Salt Lake Chamber

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1960, the Humane Society of Utah is the state’s largest animal welfare and pet resource center, offering a variety of programs that help animals find safe, loving homes. Director of Finance and Strategic Planning, Majda Scofield, joins us with more.

Majda Scofield:

At the Humane Society of Utah, we’ve spent 65 years protecting animals and supporting the people who love them. Over the past year, we have helped more than 10,000 animals through programs like our Pet Retention initiative, which provides food, veterinary care, and guidance to keep families together with their pets.

Our veterinary clinic served over 38,000 clients, performing thousands of surgeries and administering vaccinations to keep pets healthy. Behind the scenes, our foster families care for more than 1,700 animals, and volunteers generously contributed tens of thousands of hours.

Not only that, we have educated thousands of children about compassion and advocated for stronger animal welfare laws.

Every day, our work strengthens the bond between people and pets, building a kinder, more compassionate Utah. Through our vital programs and initiatives, the Humane Society of Utah continues to make a lasting impact. Join us in making a difference.

Derek Miller:

Through education, fostering, volunteering, and adoption, the Humane Society of Utah is helping make our state a better place for both people and pets. To get involved or learn more, visit UtahHumane.org. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 8/28/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum in downtown Salt Lake has sparked curiosity since 1978. With over 12 interactive features and new exhibits every several months, it’s a great place for kids to learn and explore. Chief Executive Officer, Kathleen Bodenlos, joins us with more.

Kathleen Bodenlos:

Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is Utah’s only children's museum focused on science, art, and hands-on learning through play. With new exhibits opening every six months, there’s always something fresh, fun, and exciting to explore.

Experience the largest model train set in the Intermountain West, discover over 250 real fossils in an interactive dinosaur dig experience, and dive into immersive play spaces inspired by Utah businesses. There's no shortage of something for every age, interest, and ability. Here, fun is just the beginning!

Every exhibit is thoughtfully designed to help children discover and connect with the world — building foundational skills like communication, problem-solving, and more through joyful, active play. With daily art and science activities, engaging cultural events, and inclusive programs for all, Discovery Gateway is more than just a museum, it’s a place where families learn, grow, and play together.

See what’s new at DiscoveryGateway.org.

Derek Miller:

From dinosaurs to trains, Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum helps children build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking, helping raise stronger, smarter kids for Utah’s future. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 8/27/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since its founding in 1949, Grand Canyon University has offered diverse programs in education, sciences, business, music, fine arts, and nursing and continues to be known for producing skilled teachers, nurses, and health care professionals. Senior University Development Manager, Raymond Lauderdale, joins us with more.

Raymond Lauderdale:

Grand Canyon University now offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at our learning site in Sandy, Utah.

Designed for individuals with at least 60 transferrable college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, this program blends online coursework with hands-on skills labs, immersive simulations, and clinical rotations at respected health care facilities across the region. With three start dates a year, you can begin your nursing journey on a flexible and convenient schedule.

Grand Canyon University’s accredited ABSN program is built on a Christian worldview and emphasizes ethical practice, professionalism, compassionate care, and critical thinking — preparing you to make a real impact in the field.

For more information or specific details on nursing program accreditation and university approvals, visit the Grand Canyon University Salt Lake City website at GCU.edu slash Salt Lake City to learn more.

Derek Miller:

Grand Canyon University is committed to addressing workforce needs, expanding access to quality education, and partnering with local communities, helping meet the growing demand for dedicated health care professionals in Utah and beyond. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 8/26/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Clear numbers create strong businesses, and Durable Finance is helping Utah companies achieve both. From bookkeeping to CFO-level strategy, they’re giving business owners the tools to grow. Chief Executive Officer, Chase Murdock, joins us with more.

Chase Murdock:

Most accounting firms stop at the numbers, but we don’t. Durable Finance was built by operators, for operators: people who understand what it’s like to run a business and make difficult decisions under pressure.

We cover the fundamentals: bookkeeping, accounting, and accurate financial reporting, but our value goes beyond that. We provide strategic support through cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and CFO-level guidance that helps business owners move forward with clarity and confidence. Too often, business leaders are left guessing what their numbers really mean. We eliminate that uncertainty.

Our work gives owners the financial visibility they need to grow wisely and manage risk effectively. From startups to established companies, we work with businesses across industries to build financial systems that scale, support informed decisions, and fuel long-term success.

At Durable Finance, we don’t just deliver numbers, we deliver insight.

Learn more at DurableFinance.co.

Derek Miller:

Durable Finance is helping Utah businesses grow by providing clear financial guidance and support. They help owners make smart decisions, manage growth, and build strong, lasting companies that benefit Utah’s economy and local communities. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 8/25/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1994, Envision Engineering has been a trusted, award-winning team helping communities across Utah and internationally with smart, sustainable solutions in electrical engineering. Founder and senior principal, Jeff Owen, joins us with more.

Jeff Owen:

At Envision Engineering, we focus on the electrical side of building design, everything from lighting and power to security, audio visual, and communication systems. We work closely with architects and other engineers to design a wide range of projects including schools, airports, libraries, churches, offices, and more.

You’ve probably seen some of our work around town, like the new airport terminal, the Rice-Eccles Stadium expansion, or the City Creek Center. One area we’re really passionate about is sustainability. We designed the electrical systems for Utah’s first zero-energy K–12 school, Odyssey Elementary, which produces more energy than it uses.

At Envision Engineering, we’re always looking for smart, efficient ways to reduce energy and integrate solar where it makes sense.

We’re a team of about 45 people, and we take pride in being responsive, thoughtful partners.

For us, it’s not just about construction drawings, we care about creating systems that work well for the people who use them every day.

Derek Miller:

Envision Engineering is shaping Utah’s future by designing spaces that support learning, connection, and growth. Their behind-the-scenes expertise helps build stronger communities. To learn more about their work across the state, visit envisioneng.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 8/22/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Dawn McKenna Group is one of America’s top luxury real estate teams. In Park City, their partnership with the Schlopy Family blends local expertise with national reach to connect buyers and sellers in Utah’s premier mountain communities. Associate Broker, Erik Schlopy, joins us with more.

Erik Schlopy:

Over 30 years ago, I moved to Park City to train for the Olympics, and like so many others, I never left. The lifestyle, the community, and the mountains are simply unmatched.

Today, I help clients find their own piece of this incredible place, whether it’s a ski-in or ski-out condo, a family home, or a private mountain retreat. I’ve lived the Park City lifestyle for decades and understand every facet of the market.

Through the Dawn McKenna Group Schlopy Family and Coldwell Banker’s globally acclaimed brands, we combine local expertise with national and international reach. With direct access to key feeder markets through our top-producing colleagues across the country, we connect Park City properties with buyers actively seeking the mountain lifestyle.

We’re not just selling homes — we’re sharing a way of life we truly love. If you're buying or selling in Park City or the Heber Valley, I’d be honored to guide you through it.

Derek Miller:

The DMG Schlopy Family is shaping Utah’s luxury real estate market by connecting people to the places and communities they love most. Explore their work and listings at DMGSchlopyfamily.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 8/21/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1997, Western Governors University is a leading nonprofit that makes high-quality, affordable education more accessible. With a student-first approach and smart technology, WGU helps people gain the skills they need to move forward in their careers. President, Scott Pulsipher, joins us with more.

Scott Pulsipher:

Nearly 415,000 Utah residents have some college credit but no degree. Many others face relentless barriers to accessing and completing a life-changing degree or credential.

This untapped talent is exactly who Western Governors University was founded to serve. By creating accessible, equitable pathways, WGU enables human progress, so more individuals may experience economic mobility.

Our competency-based, skills-driven model ensures education is a pathway to opportunity, traversable by all, while providing employers with the skilled workers they need. As the future of work evolves, Western Governors University collaborates with employers to keep offerings aligned with workforce demands, adapting programs across healthcare, education, business, and IT.

Western Governors University delivers affordable, high-value degrees, certifications, and apprenticeships that lead to careers. Every student is paired with a dedicated faculty mentor who supports their complete WGU journey.

When we connect talent to opportunity at scale, we advance progress for individuals, families, employers, and society, across Utah and the nation.

Derek Miller:

Western Governors University continues to help shape a stronger, more inclusive future for Utah’s workforce. To learn more, visit WGU.edu. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 8/20/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1945, Catholic Community Services of Utah has empowered people in need to reach self-sufficiency, serving all regardless of their race, religion, or personal circumstances. Volunteer and Community Relations Director, Mariza Gallegos, joins us with more.

Mariza Gallegos:

At Catholic Community Services of Utah, we're committed to lovingly serving and providing hope along the Wasatch Front. Every day, we work to ensure that no one in our community faces hunger, homelessness, or hardship alone.

Through a variety of programs, we provide food for those facing hunger, daytime shelter for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and support for refugees resettling in Utah. At Catholic Community Services of Utah, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, no matter their background or circumstance.

With compassion at the heart of everything we do, we come alongside those in our community striving to make the best of hard situations. We also work closely with local partners, faith groups, and volunteers to extend our reach and deepen our impact across the state.

You can be a part of this work. By donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, you help build a stronger, more compassionate Utah. Learn more at CCSUtah.org.

Derek Miller:

Catholic Community Services of Utah uplifts individuals and families by addressing urgent needs with dignity and compassion. Their work builds lasting stability, strengthens communities, and opens doors to hope. Discover how you can support their mission today. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 8/19/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For more than two decades, Iron Gate Catering has been proudly serving Salt Lake City and Northern Utah and just recently earned a Silver Award in this year’s Best of Northern Utah for Catering. Co-owner, Jim Gilliland, joins us with more.

Jim Gilliland:

As a family-owned business, we’re known for exceptional service, customizable menus, and unbeatable value. Whether catering for 20 or 1,000 guests, our attention to detail and commitment to excellence remain consistent.

Need box lunches for a training session? We’re ready. Hosting a buffet for your company holiday party? Consider it done. Planning a plated dinner for your dream wedding? We’ll make it flawless.

Our experience ensures your event runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on your guests while we handle the catering with care and precision.

Trusted throughout Salt Lake City and Northern Utah, Iron Gate Catering delivers exceptional flavor and unforgettable moments. Visit us at IronGateCatering.com or call 435-881-4996 to begin planning your next event. Iron Gate Catering — 24 years of exceptional flavor and unforgettable moments.

Derek Miller:

Planning an event can be overwhelming, but Iron Gate Catering helps lighten the load with clear communication, dependable service, and steady support. Allowing you to focus on what matters most and enjoy the moment. See how they can elevate your next event. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 8/18/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. btone FITNESS Brickyard is a reformer Pilates remix studio in Millcreek offering 45-minute, full-body classes that combine strength, balance, and flexibility. Classes are beginner-friendly, open to all levels, and led by supportive instructors. Owner, Janeen McCormick, joins us with more.

Janeen McCormick:

At btone FITNESS Brickyard, we’ve created a space where everyone, no matter their fitness level, can feel challenged, supported, and seen. Our 45-minute TONE classes are joyful, Pilates-inspired workouts that blend strength training, functional movement, balance, and flexibility into one seriously effective workout.

We do it all on our custom reformer, which we call TONEy, and trust me, it brings the burn in the best way. What makes our method special is that it’s completely customizable.

Whether you’re looking to push and challenge yourself, if you’re new to fitness, or looking for core rehab postpartum, you’ll find options to modify or level up every move.

But more than that, our community is what keeps people coming back. Clients often tell us it feels like family the moment they walk through the door. That means everything to us because when you feel supported, you show up stronger. And that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Derek Miller:

btone Fitness is a supportive, welcoming community where people genuinely lift each other up every single day. To learn more or schedule a class, visit btonefitness.com or stop by their studio in Millcreek. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 8/15/25