ST. GEORGE BUSINESS SUMMIT PRESENTED BY
AGENDA 7:00 AM
CHECK-IN & BREAKFAST
8:00 AM
WELCOME
Shawn Christensen
President & CEO | St. George Area Chamber of Commerce
8:10 AM
WHAT’S NEXT FOR TECH RIDGE
Isaac Barlow
Managing Partner | Tech Ridge
8:15 AM
KICKOFF
Chad Thomas
RISE Emcee Economic Development Director | City of St. George, SGACC Board Member
8:25 AM
OPENING KEYNOTE
Derral Eves
Founder & CEO | derraleves.com & VIDTECH
9:10 AM
THE UNWRITTEN RULES OF THE C-SUITE
Melanie Jones
CEO | Sego Leadership
9:30 AM
YOUR GREATEST ROI
David Walker
Former President | Intergalactic a GE Aerospace Company, EVP | Event Horizon Spaceworx (EHX)
9:50 AM
60-MINUTE BREAK NETWORKING | EXHIBITOR BOOTHS
10:50 AM
DON’T RAISE MONEY FROM VC’S (BUT IF YOU DO, HERE’S HOW)
Trent Mano
General Partner | Convoi Ventures
11:10 AM
COMMUNITY IS GOOD BUSINESS
Nikki MacKay
CEO | Utah Foster Care & Co-owner | Xetava
11:30 AM
WHAT’S NEXT IN SOUTHERN UTAH FOR REEF CAPITAL
Patrick Manning
Managing Partner & Developer | Black Desert Resort
11:35 AM
60-MINUTE BREAK FOR LUNCH NETWORKING | EXHIBITOR BOOTHS
12:35 PM
CREATING THE RIGHT CULTURE THROUGH RECOGNITION
Greg Sanders
CEO | SymbolArts
12:55 PM
FROM THE FIELD TO THE BOARDROOM
Kash Rocheleau
Owner | Outgrow Accounting & Finance
1:15 PM
CLOSING KEYNOTE
Andrew Devlin
Executive Coach | andrewdevlin.com
1:55 PM
BANK OF UTAH CHAMPIONSHIP TICKET DRAWING
2:00 PM
CLOSING REMARKS
Henrie Walton
Chief of Staff | Utah Tech University, SGACC Board Chair
2:05 PM
CONCLUDE 3
THANK YOU
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Shawn Christensen President & CEO | St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Shawn Christensen serves as President and CEO of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, bringing over 30 years of diverse business experience to Southern Utah’s growing economy. His career includes 14 years with Hearst Communications, where he served as head of Sales Recruiting and Training for Hearst Newspapers, three years as VP of Sales in the SAAS sector, including a successful exit with Clearview Social, and a role as Director of Business Development with World Trade
Center Utah. Christensen holds an accounting degree from the University of Utah. A dedicated father of four and passionate advocate for Southern Utah, Shawn can often be found on the golf course or at home cheering on his beloved Utes and Bills (no bandwagon fan here,he lived in Buffalo for 10 years from 2005-2015 when they were absolutely terrible) when he’s not working to support local businesses and economic development. He shares his love for the region with his family and two dogs, making St. George not just his workplace, but his home.
Isaac Barlow
Managing Partner | Tech Ridge Isaac Barlow is a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary leader who has transformed industries through technology and community building. Drawing from years in construction, Isaac has experienced firsthand the challenges of managing crews and projects. In 2010, he founded busybusy (now AlignOps), a workforce analytics platform that revolutionized time tracking and project management for construction. Launched globally in 2014, busybusy grew to serve over 50,000 contractors across 30+ countries, generating billions of data points to help companies boost productivity and profitability. The platform earned investment from Caterpillar Ventures and was ranked the
#1 time tracking app before Isaac successfully sold the company. Today, Isaac channels his energy into Tech Ridge, a masterplanned technology community in St. George, Utah, where he serves as principal developer and managing partner. Collaborating with the City of St. George and local entrepreneurs, he is creating a hub designed to attract top tech talent, drive innovation, and strengthen the regional economy. At full buildout, Tech Ridge is projected to add $3.25 billion annually to Washington County’s GDP. Known for blending deep industry expertise with technological innovation, Isaac continues to champion solutions that empower small businesses, foster growth, and build vibrant communities.
Chad Thomas
Economic Development Director | City of St. George, SGACC Board Member
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Chad Thomas is the Economic Development Director for St. George, where he drives growth for Southern Utah’s top economy. With over a decade of leadership experience, Chad previously managed economic development
projects resulting in over $1 billion in investment and the creation of 1,000 jobs. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State and a communications degree from Southern Utah University, combining strategic expertise with a passion for community development.
Derral Eves
Founder & CEO | derraleves.com & VIDTECH Derral Eves is an entrepreneur, author, producer, and one of the world’s leading experts on YouTube and audience development. He is the founder of VidSummit, the premier conference for video creators and industry leaders, and the author of The YouTube Formula. Derral is also a co-founder and executive producer of The Chosen, the groundbreaking global television series about the life of Jesus Christ.
Over the course of his career, Derral has helped creators, brands, and organizations generate billions of views and build highly engaged global communities. His work sits at the intersection of storytelling, technology, audience psychology, and entrepreneurship. At the heart of Derral’s work is a simple belief: when you understand people, serve them well, and tell stories that matter, you can create an impact far greater than views, followers, or revenue.
Melanie Jones CEO | Sego Leadership Melanie Jones is the Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Leadership Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to elevating professional women through cohort-based training programs and corporate partnerships. Throughout her career, Melanie has championed the stories and leadership of others—a commitment that continues in her role at WLI, where she is dedicated to changing the experience and narrative of what it means to be a businesswoman in Utah. Melanie brings over 25 years of business leadership experience to WLI, most recently serving as the awardwinning editor-in-chief of Utah Business. Previously, she spent decades in the medical device manufacturing industry in leadership roles at Ultradent Products, and later as Chief of Staff and VP of Planning at Younique. With a deep understanding of the power of storytelling, Melanie has spoken at events including the Silicon Slopes Summit and interviewed business leaders for podcasts and on-stage fireside chats, including Jason Feifer, Aaron Skonnard, Jacki Zehner, Allyse Jackson and more. She co-authored an online video course
on creating monetizable YouTube content and has ghostwritten for executives and community leaders. Melanie earned her bachelor’s degree from BYU Idaho in digital communication and media, and holds certificates from NYU/Rolling Stone in Modern Journalism, Harvard Business School Online in business fundamentals, and the University of British Columbia in Web Analytics. Committed to advancing women’s leadership, Melanie has served as an ambassador for the Utah Women & Leadership Project, co-led the Organizational Strategies Spoke of A Bolder Way Forward, and sat on the Thanksgiving Point Science Center Advisory Council. She has also served as a curator and speaking coach for TEDxSaltLakeCity. Melanie engages actively with her community as a frequent emcee, panelist, and podcast guest. Outside of work, Melanie started and ran a community produce co-op for six years. She loves reading books from different countries, traveling with her husband and four children, and credits both travel and the co-op for making her kids the least picky eaters she has ever met.
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David Walker
Former President | Intergalactic a GE Aerospace Company, EVP | Event Horizon Spaceworx (EHX) David Walker is an aerospace executive, investor, and operator with more than 25 years of experience helping businesses navigate growth, work through transformation, and solve complex transactions. Today, David serves as Executive Vice President of Event Horizon Spaceworx, the parent company of RAM Aerospace. Based in St. George, Utah, EHX invests in and operates aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and real estate businesses with a focus on building companies for long-term growth.
he helped lead the sale of Intergalactic and portions of RAM Aviation, Space & Defense to one of the world’s largest aerospace companies. Before joining EHX, David served as CFO of FlightSafety Defense and held senior leadership roles at Spirit AeroSystems, where he was responsible for a business segment generating approximately $4 billion in annual revenue.
At EHX, David has helped lead the growth and transformation of its aerospace businesses, including serving as President of Intergalactic Spaceworx. In 2025,
David and his wife, Jennifer, live in St. George, where they enjoy spending time with their family and being part of the Southern Utah community.
He follows and believes in the Zig Ziegler philosophy “You can get everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
Trent Mano
General Partner | Convoi Ventures Backing early-stage founders and building the connective tissue of Utah’s tech ecosystem. Trent Mano is a Utah-based venture capitalist and ecosystem builder dedicated to funding and supporting the region’s top early-stage entrepreneurs. As General Partner at Convoi Ventures, he acts as a strategic partner to founders at the pre-seed and seed stages, providing the critical early capital needed to launch breakout companies. A key driver of Utah’s startup community, Trent is a co-creator and main organizer behind Utah Tech Week,
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an initiative designed to cultivate authentic founder networks and showcase regional innovation. With extensive experience across venture capital and startup strategy, his focus extends beyond investment to building long-term infrastructure for local talent. Trent operates on the core belief that capital alone doesn’t build enduring companies—community, early mentorship, and direct alignment do. Because the true multiplier for any startup ecosystem isn’t just funding—it’s the strength of the network surrounding the people building it.
Nikki MacKay
CEO | Utah Foster Care & Co-owner | Xetava Nikki MacKay is the Chief Executive Officer of Utah Foster Care, where she leads a statewide team dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting foster families and strengthening opportunities for children and youth impacted by foster care. With nearly three decades of experience in child welfare, Nikki began her career as a foster care caseworker with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services before joining Utah Foster Care when the organization opened its doors in 1999. A founding member of the team, she spent two decades leading Foster Family Retention before becoming CEO in 2023. Her experience working throughout Utah’s foster care system has shaped her belief that strong families are built through relationships, meaningful support, and communities willing to show up for one another.
Throughout her career, Nikki has helped develop innovative programs, partnerships, and community initiatives that strengthen foster families and create opportunities for young people. In 2024, she was recognized as one of Utah Business’s CEOs of the Year. Beyond her work at Utah Foster Care, Nikki enjoys creating spaces where people feel connected and valued. Alongside her husband, Matt, she is involved in several Utah restaurant ventures centered around hospitality, memorable experiences, and community connection. Together, they enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Utah’s red rock landscapes, and traveling. Whether through child welfare, community partnerships, or hospitality, Nikki believes meaningful change begins with relationships—and with people willing to show up, stay curious, and find ways to make a difference.
Patrick Manning
Managing Partner & Developer | Black Desert Resort Patrick Manning is the managing partner at Black Desert and Reef Capital Partners, with 30 years of experience in real estate development. Specializing in full project life-cycles, from acquisition to marketing, Patrick has developed nearly 180 resorts, including the 600-acre Black Desert resort in Southern Utah. Under his leadership, Black Desert has
earned numerous sustainability awards, including the Platinum Certified Signature Sanctuary Award. A leader in both business and community, Patrick is actively involved with organizations like the American Resort Developers Association, Southwest Symphony Orchestra, and Utah Tech University. He values family and prioritizes community impact in both his personal and professional life.
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Greg Sanders CEO | SymbolArts
33 years building KSG Distributing, an entertainment distribution company, beginning in 1980 with 2 employees and 500k in revenue, culminating with 80 employees and nearly 40M in revenue at its peak. Retired as President and CEO in 2013. Joined SymbolArts, an Ogden based company, in 2013. Currently serving as CEO and enjoying assisting in
strategic planning and growth strategies. SymbolArts is the leader in creating Diamond Quality Experiences through custom recognition items and delivers solutions in the innovative process, including design, production and delivery. Active participant in the Ogden Weber Chamber Board, Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors, Ogden Weber Technical College Board of Trustees, and the Davis Arts Council Board.
Kash Rocheleau
Owner | Outgrow Accounting & Finance Kash Rocheleau is the founder of Outgrow Accounting & Finance, a fractional CFO, and a financial strategist who helps business owners move beyond reactive bookkeeping and into confident, datadriven decision-making. With more than a decade of experience in corporate finance, accounting leadership, and executive operations, Kash brings a practical, real-world perspective to business growth. She worked her way up from the ground level in corporate America into CFO and CEO-level roles, leading financial strategy, system improvements, forecasting, budgeting, and operational decision-making for multi-million-dollar organizations. Kash is known for making financial information understandable, useful, and actionable. Through Outgrow Accounting & Finance, she helps business owners understand what their numbers are really saying,
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identify where profit is leaking, improve cash flow, and build financial systems that support sustainable growth. A former Division I and professional athlete, Kash brings the same discipline, preparation, and resilience from athletics into business leadership. She believes that at a high level, talent is expected — but the difference comes from execution, feedback, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure. Beyond her professional work, Kash is married to her best friend a U.S. soldier and is a proud mother of three. Her family shares a deep passion for faith and for serving their community, and that same commitment to service shows up in the way Kash supports business owners, local organizations, and the people around her. Kash is passionate about helping business owners outgrow the guesswork and lead with financial clarity.
Andrew Devlin
Executive Coach | andrewdevlin.com Helping business owners build a bigger business without losing themselves in the process. Andrew Devlin is an executive coach based in Southern Utah, working with business owners and entrepreneurs who want to grow their business—without losing themselves, their relationships, or their sense of control along the way.
Andrew Devlin
Originally from Northern England, Andrew lives in St. George with his wife Janelle and their four children. they run twoprocess. thriving businesses while building ess owners build a bigger business withoutTogether, losing themselves in the a life centered around family, faith, and adventure. With is an executive coach based in Southern Utah, working with business owners and hours of relationships, one-on-oneor coaching experience, who want to grow their business—without over losing35,000 themselves, their
ch & Keynote Speaker
Andrew has worked with leaders at every level—from local business owners to global organizations including Toyota, World Omni, and JM Family Enterprises, as well as alongside mentors like Tony Robbins and John Maxwell. Andrew’s work focuses on the psychology behind performance—how business owners think, make decisions, and lead under pressure. He helps clients shift out of overwhelm and reactive patterns into clarity, confidence, and intentional leadership. Because in his experience, the biggest bottleneck in any business isn’t strategy—it’s the psychology of the person leading it.
control along the way.
Northern England, Andrew lives in St. George with his wife Janelle and their four ther, they run two thriving businesses while building a life centered around family, enture.
00 hours of one-on-one coaching experience, Andrew has worked with leaders at om local business owners to global organizations including Toyota, World Omni, and erprises, as well as alongside mentors like Tony Robbins and John Maxwell.
Henrie Walton
focuses on the psychology behind performance—how business owners think, make lead under pressure. He helps clients shift out of overwhelm and reactive patterns nfidence, and intentional leadership.
Chief of Staff | Utah Tech University, SGACC Board Chair
experience, the biggest bottleneck in any business isnʼt strategy—itʼs the Henrie Walton serves as Chief of Staff at the person leading it.
Utah Tech University, where he works with institutional leadership and community partners to support the growth and success of Southern Utah. Having spent most of his life in the area, Henrie is passionate about building relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration that strengthen
industry, expand access to higher education, and benefit Washington County. Before joining Utah Tech, he earned a Master of Science in Global Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him soaking up the sunshine in Santa Clara with his wife, Bryn, and their two daughters, Stella (4) and Vivian (1). Besides traveling, he enjoys riding his bike and spending time with his loved ones.
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B O A R D
O F
DIRECTORS
Henrie Walton Board Chair
Utah Tech University
Ronda Neilson
Women’s Initiative Co-Chair Black Desert Resort
Rita Vigor
Events Committee Co-Chair Canyon Media
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Marie Bowcut
Board Vice Chair
Dixie Technical College
Anthony White
Matt Heaton
Board Past Chair Big-D Construction
Chris Connors
Tourism Committee Co-Chair
Tourism Committee Co-Chair
Gregg Robison
Brandon Vandermyde
RAM Aviation, Space & Defense
NAI Excel
Hallows & Company
Business Resources & Membership Co-Chair
Bonrue Bakery
Business Resources & Membership Co-Chair
Jon Cole
Treasurer & Secretary Redstone Management Consulting
Elizabeth Wilson
Chamber Serves Committee Co-Chair CodingIT
Brien Sonzogni
Marketing Committee Co-Chair Ivory Gorilla
Wendi Bulkley
Women’s Initiative Co-Chair Utah Tech University
Josh Sutton
Events Committee Co-Chair Wittwer Hospitality
Chad Thomas
Marketing Committee Co-Chair City of St. George
ST. GEORGE BUSINESS SUMMIT PRESENTED BY
136 N 100 E, St George, UT 84770
|
s t g e o r g e c h a m b e r. c o m
|
435.628.1650