Salt Lake Chamber

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. SME Steel Industries, based in West Jordan, provides high-quality structural steel solutions for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Their expertise ensures strong, precise, and reliable results for a wide range of construction needs. Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Emily Lockhart, joins us with more.

Emily Lockhart:

At SME Industries, we do a lot more than work with steel — we help shape the places where Utah comes together. We’re a family of companies built on craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep love for this state.

Over the years, we’ve taken on some of the biggest and most complex projects out there, handling everything from large-scale steel fabrication and erection to seismic bracing, ornamental metalwork, and logistics.

But for us, it’s not just about the buildings — it’s about the people. Through our partnership with Smith Entertainment Group, we’re helping foster kids in Utah find opportunities, play sports, and ultimately, find their forever homes.

We’ve also had the chance to leave our mark on some pretty special places — like the Delta Center and the Salt Lake Bees’ stadium. Utah is home. And giving back to the community that's supported us for decades is something we take to heart.

Derek Miller:

SME Industries does more than build buildings, they shape communities through innovative projects and partnerships. They strengthen local connections and give back to the state they proudly call home. Learn more at SMESteel.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 11/14/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The YMCA of Northern Utah helps kids, families, and communities thrive. From after-school care and summer camps to wellness programs and mentorship, they create spaces where everyone can grow, connect, and reach their full potential. CEO, Rich West, joins us with more.

Rich West:

At the YMCA of Northern Utah, big change often begins with something small.

It might be a shy preschooler’s first time in a classroom or a child at camp discovering something new. We focus on providing programs that spark confidence, resilience, and belonging; all essential to healthy communities.

And that’s why we’re here for families year-round, with affordable, high-quality Afterschool, Preschool, Summer Day Camps, Overnight Camps and Youth Skiing and Snowboarding programs.

The YMCA is for all, regardless of background. Through our Elevating Youth Campaign, we’re expanding and improving programs, so every child has access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and opportunities to learn and grow. These experiences are made possible by community support. Your gift, no matter the size, helps fuel youth development through play, learning, and leadership.

Donate today at YMCAUtah.org and help us build stronger kids and a stronger Utah.

Derek Miller:

The YMCA of Northern Utah continues to make a lasting impact by empowering families with resources and support that promote stability and belonging. Their work helps strengthen the fabric of Utah communities and inspires a spirit of connection statewide. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 11/13/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Neighborhood House plays a vital role in Utah by providing resources and programs that empower families and strengthen communities. From family support services to educational and social initiatives, they help Utahns thrive and build lasting connections statewide. Development and Communications Director, Andrea Arflack, joins us with more.

Andrea Arflack:

Neighborhood House is a nonprofit with a long-standing legacy of nurturing and educating children while supporting families with aging or disabled adults. Since 1894, we’ve helped hard-working, low-income families maintain stability and self-sufficiency through access to quality, affordable care.

We offer nationally accredited toddler, preschool, afterschool, and summer programs for children ages 15 months to 12 years. For adults who need supervised care during the day, our adult day services provide connection, engagement, and peace of mind for their families.

All services are offered on a sliding fee scale, ensuring they’re accessible to those who need them most. And now, with our expansion to the SPARK campus, Neighborhood House is reaching even more families, providing a welcoming, inclusive space where children, adults, and seniors can learn, grow, and thrive together.

Learn more at NHUtah.org or follow us on social media!

Derek Miller:

With expanded services and the SPARK campus, Neighborhood House continues strengthening Utah communities by creating inclusive opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Their programs support families, foster independence, and help build a healthier, more resilient state for everyone. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 11/12/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Kiwanis Club of Salt Lake is a volunteer-led organization that has been serving Salt Lake City for over a century. Focused on changing children’s lives through service projects and community engagement, they are making a real difference. President Terry Hritz, joins us with more.

President Terry Hritz:

The Salt Lake Kiwanis Club was founded on October 18th, 1918, and it’s been a force for our kids and the community — supporting schools, families, and neighborhood projects. Our signature effort is Terrific Kids. For 38-plus years, we’ve partnered with middle schools across Salt Lake City to recognize students who show growth in character, attendance, and effort.

Terrific Kids celebrates progress, not perfection, and it motivates young people to set goals, support classmates, and believe in themselves. Teachers tell us this program boosts morale and reinforces positive behavior, and students beam when their hard work is acknowledged.

Our mission is simple — to build a better community by helping kids thrive and create opportunities for them to reach their full potential.

If you’d like to learn more about the Salt Lake Kiwanis Club, log onto our website, SLCKiwanis.org or you can find the Kiwanis Club of Salt Lake on Facebook. And we welcome anyone who shares our vision to join us and make a lasting difference.

Derek Miller:

The Kiwanis Club of Salt Lake continues to uplift Utah communities through service, leadership, and compassion. Their ongoing efforts create brighter futures for children, strengthen neighborhood connections, and inspire others to give back and build a stronger, more caring Utah. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 11/11/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District provides water to homes, farms, and businesses across five Northern Utah counties. They also focus on conservation and sustainable water management for our communities’ future. CEO and General Manager, Scott Paxman, joins us with more.

Scott Paxman:

Water is life — and in Northern Utah, the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District is at the heart of it all. The District celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, since it was created on June 26th, 1950.

Serving over 700,000 residents across five counties, including Davis, Weber, Morgan, Summit, and a portion of Box Elder, Weber Basin delivers more than 230,000 acre-feet of water annually — supporting homes, farms, and industries.

From award-winning drinking water to innovative conservation programs, the District is leading the way in sustainable water management. With state-of-the-art treatment plants, community outreach, and a strong commitment to safety, Weber Basin ensures your water meets the highest standards.

Weber Basin Water Conservancy District — preserving Utah’s water, protecting Utah’s future, and investing in innovative solutions for a thriving, resilient community. Learn more at WeberBasin.gov.

Derek Miller:

The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District strengthens Utah’s economy, protects natural habitats, and supports daily life — ensuring that communities, wildlife, and industries can thrive together now and for generations. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 11/10/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. St. Jude, founded by Danny Thomas in 1962, leads the fight against childhood cancer and life-threatening diseases. Turning research breakthroughs into lifesaving treatment for children in the U.S. and worldwide. Senior Area Advisor, Sara Alisuag, joins us with more.

Sara Alisuag:

At St. Jude, children with the toughest pediatric cases receive world-class care while researchers invest in cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs. Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, so they can focus entirely on helping their child heal.

Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped raise survival rates for childhood cancer in the U.S., where now 4 out of 5 children survive. While the hospital is based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude supports children worldwide, including right here in Utah.

We share our research and findings freely with hospitals and doctors everywhere, including Primary Children’s Hospital and University of Utah Hospitals, so more children can benefit.

Locally, I’m helping raise awareness of how St. Jude supports families, children, and hospitals.

From the St. Jude Dream Home Showplace to the Country Cares Radiothon in Salt Lake City, there are always ways for our community to get involved and make a difference.

Derek Miller:

St. Jude continues making a meaningful impact in Utah communities, supporting children, families, and local hospitals through care, research, and outreach. Learn more about their lifesaving work and how to get involved at StJude.org. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 11/7/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Placemakr has expanded to downtown Salt Lake City, introducing a new apartment-hotel concept at The Brix Residences. The property combines residential living with hotel-style flexibility for short- and long-term stays. Operations Manager, Scout Starrett, joins us with more.

Scout Starrett:

Downtown SLC is buzzing... new hotels, new housing, a city that’s fast evolving. What was missing? A place that truly blends home and hospitality. That’s where Placemakr comes in, creating flexible living experiences that work whether you’re here for a night or a year.

We’re a national apartment-hotel brand reimagining where life happens. We’ve launched a stunning space in the heart of downtown at Brix Residences — where we manage 95 traditional apartments and 50 apartment-hotel units.

It’s a thoughtfully curated place where residents and guests alike feel right at home, complete with local partnerships that unlock exclusive discounts and make it easy to live, work, and play like a local.

Our spaces are designed for every kind of stay and traveler, with smart tech that makes every stay effortless. It’s hospitality living made simple — tech-easy, flexible, and built for real life.

Discover the smarter way to stay at BrixResidences.com or Placemakr.com.

Derek Miller:

Placemakr’s presence in downtown Salt Lake City strengthens Utah’s economy by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and creating new opportunities for residents. Their innovative model helps draw more people to live, work, and invest in Utah’s growing communities. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 11/6/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area helps local families build and buy affordable homes, offering the tools and support they need to achieve lasting stability, while strengthening communities and transforming lives. CEO, Carin Crowe, joins us with more.

Carin Crowe:

Families and communities truly thrive when housing is safe, stable, and empowering — and that’s exactly what Habitat for Humanity provides. By offering a variety of programs, we address immediate needs while supporting long-term stability for families across Utah.

Our Critical Home Repair Program ensures homes remain safe and accessible, while our Service Team for Exterior Projects provides fencing repairs, yard maintenance, and other improvements that keep homes sustainable. Families gain confidence and a sense of ownership by building modest, efficient homes through sweat equity, turning them into empowered homeowners.

Habitat Cares supports individuals and families by providing essentials and volunteer opportunities that help them move toward stability.

Beyond Utah, volunteers engage in Global Village builds, working alongside families abroad and learning from different communities. Initiatives like the ReStore and the seasonal Holiday Auction allow the community to get involved, by donating, volunteering, or shopping to directly support local families in need.

Derek Miller:

Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake continues to make a meaningful impact for families. Visit HabitatSaltLake.org and help them achieve their vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 11/5/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 2017, Kiln creates vibrant coworking spaces with private offices, shared work areas, and event venues — helping teams across the Western U.S. connect, collaborate, and grow together. CEO and Co-Founder Arian Lewis, joins us with more.

Arian Lewis:

So the world of work has shifted. Flexibility, creativity, and connection, these are the difference makers for businesses. And at Kiln, we have curated an incredible network of communities throughout Utah — spaces not just designed for productivity, but really to inspire your team.

So you can go from St. George to Provo to Lehi to Park City. We’re elevating the quality of life while people are working.

And, right here in Salt Lake City, we have a beautiful flagship location. It’s more than just an office — we have over 70 companies there, from enterprise companies to entrepreneurs, startups, creators. It’s really a centerpiece of the city’s innovation story.

And this October, we opened Kiln Holladay in the old Cottonwood Mall.

It’s really setting a new standard for coworking and flexible office — it’s beautiful, and it’s designed for teams of anywhere from 1 to 100. So you can be an enterprise company, you could be a startup, a family office, a law firm. We want to welcome you to Kiln, so come check it out. See it for yourself, book a tour at Kiln.com.

Derek Miller:

Kiln is helping Utah by fostering a stronger, more connected business community. Their support of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship is empowering local leaders, strengthening economic growth, and cultivating opportunities that positively shape the state’s future. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 11/2/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. One in four Utahns lives with a disability. Wasatch Adaptive Sports provides mobility and independence through adaptive programs and personalized support, empowering participants to lead active, fulfilling lives. Director of Development, Wes Warne, joins us with more.

Wes Warne:

This year, more individuals than ever before experienced the freedom of movement through Wasatch Adaptive programs, and over half were first-time participants.

89 percent of those participants were Utah residents, our neighbors in Salt Lake and Utah Counties. Research shows households with an adult who has a disability need, on average, 28 percent more income to reach the same standard of living as those without.

96 percent of the nearly 5 thousand experiences delivered by us were provided at no to low cost to our predominantly low to moderate-income participant base.

By partnering with Wasatch Adaptive Sports, businesses support our programs while also contributing to more than 25 other local organizations, aligning with values in areas such as children’s initiatives, health and wellness, and veteran services.

If you’re ready to elevate your marketing while making a real difference, we invite you to connect with us.

Derek Miller:

Wasatch Adaptive Sports is expanding access to adaptive activities across Utah, fostering inclusion, building confidence, and creating meaningful experiences for individuals in our community. Learn more at WasatchAdaptiveSports.org.

I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 11/1/25