5 million. The average 504 org for more information. loan was $716,000 and the average 7(a) loan Each local SBDC offers the following was $426,000. services areas for start-ups, existing and “The SBA’s Utah District office worked hard to expanding businesses: increase its collaboration with local community • Financial Analysis partners across the state to better serve rural • Business Planning communities. As a result, we significantly • Operations Assistance increased our rural 504 lending by over 70 • Marketing & Social Media Assistance percent in number of loans, and over 100 • Training & Workshops percent in total dollars,” Trollan said. • Entrepreneurial Development Financing your business can seem daunting at • Loan Packaging Assistance first but this is an opportunity to get creative. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated Financing requirements and benefits vary to helping small businesses get off the greatly and could include any number of ground, grow and achieve their goals through vehicles to include loans backed by the U.S. education and mentorship. Because SCORE Small Business Administration, traditional is supported by the SBA, and by a network loans, venture capital, microloans, angel of 10,000 volunteers, SCORE can provide investors, loans from family and friends, credit services at no charge or at very low cost. cards and bootstrapping. • Volunteer mentors share their expertise Most lenders do require some personal across 62 industries equity in a new business endeavor, so • Free, confidential business mentoring you’ll need to determine whether you can in person, via email or by video personally fund a portion of your business. • Free business tools templates and tips Also, don’t seek out a loan from a local bank here online or credit union until your business plan is • Inexpensive or free business workshops just as polished as your presentation. (locally) and webinars (online 24/7) For assistance in building your business plan, For more information call (801) 957-5453 presentation or pitch, connect with your local or visit their website at saltlake.score.org. 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.
“Utah’s economy remains
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.
the nation, and the SBA’s
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.org or call (801) 328-5066.
That amount includes a total of 1,022 guaranteed loans that created or retained over 10,200 jobs across the state. Of those loans, 122 loans worth $56.4 million went to minorityowned small businesses, 129 loans worth $54 million went to women-owned small businesses, The Small Business Development Center Network of Utah supports 14 centers around and 23 loans worth $5.6 million went to the state, focusing on counseling in areas veteran-owned small businesses. such as financial analysis, business planning, Many loans also went to small business training and workshops and loan packaging owners in rural communities in Utah, a assistance to help small businesses achieve their total of 100. Twenty-nine of those were 504 goals of growth, expansion, innovation and
one of the strongest in
small business lending programs continue to
be a critical economic
development driver in the
state, creating or retaining more than 10,000 jobs.”
— Marla Trollan, SBA Utah District Director
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5 Steps to Closing the Gender Wage Gap
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egardless of what critics say, research overwhelmingly shows that the gender wage gap exists. An analysis by the American Association of University Women found that Utah has the largest gender wage gap for full-time, year-round working women, placing Utah 50th in the nation for gender pay inequality.
said Brayden Jessen, president at SentryWest Insurance Services. 2. EDUCATION — TRAIN STAFF TO IDENTIFY BIASES AND HELP ENSURE DIVERSITY
Aside from sharing with your employees your plan on how To help close the gap, the Salt to eliminate the wage gap, your Lake Chamber and the Women’s company should also provide staff Leadership Institute recently with opportunities to learn about released the “Best Practices Guide their own personal biases. Helping for Closing the Gender Wage Gap.” employees understand the reality Below are five steps Utah and effects of the gender wage businesses can take to create an gap will better company culture, equitable pay environment within increase inclusivity and improve their own organization. business performance.
wage gap bias occurs. Adapting your recruitment and hiring practices could help close the gender wage gap by ensuring new hires don’t start out at a deficit in pay compared to other employees. One way to do that is by avoiding asking for previous wage information during the hiring process. In addition, a company could set the pay range for jobs based on value-added to the organization before the hiring process begins.
Insurance. “WCF has worked with key employees to create flexible schedules which have allowed the company to continue to thrive and have retained highly skilled, valuable members of our team.” 5. ADVANCEMENT — SET GOALS FOR PLACING MORE WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Untapped power already exists inside your organization. If you are not actively seeking and investing in your female employees' potential, you are limiting your business’s capital, inclusion and diversity. Start by setting goals, “Women aren’t always perceived such as SMART goals, and the same as men in negotiations,” achievement-based promotions for said Lori Chillingworth, director employees. While a vast majority of business banking at Zions of companies already have this Unconscious bias training can 1. EVALUATION — OBTAIN A Bancorporation. “Companies in place, often they are gendered HIGH-LEVEL UNDERSTANDING help all staff members recognize should work to find ways to in construction. Conduct a retheir own biases and provide OF PAY INEQUITY IN YOUR level the playing field for women evaluation of your performance ways to learn how to not allow ORGANIZATION negotiating their salaries.” measures to see if they reflect the those biases influence decisionClosing your company’s gender making. Because the effects of 4. RETENTION — IDENTIFY AND traits of those already in power. wage gap starts with determining unconscious bias training can be INVEST IN HIGH-PERFORMING Also, consider having your who is underpaid and how it short-lived, training can be useful FEMALE LEADERS organization accept the ElevateHER happened. Assemble a diverse in decreasing biases if done before Challenge from the Women’s Retaining women employees team of men and women from hiring and promotion decisions Leadership Institute. The challenge ensure diversity among staff, different departments and assign are made. focuses on the key benefits of and research has proven that them the task of identifying increasing women’s leadership and “At Boeing, we require hiring companies with diverse staff are what internal factors contribute managers to complete training more productive, more innovative includes a multitude of resources for to income inequality. Review companies to tailor policies to their before they hire anyone. As a and are overall more successful. your company’s workforce by own unique work environments. training is refreshed, it is then Best practices for retention that position, salaries, job level and required before the next time can be adopted over time include gender, as well as other forms of “The tone must be set by top we hire. This helps ensure we putting a paid parental leave compensation such as benefits, leadership of a company to are hiring the best candidates policy in place for all new parents, make closing the gender wage bonuses and overtime. for each position based on their allowing employees access to gap and advancing women a If you find pay inequality between experience and skill set,” said customizable, flexible schedules, core mission,” said Melanie employees at the same level, Laura Bogusch, general manager and implementing return-to-work Vartabedian, a litigation partner consider raising the compensation of Boeing Salt Lake. programs for those returning from at Ballard Spahr. “For companies of the underpaid employees. that have women in high-level 3. RECRUITMENT — REASSESS parental leave. “The gender pay gap won’t be positions, they are showing their YOUR RECRUITMENT AND “Companies should empower closed with just one training. employees what they value.” HIRING PROCESSES managers to utilize flexible work It’s important to continually schedules and return-to-work To download a digital copy of the The recruitment, hiring and check progress to make sure our programs to meet the needs of “Best Practices Guide for Closing promotion processes are where company is on the right track,” their employees,” said Ray Pickup, the Gender Wage Gap," visit, the majority of core gender president and CEO of WCF slchamber.com/wagegap. 66 66
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n educated workforce is a vital part of Utah’s economic prosperity. Utah’s K-12 public education system works closely with industry and community partners to ensure our students are prepared to be successful in postsecondary endeavors and contribute to our diverse economy. Nearly 92% of Utah citizens over the age of 25 have a high school diploma and nearly one third have a bachelor’s degree or more. Our top-tier education system provides all students with a variety of options and opportunities for success. Utah public education leads out in many areas and we are fortunate to be supported by our business community,” said Sydnee Dickson, Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Utah’s 1,113 public school schools — including traditional neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools and virtual schools — educate 666,858 students, or about one-fifth of the state’s population. The variety of public education options offer students and their families a wealth of opportunities in one of the best public education systems in the country.
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Utah’s fourth and eighth graders place in the top 10 in reading, mathematics and science 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 ties with Wisconsin for best in the nation average composite score. Our state’s high school graduation rate is pushing toward 90 percent with seven straight years of improvement. We have raised expectations for our education system and are seeing results. Utah schools have gained national and international attention for Dual Language Immersion programs, Digital Teaching and Learning, and Personalized Learning opportunities. For example, one in five elementary schools currently educates students in one of six languages; French, German, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish. Through the Bridge Program students can continue their language proficiency through secondary and into postsecondary programs at Utah universities.
Technology is an important tool in Utah homes, businesses, and public schools. Approximately 94% of Utah residents have a home computer and nearly 84% have broadband internet. Elementary and secondary schools take advantage of Utah’s Digital Teaching and Learning Program that offers grants both for student-focused technology and teacher professional development. Secondary schools offer a wide variety of career and technical education pathways integrated with industry needs. A recent investment by the Utah Legislature and Silicon Slopes, the state's technology industry association, put millions of dollars in a computer science initiative for students and teachers. This strategic investment will ensure that all students, regardless of geography, have access to computer science offerings and serves as one example of an 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
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BUILDING THE RESUMES THAT BUILD UTAH.
Over 60,000 students choose SLCC each year to prepare for their next step. Yeah, that’s a 6, with four zeros. Apparently, they realize SLCC is an affordable, flexible place to acquire useful skills and knowledge. They graduate with transferable credits, ready to continue at four-year institutions, or gain skills to be immediately productive in our business community. Either way, they become a solid investment that pays big dividends for Utah’s economy. Learn more at SLCC.edu.
LOW COST HIGH ACHIEVEMeNT
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AN AA/EO INSTITUTION
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 postsecondary education. Utah is leaning into personalized learning, tailoring learning for each student’s strengths, needs and interests. This includes enabling students' voice and choice in what, how, when and where they learn providing flexibility and support to meet the highest standards possible. To ensure student’s have access to personalized approaches to learning, new school system models are being explored, created and implemented. Utah’s Constitution grants the “general control and supervision” of the state’s public education system to the Utah State Board of Education, a 15-member elected body. This translates into the State Board of Education setting standards and requirements — academic and financial — for schools. The actual operation of
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schools is carried out by locally elected district boards of education. Utah has 41 school districts. Nearly all rural school districts in Utah have the same boundaries as the county in which they are located. Most of the urban counties have multiple school districts. Salt Lake County, the state’s largest county by population, has five districts: Canyons, Granite, Jordan, Murray and Salt Lake City. Utah County, directly south of Salt Lake, is the state’s second-largest county and home to three school districts: Alpine, Nebo and Provo. Much as the state’s population is concentrated along the Wasatch Front. Alpine and Davis districts, along with Salt Lake County’s Granite and Jordan districts, are among the 100 largest school districts in the country, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Alpine, Davis and Granite each have more than 70,000 students; Jordan more than 50,000. Each district is governed by a non-partisan elected board. These part-time board members govern the districts, set policy, and hire a superintendent to carry out dayto-day administration.
Our state continues to experience growth in many of our districts and with that growth comes diversity to enrich our communities and schools. We encourage you to learn more about Utah 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!
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After School in Utah WRITTEN BY: BEN TRENTELMAN, UTAH AFTERSCHOOL NETWORK
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he ways in which youth use their time outside the regular school day is important for their academic and social development and overall well-being. Highquality afterschool programs provide safe, nurturing environments that inspire learning, provide opportunities to develop meaningful relationships, foster a sense of community and help working families. Afterschool programs are a critical part of the continuum of care for youth and are a crucial preventative intervention. They not only provide a safe place for youth between the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., which is the highest peak for juvenile crime, but some programs also occur before school, during summer, and on weekends and holidays. Operated by various types of organizations, afterschool programs are located in schools, community centers, libraries, licensed childcare centers and recreation centers. Most afterschool programs operate for 15–20 hours per week during the school year and 6–13 weeks during the summer, while licensed childcare centers operate nearly every day of the year. Providing high-quality programs that offer a balance of academic and developmental supports has resulted in students who attend school more regularly, improve academically, develop critical 21st-century skills and graduate from high school. Youth who regularly participate in an afterschool program can gain an equivalent of 70 additional days of intentional academic and enrichment instruction.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT Afterschool programs offer a number of opportunities to support the academic 74
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growth of youth through homework support, creating environments that support a culture of learning, and offering a wide range of activities such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and computer science, literacy and writing, and so much more to help youth develop a healthy sense of curiosity and identify as learners. Programs strive to align efforts with the school-day in order to offer activities that complement and expand on what students are learning and help them understand how to apply principals to everyday challenges. Afterschool programs focus on academic support through positive and fun experiential learning activities.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Programs work to equip youth with the knowledge they need to make healthy choices when it comes to food, their bodies, and physical activity and avoiding risky behavior. Youth have opportunities to participate in dance, sports and many programs take advantage of Utah’s rich outdoor opportunities by taking kids hiking along some of the many trails that line the Wasatch Front or even skiing and snowboarding at Utah’s world-class resorts.
offer opportunities for youth to learn coding, video editing, music production, painting, dance, art, play games, develop leadership skills, and many other opportunities to expand their thinking and what they are capable of.
QUALITY PROGRAMS The state of Utah invests state and federal dollars into afterschool programs increasing their quality in order to offer youth the best, most beneficial opportunities possible. Afterschool programs in Utah have a culture of growth and improvement and hundreds of afterschool staff participate in quality improvement initiatives such as statewide and regional professional learning conferences, workshops, and online learning opportunities. Any state or federally funded programs also participate in external observations, coaching, and internal assessments and plans to continually improve.
ABOUT THE UTAH AFTERSCHOOL NETWORK
The Utah Afterschool Network is a non-profit agency that works to ensure Utah youth have access to high-quality afterschool programs that keep them engaged, learning and safe. Programs also work to support social and For over a decade, UAN has been part of a emotional development by instilling healthy coping mechanisms, open trusting dialogue among national movement to connect afterschool stakeholders to a statewide system of support. staff and youth, and a sense of community where UAN serves as a resource hub and supports all youth feel safe and comfortable. national and statewide advocacy initiatives ENRICHMENT that promote afterschool programs with the ultimate goal of youth success. Afterschool programs offer the perfect opportunity for youth to partake in any For more information about afterschool number of experiences in the wide variety programs or to find a program near you, please of programs throughout the state. Programs visit us at utahafterschool.org.
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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
Accredited Member K to Grade 12 American Fork (801) 642-0055 american-heritage.org thefamilyschoolonline.org
Accredited Member 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
Accredited Member PreK to Grade 8 Park City (435) 649-2791 parkcitydayschool.org
Accredited Member PreK to Grade 12 Salt Lake City (801) 355-7485 rowlandhall.org
Est.1875
Wasatch Academy
The Waterford School
Accredited Member Grade 8 to Grade 12 Mt. Pleasant (435) 462-1400 wasatchacademy.org
Accredited Member 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 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.
HIGHER EDUCATION IN UTAH
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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; and two community colleges, Salt Lake Community College and Snow College.
UTAH’S COLLEGE STUDENT GROWTH BUCKS NATIONAL TRENDS Unlike most other states, the number of students enrolling in college in Utah is growing — reaching nearly 190,000 enrollments in 2018-2019. During the 2017-2018 school year, Utah’s public colleges and universities awarded more than 37,000 degrees and certificates — 22,000 of those were in high-demand fields, with high wages and strong future growth. Utah’s system of public colleges and universities is a vital piece in supplying the talent force of the future. 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 CUTTING-EDGE AND INNOVATIVE RESEARCH. High-end research, innovative commercialization and entrepreneurship in
higher education are also critical to sustainable economic growth. In 2018, Utah garnered a record $937 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.
UTAH IS COMMITTED TO MAKING COLLEGE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL STUDENTS. The Utah System of Higher Education Board of Regents — Utah’s higher education governing authority — 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 Regents has developed many 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. In 2018, nearly half of all high school students participated in Concurrent Enrollment courses, which saved an estimated $41 million in future tuition costs. Concurrent Enrollment saves Utah students time and money on their college education and gives them a direct connection to postsecondary 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 the cost of tuition and fees for the first two years The Board of Regents’ top priority is placing a of college for qualifying Utah students. This college access advisor in every high school in the scholarship is available to recent high school state by 2021. After an initial program expansion, graduates and adult learners at Utah’s public Utah now has college access advisors in 34 high colleges and universities, as well as Utah’s public schools. The advisors inform and connect high technical colleges. school students to college opportunities after high school, from technical colleges to universities and everything in between. The advisors support students on the milestones to college, such as guiding them through the college application process and advising them on scholarships and other financial aid.
COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISING PROGRAM
UTAH’S COLLEGES ARE AFFORDABLE: • Third-lowest tuition in the nation • Lowest student debt in the nation • Of those who borrow, average student debt ($19,742) is the lowest in the country (national average: $28,565)
COLLEGE REMAINS A GOOD INVESTMENT: • The average college graduate with a bachelor’s degree earns $30,000 per year more than the average worker with a high school diploma • In November 2019, the unemployment rate of a Utahn with only a high school diploma was 5%, while for a Utahn with a bachelor’s degree or higher, it was 2%
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When We’re Helping We’re Happy WRITTEN BY: LADAWN STODDARD, USERVEUTAH
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iving back is something that just seems to come naturally to Utahns, this culture is part of what makes the state so unique. We have led the nation in volunteerism for 13 consecutive years with 51% of our residents volunteering and 67% donating $25 or more to charity, according to the Volunteering and Civic Life in America report. This is happening across every age and background in the state — thousands of individuals making a difference every day in the lives of those around them. The effect of this service adds up, with the economic impact of volunteerism in Utah now estimated at over $3.2 billion annually. Even with the best of intentions, we all lead busy lives and it can be hard to find time to volunteer. But the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. It’s no secret that volunteering can provide critical help to people in need, worthwhile causes and the community, but the benefits are often greater for the volunteer. The right volunteer work can help you connect with the community, learn new skills and even advance your career. Volunteering helps develops a range of soft skills that employers value, such as teamwork, communication, problemsolving, project planning, task management, organization and people skills. Volunteering is also a way to create new connections that can lead to career opportunities. It’s also great for your health. Studies have found that when you stop thinking about your own problems and focus on someone other than yourself, your stress levels start to decrease, and your immune system is strengthened. Additionally, the increase in social interaction through volunteering has been shown to decrease depression and anxiety.
human beings are hard-wired to give to others and the more we give, the happier we feel. Is it any wonder that 20% of all charitable giving, both in time and money, happens during what has often been called the “Happiest Season of All?” No matter the time or season, here are a few tips to make the most of your volunteer experience. FIND SOMETHING YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT Maybe there’s a problem in the world that you’d like to see solved or a cause you feel strongly about. Consider your hobbies and interests, things you are good at, and use these to find organizations that you may want to get involved with. FIND THE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY THAT FITS YOUR SCHEDULE Organizations need different levels of commitment for different types of volunteer activities. Serving as a mentor, for example, will require a regular, intensive commitment, while volunteering for a walk-a-thon is more of a onetime commitment. BRING OTHERS ALONG Think about looking for a volunteer opportunity that would be suitable for families to do together, or a group of friends to take on as a team. Volunteering with others can be a great way to get to know people better and can help keep you excited about volunteering. VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING Did you know this was a thing? If you have computer access, some organizations now offer the opportunity to do volunteer work over the computer. This can be a great way to get started in volunteering and can also provide a way to volunteer at home on a flexible schedule.
Or, if you've been meaning to take a cooking class, try volunteering at a food bank that teaches cooking skills. I NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT! Many community groups are looking for volunteers, and some may not have occurred to you. Most of us know that hospitals, libraries and churches use volunteers for a great deal of their work, but here are some volunteer opportunities that may not have crossed your mind: • Daycare centers, Neighborhood Watch, Public Schools and Colleges • Halfway houses, Community Theaters, Drug Rehabilitation Centers, Fraternal Organizations and Civic Clubs • Retirement Centers and Homes for the Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Church or Community-Sponsored Soup Kitchens or Food Pantries • Museums, Art Galleries, and Monuments • Community Choirs, Bands and Orchestras • Prisons, Neighborhood Parks, Youth Organizations, Sports Teams, and afterschool programs Shelters for Battered Women and Children • Historical Restorations, Battlefields and National Parks DON’T GIVE UP! If you find that your volunteering experience is just not what you expected, talk to your volunteer supervisor or coordinator about it. Think of what could make it better and check with them to see if your ideas are possibilities.
If you aren’t currently volunteering — and in Utah half of us aren’t — there’s no need to wait to be asked. There are many ways to find organizations that are looking for volunteers. The Internet has great online resources that COMBINE YOUR GOALS can help you find volunteer opportunities Yes, it’s true, volunteering makes us happy, it Look for volunteer opportunities that will also including UServeUtah or you can go directly been called the “Helpers High.” By measuring help you achieve the other goals in your life. to an organization and ask how you can help. hormones and brain activity, researchers For example, if you want to lose a few extra Committing even as little as one hour a week have discovered that being helpful to others pounds, pick an active volunteer opportunity, can have a profound benefit on your own life. delivers immense pleasure. It looks likes such as cleaning a park or working with kids. You’ll get more back than you ever imagined. 78
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utahstateaggies.com
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id you know Utah was the first place an American woman voted under an equal suffrage law? On February 14, 1870, Seraph Young cast a ballot in Salt Lake City that made history. 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of that first female vote. Additionally, it marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which extended women’s voting rights across the country. Better Days 2020 thinks those anniversaries are worth celebrating. Better Days 2020 is a non-profit dedicated to popularizing Utah women’s history through education, legislation, art and events. Utah has a remarkable and rich legacy that has, in large part, been forgotten inside and outside the state. For instance, in addition to being the first place an American woman voted, did you know Utah also elected the first female state senator in the nation? Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon was elected
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WRITTEN BY: NEYLAN MCBAINE, BETTER DAYS 2020 in 1896, in the first Utah election open to women, and she ran against her own husband in the race! And then there was Emmeline B. Wells, Utah’s leading suffragist and one of Susan B. Anthony’s close friends. Wells met four U.S. presidents in her work for Utah women and women nationwide. She was the most famous woman in Utah at the turn of the century and was just one of many Utah women who blazed trails in the suffrage movement and beyond into the 20th century. Our research has shown that people’s views of themselves as Utahns, and especially as Utah women, skyrocket when exposed to this remarkable legacy. That’s why Better Days 2020 has spent the past three years developing the first-ever public resource for teaching about Utah women: utahwomenshistory.org features lesson plans for 4th, 5th, 7th and 11th grades. The website has a trove of resources for families and adults, and the organization has trained teachers and spoken across the state. Not only that, Better Days 2020 commissioned public art — illustrations, children’s books,
memorials and statues — to make this history part of our culture. Additionally, Better Days 2020 has hosted events — like the “RADification Celebration” to mark the 100th anniversary of Utah ratifying the 19th Amendment — and partnered with arts and educational organizations around the state. In 2019, Better Days 2020 launched school and city toolkits to help others commemorate the 2020 anniversaries in their own ways. And, even introduced a new “First to Vote” women’s suffrage license plate. When Susan B. Anthony laid on her deathbed, she took a gold ring off of her finger and instructed her secretaries to send it to Emmeline B. Wells as a token of their 40-year friendship. She held the women of Utah in the highest esteem. In 2020, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to resurrect the spirit of that legacy. As the nation celebrates the centennial of the 19th Amendment, Utah once again has the opportunity to lead the way.
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Just minutes away from downtown, Red Butte Garden offers 21 acres of themed gardens, 5 miles of hiking trails, and spectacular views.
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A NEW VIEW OF SOUTHERN UTAH 3 Days
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outhern Utah is prized for its temperate climate and proximity to year-round outdoor adventure. While much has been written about the stunning beauty of the area’s state and national parks, when you embark on this road trip, you’ll enjoy a decidedly different view of the region.
DAY 1
DAY 2
RELAX AND ENJOY
EXPERIENCE SOME LOCAL FLAIR
• Golf at Entrada • St. George Historic Downtown • Red Hills Desert Garden • Pioneer Park and Sugarloaf Loop • Cliffside Restaurant Begin your adventure by checking into The Inn at Entrada, a luxury resort located inside a gated golf community near Snow Canyon State Park. You’ll get exclusive access to their golf course, Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club. It’s only available to members and their guests, or guests of The Inn at Entrada. Start the day off right with a round of golf or lounging by the pool: either way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the region’s famous red rock walls. When you’re ready to head out, take the short drive to Historic Downtown in St. George, where you can grab a bite to eat and peruse the many shops and art galleries. When you’ve had your fill of shopping, head over to the Red Hills Desert Garden and meander through the winding paths lined with desert landscapes. The garden features more than 170 water-efficient plant varieties, a 1,150-foot stream with a fish viewing area, a replica slot canyon, and fossil tracks. While you’re in the area, consider taking a drive through the Pioneer Park and Sugarloaf Loop and check out the St. George Narrows, the Pioneer “Cabin,” and the Dixie Sugarloaf, a large red sandstone rock formation with the words “DIXIE” painted on the side. Close the day in style at the Cliffside Restaurant. Located at the top of the cliff above the boulevard, this award-winning restaurant features panoramic views of the St. George valley. Call in advance for reservations and request their patio seating so you can watch the sun set over the city.
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• Kayenta Art Village • Gunlock State Park • Tuacahn Amphitheatre Start day two by heading to Kayenta Art Village in Ivins for brunch at Xetava Gardens Café (open for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 9-12), where you can sit on the shaded patio amongst a desert garden and mountain views. Enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee and one of their delicious brunch items featuring lighthearted names, such as the Egg McGreg and The Johnstrosity. After brunch, spend some time wandering through Kayenta’s many art galleries, such as Gallery 873, Lyman Whitaker Wind Sculptures and Zia Pottery Studio, to name just a few. Kayenta’s art galleries offer original art, ceramics, wood creations, and outdoor sculptures that make creative gifts for family and friends. After visiting some galleries, take a walk through the Kayenta Desert Arboretum & Desert Rose Labyrinth: it’s dedicated to water-wise landscaping and it features a labyrinth built by local residents. After spending the morning in Kayenta, take a short drive up to Gunlock State Park where you can spend some time swimming, boating or paddle boarding. If you’re lucky enough to visit when the Gunlock Falls are flowing, spend some time viewing this rare occurrence — it only happens when the reservoir overflows. Take the small hike up to the falls and relax to the thundering sound of water rushing over natural red rock. When evening falls, head over to the Tuacahn Amphitheatre for an evening of entertainment set against a backdrop of magnificent red rock. From musicals, to concerts and comedians, there is sure to be something spectacular in store.
DAY 3 For day three you’ll want to choose between an adventurous route with a lot of hiking, or a more mellow route with scenic drives and stops full of art and history. If you can’t choose, add another day and do both!
ADVENTUROUS • Escalante Yurts • Hell's Backbone Grill • Lower Calf Creek Falls and Zebra Slot Canyons • Coyote Gulch For day three you’ll want to start the day off early, because it’s a bit of a drive to Escalante. Once in Escalante, stop at the short, and somewhat strenuous, Zebra Slot Canyons for a glimpse of these stunning natural formations. Afterwards, head to Lower Calf Creek Falls for a 5.5-mile hike that ends at a 126-foot cascade and pool, perfect for cooling off. An alternative to the falls is heading a bit further south to Coyote Gulch, a somewhat narrow canyon that winds through red rock and joins with the Escalante River. This gulch is filled with arches, natural bridges and sand dunes, and it’s much longer and more strenuous. The hike is often a full day, or overnight hike, but it can be modified for shorter durations. See the National Park Service for route suggestions. After a long day of hiking, change into some fresh clothes and head to the nearby town of Boulder (population 225) for dinner at Hell's Backbone Grill. This award-winning restaurant boasts many mentions in top publications such as The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler. After a relaxing dinner, make your way to the Escalante Yurts for some camping in style, complete with comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, showers and heat/air-conditioning. • Utah Shakespeare Festival • Freemont Indian State Park • The Trembling Giant • Fish Lake For this route, start your day by making the drive to Pando (a.k.a. The Trembling Giant). This colony of quaking aspen trees is one single organism with a massive underground root system, and it’s determined to be one of the largest single living organisms in the world. It spreads across 107 acres and weighs 6,615 tons. After taking in the grove, head to Fish Lake for some trout fishing — or, just sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful calm of the lake.
© Image courtesy of @eoconne3 via Twenty20
ART AND HISTORY
Next, head to Freemont Indian State Park for a visit to the museum; it carries pottery, arrowheads, baskets and other treasures from the site. It’s also an area in which to see ancient rock art and visit the underground “Pithouse”. Once you’ve explored the state park, head down to Cedar City to attend one of the many plays offered during the summer months at the award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival. It’s the perfect opportunity to see why this beloved event attracts over a quarter million tourists every year. Not quite ready to leave southern Utah? You can extend your trip by spending a day or two at majestic Zion National Park.
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SAMPLE SALT LAKE 5 Days
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© Image courtesy of @bigsteve22 via Twenty20
his is a just sampling of all that’s available in and around Utah’s capital. You can stay in Salt Lake City and use it as a home base, or you can stay in a new locale each day and enjoy some local flavor. This itinerary has you predominantly exploring Salt Lake, Utah, Wasatch and Summit counties.
DAY 1
DAY 2
TOUR OF JUAB COUNTY
UTAH COUNTY ADVENTURES
• Young Living Lavender Farm • Nebo Loop • Thistle Ghost Town • Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple • Bombay House
• Hruska’s Kolaches • Timpanogos Cave • Outlets • Thanksgiving Point
Start day one by taking a drive to Mona and making a stop at the Young Living Lavender Farm where, during the summer, you can get a view of the beautiful lavender fields. There are also plenty of events held at this time of year, such as the Lavender Day festival. If you’re not able to attend the festival, you can still wander the farm property, check out the animals, and visit their shop to taste some lavender ice cream. After your visit, drive just south and get on the Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway for one of the top scenic byways Utah has to offer. Stop off at Devil’s Kitchen overlook to view some red rock hoodoos without the long drive south. Make sure to stop along the way and take in the view. As you’re making your way north, stop in the town of Thistle, a ghost town located in Spanish Fork Canyon; it was in its prime during the era of locomotives. The town flooded during a landslide and is now the site of abandoned buildings that can be mostly seen from the nearby pullout. As you make your way towards Spanish Fork, feel free to make a stop at Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, a Hindu temple known for its festivals, such as the Holi festival. You can view the temple, visit the resident llamas and cows, and indulge in a vegetarian buffet. Once you’re back in Salt Lake, head to Bombay House for dinner. This local favorite offers a full menu of authentic Indian cuisine, such as Chicken Makhani and Peshawari Naan. 86
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If you stayed in Provo or Salt Lake City overnight, start off day two by visiting Hruska’s Kolaches (available in both cities) for a breakfast of sweet or savory kolaches. The sausage and gravy kolache was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Make sure to get in early, as they are only available until they sell out. Once you’re fueled up, make your way to Timpanogos Cave national monument. Make the 1.5-mile-hike along the steep, but paved trail, to the opening of the cave. Your tour guide will meet you and take you through the cave system while enlightening you about the geologic mysteries found within. Make sure to get your tickets in advance so you can join the tour at your preferred time. While you’re in the area, take some time to shop the great deals at the Traverse Mountain Outlets, with brands like Calvin Klein, Coach, Nike and Oakley. Grab a burger and fries at Johnny Rockets, or a meal at one of the many restaurants in the Lehi area. Afterward, make sure to stop and get a “dirty soda” and a cookie from Swig, one of the many handcrafted soda shops to take Utah by storm. If you’re wanting to entertain young ones, make a stop at Thanksgiving Point and its Museum of Natural Curiosity, Farm Country, Ashton Gardens, Museum of Ancient Life, and Butterfly Biosphere. They’re sure to entertain and amaze both children and adults alike.
DAY 3 VISIT WASATCH COUNTY • Bridal Veil Falls • Midway Crater • Dairy Keen • Heber Valley Railroad • Back 40 On day three, you’ll make your way to Midway city. Make a quick stop at Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. This waterfall is open year-round and it’s easily accessible by a trail that connects to the parking lot. Next, head to the Homestead Crater at the Homestead Resort in Midway. You can take a 40-minute soak in the geothermal spring that’s hidden under a beehive-shaped rock on the property. This is also the only warm scuba diving destination in the continental U.S. It makes for a spa-like experience as you swim around the heated water. After relaxing at the crater, grab a bite in Heber at Dairy Keen. This burger joint is a local favorite, having won “best-in-state” shakes a formidable 17 times. Don’t be surprised if the line is out the door, but don’t worry — it moves fast! If you have extra time, wander along Main Street and browse some of the shops. Then make your way to the Heber Valley Historic Railroad for a 90-minute train ride aboard the Deer Creek Express for great views of the area. After a long day, head to Back 40 Ranch House Grill, a farm-totable restaurant featuring food made with fresh, local ingredients. Get their popular Back 40 Burger with grass-fed beef, pastrami, jalapeno bacon cheddar and their “special sauce.”
DAY 4 EXPLORE SUMMIT COUNTY • Stein Erickson • Park City Main Street • High West Distillery Tour • Utah Olympic Park • Billy Blanco's If you’re lucky enough to time your trip so day four lands on a Sunday, be sure to make a reservation for Stein Erickson’s brunch buffet at the four-star Glitretind Restaurant: it’s one of the hotel’s most celebrated offerings.
jumps, bobsled track and training pool, as well as go through the museum, and participate in a bunch of activities on the property. Finish the day with some dinner at Billy Blanco’s, a modern cantina decorated with motorcycles and racing décor, for a truly unique dining experience.
DAY 5 FINAL STOP: SALT LAKE COUNTY • City Creek Center • Tea Time at Grand America • Gateway • Bambara • Eccles Theatre Salt Lake has a lot to offer: you could spend several days just shopping and eating your way through the city. City Creek Center is Salt Lake’s prime shopping destination with open air shopping during the warmer months. During the winter, it’s kept warm by means of a retractable roof. Here, you’ll likely notice a second-floor pedestrian walkway leading from one side of the mall to the other: take in the great view of the city center and Temple Square. For a day to remember, make reservations for afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge at The Grand America Hotel. This popular event features sweets and scones with clotted cream, as well as savory offerings. If tea is not your beverage of choice, they also have a selection of hot chocolate. After tea, head to The Gateway mall for a selection of experiences, such as Mystery Escape Room, Dave and Busters, VR and Virtualities, or one of the pop-up art experiences, like dreamscapes. Head to Bambara at Hotel Monaco for dinner and enjoy seasonal New American plates that are sure to please, along with some blue cheese house cut potato chips — a popular appetizer — and a unique house cocktail. After dinner, hop across the street in time for a show at the Eccles Theater for a Broadway show, concert, comedian or other scheduled entertainment. Or, head to Wiseguys at The Gateway for a live show featuring national touring comedians.
Afterward, make your way to Park City’s Main Street to experience Historic Park City and the many available shops, restaurants and art galleries. Stop off at Wasatch Brew Pub for lunch and a local brew. Next, head to Wanship for a scheduled tour of the High West Distillery, Utah’s first legal distillery, since 1870. You will learn all about the history of this well-known, and award-winning, whiskey distiller. You can also enjoy a whiskey tasting while you’re there. When ready, head to the Utah Olympic Park, built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. You can tour the area, view the six Nordic ski
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NORTHERN UTAH 5 Days
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n this itinerary, you’ll be making your way north from Salt Lake City to Garden City at the northern border of the state. Along the way, you’ll learn about Utah’s history, be one with nature, enjoy art and experience a fun summer adventure.
DAY 1
DAY 2
THRILLS AND SPILLS
HISTORIC HERITAGE
• Antelope Island • Lagoon
• Hill Aerospace Museum • Dinosaur Park • Historic 25th Street • Union Station
Today, you’ll start your day with a small itinerary, but a busy day with a lot of fun. Start with a drive to Antelope Island State Park (it’s not really an island). Here you can experience the buoyancy of the Great Salt Lake and see wildlife, such as bison, antelope, bighorn sheep and mule deer, among others. Hike, bike or horseback your way around the island, and stop off at Island Buffalo Grill for a real buffalo burger. After enjoying some of Mother’s Nature’s handiwork, it’s time to make your way to Lagoon amusement park in Farmington for some man-made adventure. Relax at Lagoon A Beach on the lazy river or cool off on the waterslides. If you’re ready for a real thrill, hop on the newest roller coaster, Cannibal — it features a 116-degree free fall. Make a stop at Pioneer Village to take old-time photos, or wander through the shops, which are staged with historical items for a bit of a history lesson.
Day two will take down the pace a bit while you enjoy some state history. Start the day by wandering through Hill Aerospace Museum, located on 30 acres by Hill Air Force Base near Ogden. The museum has 70 aircrafts on display, thousands of artifacts, two galleries inside and an outside air park. The museum is great for all ages and gives a great overview of aviation history, all while viewing some pretty cool planes. Next, make your way to Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park for a blast to the prehistoric past and learn about the collection of creatures on display. Fossils and “real life” moving replicas will make you feel like you’re in a real-life Jurassic Park. Afterward, head over to Union Station in downtown Ogden for a bit of locomotive history. Spend some time at the John M. Browning Firearms Museum and the Utah State Railroad Museum/Eccles Rail Center and see two of the largest manufactured trains. When you’re done, take a stroll down Historic 25th Street for food, art and shopping. It’s also the site of the summertime Ogden’s Farmers Market, an art stroll on the first Friday of every month, and some unique events: Harvest Moon Celebration, Witchstock, and Wasatch Yeti Bash. You’re sure to have a fun, and historic time in downtown Ogden.
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DAY 3 After a day full of fun, check in at Conestoga Ranch for experiential lodging in grand or traditional tents, or in wagons with all the comforts and amenities of a hotel. Eat at the on-property restaurant, Campfire Grill Restaurant, for an elevated, yet casual, open-air dining experience. Afterward, start up a campfire at your tent or wagon, using the available campfire valet service; make s’mores under the stars as you warm by the fire.
ART AND NATURE • Spiral Jetty • Herms Inn • Wind Caves Trail Head • Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre You’ll start your day by driving to one of the most iconic pieces of art in Utah: Spiral Jetty. This earthwork piece was created in 1970 at the Great Salt Lake by artist Robert Smithson using over six thousand tons of black basalt rock to form a giant spiral. This piece amazes locals and tourists alike and continues to be a destination for many travelling around Utah.
DAY 5 THE SCENIC ROUTE • Crepes and Coffee • Minnetonka Cave • Bear Lake • Pickleville Playhouse
Next, head to Logan for a local favorite, Herms Inn, for a bite to eat. What was originally built as an inn in the early 1900s, is now a hotspot for breakfast and lunch, serving some of the best food in the area.
Start off day five by enjoying breakfast at Crepes and Coffee in Garden City. Take your pick of seats on the patio after ordering your sweet or savory crepe and beverage of choice. Make sure to go early, or expect a wait, as it gets busy in the morning.
After you’re fueled up, make your way through Logan Canyon for one of their many scenic hikes, including the moderate Wind Caves Trail Head, where you can see beautiful wildflowers and enjoy amazing views of unique rock formations. Or, for something a little easier, take the Logan River Trail for great views of the Logan river.
After you’re full and caffeinated, start your scenic drive up to Minnetonka Cave — technically in Idaho, just over the border — for a hike through a 40-degree cave featuring an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites.
If you’re in town during, or near July, end your day with one of the many operas or musicals performed by Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre. For six weeks of the summer, you can enjoy an exceptional theatre experience featuring some of the finest talent in the country. Before or after, make sure to spend some time in Logan City’s downtown area for great local shops and dining.
From there, drive to one of the beaches along Bear Lake, or to one of the rental locations, and rent Sea-Doos, boats, paddle boards, or kayaks for an afternoon of fun on bright blue water of Bear Lake. In the evening, after the sun is down, go to Pickleville Playhouse, a musical theatre near the lake for live, family-friendly entertainment. Be sure to grab your tickets in advance, as they quickly sell out.
DAY 4 ADVENTURE CALLS
On your way from Logan to Garden City, make a quick stop at Johnny O’s Spudnuts before getting on the road. Here, you can get a potato-based flour doughnut that makes for a light and fluffy inside, with a crisped outside. Next, head up Logan Canyon for a scenic drive to Garden City and Bear Lake. Along the way, make a stop off at Bridgerland Adventure Park, a new adventure course featuring a zip line, climbing wall, giant swing, adventure course, tubing, axe throwing and soon-to-beopen miniature golf.
© Image courtesy of @jeniferc76 via Twenty20
• Johnny O’s Spudnuts • Bridgerland Adventure Park • LaBeaus • Conestoga Ranch
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to LaBeau’s for a burger or sandwich and one of their famous raspberry shakes. Don’t be surprised if there is a long line at the window and a bit of a wait. Take a horseback ride through the mountain wilderness in the afternoon through the winding trails of the Rocky Mountains. Or, take a short walk over to Bear Lake KOA and rent some bikes, 3-wheel banana bikes, 4-wheel roadsters, or 2-to-4-person pedal surreys for a jaunt around the area.
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© Image courtesy of Jay Dash Photography | Eagle Point Mountain Biking Tushars
Utah's National Parks: Just the Start of Your Southern Utah Itinerary 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
G
reat access to Utah’s parks and outdoors begins within 30 minutes of the Salt Lake City Airport in northern Utah, including national forests and monuments crossing high-alpine adventure, tranquil lakes, mountain ranges and hidden caverns.
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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.
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
© Image courtesy of Michael Kunde Photo, Utah Office of Tourism | Goblin Valley
© Image courtesy of NPS Photo | Gifford Barn, 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. Request a free backcountry permit and discover pristine wilderness backpacking (with necessary wayfinding knowledge) or go rock-climbing.
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 Zagat-rated Hell’s Backbone Grill. Open year-round, Capitol Reef ’s campgrounds are first-come, firstserved, 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.
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum | 1 hour 45 minutes from Capitol Reef This museum marks the site of one of the largestknown 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.
© Image courtesy of Marc Piscotty | San Rafael Swell, Goodwater Rim Trail
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.
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ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
WHAT TO DO
Enjoy the 18-mile scenic drive (one-way) — travel patiently and respect parking regulations. Also, note the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint!
Every arch frames 300-million-years of patient erosion
© Image courtesy of NPS Photo | Landscape Arch Arches
Park Avenue, Balanced Rock and the Windows Section hikes display diverse formations and high concentration of arches. More than 2,000 arches give the park its name, but Delicate Arch and Devils Garden beg a closer look. A half-day trip is possible, but we recommend multiple days and stopping for tips at the visitor’s center.
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.
© Image courtesy of Jay Dash Photography | Emery John Wesely Powell Museum Green Rive
© Image courtesy of Shay Read | Dead Horse Point StatePark
COMPLETE YOUR ITINERARY Dead Horse Point State Park | 40 minutes from Arches’ visitor center
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Many visitors find the views at Dead Horse Point to be more captivating than the Grand Canyon. A visitor center and gallery provide a wonderful introduction to the park’s geology. There are also mountain biking trails, campsites and reservable yurts.
Green River | 45 minutes from Arches visitor center 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 mustride 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 multipitch 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
© Image courtesy of Matt Morgan | Interior of Kiva 5 - Edge of Cedars State Park
© Image courtesy of Jay Dash Photography | Natural Bridges National Monument
© Image courtesy of NPS Photo | Canyonlands Chesler Park Needles District
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 highelevation 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
WHAT TO DO
© Image courtesy of Matt Morgan | Boynton Overlook Grand Staircase Escalante Scenic Byway
© Image courtesy of Utah Office of Tourism | Bryce Canyon Sunrise from Sunset Point
An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees
The 37-mile scenic drive from the visitor center accesses multiple overlooks. The Rim Trail offers sights deep into the main amphitheater while Rainbow, Yovimpa and Inspiration Points access different perspectives. Some of the park’s iconic hoodoos stand 10 stories tall — something you’ll have to hike (or horseback) into the canyon to fully appreciate. The park’s colors also come alive with sunrises and sunsets, and the show continues at nightfall with dark sky astronomy programs.
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 Landmark, is open April through November and offers cabin rentals. Check for limited availability during winter months.
COMPLETE YOUR ITINERARY Anasazi State Park Museum | 1 hour 40 minutes from Bryce Canyon At the base of the towering 11,000-foot Boulder Mountain, get an up close and personal look into life from almost 1,000 years ago. Explore what was once one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan communities west of the Colorado River.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park | 1 hour from Bryce Canyon Discover the kaleidoscopic colors of fossilized, prehistoric wood alongside expansive vistas of the surrounding mountains and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Cool off in idyllic Wide Hollow Reservoir and enjoy great fishing and camping at this state park base camp.
© Image courtesy of AngiePayne | Kodachrome Basin
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument | 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon to the Cannonville Visitor Center
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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 Cannonville. Check out the 4-mile hike to Escalante Natural Bridge.
Kodachrome Basin State Park | 40 minutes from Bryce Canyon This state park features 67 monolithic stone spires, part of a multicolored landscape so beautiful it earned the nickname “Kodachrome” after a popular Kodak film. Today, visitors enjoy camping and hiking across 2,240 acres of photogenic, geologic wonder.
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ZION NATIONAL PARK
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.
© Image courtesy of Jay Dash Photography | Zion Observation Point
A thousand-foot-deep red rock canyon, nested in dramatic surroundings
Explore Zion Canyon’s famous slot canyons, including The Narrows, which are better explored with a guide. Rent gear from a local outfitter and hike them in the winter! Be sure to also visit the Kolob Canyons section and the backcountry of the West Rim.
WHERE TO STAY
On scenic state Route 9, Springdale is the primary gateway to Zion, and it offers a full range of accommodations, as well as diverse dining, coffee, spa and entertainment hotspots. Reserve a spot for the Watchman or South campgrounds. Numerous lodging options are available in nearby towns La Verkin, Virgin, Rockville, Cedar City and St. George. Though further away, Kanab is also a great base camp for certain itineraries.
© Image courtesy of AngiePayne | Coral Pink Sand Dunes
© Image courtesy of AdamClark | Winter in CedarBreaks
COMPLETE YOUR ITINERARY Cedar Breaks National Monument | 1 hour 45 minutes from Zion
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Drive at 10,000 feet through the lush Dixie National Forest, where a fairyland amphitheater of multicolored limestone strata plunges 2,000 feet deep into the plateau. Explore hiking trails or camp under the stars in summer and enjoy cross-country skiing in winter.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park| 1 hour from Zion This park boasts 2,000 acres of sand open to OHVs. It’s the only major sand dune field on the Colorado Plateau, and great for OHV enthusiasts, hikers, sandboarders and families in search of a unique site.
Glen Canyon and Lake Powell | 1 hour 45 minutes from Zion Accessed from Wahweap marina (or Bullfrog marina from the northeast), this is a 1.2-million-acre paradise for houseboaters, kayakers, anglers and photographers. For the most adventurous, Rainbow Bridge National 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.
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U T A H ’S H OG L E Z O O
WHERE KIDS AND CREATURES CONNECT!
Summer Camps and Classes.
Enjoy activities, games, crafts and up-close animal encounters for children of all ages.
Book classes and camps now for Spring and Summer 2020 at hoglezoo.org/education. JDCS Utah Life ad.pdf
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12:14 PM
All ages included. C
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Daycare, Elementary, Middle and High School conveniently located on our Draper campus
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2018 & 2019 Utah Best of State Private School K-12
Learn more & schedule a tour at
be-included.com
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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 nonstop 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
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, owned by Robert Redford. 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 skiers only 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. Owned by Robert Redford, 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. For additional information, visit skiutah.com
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YOUNG AT HEART AND ACTIVE FOR LIFE:
Utah is your playground
N
earing, or already enjoying your retirement years — while still young at heart with a zest for life — and seeking a locale that offers an active lifestyle with multiple options for adventure? If you’re looking for a place to plant roots, or just a place to visit for a while, when it comes to active lifestyles, Utah has all the bases covered.
HIKING Whether you’re in the urban center of downtown Salt Lake City, or enjoying some open space in the southern part of the state, one thing is for certain when you live and play in the Beehive State a plethora of amazing hiking trails are always just a short distance away. There are plenty of breathtaking trails — many paved — that are perfectly suited for both the young, and the young at heart. So, whether you’re looking for a hike to get your heart pumping, or more of a relaxing meander with a view, Utah has it. Check out hiking trails across the state at visitutah.com/things-to-do/hiking.
SNOWSHOEING The outdoor fun doesn’t have to stop when the snow flies. After all, Utah is known for the Greatest Snow on Earth®. If you’re no 100
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longer interested in roaring down a mountain side at breakneck speed, try Nordic skiing, or snowshoeing instead. It’s more like a cross-country hike over snowy terrain. The snow acts as a cushion and snowshoes are designed to evenly distribute body weight, making it a great low-impact alternative to downhill skiing. Utah has multiple dedicated snowshoeing locations, especially around the Salt Lake-Park City area. If you’re new to the sport, it may be helpful to visit one of Utah’s many Nordic centers for advice, rental equipment and even lessons. Snowshoeing is the perfect way to enjoy some solitude, blue skies and sunshine on a crisp winter’s day.
GOLFING Fancy a round of golf when you are ready to head outdoors? Then make beautiful St. George your go-to destination. Head to the southern portion of the state to experience the city’s unique take on the sport: a trail consisting of 10 different courses, each boasting stunning views of the area’s signature red rock cliffs standing in gorgeous contrast to the vivid greens. Since the weather in southern Utah is warmer and drier than the north, golf season is in full swing year-round.
SWIMMING/BOATING Utah has a multitude of gorgeous locales for waterfront recreation, from the turquoise waters of Bear Lake in the north, to the epic red rock walls of Lake Powell down south. Spend the day on the beach, play in the water or take a leisurely stroll while basking in the sunshine. When the weather turns cold, there’s no need to hibernate: the state offers lots of dedicated pools and recreation centers with aquatic facilities. Take some laps or join one of the many available water aerobics classes for a low-impact workout that will strengthen your muscles and get your heart pumping. No matter what active 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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SoJo Opportunities for Office, Business, Medical, Retail, Restaurant, Light Industrial, Hospitality & Recreation Daybreak Commerce Park
SoDa Row
Pheasant Hollow
SoJo Station
Trail Crossing
RiverPark Corporate Center
For Information Please Contact:
Oquirrh Mtn. Marketplace
The District
The Towne Center
Brian A. Preece, MPA Director of City Commerce 801-254-3742 or
2nd Best City in US for Access to Financial Resources—Wallet Hub
bpreece@sjc.utah.gov
See it.
Experience it.
Live it.
BryceCanyonCountry.com/LIU
BOONDOCKS FUN CENTER With locations in Draper and Kaysville, Boondocks has everything you need for family fun: mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, arcade games, food and more. boondocks.com
CHERRY HILL This water park, family fun center and campground with 150 shaded campsites has been a local favorite for more than 50 years. cherry-hill.com
CLARK PLANETARIUM A planetarium for visitors of all ages who want to discover and learn more about space and science. slco.org/clark-planetarium
FUN FOR THE
Entire Family
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DISCOVERY GATEWAY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Multiple hands-on exhibits allow children the opportunity to learn and be creative while playing and interacting with their environment. discoverygateway.org
ith ample state parks, national parks and other natural wonders, Utah has some of the most breathtaking scenery available anywhere. Nevertheless, the youngest members of the family may not yet appreciate the natural splendor and will likely express — sometimes quite vocally — their desire to do something more “fun.” When that time comes, have no fear: The Beehive State is also replete with endless locales for fun family entertainment.
EVERMORE PARK
Since Utah has the largest percentage of children of any state in the nation, with nearly 30% of the population under age 18, there are a variety of activities, both fun-filled and educational, available throughout the state. The list below is a sampling of the many options available — don’t be surprised if there are more things you want to see and do than time allows.
HEBER VALLEY RAILROAD
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An old-world, European villagethemed 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
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
HOGLE ZOO
MUSEUM OF NATURAL CURIOSITY 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
This 42-acre zoo features shaded pathways and more than 800 animals from diverse ecosystems. Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. hoglezoo.org
LABYRINTH REALITY GAMES
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF UTAH 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
LAGOON AMUSEMENT PARK
RED BUTTE GARDEN 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
Enjoy plant collections, display gardens and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs at Red Butte, the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West. Located in the foothills on the eastern edge of the University of Utah campus. redbuttegarden.org
SEVEN PEAKS WATER PARK
THE LEONARDO MUSEUM
This 26-acre water park in Lehi has everything for family fun in the sun: winding waterslides, a wave pool, kiddie pool and food vendors. sevenpeaks.com
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, this innovative 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
LOVELAND LIVING PLANET AQUARIUM
ST. GEORGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
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
MONTE L. BEAN LIFE SCIENCE MUSEUM Have fun learning about animals, insects and more through hands-on activities and displays at this natural history museum located on the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo. Free admission. mlbean.byu.edu
Nonprofit 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 nonprofit farm, garden and museum complex just 20 minutes south of Salt Lake. Families love the multiple offerings, including: The Museum of Ancient Life, Farm Country, the Museum of Natural Curiosity, Ashton Gardens and the Butterfly Biosphere. thanksgivingpoint.org
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cultural celebration that showcases traditional music, dance, foods and crafts of the 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.
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.
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 100plus 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.
Salt Lake Twilight
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
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. Holi Festival of Colors
Each spring, Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork explodes with various kinds of
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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
Every year, more than 70 different cultural groups come together for the Living Traditions Festival — a free,
LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
Utah Pride Festival
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. Ogden Twilight
Where can you find big-name acts for an unbeatable price? The Ogden Twilight Concert Series, of course! Bands like The
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.
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
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
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.
Fall
WINTER
Autumn Aloft
Festival of Trees
Oktoberfest
Last Hurrah
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.
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.
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, 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. 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.
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 a plethora of events including a rodeo, demolition derby, truck pull, carnival rides and all the fair food you can eat. Escalante Canyons Art Festival
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.
Sundance Film Festival
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.
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EVENT CALENDAR 2020 ACTIVITIES FROM AROUND THE STATE FEBRUARY
Kanab Balloons & Tunes Roundup February 14–16 Kanab visitsouthernutah.com
Utah Pride Festival June Salt Lake City utahpridecenter.org
MARCH
Utah Shakespeare Festival
March 19–22 Sandy sportsexpos.com
Utah Arts Festival
International Sportsmen’s Expo
Holi Festival of Colors March 28–29 Spanish Fork festivalofcolorsusa.com
APRIL
St. George Art Festival
June 1–October 10 Cedar City bard.org June 25–28 Salt Lake City uaf.org
Tastemakers
June Salt Lake City tastemakersutah.com
April 10–11 St. George sgartfestival.com
JULY
SLC Marathon
July 4 Provo freedomfestival.org
April 18 Salt Lake City saltlakecitymarathon.com
Tulip Festival
April-May Lehi thanksgivingpoint.org
MAY
Utah Dough Show May 16 Salt Lake City utahdoughshow.com
Living Traditions Festival May 15–17 Salt Lake City livingtraditionsfestival.com
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JUNE
America’s Freedom Festival
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre July 6–August 8 Logan utahfestival.org
Days of ‘47 Parade July 24 Salt Lake City daysof47.com
AUGUST
Tour of Utah
August 3-9 Statewide tourofutah.com
LIFE IN UTAH 2020 | SLCHAMBER.com
Raspberry Days August 6–8 Garden City bearlake.org
Utah Humanities Book Festival Statewide utahhumanities.org
Craft Lake City DIY Festival
OCTOBER
Oktoberfest
Pumpkin Nights
Loveloud Fest
NOVEMBER
August 7-9 Salt Lake City craftlakecity.com
August-October Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort snowbird.com August Salt Lake City loveloudfest.com
Dine O’Round
October-November Salt Lake City dineoround.com October Salt Lake City pumpkinnights.com
Luminaria: Experience the Light
SEPTEMBER
November–December Lehi thanksgivingpoint.org
September 4–5 Midway midwayswissdays.com
DECEMBER
Swiss Days
Utah State Fair September 10–20 Salt Lake City utahstatefair.com
Xterra Utah Off-Road Triathlon September 14 Ogden xterraplanet.com
FanX Comic Convention September 17–19 Salt Lake City fanxsaltlake.com
Zoo Lights
December Salt Lake City hoglezoo.org
Festival of Trees
December 1–5 Sandy intermountainhealthcare.org
JANUARY
Sundance Film Festival January–February Various Locations sundance.org
*Due to publishing timelines, dates and information may change. Please verify dates and times before attending an event.
P L AY
SLC INT AIRPORT FULL PAGE
Say hello to your brand new, bigger, better Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), arriving in 2020. The New SLC will replace the three existing terminals with one large, modern terminal that has the capacity to meet the ever-growing demands of a major air transportation hub. To learn more, visit SLCairport.com
CONVENIENT
INSPIRING
SUSTAINABLE
FanX™ Pop Culture meets Comic Convention
September 17-19, 2020, at the Salt Palace Convention Center Your FanX ticket is your passport to panels, Celebrities, Vendors, Artists, KidCon, and more! Use promo code LIFEINUTAH for an additional 15% off FanX Tickets until August 31st, 2020
Visit FanXSaltLake.com for more info.
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
naturally
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
derstand their businesses, talk frequently, jump
disruptor, covering niches and gaps that tradi-
immediately into action when something bad
tional companies won’t touch. To focus more specifically on high-risk business, Lindsey formed XINSURANCE, which spe-
happens, and handle everything in-house, including attorneys, underwriting, claims, and risk management.
cializes in “true umbrella” liability coverage for
Lindsey is also unafraid to take on plaintiff at-
exclusions and gaps, offering products that in-
torneys and fight in court rather than quickly set-
dependent agents can sell. XINSURANCE pro-
tle claims at the threat of a lawsuit. He believes
tects individuals and businesses with an addi-
the rush to settle produces more and more frivo-
tional layer of liability coverage to provide true
lous lawsuits and higher settlement demands by
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.
Contact XINSURANCE directly or have your insurance agent reach out to us.
801-304-5562 quotes@xinsurance.com Powered by Evolution Insurance Brokers, LC
.com/true
AUGUST 25-27, 2020: UTAH VALLEY CONVENTION CENTER
PL AY • LEARN • A DVO C A T E • BUI L D • PL AN • O R GANI ZE • AMPLIFY
Outdoors Together
The 2020 Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit is a three-day event that will be held at the Utah Valley Convention Center. Network during one of our attendee activities or get outside to play at Utah Lake State Park, a nearby canyon or on the Provo River. Get inspired and stay informed about outdoor recreation issues in one of our five educational tracks. Give back to local recreation areas and meet new people in the industry during a service project. The Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit provides a space for outdoor recreation professionals to gather as an industry and work toward a shared vision. It is a space that elevates the crucial conversation about the importance of outdoor recreation for the economy, health, quality of life and so much more. It is a place to greet old friends, convene about issues, create new partnerships and play outside together. Join us “Outdoors Together” to share your voice, work on local issues, build the future and amplify the industry. We hope to see you there!
VISIT
UTAHOUTDOORSUMMIT.COM
Register now!
THE COMPLETE BUSINESS TOOLBOX
From the first phone call to the final payment, Weave’s unique integration of hardware and software solutions help businesses grow, retain and communicate across the entire customer journey.
WEAVE PHONES Smart phone system that can help you identify customers, heavy call times, and opportunities to schedule an overdue appointment or collect an overdue balance.
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WEAVE SCHEDULING Easily view and manage your schedule—send appointment reminders, confirm or reschedule appointments and fill gaps in your schedule.
WEAVE PAYMENTS Full payment processing and easy collections with text to pay.
WEAVE TEAM Easy team communication wherever you are with Team Chat.
Schedule a live demo today. 888.545.8880 getweave.com
Schedule a live demo today. 888.545.8880 getweave.com
WEAVE ANALYTICS Powerful analytics to help you make better business decisions—Call Analytics, Payment Analytics.
888.545.8880 | getweave.com
HOST LIZ ADEOLA
WATCH ANYTIME, ANYWHERE • TUNE IN OR STREAM This Is Utah, a weekly series from PBS Utah, celebrates the diverse people and communities that call this place home.
Thursdays 7PM
pbsutah.org/thisisutah
FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
KUED IS NOW New name, new look. Same station you love.
Watch Anytime, Anywhere
pbsutah.org
Casper’s Ice Cream
Maverik
Iron County School District
Partners in innovation
Caring for Utah’s future drives us. That’s why at Rocky Mountain Power we’re pleased to partner with businesses like these to make them more energy efficient and sustainable. Together, we have the power to help our local economy thrive, and make our communities better. • Casper’s Ice Cream, makers of the famous FatBoy®, improves the efficiency of their refrigeration equipment and lighting to save more than $75,000 annually. • Maverik completes renewable and energy efficiency projects and adds electric vehicle charging stations across Utah with help from Rocky Mountain Power. • Iron County School District improves comfort and saves $46,000 annually through Wattsmart® energy-efficient cooling upgrades. How can we help your business? Learn more at Wattsmart.com.
© 2020 Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart is registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. FatBoy registered trademark held by Casper’s Ice Cream and used with permission.
We’re all about the
Golden Spike
• Visit the premier birding destination of the Western United States. • Take in two renowned pieces of land art. • Stand on the spot where the Union and Central Pacific Railroads joined their rails and forged the destiny of a nation.
Sun Tunnels
• Soak in a natural spring pool with the highest mineral content in the world. • Eat at Utah’s original steakhouse. • Eat, sleep and play in a place unlike any other.
Crystal Hot Springs
AND MANY MORE!
As you empty your Box Elder County bucket list, we’re confident you’ll find a whole new set of experiences to fill it up again. Visit boxelder.org for details.