Life in Utah 2023

QUALITY LIVING The Utah Way

Architects

WHAT’S NEXT AT YOUR NEW

MORE ADDITIONS ARRIVING 2023-2024

Since the first flights departed The New Salt Lake International Airport, millions of travelers have experienced its stunning architecture, tech-friendly amenities, and thoughtfully curated dining and shopping options.

But we’re just getting started.

As Phase 2 is finished in 2023, you can expect 22 additional gates and 19 new shops and restaurants, including more local favorites. And in 2024, Phase 3 will bring even more places to eat, drink, shop, and relax—plus a new central tunnel that significantly shortens the walk to Concourse B gates.

See what’s next for your new SLC at slcairport.com

22 ADDITIONAL GATES

Photo courtesy: HOK

Dear reader,

Welcome to Utah! Our state is among the top in the nation for family prosperity, business development, entrepreneurship, and quality of life. Utah’s economy is strong, robust, and one of the best in the nation.

Utah has earned a range of accolades from publications, ranking our state among the highest for business and economy. Utah is consistently ranked nationally for our healthy economy and entrepreneurial spirit. In 2022, Utah was ranked the nation’s best economy and No. 3 best state overall (U.S. News & World Report), No. 1 in economic outlook for the 15th year in a row (Rich States Poor States), and the No. 1 state for the middle class (SmartAsset).

I believe that we must engage businesses and communities of all sizes across all sectors. This means we pay special attention to those living in rural and other underserved communities. We have such a wide range of diversity and culture within Utah; everyone delivers a unique perspective and contributes to Utah’s accomplishments. The people of Utah have a strong work ethic and a determination that is complemented by a strong entrepreneurial attitude.

Life in Utah Magazine gives a window into Utah’s impressive economic strength and business climate from global business ventures to the details of what it is like to live, work and do business in Utah.

The best time to visit Utah is now you won’t want to leave once you do!

Sincerely,

Spencer J. Cox Governor

Make

Reduce the impact of emergencies and disasters in your life.

Be Informed about what hazards are possible in your area and what protective actions you should take.

Get Involved with others at work, at school, and in your neighborhood to help your community prepare for emergencies.

Utah Welcomes You!

“This is the place” is a familiar saying in Utah, and it goes back to when pioneers found refuge in the beautiful Wasatch mountains. Those pioneers arrived in this high mountain desert with a vision to gather and live as one. This goal of building a prosperous, unified community still rings through our hearts and minds today.

As you visit Utah for business, vacation, or even hoping to find your next place to live, there is much here to excite the imagination. The state is known for its incredible snow, where water turns to powder and mountain slopes become playgrounds in the sky. Several Utah resorts sit a mere 30 minutes away from our world-class and world-connecting Salt Lake City International Airport.

Utah also boasts many of the best Dark Sky Parks in the world, where stars come to life. These celestial bodies often blanket some of the finest red rock landscapes you can experience. Unlimited opportunities to discover and explore in Utah’s vast outdoor playscape abound.

Interwoven with countless outdoor recreation opportunities is a bustling business environment. With innovation driving economic expansion, Utah remains a top destination for startups and the entrepreneurial spirit continues to attract capital and talent to the state. In addition, a growing population of educated adults fuels the talent pipeline and brings fresh ideas to market.

Quality of life and business opportunities make Utah a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We offer top-tier research universities and certificate programs through technical and community college training for career advancement.

Utah’s modern history began with religious refugees, and the state strives to welcome all those seeking belonging and champion diversity in all its fashions. Welcoming new visitors and residents is part of our historical heritage and current cultural fabric.

This magazine provides a glimpse of what makes Utah unique and special for newcomers. Whatever your goals and whatever your length of stay, we hope you will join us in making this place the best it can be. Together your presence and input can help our state reach its full potential. Welcome to Life in Utah!

Sincerely,

Derek Miller President & CEO Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance

DOING GOOD. TOGETHER.

We've historically been known as automotive, sports and entertainment. As our company evolves, we have a different portfolio of companies, but we have never been more committed to building and enriching the communities where we live, work and play.

We do this through building world-class communities to live in, providing exceptional care to those you love, creating memorable experiences and entertainment, investing in great companies, and helping those around us.

Larry and Gail Miller set the example, and the next generation is just as committed to building our community. Whether it’s transacting business, building communities, or working side by side, our future has never been brighter.

RESOURCE GUIDE

Map of Utah

St. George

Loa Kanab

Panguitch

Junction Beaver

Parowan

Fillmore

Richfield

Manti

Nephi

Castle Dale

Price

Moab

Monticello

Vernal

Manila

Duchesne

Coalville Provo

Lehi Heber City

Randolph Logan Brigham City Ogden

Farmington Salt Lake City

Tooele

Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City has been providing hope and healing to children like Parker since 1925. Specializing in pediatric orthopedics, services include wheelchair seating and mobility, prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation services, a motion analysis center and specialty clinics.

Our compassionate, prestigious doctors and care teams are committed to excellence in pediatric care.

At Shriners Children's all care and services are provided regardless of the families' ability to pay or insurance status.

If you know a child who could benefit from our services, please give us a call at 800-314-4283. Learn more at shrinersslc.org

Squire is proud to be at the top of tax, audit, and advisory firms in Utah. We’ve been the local choice for 50 years. We may look different but our service, expertise, and commitment to our clients remain the same.

Getting Around in Salt Lake City

Due to its central location in the western US, Salt Lake City is one of the best places to live, work, and play. It’s also one of the best places to visit and explore! If you’ve never visited the Wasatch Front but are planning a visit soon, you’ll rest assured knowing that navigating around Salt Lake City is a breeze. Whether you opt to use public transportation, bikes, scooters, or a car during your visit, our transit options and our grid-style street system will ensure that you get exactly where you want to go.

One of the biggest advantages of traveling across the Wasatch Front is our award-winning grid system. Designed by Brigham Young just three days after the first pioneer company arrived in the valley, Salt Lake City is often regarded as one of the easiest places to navigate in the country. To find your way around the city, one should remember that Temple Square is the center point of the grid — from Temple Square, our streets are then numbered from north to south and east to west.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (UTA)

One of the most inexpensive ways to travel in Salt Lake is through the Utah Transit Authority (UTA). With a light rail train and bussing

system that runs through Salt Lake, the airport, and the surrounding suburbs, you’ll be amazed at how far a $5/day fare will get you. As an added bonus, visitors can take advantage of the “Free Fare Zone” from the Salt Lake Central and Library stops in downtown Salt Lake City. Want to explore further south into Provo or up north in Ogden? UTA has you covered with FrontRunner, an 83-mile commuter rail system. Visit rideuta.com for ride schedules, ticketing information, and more.

E-BIKES&SCOOTERS

Starting at just $1 a ride, one of the best ways to see the city's magic in just about any season is to rent an e-bike or scooter! Salt Lake is home to more than 30 GREENBike e-bike stations and dozens of Lime and Bird scooter stations, so you’ll always have an ecofriendly option when getting around town. Visit greenbikeslc.org for e-bike locations.

DRIVING

Looking to see one of our “Mighty Five” national parks down south? Driving is one of the easiest ways to see these majestic corners of our state. With a total of 45,120 miles of

federal, state, and local highways, you can get anywhere from Salt Lake to Capitol Reef, and then on to Zion or Las Vegas in a matter of hours. Additionally, over the last year, the Utah Department of Transportation has added dozens of miles of electric charging stations to Utah’s 1-15 corridor, making it easier for those driving electric vehicles to charge up on road trips easily.

SALT LAKE CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Set to complete by 2024, Salt Lake City International Airport is undergoing a massive facelift with the addition of a new terminal, parking garages, and dining/shopping options for passengers jetting off on their next adventure. Whether you decide to travel outof-state to California, or out of the country on a European endeavor, the sky is the limit!

Lab to Lifts

The life science industry is growing at an incredible pace around the world.

We are playing an important role here in Utah.

Salt Lake City and BioHive is focused on growth in the health care innovation industry that empowers upward mobility for Utahns and Utah Businesses.

Salt Lake City boasts a flourishing foundation of institutions and businesses. With the highest concentration of life science-related jobs in the nation, we are emerging as a world-class hub for health care innovation.

And honestly, that’s not even the best part.

Salt Lake City is only 45 minutes away from the Greatest Snow on Earth.

UTAH’S REAL ESTATE MARKET IN 2023

BY: UTAH ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

After a white-hot market and homebuying frenzy during the pandemic, rising interest rates are now moderating Utah’s housing market.

As of Nov. 30, 2022, the number of active listings had doubled, and year-to-date Utah homes sales had fallen nearly 19% compared to 2021. When annual numbers are released, 2022 will likely have the fewest home sales since 2014.

This is due to a large decline in affordability, which as of November 2022 had fallen 40% from the year prior — a figure which measures the effect of incomes, interest rates, and home prices.

While affordability will likely continue to be a challenge in 2023 because of sticky home prices, high interest rates, and an ongoing housing shortage, Utah home buyers will have advantages that were non-existent during the first years of the decade. These include less competition from other buyers, more time to shop for homes, sellers willing to negotiate, and a greater selection of home choices.

Here’s a closer look at Utah’s changing housing market:

HOUSING MARKET TODAY VERSUS MID-2000S

With the strong run-up in prices over the past few years, Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, said in a 2023 forecast presentation that it’s natural for buyers to wonder if housing prices will crash like they did during the Great Recession.

Yun said that’s unlikely given that today there is a “completely different fundamental backdrop in the marketplace.”

Today’s conditions include more jobs, virtually no subprime loans, lower housing inventory, less construction, and significantly fewer mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures.

Even though sales have slowed, Yun said the data show a national housing shortage. The same is true in Utah, where the state is short 31,000 housing units based on our household growth, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

“Of course, the buyers have retreated now, but hypothetically, if the mortgage rates go down meaningfully and the buyers return, we could again encounter another housing shortage unless we really ramp up production or possibly even convert some of the empty commercial buildings,” Yun said.

HIGHER RATES, SLOWER SALES, AND STICKY PRICES

The National Association of Realtors expects rates on 30-year fixed mortgages to average 5.7% in 2023, while Realtor.com expects a 7.4% average.

“Compared to the wild ride of the past two years, 2023 will be a slower-paced housing market, which means drastic shifts like price declines may not happen as quickly as some have anticipated,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor. com in a November 2022 press release. “It will be a challenging year for both buyers and sellers, but an important one in setting the stage for home sales to return to a sustainable pace over the next two to three years.”

Realtor.com forecasts home sales will fall 7.6% in Salt Lake City and 11% in OgdenClearfield in 2023. Although incomes are expected to grow, high rates and prices will likely sideline some buyers. Sales could see a possible rebound in the second half of the year

should mortgage rates decline as expected. Realtor.com also predicts 2023 home prices rising 5.8% in Salt Lake City and 6.4% in Ogden-Clearfield.

“Moving forward, home price growth will slow and may even decline periodically as prices largely stabilize over the next two-to-three years,” Realtor.com wrote in its 2023 housing forecast.

Dejan Eskic with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has said he expects Utah home prices to fall 9% year over year while James Wood, also with the Policy Institute, has said he expects only minor blips and flat home price appreciation for the year.

Nationally, Yun predicts no change in U.S. home prices overall.

“Half of the country may experience small price gains, while the other half may see slight price declines,” Yun said in a December 2022 press release.

BUYING OPPORTUNITIES

With Utah’s population expected to increase by more than 1 million in the next 20 years, the long-term outlook for Utah real estate looks bright. While affordability concerns will hold back some would-be buyers in 2023, others will take advantage of incentives from sellers and loan buy-down programs from lenders.

The Utah Association of Realtors recommends working with a local Realtor who will help you navigate the changing market in your local area. Find a directory of Utah Realtors at UtahRealtors.com.

LOOKING TO BUY / SELL / INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

• Utah’s housing market is ranked #1 for the strongest pace of job growth, along with low unemployment, low mortgage rates, few mortgage delinquencies, and low state & local taxes” by Bankrate.com?

• Despite a slower market, home prices are still rising in Utah?

• The Wasatch Front has seen slower home sales by as much as 31%?

• It is still a great time to buy/sell/invest?

We specialize in relocation, investments, luxury, move-up buyer, first-time buyer, military. Want to know more about the housing market?

We are here to answer ALL of your real estate and mortgage questions, call today. (801) 201-2949 | chalkerproperties@gmail.com | chalkerproperties.com

YOUR GUIDE TO HEALTHCARE IN UTAH

OUR AWARD-WINNING HOSPITALS WILL GET YOU BACK ON YOUR FEET IN NO TIME

Doctor’s visits are never planned for (or desired!) when traveling, but even the most seasoned travelers know that emergencies can and do happen — regardless of where you are! While we sincerely hope that you won’t need medical care while exploring our state, but if you do, Utah is home to several of the most renowned healthcare facilities in the country, and they are equipped to handle any and every healthcare need.

Here are a few of our healthcare providers that have received national recognition:

INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTHCARE

Intermountain Healthcare is one of the largest not-for-profit healthcare entities in the state, with a total of 40,000 caregivers and 33 hospitals statewide. Headquartered in Murray, Intermountain’s flagship hospital (and the largest hospital in the state with a whopping 452 beds) was named one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America in 2016. Additionally, the Bear River Valley, Cedar City, and Logan Regional hospitals were also named to the 100 Great Community Hospitals during the same year.

While Intermountain’s Murray hospital is often regarded as the best in the state, another Intermountain facility, Primary Children’s, is the best in a different right — pediatrics. Designated as a Level 1 trauma center and a Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit, the hospital provides the best care possible for young children and babies in medical crises. Additionally, the hospital is proud to partner with foundations like the Ronald McDonald House so that families with children in treatment can live comfortably for as long as they are in town.

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH HEALTH

The University of Utah Health system is the only academic healthcare system in the Mountain West, and one of our pride and joys. Because of their advanced academicbased healthcare system, patients at the U of U have access to some of the latest medical technology, treatments, and advancements. U of U Health is also one of the only systems on this side of the US that offer certain specialized procedures and specialties involving gastroenterology, nephrology, orthopedics, psychiatry, and more. Additionally, over the last nine years, the University of Utah system has been ranked in the Top Ten for quality healthcare from an academic system. And in 2019, US News & World Report ranked the orthopedic team at the university as number 50 in the country and the University of Utah hospital as number one in the Salt Lake metro. The U of U is also home to 1,400 board-certified physicians, 5,000 healthcare providers, and teams of medical researchers so you can rest assured knowing that you’ll receive the best possible.

HUNTSMAN CANCER INSTITUTE

Salt Lake City is home to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West. Housed on the University of Utah campus, the cancer institute sees 142,000 patient visits annually and remains at the forefront of cancer research. On top of leading the way in clinical trials (there are up to 200 available at any given time), the cancer institute also has over 177 research teams dedicated to studying all aspects of cancer. Since its inception, the research teams at the institute have discovered more genes for inherited cancers like hereditary breast, ovarian, colon, head and neck cancers, as well as melanoma. With two clinics in the surrounding community and five affiliate hospitals in neighboring states, the Huntsman Cancer Institute is proud to utilize a “team” approach to cancer treatment, prevention, and care.

HUNTSMAN MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE

A newer addition to the healthcare family in Utah, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute opened in 2019 after the Huntsman family made a generous donation to the University of Utah Healthcare system. With behavioral health support centers across the Wasatch Front and Park City, the Hunstman Mental Health institute specializes in medication management, addiction recovery, suicide prevention, and more. The institute also has a renowned team of medical researchers working to understand the complex functions of the brain in order to provide innovative treatments. Thanks to dozens of expert doctors, nurses, and other behavioral health researchers, the team at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute is reducing the stigma around mental health while promoting mental healing across Utah and the nation.

The District

HeritageStatue

RiverPark Corporate Center Fishing Ponds, Parks and Trails

Bear Lake, less than an hour drive from Logan, is a freshwater lake that straddles the Utah-Idaho border. Known for its vibrant, turquoise-blue water, the town is a recreation hotspot in the summer with fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing, or just soaking up some sun on the beach. Don’t forget to grab one of their famous raspberry shakes! If you’re not looking for activities on the water, take one of the many hikes in the area, a bike ride around the lake, or enjoy a round of golf.

Opera lovers can enjoy Broadway-style musical theater by visiting the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre. Attendees have compared the performance and production quality to those of shows found in New York City.

PROMINENT CITIES

Logan, the flagship city of the Bear River Region, has been repeatedly named one of the top five college towns in America. Home to Utah State University, Logan offers friendly people, a bevy of culinary delights, a lively cultural scene, access to plenty of outdoor recreation, and so much more.

SAVOR

About 100 miles to the southwest of Bear Lake is another lake that is equally inviting The Great Salt Lake, a natural saltwater lake boasting a unique piece of art that’s sure to impress. The Spiral Jetty, a larger-than-life earthwork crafted right into the bed of the Great Salt Lake, was created by sculptor Robert Smithson in 1970. Smithson used 6,000 tons of black basalt rock and earth to create the black, spiraling coil that sits at 1,500 feet long and 15 feet wide. It’s so epic it can be viewed from both the sky and the ground, but only if the level of the saltwater lake is low enough.

Aggie Ice Cream

Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt

750 N 1200 E, Logan

Crumb Brothers Bakery

Bakery

291 S 300th W, Logan

Cafe Sabor

Mexican Bistro

600 W Center St, Logan

Herm’s Inn

Breakfast, Brunch 1435 E Canyon Rd, Logan

Ruca's

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

284 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City

Logan’s Heroes

Deli, Greek

101 Main St, Logan

MayMoes

Cajun/Creole, American 981 S Main St, Logan

Tandoori Oven Indian, Pakistani 720 E 1000 N, Logan

GROW BUSINESS

Autoliv ASP

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing

ATK Launch Systems

Aerospace parts manufacturing

Al's Sporting Goods

Sporting and recreational goods

Gossner Foods

Cheese/dairy production and sales

iFIT Health & Fitness Inc.

Manufacturer of fitness equipment

Northrop Grumman

Production of military flight systems

Nucor Building Systems

Steel manufacturing

Pepperidge Farm

Production of cookies, crackers, and breads

Procter & Gamble

Manufacturer of paper products

AlphaGraphics

Commercial printing

Space Dynamics Laboratory

Research and development

Thermo-Fisher Scientific

Biotechnology, laboratory equipment

EXPLORE

Bear Lake

Freshwater lake straddling the Utah-Idaho border stateparks.utah.gov

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Refuge offers bird watching via a walking trail and an auto trail fws.gov

Brigham City Peach Days

Annual festival in September to celebrate the city’s peach harvest boxelderchamber.com

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

Post-secondary education — a campus of the Utah College of Applied Technology

1301 N 600 W, Logan

Utah State University

Nationally recognized research university Old Main Hill, Logan

Logan Canyon Scenic Drive

Scenery-filled drive from Logan to Bear Lake fhwa.dot.gov

Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre

Five-week summer festival of opera and Broadway-style musical theatre utahfestival.org

The 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.

SAVOR

Mumbai House

When they’re covered in snow, there’s no better skiing to be found. After all, Utah boasts the Greatest Snow on Earth®. If you’re looking to hit the slopes, this region offers four world-class ski resorts: Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude, all within minutes of one another.

As the state capital and urban center, Salt Lake City offers everything you would expect from a major metropolitan area, and contrary to some prevalent misconceptions, that includes plenty of bars and clubs. The people of Utah especially like their craft beer: there are more than 30 microbreweries/pubs in Salt Lake City alone.

When it’s time to satisfy your appetite, the options are endless. The city offers every type of cuisine imaginable. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or some fine dining, your choices will be plentiful … and, oh so delicious!

If you’re in the mood for an evening of art or culture, there are multiple art galleries and performance venues from which to choose. On any given night, you can select from one of the many touring acts in town, from Broadway plays to comedians and live musical acts. Or, take in one of the performances by the city’s opera, symphony, or ballet companies: Salt Lake is one of the few major cities that still have all three.

Indian 2731 E Parleys Way, Salt Lake

Caffé Molise

Italian, Wine Bar 404 S West Temple, Salt Lake

The Pie Pizzeria

Pizza

1320 E 200 S, Salt Lake

Red Iguana

Mexican 736 W North Temple, Salt Lake

Sawadee Utah Thai

Thai 754 E South Temple St, Salt Lake

GROW BUSINESS

Amazon

Online retail, product fullfillment

ARUP Laboratories

Laboratory research and development

Boeing Company

Design and manufacturer of airplanes, rockets, satellites, and missiles

Delta Air Lines

Airline hub in Salt Lake City

eBay

Online retail

Goldman Sachs

Global investment banking, securities, and investment firm

Intermountain Health

Healthcare provider

JetBlue Airways Airline

Rio Tinto Kennecott

Mining

Merit Medical Systems

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Wells Fargo Financial services

Zions Bank

Financial services

EXPLORE

HOSPITALS

Intermountain Medical Center

Intermountain Health

5121 Cottonwood St, Murray

Primary Children’s Hospital

Intermountain Health

100 Mario Capecchi Dr, Salt Lake

Salt Lake Regional Medical Center

Steward Health Care

1050 E South Temple, Salt Lake

University of Utah Hospital

University of Utah Health

50 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake

VA Medical Center

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

500 Foothill Dr, Salt Lake

HIGHER EDUCATION

Salt Lake Community College

Utah’s largest two-year college

4600 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake

Weber State University

Public university

3848 Harrison Blvd, Ogden

Westminster College

Private liberal arts college

1840 S 1300 E, Salt Lake

University of Utah

Public research university

201 Presidents Cir, Salt Lake

Squatter's Pub Microbrewery, Pub Fare

147 W Broadway, Salt Lake

Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade

American, Breakfast 54 W 1700 S, Salt Lake

Tona

Japanese, Sushi 210 25th Street, Ogden

Vito's Italian, Sandwiches

100 S Main St, Bountiful

Abravanel Hall

Architectural landmark and home to the Utah Symphony artsaltlake.org

Ballet West

American ballet company in downtown Salt Lake City balletwest.org

Clark Planetarium

Planetarium in downtown Salt Lake slco.org/clark-planetarium

Hikes

Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Ensign Peak, and The Living Room Hike alltrails.com

Lagoon Amusement Park

Intermountain West's top amusement park lagoonpark.com

Utah's Hogle Zoo

42-acre zoo in Salt Lake City featuring more than 800 animals hoglezoo.org

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Destination for global visual arts umfa.utah.edu

Utah Opera Opera company in downtown Salt Lake utahopera.org

Your prescription for...

connecting with nature in the city.

Immerse yourself in nature. Just minutes away from downtown, the Garden offers 21 acres of themed gardens, 5 miles of hiking trails, and spectacular views.

PROMINENT CITIES

The Wasatch Back and the surrounding area are perhaps best known for hosting the Sundance Film Festival attracting travelers and celebrities from around the world each year, as well as being one of the sites of the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games. If you add in some of the best skiing in the world, it is no wonder why this area attracts so many.

In Midway and Heber, you can find not only outdoor recreation, but also take a swim in a crater hot spring or a train ride on a historic railroad.

Head east and you'll find some family fun at Utah's Dinosaur Land. Take a trip back in time at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum and learn all about these prehistoric creatures and roam among 17 full-sized replicas

If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, take a drive to Flaming Gorge. This manmade reservoir — named for its brilliant red canyon walls that appear to be on fire when the sun hits them just right — is fed by the Green River and straddles the Utah-Wyoming border.

SAVOR

Antica Forma Pizza 251 E Main St, Vernal

Billy Blanco’s Mexican 8208 Gorgoza Pines Rd, Park City

Back 40 Ranch House Grill American, Bar 1223 N Hwy 40, Heber City

Café Terigo Italian

424 Main St, Park City

Dairy Keen Home of the Train

Burgers, Shakes 199 S Main St, Heber City

Dinosaur Brew Haus

Burgers, BBQ 550 E Main St, Vernal

Glitretind New American 7700 Stein Way, Park City

Grub Steak

Steakhouse 2093 Sidewinder Dr, Park City

High West Saloon Bar

703 Park Ave, Park City

Lola’s Street Kitchen New American 24 E Main St, Midway

Plaza Mexicana

Mexican 55 E Main St, Vernal

Riverhorse on Main Fine Dining 540 Main St, Park City

Marion’s Variety American 29 N Main St, Roosevelt

Heirloom Common American 195 W Main St, Midway

The Hideout Steak House

Steakhouse 8400 S Parriette Rd, Myton

Vernal Brewing Company

Gastropub

55 S 500 E, Vernal

GROW BUSINESS

Backcountry.com

Sales of outdoor recreation gear and clothing

Park City Mountain

Skiing and outdoor recreation

Deer Valley Resort

Skiing and outdoor recreation

Skullcandy

Sales of headphones, earbuds, speakers, etc.

Sundance Institute

Nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of independent film and theatre

Ovintiv Inc.

Petroleum and natural gas extraction

Flaming Gorge Resort

Lodging and accommodations

Simplot

Food and agribusiness

EXPLORE

Dinosaur National Monument

Quarry Exhibit Hall

Covered quarry wall features 1,500 dinosaur bones nps.gov/dino

Egyptian Theatre

Live theater in Park City egyptiantheatrecompany.org

Fantasy Canyon

Unusual rock formations created by erosion blm.gov

Heber Valley Historic Railroad

Take a ride on one of the scenic or adventure trains hebervalleyrr.org

Homestead Crater

One-of-a-kind geothermal spring for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling homesteadresort.com

Ice Castles at Homestead Resort Winter tourist attraction for families, featuring ice castles, princesses, and fire shows icecastles.com

HOSPITALS

Heber Valley Hospital

Intermountain Health

1454 E Medical Way, Heber City

Park City Hospital

Intermountain Health

900 Round Valley Dr, Park City

Ashley Regional Medical Center

LifePoint Hospitals

150 W 100 N, Vernal

HIGHER EDUCATION

USU Park City

Regional campus for Utah State University

1258 Center Dr, Park City

Uintah Basin Technical College

Public technical training institute

1100 E Lagoon St, Roosevelt 450 N 2000 W, Vernal

USU Uintah Basin

Regional campus for Utah State University 320 Aggie Blvd, Vernal

Mirror Lake Picturesque lake with fishing and boating fs.usda.gov

Sundance Film Festival

Annual film festival held at the end of January in Park City sundance.org

Swiss Days

Midway’s September celebration with arts, crafts, and entertainment midwayswissdays.com

Utah Olympic Park

Activity sports park, originally built for the 2002 Winter Olympics utaholympiclegacy.org

Utah Field House of Natural History Natural history museum in Vernal stateparks.utah.gov

U.S. Parks & Forests

Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge, Red Fleet State Park, Sheep Creek Bay, and Starvation State Park fs.usda.gov

Utah 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.

SAVOR

Asa Ramen Ramen

Beautiful Mount Timpanogos — affectionately called “Timp” by locals — is one of the most popular mountain hikes in the state. There are two long, rugged trails leading to its stunning peak. Another, shorter paved hike leads to the naturally-formed Timpanogos Cave. During the warmer months, guided tours take visitors on a journey through the cool, colorful caverns full of geological wonders.

Or, you can take a short drive up the south end of Provo Canyon to visit Bridal Veil Falls. Named for the lower falls’ resemblance to a bride’s veil, this spectacular, two-tiered waterfall starts its descent from more than 600 feet above ground. You’ll get stunning views and photos from the base, or you can hike a short, but steep trail to the bottom of the lower falls for a closer look.

West of Utah County, beyond the Oquirrh Mountains, lies Tooele County, home of the Bonneville Salt Flats. This natural salt pan stretches more than 30,000 acres along I-80 near the Utah-Nevada border. The flat, white, salty surface looks much like snow and seems to go on forever, making it the perfect location for auto racing and other similar activities. Many land speed records have been set at the Bonneville Speedway, an area that’s designated specifically for motorsports.

1120 S State St, Orem

Black Sheep Cafe

Native American 19 N University Ave, Provo

Block Restaurant American 3330 N University Ave, Provo

Bombay House

Indian 463 N University Ave, Provo

Nigh-Time Donuts Donuts, Sandwiches 299 N Main St, Tooele

Oriental Garden

Chinese 1200 N Main St, Nephi

Penny's Cafe

Burgers, Breakfast 7760 Hwy 36, Stockton

Waffle Love

Breakfast, Waffles

1831 N State St, Provo

Korean BBQ

Korean, Hawaiian 360 S State St, Orem

GROW BUSINESS

Adobe Systems

Software publishing

Ancestry Genealogical information and genetic testing

Cabela’s Outdoor and recreation store

Domo Software publishing

doTERRA International Essential oils and related products

Nestlé Specialty food manufacturing

Nu Skin

Dietary supplements and personal care products

Qualtrics

Research software company

U.S. Department of Defense

Tooele Army Depot and Dugway Proving Ground

Young Living Essential Oils Sales of essential oils

EXPLORE

Bonneville Salt Flats

Expanse of densely packed salt on the western edge of the Great Salt Lake blm.gov

Covey Center for the Arts

Performing arts theater in Provo provo.org/community

Hike the "Y" Trail

Popular 2.2-mile-round-trip hike to the top of BYU’s “Y” painted mountainside alltrails.com

Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum

Natural history museum at BYU mlbean.byu.edu

HOSPITALS

American Fork Hospital

Intermountain Health

170 N 1100 E, American Fork

Mountain Point Medical Center

Steward Health Care

3000 N Triumph Blvd, Lehi

Mountain West Medical Center

Independent 2055 N Main St, Tooele

Timpanogos Regional Hospital

MountainStar Health

750 W 800 N, Orem

Utah Valley Hospital

Intermountain Health

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

Utah Valley University (UVU)

Largest public university in the state 800 W University Pkwy, Orem

Mount Timpanogos Cave

Steep, paved hike to a natural cave with guided tours offered during summer nps.gov/tica

Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days

Utah’s longest-running city celebration, held each June strawberrydays.org

Roots of Knowledge at UVU

Permanent, stained glass panorama of history and human drama uvu.edu

Springville Museum of Art

Utah’s first museum for the visual fine arts smofa.org

With national and state parks like Capitol Reef National Park, the Fremont Indian State Park, and Fishlake National Forest, you’ll have a lot to explore.

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.

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.

GROW BUSINESS

ACT Aerospace

Aerospace design and development

Barney Trucking

Trucking

Bronco Utah Operations

Coal mining

Canyon Fuel Company

Mining

CaptionCall

Translation services

Great Lakes Cheese

Cheese production

Morgan Ranches Dairy Cattle/milk production

PacifiCorp Utilities

Pitman Farms

Poultry processing

HOSPITALS

Castleview Hospital

LifePoint Hospitals

300 Hospital Dr, Price

Delta Community Hospital

Intermountain Health

126 White Sage Ave, Delta

Gunnison Valley Hospital

Independent Hospital 64 E 100 N St, Gunnison

Sanpete Valley Hospital

Intermountain Health

1100 S Medical Dr, Mt. Pleasant

Sevier Valley Hospital

Intermountain Health

1000 N Main St, Richfield

HIGHER EDUCATION

Snow College

State college located in Ephraim 150 College Ave E, Ephraim

Central Utah is home to an array of natural wonders — dinosaur bones, goblins, and "castles" — which are sure to delight even the youngest adventurers.

SAVOR

Abundance Sandwiches, Salad

27 N Main St, Ephraim

Capitol Burger Burgers Food Truck, Torrey

Cluff’s Car Hop American Café 270 N Main St, Fillmore Das Café Café

33 N Main, Spring City

Duke’s Slickrock Grill American 275 E Hwy 24, Hanksville

Happiness Within Coffee

153 S Main St, Helper

Hunt & Gather Restaurant

American 599 W Main St, Torrey

Ideal Dairy

Ice Cream, American 490 S Main St, Richfield

Los Amigos

Mexican Restaurant

Mexican 3 E 700 S, Ephraim

Sagebrush Grill

Steakhouse

1345 S 350th W, Richfield

Sherald’s Frosty Freeze

Ice Cream, American 434 E Main St, Price

Tacos La Pasadita

Mexican 215 E Main St, Green River

Tamarisk Restaurant

American 1710 E Main St, Green River

The Tangerine Eatery

Salad, Soup, Sandwiches 695 E Main St, Price

Savage Industries Freight trucking

Staker Parson Materials & Construction

Construction company

EXPLORE

Capitol Reef National Park Features the Waterpocket Fold: a buckle in the earth's surface, almost 100 miles long nps.gov/state/ut

Fishlake National Forest

Natural mountain lake for fishing, bird watching, and recreation fs.usda.gov

Fremont Indian State Park & Museum

Discover pictographs, artifacts, and petroglyphs stateparks.utah.gov

Goblin Valley State Park

Experience natural formations of mushroom-shaped rocks stateparks.utah.gov

Manti-La Sal National Forest 1.4-million acre mountain range for outdoor recreation fs.usda.gov

USU Eastern Regional campus for Utah State University 451 E 400 N, Price

Mystic Hot Springs

Soak in mineral-rich waters in natural hot springs mystichotsprings.com

Nine-Mile Canyon

Prehistoric artwork, structures, and artifacts spanning 8,000 years castlecountry.com

Palisade State Park

Camping, golf, fishing, hiking, OHV riding, and Lakeside Grill stateparks.utah.gov/parks/palisade

San Rafael Swell

Recreation area of brightly colored sandstone formations and canyons blm.gov/visit

USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum

Experience life three billion years in the making eastern.usu.edu/museum

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PROMINENT CITIES

KANAB

Cedar City is not only home to Southern Utah University, but also the annual Shakespeare Festival which draws in about 100,000 patrons each year over a sixteen-week season held June through October. This festival features a mix of contemporary plays and Shakespearean pieces held in

SAVOR

the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre, an outdoor replica of the Bard’s original Globe Theatre.

Less than an hour’s drive from Cedar City is the City of St. George, the fastest-growing metro area in the nation, according to the Census Bureau. One visit and it’s easy to see why: its stunning natural beauty and red rock cliffs, combined with access to outdoor recreation and mild winter temperatures, make it the perfect year-round place to live and play. Access to two national parks, Zion and Bryce, and one national monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante, mean a bevy of natural wonders are just waiting to be explored.

In the heart of historic downtown St. George, you’ll find many shops, art galleries, and restaurants to explore. But for a really unique experience only 20 min from downtown, take a trip to Kayenta Art Village, which is perfect for grabbing brunch and walking around local art shops while viewing the amazing red rock cliffs.

Nearby is another famous theater in the region, Tuacahn Amphitheater, which is surrounded by stunning red rock cliffs and has been entertaining crowds for more than 20 years with its musical productions, Broadway-style theater, and famous entertainers.

Blues Katz Rock N Roll Grill

Sandwiches, Café 307 N Bluff St, St. George

Bombay Cafe

Indian 969 N 3050 E, St. George; 64 N Main St, Cedar City

Centro Woodfired Pizzeria Pizza 50 W Center St, Cedar City

Cliffside

Painted Pony Southwestern

2 W St George Blvd, St. George

Park Place Eatery

Sandwiches, Crepes 23 W Center St, Cedar City

Sakura Steakhouse, Sushi 939 E Saint George Blvd, St. George

Sego Restaurant New American 190 N 300 W, Kanab

Viva Chicken Peruvian, Chicken 1183 E 100 S, St. George

GROW BUSINESS

American Pacific Corp

Chemical manufacturing

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Animal rescue organization

Boulevard Furniture

Furniture Stores

Holt Farms

Support for crop production

Intermountain Health

Healthcare system

Litehouse Foods

Food manufacturing

Milgro Newcastle, Inc.

Nursery

Orgill

Hardware Wholesalers

Paparazzi

Direct sales

RAM Company

Manufacturer of fabricated metal products

SkyWest Airlines

Air transportation

Wilson Electronics

Communications Equipment Manufacturing

EXPLORE

Bryce Canyon National Park

Largest collection of hoodoos found on the planet nps.gov

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Popular reservoir for water sports and home to Lake Powell nps.gov

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Three distinct regions for outdoor recreation blm.gov

Kanarra Falls

Challenging slot canyon hike in Kanarraville kanarrafalls.com

HOSPITALS

Beaver Valley Hospital

Independent

1109 N 100 W, Beaver

Cedar City Hospital

Intermountain Health

1303 N Main St, Cedar City

St. George Regional Medical Center

Intermountain Health

1380 S Medical Center Dr, St. George

Garfield Memorial Hospital

Intermountain Health

200 N 400 E St, Panguitch

HIGHER EDUCATION

Utah Tech 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

Public university

351 W University Blvd, Cedar City

Southwest Technical College

Public technical training institution

757 W 800 S, Cedar City

Kayenta Art Village

Arts center with galleries, studios, theaters, and restaurants kayentautah.com

Sand Hollow State Park

Reservoir popular for camping, fishing, boating, and ATV riding on the nearby sand dunes stateparks.utah.gov

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

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PROMINENT CITIES

Southeastern Utah is home of Arches and Canyonlands national park, as well as some of the most unique terrain that looks like it is out of this planet, and on Mars. Known for its red sandstone, arches, and dramatic scenery, it’s no wonder why this area draws tourists from all over the world.

Try rafting down the Colorado River, biking the slickrock trails, hiking through the sandstone arches, or racing down Moab’s Sand Hill. With so much to do and explore, you’re sure to come back for more.

Looking for something a little less outdoorsy, but still unique to this region? Check out Moab's Spanish Valley Vineyard and Winery. Yes, it's a winery in the desert, specializing in single-vineyard estate-bottled wines. The wine is bottled, labeled, and boxed by hand on-site using locally grown grapes. Vineyard tours and wine tastings are offered seven days a week, so you can satisfy your inner sommelier whenever the mood strikes.

SAVOR

Arches Thai

Thai, Noodles 60 N 100 W, Moab

Doug’s Steak & BBQ

Steakhouse, Burgers 496 N Main St, Monticello

Grayson Ice Cream Parlor

Ice Cream 2-34 Main St, Blanding

Homestead Steak House

Steakhouse 121 E Center, Blanding

Ja-Roen Thai Sushi

Thai, Sushi

380 S Main St, Monticello

Miguel’s Baja Grill

Mexican 51 N Main St, Moab

Moab Diner

Burgers, American 189 S Main St, Moab

Moab Garage Company

American, Traditional 78 N Main St, Moab

Patio Diner

American, Traditional 95 N Grayson Pkwy, Blanding

Sabuku Sushi

Sushi 90 E Center St, Moab

Thatzza Pizza

Pizza 201 S Main St, Monticello

The Granary

American, Traditional 64 S 300 E, Monticello

Woody’s Tavern

American, Cocktail Bar 221 S Main, Moab

GROW

BUSINESS

City Market

Grocery stores

Kilgore Companies

Construction company

Goulding’s Lodge

Accommodations

Lisbon Valley Mining Company

Mineral mining

Monument Valley Lodge

Accommodations

Red Cliffs Lodge

Accommodations

Resolute Natural Resources

Petroleum extraction

Utah Navajo Health System

Healthcare

HOSPITALS

Blue Mountain Hospital

Independent 802 S 200 W, Blanding

Moab Regional Hospital

Independent 450 Williams Wy, Moab

San Juan Hospital

Independent 380 W 100 N, Monticello

HIGHER EDUCATION

USU Blanding

Regional campus for Utah State University 639 W 100 S, Blanding

USU Moab

Regional campus for Utah State University 125 W 200 S, Moab

EXPLORE

Arches National Park

Natural stone arches and other unique formations nps.gov

Canyonlands National Park Canyons and buttes formed by the Colorado River nps.gov

Cedar Mesa Pottery

Authentic Native American pottery cmpottery.com

Corona Arch Trail 3-mile round trip hike leading to a natural sandstone arch blm.gov

Edge of the Cedars State Park Features Anasazi pottery and an authentic Puebloan village stateparks.utah.gov

Moab Museum

City museum featuring a variety of artifacts moabmuseum.org

Moab Music Festival

Outdoor music festival features a stunning natural backdrop moabmusicfest.org

Moab Tourism Center Offroading, 4x4 tours, rafting moabtourismcenter.com

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Awe-inspiring panoramas and buttes discovernavajo.com

Natural Bridges National Monument Features ancestral Puebloan ruins and natural bridges nps.gov

Sand Flats Recreation Area

Recreational area with hiking and biking trails sandflats.org

Slickrock Bike Trail

Scenic 10.5-mile loop for motorcycles and mountain bikes grandcountyutah.net

SOUTHEASTERN UTAH EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW

EMPLOYMENT TRENDS IN UTAH

BY: UTAH DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES

After years of working as a server and bartender in Salt Lake City and Utah County, Jessi Webster was approached by a customer at work about changing careers. The customer told her she would be a good fit for an electrician apprenticeship. Webster was surprised and intrigued by the idea. While her job in the service industry had paid well, it didn’t provide a lot of benefits. She was ready for a change.

Webster applied for an electrician apprenticeship with Cache Valley Electric and recently completed her apprenticeship earning her electrician journeyman license. Her apprenticeship allowed her to get both classroom and on-the-job training all while getting paid. She said, “I really wanted something to call my own, some skills; and the apprenticeship gave that to me.”

Webster is just one example of many

Utahns who have taken advantage of the state’s strong economy to improve their careers.

Utah’s job growth remains above average at 3.1% and its unemployment rate is historically low at 2.1% (Oct. 2022). The low unemployment rate creates opportunity for individuals like Webster to get additional training or pivot their careers. Although there may be some slowing over 2023, Utah is in a good position to manage it. Nationally, there is a decline in the number of young people who can replace retiring Baby Boomers. But in Utah, there are roughly two young workers available to replace every one retiree due to the steady increase in the state’s population.

A STRONG ECONOMY

Although there is some uncertainty, the

current economic climate provides great opportunities for Utahns who want to advance in their careers. It is a job seeker’s market and employers are competing for talent. In addition to increased wages, many employers offer sign-on bonuses, flexible schedules, and teleworking or hybrid opportunities.

“Right now, the Utah economy has a large amount of unfilled jobs,” said Mark Knold, Chief Economist for the Department of Workforce Services. “That non-filled void will disappear in a recessionary environment before any real jobs start to be impacted. The depth of that current, unfilled job cushion will determine if and when an upcoming national recession would actually bite into real jobs in Utah.”

In addition to apprenticeships, job seekers can improve their skills through short-term training and certifications in fields such

as cybersecurity, software development, pharmacy technician, diesel mechanic, medical assistant, and more. Re-training does not need to be a full-time school commitment. Workers can work fulltime and participate in different training formats, including online, in-person, or on-the-job training.

RURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Genesis Schaerrer made a career change to work in tech after losing her job during the pandemic. She now works as a software developer specializing in customer relationship management systems for the Workflow Academy, based in St. George, Utah. The Workflow Academy runs software developer boot camps online and hires its own employees to work remotely from rural areas. Schaerrer enjoys the flexibility of her job and says she is able to maintain a positive work-life balance through teleworking. She stays in contact with her team through messaging and video conferencing.

Companies on the Wasatch Front are hiring remote employees in rural areas to help build their workforce. The Rural Online Initiative through Utah State University Extension provides specialized education and training for rural Utahns to help them obtain remote employment. Individuals who complete the Master Remote Work Professional certificate course through this initiative gain the skills and tools necessary for success in a remote environment. Over the last year, 255 Utahns graduated from the course and 113 were hired for a remote job, which is, according to the Rural Online Initiative, equivalent to more than 4,200 job placements on the Wasatch Front. Workers were hired in education, software and IT, retail and e-commerce, and more. Anyone looking for remote work can search for openings at jobs.utah.gov

TOP INDUSTRIES HIRING

Construction — With one of the fastestgrowing populations in the nation,

Utah’s residential housing needs have continued to grow. Approximately 15,100 construction jobs have been added in the last year.

Trade and Transportation — Utah’s need for the sale and delivery of goods continue to increase, contributing to about 11,300 more jobs over the last year.

Education and Health Services

—

Approximately 9,700 new jobs over the past year have been fueled by Utah’s population growth.

Anyone interested in a career change can get started exploring options with the Department of Workforce Services. They offer virtual job fairs as well as job coaching, resume help, and workshops at 30 employment centers statewide. Employment counselors can connect job seekers with opportunities for education and training including apprenticeships. Over 75,000 job opportunities are posted at jobs.utah.gov

As Ivory Homes nears its 35th year, Clark Ivory looks back on his tenure as owner/CEO of Ivory Homes. The moments that have helped define the company's direction and meet its goals, Utah's growth and development, and the people who help make Ivory Homes the number one homebuilder in Utah. Ivory also asks how we continue forward. To many's surprise, the company's overarching goal isn't staying on top of Utah's homebuilding industry. Instead, it is how to continue the business principles established over four decades ago, which have been carried on and expanded to ensure that Ivory Homes continues to lead the market.

Having witnessed income and social class inequities entrenched by corruption on their European mission, and a system in which government officials and business entrepreneurs rarely collaborate to solve civic and social problems, the Ivory family recognized the seeds of similar dynamics in their own backyard. With its strong economy and growing population, the need for housing proliferated, while at the same time, housing production was hindered by regulatory barriers. The influx of people drove up local housing demand, but high-paying jobs and tightening supply boosted prices, too. Ivory reckoned that if trends continued, housing affordability in the Salt Lake metro area would follow the same path as California's Silicon Valley. It was potentially creating an estimated shortage of 50,845 housing units in the Salt Lake market by 2044, according to a 2018 study by the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. "We had to somehow get involved and see what we could do to deal with this issue and how we could contribute," Ivory says. "I knew we couldn't be the same builder we'd always been." But addressing the future housing affordability needs — namely, expanding its product mix and pool of buyers, retooling its well-known, long-standing brand, and managing NIMBYism against its vision — would not happen overnight, or alone. Ivory knew the big-picture problem was way over the head of one person or company to achieve a widespread, lasting impact; it called for an army to navigate the maze of barriers that hinder entry-level homes. And so, over the next few years, Ivory and his team did just that.

Since then, Ivory Homes has introduced countless communities and plans to assist Utah's growing demands and needs for

affordable housing — including building homes and providing additional benefits to those in specific fields of work through the Ivory Homes Workforce Housing Priority Program. Which, to this day, has helped nearly 600 families afford and move into a home of their own. So why does Ivory choose to build solely in Utah? "Simple. We have come a long way in the product that we provide. The term ‘home’ has come to mean so much more than the structure in which you live. It's also the neighborhood that surrounds your home. A beautiful community, a superior home — this is our commitment. And not until we feel we have fulfilled the demands in this market will we consider others," says Ivory. "We have always believed that the best home builders are local. As Utah's #1 homebuilder, we are in touch with our market. We have created strong relationships with the communities, suppliers, and customers for whom we build. Most importantly, however, our focus on this market means we are entirely committed to Utah's long-term growth and success and will continue to give back to the community to support that success."

Ivory's views on building also shed light on his employees' importance and success — "we would not be here without the wonderful people on the Ivory team. Indeed, the people that buy and live in our homes are vital, but the people that hammer the nails, pave the streets, engineer the lots, supply the lumber, install our doors, and market our communities. It's hundreds of influential people who make Ivory Homes who we are. And we strive to take care of our employees however best we can, whether creating opportunities for growth or assisting in achieving their own housing goals. We enjoy one another, challenge one another, and help one another improve. We hire quality individuals who understand that every role and part is significant to a winning team's ultimate accomplishment and success."

So as Ivory Homes continue to grow, its values will remain. With the inherent belief that their product is the mark they leave today and their legacy for the future. "After all is said and done, the ads forgotten, and the blueprints put away — what remains are the homes and communities we build. That's why we care so much. A home is where families grow, memories are made, and where kids and grandkids come back to visit." Ivory's passion and care for home building can be seen reflected across Utah because, indeed, Ivory Builds Utah.

FUTURE PROOF DATA CENTERS BUILT WITH SECURITY & SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND

LIFE IN UTAH BUSINESS PROFILE:

STRUCK

SECONDARY CITIES ARE CREATIVE CENTERS

As a secondary city — one defined as falling between 10% and 50% of a nation's largest cities — Salt Lake City could be thought of as overlooked. But, this isn't Struck's belief. Instead, we know our home city is a top destination for creative firms and minds, led by a thriving artistic culture.

Salt Lake City is not Los Angeles or New York City. We don’t need to be. Our strength is our size, which is easily navigable. Our advantage is our surroundings, consisting of world-class recreation. The valley of the Wasatch Front, stretching from Ogden to Provo, is home to over 1.5 million people. Famous film festivals call the state home for a few magical January weeks, but it is the urban artists and craft festivals, and the street buskers who are the lifeblood pumping creativity through the valley on a daily basis.

Struck is a brand transformation agency, specializing in rebranding and repositioning organizations in the tourism and hospitality space, as well as the biotech industry. The advertising world is incredibly complex, but to put it simply, Struck, like most professional marketing firms, sells the time and vision of experienced people. For a firm like ours, Salt Lake offers the right mix of talented people, a business-friendly environment, as well as a growing economy (read: potential clients).

Hollywood was our first home when Struck was founded nearly three decades ago. Soon thereafter, we also needed an address on Park Ave to compete for work. Any art director worth their salt (no pun intended) gravitated out of cities like Salt Lake and headed for the big city. That’s where the work was, and so followed the talent.

In today’s post-pandemic world, we are seeing migration work in reverse rather rapidly. CEOs, VPs, DRs, and CMOs who value the slopes over skyscrapers are relocating to Utah in droves. And unlike the chicken and the egg analogy, we know who came first: artists.

The sign of any neighborhood in transition (a technical term for gentrification) has always been, and always will be, artists. The creative class are early adopters of everything from technology and ideas to social change. Artists move in, and quick to follow are bars and restaurants, then events and festivals. Next in line are lofts and condos. Investment grows block by block, ultimately developing a city

around the arts. This transition is unfolding now in Salt Lake’s burgeoning areas, like the Depot District and The Granary.

Fast-forward a few decades from Struck’s LA start and to borrow a phrase from our former Tinseltown stomping grounds SLC has flipped the script. Our firm has flourished because we chose to abandon a cutthroat business climate, unnecessary workforce competition, and exorbitant costs found in coastal cities. Making our SLC office the sole home of Struck was only possible once we were confident we could retain talent that is second to none.

Struck’s President Pauline Ploquin was born in France and grew up in Africa. Then, like Struck, began her creative career in LA. The opportunity to work on the 2002 Olympic Games led her to relocate to Salt Lake City, and the mix of creativity and the outdoors quickly converted her to a resident. Ploquin is part of the influx of worldly and talented professionals over the past two decades who have paved a way for the next generation who now enjoy globally-minded mentors like Pauline.

Two of Struck’s youngest designers have made a name for themselves on the national stage with contributions to award-winning campaigns, and both graduated from Utah State University. Plus, Salt Lake is blessed with digital media arts centers like SpyHop that train school-aged children, arming the next wave of aspiring students with film, music, audio, and design skills. The future is bright, painted by their skilled strokes.

Clients partner with Struck when they need to rebrand in order to position for growth, websites built to boost brand awareness, and outside-of-the-box thinking to increase engagement and growth. In short, we need incredibly talented artists, makers, doers, thinkers, and visionaries to solve challenges on our client’s behalf. Salt Lake City has these creatives, who either trailblazed the path for artists, or drawn by Utah’s quality of life, followed suit.

The lower costs, when compared to larger cities, enjoyed by businesses and residents make the Wasatch Front a great place to start, expand or relocate a business. Building a life and a family in a valley bordered by hiking trails and ski lifts is equally attractive.

In Struck’s work positioning biotech and pharmaceutical brands for fundraising

rounds, we hear time and again that the biggest challenge these companies face is recruitment. Many of these companies are in larger cities, where human resources are in short supply and competition is high. In a lot of cases, filling open positions is harder to acquire than a Series A or an IPO. That’s not the case here. Take a look at Utah’s local industry collective, BioHive, comprising over 1,100 life science and healthcare innovation companies in Utah, and the story is instead one of growth and expansion. Utah offers an abundance of talent, as well as available office space, and land to build laboratories or other facilities.

For the longest time, Salt Lake City was our “little” secret. No more. Home to an Olympic Winter Games, multiple professional sports teams, the internationally acclaimed Utah Opera and Symphony, Broadway theaters and performing art centers, plus a state-of-theart airport, it is safe to say the secret is out. And the secret sauce behind record growth and compelling population forecasts for the coming decades? The artistic community. Struck is excited to be at the center of the next chapter in SLC, driven by our creative culture.

Struck works with companies ready to transform their brands in the tourism, hospitality, and biotech industries. We help brands complete their business and digital transformation journey by transforming their experience and brand. Learn more at struck.com.

GOING GLOBAL

WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH GREW 180 COMPANIES LAST YEAR THROUGH ITS NETWORKS, SERVICES, AND PROGRAMS. THEY CAN GROW YOURS TOO.

BY: WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH

From the day it was founded, the World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) has had a clear mission: to help Utah businesses grow into markets worldwide. Today, the strategy for making that a reality has evolved.

“We started as a three-person team working in a small corner of the Salt Lake Chamber,” says Lew Cramer, the first president and CEO of the organization, which was founded in 2006. “The incredible growth of the WTC Utah and Utah’s international profile since those early days is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Helping steer the organization is a worldclass board consisting of executives from some of Utah’s biggest international brands, including Natalie Kaddas, CEO of Kaddas Enterprises, and Derrick Porter, co-founder and CEO of Beauty Industry Group. Under that leadership, the organization has honed a laser-like focus on accelerating growth for Utah companies through its global networks, programs, and services.

“Utah has the potential to become the crossroads of the world,” says WTC Utah Board Chair Jon Huntsman, a three-time U.S. ambassador. “Business leaders in our state realize it, markets across the globe recognize the benefits of doing business with Utah companies, and WTC Utah is the catalyst to make the connection.”

Notably, 85% of Utah’s exporters are small businesses that compete and win around the world by connecting with the 95% of the world’s consumers who live outside of the U.S. WTC Utah works hand-in-hand with partners across the state, including the U.S. Commercial Service and Small Business Administration (SBA), to provide an intuitive approach to select markets, overcome barriers, and connect with buyers, partners, and investors around the world.

“Utah companies are able to focus on the opportunities of global expansion while WTC Utah and its partners work to mitigate the risks,” shared David Carlebach, managing director of international programs for WTC Utah, regarding the organization’s work in organizing international trade shows and trade missions for the state.

To help connect Utah companies with international opportunities, WTC Utah administers the SBA State Trade Expansion Promotion (STEP) Grant. STEP is funded in part through a grant with the SBA and has provided hundreds of Utah small businesses with financial support and business services to compete and win in global markets.

“Proof of concept is valuable,” says Natalie Gochnour, WTC Utah co-chair. “CEOs recognize the potential for growing their

business internationally and when you can show them concrete examples of how it has worked for others, they are eager to give it a try.”

In 2023, WTC Utah will organize 12 trade-focused trips, taking delegations to international markets such as Mexico, France, Germany, and Dubai. Many of these trade trips are in partnership with the state and include two trade missions led by Governor Spencer J. Cox.

Gochnour, following a governor-led trade mission to Israel, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates in September 2022, also shared that, “WTC Utah, which handles the planning and logistics for Utah’s trade missions, has upped the ante on Utah’s tagline. They say their job is to, 'make Utah the crossroads of the world, one business at a time.' It’s an ambitious statement, but I’m hearing it more and more and beginning to think it has staying power."

"Every small business with an export-ready product should connect with WTC Utah for our advice, our grants, and our trade show and trade mission programming,” says Carlebach.

Visit WTCUtah.com to learn more about World Trade Center Utah, and let us partner with your team to achieve your global objectives.

Arab Health 2023 +

Saudi Arabia Business Trip

Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2023 | Dubai, UAE & Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Natural Products Expo West

March 9-11, 2023 | Anaheim, California

WTC Association's General Assembly

April 23-28, 2023 | Accra, Ghana

JEC World 2023

April 25-27, 2023 | Paris, France

SelectUSA Investment Summit

May 1-4, 2023 | National Harbor, Maryland

Paris Air Show 2023 +

France Trade Mission

June 19-23, 2023 | Paris, France

Southeast Asia Business Trip

July 2023

Mexico Trade Mission

Sept. 2023

India Business Trip

Fall 2023

Dubai Airshow

Nov. 12-16, 2023 | Dubai, UAE

MEDICA Trade Fair

Nov. 13-16, 2023 | Düsseldorf, Germany

ISPO Munich 2023

Nov. 28-30, 2023 | Munich, Germany

LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR AN SBA

Bio Korea, 2019

ISPO Munich, 2022

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE IN UTAH

THE BUZZ ON HOW INDUSTRY IS THE FOUNDATION FOR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE WITHIN THE BEEHIVE STATE

BY: SIERRA HOFFER, RESEARCH MANAGER, CBRE

Certain things within our state are destined to withstand the test of time — the BYU and University of Utah rivalry, for example. Our devotion to unique Utah foods such as fry sauce, Jell-O, and funeral potatoes is another long-standing state obsession. However, if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that change is inevitable. After a century with our current Utah flag, a newly designed state flag has been proposed to the legislature and is up for vote in early 2023. The design showcases a simple yellow beehive at its center. Assuming the flag is adopted, this symbolism marks the most iconic and prevailing Utah attribute — industry.

We know Utah as the Beehive State, and like the mighty bee, Utahns have industry and grit in their DNA. It is this emphasis on industry that has positioned Utah as one of the best states for business, and consequently, commercial real estate.

Growth and development put Utah on the map in many respects. Over the last few decades, a strong population and educated workforce have expanded industry across the state. In addition to natural increase and local innovation, outsiders looked to Utah for our live-work-play environment. As many relocated to the state, they added to the market’s talent pool. Businesses thrived, and so did commercial real estate. Tech expanded into northern Utah County and the Point of the Mountain; an area now known as Silicon Slopes. At the same time, Utah gained another nickname — the Crossroads of the West. Access to major highways and a central location to other major cities within the U.S. transformed the Wasatch Front into an industrial hub of more than 150 million square feet. Growth across the state also

brought in major retail centers to support the increasing population.

This story of growth reached new heights prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with national headwinds posing threats to our strong economy, the local commercial real estate market is looking to evolve. Additional growth is still possible — and, in many respects, still necessary to support demand — but economic uncertainty has changed the Beehive State’s commercial real estate activity in all major sectors, including industrial, office, retail, and multifamily.

INDUSTRIAL Tight vacancy is pushing lease rates

Over the past several years, Utah’s industrial market has enjoyed strong demand, driving vacancy down to record lows despite large amounts of new construction, much of which is preleased, meaning specific users have already committed to the space before project completion. This is good news for landlords and investors, who have benefited from the macroeconomic forces at play. Strong consumer spending, a diverse economy, and the state’s growing population have all contributed to a record-breaking year for the local industrial market.

However, demand is outpacing supply. The record low vacancy, now at 1.3%, is making it difficult for users to find space within our market. Lease rates have risen to combat the supply and demand imbalance.

OFFICE Evolution amid uncertainty

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic drove net absorption negative within the office sector

for the first time in a decade. Work-from-home mandates contributed to overall uncertainty in the market, followed by a period of stalled lease activity, footprint reductions, and an increase in subleases.

Trends in office development have also shifted. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, headlines surrounding Utah’s office market were centered around new development in the tech-heavy Silicon Slopes. While expansion is still very much a part of the narrative, traditional suburban development is just a chapter in a much more complex story. The stock of office development within Salt Lake and Utah County now includes everything from new builds to redevelopment properties, conversions, and downtown projects. CBRE’s new publication in December 2022 called Office Conversions: A Second Chance for Underutilized Space highlights how office product nationally is finding new life as a different property type.

RETAIL

Shouldered by consumer spending

Retail’s performance within the Utah market is highly dependent on product type, location, and industry. However, broadly speaking, the retail sector has proven its resiliency by evolving through numerous market shifts. At the same time, the sector has a number of tailwinds driving an overall positive outlook, namely population growth, increasing household, income, and pentup demand.

MULTIFAMILY

Historic rent growth

Utah’s multifamily market continues to experience high growth and demand, both from users and investors. Although the investment market as a whole has tapered off this year, the local multifamily market continues to perform well. The multifamily market is largely driven by a strong economy and population growth; this is positive news for Utah, where a robust job market has prompted significant in-migration that continues to drive rent growth.

Utah is still 20,000 housing units below the current need, evidenced by the low market-wide vacancy rate of 3.1% and persistent increases in monthly rent averages. Current development projects are underway to address this existing need and better balance the rental market by offering some relief to the overheated demand levels. Though multifamily investment sales are projected to decrease in 2023, we expect to see continued strong rent growth and healthy demand to absorb the 14,000 units currently under construction in the area.

Realize Anything

When it comes to strategy, don’t think short-term. Think long. And hard. Partner with someone who sees the big picture in every detailed decision you make. That’s why CBRE has been in commercial real estate for as long as we have. We plan for everything, so you can realize anything.

cbre.com/slc

UTAH'S ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS

BY: KEM C. GARDNER POLICY INSTITUTE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

EMPLOYMENT, WAGES, AND LABOR FORCE UPDATE

The foundation of Utah’s consistent economic growth is its highest-in-the-nation birth rate. Year after year, a greater volume of new labor ages in than out. Yet over the past two years, in-migrating labor is believed to have become a larger labor force growth component than Utah’s internal additions. This is a marked change from Utah’s long held labor-supply routine and is the lead feature for labeling 2022 as a continued pandemic-influenced year.

Utah finished 2022 with above-average job growth alongside a historically low unemployment rate. Such a combination seems an oxymoron. An exceptionally low unemployment rate implies no excess labor for additional job growth, let alone above-

average job growth. Yet for 2022, Utah has performed with above-average 3.7% job growth alongside a historically low 2.0% unemployment rate. High labor in-migration is the only plausible explanation.

Normally, available labor flows from weak economies to strong ones. But the pandemic unearthed a new addition — teleworking migration. Utah is showing itself to be a net receiver of both migration movements. This labor-dynamic combination emerged in 2020 and was still at work in 2022.

Despite fueling Utah’s high growth in the post-pandemic environment, this growthcomponent shift is not expected to be maintained. Labor migration turns on and off in short order in response to immediate economic stimuli. Conversely, internal labor force expansion is largely established 20 years

prior through the birth dynamic, and therefore is of greater consistency with less variability than in-migration. Labor markets are tight in both Utah and the nation. The nation hasn’t experienced such low unemployment since the 1960s, just before the Baby Boom generation aged in as new workers.

Labor shortages are a new element within the nation’s economic landscape. National demographics have morphed to where labor tightness will now become the economic norm, not the exception.

International in-migration has become the only avenue for additional labor force growth. Tight labor markets are demanding wage increases. Utah’s average payroll wage increase for 2022 should register at 6.8% if not higher. Significant wage gains are often a trigger point for inflation. Yet wages alone

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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have not brought forth 2022’s high inflation. The Russia/Ukraine conflict inflated energy prices, and the lingering COVID-influenced world supply chain restrictions have added additional pressure.

Utah’s 2023 economy is not expected to perform at the same vigorous pace as 2022. Addressing inflation will be 2023’s dominant national economic story. Anticipated national actions will be of such force as to lean heavily upon Utah’s economic momentum.

PERSONAL INCOME UPDATE

Utah’s total personal income in 2022 was an estimated $195.7 billion, a 4.7% increase from $187 billion in 2021. Utah’s estimated 2022 per capita personal income was $57,578, up 2.8% from $56,019 in 2021. U.S. total personal income grew by an estimated 2.1% in 2022 and per capita, personal income grew by 1.8%. Utah’s 2022 estimated total personal income growth and per capita personal income growth were above the national average.

Personal income growth is likely to continue to grow in most Utah industries. Those that experienced wage pressures in 2022, such as industries related to leisure and hospitality, are likely to see similar impacts in 2023 as the limited pool of available labor will drive wage inflation. Industries that are sensitive to interest rate increases, such as real estate and finance and insurance, are likely to experience weaker income growth in 2023.

DEMOGRAPHIC UPDATE

Migration continued to drive Utah’s population growth in 2022. Net migration contributed more than 60% of the growth between July 2021 and July 2022, an increase from 59% between 2020 and 2021. The state continues to age and becomes more diverse. This is the second year of a 1.8% increase, reflecting the peak of intense growth that began to slow midyear in 2022.

Utah’s population grew by 61,242 and reached 3,404,760 by July 1, 2022, according to estimates prepared by the Utah Population

Committee (UPC). After a significant decrease in natural increase (births minus deaths) in 2021 due to increased deaths from COVID-19, levels remained similar in 2022 due to a slight increase in births and a less dramatic increase in deaths. However, like in 2021, net migration (in-migration minus out-migration) contributed the majority of population growth at 62% or over 38,000 new residents.

HOUSING, CONSTRUCTION, AND REAL ESTATE UPDATE

Construction activity in Utah started close to the pace it experienced in 2021. However, mid-second quarter, the market started to slow. From the real estate market perspective, 2022 is best characterized as the year of the Fed. The aggressive stance on raising the federal funds rate at a record pace brought new construction to a drip in the second half of the year. This has brought much uncertainty into the market and as a result, activity is expected to slow further into 2023.

The impact of the rate hike was more severe for residential activity. Worsening affordability continues to thwart demand. Nearly three out of four Utahns cannot afford the median-priced home. As a result, new construction activity is estimated to decline by 30.3% in 2022 after a record 40,144 units were permitted in 2021. The declining trend is expected to continue into 2023 as homebuilders face one of the most challenging markets in history. Residential construction activity is expected to decrease by another 21.0% next year.

While Utah’s economy continued to recover into 2022, the commercial construction activity was uneven. Overall, permitted construction value is estimated to stay relatively similar to 2021. However, the industrial sector continued to outpace its record-setting 2021 by 8.0%. The office market construction value returned to a pre-pandemic level increasing approximately 35.0% over 2021. The rising interest rates are expected to put new projects on pause as the underwriting financial characteristics have changed. Therefore, the expectation for 2023 is that permitted construction value will decline by close to 18.5%.

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Knold, Utah Department of Workforce Services Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank

Mallory Bateman, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute Dejan Eskic, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute

C H E D D A BURGER

C O S TA VI D A

ITALIAN G R A FFI T I

D A VE & BU S TER'S

FL E MI N G 'S S T E A K H O U S E

HA L L P A S S F OO D H AL L

W A F FA D O P O LI S

B L A Z E OF THUN D ER

SIX SAILOR CIDER

FLANKER KITCHEN AND SPORTING CLUB

GO UTAH PROVIDES PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

BY: UTAH GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

For nearly 20 years, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah) has administered dozens of programs that support rural communities. While effective at times, many of these programs failed to produce the desired economic results. Over the past two years, however, state leaders re-envisioned, consolidated, and significantly improved rural programs resulting in greater economic opportunities throughout all corners of the state.

Before 2021, the state’s rural toolkit consisted of many programs that temporarily supported rural communities. These

programs supplied quick short-term relief but rarely solved the broader, more complex challenges that rural communities faced.

“Some programs were so limited in their scope that only communities under a specific population or median income level could access state resources,” said Ryan Starks, Go Utah’s managing director of growth and innovation. “In some rural counties, one municipality could qualify for state programs while others could not.”

Rural communities within larger counties were ineligible to apply for funding, Starks

notes, including Huntsville, Utah, a small town within the beautiful Ogden Valley. This booming town of 585 residents — the very definition of rural — could not access state resources to support its local economy due to its belonging to urban Weber County.

The state’s well-intended approach to rural economic development lacked the appropriate structure to provide local communities with the resources needed to address their specific challenges — not a successful formula for activating rural prosperity.

INNOVATION

In 2021, newly elected Gov. Spencer J. Cox released the One Utah Roadmap, which served as a guide for rethinking the state’s approach to rural economic development. Among the pillars of the roadmap are Economic Advancement and Rural Matters. These two priorities signaled a new approach to the state’s economic strategy and included urban and rural parts. A new, innovative plan to support rural economic development through a bottom-up approach driven by local communities followed.

With the support of Gov. Cox and the Utah State Legislature, Utah transformed and consolidated its legacy rural programs into the Rural Opportunity Fund. This program empowers local communities to address unique economic needs by accessing state resources.

To participate in the program, rural counties must establish a community economic development board composed of city, county, workforce development, and business leaders. The board then creates a locally driven economic development plan and submits the plan to the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity for review. The state then becomes partners — and not sole proprietors — with communities in supporting and executing locally driven strategies to create lasting economic benefits.

Some communities utilized the Rural Opportunity Fund to augment their attainable housing, workforce development, and business attraction efforts, while others have created transportation plans, business summits, and community engagement trainings.

An advantage of the program is that communities may also leverage their rural opportunity funds to attract additional grant monies from various federal agencies, including the United States Economic Development Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture.

“This new approach to supporting rural growth has fundamentally transformed the ways that rural communities are solving complex challenges,” Starks said. “The Rural Opportunity Fund empowered communities to collaborate with the state as partners in innovation.”

RETHINKING INCENTIVES AND SMART GROWTH

In addition to catalyzing locally-driven economic development strategies, rural communities may now better utilize the business incentive tool called the Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF) program. This program enables qualifying businesses to reduce their marginal tax rate post-performance.

Before 2021, the EDTIF’s reach extended primarily to urban counties where the state has experienced significant growth. With the launch of the Rural Matters initiative within the One Utah Roadmap and thanks to the support of the Utah legislature, the EDTIF program now includes a rural component (REDTIF) that enables companies to expand into rural parts of the state.

To qualify for the REDTIF program, businesses must create high-paying jobs while investing significant capital into the project. Additionally, the business should be part of one of the following key industries, which pull other segments of the economy forward:

1. Advanced Manufacturing

2. Aerospace and Defense

3. Financial Services

4. Life Sciences and Health Care Innovation

5. Software Development and Information Technology

RURAL UTAH’S FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Before the state revised the EDTIF program to be more accommodating to rural companies, only a handful of businesses qualified for the REDTIF incentive in the previous decade. Since the EDTIF revision, however, 15 companies have expanded into rural parts of Utah in the first year. Now, approximately two-thirds of all business expansions in urban and rural parts of the state are from Utah-based companies.

Rural communities are central to Utah’s economic success. Now, more than ever, state leaders are taking proactive steps to empower rural areas to succeed by utilizing better tools, accessing richer resources and controlling their local needs. By working together as a One Utah team, the future of Utah’s cherished rural communities is bright.

SMALL BUSINESSES THRIVE IN UTAH

BY: MARLA TROLLAN, DISTRICT DIRECTOR, SBA UTAH

Driving into the state of Utah, you are met with a sign reading “Welcome to Utah” with the words “Life Elevated” below. The state features otherworldly landscapes, national parks, world-famous outdoor sports, and a booming economy. One may suggest we add “Economy Elevated” to the tagline.

UTAH: ECONOMY ELEVATED

Utah has been named one of the strongest economies in the country for the last 14 years. Despite the global pandemic, Utah has seen record growth across many sectors. Interest rates have been rising and inflation has been hitting home among residents and business owners from every state, but Utah continues to have a promising economic future with limited interruption.

Our COVID-19 response included pension reform, creating a flat personal income tax under 5%, an unemployment rate of 2.9% (compared to the national unemployment rate of 6.1%), effective planning of our state

budget, tax cuts, investments in our educational system, funding for infrastructure, and support of small businesses in the face of closures.

State and federal programs buoyed the economy as the people of Utah did what they do best — they pushed through, persevered, and worked hard. The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Utah District Office responded by providing over 100,000 COVIDrelief programs to Utah businesses with over $10.1 billion in relief. Now that COVID has receded, the Utah District Office with its resource partners and lenders around the state is pushing forward to support growth for all businesses including the smallest of the small businesses and those who are underserved.

RESOURCES FOR UTAH’S SMALL BUSINESSES

Utah’s entrepreneurial spirit is second to none. There are many SBA-funded programs to assist our local start-ups, those looking to grow their companies, and those wishing to

relocate their business to our area. The Utah Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the Women’s Business Center of Utah (WBC Utah), SCORE, and our Community Navigator Spokes are poised to offer free business consultations and low-cost training, both in-person and virtually.

UTAH’S SBDC

The Utah Small Business Development network has 13 centers throughout the state where you can get assistance with business planning, marketing and sales strategy, accounting, budgeting, cash flow management, capital access, and many other business-related issues. They provide free one-on-one counseling to help your business anywhere from start-up to exit strategy.

WBCUTAH

The Women’s Business Center of Utah offers free mentoring and business advising to

Red Iguana, SBA Utah’s Small Business of the Year

women business owners as they begin their entrepreneurial journey. They also have multiple trainings which provide a variety of help for any stage of entrepreneurship. Offices are located in Salt Lake City and Cedar City to serve the entire state. Both face-to-face and online business consulting and trainings are offered.

SCORE

SCORE provides a valuable network of volunteer business professionals in a variety of industries who offer their time in the form of mentoring and training entrepreneurs. They can provide specific guidance in many industries and have access to a large network of over 10,000 business professionals throughout the United States.

COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR

The SBA recently launched its Community Navigator Pilot Program which was designed to reduce barriers that all small businesses, including those owned by disadvantaged groups such as veterans, women, and those from rural communities and communities of color, often face in accessing critical support. In Utah, we have two SBA Community Navigator Spokes, the International Rescue Committee, to better support immigrants and refugees looking to start or grow their businesses, and the Utah Black Chamber, which supports black-owned businesses.

CAPITAL ACCESS FOR UTAH’S SMALL BUSINESSES

Our SBA Utah District Office and SBA Lenders not only provided significant relief through COVID funds, but continually work hard to ensure small businesses have the capital they need to start and grow their companies. The SBA Microloan and Community Advantage are programs available to help businesses that are underserved and/or are considered a higher risk due to several reasons which could include lack of business history or bad credit. The SBA also works with over 68 active SBA Lenders in the state providing traditional loan programs like the 7(a) and 504, which both can provide up to $5 million in funding. Last year, SBA loans supported businesses in 27 of Utah’s 29 counties with over $800 million in capital.

EXPORT SUPPORT

The majority of the world’s purchasing power is outside of the U.S. With over two-thirds of global revenue outside of the county, our economy needs businesses to push through barriers to bring their products and services outside of our borders. The SBA Utah District Office thrives to build partnerships and resources to help Utah small businesses succeed in a global market. The SBA Utah District Office is partnered with the World Trade Center of Utah (WTC Utah) to assist small businesses with international trade expansion and administer the SBA STEP Grant Fund. Over the last decade, the SBA has provided over $4.5 million in SBA STEP Grant funding, which helps businesses build an international marketing strategy, localization and translation, website optimization, travel costs for foreign trade missions, and other similar costs of exporting goods. The SBA Utah District Office also partners with the U.S. Department of Commerce and International Trade Administration in Salt Lake City, which provides information and additional resources that help small businesses grow the country’s exporting capabilities. In addition to the SBA Step Grant and U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance, the SBA offers export loan programs to support Utah’s small businesses as they seek to compete in a global market.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING

The SBA works with federal agencies on specific prime and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses including special certificates for women, service-disabled veterans, and economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. Through the SBA’s 8(a) Program and other certifications, it works with federal agencies to ensure that businesses that sell to the government are stronger and more diverse, enabling all businesses, regardless of size, the opportunity to sell their products and services through government contracting. In FY 2021, there were 711 socially and economically disadvantaged opportunities awarded to Utah 8(a) businesses, 211 HubZone awards, 1,384 Women-owned Small Business awards, 1,093 Veteran-owned awards, and 841

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned awards. The SBA Utah District Office is dedicated to working with its partners, such as the Utah Procurement Technical Assistance Center, to expand opportunities for small businesses and disadvantaged businesses through assistance and education regarding government contracting.

CONCLUSION

Whether you are coming to Utah for the scenery, the top economy in the nation, or the diverse business climate, the Utah SBA District office welcomes you to Utah, Economy Elevated.

CONNECT WITH SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

• SBA.gov/UT: Utah District Office Small Business Administration.

• SBA.gov/LenderMatch: Find lenders who can help you obtain capital for your business.

• UtahSBDC.org: Access free business counseling and training at 13 offices around Utah.

• WBCUtah.org: Learn about their services and get listed on the Utah Women-Owned Business Directory.

• Utah.SCORE.org: Find a SCORE business advisor near you.

• SBA.gov/CommunityNavigator: Find support for underserved business owners.

• WTCUtah.com: Get information about the SBA STEP grant and other services to help you export.

• Trade.gov/Export-Solutions: Assistance to create successful export strategies.

• Business.Utah.gov/PTAC: Free counseling to help you sell to the government.

UTAH: THE BEST STATE FOR BUSINESS

Business is booming in Utah as the state continues to be at the forefront of innovative and awe-inspiring economic opportunity initiatives. Its robust list of accolades includes Best Economy, Best Economic Outlook, and Most Independent State. Impressive gains in several important sectors of Utah’s economy like construction, financial services, manufacturing, and trade have made it hard to deny: Utah really is the best state for business.

1. UTAH IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES FOR EMPLOYMENT

In August 2022, Utah was determined the No. 2 best state for job opportunities by the U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Provo-Orem ranked first in the Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities of 2022 for employment and wage growth over the past five years, as well as the highest one-year employment growth. It’s not just urban areas that continue to make strides, either — Logan and St. George ranked 1st and 2nd respectively in the Best-Performing Small Cities report.

Perhaps even more impressive than its other acknowledgments, Utah also was ranked the

best state for work-life balance by Business Insider. Utahns work just 37.3 hours a week on average, and the state also has one of the highest Glassdoor work-life balance review scores.

2. UTAH HAS THE BEST ECONOMY IN THE NATION

No matter who you ask, Utah’s economy can’t be beat. The Wall Street Journal even dubbed Utah “America’s Economic Star” for its overall business climate and economic competitiveness. 24/7 Wall St, WalletHub, and U.S. News have all recognized the Beehive State for having the best economy in the nation, and 2022 marked Utah’s 15th year with the title of best economy in the nation by the American Legislative Exchange Council.

“Utah’s example of collaboration, good policy, and a forward-thinking mentality remains a shining example for the rest of the nation to follow,” House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, said in a statement. “We are honored to receive this award for the 15th consecutive year and will continue working to pass policies that keep Utah the best state to live, work, and play.”

3. UTAH IS THE #1 STATE FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS

The middle class has historically been the largest economic group in the nation, and Utah is no exception. For three years in a row, Utah has remained the state with the highest percentage of middle-class households and second-most equitable income distribution. Additionally, Utah’s Gini index — a measure of income inequality, where 0 indicates perfect equality and 1 indicates perfect inequality — is the second-lowest nationwide, at 0.42. This signals great economic strength for Utah’s working class, families, and young adults.

Make no mistake, Utah is the place to be. For those seeking work, the state offers high employment rates and a wide range of career opportunities. For entrepreneurs, Utah boasts a strong economy and a continually increasing stream of demand. No matter who you are or what you do, we have a place for you in our rapidly growing economy. Our state isn’t just the best state for business — it might just be the best place for you.

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PUBLIC EDUCATION IN UTAH

Utah boasts one of the best public education systems in the nation, with over 36,000 educators who have been resilient and adaptive to the changing educational environment, while maintaining a focus on continual improvement in student outcomes. Utah’s public school system consists of traditional neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and virtual schools that educate over 665,000 students, or onefifth of the state’s population. In 2022, 45,432 students graduated from Utah high schools, with the graduation rate in the state steadily increasing over the past seven years.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics, in their recent release of what is known as NAEP, or “The Nation’s Report Card,” show that Utah students have been remarkably resilient in the face of pandemicrelated educational setbacks that have affected school children nationwide. In Utah, fourth and eighth grade math and reading scores are now in the top 10 nationally in all four categories measured by the NAEP.

Additionally, of the states where at least 90% of students took the ACT, Utah students had the highest average composite scores, as well as the highest percentage of students who met each of the college readiness benchmarks according to the 2022 ACT Graduating Class Report.

Technology has become a fundamental component of the teaching and learning that takes place in Utah, both inside and outside the classroom. Even before they begin attending Utah schools, children are eligible to participate in programs that utilize educational technology to prepare them for their education. UPSTART, for example, is a home-based program that gives Utah fouryear-olds an individualized curriculum of reading, mathematics, and science in the year before they attend kindergarten. Over 20,000 Utah children currently utilize UPSTART.

Utah’s Digital Teaching and Learning Program has now been in place for over 10 years. The program provides grants to local education

agencies to improve student learning outcomes and provide high-quality professional learning for educators related to the effective use of digital teaching and learning technology. Components of a digital teaching and learning program may include student and teacher devices, Wi-Fi and wireless compatible technology, curriculum software, assessment solutions, technical support, etc. Approximately 94 percent of Utah residents have a home computer and nearly 84 percent have broadband internet. About 10 percent of Utah’s public school students attend school entirely online by choice. The Statewide Online Education Program also offers courses to secondary schools throughout the state.

Utah public education supports transitions and has a variety of programs in place to provide programming and support so that every student, through individual student planning, career pathways, and career literacy, is better prepared for the world of work or post-secondary educational opportunities. In Utah, most high school students

Award-winning Daycare, Elementary, Middle and High School options available at our Draper campus conveniently located just minutes from anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley.

5x Winner Utah’s Best of State Private School K-12 & BOSS Award Winner

Washington Post America’s Most Challenging High School

Voted Best High School and Private School by Salt City Best

National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

earn some form of college credit before graduation through Advanced Placement courses, concurrent enrollment in Utah colleges, or the International Baccalaureate Program. These programs offer career training, save money for Utah families, and help students be better prepared for postsecondary education.

Utah also leans into personalized learning — tailoring learning for each student’s strengths, needs, and interests. This includes enabling student voice and choice in what, how, when, and where they learn — to provide flexibility and support to ensure mastery of the highest standards possible. To ensure that all students have access to personalized approaches to learning, districts and schools throughout the state continue to develop and implement new school system models.

Utah is home to 41 school districts. Most of the state’s rural districts maintain the same boundaries as the counties in which they are located, while the urban counties tend to have multiple school districts. Urban districts, such as Alpine, Davis, Granite, and Jordan 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. The operation of the schools in Utah’s school districts is carried out by non-partisan, locally elected district boards of education, which set policy and hire a superintendent to carry out day-today administration.

Utah’s Constitution grants the “general control and supervision” of the state’s public education system to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), a 15-member elected body. What this translates into is the State Board of Education setting standards and requirements — academic and financial — for schools. USBE’s vision is to ensure that all Utah students are prepared to succeed and lead by having the knowledge and skills to learn and engage civically and lead meaningful lives. To actualize this vision, USBE worked closely with parents, educators, and other education leaders to create and implement “Portrait of a Graduate,” a framework for student success and school quality that goes beyond academic mastery by also recognizing skills like communication and creativity, dispositions

like resilience and respect, and other social and emotional dimensions of learning.

The Portrait of a Graduate, which serves as USBE’s north star for system transformation, has garnered national attention, and several other states have begun to use this framework as a starting point or enhancement for their own education systems. In 2022, USBE hosted workshops across the state to support school districts and charter schools, along with their local Board members, in beginning the process of adapting, adopting, or developing a Portrait of a Graduate for their communities.

We encourage you to learn more about our public schools and see for yourself why Utah has one of the best public education systems in the nation. 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 truly on the road to awesome!

3 state championships in last year

40-acre campus in American Fork

New downtown SLC campus

Worldwide online courses

HIGHER EDUCATION IN UTAH

Utah’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:

• Eight technical colleges

ˏ Bridgerland Technical College

ˏ Davis Technical College

ˏ Ogden-Weber Technical College

ˏ Southwest Technical College

ˏ Uintah Basin Technical College

ˏ Dixie Technical College

ˏ Mountainland Technical College

ˏ Tooele Technical College

• Two research universities

ˏ University of Utah

ˏ Utah State University

• Four regional universities

ˏ Weber State University

ˏ Southern Utah University

ˏ Utah Tech University

ˏ Utah Valley University

• Two community colleges

ˏ Salt Lake Community College

ˏ Snow College

UTAH’S COLLEGES CONNECT STUDENTS TO EMPLOYMENT

Utah’s colleges continue to see growth in enrollment and had more than 215K students

enrolled for fall 2022. Last year, Utah’s public colleges and universities awarded more than 60,500 degrees and certificates. Currently, about 71% of all USHE awards are aligned with high-wage, high-demand occupations (4- and 5-star jobs as delineated by the Utah Department of Workforce Services); a number the system is looking to increase even more in coming years.

Utah’s system of public colleges and universities is vital to supplying the talent force of the future. Each college is uniquely tuned in to industry needs to provide students with valuable skills to succeed in the workforce. Occupations that require some level of higher education are expected to grow faster over the next several years, and most occupations projected to grow the fastest require education beyond high school — making Utah college graduates the primary talent pipeline for the state’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. Last year, Utah garnered a record $1.14 billion 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.

Both research universities in the state, the University of Utah and Utah State University, have earned the prestigious R1 Classification from the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, setting them apart as top-tier research institutions in the nation.

UTAH IS COMMITTED TO MAKING COLLEGE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL STUDENTS

The Utah Board of Higher Education — 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 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.

College Access Advising Program

Utah college access advisers inform and connect high school students to college opportunities after high school, from

Photos provided by Utah System of Higher Education

Uniting the Hear t & Science of Healthcare

COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE – COLLEGE OF NURSING – COLLEGE OF PHARMACY COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES – COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT)

technical colleges to universities and everything in between. The advisers do this by supporting high school students on the milestones to college, such as guiding them through the college application process and advising them on scholarships, other financial aid, and more. Last year, the advising program grew nearly fourfold in a single year, from 13 college advisers serving 13 high schools in five school districts in 2020-21 to 48 advisers serving 51 high schools in 21 school districts in 2021-22.

Concurrent Enrollment

While in high school, students can also earn college credit at extremely low tuition rates through Concurrent Enrollment courses. Last year, nearly 49K high school students in 41 school districts participated in Concurrent Enrollment courses across the state, saving students an estimated $77.7 million in future tuition costs. Concurrent Enrollment saves Utah students time and money on their college education and gives them a direct connection to college opportunities while still in high school.

Dual Enrollment

Utah’s technical colleges also engage with local high school students through dual enrollment programs. Of the students enrolled at a technical college and belonging to the high school class of 2021, 20.37% earned a certificate before completing high school. In total, 1,634 high school students graduated from technical college programs in 2021 — up 23.69% over 2020. Student participation in technical college programs in 2021 saved them nearly $4 million in tuition costs.

The top five areas of study by graduates produced include:

• Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide

• Emergency Care Attendant (EMT Ambulance)

• Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician

• Pharmacy Technician/Assistant

• Carpentry/Carpenter

STATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND AID

The Board of Higher Education awarded or allocated scholarship funds to institutions to support nearly 20,000 students in FY 2022. Almost 60% of all scholarships awarded were needs-based and intended to reduce barriers for first-generation and underserved student populations or industry-specific scholarships.

Opportunity Scholarship

The Opportunity Scholarship awards students based on academic achievement in high school. Requirements for this scholarship were developed to align with top predictors of college success and leverage the effectiveness of earning college credit while still in high school — with these requirements, students will be better prepared for their college experience.

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 of college for qualifying Utah students with financial need. This scholarship is available at Utah’s

public colleges and universities (including technical colleges), as well as the following private, non-profit institutions in Utah: Brigham Young University (Provo), Ensign College, Western Governors University, and Westminster College.

Technical College Scholarships

The Utah Technical College Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing a technical education certificate in high-demand industries. This scholarship is available to recent high school graduates and adults enrolled in high-demand programs at a Utah technical college or a technical program at Salt Lake Community College, Snow College, USU Eastern, USU Moab, or USU Blanding.

Other State Scholarships and Aid

The state of Utah offers other scholarships and aid, including scholarships for future educators, veterans, and others. Go to ktsutah.org/resources for more information.

UTAH’S COLLEGES ARE AFFORDABLE:

• Utah graduates saw a 59.3% wage increase one year after completing a technical college certificate.

• Recent data show bachelor’s degree recipients took home $17,800 more in after-tax income than high school graduates.

• Those without a high school diploma face an unemployment rate twice as high as those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Utah’s public 4-year colleges have the fifthlowest tuition and fees in the nation.

UTAH'S TEACHER OF THE YEAR

PROGRAM PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATORS

BY: RYAN BARTLETT, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS, UTAH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

An old copy box sits on the filing cabinet behind Mr. Warnick’s desk. He’s had the box for years. It’s filled with letters, “thank you” cards, wedding invitations, pictures, and graduation announcements — all from former students who have been inspired, guided, or in some other way positively affected by Chad Warnick, the small-town agriculture teacher who was selected as Utah’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. That box is Warnick’s motivation. It is the reason he teaches. “That’s my go-to box,” Warnick says, “I can go in there and get strength whenever I’ve had a hard day.”

Warnick grew up in Delta, where he has been teaching agriculture education at the Delta Technology Center for the past 17 years. As a boy, Chad was involved in 4H and FFA, youth agriculture programs that instilled in him leadership qualities and an early desire to help young people succeed and achieve their fullest potential.

Shortly after he began his studies at Utah State University, Warnick had a discussion with a professor who told him that if he really wanted to have a positive influence on the lives of youth, a career in teaching would be the best way for him to accomplish that goal. That conversation sent Warnick on a new trajectory. In his words, “15 minutes after that conversation, I had a four-year plan, and I was going to become an Ag teacher. Since then, I have never looked

back, and it’s been one of the best decisions of my life.”

For Warnick, Delta, surrounded by farmland, is an ideal location for teaching and learning about agriculture. With fewer than 5,000 people living in the town, teachers and students are better able to build close and lasting relationships with members of the community, including farmers and small business owners who assist with school projects and hands-on learning opportunities. “Our community has been all-in on supporting our students and our school programs,” Warnick says. Local florists come in to teach the students floral design, local farmers assist with crop and livestock lessons, and the local butcher even delivers animal materials to Warnick’s class when they have their dissection labs.

Warnick believes strongly in providing his students with hands-on learning experiences, and in integrating feedback from his students into his teaching methods. In his view, this is the best way to help develop competent, confident leaders. In his early days of teaching, one student in an agriculture class asked Warnick if they were ever going to actually work with live animals. Warnick paused, reflected on the question for a moment, and then immediately stopped the lesson to lead an impromptu brainstorming session with his students, in which they pitched ideas and developed a plan for integrating work with animals into their educational experience.

Several weeks later, he accompanied his students to a local school board meeting, where they proposed their plan, and were given the green light to begin building a pig facility near the school. Since then, Warnick and his students have worked to expand the hands-on experience, procuring dairy cattle, chickens, goats, a pheasant facility, and more recently, an orchard. Warnick says that all these projects stemmed from student interest and from his belief that students should have some say in choosing what they want for their education.

Warnick now teaches his students in the very same classroom where his father, Waldo Warnick, Jr., who was also honored as a Utah Teacher of the Year for 1991, once taught woodshop class for so many years. At the Utah Teacher of the Year banquet, a packed room of educators, administrators, friends, and family stood and applauded Warnick as he made his way to the stage to deliver his speech. One of the smiling faces in the audience was Warnick’s proud father. Everyone in that room could see what a great educator Warnick is and how deserving he was of the award.

Warnick says he hopes that for many years to come, he can continue to work with young Utahns and help them to realize their potential and succeed. Clearly, he’ll soon need a much larger box for the filing cabinet behind his desk.

UTAH

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UTAH’S BEST OUTDOOR DREAMSCAPES

With national parks, vast deserts that stretch on for miles, and red rock formations that look almost otherworldly in their beauty, Utah is an unforgettable travel destination that will make you feel like you've stepped foot on another planet. Whether you like hiking, relaxing, or simply taking it all in, here are a few of Utah’s most iconic locations.

BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS, NORTHWEST UTAH

One of Utah’s most unique landscapes, the Bonneville Salt Flats, is a 30,000-acre densely packed salt pan located in Tooele County. The salt flats were created as the Pleistocene Lake Bonneville dried up centuries ago. The flats are so barren and desolate that no life forms exist, making them a favorite spot amongst photographers. While you’re out there, be sure to check out the historic Bonneville Salt Flats Race Track.

COYOTE GULCH, SOUTHERN UTAH

Nestled in the canyons of the Grand Staircase-Escalante desert, the overnight

hike to the Coyote Gulch dome will leave you breathless — figuratively and literally! The trail winds through 27.2 miles of slot canyons, arches, and natural bridges. Upon your arrival, pitch your tent in the open dome and kick off your hiking boots for a walk through the Escalante River. Before heading out, make sure to score a free permit from the park service before heading off into the backcountry.

GOBLIN VALLEY, SOUTHEAST UTAH

For thousands of years, wind and water have eroded the sandstone throughout this park — leaving behind hoodoos (or rock formations) that resemble otherworldly goblins! Visitors can explore the hoodoos, hike and climb on them, or just enjoy the scenery from afar. The hoodoo formations are especially impressive when viewed from nearby high points such as Wild Horse Butte or Little Wild Horse Canyon.

LITTLE SAHARA SAND DUNES, NORTHERN UTAH

A 2-hour drive from Salt Lake City, the Little Sahara Sand Dunes look like

something from Mars. Formed by the remnants of the Sevier River (which once flowed into the ancient Lake Bonneville), this 60,000 acres of sand is the perfect place for photography, sandboarding, picnicking, ATVing, or camping.

MIRROR LAKE SCENIC HIGHWAY, NORTHERN UTAH

One of Northern Utah’s hidden gems, the Mirror Lake Highway will take you 42 miles through the Uinta Mountains. Along the way, you’ll see dozens of lakes fed by the snow runoff (including the famous Mirror Lake) and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get out and hike, picnic, or fish whenever the mood behooves you. Though the highway is often closed in the winter due to the snowpack, the highway is a local favorite for those looking to enjoy the fall leaves.

MYSTIC HOT SPRINGS, SOUTHERN UTAH

Also known as the Monroe Hot Springs, Mystic Hot Springs is one of Monroe, Utah’s

THESE OTHER WORLDLY LANDSCAPES ARE PERFECT TO EXPLORE WITH THE FAMILY

most picturesque locations. Founded in 1995, the resort has 6 clawfoot bathtubs as well as two concrete soaking pools that stay heated between 99-100 degrees for ultimate relaxation.

With campsites that start at $25/ night and other concerts and events throughout the year, Mystic Hot Springs is something that you will never forget.

RED FLEET, NORTHERN UTAH

Red rocks and literal dinosaur tracks meet the water at Red Fleet State Park in Vernal, Utah, creating a scene that looks downright prehistoric (in an amazing way!). This state park is best enjoyed on a hot summer day as this location is best enjoyed in the water — swimming, cliff diving, kayaking, or paddle boarding!

REFLECTION CANYON, SOUTHERN UTAH

Reflection Canyon gained popularity when Apple used a National Geographic photo of the “canyon” as a screensaver. To reach the iconic location, you’ll have to hike 20 miles through Kanab County, giving you plenty of time to “reflect” as you put the miles behind you. Best done over a two-day period, you don’t actually trek to (or through) a canyon, but you do arrive at a gorgeous bay fed by the waters of Lake Powell.

THE SUBWAY, SOUTHERN UTAH

One of the most renowned hikes in Zion National Park, The Subway has two routes, each appealing to canyoneers or hikers. The Bottom-Up Route (Left Fork) is a 9-mile route best for those looking to hike as opposed to canyoneer. The semi-intense hike requires descending/ascending waterfalls, walking/swimming through the water in places, and even scrambling over boulders. Regardless of the challenge the hike presents, it’s worth the challenge when you see the slick slot canyon walls that literally resemble a New York subway tunnel!

Learn more about getting around Salt Lake City on page 12

HOW TO DO DOWNTOWN

BY: JOSHUA JONES, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING, DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE

At the center of commerce and culture is downtown Salt Lake City.

Many visitors breeze through Salt Lake on their way to some of the most beautiful vistas in the world. However, if one lingers longer downtown, you’ll find an urban scene that pairs nicely with Utah’s Mighty Five national parks.

THE ARTS

Utahns attend performing art concerts more than any other state in the nation, leading to a bountiful and diverse supply of entertainment.

Four beautiful theaters within one block of each other house the Utah Symphony and

Opera, Ballet West, and traveling Broadway performances. These and a plethora of smaller arts groups like Ririe Woodbury Dance Company (one of the oldest modern dance companies in the Country), Plan-B Theatre, and Jazz SLC produce over 80 arts and cultural events each month.

At 90 years old, most visitors are surprised to learn Utah’s oldest art organization is the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA), which exhibits provocative exhibitions from around the globe and is a six-time recipient of the prestigious Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Award. For younger art fans, don’t miss interactive exhibits at The Leonardo, a museum of creativity and innovation, the Clark Planetarium, and Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum.

THE BARS

Ok, we’ve heard the rumors, and we are here to tell you — yes, you can find a cocktail or two in Salt Lake, and anywhere in Utah for that matter.

Located in the historic Hotel Victor, the posh Lake Effect lounge has the largest liquor selection in the state and regularly teases unique drinks made with homemade syrups and hand-squeezed juices. Next, don’t miss Post Office, a sophisticated and sexy little space on Market Street that offers dozens of Japanese Whiskeys. At the Gateway, sip at Seabird, an elegant postage stamp of a space overlooking the Olympic Fountain.

Looking for something a little more low key? Check out Main Street, where you’ll find haunts with decades of character. Beerhive has a menu with hundreds of beers from around the world, curated by the owner (rough life!). And, if you’re a shot-and-a-beer type of person, wander into Cheers

2 U, a literal hole in the wall with oodles of personality. (You’ll instantly love it or hate it.)

THE RESTAURANTS

Start your day at Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar, side-by-side Utah classics since 1980.

They’re known for fresh seafood, but also hearty breakfasts that come with a delicious orange-frosted roll. Find a lighter brunch at Zest — you won’t even notice it is a vegan restaurant if you order the biscuits and gravy with a homemade biscuit and mushroom gravy with a walnut patty.

For lunch, please do not miss Caputo’s, purveyors of regional Italian foods. Wander their market next door after you order the muffaletta sandwich with Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, lettuce, basil, and olive oil, on a sturdy roll. If you’re looking for a two-martini lunch, check out the new Pago on Main. Scott Evans received a glowing New York Times review ten years ago that set off his culinary empire, and his newest opening lives up to the original.

If you have a big group with a lot of picky eaters, head to Hall Pass at The Gateway. Don’t call it a food court, this chic ‘food hall’ has eight vendors serving everything from bao to lobster rolls in a contemporary setting.

Salt Lake’s dining scene continues to evolve with a cornucopia of elegant restaurants serving seasonal menus with hyper-locally sourced ingredients. Eva’s on Main is delightful and ingredients for the crispy trout and oink oink oink (pork belly) all come from within 60 miles of the restaurant. Recently opened, Mar | Muntanya is proud that the ingredients for the elk carpaccio

and chicken confit all come from within Utah.

THE SHOPPING

From marquee national retailers like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. to beloved and storied local merchants like Ken Sanders Rare Books and O.C. Tanner, you can fill days upon days with unique shopping experiences. The gorgeous City Creek Center offers more than 60 shops, many you can’t find within 400 miles of downtown. Plus, added bonus, an actual trout-filled creek runs through the middle of the two-block shopping center!

Just two blocks away, The Gateway has become a canvas for local artists to bring some color and murals to a formerly beige shopping center. Now, this tree-lined, winding outdoor corridor hosts local shops and experiential dining and gaming outlets like Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club and Dave & Busters.

Salt Lakers love their locally-owned businesses and the colorful characters behind them. You’ll either find Ken Sanders on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow or inside his iconic shop which houses tens of thousands of books. He somehow knows exactly where every single one lies in the maze of corridors. Just around the corner, The Green Ant sells vintage furniture and if you like mid-century modern interior design, don’t miss their unique treasures. In its fifth generation, Utah Woolen Mills offers the charm of family ownership, while also bringing designer men’s suits from around the world. Finally, round out the day at Diabolical Records, a hole in the wall that is a vinyl-phile’s dream — look for everything from Roy Orbison to BTS — and if you arrive at the right moment, expect to hear some live music.

An incubator for business, a catalyst for artists, and a caldron of diversity — SLC is a brash and spirited intersection of humanity. Come explore and discover a place that will surprise and delight you.

45 OF THE BEST UTAH RESTAURANTS

OUR FOOD CULTURE IS VIBRANT AND ALWAYS GROWING

While Utah might not seem like a foodie’s paradise, it's easy to get lost while enjoying our vibrant, ever-growing, and diverse food scene. With hundreds of restaurants across the Wasatch Front specializing in everything from sushi, to burgers, tapas, and beyond, you're sure to leave satisfied no matter where you decide to pull up a chair. Here are 45 of our favorite restaurants to consider next time you're in town.

AMERICAN

Oquirrh

oquirrhslc.com

368 E 100 S Salt Lake City 801-359-0426

SLC Eatery slceatery.com

1017 S Main St Salt Lake City 801-355-7952

The Copper Onion thecopperonion.com

111 E Broadway #170

Salt Lake City

801-355-3282

BAKERY/BRUNCH

Gourmandise gourmandise.com

250 S 300 E Salt Lake City 801-328-3330

725 E 12300 S Draper 801-571-1500

215 E State St American Fork 385-387-1780

Sunday’s Best brunchmehard.com

10672 State St Sandy 801-441-3331

BREWERY/BAR

High West Saloon highwest.com 703 Park Ave Park City 435-649-8300

Lucky 13 lucky13slc.com

135 W 1300 S Salt Lake City 801-487-4418

Whiskey Street whiskeystreet.com

323 S Main Street Salt Lake City 801-433-1371

Beer Bar

beerbarslc.com

161 E 200 S Salt Lake City 801-355-3618

Bohemian Brewery

bohemianbrewery.com

94 E 7200 S Midvale 801-566-5474

CHINESE Mandarin mandarinutah.com

348 E 900 N

Bountiful 801-298-2406

AE URBIA, a Utah based architectural , interiors and structural engineering firm, along with Breinholt engineering, DLJ engineering, Glumac, Novva Data Centers, CIM Group and Layton Construction have created the newest, state-of-the-art data center for Novva Data Centers & the CIM Group. The traditional technologies used by other data centers consume a lot of natural resources and energy. The Novva Data Center is the first-of-its-kind, sustainable, environmentalfriendly data center facility, with new technology and systems that are both energy efficient and resili ent. Protect your data while protecting our planet. AE URBIA would like to thank Novva Data Centers and the CIM Group for allowing them to be part of this amazing project and would also like to thank the entire design and construction team for making this project a success.

One More Noodle House onemorenoodlehouse.com

3370 State Street Suite #N5

South Salt Lake 801-906-8992

China Chefs chinachefsriverton.com

12487 S Pasture Rd Riverton

801-253-2368

FRENCH

La Caille lacaille.com

9565 Wasatch Blvd

Sandy 801-942-1751

Laurel Brasserie & Bar laurelslc.com

555 S Main St Salt Lake City 801-258-6708

INDIAN/NEPALESE

Bombay House bombaygardenutah.com

463 N University Ave Provo 801-373-6677

Mumbai House mumbaihousecuisine.com

2731 E Parleys Way Salt Lake City

801-582-0222

Bombay Garden mumbaihousecuisine.com

7726 S Campus View Dr #120 West Jordan 801-282-0777

Gurkhas gurkhas.net

3025 E 3300 S Salt Lake City 801-755-3499

ITALIAN

Café Molise caffemolise.com

404 S West Temple Salt Lake City 801-364-8833

Sicilia Mia siciliamiautah.com

4536 S Highland Dr

Holladay 801-274-0223

2020 E 3300 S Salt Lake City 385-202-7236

Valter's Osteria valtersosteria.com

173 W Broadway Salt Lake City 801-521-4563

JAPANESE Koyto kyotoslc.com

1080 E 1300 S Salt Lake City 801-487-3525

Takashi takashisushi.com

18 W Market St Salt Lake City 801-519-9595

16 W Market St Salt Lake City 385- 202-7500

Tsunami tsunamiutah.com

10722 S. River Front Pkwy South Jordan 801-748-1178

1059 E 900 S Salt Lake City 385-900-0288

7628 Union Park Ave Midvale 801-676-6466

KOREAN

EJO Korean BBQ ejokoreanbbqut.com

633 E 3300 S Salt Lake City 801-474-0047

Korea House koreahousesaltlake.com

1300 S 145 E #207 Salt Lake City 801-487-3900

Kou-Korean BBQ of Utah thekou.com

7157 State St Midvale 801-996-8415

MEXICAN

Chile Tepin chile-tepin.com

307 W 200 S Salt Lake City 801-883-9255

La Casa Del Tamal lacasadeltamalutah.com

3952 W 3500 S West Valley City 385-266-8729

Red Iguana rediguana.com 736 W North Temple Salt Lake City 801-322-1489

866 W South Temple Salt Lake City 801-214-6050

La Cocina lacocinaslc.com

6965 S 2300 E Salt Lake City 801-943-7790

MIDDLE EASTERN

Laziz Kitchen lazizkitchen.com

912 S Jefferson Street Salt Lake City 801-441-1228

1076 Ft Union Blvd Midvale 801-849-8887

152 E 200 S Salt Lake 385-267-1161

Mazza mazzacafe.com

1515 S 1500 E Salt Lake City 801-484-9259

SEAFOOD

Current currentfishandoyster.com

279 E 300 S Salt Lake City 801-326-3474

Carvers Steak & Seafood carversutah.com

10720 Holiday Park Dr Sandy 801-572-5177

Summerhays Halibut and Chips

summerhayshalibut.com

4870 S Highland Dr Holladay 801-424-900

SOUTH AMERICAN Arempas arempas.com

350 State St Salt Lake City 385-301-8905

Lomitos lomitosrestaurant.com 180 Center Street Orem 801-607-1602

SPANISH Café Madrid cafemadrid.net 5244 S Highland Dr Holladay 801-273-0837

THAI Best Thai In Utah bestthaifoodinutah.com

1984 E Murray Holladay Rd Holladay 801-676-9300

Skewered Thai Restaurant skeweredthai.com

575 S 700 E Salt Lake City 801-364-1144

VIETNAMESE

Little Saigon littlesaigonutah.com

2021 E Windsor St Salt Lake City 801-906-8630

Cafe Trang Bistro cafetrangbistro.com 740 Blue Vista Ln #300 Midvale 801-878-7500

SOMI somislc.com

1215 E Wilmington Ave #100 Salt Lake City 385-322-1158

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A STATE FOR ALL SEASONS

THERE’S FUN ON THE CALENDAR DURING EVERY SEASON

With four distinctive seasons to enjoy, there’s something to do during every season. With dozens of things to do like hiking, to skiing, camping, and more, here are just a few ideas when it comes to fun activities in Utah.

SPRING

From the cherry blossoms at the Utah State Capitol building to acres of greenery at Red Butte Gardens in the Highland foothills, spring is all about beautiful colors in bloom! And it doesn’t stop there — with over 300,000 tulip bulbs planted across the property, the annual Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi is loved by those looking to literally get out and smell the flowers.

Speaking of festivals, you can’t miss the Festival of Colors at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork. Full of music, dancing, tasty cuisine, and color throws to celebrate the Hindu Holi and the beginning of spring — this is an event you’ll never forget.

Another renowned activity is the 3.6-mile out-and-back hike through wildflowerfilled Albion Basin. Located near Alta, the basin features dozens of wildflower varieties while being a favorite amongst local hikers and wedding photographers. You may even witness a proposal and see some re-emerging wildlife while there!

SUMMER

If you love the outdoors, Utah summers are bound to be your paradise — especially when a campground or trailhead is only a 30-minute drive from the city. There are thousands of miles of hiking and ATV trails as well as hundreds of campgrounds to explore across the state.

Aside from exploring the great outdoors, festivals and farmers markets are frequently attended throughout by visitors and locals alike during the summer season. You’ll find everything from honey, homemade bread, and hand-crafted goods at our Farmer’s markets, so you won’t have to worry about going home empty handed. You

can celebrate Utah’s pioneer spirit during the Days of ‘47 rodeo and parade — both of which are long-standing traditions celebrating the pioneers who came to Utah. If a rodeo isn’t quite your speed, you and hundreds of others can celebrate in your own way by racing down the original pioneer route during the Deseret News Marathon.

FALL

With colorful leaves and cool, crisp air, fall in Utah proves that there’s beauty to look forward to during every season. If you want to take in the colors of the changing Alpine trees, this is best experienced on the 20mile Alpine Loop with breathtaking views of Mount Timpanogos. A bit longer, the 38-mile Nebo Loop Scenic Byway will take you through the Uintah National Forest and down through Utah County.

The fun doesn’t stop with the fall leaves, either! With dozens of farms across the state all in harvest, it’s a breeze to find local fruits to snack on (the peaches are especially delicious!) and corn mazes to get lost in. Additionally, fall in Utah comes with some of the best festivals! Catch Oktoberfest in Snowbird for “brews and mountain views,” or Swiss Days in Midway for traditional performances, parades, food booths, and market.

WINTER

Just because it’s snowing doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of fun! In fact, some locals say that winter is Utah’s best season due to the sheer number of winter activities available. With 21 ski resorts statewide, you can shred powder whenever and wherever you want.

However, if skiing isn’t your cup of tea, you can still enjoy the winter weather with a trip to the Viking Yurt in Park City. Guests at the yurt will experience a sleigh ride up the slopes at Park City Mountain Resort, and then a six-course Norwegian-themed dining experience. A mere 25 minutes from Park City, the ice castles in Midway are another must-see. If you want to warm up while you’re exploring, the geothermal hot springs at the Homestead Crater will thaw icy bones. Additionally, you can enjoy walking through some of the best holiday lights displays at Temple Square, the Utah Hogle Zoo, or Thanksgiving Point.

ACTIVE FOR LIFE

THERE ARE FUN THINGS TO DO, NO MATTER YOUR AGE

It doesn’t matter your age, Utah is often regarded as a playground for all! Regardless of if you’re nearing retirement, or you’re settling down for the next phase of your life, here are a few fun experiences to enjoy while in Utah.

SEARCH FOR WILDLIFE

There are tons of outdoor scenery to enjoy across the state and with outdoor scenery comes tons of wildlife! While Hogle Zoo, Living Planet Aquarium, and Tracy Aviary are all great places to see wildlife, many of our state and local parks will allow you to catch wildlife in their natural habitats. Head to Antelope Island on the Great Salt Lake to view local wildlife like antelope, bison, bighorn sheep, and mule deer while exploring the island from your car, or on foot via one of the 15 different hiking trails.

If you’re looking for a more low-key way to spot wildlife, a drive on the Mirror Lake

Byway or up Little or Cottonwood Canyon is a great way to see animals like elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Be sure to stop along the way and check out any of the hikes, lakes, waterfalls, or picnic locations.

CATCH A THEATER SHOW

While we’re best known for our national parks and outdoor activities, Utah also has a renowned theater scene. In fact, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City regularly features Broadway hits like Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge, and more. Additionally, the Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy has a great seasonal show lineup that’s sure to get you in the mood.

Additionally, the Egyptian Theatre in Park City and the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in St. George are sure to provide a fantastic experience if you are looking to escape Salt Lake Valley for a fun day or weekend-long trip.

TAKE A GARDEN STROLL

With hundreds of hiking trails and thousands of miles of wilderness to explore, our state gardens can be overlooked — but they shouldn’t be as our local gardens are some of the best places to take a casual stroll. A local favorite, Red Butte Gardens, has over 26 acres of garden displays and walking trails. Additionally, Red Butte hosts a summer concert series every year, so it’s easy to make your trip to Red Butte an evening event with the whole family.

Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Gilgal Sculpture Gardens is another hidden gem that was saved from a previous community redevelopment project. With over 70 engraved stones and 12 original sculptures, visiting the three-acre garden for a quick walk is definitely a cultural experience. If you find yourself down south, the Red Hills Desert Garden in St. George features over 5,000 water-efficient plants, prehistoric dinosaur tracks, and even a replica slot canyon that you can explore without the risk of a flash flood.

FUN FOR THE Entire Family

As the state with the largest percentage of children in the United States, with nearly 30% of the population under the age of 18, it’s no wonder why there is such a large variety of activities in Utah for families. With both fun and educational options available, you are sure to have an exciting time.

While there are beautiful views, natural wonders, and hikes perfect for families, the list below is just a few of the places created especially with families, and fun, in mind.

ANTELOPE ISLAND

Antelope Island is home to wildlife such as freeranging bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn (antelope), birds, and many other desert animals, making it a great place to take the family for a view of local wildlife.

stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island

BOONDOCKS FUN CENTER

Boondocks has everything you need for family fun: mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, arcade games, food, and more. boondocks.com

A planetarium for visitors of all ages who want to discover and learn more about space and science. Don't miss their exciting Cosmic Light Show. slco.org/clark-planetarium

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

DREAMSCAPES

Enter a dream world in Dreamscapes Surreal and immersive installation of digital artworks fun for all ages and abilities to explore. utaharts.org/en/dreamscapes

An old-world, European village-themed experience park in Pleasant Grove. is blend of a theme park, events, thrills, and theatrics allows your family to become immersed in an incredible and unforgettable story. evermore.com

Putting on plays and musicals, Hale Center eatre has been a part of the community for over 35 years and continues to be a local favorite. hct.org/online

HEBER VALLEY RAILROAD

is historic 16-mile railroad based in Heber City o ers regular scenic passenger trains and various themed family train rides throughout the year. hebervalleyrr.org

HILL AEROSPACE MUSEUM

Exhibiting thousands of aircrafts, two galleries, and an outside air park, Hill Aerospace Museum is sure to amaze and educate both children and adults alike. aerospaceutah.org

HOGLE ZOO

is 42-acre zoo features shaded pathways and more than 800 animals from diverse ecosystems. Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. hoglezoo.org

IFLY UTAH

Indoor skydiving in wind speeds of up to 150 mph, iFly in Ogden is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget. iflyutah.com

CLARK PLANETARIUM

EVERMORE PARK

HALE CENTER THEATRE

KENNECOTT COPPER MINE

e Kennecott Copper Mine is known as the largest man-made excavation and deepest open-pit mine in the world. Visit the new visitor experience, see the amazing view of the mine and watch the giant dump trucks with 12.5-foot-tall wheels drive by. riotintokennecott.com/visit

LABYRINTH REALITY GAMES

Take your pick from a variety of themed reality games featuring multidimensional escape room challenges. Requires a team of two to four people. Reserved timeslots are available and recommended. labyrinthrealitygames.com

LAGOON AMUSEMENT PARK

An amusement park in Farmington with fun for all ages: a water park, thrill rides for the adrenaline junkies, a kiddie-land with rides for the little ones, and a variety of games and entertainment. lagoonpark.com

THE LEONARDO MUSEUM

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

Marine-life aquarium with multiple displays featuring more than 2,400 marine animals and three unique experiences: Shark, Penguin, and Stingray Encounters. thelivingplanet.com

MUSEUM OF NATURAL CURIOSITY

Explore more than 400 interactive experiences that teach about science and nature in this glasswalled museum located at anksgiving Point in Lehi. thanksgivingpoint.org/ experience/museum-of-natural-curiosity

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

QUARRY EXHIBIT HALL

View the wall of approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones including an Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. ere are even places to touch 149 millionyear-old dinosaur fossils! nps.gov/dino

RED BUTTE GARDEN

Enjoy plant collections, display gardens, and awardwinning horticulture-based educational programs at Red Butte, the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West. Located in the eastern foothills of the University of Utah campus. redbuttegarden.org

SNOWBIRD

From a mountain coaster to an alpine slide and everything in between, Snowbird is just as much a summer family fun location as a winter one. Check out all the fun activities you can do! snowbird.com

ST. GEORGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Nonpro t 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 nonpro t farm, garden, and museum complex. Families love all it o ers, including: e Museum of Ancient Life, Farm Country, the Museum of Natural Curiosity, Ashton Gardens, and the Butter y Biosphere. thanksgivingpoint.org

THIS IS THE PLACE HERITAGE PARK

Step back in time and take a train ride, pet farm animals, ride a pony, and pan for gold at is is the Place Heritage Park; where guests get a chance to see what the West was like in the late 1800s. thisistheplace.org

TIMPANOGOS CAVE

Timpanogos Cave is a limestone cave system with three caverns open to the public. Visitors can enter the caves with a guided tour led by experienced park rangers. Junior Ranger programs are held between Memorial Day and Labor Day. nps.gov/tica/index.htm

TRACY AVIARY

is 8-acre aviary located in Salt Lake’s Liberty Park o ers exhibits, shows, and encounters that give guests the chance to view and feed birds. tracyaviary.org

TREEHOUSE MUSEUM (OGDEN)

is reading-oriented museum encourages children to “step into a story” through hands-on activities and exhibits. treehousemuseum.org

UTAH OLYMPIC PARK

Built for the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games, the Olympic Park has a variety of adventurous activities for the family including bobsledding, watching Nordic ski jump practice in the pool, touring the facility, and wandering through the free museum, among other special events.

utaholympiclegacy.org

WHEELER HISTORIC FARM

A historic farm and public park serve as a large, natural open space in the Salt Lake Valley. With 75 acres of natural landscape, trails, and backwoods area, it’s an ideal location for walks and picnics. Children will enjoy the chance to meet the farm animals and play in the ever-popular playground fort. slco.org/wheeler-farm/visit/park

Festivals FOR ALL SEASONS

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 Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival. Spread throughout 55 acres, it is definitely a sight to be seen. On Fridays and Saturdays, there's 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, Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork explodes with various kinds of hues at the Festival of Colors. This widely popular event observes the tradition of 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, 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.

SUMMER

Utah Arts Festival

View the latest-and-greatest artwork and find the perfect piece that speaks to your soul at the Utah Arts Festival — the state’s largest outdoor festival. More than 160 visual artists and 100-plus performing artists gather to promote the arts and enhance the quality of life in Utah. The festival features an artist marketplace, music and performing arts, film, street theater, literary arts, and Art Yard.

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.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Find your inner thespian at one of the biggest Shakespeare festivals in the nation, in one of the premier regional theaters in the county. During the sixteen-week season, the Utah Shakespeare Festival presents classic and contemporary plays. These plays are enhanced by interactive 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.

Wasatch International Food Festival

The Wasatch is home to some of the greatest and most diverse food on Earth. From downtown Salt Lake City and Park City's hip gastronomic scenes to traditional ethnic offerings of the West Side's diverse community, you can tour a different part of the world every night. The Wasatch International Food Festival celebrates haute cuisine, street food, and everything in between. Come dish up these rich and diverse menus, with a side of music and fun.

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

Autumn Aloft

Join us as we take to skies in beautiful Park City, Utah! The Autumn Aloft features up to 24 hot air balloons and includes Saturday and Sunday morning launch events and a candlestick event on Saturday night set on Park City’s Historic Main Street. All Autumn Aloft events are free to spectators.

Midway Swiss Days

Located in the small town of Midway, Utah, with touches of traditional Swiss architecture scattered around the town, the Midway Swiss Days transports you to Switzerland with traditional swiss events, cute market vendors, a 10K run and kids race, festival food offerings, and more.

Oktoberfest

Fall is the time for Snowbird Mountain Resort's annual Oktoberfest, one of Utah’s largest festivals, which draws more than 60,000 visitors. Attendees can enjoy food,

brews, and fun activities designed for all ages. Discover why Snowbird’s annual festival was voted one of America's 10 Best Oktoberfests by Men's Journal Magazine.

Utah State Fair

Bring the whole family out to the Utah State Fairpark and have some fun at the Utah State Fair! This extravaganza offers a plethora of events including a rodeo, demolition derby, truck pull, carnival rides, and all the fair food you can eat.

WitchFest at Gardner Village

Gardner Village transforms into the perfect spooky setting for Witches' Night Out, an annual event that brings thousands of costumed witches to the village. Revelers can find elaboratelydressed witches shopping, eating, playing games, and generally having a witchy good time.

WINTER

Christkindlmarkt

Christkindlmarkt SLC is an extraordinary opportunity to experience the old-world charm of the Christmas season. Set within

the picturesque backdrop of This Is The Place Heritage Park, visitors will find wooden vendor booths full of unique and festive holiday gifts and souvenirs. Not only does the market provide a delightful shopping experience, but also tantalizing food options and delightful entertainment.

Bryce Canyon Winter Festival

The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival has something for everyone with free clinics, demos, and tours. Attend the festival for a weekend of cross-country skiing, snowshoe tours, morning yoga, cookie decorating, photography clinics, kids snow boot races, archery biathlon, and more.

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.

EVENT CALENDAR 2023 ACTIVITIES FROM AROUND

THE STATE

JANUARY

Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

January 27-29

Garden City

bearlakemonsterwinterfest.com

Ice Castles

January Midway icecastles.com/utah

Sundance Film Festival

January 19-29 festival.sundance.org

FEBRUARY

St. George Parade of Homes

February 17-26

St. George Paradehomes.com

MARCH

Holi Festival of Colors

March 25-26

Spanish Fork festivalofcolorsusa.com

APRIL

St. George Art Festival

April 7-8

St. George sgartfestival.com

Salt Lake City Marathon

April 22

Olympic Legacy Bridge

saltlakecitymarathon.com

Tulip Festival

April-May

Lehi thanksgivingpoint.org

MAY

Loveloud Fest

May

Salt Lake City loveloudfest.com

JUNE

Downtown Farmers Market

June–October

Salt Lake City slcfarmersmarket.org

Utah Blues Festival

June 10-11 Salt Lake City utahbluesfest.org

Utah Shakespeare Festival June–September Cedar City bard.org

Utah Arts Festival

June 23–26 Salt Lake City uaf.org

Utah Pride Festival June Salt Lake City utahpridecenter.org

JULY

America’s Freedom Festival

July 3-4 Provo freedomfestival.org

Days of ‘47 Parade

July 24 Salt Lake City daysof47.com

Deseret Marathon

July 24

Salt Lake City Run.deseret.com

AUGUST

Raspberry Days

August 3-5 Garden City bearlake.org

Craft Lake City DIY Festival

August 12-14 Salt Lake City craftlakecity.com

Oktoberfest

August 14-October 17

Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort snowbird.com/oktoberfest

Twilight Concert Series

August-September Salt Lake City, Ogden twilightconcertseries.com

SEPTEMBER

Bike Prom

September Salt Lake City bicyclecollective.org

Swiss Days

September 1-2 Midway midwayswissdays.org

Utah State Fair

September 7-17

Salt Lake City utahstatefair.com

FanX Comic Convention

September 21-23

Salt Lake City fanxsaltlake.com

Witchfest at Gardner Village

September-October West Jordan gardnervillage.com/witch-fest

OCTOBER

Pumpkin Nights

October 10-November 2 Salt Lake City pumpkinnights.com/salt-lake-city

NOVEMBER

Luminaria: Experience the Light

November–January Lehi thanksgivingpoint.org

DECEMBER

Christkindlmarkt SLC

December Salt Lake City christkindlmarkt-slc.com

Zoo Lights

December Salt Lake City hoglezoo.org

Festival of Trees

December

Sandy intermountainhealthcare.org

© Image courtesy of @swingking via Twenty20 Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival. Photo by Steve Greenwood Ogden Valley Balloon Festival. Photo by Matt Morgan.

*Due to publishing timelines, dates and information may change. Please verify dates and times before attending an event.

Utah. Financed by Altabank.