Salt Lake Chamber

This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business

Report.

Comcast has announced that it has upgraded Xfinity Internet speeds for more than 20 million customers, including hundreds of thousands of customers in Utah, for no additional cost.

Xfinity Internet tiers, and the NOW branded prepaid products, will benefit from 50 to 100 percent faster upload speeds than before, helping customers upload large files in a flash when working from home or posting videos to social media in seconds. Download speeds will also increase for most Internet tiers.

The speed increases are made possible by Comcast’s fiber-based network, which has been built to deliver an exceptional Internet experience to millions of homes and businesses and across Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Comcast’s footprint, including over 32,000 throughout Utah.

To learn more, visit the Comcast website.

The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business.

Originally aired: 3/31/25

This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business

Report.

The University of Utah recently announced a landmark 75 million dollar gift from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation to establish a new 800-thousand-square-foot state-of-the-art hospital and medical campus in West Valley City.

The gift will enable the construction of the university's first off-campus hospital in its 175-year history and its largest multi-specialty health clinic.

This expansion is a vital step in increasing health care access across Salt Lake County, ensuring that the more than 725-thousand residents living west of I-15 have greater access to hospital care.

The new campus will anchor an innovative university initiative that extends beyond health care delivery.

To learn more, visit the University of Utah Health website.

The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business.

Originally aired: 3/27/25

This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business

Report.

Utah Motorsports Campus has officially been renamed and rebranded as Burt Brothers Motorpark, marking an exciting new chapter in motorsports.

The new partnership between Burt Brothers Tire and Service and one of America's premier motorsports venues goes beyond naming rights. It creates new opportunities for fans, drivers and industry professionals alike.

Expect Burt Brothers-branded events, including tire safety clinics, performance driving workshops and sponsorship opportunities for race teams.

Plus, both organizations will also collaborate on educational programs, products and community initiatives designed to expand interest in motorsports and cultivate the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

The new brand and logo will roll out over the next few months and on Saturday, April 26th, there will be a public celebration for the new partnership.

The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business.

Originally aired: 3/28/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Every great business has a story – one that connects, inspires and moves people to action. And bringing those stories to life is what Avalanche Studios does best. President Dave Lindsay joins us with more.

Dave Lindsay:

When a business tries to sell a product, attract new customers, train their staff, or recruit employees, they’re really just telling a story. At Avalanche Studios, we use the power of video to help businesses make those stories unforgettable. We create commercials, branding videos, marketing materials and other content for websites, training and events.

And we take care of the entire process, from script to screen. We develop the concept, write the script, hire actors, scout locations and film cinematic visuals. Then we bring it all together with expert editing, sound design, music, graphics, effects and narration to create compelling content.

For over 25 years, many companies have trusted us to tell their stories – Companies like Comcast, Instructure, Taqueria 27, UDOT, Telarus, Savage and the Salt Lake Airport.

Our team of creative professionals and storytellers at Avalanche Studios have been helping businesses grow, by telling their stories.

So, what’s your story? We’ll help you tell it.

Derek Miller:

Great stories don’t just entertain — they make an impact. And with the right visuals, your business’s story can do the same. To learn more about what Avalanche Studios can do for you, visit their website, avalanche-studios.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 4/10/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over a century, Utah Food Bank has been fighting hunger across all 29 counties, making sure Utahns in need don’t go without nutritious meals and essential support. President and CEO, Ginette Bott, joins us with more.

Ginette Bott:

Right now, 415,000 Utahns — including 1 in 6 kids — are at risk of missing a meal, and Utah Food Bank is here to help.

We work tirelessly to ensure Utahns facing food insecurity get the support they need.

As Utah’s only Feeding America affiliate, we partner with over 270 agencies, including food pantries, shelters, and schools, all to distribute food free of charge.

Last year, thanks to generous community support, we provided 65.5 million pounds of food — equal to 54.6 million meals — through our state network, our partner agencies and programs like Kids Cafe, Mobile School Pantry, and Food Box deliveries for seniors all help.

We couldn’t do this without support from the community. Every 1 dollar donated turns into 7.80 dollar worth of food and services, and volunteers contributed an incredible 183,000 hours last year.

Whether you give food, time, or money, you make a real difference—get involved at UtahFoodBank.org.

Derek Miller:

Utah Food Bank plays a crucial role in strengthening communities by providing nutritious meals to those in need. Through partnerships, programs, and the support of donors and volunteers, they fight hunger and make a lasting impact across the state. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 4/9/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Slalom is a business and technology consulting firm with 52 offices in 12 countries. Founded in 2001, Slalom opened their Salt Lake City office in 2020 and is proud to have served Utah for the past 5 years. Director of Sales, Brian Ware, joins us with more.

Brian Ware:

Every day, Slalom works at the forefront of industry, combining our deep roots in technology and data, to help our customers tackle challenges, improve operations, and drive sustainable growth.

We make it a point to understand our customer’s culture, goals, organization, and their customers, and work with them as a trusted advisor, respectful challenger, and unwavering champion.

For more than 20 years, we've sought out and made strategic investments in the world’s emerging and leading technology platforms – including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Snowflake, and more. Our relationships with these innovators is built on mutual trust and respect, and has cemented our position as a premier (and often first) partner of choice.

At Slalom, we bring more day-one advantages, more connections and breakthroughs, more doing the right thing, and more return on your investment. So that together, we can dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all.

Derek Miller:

Slalom is trusted by leaders across the majority of the Global 1000, many of the world’s most successful enterprise, mid-market, and emerging companies, and more than 500 high-impact public sector agencies, foundations, and universities. I’m Derek Miller with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 4/8/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Brighton Bank has been a trusted partner in the Wasatch Front since 1978. With a commitment to integrity, dedication and exceptional service, they offer personalized care to meet the unique needs of each customer. President and CEO, Bruce Ashcroft, joins us with more.

Bruce Ashcroft:

At Brighton Bank, we provide personalized care to each customer. Unlike larger institutions, we specialize in supporting small businesses with tailored financial solutions that cater to their unique needs. With over 300 million dollars in assets and 5 convenient locations, we combine the reach and capabilities of big banks with the warmth and care of a small-town institution.

Beyond banking, we’re committed to strengthening our local communities through donations to organizations like Primary Children’s Hospital and supporting local events such as Cottonwood Heights Butlerville Days.

Our community involvement is an integral part of our mission to build lasting relationships.

At Brighton Bank, you're more than just an account number — you're a valued member of our community.

We take pride in helping small business owners thrive, offering SBA lending and customized services to help you reach your goals.

Choose Brighton Bank for a personal, community-driven banking experience. Visit us at BrightonBank.com.

Derek Miller:

Brighton Bank is committed to helping both the community and its clients thrive. They offer personalized banking services tailored to small businesses and actively support various local organizations, ensuring their impact extends beyond just financial services. I’m Derek Miller with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 4/7/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Copper makes the technological world go round. Few produce more of it than Rio Tinto Kennecott. A staple of Utah life for decades, the mine has also made a major impact on Utah’s business world. Managing Director Nate Foster tells us more.

Nate Foster:

For 122 years, Rio Tinto Kennecott has been a cornerstone of Utah life, providing generations of Utahns with fulfilling careers while striving to be good corporate citizens through responsible environmental measures.

As one of the nation’s top copper producers, our work powers essential technologies such as electrical wiring, cell phones, computers, electric vehicles and more. As a critical resource, copper plays a key role in shaping our economic future, making our mission even more vital to the prosperity of Utah and the U.S.

We also have a deep commitment to safety at our operations and being good neighbors in our beautiful community. We donate water to the Great Salt Lake annually, and are advancing sustainability efforts, with our use of renewable diesel, Battery Electric Vehicles and solar panels.

Through innovation and responsible mining, we’re shaping a sustainable future while continuing to support the industries that rely on copper every day.

Derek Miller:

With all its many uses, copper is an essential part of our daily lives, and a vital component to our future. Rio Tinto Kennecott and Utah not only share a rich history but a very bright future as well. Learn more at RioTinto.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 4/4/25

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Project Connection, a local nonprofit, was founded on the belief that connection is essential for mental health. They provide mental health services that improve well-being and foster resilience. Director of Development and Community Engagement, Jennifer Holmberg, joins us with more about their efforts.

Jennifer Holmberg:

Did you know that the number of young adults in Utah experiencing poor mental health has more than doubled in the last decade? According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah ranks 11th for mental disorders, 3rd for serious mental illnesses and 4th for adults with serious thoughts of suicide.

Project Connection is addressing this critical crisis by improving access to quality mental health care and offering innovative, community-based support services in Salt Lake County. We believe that connection builds resilience, and together, we can make a real, lasting difference in mental health for our community and beyond.

With support from donations, grants and community partnerships, we’re able to offer these essential services to everyone.

To learn more about our services or how you can join our network of businesses, groups and individuals creating points of connection in our community, visit ProjectConnection.co.

Derek Miller:

Project Connection is making a tangible impact on individuals' lives by fostering healing through connection. Their trauma-informed, evidence-based approach provides trusted therapy, wellness support and social prescribing, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and thrive together. I’m Derek Miller with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 4/3/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. A strong workforce starts with the right training, and Mountainland Technical College has been equipping students with that foundation since 1989. With hands-on learning and industry-aligned programs, MTECH prepares students to excel in high-demand careers. College President, Clay Christensen, joins us with more.

Clay Christensen:

At Mountainland Technical College, we don’t just train students — we build Utah’s workforce.

As a proud partner of the Salt Lake Chamber, we share a commitment to strengthening Utah’s economy by equipping students with the skills employers need most.

Our graduates don’t just fill positions - they fuel business growth. Each MTECH graduate generates an average of 265,000 dollars per year in economic output, and for every tax dollar invested in an MTECH student, the state receives a 142 dollar return in economic activity – year after year.

Our industry-driven curriculum, employer partnerships and hands-on training ensure that MTECH graduates step into the workforce confident, capable and ready to make an impact. Not only that, MTECH is one of the most affordable higher education options in Utah, with 99 percent of our students graduating debt-free.

Good for students. Good for business. Good for Utah.

Learn more about how MTECH can strengthen your workforce at MTEC.EDU.

Derek Miller:

Mountainland Technical College is shaping Utah’s future. By focusing on hands-on experience and industry needs, they’re helping students launch careers while strengthening businesses and the economy. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 4/2/25