Salt Lake Chamber

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Thomas Jacobson Law is a Utah firm focused on real estate and business law. The firm helps clients navigate transactions, development, litigation, contracts and other complex legal matters. Attorney, Tom Jacobson, joins us with more.

Tom Jacobson:

I’ve been privileged to serve my communities as an attorney for many years. Early in my career, a mentor taught me that an attorney's most important responsibility is to serve the client. That lesson has shaped my practice ever since. When businesses call their attorney, they need someone who understands their business, knows their specific needs and is there when it matters.

At Thomas Jacobson Law, that means being responsive and accessible, whether a client needs assistance during the workday, in the evening or over a weekend. My practice focuses on real estate matters, business transactions and labor and employment issues, with an emphasis on building lasting client relationships.

When a matter requires additional expertise, Thomas Jacobson Law also works with a network of attorneys and other professionals to help clients navigate complex issues. For me, practicing law is ultimately about being a trusted resource clients can turn to when they need guidance the most.

Derek Miller:

Thomas Jacobson Law combines decades of experience with a focus on responsive, relationship-driven legal services for Utah businesses and clients. To learn more, visit TomJacobsonLaw.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 10/14/26

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Chamberlain University has opened a new Salt Lake City campus, expanding its nursing education programs into Utah. The university offers students a hands-on path to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Executive Campus Director, Trevor Scott, joins us with more.

Trevor Scott:

Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and as we grow, so does the need for nurses who can care for our families, our neighbors and our communities. Today, health care organizations across the country are facing significant nursing shortages. In fact, 76% of clinicians say staffing shortages are compromising their ability to deliver high-quality care. That’s not just a health care issue; it’s a community issue.

And that’s why Chamberlain University is here in Salt Lake City. We’re excited to become part of this community and help address one of health care’s most important challenges: preparing more nurses to serve the people of Utah.

We’ve designed our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program around helping students succeed. Students can earn their BSN in just three years, with multiple start times, flexible scheduling, hands-on learning and dedicated support from their first day on campus through graduation.

Applications are open now, and our first cohort begins October 26th. So to learn more, visit Chamberlain.edu/SaltLakeCity. We’re proud to be here and can’t wait to welcome our first students.

Derek Miller:

Chamberlain University is expanding nursing education opportunities in Utah, helping prepare skilled nurses to serve patients and communities across the state. Their new Salt Lake City campus is another investment in strengthening Utah’s health care workforce. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 10/13/26

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Kourageous Vision is creating pathways for women to rebuild their lives through education, mentorship and community support. The organization helps women find connection, confidence and purpose as they take their next steps forward. Founder and CEO, Kim Gomez, joins us with more.

Kim Gomez:

Founded in 2023, Kourageous Vision helps women rebuild their lives and reconnect with their communities. Since we began, we have served more than 1,500 women in shelters, treatment centers, sober living homes, re-entry programs, correctional facilities and community settings.

Our work goes beyond weekly classes. We provide life-skills education, one-on-one mentoring, Bible studies, resume and employment support, clothing assistance, professional haircuts through Kuts of Kindness and connections to essential resources.

We also create opportunities for women to engage with their communities and experience firsthand the warmth of being welcomed, connected and supported through relationships with professional women and community leaders. We work alongside community partners, including the Utah Department of Corrections, Valley Behavioral Health, Salt Lake Metro Jail, Salt Lake County Drug Court, Tech-Moms, SwipeJobs, Volunteers of America and many others.

Our goal is simple: to remind every woman that she matters, she has value and her story still has purpose.

Derek Miller:

By creating opportunities for encouragement and growth, Kourageous Vision helps women move forward with confidence and hope. To learn more or get involved, visit the Kourageous Vision website. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 10/12/26

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah is emerging as a national hub for aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing. This October, 47G will showcase that momentum during Hard Tech Week, bringing together the people and companies building the future. Here to share more is 47G President and CEO Aaron Starks.

Aaron Starks:

Why hard tech, and why now? Because talent, technology, capital and urgency are coming together to accelerate innovation across America, and Utah is uniquely positioned to lead.

Hard Tech Week is where deep science and engineering become tangible solutions. Think advanced aircraft, defense systems, new materials and manufacturing technologies — innovations that strengthen our economy and our national security.

Hard Tech Week will bring that work to life across Utah through live demonstrations, facility showcases and industry events. Companies, investors and leaders will come together to see what’s being built, make meaningful connections and help accelerate the next generation of innovation.

Anchoring the week is 47G’s flagship Zero Gravity Summit, October 28 and 29.

Utah has the talent, companies and collaborative spirit to shape the future of hard tech. Hard Tech Week is our opportunity to show the nation what’s happening here, and why this is Utah’s moment.

Derek Miller:

Hard Tech Week showcases how Utah companies are turning groundbreaking ideas into real-world technologies that strengthen our economy and national security. To learn more about Hard Tech Week and 47G’s Zero Gravity Summit, visit 47G.org. I’m Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 10/9/26

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For more than 30 years, Tuacahn Amphitheatre has brought Broadway in the Canyon to Southern Utah. This season, audiences can experience Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A Family Musical, Les Misérables and Grease, along with concerts and special events. Chairman of the Board, Jonathan Hafen, joins us with more.

Jonathan Hafen:

Tuacahn Amphitheatre has become a destination for exceptional family entertainment in Southern Utah, creating unforgettable experiences against the breathtaking backdrop of our red rock canyon. But Tuacahn is more than a theatre. We are a nonprofit arts organization committed to making the arts accessible, supporting our community and welcoming visitors from across the country.

Every season, more than 350,000 guests come through our gates to experience world-class professional Broadway productions, concerts and other events. Those experiences create lasting memories for families, provide opportunities for artists and arts professionals and contribute to the vitality of our local community.

None of this happens without the incredible support of our patrons, volunteers, donors and community partners. Every ticket purchased, donation made, volunteer hour worked and recommendation to a friend helps keep the arts thriving in Southern Utah.

We invite you to experience Tuacahn for yourself. Visit Tuacahn.org to learn more.

Derek Miller:

From Broadway favorites to concerts and community events, Tuacahn brings the arts to Southern Utah. There’s always something to experience, and every event brings community together. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 10/8/26

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Gardner Village is a beloved Utah destination where pioneer history, local shops, restaurants and seasonal events come together. Its unique charm and welcoming atmosphere make it a special place for visitors of all ages. Co-Owner, Angie Gerdes, joins us with more.

Angie Gerdes:

Gardner Village began with my mom, Nancy Long, and her vision for a pioneer flour mill built in 1877 by Scottish immigrant and Utah pioneer Archibald Gardner. What started in 1980 has grown into a Utah landmark featuring local shops, restaurants and small businesses.

At the heart of the Village is the historic Gardner Mill, which my mom restored, and is recognized as a Utah Historic Site and a property on the National Historic Register. Today, my brother Joe and I are proud to carry on my mom’s legacy as owners of Gardner Village.

Visitors can stroll brick-lined paths and explore boutique shops in historic homes, restaurants, a day spa, classes and event venues. There’s also everything from petting zoos and train rides to escape rooms and five-course dining with a Vegas-quality magic show.

WitchFest is underway, bringing fall magic to the Village through Halloween. No matter the season, Gardner Village offers one-of-a-kind experiences found nowhere else in Utah.

Derek Miller:

From seasonal celebrations to local businesses and historic charm, Gardner Village continues to bring people together. To learn more, visit GardnerVillage.com and discover what makes this Utah destination so special. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 10/7/26

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For the last 19 years, Girls on the Run has served girls in Utah by using running as a tool to build confidence, resilience and healthy habits that last well beyond the finish line. Program Manager, Jessica Erickson, joins us with more.

Jessica Erickson:

At a time when girls' self-esteem and physical activity starts to drop, Girls on the Run Utah aims to teach girls to use their bodies in a way that relieves stress and helps them feel strong. Twice a week, trained volunteer coaches lead small teams through a curriculum that blends physical activity with lessons on kindness, teamwork and standing up for yourself.

The season builds toward a celebratory 5K, where every girl can experience the joy of accomplishing something really hard! This year alone, our coaches and community partners will work with about 2,000 girls across over a hundred schools in northern Utah, many running their first race ever.

We rely on local sponsors, school partnerships and volunteer coaches to keep the program accessible to every family, regardless of financial circumstances. If you believe in empowering the next generation of girls, find out more at GirlsontheRunUtah.org.

Derek Miller:

By helping girls build confidence, resilience and healthy habits, Girls on the Run is creating stronger, healthier communities across Utah. Its programs give girls the tools to overcome challenges, support one another and discover what they’re capable of achieving. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 10/6/26

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1987, Benchmark Books has offered a wide selection of new, used, out-of-print and rare books, specializing in literature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With a variety of categories and affordable prices, there’s something for everyone. Owner, Chris Bench, joins us with more.

Chris Bench:

There’s something special about holding a piece of history in your hands. At Benchmark Books, we’ve spent nearly four decades helping people discover and connect with the past through books, documents and artifacts.

Our collection ranges from affordable used and out-of-print books to rare and historically significant materials, including items that offer a window into Utah and the West’s history. Among them are early editions of important works, including the 1830 first edition of the Book of Mormon, which continues to draw significant interest from collectors and historians.

But whether someone is searching for a hard-to-find title, building a collection or simply loves books, we enjoy helping people find something meaningful. These materials preserve stories, ideas and experiences that might otherwise be lost.

Next year, we’ll celebrate our 40th anniversary, and we’re proud to continue serving readers, collectors and historians for generations to come.

We invite you to explore Benchmark Books and discover something meaningful.

Derek Miller:

Benchmark Books continues to help preserve Utah’s history by making rare books, documents and artifacts accessible to readers and collectors. Visit BenchmarkBooks.com or stop by their Salt Lake City store. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 10/5/26

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Playworks Utah is a nonprofit helping children build healthier lives through physical activity and meaningful play. Celebrating 15 years of impact, Playworks partners with more than 50 elementary schools across Utah. Executive Director, Desi Arends, joins us with more.

Desi Arends:

At Playworks Utah, we believe play brings out the best in every kid. But recess can become a source of conflict and lost classroom time. In Utah, only 14% of children get an hour of daily physical activity, and one in four youth reports feeling isolated.

Without active connection, kids miss opportunities to build resilience, teamwork and communication skills. Playworks partners with Utah schools to transform recess through proven proactive strategies, student leadership and positive adult role models.

When play is intentional, schools report physical activity increasing by 43%, and classroom engagement rising by 73%. Play isn’t just a break from learning; it is learning. We’ve brought the power of play to 175 schools and 22,000 students across Utah.

Help us reach every student, school and community by supporting the power of play. Learn more or donate at Playworks.org/Utah.

Derek Miller:

Playworks is helping Utah children build confidence, friendships and healthy habits through the power of play. Their work is creating safer, more connected school communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 10/2/26

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Celebrating its 153rd anniversary today, Zions Bank is the oldest financial institution headquartered in the Intermountain West. Since its founding, the bank’s mission has remained steadfast, even as technology and banking have evolved. Executive Vice President, Heidi Prokop, joins us with more.

Heidi Prokop:

Picture a one-room bank in 1873. Its sole cashier carries deposits of currency and gold home each night for safekeeping. Fast forward to today. From its 18-story headquarters, that same bank serves a vibrant business community across the state.

As an institution that has witnessed and fueled incredible change since its founding, Zions Bank is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of today’s entrepreneurs. Our innovative products help businesses fight fraud, make informed financial decisions and manage cash flow.

Experienced Zions Bankers build relationships with clients, offering customized insights as businesses launch, create jobs and grow. And local companies exploring new global markets can seize opportunities with our International Banking services.

From Silicon Slopes to Salt Lake City and beyond, we’re in it for the long haul as we guide startups and legacy businesses through all their stages.

Derek Miller:

From 4.9 million dollars in community support to helping businesses grow, Zions Bank invests in Utah’s entrepreneurs, providing relationships, resources and expertise to strengthen communities and the economy. Learn more at ZionsBank.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 10/1/26