2024 Life in Utah

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2024

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U TA H ’ S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E A N D R E L O C AT I O N G U I D E

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Dear reader, Welcome to Utah! Our state is among the top in the nation for family prosperity, quality of life, business development, and entrepreneurship. Utah’s economy is strong, robust, and one of the best in the country — we are committed to building a sustainable future for current and future generations of Utahns across the state. 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. For the 16th year in a row, Utah was ranked with the best economic outlook in the nation (Rich States Poor States). In 2023, Utah was ranked the best state overall and the best economy in the nation (U.S. News & World Report). 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


TABLE OF CONTENTS LIVE

WORK

08 GETTING AROUND SALT LAKE CITY 30 BUILDING WORKFORCE CONNECTIONS 40 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE 10 DOWNTOWN IS WHERE IT'S AT 32 TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 42 THE NEW UTAH 12 YOUR GUIDE TO HEALTH CARE 34 EXECUTIVE PROFILE 44 ELEVATING RURAL UTAH 14 UTAH REGIONS 36 EXECUTIVE PROFILE 46 SMALL BUSINESSES, BIG IMPACT 38 HERE TODAY, GLOBAL TOMORROW 48 UTAH: THE BEST STATE FOR BUSINESS City commuting made easy

Constructing Utah's prosperous future

On the slopes of uncertainty, carving a path of resilience

There's something for everyone

Companies in Utah to work for

Times are changing in the Beehive State

Award-winning health care

Morgan Williams, CEO of Blendyd Studios

Through targeted stimulus programs

Discover your favorite part of the state

Earl Foote, CEO of Nexus IT

Thrive in Utah with support and resources

How Utah outdoor companies are competing

Business is booming

PLAY

LEARN

THE MOST OUT OF 58 GTHEET MIGHTY FIVE

50 PUBLIC EDUCATION IN UTAH 54 HIGHER EDUCATION IN UTAH 57 UTAH TEACHER OF THE YEAR Shaping the lives of future generations

Fun things to do, no matter your age

Tips and tricks for enjoying Utah's national parks

60 UNIQUELY UTAH STATE PARKS 62 STATE OF SPORT FEW OF UTAH'S MOST 63 ADELICIOUS RESTAURANTS

Developing the workforce of tomorrow

10 unique state parks you'll only find in utah

Program puts the spotlight on educators

From baseball to basketball and everything in between

From plate to palate

VOLUME XXXVII

PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

66 ACTIVE FOR LIFE 68 FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY GUIDE TO SKIING 70 UANDTAHSNOWBOARDING Activities for the whole family

Explore the Greatest Snow On Earth®

72 EVENT CALENDAR 2024 Activities from around the state

ISSUE 2024

EDITORS Marisa Bomis, Aspen English, Alex Yengich

saltlakechamber Salt Lake Chamber PUBLISHER PRESIDENT & CEO

Derek Miller

BOARD CHAIR

Gary W. Hoogeveen

801-364-3631 | slchamber.com

slchamber slchamber.com

Burke Olsen 55 North 300 West, Ste. 500 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 801-839-1404 | utahbusiness.com

ADVERTISING SALES Justin Dunkley, Laura South, Samantha Campbell, Pam Barnett, Suzanne Benitez, Cyndi Brown

COVER PHOTO EDITORIAL/CREATIVE TEAM Megan Donio, Marketing Manager Serina Nielson, Layout and Design

WPA poster art of Park City east of Salt Lake City with the Wasatch Range part of the Wasatch Back in the Rocky Mountains in Utah, United States done in works project administration style. By patrimonio designs, Adobe Stock

CONTENT PROVIDED BY Blendyd Studios, CBRE, Downtown Alliance, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Nexus IT Consultants, Salt Lake Chamber, Small Business Association of Utah, Utah Department of Workforce Services, Utah Office of Tourism, Utah Restaurant Association, Utah State Board of Education (USOE), Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), and World Trade Center Utah. *Images provided by the Salt Lake Chamber, Adobe Stock, Getty Images, and Twenty20 unless otherwise stated. Regional business data provided by jobs.utah.gov. County employment data provided by data.bls.gov. Life in Utah is an official and yearly publication of the Salt Lake Chamber and is distributed throughout Utah. Copyright ©2024 by the Salt Lake Chamber. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any format without consent of the Salt Lake Chamber. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Salt Lake Chamber, and Utah Business magazine, assume no liability for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. All critical information should be independently verified. Utah Business is proud to produce the Salt Lake Chamber’s official relocation magazine with a title that reflects its extended scope: Life in Utah.

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Business Banking. Let’s elevate your business. Chartway has been providing the best in financial tools, innovations, and personalized service to its members for over 60 years. We are proud to bring more to Salt Lake by offering the same to local businesses. Chartway’s Business Banking gives you the opportunity to grow your business by putting your trust in ours.

Premium Business Checking Business Loans Business Rewards Credit Card

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DEAR READERS, In the heart of the rugged Rocky Mountains lies a place where nature's grandeur meets human ambition — an intersection of landscapes and legacies that define the spirit of our state. Utah, often celebrated as the "Crossroads of the West," embraces an extraordinary blend of history, culture and nature that beckons adventurers and visionaries alike. Utah's breathtaking landscapes, from the red rock canyons to the towering alpine peaks, offer more than just a scenic backdrop. They provide a canvas for boundless outdoor escapes, where every trail and summit tells a story of connection with the land and the thrill of exploration. Whether you plan to explore our world-class skiing or the “Mighty Five” national parks, prepare to be captivated. Amidst the unparalleled natural beauty, Utah boasts a thriving business ecosystem, recognized nationally as a beacon of opportunity and innovation. Our diverse economy fosters an entrepreneurial spirit and welcomes those seeking to make their mark on the world. Business opportunities and quality of life intersect seamlessly here, making Utah an ideal destination for individuals and families alike. By offering a spectrum of educational opportunities, from esteemed research universities to specialized technical and community college programs, we lay the foundation for personal and professional growth. Utah is more than just a place — it's a mosaic of people, cultures and aspirations. Utah celebrates its modern history, steeped in the bravery of past pioneers and the resilience of its current citizens. With open arms, we welcome new faces and ideas, cherishing the contributions of each individual as we grow and evolve together. In this edition of "Life in Utah," we invite you to discover the brilliance that makes our state a beacon of promise and prosperity. Whether you're seeking a place to plant your roots or simply passing through, we extend our warmest welcome and look forward to the chapters we'll write together in this extraordinary corner of the world. Warm regards,

Derek Miller President & CEO Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance

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GETTING AROUND SALT LAKE CITY

D

ue to its central location in the western U.S., 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 walk, use public transportation, bikes, scooters or a car during your trip, the transit options and grid-style street system will ensure that you get exactly where you want to go.

fare will get you. As a bonus, visitors can take advantage of the “Free Fare Zone” from the Salt Lake Central and Library stops in downtown Salt Lake City.

One of the biggest advantages of traveling across the Wasatch Front is the 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, it’s imperative to remember that Temple Square is the center point of the grid — from Temple Square, streets are then numbered from north to south and east to west.

Starting at just $3 a ride, one of the best ways to see the city's magic in just about any season is to rent a bike or e-bike! Salt Lake is home to more than 30 GREENbike e-bike stations, so you’ll always have an eco-friendly option when getting around town. Visit greenbikeutah.org for bike locations.

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

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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.

BIKES & E-BIKES

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

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 more than 45,000 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, in the past few years, the Utah Department of

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Individual & Family | Medicare | Small Business | Large Business

Select Health obeys federal civil rights laws. We do not treat you differently because of your race, color, ethnic background or where you come from, age, disability, sex, religion, creed, language, social class, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and/or veteran status. This information is available for free in other languages and alternate formats by contacting Select Health Medicare: 855-442-9900 (TTY: 711) / Select Health: 800-538-5038. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. 注意:如果您使用繁體中文,您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電


DOWNTOWN IS WHERE IT'S AT BY: JOSHUA JONES, DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE

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n the next two years, Salt Lake City’s downtown residential population will double. What is driving this growth? Certainly, an accelerated rebound from the pandemic and a robust economy receive credit, but that is true for much of Utah. The greatest influx of new residents in the history of modern Salt Lake is being ushered by the walkability, liveability and vibrancy of a downtown that is a treasure trove for the senses and the regional center for commerce, culture and entertainment. If you’re thinking of relocating, explore the fabricof downtown through the arts, food, bars and shops that will make you want to call downtown “home.”

In total, there are six theaters downtown that house the Utah Symphony and Opera, Ballet West and touring Broadway productions. These, and a plethora of smaller arts groups like Ririe Woodbury Dance Company, one of the oldest modern dance companies in the country, and Plan-B Theatre, produce over 80 arts and cultural events each month. Moving with children? They will want to linger all day at the interactive exhibits at The Leonardo, a museum of creativity and innovation, Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum and the Clark Planetarium, where they will be glamoured by our galaxy.

THE BARS

THE ARTS

Luxurious lounge or social saloon? We’ve got both, find a neighborhood that fits you.

One of the largest ballet companies, one of the only year-round professional symphonies and one of the oldest modern arts museums in the United States are all within a stone’s throw of one another.

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. Don’t miss the James Beard Award-nominated Post Office Place, a sophisticated and sexy

Move to a community with an established, eclectic and electric arts scene.

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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. And, if you’re a shot-anda-beer type of person, wander into Cheers 2 U, a literal hole in the wall with oodles of personality.

THE RESTAURANTS

Transport yourself to a foodie paradise. Start your day at The Oyster Bar or Market Street Grill, 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 and olive oil on a sturdy roll. If you’re looking for a two-martini lunch, check out the new Finca on Regent. Scott Evans received a glowing New York Times review ten years ago that set off his culinary empire and made Utah a regional destination for cuisine. 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 ingredients sourced hyper locally. Eva’s on Main is delightful and ingredients for the crispy trout and 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 also all come from within Utah.

THE SHOPPING

Plant yourself in the crossroads of the West: we’ve got something for everyone. 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 Sporting Club and Dave & Busters. In the summer on Saturdays, saunter around Pioneer Park for the Downtown Farmers Market and find artists and craftsmen you won’t find anywhere else — along with local meat, fruits and

vegetables. During winter, the Farmers Market moves to The Gateway where you’ll find perfect holiday gifts. 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 new shop inside The Leonardo. Just a few blocks away, 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 selling 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 cauldron of diversity — SLC is a brash and spirited intersection of humanity. Come explore and discover a place that will surprise and delight you.

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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HEALTH CARE IN UTAH OUR AWARD-WINNING, LOCAL HOSPITALS ARE WELL-EQUIPPED TO GET YOU BACK ON YOUR FEET IN NO TIME

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mergencies can strike anytime, anywhere, even while traveling. Fortunately, if you happen to be exploring Utah when you need medical attention, you'll be in good hands. This state is home to some of the most prestigious health care facilities in the country, all of which have a reputation for providing top-notch care, no matter the condition. From urgent care clinics to specialty hospitals, there are several nationally recognized providers throughout Utah, so you can rest assured you'll receive excellent health care in the event of an emergency. Here are just a few of them:

INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH With a workforce of 40,000 caregivers and 33 hospital locations, Intermountain Health is the largest not-for-profit health care entity in the state. Their flagship hospital in Murray has earned itself a welldeserved spot as #91 on the 2022 list of 100 World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek, and it is also the largest hospital in the state. But their achievements don't stop there — Utah also had six hospitals make the Chartis Group’s Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals 2023 list. Additionally, Primary Children's (another Intermountain facility) is famous for being the best in pediatrics. As a Level 1 trauma center and Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit, Primary Children’s provides the best care possible for young children and infants in

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medical crises. Not only do they care for their young patients, they also work hard to lift the burden for their families while in treatment through partnerships with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House.

HUNTSMAN MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Since opening in 2019, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute has been a beacon of hope for those in need of mental health support, and the center has worked hard to mitigate the stigma that surrounds mental health. Addiction recovery, medication management and suicide prevention are just a few of the areas in which the Huntsman Mental Health Institute excels. However, what really sets this institute apart from others is their renowned team of medical researchers working tirelessly to understand the complex functions of the brain. Through its innovative treatments, patients are given hope for a brighter future.

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH HEALTH The only academic health care system in the entire state, University of Utah Health was named #31 on the list of 2022 World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek. Not to mention, the health care system has consistently been ranked in the top ten for quality health care from an academic system for the last 9+ years. With access to the latest medical technology, treatments and advancements, patients are in good hands at the University of Utah. What's

even more impressive is that University of Utah Health is one of the only health care systems in the Mountain West that offers specialized procedures and specialties like gastroenterology, nephrology, psychiatry and more. Also, it's not just the excellent staff working at the University of Utah, the university is also home to some of the most advanced medical researchers in the country.

HUNTSMAN CANCER INSTITUTE Salt Lake City boasts an incredible asset: the Huntsman Cancer Institute — an unrivaled comprehensive cancer center in the Mountain West region. Currently, the center treats 108 patients each year with 3,000 individual treatments performed, and the Huntsman Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing the best possible care and the latest treatments available. The cancer center takes a team approach to tackling the disease, working with physicians, researchers and patients alike to develop personalized treatment plans. The institute has consistently been at the forefront of cancer research, with a staggering 177 research teams working tirelessly to advance our understanding of the disease. Through these efforts, the Huntsman Cancer Institute has made significant progress toward identifying the genes responsible for hereditary cancers like breast and ovarian. With two clinics in the community and five affiliate hospitals across neighboring states, the Huntsman Cancer Institute has proven to be an invaluable resource for patients and their families during some of life's most difficult moments.

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EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW

NORTHERN UTAH

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, explore one of the many hikes in the area, take a bike ride around the lake or enjoy a round of golf.

PROMINENT CITIES BRIGHAM CITY

LOGAN

MORGAN

TREMONTON

Summer high 91° Winter low 16° Summer high 88° Winter low 11°

Summer high 88° Winter low 11°

Summer high 88° Winter low 17°

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. 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

REGION HIGHLIGHT Gossner Foods

1051 N 1000 W, Logan, UT 84321 gossner.com With generations of cheese making experience, state of the art equipment and a team of dedicated employees, Gossner Foods is a leader in the dairy industry

Opera lovers can enjoy Broadwaystyle musical theater by visiting the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre. Attendees have compared the performance and production quality to those of shows found in New York City. About 100 miles to the southwest of Bear Lake is another lake that is equally inviting — the Great Salt Lake, a natural saltwater lake boasting a unique piece of art that’s sure to impress. The Spiral Jetty, a largerthan-life earthwork crafted right into the bed of the Great Salt Lake, was created by sculptor Robert Smithson in 1970. Smithson used 6,000 tons of black basalt rock and earth to create the black, spiraling coil that sits 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.

the “Little Switzerland of the Rockies.” Stop by to try their famous Swiss or Muenster, or nearly any other variety of cheese in shred, slice, chunk or loaf. Many specialty items that can only be found at the Logan retail outlet include handmade cheese spreads, nacho cheese shred and fresh cheese curds in addition to other locally made products.

located in what founder Ed Gossner called

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GROW BUSINESS

HOSPITALS

Autoliv ASP Motor vehicle parts manufacturing

Bear River Valley Hospital Intermountain Health 905 N 1000 W, Tremonton

Al's Sporting Goods Sporting and recreational goods iFIT Health & Fitness Inc. Manufacturer of fitness equipment Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems Aerospace, Defense and Security Production of military flight systems

Brigham City Community Hospital MountainStar Healthcare 950 Medical Dr, Brigham City Cache Valley Hospital MountainStar Healthcare 2380 N 400 E, North Logan

Nucor Building Systems Steel manufacturing

Logan Regional Hospital Intermountain Health 1400 N 500 E, Logan

Pepperidge Farm Production of cookies, crackers and breads

HIGHER EDUCATION

Procter & Gamble Manufacturer of paper products AlphaGraphics Commercial printing

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

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

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

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Refuge offers bird watching via a walking trail and an auto trail fws.gov

Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre Five-week summer festival of opera and Broadway-style musical theatre utahfestival.org

Brigham City Peach Days Annual festival in September to celebrate the city’s peach harvest boxelderchamber.com

SAVOR Aggie Ice Cream Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt 750 N 1200 E, Logan

Herm’s Inn Breakfast, Brunch 1435 E Canyon Rd, Logan

MayMoes Cajun/Creole, American 981 S Main St, Logan

Crumb Brothers Bakery Bakery 291 S 300 W, Logan

Ruca's Tandoori Oven Seasonal Brunch Indian, Pakistani 284 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City 720 E 1000 N, Logan

Cafe Sabor Mexican Bistro 600 W Center St, Logan

Logan’s Heroes Deli, Greek 101 Main St, Logan

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EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW

WASATCH FRONT NORTH

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 and pubs in Salt Lake City alone.

PROMINENT CITIES OGDEN

SANDY

Summer high 90° Winter low 20°

Summer high 95° Winter low 22°

SALT LAKE CITY

WEST VALLEY CITY

Summer high 90° Winter low 26°

Summer high 93° Winter low 23°

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. When they’re covered in snow, there’s no better skiing to be found. After all, Utah boasts the Greatest

REGION HIGHLIGHT Saffron Valley

26 E St E, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 479 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 1098 S Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095 saffronvalley.com Saffron Valley is a Utah-based, womanowned restaurant that aims to provide

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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 has all three.

GROW BUSINESS

HOSPITALS

Amazon Online retail, product fullfillment

Primary Children’s Hospital Intermountain Health 100 Mario Capecchi Dr, Salt Lake

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 Goldman Sachs Global investment banking, securities and investment firm Intermountain Health Healthcare provider

Holy Cross Hospital - Salt Lake CommonSpirit Health 82 S 1100 E, Salt Lake University of Utah Hospital University of Utah Health 50 N Medical Drive, 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

JetBlue Airways Airline Rio Tinto Kennecott Mining

Westminster University Private liberal arts college 1840 S 1300 E, Salt Lake

Merit Medical Systems Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

University of Utah Public research university 201 Presidents Cir, Salt Lake

Wells Fargo Financial services Zions Bank Financial services

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

SAVOR authentic, made-from-scratch Indian food using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors that educate and excite the palate. With different locations across northern Utah, they aim to give every visitor a chance to experience their high quality, personal service steeped in a culture of warmth and hospitality.

LIFE IN UTAH 2024 | SLCHAMBER.com

Mumbai House Indian 2731 E Parleys Way, Salt Lake

Red Iguana Mexican 736 W North Temple, Salt Lake

Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade American, Breakfast 54 W 1700 S, Salt Lake

Caffé Molise Italian, Wine Bar 404 S West Temple, Salt Lake

Sawadee Utah Thai Thai 754 E South Temple St, Salt Lake

Tona Japanese, Sushi 210 25th Street, Ogden

The Pie Pizzeria Pizza 273 S 1300 E, Salt Lake

Squatter's Pub Microbrewery, Pub Fare 147 W Broadway, Salt Lake

Vito's Italian, Sandwiches 100 S Main St, Bountiful

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Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City has been providing hope and healing to children like Haidee 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


EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW

WASATCH BACK

celebrities from around the world each year, as well as being one of the sites of the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games. If you add in some of the best skiing in the world, it is no wonder why this area attracts so many. In Midway and Heber, you can find not only outdoor recreation, but also take a swim in a crater hot spring or a train ride on a historic railroad.

PROMINENT CITIES COALVILLE

MIDWAY

HEBER CITY

PARK CITY

VERNAL

ROOSEVELT

Summer high 86° Winter low 11° Summer high 90° Winter low 17°

Summer high 90° Winter low 7°

Summer high 87° Winter low 13° Summer high 83° Winter low 9°

Summer high 92° Winter low 3°

The Wasatch Back and the surrounding area is perhaps best known for hosting the Sundance Film Festival, which attracts travelers and

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 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

Glitretind New American 7700 Stein Way, Park City

Riverhorse on Main Fine Dining 540 Main St, Park City

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

Grub Steak Steakhouse 2093 Sidewinder Dr, Park City

Marion’s Variety American 29 N Main St, Roosevelt

Café Terigo Italian 424 Main St, Park City

High West Saloon Bar 703 Park Ave, Park City

Dairy Keen Home of the Train Lola’s Street Kitchen Burgers, Shakes New American 199 S Main St, Heber City 24 E Main St, Midway Dinosaur Brew Haus Burgers, BBQ 550 E Main St, Vernal

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Plaza Mexicana Mexican 55 E Main St, Vernal

LIFE IN UTAH 2024 | SLCHAMBER.com

Midway Mercantile Restaurant New American 99 E Main St, Midway The Hideout Steak House Steakhouse 8400 S Parriette Rd, Myton Vernal Brewing Company Gastropub 55 S 500 E, Vernal

GROW BUSINESS

HOSPITALS

Backcountry.com Heber Valley Hospital Sales of outdoor recreation gear and clothing Intermountain Health 454 E Medical Way, Heber City Park City Mountain Park City Hospital Skiing and outdoor recreation Intermountain Health Deer Valley Resort 900 Round Valley Dr, Park City Skiing and outdoor recreation Ashley Regional Medical Center Skullcandy LifePoint Hospitals Sales of headphones, earbuds, speakers, etc. 150 W 100 N, Vernal 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

HIGHER EDUCATION USU Campuses Regional campuses for Utah State University 1235 Center Dr, Park City 320 Aggie Blvd, Vernal Uintah Basin Technical College Public technical training institute 1100 E Lagoon St, Roosevelt 450 N 2000 W, Vernal

EXPLORE Egyptian Theatre Live theater in Park City egyptiantheatrecompany.org

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

Fantasy Canyon Swiss Days Unusual rock formations created by erosion Midway’s September celebration with arts, blm.gov crafts and entertainment midwayswissdays.com Heber Valley Historic Railroad Take a ride on one of the scenic or Utah Olympic Park adventure trains Activity sports park, originally built for the hebervalleyrr.org 2002 Winter Olympics utaholympiclegacy.org Ice Castles at Homestead Resort Winter tourist attraction for families, featuring Utah Field House of Natural History ice castles, princesses and fire shows Natural history museum in Vernal icecastles.com stateparks.utah.gov

REGION HIGHLIGHT fulFILLed Lifestyle Co. 6699 N Landmark Dr G103 Park City, UT 84098 fulfilledlifestyleco.com

A small, woman-owned business with no single-use plastic in sight, fulFILLed Lifestyle Co. aims to simplify

low-waste, toxin-free living with their range of refillable, eco-friendly and ethically-created products. The store also hosts more than 25 womenowned businesses, including a used book store, and features sustainable, handmade products such as bags, candles, lotions and soaps.

LIVE


The Canyon art installation by Gordon Huether

EXPERIENCE

MORE FLIGHTS TO MORE DESTINATIONS

THE NEW

MORE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS

Since opening its doors and gates to the world in 2020, everything about the Salt Lake International Airport is different – and better. The views, the

CENTRAL TUNNEL TO CONCOURSE B

technology, the efficiencies, the space – they’ve all helped make your new SLC Airport one of the most modern and beautiful there is. And now there’s even more! More restaurants, more shops, more art

MORE GATES

installations, and more flights to more destinations. And when Phase 3 is completed in autumn of 2024, there will be a new Central Tunnel connecting the two concourses – allowing for shorter walking distances between gates. With so much more to experience here, we invite you to arrive early, relax, and start enjoying your trip right here, with us!

slcairport.com

NOW OPEN: NEW GATES ON CONCOURSE A-EAST


THE 5-MINUTE

LIFE

Daybreak introduced this idea to the Valley. Now it’s upping its game.


Two decades ago Daybreak began as a big promise. A promise to serve up all the elements of life within a short 5-minute walk or bike ride of home — food, outdoor concerts, good schools, workplaces, parks, a big lake and all kinds of fun. Now, under the stewardship of Larry H. Miller Real Estate, Daybreak is delivering the goods in ways nobody could have imagined. Like with Downtown Daybreak and its emerging Ballpark District. A place where professional sports meets family entertainment meets home. And where soon the Salt Lake Bees will play ball. The wonderful thing is, no matter where you choose to live in Daybreak, you have all of Daybreak just outside your front door.

FIND YOUR HOME & LEARN MORE A B O U T D O W N T O W N D AY B R E A K

Homes from the $350s to over $1 million DaybreakUtah.com/Downtown-Daybreak


EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW

WASATCH FRONT SOUTH

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

PROMINENT CITIES OREM

TOOELE

PROVO

NEPHI

Summer high 92° Winter low 20° Summer high 94° Winter low 22°

Summer high 92° Winter low 22° Summer high 89° Winter low 20°

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 secondhighest peak in the Wasatch Range. Beautiful Mount Timpanogos — affectionately called “Timp” by locals

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 the 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.

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

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

Covey Center for the Arts Performing arts theater in Provo provo.org/community

Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Utah’s longest-running city celebration, held each June strawberrydays.org

Hike the "Y" Trail Popular 2.2-mile-round-trip hike to the top of Roots of Knowledge at UVU BYU’s “Y” painted mountainside Permanent, stained glass panorama of alltrails.com history and human drama uvu.edu Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum Natural history museum at BYU Springville Museum of Art mlbean.byu.edu Utah’s first museum for the visual fine arts smofa.org

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GROW BUSINESS

HOSPITALS

Adobe Systems Software publishing

American Fork Hospital Intermountain Health 170 N 1100 E, American Fork

Ancestry Genealogical information and genetic testing

Holy Cross Hospital - Mountain Point CommonSpirit Health 3000 N Triumph Blvd, Lehi

Cabela’s Outdoor and recreation store

Mountain West Medical Center Independent 2055 N Main St, Tooele

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

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

SAVOR Asa Ramen Ramen 1120 S State St, Orem

Bombay House Penny's Cafe Indian Burgers, Breakfast 463 N University Ave, Provo 7760 Hwy 36, Stockton

Black Sheep Cafe Native American 19 N University Ave, Provo

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

Waffle Love Breakfast, Waffles 1831 N State St, Provo

Block Restaurant American 3330 N University Ave, Provo

Oriental Garden Chinese 1200 N Main St, Nephi

Yummy’s Korean BBQ Korean, Hawaiian 360 S State St, Orem

REGION HIGHLIGHT Thanksgiving Point 63003 Thanksgiving Wy, Lehi, UT 84043 thanksgivingpoint.org

Thanksgiving Point is a sprawling indoor and outdoor farm, garden and museum

complex located in Lehi and designed for the whole family. With a variety of attractions including Ashton Gardens, the Butterfly Biosphere, Farm Country, the Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life and the Museum of Natural Curiosity, you’ll never run out of activities.

LIVE



EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW

CENTRAL UTAH

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

PROMINENT CITIES EPHRAIM

Summer high 88° Winter low 10° MANTI

Summer high 87° Winter low 17°

RICHFIELD

Summer high 90° Winter low 16°

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 mythical creatures. The landscape is so surreal that many sci-fi programs have taken advantage of the area for filming purposes.

PRICE

Summer high 82° Winter low 15°

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

If you’d rather take a trip back in time, consider a visit to the ClevelandLloyd Dinosaur Quarry, where you can literally walk among fossilized dinosaur bones — just be sure to plan ahead, as their operation schedule is limited.

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

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

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

Nine-Mile Canyon Prehistoric artwork, structures and artifacts spanning 8,000 years castlecountry.com

Fremont Indian State Park & Museum Discover pictographs, artifacts and petroglyphs stateparks.utah.gov

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

Goblin Valley State Park Experience natural formations of mushroom-shaped rocks stateparks.utah.gov

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

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

USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum Experience life three billion years in the making eastern.usu.edu/museum

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LIFE IN UTAH 2024 | SLCHAMBER.com

GROW BUSINESS

HOSPITALS

ACT Aerospace Aerospace design and development

Castleview Hospital LifePoint Hospitals 300 Hospital Dr, Price

Barney Trucking Trucking

Delta Community Hospital Intermountain Health 126 White Sage Ave, Delta

Bronco Utah Operations Coal mining

Gunnison Valley Hospital Independent Hospital 64 E 100 N St, Gunnison

Canyon Fuel Company Mining Great Lakes Cheese Cheese production

Sanpete Valley Hospital Intermountain Health 1100 S Medical Dr, Mt. Pleasant

Morgan Ranches Cattle/milk production

Sevier Valley Hospital Intermountain Health 1000 N Main St, Richfield

Rocky Mountain Power Utilities

Pitman Farms

HIGHER EDUCATION

Savage Industries Freight trucking

Snow College State college located in Ephraim 150 College Ave E, Ephraim

Poultry processing

Staker Parson Materials & Construction Construction company

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

SAVOR Abundance Sandwiches, Salad 27 N Main St, Ephraim

Happiness Within Coffee 153 S Main St, Helper

Sagebrush Grill Steakhouse 1345 S 350th W, Richfield

Capitol Burger Burgers Food Truck, Torrey

Hunt & Gather Restaurant American 599 W Main St, Torrey

Sherald’s Frosty Freeze Ice Cream, American 434 E Main St, Price

Cluff's Carhop Cafe American Café 270 N Main St, Fillmore Das Café Café 33 N Main, Spring City Hell’s Backbone Grill American 20 UT-12, Boulder

Ideal Dairy Ice Cream, American 490 S Main St, Richfield Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant Mexican 3 E 700 S, Ephraim

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

REGION HIGHLIGHT The Wild Rabbit Cafe

135 E Main Street Torrey, UT 84775 thewildrabbitcafe.com Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Torrey, the Wild Rabbit Cafe stands as a charming oasis for both

locals and travelers alike. Step inside to be greeted by the rustic ambiance, where wooden furnishings and vintage decor create a warm and inviting atmosphere, and choose from a delightful array of locally sourced and organic dishes.

LIVE


EXPERIENCE The Hamlet Difference www.hamlethomes.com


EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW

SOUTHWESTERN UTAH

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

PROMINENT CITIES CEDAR CITY

KANAB

HURRICANE

ST. GEORGE

Summer high 90° Winter low 17° Summer high 101° Winter low 29°

Summer high 93° Winter low 24° Summer high 102° Winter low 33°

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

Less than an hour’s drive from Cedar City is the city of St. George, a metro area fast approaching the 200,000-population mark, 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 minutes 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.

EXPLORE Bryce Canyon National Park Kayenta Art Village Largest collection of hoodoos found on the planet Arts center with galleries, studios, theaters nps.gov and restaurants kayentautah.com Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Popular reservoir for water sports and home Sand Hollow State Park to Lake Powell Reservoir popular for camping, fishing, nps.gov boating and ATV riding on the nearby sand dunes Grand Staircase Escalante stateparks.utah.gov National Monument Three distinct regions for outdoor recreation Utah Shakespeare Festival blm.gov Theatre festival in Cedar City, runs summer to early fall Kanarra Falls bard.org Challenging slot canyon hike in Kanarraville kanarrafalls.com

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LIFE IN UTAH 2024 | SLCHAMBER.com

GROW BUSINESS

HOSPITALS

American Pacific Corp Chemical manufacturing

Beaver Valley Hospital Independent 1109 N 100 W, Beaver

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Animal rescue organization BlvdHome Furniture stores Holt Farms Support for crop production Intermountain Health Healthcare system Litehouse Foods Food manufacturing Milgro Newcastle, Inc. Nursery Paparazzi Direct sales RAM Aviation, Space & Defense Designer and manufacturer of electro-mechanical devices SkyWest Airlines Air transportation Wilson Electronics Electronics manufacturing

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 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 Utah Tech University Public university 225 S 700 E, St. George

SAVOR Blues Katz Rock N Roll Grill Lighthouse Seafood Sandwiches, Café and Grill 307 N Bluff St, St. George Seafood, Steakhouse 1180 Sage Dr, Cedar City Bombay Cafe Indian Painted Pony 969 N 3050 E, St. George; Southwestern 64 N Main St, Cedar City 2 W St George Blvd, St. George Centro Woodfired Pizzeria Pizza Park Place Eatery 50 W Center St, Cedar City Sandwiches, Crepes 23 W Center St, Cedar City Cliffside Restaurant New American 511 S Tech Ridge Dr, St. George

REGION HIGHLIGHT Tuacahn Amphitheatre 1100 Tuacahn Dr, Ivins, UT 84738 tuacahn.com

For more than 25 years, Tuacahn Amphitheatre has been entertaining

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

crowds with its Broadway musical productions and famous entertainers. See a show for an evening of family-friendly entertainment and an unparalleled artistic and educational experience that matches the majesty of the surrounding canyon.

LIVE


In the legal real estate world – it’s more than location, location, location. Whether for individuals; local, national or multi-national companies; Parsons Behle & Latimer attorneys approach real estate with a different perspective. Leveraging multidisciplinary teams across the firm – Finance, Corporate, Tax, Natural Resources and more – our experienced attorneys respond to your real estate needs with practicality and efficiency, because at Parsons, real estate is more than location, location, location. See how we can assist you by visiting parsonsbehle.com.

201 South Main Street | Suite 1800 | Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 | 801.532.1234

I DA H O • M O N TA N A • N E VA DA • U TA H • W YO M I N G • PA R S O N S B E H L E .C O M


EXPLORE. SAVOR. GROW

SOUTHEASTERN UTAH

well as some of the most unique terrain that looks like it belongs 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 slick rock trails, hiking through the sandstone arches or racing down Moab’s Sand Hill. With so much to do and explore, you’re sure to come back for more.

PROMINENT CITIES BLANDING

Summer high 91° Winter low 22°

MOAB

Summer high 99° Winter low 20°

MONTICELLO

Summer high 83° Winter low 14°

Southeastern Utah is home to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, as

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. Wine tastings are also available seven days a week, so you can satisfy your inner sommelier whenever the mood strikes.

Goulding’s Lodge Accommodations

San Juan Hospital Independent 380 W 100 N, Monticello

Lisbon Valley Mining Company Mineral mining

HIGHER EDUCATION

Maryboy LLC General contractor Red Cliffs Lodge Accommodations Utah Navajo Health System Healthcare

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

SAVOR

Homestead Steak House Steakhouse 121 E Center, Blanding

Sabuku Sushi Sushi 90 E Center St, Moab

Ja-Roen Thai Sushi Thai, Sushi 380 S Main St, Monticello

Thatzza Pizza Pizza 201 S Main St, Monticello

Miguel’s Baja Grill Mexican 51 N Main St, Moab

The Granary American, Traditional 64 S 300 E, Monticello

Moab Diner Burgers, American 189 S Main St, Moab

Woody’s Tavern American, Cocktail Bar 221 S Main, Moab

Sand Flats Recreation Area Recreational area with hiking and biking trails sandflats.org

REGION HIGHLIGHT

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

94 W Aviation Way, Moab, UT 84532 flyredtail.com

air tour operator permitted to fly directly above Southeast Utah’s national parks. Offering scenic airplane tours of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Monument Valley Tribal Park and more, you’re sure to get a picturesque view of all the area has to offer.

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

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Kilgore Companies Construction company

Moab Regional Hospital Independent 450 Williams Wy, Moab

Patio Diner American, Traditional 95 N Grayson Pkwy, Blanding

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

Moab Museum City museum featuring a variety of artifacts moabmuseum.org

City Market Grocery stores

Doug’s Steak & BBQ Steakhouse, Burgers 496 N Main St, Monticello

Moab Music Festival Outdoor music festival features a stunning natural backdrop moabmusicfest.org

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

HOSPITALS Blue Mountain Hospital Independent 802 S 200 W, Blanding

Moab Garage Company American, Traditional 78 N Main St, Moab

Arches National Park Natural stone arches and other unique formations nps.gov

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

BUSINESS Blue Mountain Meats Food products supplier

Arches Thai Thai, Noodles 60 N 100 W, Moab

EXPLORE

Cedar Mesa Pottery Authentic Native American pottery cmpottery.com

GROW

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

LIFE IN UTAH 2024 | SLCHAMBER.com

Redtail Air Adventures

Redtail Air Adventures is Moab’s only

LIVE


YOUR NEEDS. OUR SPECIALTY. Name: Jayson Business: J. Dawgs Legal need: Corporate

Jayson turned his passion into a thriving restaurant. With nine locations, J. Dawgs needs help with ongoing corporate matters that naturally result from running a successful business. Kirton McConkie’s corporate attorneys guide Jayson through the nuances of his planning, growth, and employment needs.

S A LT L A K E C I T Y, U T

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LEHI, UT

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S T. G E O R G E , U T

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BOISE, ID

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K I R TO N M CCO N K I E .CO M


BUILDING WORKFORCE CONNECTIONS CONSTRUCTING UTAH’S PROSPEROUS FUTURE BY JARED MENDENHALL, UTAH DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES

U

tah continues to be a place where people can build healthy communities and enjoy economic prosperity. The foundation of these opportunities is grounded in years of steady economic growth, sound policy and a culture of hard work. The American Dream is alive and well in the Beehive State.

A JOB CANDIDATE IN MIND Construction is a ballet of labor and materials; done with artistry, it is a masterpiece. However, when a project is a mess, budgets spiral out of control and deadlines get missed, the whole dance falls apart.

reach out to the Department of Workforce Services and see if they could find a good, quality candidate.”

“He could have worked out as a crane operator,” said McBride, “But we noticed he had greater value.”

The Department quickly connected McBride to a potential candidate. The candidate had migrated to Utah from the Dominican Republic. After failed attempts at starting a career in finance, the field he worked in back home, he came to Workforce Services looking to find a job fast. Collaborating with his employment specialist, he decided to shift directions and train for a commercial driver’s license. A few weeks into his training he was sitting across the table from McBride, interviewing to operate a crane.

What Morin needed was someone to organize its large-scale projects. After a brief discussion, he was hired as a project manager. A short time into the job, the new project manager noticed a more efficient way to manage the lumber and materials flowing in and out at Morin, helping identify a $200,000 overpayment right away. “We’re a small, entrepreneurial company,” says McBride. "We need self-starters and he fits the bill. He kept asking questions about inventory, jumped into it head first and exceeded our expectations.”

Mitch McBride is the director of operations for Morin Construction, a large-scale framing contractor, and knows a thing or two about this dance. Morin erects the wood framing of buildings — usually big buildings — including multifamily housing, senior living facilities, hotels, hospitals and student housing. McBride is the first to tell you that in this type of work, success boils down to how well a project is managed and staffed.

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING The candidate was part of a statewide employment program called On-the-Job Training (OJT), which offers reimbursement to employers who provide customized job training. Under the program, Workforce Services helps employers screen applicants and, for those who are eligible, reimburses up to 50% of a new employee's training wages. And, at the end, the employer has a custom-trained, full-time employee.

SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYERS AND JOB SEEKERS

“One day Mitch had this idea,” said Greydn Morin, general contractor and CEO of Morin. “He wanted to

During the interview, Morin and McBride got to talking with the candidate about his experience in finance.

• Statewide virtual job fairs and onsite recruitments

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LIFE IN UTAH 2024 | SLCHAMBER.com

Workforce Services ensures this same type of meaningful assistance to job seekers accessing services in any of its 30 statewide employment centers or online at jobs.utah.gov. There are also targeted resources available to assist employers in their recruitment and retention efforts, including:


• Database of 180,000+ job seekers • Automatic job matching to qualified candidates • Recruitment support • Employer and educational partnerships • Grants, incentives and tax credits • Employee skill development programs • Apprenticeships, internships and on-thejob training

KEEPING RURAL UTAH ROLLING Millard County is 6,818 square miles of desert, mountains, farms and wide-open spaces. Its county seat is Fillmore, a town with 2,500 residents in the middle of the state. Traditionally an agricultural and mining community, the area has seen a shift to include manufacturing, transportation and distribution. Once a sleepy stopover, the town and the region are starting to buzz with economic opportunity.

David Busk, a Workforce Development Division assistant director overseeing the central and southwest economic service areas, has a frontrow seat to this economic evolution. For example, Golden Gate Gas was set to open a new truck stop in Fillmore and they needed to staff up fast. The Nevada-based company was unfamiliar with the local market, so Busk and his team jumped in and organized a local hiring fair by finding a venue and getting the word out to local job seekers.

“Such dynamic job growth is beneficial to the Utah labor market. It provides ample opportunities for prospective workers to find employment and to sustain their wellbeing,” said Mark Knold, Chief Economist at the Department of Workforce Services. “The business community benefits from more people being employed, which translates into more people desiring and affording the goods and services that the business community offers.”

“We know where the employment opportunities are,” said Busk. “Golden Gate was fully staffed and ready to open from that one event.”

Utah continues to be a place where people can build healthy communities and enjoy economic prosperity. These opportunities are rooted in years of steady economic growth, effective policy and hard work. If you are interested in a career change or hiring qualified workers, start exploring your options with the Department of Workforce Services. Help is available at 30 employment centers statewide. Find more information at jobs.utah.gov.

A TRADITION OF ECONOMIC STABILITY Throughout 2023, Utah continued its long-term trend of job expansion. The state’s economy exited the COVID-19 pandemic with low unemployment and steady job growth. The U.S. Federal Reserve, via raised interest rates, has been trying to slow the national economy for the past two years. To date, the Utah economy has resisted any slowing.

THIS IS THE PLACE

* Statistics generated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, D.C., modeled from the October 2023 employer (employment) and household (unemployment) surveys.

REFUGEE FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED Catholic Community Services' Refugee Foster Care program places unaccompanied refugee minors in loving and licensed foster homes. If you are interested in opening your heart and home to a refugee youth, email rfcrecruiter@ccsutah.org.

WO R K


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Intermountain Health Healthcare Employment: 20,000+ intermountainhealthcare.org

University of Utah (including hospital) Higher Education Employment: 20,000+ utah.edu

Wal-Mart Associates Warehouse Clubs/Supercenters Employment: 20,000+ walmart.com

State of Utah State Government Employment: 20,000+ utah.gov

Brigham Young University Higher Education Employment: 15,000-19,999 byu.edu

Hill Air Force Base (civilian employment) Federal Government Employment: 10,000-14,999 hill.af.mil

Davis County School District Public Education Employment: 7,000-9,999 davis.k12.ut.us LIFE IN UTAH 2024 | SLCHAMBER.com

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Smith’s Food and Drug Centers Grocery Stores Employment: 7,000-9,999 smithsfoodanddrug.com

Utah State University Higher Education Employment: 7,000-9,999 usu.edu

Alpine School District Public Education Employment: 7,000-9,999 alpineschools.org

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Employment: 7,000-9,999 northropgrumman.com

Granite School District Public Education Employment: 7,000-9,999 graniteschools.org

Jordan School District Public Education Employment: 7,000-9,999 jordandistrict.org

U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Government Employment: 7,000-9,999 home.treasury.gov

Salt Lake County Local Government Employment: 5,000-6,999 slco.org

Amazon.com Services Courier/Express Delivery Service Employment: 5,000-6,999 amazon.com

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Delta Air Lines Air Transportation Employment: 5,000-6,999 delta.com

Utah Valley University Higher Education Employment: 5,000-6,999 uvu.edu

U.S. Postal Service Federal Government Employment: 5,000-6,999 usps.com

The Home Depot Home Centers Employment: 5,000-6,999 homedepot.com

United Parcel Service Courier/Express Delivery Service Employment: 4,000-4,999 ups.com

The Canyons School District Public Education Employment: 4,000-4,999 canyonsdistrict.org

ARUP Laboratories, Inc. Medical Laboratory Employment: 4,000-4,999 aruplab.com

Weber County School District Public Education Employment: 4,000-4,999 wsd.net

Costco Warehouse Clubs/Supercenters Employment: 4,000-4,999 costco.com

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slchealthcareinnovation.org

Fostering the Future Leaders of Healthcare Innovation. As one of the nation’s fastest growing life sciences communities, Utah is emerging as a world-class hub for healthcare innovation. Salt Lake City and BioHive are committed to empowering the next generation of life sciences leaders. We are investing in STEM education opportunities for our local school districts and helping them create spaces for students to see the power of a future in STEM. Utah’s students are the innovators of tomorrow, and we are all in.


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hether you’re new to the state or a lifelong resident, you’ve probably heard of Silicon Slopes, Utah’s thriving tech ecosystem where an impressive array of startups call home. You might recall that the Beehive State is also known as the “Crossroads of the West” due to its location at the intersection of several major transportation routes. Now, imagine a company that combines the cutting-edge ethos of Silicon Slopes with the industrious spirit of the Crossroads: a company aptly called Blendyd Studios. Blendyd is a next-generation applicant tracking system that automates key recruitment functions and transforms how commercial drivers are hired — and its inception is as unique as its concept. Founder Morgan Williams was originally a published genomics researcher and leader in Chicago’s innovative education space. Then, the passing of her twin brother Cameron Williams led to a cross-country move to Utah, where he had made his own mark at Goldman Sachs and Domo, and his personal venture, an award-winning trucking logistic company called EverWoke. When Cameron passed, Morgan wrote a bold new chapter in her leadership journey. With support from the EverWoke board, she stepped into the role of CEO, continuing Cameron’s legacy.

THE BIRTH OF BLENDYD While the thought of taking over a company in an unfamiliar industry might seem daunting to most, Morgan Williams is well-accustomed to the challenge. “I have always been an outsider to the industry that I'm working in,” Morgan explained. “But because I've navigated so many different spaces, I get to ask the most powerful question: ‘Why?’ From genomic research, to education, to manufacturing, and now to trucking, the most important question is always ‘why’ — because it gets you to the root of ‘what’ and ‘how.’”

MORGAN WILLIAMS, CEO OF BLENDYD STUDIOS WHERE INNOVATION MEETS INDUSTRY

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So when Morgan joined the EverWoke team in July 2021, she asked the important questions and brought much-needed leadership to its vision. This led to the decision to sunset EverWoke and pivot into solving another pressing need of the trucking industry, which revolved around another important question: ‘Who?’ In early 2023, Blendyd Studios was born, aiming to infuse the trucking recruitment process with startup-powered efficiency to allow for easier scaling. “In a professional sense, Blendyd is called Blendyd because we specialize in integrating different technologies together to make it possible for


carriers to easily implement solutions,” Morgan explained. “But on a very personal level, Blendyd is Blendyd because it literally blends the initial genius of my brother with the operational leadership of myself in order to make this new company possible.”

NEW PROBLEMS, NEW SOLUTIONS Morgan knew that to make Blendyd a valuable asset for America’s $875 billion trucking industry, it would have to address not only present difficulties but also future ones. With many of the largest demographic of truck drivers — middle-aged men — on the brink of retirement age, Morgan and her team decided that streamlining the hiring process had to be Blendyd’s primary goal. “Blendyd is on a mission to help transform and scale how CDL drivers are hired,” Morgan said. “But we’re not trying to replace a recruiter; we're trying to scale their ability to get not just a candidate, but the candidate for their company.”

Using this framework, Blendyd became a connector of two industries that didn't previously talk to each other: trucking and tech. The two-way communication is important to Morgan, because she didn’t set out to build for the industry; she wanted to build with the industry. To date, Blendyd has launched their beta product, created a team inclusive of technical genius and trucking legacy leaders, and exceeded expectations of their first fundraising round. Utah’s robust transportation infrastructure coupled with its robust tech ecosystem are paving the way for more and more innovation in the process.

natural beauty from St. George to the Salt Lake Valley, even finding a newfound love for hiking among the majestic mountains and red rocks.

THE POWER OF UTAH

“If you're gonna try to do the impossible, like start a business from scratch, you have to move fast,” Morgan explained. “Utah is a state where I've been able to do that easily because of the ecosystem, the community and the education I've had available to me. It’s incredible.”

Moving to the Beehive State was never originally the plan for Morgan. Her hometown of Chicago seemed like the obvious place for her, until three things about Utah led her to fall in love with the state. First, Morgan became entranced with the

Morgan was also touched by Utah’s willingness to honor Cameron’s legacy in the same way she was trying to — the University of Utah helped her family set up the Cameron Russell Williams Scholarship, for example, and the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity announced the Cameron Russell Williams Rising Impact Award. Finally, Morgan came to realize that thanks to Utah’s resources and innovative culture, change happens quickly and more efficiently than she ever thought possible.

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n the heart of Utah, a state renowned for its rugged natural beauty and thriving entrepreneurial spirit, Nexus IT stands out as a beacon of innovation and service excellence. Led by its visionary founder, Earl Foote, Nexus IT has carved a unique niche in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) landscape. Earl’s approach to business and life, characterized by an open, abundance-minded and fun-loving nature, permeates the culture of Nexus IT, setting it apart in a competitive industry.

EARL FOOTE: A BLEND OF TECHNOLOGY, NATURE AND MUSIC Earl Foote isn't your typical tech entrepreneur. While his professional life is deeply rooted in technology, his personal life is a testament to his love for the great outdoors and music. An avid enthusiast of travel, skiing, biking, camping and backpacking, Earl finds a unique balance between the demands of leading a top-tier MSP and his outdoor adventures. This passion for adventure and nature isn't just a pastime; it's a source of inspiration and rejuvenation, fueling his innovative approach to business and technology solutions. However, it's in the realm of music where Earl's spirit truly shines. Playing and performing with his band, 90 Proof, a band composed of tech execs and founders, he channels his creative energy, reflecting the vibrant and eclectic arts scene thriving in Utah. This blend of technology, nature and music makes Earl a multifaceted leader, infusing Nexus IT with a dynamic and holistic culture.

NEXUS IT: A TESTAMENT TO EXCELLENCE

EARL FOOTE,

CEO OF NEXUS IT

PIONEERING TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS IN UTAH'S FLOURISHING LANDSCAPE

Under Earl's leadership, Nexus IT has not only excelled in delivering top-notch IT solutions but has also garnered prestigious accolades. The company's multi-year inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list speaks volumes about its growth and excellence in the IT industry. Its standing as a leading regional managed service provider is further underscored by its recognition in the Best of State, Best of SLC, MountainWest Capital Network Utah 100, Utah Fast 50, CRN's MSP 500, Pioneer 250 and Fast Growth 150 lists. These awards are not just trophies in a cabinet; they are a reflection of Nexus IT's commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.

THE UTAH ADVANTAGE: A PERFECT ECOSYSTEM FOR GROWTH Nexus IT's success story is intertwined with the unique advantages offered by Utah. The state is a haven for outdoor activities, offering a natural

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playground for adventurers and nature lovers. This connection with nature not only provides a worklife balance for the Nexus IT team but also attracts talent who value this lifestyle. Utah's industriousness and supportive business community create an ideal environment for companies like Nexus IT to thrive. The businessfriendly government policies and initiatives encourage innovation and growth, making Utah a hotspot for tech enterprises. The state's commitment to education and a lively downtown culture further enhances its appeal as a hub for forward-thinking businesses.

A FAMILY-CENTERED CULTURE WITH A FLAIR FOR THE ARTS One of the defining aspects of Utah's appeal is its family-centered culture. This ethos resonates deeply with Earl Foote, whose greatest joy lies

in spending quality time with family, friends and loved ones. Nexus IT mirrors this culture, valuing the familial bonds and community connections that foster a supportive and collaborative work environment. The interest and support for the arts in Utah also play a significant role in shaping the community and business spirit. The thriving arts scene is not just a source of entertainment but a crucible for creativity and innovation, influencing diverse sectors, including the tech industry. So much so, that a large concentration of the team at Nexus IT also have artistic leanings and capabilities outside of the workplace.

THE ROLE OF THE CHAMBER IN ECONOMIC PROGRESS The Salt Lake Chamber deserves a special mention for its role in supporting and nurturing the

entrepreneurial spirit in the state. Their efforts in fostering economic progress, providing resources and creating networking opportunities have been instrumental in the success stories of companies like Nexus IT. The Chamber's commitment to building a vibrant business community aligns perfectly with Nexus IT's DNA of innovation and excellence. Nexus IT, under Earl Foote's leadership, is more than just a technology provider; it's a reflection of Utah's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and business-friendly environment. Earl’s passion for the outdoors, music and his community infuses Nexus IT with an energy and perspective that transcends the traditional boundaries of business. As Utah continues to grow and evolve, Nexus IT stands poised to not only grow with it but also to lead and innovate, mirroring the dynamic spirit of its founder and the state itself.

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obstacle for many companies who want to exhibit at international trade shows.

HERE TODAY, GLOBAL TOMORROW

HOW UTAH OUTDOOR COMPANIES ARE COMPETING — AND WINNING — GLOBALLY BY: JULIA BREINHOLT-PAPPAS AND TIFFENY YEN-LOUIE, WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH

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tah has the best backyard ever. Its landscape and four distinct seasons make it one large outdoor product testing facility, so naturally, the world would look to Utah for high-quality, innovative apparel and gear.

Home to well-known brands like Cotopaxi and Traeger, Utah companies know how to stand out in the global marketplace. One place they’re showing off is at ISPO Munich, the largest outdoor product trade show in the world. Since 2018, a delegation of Utah outdoor companies has made the trek to Germany to display their wares at ISPO Munich. More than 40 outdoor companies have exhibited in the Utah booth at the show and have generated over $17 million in new trade opportunities — with more to come. In November 2023, 10 Utah companies exhibited in the state booth, half of which, like

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Niche Snowboards, joined the Utah delegation for the first time. Female-founded and operated Niche Snowboards is the world’s first and only 100% environmentallyfocused, zero-waste snowboard company. While at the 2023 trade show, Niche Co-founder and Creative Director Ana Van Pelt shared, “Our goal at the show was to increase our distribution efforts and build our sales channels. Outdoor products are such a hub for Utah’s economy and it’s important to the state to keep building those international relationships.” So how many states exhibit at ISPO Munich? One: Utah. Not only that, companies exhibiting at trade shows can apply for an SBA STEP Grant to help cover the costs of their international travel. The STEP Grant, administered by World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah), also covers the cost of the state’s booth space and build — a financial

Outdoor brand Pingora has utilized the STEP Grant to attend the past four ISPO Munich trade shows in the Utah booth. “While at ISPO, we met a new partner from Japan which resulted in a hugely successful launch of our brand in Tokyo,” shared C.J. Whittaker, Pingora’s founder. “Before learning about the STEP Grant and the Utah booth, we didn’t think that exhibiting at ISPO would be an option for us this early in our growth, and now the show allows us to connect with our global contacts each year while finding new partners and growing our brand internationally.” Utah has received $500,000 in STEP Grant funding for Utah companies to pursue international business opportunities through September 30, 2024. The funds can be utilized in a variety of ways, including financing international business trips; developing international marketing materials; using services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce; optimizing, localizing and translating marketing for global audiences; covering travel expenses for foreign-market sales trips; and participating in trade missions and shows, as well as export training programs designed to support international growth. “We’re incredibly pleased with the collaboration between the SBA Utah District Office and WTC Utah in supporting our state’s small businesses on their international journeys,” said Marla Trollan, SBA Utah District director. STEP Grant funding is available to small Utah businesses of all industries. Each year, WTC Utah partners with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) to lead Utah companies to top global trade shows in the aerospace and defense, life science, composites and, of course, outdoor industries. Last year alone, Utah companies that received STEP Grant funding were able to explore and pursue opportunities across Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia to name a few. This grant signifies a transformative opportunity for Utah’s small businesses to thrive in the global marketplace. The WTC Utah team is again partnering with GOEO to lead out on more international trade events than ever before in the coming year — including ISPO Munich. Learn more at WTCUtah.com and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates. *New Trade Opportunities (NTO) = $ Actual Sales and/or Sourcing + $ Prospective Sales and/or Sourcing + $ Actual Investment for Utah businesses resulting from trade and/or investment activity and as reported by businesses in client impact statements.

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SOURCING OR SHIPPING OVERSEAS? We’re here to help. Connected to an international ecosystem of 2,200+ trade and investment partners, our global business advisors are here to support every stage of your growth. Visit wtcutah.com to learn more. @WTCUTAH


RETAIL

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

ON THE SLOPES OF UNCERTAINTY, INNOVATION CARVES A PATH OF RESILIENCE AND OPPORTUNITY BY: CBRE

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t is no secret that across the nation we continue to navigate the storm regarding commercial real estate markets. However, despite national headlines, CBRE expresses cautious optimism for Utah, attributing the state's resilience to innovative approaches. Utah continues to hold steady, with developers pursuing creative solutions amid solid market interest. Confidence is rooted in the lasting appeal of Utah's distinctive "live, work, play" environment — a reflection of the state's unique strengths. However, acknowledging that some stress is still to come on the road to recovery is crucial for a balanced perspective on the long-term outlook, and some sectors have a longer road to recovery than others.

INDUSTRIAL In recent years, Utah has emerged as one of the nation's fastest-growing hubs for industrial and logistics operations, primarily due to its efficient transportation infrastructure. Despite substantial new deliveries, this growth has translated into robust pre-leasing activity and low vacancies in recent years. Although there has been a slight increase in availability driven by companies downsizing and subleasing excess space, these spaces have been absorbed relatively quickly as businesses seize the opportunity to expand in the Beehive State and capitalize on cost savings. Despite current headwinds, the sector still garners strong occupier demand, and leasing activity remains relatively stable highlighted by positive absorption, increasing lease rates and a decline in construction starts. This trend will reduce

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new supply in the next year, leading to tighter availability rates across the market and continued rent growth. Despite macroeconomic challenges, Utah's sustained economic strength and the growing population will continue to drive demand for industrial real estate for the foreseeable future, albeit at a slower pace in the near term.

Retail's performance in Utah relies heavily on factors like product type, location and industry dynamics, and has showcased resilience throughout various market shifts. Activity declines in 2023 were driven in large part by challenges stemming from high inflation and comparisons to post-pandemic years, where a surge in spending followed the lifting of lockdowns. Presently, economic uncertainty has shifted consumer baskets towards essentials. However, the retail sector continues to benefit from positive tailwinds such as record-high occupancy rates, population growth, rising household incomes and low unemployment, contributing to an overall optimistic outlook and healthy sales. Innovations in Utah's retail landscape include the ascent of suburban retail, spurred by the rise of remote work. This shift has redirected consumer activity from bustling city centers to local stores, a trend expected to persist. Additionally, the growth in secondary markets, fueled by remote work and lifestyle flexibility, has led residents to relocate to tertiary markets across Utah. This migration provides new retail opportunities as demand rises, exemplified by recent and planned retail growth in towns like Logan, and others in northern Utah and south of Provo.

MULTIFAMILY

The Greater Salt Lake office market continues to navigate a challenging path to recovery, marked by record-high vacancies and a surplus of available subleases. The seismic shift toward remote work has reshaped the dynamics of workplace design, with uncertainty clouding the market's future. Leasing activity has slowed, and portfolio optimization is now at the forefront of companies' minds, leading many companies across the Wasatch Front to opt for smaller spaces as their leases expire.

Utah's multifamily market continues to demonstrate resilience amid capital market volatility. Inventory continues to expand across the Wasatch Front with new units being added each quarter, though new starts have slowed. Leasing activity remains strong, with occupancy rates consistently exceeding 90%. Despite witnessing historic rent growth over the past three years, rents have slowed. On the investment side, loan maturities and the continued high cost of capital have many investors on the sidelines, positioning themselves to capitalize on anticipated market distress.

Amid this turbulence, a discernible pattern has emerged: Class A office properties stand resilient, boasting strong leasing activity and attracting local tenants and newcomers searching for workspace solutions to take advantage of Utah's educated workforce and business-forward environment. The emergence of innovative projects, such as Woodbury's Holladay Hills multi-use development, serves as a beacon for the evolving office landscape. This transformative project reflects a paradigm shift to integrating amenities alongside Class A office space, reflecting a promising trajectory for Utah's office market. As we look ahead, the local office segment will continue to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of a changing work culture.

A strong economy and population growth primarily drive multifamily markets; this is positive news for Utah, where a robust job market has prompted significant in-migration and continues to propel the demand for housing. Additionally, the substantial difference between rent and monthly mortgage payments strengthens the growth of a “renter by necessity” atmosphere, increasing the need for tenant housing and bolstering multifamily fundamentals over the medium and long term. In addition, new and innovative community-focused developments are planned and underway, emphasizing walkability and sustainability, further contributing to Utah's "live, work, play" atmosphere.

OFFICE

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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


even greater impacts in coming decades. Modern medicine is another reason for an aging population.

4. MORE MULTICULTURAL Utah enjoys a rich multicultural heritage and has become even more multicultural over the past few decades. Today, nearly one in four Utahns is a racial or ethnic minority. As recently as 1990, this percentage was one in ten. We expect the minority share of Utah’s population to continue increasing.

5. ELITE ECONOMY

"THE NEW UTAH" BY: PHIL DEAN, NATALIE GOCHNOUR, JENNIFER ROBINSON, KEM C. GARDNER POLICY INSTITUTE , DAVID ECCLES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

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tah ranks as one of the top states in the nation for traits such as life quality, outdoor recreation, family prosperity and economic strength. As we look to the future, the opportunities seem endless for the Beehive State and the people who call it home. Exciting possibilities, such as a second winter Olympic games and a Major League Baseball team, are just some of the many prospects that could make their way to Utah cities in the coming years. Utah also continues to be a renowned destination for year-round recreation, hosting visitors from across the country and around the world. Utahns also recognize that our state is changing, growing and diversifying. With this change comes the important responsibility of better understanding the economic and demographic trends that will shape our future. Welcome to the New Utah! Utah emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic larger, more tied to in-migration, older, more racially and ethnically diverse, supported by an elite economy and grappling with high housing costs. Much lower fertility contributes to many of these changes. While the pandemic did not cause these transitions, it accelerated many of them.

The New Utah includes six significant transitions, all associated with growth and change, and deeply interconnected.

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1. MORE POPULOUS, MID-SIZED STATE Since 2010, Utah transitioned from a small-sized state to a medium-sized state. Between 2010 and 2020, Utah leap-frogged four states — Iowa, Arkansas, Mississippi and Nebraska. We expect Utah’s population rank to continue climbing. Population growth in Utah is not new. What is new is a critical mass of people creating new opportunities and bumping up against various constraints. Many ask how we can continue to grow and still maintain the attributes we love about Utah.

2. E XTERNAL GROWTH AND MUCH LOWER FERTILITY Utah gained more population from external growth (in-migration) than internal growth (births minus deaths) over the past two years. We expect migration to outpace internal growth for the foreseeable future, even as it ebbs and flows in individual years. Utah’s fertility rate has declined or held steady for 14 consecutive years. The story here is Utah has both become a destination of choice for new migrants and now has significantly lower fertility rates.

3. OLDER POPULATION Utah’s population continues to age as fertility rates remain well below replacement level and existing generations age. We expect this aging trend to continue for the foreseeable future, with

Utah’s traditionally strong economy has become elite relative to other states. For example, Utah’s job growth consistently ranks at or near the top of states. We expect the Utah economy to continue to be among the best performing economies in the nation.

6. UNAFFORDABLE HOUSING Utah’s home prices shifted markedly in recent years from tracking roughly with U.S. prices to remaining well above the U.S. average. Utah’s supply of housing has failed to keep pace with demand. Unless Utah significantly increases its housing supply, we expect high housing costs to continue for the foreseeable future, presenting a significant challenge to Utah’s economic competitiveness and rising generation.

WHY IT MATTERS Growth and change have led to an inflection point. If handled well, Utah can ascend to a new level of prosperity and continue to be a true land of opportunity. As Utahns, we must be upfront about both the opportunities and challenges we face as a state so we can maintain life quality for future generations. By creating forward-looking public policies on these and other issues, Utah can lead change and continue to flourish. Excerpts of this piece have been pulled from “The New Utah: Keepers of the Flame Monograph”, originally published by the Gardner Institute on October 9, 2023.

ABOUT THE KEM C. GARDNER POLICY INSTITUTE The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute ser ves Utah by preparing economic, demographic and public policy research that helps Utah prosper. We are Utah’s demographic exper ts, leaders on the Utah economy and specialists on public policy and sur vey research. We are an honest broker of INFORMED RESE ARCH, which guides INFORMED DISCUS SIONS, and leads to INFORMED DECISIONS™.

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ELEVATING RURAL UTAH THROUGH TARGETED STIMULUS PROGRAMS BY: UTAH GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

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he Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) promotes economic opportunities for all Utahns — including rural residents. Over the last few years, the Economic Opportunity office has significantly enhanced its programs and services, resulting in more economic opportunities throughout the state. GOEO’s teams work collaboratively to provide opportunities to the state’s rural counties, communities and businesses. “We are committed to providing the economic development resources to help rural communities thrive and prosper,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Our office

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demonstrates that ‘rural matters’ by enhancing broadband access, investing in residents by offering more employment opportunities, improving rural infrastructure and other strategic initiatives.”

services that prepare them to compete in the government marketplace.

UTAH APEX ACCELERATOR

This past year, the government contracting assistance program experienced noticeable improvements to serve its clients better. With its new vision, mission and direction, including new metrics, the APEX Accelerator program is more robust in reaching out to entrepreneurs, startups, innovators and other businesses that can work with the Department of Defense and federal government industrial base.

The state’s APEX Accelerator program operates through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense. The Utah APEX team helps Utah businesses identify and secure government contracts by providing free consulting

The program continues to maintain a strong presence in Utah’s rural communities. The statewide program includes five regional managers who cover Utah’s 22 rural counties.

The Economic Opportunity office offers a robust and diverse list of programs and services targeted to rural Utah, including:


essential. Access to health care, government services and education becomes less of a barrier in rural towns when people can access online services. The Utah Broadband Center, in partnership with the Governor’s Office, the Utah Legislature, rural and urban communities and tribes, local internet service providers, and organizations that serve these populations, developed a statewide Digital Connectivity Plan to guide efforts to ensure every resident has the opportunity to access affordable broadband internet.

UTAH CENTER FOR IMMIGRATION & INTEGRATION Immigrants are vital to Utah’s workforce and communities, including rural Utah. Numerous rural communities in the state have New American communities growing alongside industry and business.

During the previous fiscal year, the Utah APEX Accelerator program helped rural Utah businesses and entrepreneurs obtain $84,682,165 in federal, state and local government contracts. The program also hosted or participated in over 26 business, training and networking events in rural Utah.

UTAH BROADBAND CENTER Utah has been a long-time leader in expanding broadband, also known as high-speed internet, which creates jobs and economic opportunities. With remote work-from-home opportunities, many companies choose to locate in rural communities. Expanding access to high-speed internet is

GOEO’s Center for Immigration & Integration works with rural communities to convene strategic partners, including public, private and non-profit organizations, to learn about the economic contributions and best practices for integrating Utah’s immigrant communities. It created a New American Task Force representing 180 members across the state, with approximately 25% of the task force coming from rural Utah. Working through rural chamber networks, municipal government, local businesses and non-profit communities, the center’s team elevates opportunities for immigrant integration and a more robust workforce. Since its inception, the Center for Immigration & Integration has hosted convenings with strategic partners targeting rural communities in Logan, Cedar City, St. George, Price and Moab.

CENTER FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT Rural Utah matters and is a top priority of the Cox/Henderson administration. Residents and businesses in rural parts of the state are vital to

Utah’s healthy and diverse economy. Initiatives to meet critical infrastructure, fulfill policy needs, create jobs and achieve several other ruralspecific needs continue to be the administration’s top priority. The Center for Rural Development is committed to working with Utah’s 29 rural counties, communities and businesses to provide economic development resources. It administers the Rural Opportunity Program and assists with other programs to help local governments and businesses grow and prosper. To ensure the needs of rural Utah are met, GOEO hired multiple rural outreach managers to cover geographic areas of the state. These managers work with Utah’s rural counties, communities and businesses, providing economic development resources.

UTAH INNOVATION CENTER The Utah Innovation Center catalyzes technology innovation. It provides a funding roadmap for Utah startups and emerging companies developing innovative technology. The center conducts rural outreach to connect with companies and researchers working on technology development to assist them in accessing federal non-dilutive research and development funding. The center administers the Utah Technology Innovation Funding (UTIF) program, which supports small companies in developing novel technology and products through the federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. In 2023, rural Utah companies received $10,000 in microgrants and $160,000 in nonrecourse loans through the UTIF program. For a complete listing of the Economic Opportunity office’s programs and services, visit business.utah.gov.

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SMALL BUSINESS, BIG IMPACT

THRIVE IN UTAH WITH SUPPORT AND RESOURCES BY: SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION UTAH DISTRICT

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or 15 consecutive years, Utah has held its esteemed position as one of the nation's premier destinations for businesses, boasting a dynamic economy, stunning landscapes and a commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. As we look ahead, our resolve remains unwavering: to continue this journey, working hand-in-hand, to ensure that Utah remains at the pinnacle of national small business leadership. Luckily, the Beehive State has abundant resources available to all small business owners to help propel Utah towards this ambitious goal.

COUNSELING: A STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS Counseling is the bedrock of any successful business venture. Utah provides a wealth of resources to support entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey:

Utah Small Business Development Center (SBDC): With 14 centers across the state, the SBDC network offers assistance in various facets of business, including business planning, marketing strategies, accounting, budgeting and more. They provide free one-on-one counseling, tailored to businesses from startup to exit strategy.

Women's Business Center of Utah (WBCUtah): WBCUtah specializes in mentoring and advising women entrepreneurs as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey. Their comprehensive training programs cater to entrepreneurs at every stage, with both in-person and online business consulting and training options. They also provide

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a free Utah Woman-Owned Business Directory for women entrepreneurs or those who are looking for women-owned businesses to support.

SCORE: The Utah SCORE chapter connects entrepreneurs with volunteer business professionals from diverse industries who offer mentoring and training. Their network of over 10,000 business professionals throughout the United States ensures businesses receive specific guidance in their respective sectors. They have a thorough library of online business education as well as helpful business templates that are free to download.

ACCESS TO CAPITAL: FUELING BUSINESS GROWTH Access to capital is a critical factor for business success, and Utah understands the importance of providing avenues for financial support. The Small Business Administration (SBA) in Utah collaborates with over 80 active SBA Lenders in the state to offer a range of programs designed to assist all small businesses, including specialized loan programs to help those who are considered underserved or higher risk. The SBA Microloan and Community Advantage programs provide much-needed financial support for businesses with unique challenges, such as a lack of business history or credit issues. Microloans can be a great option for startups providing a simpler application process and loans up to $50,000. The Community Advantage Program assists underserved entrepreneurs who are having

a difficult time with traditional funding by providing technical support and loans up to $350,000. SBA is known for both its 7(a) and 504 loan programs. The 7(a) loan provides capital for various business purposes, including working capital, equipment purchase, inventory and more. While the 504 program is designed to help small businesses acquire fixed assets such as real estate and large machinery. In FY2023, Utah lenders provided more than 1,100 loans totaling over 993 million dollars to Utah Small Businesses. For minority-owned businesses struggling to access capital, they can find support with the Utah Small Business Alliance (USBA). The USBA's primary purpose is to bridge existing gaps in accessing capital, ensuring that businesses have the resources they need to succeed. Partners include the Utah Small Business Administration District Office, Mountain West Small Business Finance, Mountain West Foundation, Living Color, Utah Black Chamber, Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce, Utah Muslim Civic League and Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING: A REALM OF OPPORTUNITIES The SBA partners with federal agencies to ensure businesses, regardless of their size, can provide products and services to the government. Various certifications tailored for different business segments, including women-owned, service-disabled veteranowned, HUBZone and 8(a), make Utah's government contracting landscape diverse and inclusive. During FY2023, Utah witnessed an impressive tally of awards and opportunities, fostering diversity and inclusivity in government procurement. Over 47 million federal dollars went to socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, 42 million to service disabled veteran-owned businesses and almost 4 million to woman-owned businesses. The SBA Utah District Office, in collaboration with partners such as the Utah APEX Accelerators, expands access to opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses, making government contracting accessible for businesses of all backgrounds and sizes. Utah's diverse array of resources caters to businesses at every stage of their journey, offering an abundant landscape for growth and prosperity. The state provides the ideal backdrop for any business aspirations with a thriving economy, a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and unwavering support spanning counseling to capital access. Whether you find inspiration in the towering red rock formations or the pristine mountain vistas, Utah invites you to join the league of entrepreneurs who've discovered success in this remarkable state.

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UTAH: THE BEST STATE FOR BUSINESS

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usiness 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 even Best State Overall. Impressive gains in several important sectors of Utah’s economy, such as construction, financial services, manufacturing and trade, have made it hard to deny: Utah really is the best state for business.

UTAH IS THE BEST PLACE FOR EMPLOYMENT Utah has the hottest job market in the U.S. In May 2023, Utah was determined the No. 1 best state for job opportunities by the U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, for the third consecutive year in a row, Provo-Orem ranked first in the Milken Institute’s BestPerforming Cities of 2023 due to its strong five-year job and wage 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. Whether in a big city or a small town, anywhere in Utah is a great place to work.

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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 and U.S. News & World Report have both recognized the Beehive State for having the best economy in the nation, and 2023 marked Utah’s 16th consecutive year with the title of best economic outlook in the nation by the American Legislative Exchange Council. Plus, with the second-highest GDP growth rate according to the U.S. News & World Report, Utah’s premier economic status isn’t likely to change anytime soon.

UTAH IS THE #1 STATE FOR SMALL BUSINESS According to WalletHub, Utah is the best state to start a business. What’s more, four of the top five best small cities for starting a business are in the state — Washington, St. George, Cedar City and Logan. This is in part due to our state’s pro-business initiatives and

support systems like the Women’s Business Center of Utah and the Small Business Administration. All in all, if you’re looking to start a business, there’s a famous Utah saying for you: “This is the place.” 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.

WANT THE L ATEST AND GREATEST ECONOMIC STATISTICS? Scan here to view the most recent Road to Prosperity Dashboard, updated monthly by the Salt Lake Chamber and the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah:

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PUBLIC EDUCATION IN UTAH SHAPING THE LIVES OF FUTURE GENERATIONS BY: RYAN BARTLETT, UTAH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

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esidents of Utah take great pride in their public education system. At the heart of this education system, 36,000 teachers stand as a testament to the profound impact that passionate educators can have on shaping the lives of future generations. Utah’s educators excel in their profession and embody resilience in the face of challenges. When the pandemic altered the educational landscape nationwide, Utah educators were able to quickly adapt and work with their students to help them achieve some of the highest math, reading and ACT scores in the nation, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

students, or approximately one-fifth of the state’s population. In 2023, Utah’s graduation rate was 88.27%, which marks an increase in graduation rates for eight consecutive years.

UTAH’S EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE

Utah’s school districts are overseen by a nonpartisan district board of education, locally elected to establish policies and appoint a superintendent responsible for day-to-day administrative operations.

Utah’s public school system encompasses conventional neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools and virtual schools, collectively catering to the needs of 672,662

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Utah is home to 41 school districts. Most of the state’s rural districts follow the same boundaries as the counties in which they are located, while the urban counties are typically home to multiple school districts. Alpine, Utah’s largest school district, has just under 85,000 students, making it one of the 40 largest school districts in the nation, while Davis, Granite and Jordan School Districts each have more than 50,000 students, putting them in the top 100 largest school districts in the nation.

EARLY EDUCATION IN UTAH One of Utah’s most noteworthy achievements in the realm of public education in 2023 was the 43% increase in kindergartners who were enrolled in full-day kindergarten following the passage of H.B. 477 during the 2023 Utah Legislative Session. As of October 1, 2023, 77% of enrolled Utah kindergartners took advantage of full-day kindergarten options, with only 23% of students enrolled in a half-day kindergarten option. In several school districts, including Grand, Emery and Daggett, 100% of students are now participating in full-day kindergarten. In total, 34,911 Utah families have opted for full-day kindergarten for their students. The increase in full-day kindergarten enrollment has the potential to jumpstart student academic success. Studies have shown that students in full-day kindergarten are less likely to need academic intervention in later grades. Students enrolled in full-day kindergarten also tend to progress in mathematics and reading at higher rates than their half-day kindergarten peers.


Utah preschools are also celebrating educational accomplishments among their students. There are currently 16,425 students in local education agency (LEA) preschool programs across the state. The state assessment for preschool demonstrates significant improvement in literacy and numeracy for students who attend high-quality preschools. According to data from the 2022-2023 school year, literacy rates increased from 32% at the beginning of the year to 72% by the end of the year. In the two years prior, literacy rates increased to 67%, making this past year the most successful yet.

UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY FOR LEARNING Technology has become a crucial component of the education that takes place in Utah, both inside and outside the classroom. Children are eligible to participate in programs that utilize educational technology to prepare them for their education even before they enter the classroom. UPSTART is one such program. UPSTART gives Utah’s four-year-olds an individualized curriculum of reading, mathematics and science in the year before they begin kindergarten. Over 20,000 Utah children currently participate in the home-based UPSTART program.

Utah’s Digital Teaching and Learning Program has now been in place for over 11 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. Approximately 10% of Utah’s public school students attend school entirely online by choice. The Statewide Online Education Program offers courses to secondary schools throughout the state.

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE Utah public education supports transitions and has a variety of programs in place to provide support so that every student, through individual student planning, career pathways and career literacy, can be better prepared for the world of work or post-secondary educational opportunities. In Utah, most high school students 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 to be better prepared to continue their education after graduation.

We invite 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, educators and families continue to make remarkable strides toward excellence in education.

UTAH’S PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE

The Portrait of a Graduate serves as the Utah State Board of Education (USBE)’s north star for system transformation. The framework has garnered national attention, and several other states have begun to use Portrait of a Graduate as a starting point or enhancement for their own education systems. In 2023, USBE continued to host workshops, trainings and discussions with education leaders throughout the state to support school districts and charter schools, along with their local Board members, in the process of adapting, adopting or developing a Portrait of a Graduate tailored to their communities.

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ST RE FO AM R LI FR V EE E T V

FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

Watch Anytime, Anywhere pbsutah.org

HOST LIZ ADEOLA

This Is Utah, a weekly series from PBS Utah, celebrates the diverse people who call this state home. Host Liz Adeola guides viewers through stories about the arts, culture, places, and events, as told through the voices of the people and communities that make Utah unique.

Watch online at pbsutah.org/ThisIsUtah


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HIGHER EDUCATION IN UTAH

DEVELOPING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW

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tah’s continued success is, in large part, due to the state’s robust, innovative and efficient system of public colleges and universities. This system includes:

Eight technical colleges • • • • • • • •

Bridgerland Technical College Davis Technical College Ogden-Weber Technical College Southwest Technical College Uintah Basin Technical College Dixie Technical College Mountainland Technical College Tooele Technical College

Two research universities • University of Utah • Utah State University

Four regional universities • • • •

Weber State University Southern Utah University Utah Tech University Utah Valley University

Two community colleges • Salt Lake Community College • Snow College

UTAH’S COLLEGES CONNECT STUDENTS TO EMPLOYMENT Utah’s colleges continue to see growth in enrollment and had more than 218K students enrolled for fall 2023. Additionally, more than

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56,500 degrees and certificates were awarded at Utah’s public colleges and universities in 2023. The same year, 72% of USHE graduates earned a degree or award in a high-yield academic or technical program, reflecting Utah colleges’ efforts in partnering with businesses across the state to create a collaborative approach to growing and maintaining the state’s education-toworkforce pipeline. 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 critical to sustainable economic growth. In 2023, Utah garnered a record $1.38 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. In 2023, the Board eliminated application fees for all in-state students — a significant step toward removing financial barriers for Utah residents attending college. The Board has also 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 technical colleges to universities and everything in between. The advisers do this by supporting high school students with the milestones to college, such as guiding them through the college application process, advising them on scholarships and other financial aid, determining possible future careers and more. The program currently serves students in 74 high schools in 29 school districts across Utah.

Concurrent Enrollment While in high school, students can also earn college credit at low tuition rates through Concurrent Enrollment courses. In 2023, more than 53K high school students in 41 school districts and 40 charter schools participated in Concurrent Enrollment courses across the state, saving students an estimated $86.5 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, 20.7% earned a certificate before completing high school. In total, 1,752

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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE COLLEGE OF NURSING • Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) • Advanced Education in Orthodontics & Dentofacial • Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Orthopedics (AEODO) Residency Program Practitioner (MSN/FNP) • Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) COLLEGE OF PHARMACY Residency Program • Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES • MS in Biomedical Sciences (MBS) • MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS) COLLEGE OF MEDICINE • Currently in Development


high school students graduated from technical college programs in 2021. Student participation in technical college programs in 2021 saved them nearly $3.4 million in tuition costs. The top five areas of study by dual enrollment graduates produced include: 1. Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide 2. Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician 3. Emergency Care Attendant (EMT Ambulance) 4. Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist 5. Pharmacy Technician/Assistant

STATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND AID The Board of Higher Education awarded or allocated state aid funds to institutions for more than 23,000 students during the 2022 fiscal year. The average award was almost $1,800 per student. Approximately 56% of all awards went to students who demonstrated financial need and were intended to reduce barriers for firstgeneration and underserved student populations.

Opportunity Scholarship The Opportunity Scholarship is a simplified, statewide, achievement-based program that encourages students to complete advanced courses in core subject areas while in high school, aims to make higher education more accessible and rewards students for preparing academically for college.

Utah Promise Grant The Utah Promise Grant is a statewide scholarship program that expands access to higher education opportunities to all Utahns by providing financial assistance to students who demonstrate 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 University.

Technical Education Scholarship Program The Technical Education 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 Utah

adult residents 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 ushe.edu/statescholarships-aid for more information.

COMPLETION OF A CERTIFICATE OR DEGREE IS AS VALUABLE AS EVER: • Postsecondary education remains strongly correlated with increased job security, lifetime earnings, civic engagement, and personal health and happiness. • Average annual compensation for those with a degree or certificate remains roughly double that of those without a degree or certificate. • Utah’s public 4-year colleges have the fourth-lowest tuition and fees in the nation.

Judge Memorial Catholic High School Builders of a More Just Society Recently ranked in the Top-25 of all private schools nationwide by the prestigious Challenge Index from

Only Utah school honored as a four-time National Blue Ribbon School Top-6% in the nation in offering equitable access to AP Courses for all students — earning the highly exclusive 2023 Platinum-Level AP School Honor Roll.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR

2024-25

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teachers at her school. Carly gets a big smile on her face when talking about how happy she is, not only to be a teacher, but to be teaching at her alma mater.

UTAH'S TEACHER OF THE YEAR

PROGRAM PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATORS BY: RYAN BARTLETT, UTAH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

CARLY MALONEY

UTAH’S 2024 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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hen Carly Maloney was a young girl, she was certain that being a teacher was the most important job in the world, and she got her start at a young age. In her own words:

“The summer after first grade, my mom bought me my very own easel. With squeaky writing utensils and some inconsistent penmanship, I did my best to write an alphabet across the board. I gathered my stuffed animals, baby dolls and Barbies into a circle and formed my first group of ‘students.’ With my first attempt at a little too bossy of a teacher voice, and with as many reluctant neighbor kids as I could find to join, my first

weeks of ‘teaching’ went relatively smoothly. I mean, there were a few hiccups, like my mom receiving phone calls from frustrated parents whose children completed ‘homework’ that a local neighbor girl had ‘assigned’ to them. Still, my dream to be a teacher was born.” A few years later, Carly told her grandpa she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up; he shook his head and told her she should use her brains for another, higher-paying profession. He suggested she could be a lawyer, a scientist or a doctor instead, but she was determined to show him the importance of teachers. Without teachers, she asked, who would teach the doctors? Who would teach the lawyers and the scientists? Without teachers, we wouldn’t have any other professions, the young fourth grader reasoned. Carly, also known as Mrs. Maloney, grew up in Bountiful, Utah and attended Viewmont High School, where she is now a shining example of excellence in education, teaching English and AP psychology courses and also serving as a mentor to other

While the love of teaching was instilled in Carly at a young age, she says that it was her own teachers who kept this love and passion for teaching alive, as they showed her just how impactful a teacher can be. She recalls the teacher who taught her to write, the teacher who always seemed to know which book to place in her hands when she was learning to read, the teacher who would check in on her to make sure she was okay when her brother was deployed overseas, and the teacher who taught her about psychology and the brain and helped her navigate through some of her own personal struggles as a student. All these teachers left a lasting impression on Carly and showed her the strength and impact of a teacher who truly cares. Carly has brought these lessons with her through the years and draws on them to help leave a lasting impression on her students. One former student and a recent graduate of Viewmont High School wrote, “Mrs. Maloney is not only an incredible teacher in the classroom, she is a notable example of kindness and friendship. She takes time to get to know each student and goes out of her way to make sure we each feel loved and cared for.” One of the accomplishments Carly is most proud of in her teaching career thus far is the English Language Development Program she helped to pilot in her school. The program brings together English learners from a variety of linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds — there are native speakers of Spanish, Swahili, Portuguese and Cantonese, among others. In addition to helping to create and facilitate an environment where these students can learn English, Carly also helps them feel more at home by helping to build and nurture a sense of community among them and, at the same time, connect them with the broader community in Davis County, and in Utah. One way that Carly does this is through a pen pal program with a local elementary school. English learners in the English Language Development Program at Viewmont High School practice their English and develop a sense of groundedness in their community by writing to younger students. As Utah’s Teacher of the Year, Carly plans to continue advocating for multilingual learners, teacher leadership training and programs, and mental health awareness and resources for students and teachers. When she is not in school, Carly can often be found enjoying a hike through Utah’s beautiful scenery and spending time with her three young children and husband of 12 years.

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GET THE MOST OUT OF THE MIGHTY FIVE TIPS AND TRICKS FOR ENJOYING UTAH’S NATIONAL PARKS

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ith five national parks spanning hundreds of miles, there’s a lot to see and experience throughout Utah. Whether you are hiking through Zion, taking in new sights at Arches or canyoneering across Canyonlands, you’re bound to find something unique in Utah’s great outdoors. To help make your journey as memorable and fulfilling as possible, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your trip to one of “The Mighty Five.”

TIPS: Utilize the park shuttle system which drops visitors off at various stops throughout Mount Carmel Highway, keeping traffic to a minimum. Be sure to make it back on the last shuttle out by monitoring the daily schedule on their X account, @zionNPS. MUST-SEES: The Narrows (the Top-Down route requires a permit), Mount Carmel Highway scenic drive, Pine Creek Gorge (for canyoneering) and Observation Point.

Nestled in the heart of Southern Utah, Zion National Park is full of awe-inspiring natural wonders that draw in over 4 million visitors every year. From the incredible sunsets at Observation Point to the invigorating hikes through red rock canyons, it's easy to see why Zion is so beloved. However, with so many people flocking to the park each year, it's important to plan ahead in order to make the most of a visit and get any permits. The Narrows (Top-Down), the Subway and Angels Landing are hikes that require a permit, usually raffled a month before their dates. Permits for backcountry hikes such as Kolob Canyon and West Rim are also raffled a month prior to the permit date.

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TIPS: The park averages elevations of approximately 8,000 feet — in the winter, traditional hiking can be replaced by snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing as snow piles up. Always keep an eye on the weather conditions before heading out. MUST-SEES: Fairyland, Riggs Spring Loops,

BASE CAMPS: Zion Historic Lodge (Springdale),

ZION NATIONAL PARK

foot. Not only is there plenty of hiking to do, but the park’s high elevation makes it a haven for wildlife observers — be sure to grab a pair of binoculars before heading out.

Lava Point Campground (North Zion), Canyons Lodge (Kanab), Watchman Campground (South Zion, near Springdale) and Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort (East Zion, near Orderville).

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK Spanning 56.2 square miles, Bryce Canyon National Park is Utah’s smallest national park, but one that packs a heavy visual punch thanks to weather conditions that have spanned centuries. The unique geological process of frost-wedging and rainwater dissolving has created a worldrenowned landscape full of colorful, whimsical rocks known as "hoodoos." These formations, ranging from slot canyons to spires, come together to form miles of unique terrain best explored on

Stargazing, Queen’s Garden, Southern Scenic Drive and Bryce Point.

BASE CAMPS: Bryce Canyon Lodge (Bryce Canyon City), Sunset Campground (Bryce Canyon City), Bryce View Campground (Tropic) and Bryce Valley Ranch RV and Horse Park (Cannonville).

CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK With 378 square miles of sweeping vistas, endless desert rocks and an expansive sky, Capitol Reef is the perfect destination for those looking for a unique backcountry adventure. Most day hikes in Capitol Reef do not require a permit, but those entering the backcountry overnight must register for a free backcountry permit at the Capitol Reef visitor center. Additionally, all canyoneering groups are required to


most remote corners of the state on the Harvest Scene Trail in the Maze District. When hiking Harvest Scene, hikers will need to travel 27 miles (by foot or vehicle) from the ranger station at Hans Flat to reach this trailhead, but it’s often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the state.

TIPS: Since there are miles and miles of land to explore at Canyonlands, it may be best to utilize local guided tours like overnight mountain biking, river rafting and backpacking to best cover the most square mileage.

MUST-SEES: Bears Ears, Horseshoe Canyon, Mesa Arch, Great Gallery, TK, White Rim Trail (permitonly) and Upheaval Dome.

BASE CAMPS: Needles Campground (Needles District), Glamping Canyonlands (Monticello), Stone Lizard Lodge (Blanding) and Castleland Tower Campground (Castle Valley).

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK Arches is another one of Utah’s busiest parks, so it's often recommended that hikers head out on the

trail early in the day, prior to sunrise. Not only are the trails less crowded during the morning hours, but the sunrises at Arches are often an unforgettable experience. Regardless of what you decide to do at Arches, whether it be the short 3-mile hike to Delicate Arch (a must see!) or the longer 7.7-mile stretch to Devils Garden, it is best to plan to stay for a minimum of two days to truly appreciate all that the park has to offer. Additionally, any canyoneering in the park requires a permit, so be sure to register ahead of time.

TIPS: The summer months are both hot and incredibly busy in Arches — plan ahead and check for park travel restrictions during peak visitation hours. Of course, prepare for the hot weather accordingly and fill up water bottles often at the free water stations around the park. MUST-SEES: Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, Double O, Fiery Furnace (permit required), Park Avenue, Navajo Arch, Arches Scenic Drive and Balanced Rock. BASE CAMPS: Castle Valley Inn (Castle Valley), Hunter Canyon (near Moab), Ken’s Lake (Spanish Valley) and Hideout At the Rim (Moab).

register for a free permit, regardless of trip length. If a backcountry trip isn’t in your wheelhouse, there’s still plenty to explore just off of Highway 24, on trails such as Frying Pan and Navajo Knobs.

TIPS: The fruit orchards in Fruita (just outside of Capitol Reef National Park) are still active — pick inseason fruit and then stop for a fresh fruit pie at the Gifford Homestead on the way to or from a hike. MUST-SEES: Chimney Rock, Hickman Natural Bridge, Burro Wash Slot Canyon, Fremont Gorge, Gifford Homestead, Cathedral Valley, Waterpocket Fold (off-highway vehicles only) and Scenic Drive. BASE CAMPS: Fruita Campground (Fruita), Broken Spur Inn (Torrey), Red River Ranch (Teasdale) and Sunglow Campground (Bicknell).

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s most expansive national park, spanning over 500 square miles across four districts — Island In the Sky, the Needles, the Maze District and the Green/Colorado Rivers themselves. Each district has unique features and dozens of trails to explore. Guests can raft down one of the rivers, take in a gorgeous vista at Island in the Sky, go on an overnight hike in the Needles District or come equipped to explore one of the

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"UNIQUELY UTAH" STATE PARKS TO VISIT 10 UNIQUE STATE PARKS YOU’LL ONLY FIND IN UTAH

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swimming. Be sure to check out the Spiral Jetty, one of Utah’s most notable earthwork sculptures, created by Robert Smithson, on the north end of the lake.

ANIMAL WATCH AT ANTELOPE ISLAND Northern Utah

Tucked away in the middle of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island offers a unique opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As one of the best places in the state to observe wild animals such as bison, mule deer, antelope, coyotes and birds, this island is a nature lover’s paradise. But that’s not all there is to enjoy at this state park — visitors can also take a dip in the Great Salt Lake, explore numerous hiking trails and even cycle along the island’s paved roads.

PLAY 18 HOLES OF GOLF AT PALISADES Central Utah

KAYAK AT ECHO Northern Utah

Located just 45 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, Echo State Park is one of Utah’s most notorious reservoirs for all things water sports. Not only can you boat, paddle board and kayak — but visitors can indulge in non-water activities such as running, hiking or walking along the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which borders the lake. A day-use entry fee is required, and guests can also rent camp spots for weekend or longer trips, if desired.

EXPLORE HISTORY AT EAST CANYON Northern Utah

East Canyon State Park is a hub of Utah history just waiting to be explored! Step back in time and discover the remnants of Brigham Young's wagon train and the famous Pony Express Railway Trail. And if you're feeling brave, take a plunge into the very same springs where the Donner Party collected drinking water. Other activities include hiking, biking and camping among the beautiful natural landscape.

FLOAT IN THE GREAT SALT LAKE Northern Utah

As one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world, the Great Salt Lake offers visitors a unique and breathtaking experience. There's nothing quite like watching a sunset over the expansive lakeline — vibrant colors reflecting off the still waters. Swimming is permitted at the lake, though bathers should keep in mind that the water is 12 percent saltier than the ocean, and it is recommended to rinse off after

The perfect getaway is right around the corner at Palisades State Park located near Nephi, Utah. Here you can enjoy exciting outdoor adventures, relax in the great outdoors and cozy up by the campfire at your lakeside campsite when you’re done for the day. The park boasts an 18-hole golf course surrounded by towering red cliffs, and if you're in the mood for aquatic activities, Palisade Reservoir provides the perfect spot for paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing. For those looking for something a little more thrill-inducing, Six-Mile Canyon is accessible to explore via an off-highway vehicle.

WITNESS FREMONT INDIAN STATE PARK Central Utah

While constructing Interstate 70, workers found the largest-known Fremont Indian Village, and a museum housing artifacts recovered from the site was built and a state park was enacted. Outside of the museum, visitors can learn more about the tribe who inhabited the area through petroglyphs and pictographs on trails such as the Cave of 100 Hands and the Parade of Rock Art.

STARGAZE AT KODACHROME BASIN Southern Utah

Known as one of Utah’s “Dark Sky” parks, Kodachrome Basin in Kane County is one of the best places in the state to stargaze. Visitors interested can enjoy after-hours activities such as star parties, ranger-led hikes, astronomy programs and more. In the morning, take in different scenery by exploring one of the basin’s many hiking trails on horseback, mountain bike or on foot.

SEE A PETRIFIED FOREST IN ESCALANTE Southern Utah

The Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, located just north of the town of Escalante, is often rumored to be haunted — and a visit here is said to bring nothing but bad luck! While these rumors are often unfounded, there is a certain “eerieness” to this vibrant, fossilized forest that is over a million years old. While the Petrified Forest Trail is often one of the easiest ways to see the forest, the Sleeping Rainbows Trail is a bit more difficult but has more areas of petrified wood.

SAND SURF AT THE CORAL PINK SAND DUNES Southern Utah

Snowboarding and skiing may be the first activities that come to mind when you think of outdoor activities in Utah; however, there’s much more to experience than just snowy slopes! At the Coral Pink Sand Dunes located approximately 20 miles west of Kanab, adventure seekers can experience a different side of Utah — 1,500 acres of soft, pink sand to sandboard, ATV, hike or simply hang out and play in. For more trip ideas, go to visitutah.com.

GET LOST IN GOBLIN VALLEY Central Utah

With geological features often compared to those on Mars, Goblin Valley, Utah has a landscape unlike any other. The state park is only three square miles, but the thousands of red rock hoodoos make the small area perfect for exploring on foot, and it’s easy to get lost in the nooks and crannies. Just beyond state park boundaries, there are miles of mountain biking, ATVing and hiking trails dispersed throughout the San Rafael Swell. You may even find an abandoned ranching cabin or two!

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STATE OF SPORT

FROM BASEBALL TO BASKETBALL AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, YOU'LL FIND A TEAM TO ROOT FOR

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randed the “State of Sport” by the Utah Sports Commission, there really isn’t a more fitting name for Utah. With so many opportunities to be active and participate in sports, it's no wonder why Utah boasts some of the best sports teams in the country. Whether you're a professional basketball fan or prefer the thrill of hockey, you'll find a team to root for while visiting.

NBA | UTAH JAZZ For fans of professional basketball and sports enthusiasts visiting Salt Lake City, attending a Utah Jazz game is a must. The Jazz relocated to Salt Lake City from New Orleans in 1980, but they have since garnered an incredibly dedicated fan base throughout the state that makes every game an electric experience. You can catch the team in action at the Delta Center, which is conveniently located just 10 minutes away from the airport. Not only is the Delta Center home to the Utah Jazz, but it is also a versatile venue that hosts a range of concerts, conferences and other special events.

MLS | REAL SALT LAKE Real Salt Lake, Utah's major league soccer team, is a force to be reckoned with. The team won the 2009 MLS Cup, made it all the way to the 20102011 CONCACAF finals, and has since established itself as a soccer development academy with the completion of the Salt Lake Academy High School in Herriman, Utah. And, it doesn’t matter if you're not a die-hard soccer fan, seeing the team play

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live at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah is a loud, passionate experience you won't soon forget and a great glimpse into Utah’s soccer culture.

NWSL | UTAH ROYALS Speaking of soccer, the Utah Royals, the state's National Women's Soccer League team, boasts an impressive lineup of skilled female athletes, some of whom even play on the U.S. Women's National Team. With so much talent on the field, it's no wonder that Royals games are considered some of the most thrilling sporting events in Utah. Fans can catch all the action at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, which also happens to be the home field of the Real Monarchs, Utah's minor league men's soccer team.

MILB | SALT LAKE BEES There's nothing quite like the crack of a bat or the roar of the crowd at a baseball game. As Utah's only AAA Minor League Baseball team and an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, Utah locals are lucky to have the Salt Lake Bees to root for. The team currently plays at Smith's Ballpark, which is often listed as one of the most scenic ballparks in the country, but will move to a new stadium in Daybreak, Utah after the 2024 season, as soon as construction has been completed.

BIG-12 COLLEGE FOOTBALL | UNIVERSITY OF UTAH & BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY Football fever runs high in Utah, and it's not hard to see why. With both the University of Utah and

Brigham Young University as members of the Big 12, residents are no strangers to thrilling matches and nail-biting games. And let’s not forget the longstanding rivalry between the two universities — if you're lucky enough to catch the annual rivalry game, be prepared to choose a side and come wearing red or blue. Additionally, Weber State, Utah Valley University, Southern Utah University, Utah Tech University, Westminster University and Snow College all have regular games to enjoy.

ECHL | UTAH GRIZZLIES Looking for a fun, family-friendly way to spend a chilly winter evening in West Valley, Utah? Look no further than the Maverik Center, home to Utah’s minor league hockey team, The Grizzlies. Beyond the action on the ice, the team frequently hosts themed nights and other special events throughout the regular season, making it an ideal outing for sports fans young and old. Best of all, the Maverik Center serves as a hub for all sorts of other exciting activities, including concerts, games and more.

MLR | UTAH WARRIORS Rugby fans, rejoice! The Utah Warriors are making their mark on Major League Rugby. Hailing in Herriman, Utah, this team is an embodiment of Utah’s rugby culture. The team plays its home games at the impressive Zions Bank Stadium, the perfect place to soak up the action and cheer on the team.


A FEW OF UTAH'S MOST DELICIOUS RESTAURANTS NO MATTER WHAT YOU’RE CRAVING, THERE’S A RESTAURANT FOR YOU

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tah may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a “foodie paradise,” but with hundreds of delicious and diverse food options, visitors are often surprised by our thriving culinary scene. From sushi to burgers, steak to international cuisine and beyond, the Wasatch Front is bustling with hundreds of unique and tasty restaurants for visitors to enjoy. With dozens of new eateries popping up within the last year alone, it's truly an exciting time to be a foodie in Utah. To help narrow down your options, here is a list of 58 of Utah’s most delicious restaurants.

AMERICAN

BAKERY/BRUNCH

BREWERY/BAR

OQUIRRH oquirrhslc.com 368 E 100 S Salt Lake City 801-359-0426

GOURMANDISE gourmandise.com 250 S 300 E Salt Lake City 801-328-3330

HIGH WEST SALOON highwest.com 703 Park Ave Park City 435-292-8324

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 WILDFIN AMERICAN GRILL wildfinamericangrill.com 13333 Tree Sparrow Dr Riverton 801-542-9885

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 EGGS IN THE CITY eggsinthecityslc.com 2795 S 2300 E Salt Lake City 801-581-0809

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 385-259-0905

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BOHEMIAN BREWERY bohemianbrewery.com 94 E 7200 S Midvale 801-566-5474 PROPER BREWING COMPANY properbrewingco.com 857 S Main St. Salt Lake City 801-953-1707

CHINESE MANDARIN mandarinutah.com 348 E 900 N Bountiful 801-298-2406 ONE MORE NOODLE HOUSE onemorenoodlehouseut.com 3370 State St Suite N5 South Salt Lake 801-906-8992 CHINA CHEFS chinachefsriverton.com 12487 S Pasture Rd Riverton 801-253-2368 RED MAPLE CHINESE RESTAURANT redmaplechinese.com 2882 W 4700 S Taylorsville 801-747-2888 ASIAN STAR asianstarmidvale.com 7588 Union Park Ave Midvale 801- 566-8838

FRENCH LA CAILLE lacaille.com 9565 Wasatch Blvd Sandy 801-942-1751 LAUREL BRASSERIE & BAR laurelslc.com 555 S Main St Salt Lake City 801-980-3257 FRANCK'S RESTAURANT francksfood.com 6263 S Holladay Blvd Holladay 801-274-6264

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INDIAN/NEPALESE BOMBAY HOUSE bombayhouse.com 463 N University Ave Provo 801-373-6677 MUMBAI HOUSE mumbaihousecuisine.com 2731 E Parleys Way Salt Lake City 801-900-4782 BOMBAY GARDEN bombaygardenutah.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 CAFFÉ 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 VALTER’S OSTERIA valtersosteria.com 173 W Broadway Salt Lake City 801-521-4563 LA STELLINA srdvdining.com/la-stellina-deervalley-utah-italian-restaurant 2290 Deer Valley Dr E Park City 435-940-5700

JAPANESE KYOTO 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

LIFE IN UTAH 2024 | SLCHAMBER.com

TSUNAMI tsunamiutah.com 10722 S Riverfront Pkwy South Jordan 801-748-1178 1059 E 900 S Salt Lake City 385-900-0288 7628 S Union Park Ave Midvale 801-676-6466

KOREAN THE ANGRY KOREAN theangrykorean.com 11587 District Main Dr Suite 300 South Jordan 801-307-8300 KOREA HOUSE koreahousesaltlake.com 1300 S 145 E, Suite 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

MIDDLE EASTERN LAZIZ KITCHEN lazizkitchen.com 912 Jefferson St W Salt Lake City 801-441-1228 1076 Ft Union Blvd Midvale 801-980-3113 152 E 200 S Salt Lake City 385-267-1161 MAZZA mazzacafe.com 1515 S 1500 E Salt Lake City 801-484-9259 O’FALAFEL ofalafeletc.com 790 E 2100 S Salt Lake City 801-487-7747

SEAFOOD CURRENT currentfishandoyster.com 279 E 300 S Salt Lake City 801-326-3474 CARVERS STEAK & SEAFOOD carversutah.com 10720 S Holiday Park Dr Sandy 801-572-5177

LA CASA DEL TAMAL lacasadeltamalutah.com 2843 S 5600 W West Valley City 385-266-8729

SUMMERHAYS HALIBUT AND CHIPS summerhayshalibut.com 4870 S Highland Dr Holladay 801-424-9000

RED IGUANA rediguana.com 736 W North Temple Salt Lake City 801-322-1489

MARKET STREET GRILL marketstreetgrill.com 10702 S River Front Pkwy South Jordan 801-302-2262

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

FRESHIE'S LOBSTER ROLLS freshieslobsterco.com 365 E 900 S Salt Lake City 801-829-1032

LA COCINA lacocinaslc.com 6965 S 2300 E Salt Lake City 801-937-4118

SOUTH AMERICAN AREMPAS arempas.com 350 State St Salt Lake City 385-301-8905


LOMITO’S RESTAURANT lomitosrestaurant.com 180 Center St Orem 801-607-1602

SKEWERED THAI RESTAURANT skeweredthai.com 575 S 700 E Salt Lake City 801-893-3089

CONTIGO PERÚ contigoperu-ut.com 3411 S Redwood Rd West Valley City 801-906-0934

THAI 101 thai101slc.com 214 W 600 S Salt Lake City 385-227-8060

SPANISH

VIETNAMESE

CAFÉ MADRID cafemadrid.net 5244 S Highland Dr Holladay 801-273-0837

LITTLE SAIGON littlesaigonutah.com 2021 E Windsor St Salt Lake City 801-906-8630

THAI FAV BISTRO favbistro.com 1984 E Murray Holladay Rd Holladay 801-676-9300

CAFE TRANG BISTRO cafetrangbistro.com 740 Blue Vista Ln #300 Midvale 801-877-2621 SOMI somislc.com 1215 E Wilmington Ave, Suite 100 Salt Lake City 385-322-1158

THE PEARL instagram.com/thepearlslc 917 200 W Salt Lake City No phone


ACTIVE FOR LIFE

THERE ARE FUN THINGS TO DO, NO MATTER YOUR AGE

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tah is not just a destination for the young and adventurous, it is a state that has something for people of all ages to enjoy. No matter what stage of life you're in, Utah boasts an amazing array of experiences capable of keeping anyone entertained and enamored. Here are just a few things to enjoy while in Utah.

VISIT THE THEATER Though Utah is known as a destination for all things outdoor recreation, it also has a renowned theater scene. Fans of live entertainment should check out the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, located in downtown Salt Lake. This impressive theater regularly features a wide variety of popular Broadway hits such as Mamma Mia, Hamilton, Annie and more. For seasonal shows, the Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy has a rotating lineup that’s sure to impress. Alternatively, the Egyptian Theatre in Park City or the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in St. George are both worth a visit for those looking to get out of the valley for the weekend.

GO FOR A GARDEN STROLL Red Butte Garden, located in Salt Lake City, has over 26 acres of trails and garden displays to

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explore. While a good walk cannot be missed at Red Butte, a highlight of the garden is the annual summer concert series. Held in May through September, the concert series features well-known musicians and small groups alike in an outdoor setting unlike any other. Gilgal Sculpture Garden, located in Salt Lake City, is another hidden gem. Featuring over 70 engraved stones and 12 original sculptures, this three-acre garden is the perfect place for an afternoon walk. Down south, Red Hills Desert Garden in St. George boasts over 5,000 native plants, prehistoric dinosaur tracks and a replica slot canyon visitors can explore without the risk of a flash flood.

SEARCH FOR WILDLIFE Exploring Utah is a thrilling experience, especially when it comes to spotting the incredible wildlife that resides within the state. While there are popular and well-established places such as Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Tracy Aviary to see beloved animals, there is nothing like observing them in their natural habitats. One of the best places to do so is Antelope Island on the Great Salt Lake. This beautiful island provides the perfect backdrop for viewing Utah's wildlife, including antelope, bison, bighorn sheep and

mule deer. With over 15 hiking, biking and walking trails available, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the island's awe-inspiring scenery and spot an animal or two.

TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE Embarking on a scenic drive is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the outdoors and take in stunning views from the comfort of a vehicle. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, the Alpine Loop or Mount Nebo are all local favorites that are especially breathtaking during the fall, when the leaves explode into vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow. These drives offer plenty of opportunities to stop and explore, with a variety of hikes, lakes, waterfalls and picnic areas scattered along the way.

STARGAZE AT A “DARK SKY” PARK With 10 certified "Dark Sky" parks located throughout the state, Utah is the perfect place to experience the magic of stargazing. Head to East Canyon ( just 35 miles from Salt Lake City), Antelope Island and Goblin Valley State Park, just to name a few. For a different approach to stargazing, head to the Clark Planetarium. This awe-inspiring facility offers visitors a chance to learn more about the solar system.

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from hotel

Hoodoos in minutes to

rubysinn.com/LIFEJAN24

•Hiking •Rodeo •Shopping •Three different hotels/price points •RV Park and Campground •World Famous Western Dinner Show •ATV and Horseback riding tours •Ebikes and Mountain Bikes •Shuttle to Bryce Canyon National Park for the whole family

the closest accommodations to Bryce Canyon National park


FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY A

ccording to the U.S. Census, Utah is one of the youngest, most family-friendly states in the nation, so it’s no wonder there are so many fun activities for families to enjoy together. While there are plenty of natural wonders to explore at any of Utah’s five national parks, there is just as much to discover elsewhere. Here are just a few activities that cannot be missed:

ANTELOPE ISLAND rom free-ranging bison and F mule deer to bighorn sheep, this state park provides an amazing opportunity to experience the diversity 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

CLARK PLANETARIUM This planetarium and science museum offers free interactive exhibits and educational shows in the IMAX® and dome theaters. slco.org/clark-planetarium

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CLASSIC FUN CENTER Roller skate, head to the arcade, play laser tag or let loose on the bounce house floor. classicfuncenter.com

COLOR ME MINE Express your creativity and go home with a work of art. Find a location at colormemine.com.

CRYSTAL HOT SPRINGS ith three jetted hot tubs, a soaker W pool, a lap pool, an Olympic-sized pool and two 360-foot water slides, there’s fun (and relaxation) for all at Crystal Hot Springs. crystalhotsprings.net

DISCOVERY GATEWAY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Discovery Gateway boasts multiple hands-on, interactive exhibits and lots of opportunities to play and learn. discoverygateway.org

DREAMSCAPES Enter a world of pure reimagination at this immersive installation of artwork that is fun for all ages to explore. utaharts.org/en/dreamscapes

HALE CENTRE THEATRE A fixture of the community for over 35 years, Hale Centre Theatre specializes in plays and musicals. hct.org

HEBER VALLEY RAILROAD This 16-mile historic railroad offers scenic passenger trains and other themed family rides throughout the year. hebervalleyrr.org


K1 SPEED

SNOWBIRD Full of high-performance karts, a winding track and more, this is an incredible go-kart racing experience the family won’t forget. k1speed.com

LAGOON AMUSEMENT PARK This family-owned amusement park offers thrill rides, a water park, kiddie-land, games and a variety of other entertainment. lagoonpark.com

ST. GEORGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM ull of vibrant and engaging F activities for kids of all ages, the St. George Children’s Museum is a non-profit museum that can’t be missed. sgchildrensmuseum.org

THE LEONARDO MUSEUM This thrilling museum aims to inspire with exhibits connecting science, technology and creativity. theleonardo.org

THANKSGIVING POINT xplore a host of things including E a non-profit farm, the Museum of Ancient Life, the Museum of Natural Curiosity, Ashton Gardens and the Butterfly Biosphere. thanksgivingpoint.org

LOVELAND LIVING PLANET AQUARIUM his multiple-display marine life T aquarium is home to 2,400+ marine animals and three encounters — shark, penguin and stingray — to explore. thelivingplanet.com

THIS IS THE PLACE HERITAGE PARK ee what life was like in the S 1800s and go on a train ride, pet farm animals and pan for gold at This Is The Place, located near the mouth of Emigration Canyon. thisistheplace.org

MUSEUM OF NATURAL CURIOSITY Located at Thanksgiving Point, this glass-walled museum has 400+ interactive science and nature experiences. thanksgivingpoint.org/ attractions-tickets/museumof-natural-curiosity

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF UTAH The state’s official museum of natural history is home to a worldrenowned collection of 1.6 million objects. Discover the wonders of life, earth and culture. nhmu.utah.edu

QUARRY EXHIBIT HALL

TREEHOUSE MUSEUM ne of the valley’s main ski O resorts, Snowbird has just as much to offer in the summer as it does the winter. Enjoy an alpine slide, mountain coaster and tons of hiking trails. snowbird.com

TIMPANOGOS CAVE Take a short hike (3.1 miles out and back) up American Fork Canyon for a guided tour of this incredible limestone cave system. nps.gov/tica/index.htm

TRACY AVIARY Feed the birds, take in the exhibits and even see a live show at this 8-acre aviary in downtown Salt Lake City. tracyaviary.org

Become immersed in a story through hands-on, immersive reading exhibits. treehousemuseum.org

UPTOWN JUNGLE A new addition to Sandy, Uptown Jungle is an indoor playground complete with slides, trampolines, obstacle courses and climbing walls. uptownjungle.com

UTAH’S HOGLE ZOO Learn about 800+ animals across a variety of ecosystems at this 45-acre zoo in Emigration Canyon. hoglezoo.org

UTAH OLYMPIC OVAL uilt for long-track speed skating B at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, guests can literally skate on “the fastest ice on Earth” during public ice skating events. utaholympiclegacy.org/ location/utah-olympic-oval

UTAH OLYMPIC PARK uilt for the 2022 Winter Olympic B Games, this park has everything, including bobsledding, watching Nordic Ski jump practice and more. utaholympiclegacy.org/ location/utah-olympic-park

WHEELER HISTORIC FARM 75-acre historic farm and A public park, there’s plenty to explore though hiking trails, picnics, a petting zoo and the ever-popular “playground fort.” slco.org/wheeler-farm

Touch 149 million-year-old dinosaur fossils and view the bones of dinosaurs such as Allosaurus, Diplodocus and Stegosaurus. nps.gov/dino

RED BUTTE GARDEN Enjoy 21 acres of plants and award-winning garden displays at the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West. redbuttegarden.org

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A UTAH GUIDE TO SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT “THE GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH”

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tah offers some of the best outdoor recreation spots in the world, making it an ideal destination for both novice and expert skiers and snowboarders alike. From epic terrain parks like the one in Brighton to challenging backcountry runs at Snowbird and family-friendly fun at Park City Mountain, there's something truly unique about hitting a run with Utah’s fresh powder. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about skiing in Utah — including how to avoid the dreaded ski traffic!

HAVE THE RIGHT GEAR Utah’s mountains are a magical place to explore, but the weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to prepare before heading out. When packing for an excursion, always include snow pants, a coat, jacket and additional non-cotton base layers to keep you warm. Don't forget to bring a hat, gloves and a face covering to shield yourself from the sun and wind. Speaking of sunshine, applying sunscreen can help protect your skin from sun damage, even on cloudy days. Goggles are also a must-have accessory for eye protection against sun glare and ice. Don’t forget to bring a snack and a water bottle, just in case! Backcountry adventurers should also come equipped with avalanche gear.

UTILIZE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Ski traffic in Utah can be intense, particularly when heading up canyons like Little and Big

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Cottonwood. To help alleviate this issue, consider utilizing public transportation options like the UTA Ski Bus. Not only does this option save you the stress of navigating the canyon during peak traffic, but it also reduces congestion on the roads. For those headed to Park City, taking The Town Lift instead of driving is a great way to avoid traffic while enjoying the scenic views on Main Street. If you do decide to drive yourself, make sure to head out in a car with chains or 4WD — canyon roads can, and usually do, get icy during snow storms.

SKI YOUR LEVEL When skiing or snowboarding, it's important to know your abilities and limitations to avoid injury or accident. Stick to the levels you feel most comfortable and trust that you'll be sure to have an incredible time on the slopes. This is particularly important on days with poor weather or heavy crowds, as these conditions often make it more difficult to navigate through the terrain.

AVOID CROWDS Utah is a true skier's paradise, offering some of the most picturesque slopes and best powder quality in the United States. As a result, during peak holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, the resorts tend to get crowded. To best tackle potential crowds, it's crucial to plan

your lessons (if you’re taking them) and purchase your lift tickets beforehand, so you don’t get stuck waiting in line for a pass. Additionally, weekdays (even during the holidays) tend to be a little less crowded. To stay informed and ahead of the crowd, download the Ski Utah app, which offers updates and other valuable information.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT RESORT In Utah, there’s a resort for everyone. However, since there are so many options, it’s crucial to do some research before choosing a resort for your trip. For example, Alta Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of Utah's only skionly resorts — no snowboarders are allowed. Families with young children might opt for Park City Mountain Resort, which offers a wide range of beginner-friendly terrain and a delicious complimentary hot chocolate bar at the St. Regis. Experienced skiers seeking a challenge will want to head to Snowbird, while those looking for options will love the varied terrain Deer Valley provides. For those on a budget, Brighton and Solitude are two resorts near one another that typically offer fantastic deals on lift tickets. Brighton, additionally, touts an impressive terrain park for riders looking to practice their tricks. Regardless of where you end up, you’re bound to have an unforgettable winter adventure in Utah!

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Enjoy the Journey Discover the best of Box Elder County: Golden Spike National Historical Park, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Willard Bay State Park, Crystal Hot Springs, Tremonton Art Murals, Spiral Jetty, Devil’s Playground, Sun Tunnels, Utah’s Famous Fruit Highway and so much more.

www.visitboxeldercounty.com

Bring your work.

We’ll provide the

pl ay.

Work remotely in the privacy of your room or café-style in the mercantile. Bring your pet or have a sleepover with a Sanctuary animal. Take a life-changing tour and meet lovable, adoptable animals at the magical Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Explore the natural parks and wonders that surround Kanab.

bestfriendsroadhouse.org Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile 30 N. 300 W. Kanab, UT 84741 | 435-644-3400

Winner - Best of State Utah Best Motel 2022 & 2023 Best of the Best Hospitality 2023


EVENT CALENDAR 2024 ACTIVITIES FROM AROUND THE STATE

JANUARY SALT LAKE HOME SHOW saltlakehomeshow.com January 5-7 Sandy SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL festival.sundance.org January 18-28 Park City & Salt Lake City BEAR LAKE MONSTER WINTERFEST bearlakemonsterwinterfest.com January 26-28 Garden City ICE CASTLES icecastles.com/utah January - February

(Dependent on weather)

Midway

FEBRUARY ST. GEORGE PARADE OF HOMES paradehomes.com/web February 16-25 St. George BRYCE CANYON WINTER FESTIVAL rubysinn.com/bryce-canyon-winterfestival February 17-19 Bryce Canyon City

MARCH ST. GEORGE ART FESTIVAL sgartfestival.com March 29-30 St. George HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLORS festivalofcolorsusa.com March 30-31 Spanish Fork

APRIL TULIP FESTIVAL thanksgivingpoint.org/events /tulip-festival April 7 - May 20 Lehi SALT LAKE CITY MARATHON saltlakecitymarathon.com April 20 Salt Lake City

CHERRY BLOSSOMS utahstatecapitol.utah.gov Early April (Dependent on weather)

Utah State Capitol Building

MAY LIVING TRADITIONS FESTIVAL saltlakearts.org/programs/ living-traditions-festival May 17-19 Salt Lake City

JUNE UTAH PRIDE FESTIVAL utahpride.org June 1-2 Salt Lake City UTAH BLUES FESTIVAL utahbluesfest.org June 14-15 Salt Lake City OUTDOOR RETAILER SUMMER outdoorretailer.com June 17-19 Salt Lake City UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL bard.org June 20 - October 5 Cedar City UTAH ARTS FESTIVAL uaf.org June 28-30 Salt Lake City DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET slcfarmersmarket.org June - October, Saturdays Salt Lake City

JULY CACHE VALLEY CRUISE-IN cvcacruisein.com July 4-6 Logan DESERET NEWS MARATHON run.deseret.com July 24 Salt Lake City

DAYS OF ‘47 PARADE daysof47.com July 24 Salt Lake City

WITCHFEST gardnervillage.com/witch-fest September 20 - October 31 Gardner Village

UTAH FESTIVAL OPERA & MUSICAL THEATRE utahfestival.org July 5 - August 3 Logan

FRIGHTMARES AT LAGOON lagoonpark.com/what-to-do/ frightmares September - October Farmington

ORCHARD DAYS santaquin.org/comservices/ page/orchard-days July 29 - August 5 Santaquin

AUGUST RASPBERRY DAYS gardencityut.us/raspberrydays August 1-3 Garden City SALT LAKE PARADE OF HOMES saltlakeparade.com August Salt Lake City OKTOBERFEST snowbird.com/oktoberfest August - October Snowbird

SEPTEMBER SWISS DAYS midwayswissdays.org August 30-31 Midway PARK CITY SHOWCASE OF HOMES pcshowcaseofhomes.com August 23-25 & 30 - September 2 Park City

OCTOBER ST. GEORGE MARATHON stgeorgemarathon.com October 5 St. George

NOVEMBER OUTDOOR RETAILER WINTER outdoorretailer.com November 6-8 Salt Lake City LUMINARIA thanksgivingpoint.org November - December Lehi LIGHTS ON TEMPLE SQUARE churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/ christmas-on-temple-square November - December Salt Lake City KANAB POLAR EXPRESS visitsouthernutah.com/events/ kanabs-polar-express November - December Kanab

DECEMBER

UTAH STATE FAIR utahstatefair.com September 5-15 Salt Lake City

CHRISTKINDLMARKT SLC christkindlmarkt-slc.com November - December Salt Lake City

FANX SALT LAKE COMIC & POP CULTURE CONVENTION fanxsaltlake.com September 26-28 Salt Lake City

FESTIVAL OF TREES intermountainhealthcare.org/ foundation/festival-of-trees/ December Sandy

BIKE PROM bicyclecollective.org September Salt Lake City

ZOOLIGHTS AT UTAH'S HOGLE ZOO hoglezoo.org December Salt Lake City

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

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LIFE IN UTAH 2024 | SLCHAMBER.com

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