Salt Lake Chamber

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over 140 years, the American Red Cross has been delivering vital services — from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping individuals prepare for emergencies. Regional CEO of Utah and Nevada, Heidi Ruster, joins us with more.

Heidi Ruster:

Turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. Every day, communities across the country rely on the Red Cross during moments of crisis.

From helping those displaced by disasters like fires and floods to supporting lifesaving blood collections, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. With 90 percent of the workforce made up of dedicated volunteers, your efforts can make a lasting impact.

Find the role that’s right for you and help turn tragedy into hope. We can’t do it without you or your organization. Visit RedCross.org/volunteer to get started. You can also support our mission by donating blood.

The need is constant, and sometimes critical. Hospital patients — from accident victims to cancer patients and premature babies — count on generous donors like you.

One blood donation can save multiple lives. Schedule your appointment today at redcrossblood.org. Together, we can create hope and save lives.

Derek Miller:

The American Red Cross is creating lasting change by bringing hope and support to communities in need. Their commitment strengthens lives every day — and you can help carry it forward. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 5/28/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. American Packaging Group, founded in 1993 by Jeff Tiede, stands out in a crowded industry by putting people first. Jeff saw a need for better customer service and more attention to detail — especially for businesses looking for customized packaging solutions. That mindset still drives the company today.

What makes American Packaging different is their hands-on, personalized approach. They take time to understand not just what a business needs, but what the people behind the business need. From there, they create solutions that save time, reduce costs, and improve product presentation and protection.

Their specialties include folding carton boxes with full-color printing and specialty coatings, corrugated boxes ranging from standard brown to high-end litho-laminates, and even full-size retail displays. They also offer co-packing and contract packaging for powders and granular products, often into stand-up pouches or other shelf-ready formats.

From initial concept to final product, their team works closely with clients — offering ideas, making samples, testing products, and making sure the fit is just right.

If you're looking for packaging that works harder than your business email jeff at americanpackage.com to get started.I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 5/27/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. American Preparatory Academy has been helping Utah students succeed since 2002, with a strong focus on academics, character, and college prep. Today, they serve over 5,000 students across multiple campuses statewide. Superintendent, Carolyn Sharette, joins us with more.

Carolyn Sharette:

American Prep Academy’s award winning academic model teaches each student at their academic level in reading and math. We do this by hiring two teachers for every elementary classroom, and creating small classes based on the student’s level instead of their grade. We report to parents daily on their child’s progress. We also ensure our students have a fun and engaging experience at school every day.

Our high school students participate in sports, music, dance and drama, and receive personalized support for college applications. Our schools focus on classical education, which includes art and music instruction for all students, and we study the great books that students love, developing strong, lifelong readers.

Our name, American Prep, describes our passion for developing students who will succeed in every facet of American life. Our students become experts in America’s history, our Constitution, and our unique form of government.

American Prep loves serving Utah families.

Derek Miller:

American Preparatory Academy is helping shape the next generation of leaders who are ready to take on the world and make a lasting impact. To learn more about their schools and programs, visit AmericanPrep.org. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 5/23/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. WSP is a global leader in professional services, combining engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to create positive change. They envision future possibilities and bring them to life through technical expertise and innovative solutions. Senior Vice President, Shannon Bond, joins us with more.

Shannon Bond:

This year marks four decades of transformative WSP collaborations with

Utah clients, partners and community members.

WSP is committed to helping deliver projects that improve critical infrastructure and sustain long-term regional growth, from highways, airports and public transit to power, energy and buildings.

I’m proud to say, WSP earned Engineering News Records’s Intermountain

Region number one position on its 2024 Top Design Firms ranking. This

recognition drives us to continue supporting Utah’s biggest infrastructure

initiatives.

Through several acquisitions in recent years, we now have about 200 Utah-

based professionals, offering advanced, multidisciplinary solutions for

projects like UTA’s new headquarters, the world-leading ACES green hydrogen storage facility and 2034 Winter Olympics coming

back to our city.

WSP is honored to be part of incredible opportunities and always seeks top talent to help bring community-shaping projects to life.

Derek Miller:

WSP is all about shaping communities with innovative engineering, design and consulting. They’re working on projects that make a real impact on the world around us. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 5/22/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. If you’ve traveled through Salt Lake City's revitalized Central 9th, you’ve seen the work of architect Jason Foster. Now part of GSBS Architects, his firm Atlas Architects brings a new and fresh perspective. Jason Foster joins us to share how the partnership will benefit Salt Lake.

Jason Foster:

When Atlas began in 2008, we wanted to focus on urban projects more “human” in scale than downtown high-rises. Central 9th, just a few blocks south of downtown, provided that opportunity. Fifteen years ago, it was a gritty strip of auto-body shops and warehouses.

Few people lived there or bothered using the 900 South TRAX stop. Today, hundreds of housing units have been added. Award-winning restaurants and bars like Water Witch and Nohm are must-visits. Infinite Scale, SpyHop, and Bicycle Collective brought jobs and activities.

The City then built the 9-Line trail and street improvements. Central 9th is now a bustling, interesting neighborhood where people want to live, work, and hang out.

I previously worked at GSBS and knew they shared our vision and values, so joining forces was a no-brainer. Together, we’re excited to expand our vision and reach to help improve communities – and their “interesting edges” – throughout Utah and beyond.

Derek Miller:

With the merger of Atlas and GSBS Architects, clients gain a team with expanded expertise and a shared commitment to thoughtful, community-focused design. To learn more visit GSBSArchitects.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 5/21/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. CMIT Solutions is an award-winning managed service provider offering fast, dependable IT and help desk support. They provide flexible coverage tailored to the level of support your business needs. Co-owner and General Manager, Stephanie Isiko, joins us with more.

Stephanie Isiko:

At CMIT Solutions of Sandy, we’re all about keeping your business running smoothly and securely — without the stress of managing IT on your own. We offer 24/7 monitoring, a super responsive help desk, and proactive maintenance to prevent problems before they happen.

Need better collaboration? Our cloud solutions have you covered with secure storage and easy access to your files and apps. Cybersecurity’s a big deal, and we take it seriously. From stopping ransomware and phishing attempts to helping you stay compliant with HIPAA, GDPR and other regulations — we’ve got your back.

And if disaster strikes? We’ll help you bounce back fast with reliable data backup and recovery.

We’ll help you plan ahead with smart IT strategies aligned to your goals. Whether you’re in healthcare, law, finance or retail — we tailor support to fit your world.

And with local help backed by a national network, we’re always nearby when you need us.

Derek Miller:

If you're looking for trusted IT support that grows with your business, CMIT Solutions has you covered. With local service and nationwide strength, they make tech simple. Learn more at CMITSolutions.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 5/20/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Bridges Language Institute provides dynamic, immersive language education for all levels. Whether you're just starting out or refining your skills, their experienced instructors are there to guide you every step of the way. Owner Shauna Carroll, joins us with more.

Shauna Carroll:

At Bridges Language Institute, we provide on-site English and Spanish language training for businesses. With the growing need for bilingual communication, we help companies improve team collaboration, customer service and productivity.

The best part is that we partner with the state to offer reimbursement for the training costs, making it a cost-effective way to invest in your employees. Not only does this strengthen their skills, but it also shows how much you value their growth, reflecting a progressive, culturally aware company. Our programs are tailored to your employees' needs, ensuring the training directly applies to their roles.

With an emphasis on real-world communication and confidence-building, this hands-on training helps create a more inclusive and connected workplace. If you own a business in the Salt Lake area, or know businesses with 5 to 10 employees even more who could benefit from this type of support, reach out to explore how we can help.

Derek Miller:

Bridges Language Institute helps businesses build real-world language skills and cultural know-how to thrive in today’s fast-paced, connected world. Learn more at BridgesLanguageInstitute.org and explore what they can do for you. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 5/19/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. AT&T is providing first responders nationwide with the dependable support they need during their most critical moments. Mountain & Desert States President for AT&T, Tara Thue, joins us with more.

Tara Thue:

While you know AT&T, you might not know about FirstNet, built with AT&T.

FirstNet is the only nationwide communications network built with and for public safety – with a set of specialized, innovative tools, technologies and features specifically designed for public safety.

And it takes an incredible team to make it work. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on someone who truly embodies the spirit of service – Jeff Bassett. Jeff plays a critical role with FirstNet, ensuring that first responders have the reliable, cutting-edge communication tools they need in the field.

Most recently, Jeff’s leadership was on full display when he traveled to California to assist with the devastating fires, working alongside first responders to ensure critical communications and safety measures were in place.

A hero right here in our community, Jeff’s career as Fire Chief for both the South Davis Metro Fire Service Area and Sandy City has touched countless lives, keeping our communities safe.

At AT&T, we are proud to recognize Jeff as a leader, and a true local hero.

Derek Miller:

FirstNet brings public safety agencies and first responders the prioritized connectivity they need to help them keep themselves and our communities safe. Learn more at FirstNet.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 5/16/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Chartway is a 3 billion dollar credit union that serves 260,000 members. Through its new business banking services and 16 million dollars in grants by the Chartway Promise Foundation, Chartway is making a community impact. Senior Vice President of Utah, Nick Whiting, joins us with more.

Nick Whiting:

We’re proud of the Chartway Promise Foundation, our charitable arm, dedicated to supporting medically fragile children and their families.

This year, we mark a milestone — 20 years of bringing joy, hope, and smiles to children through memorable experiences — whether it’s granting a child’s wish, providing hospital care packages, or partnering with local nonprofits.

This month, you can make a difference by joining us at a series of fundraising and awareness events. Learn more at chartwaypromisefoundation.org.

In addition to the foundation, Chartway also serves the small business community with a full range of business banking services. From cash management and merchant services to online wire transfers, business checking, and lending, Chartway helps businesses grow and thrive.

Additionally, we’ve earned the Juntos Avanzamos designation and now have three bilingual branches in Utah to better serve the Hispanic community.

Bottom line, at Chartway Credit Union, everyone is welcome.

Derek Miller:

As a growing credit union with a strong community commitment, Chartway is further expanding its footprint in Utah by adding a new branch in Herriman later this year — bringing its total number of branches in the state to 14. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 5/15/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Recognized with numerous accolades for exceptional service to both customers and employees, U.S. Bank is dedicated to helping individuals across the United States manage their finances, investments, and everyday banking needs. West Regional Executive, Brittany Westover, joins us with more.

Brittany Westover:

U.S. Bank serves customers and companies around the world and has been right here in Utah for the last 30 years.

We’re not just a bank – we’re part of the community, committed to building meaningful, long-term relationships.

Hundreds of us live, work, and volunteer in the area. We support local businesses. We’re invested in helping Utah grow and succeed. I think our clients see that.

They often talk about their high level of trust in us and how secure they feel having U.S. Bank as their financial partner.

We were recently named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies and Fortune’s most admired superregional bank. We work to earn those distinctions every day.

Whether you need a personal checking account, financing to expand your business, or advice on managing an investment portfolio, we’re ready to help.

To learn more, please visit USbank.com and click on “About Us.”

Derek Miller:

U.S. Bank is all about offering great service and making a real impact here in Utah. From their wide range of financial services to their active role in the community, they continue to make a meaningful difference. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 5/14/25