Salt Lake Chamber

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. With over five decades of experience, The Boyer Company has continued to transform the landscape of Utah and beyond by creating vibrant spaces that foster innovation, commerce and community growth. President and Real Estate Developer, Nate Boyer, joins us with more.

Nate Boyer:

At The Boyer Company, we take pride in our role as one of the Western U.S.’s leading real estate developers and managers. For over 53 years, we’ve been shaping communities with a diverse portfolio spanning office, retail, industrial, medical, residential, and government properties. Since 1972, we’ve developed 48 million square feet of commercial space and currently manage over 26 million square feet with a focus on long-term value.

Our work includes some of Utah’s most iconic projects, such as 201 South Main, The Gateway, Business Depot Ogden, and The District Shopping Center. We’ve also been instrumental in shaping Silicon Slopes, delivering 15 tech headquarters that fuel innovation. Recent milestones include leasing 2.5 million square feet of industrial space and developing multifamily projects, including build-for-rent townhomes across thriving communities.

Visit BoyerCompany.com to learn more about our commitment to building spaces where people live, work, and innovate.

Derek Miller:

The Boyer Company’s commitment to quality and innovation has positioned them as a leader in real estate development. With transformative projects shaping Utah’s landscape, Boyer continues to drive growth, ensuring a bright future for the community and beyond. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 2/6/25

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

Visit Salt Lake is bringing back the Salt Lake Winter Roundup on Saturday, February 8th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Salt Lake City.

In collaboration with the Days of ’47 Rodeo, this expanded event will transform West Temple, between City Creek Center and Abravanel Hall, into a lively western hub that celebrates Salt Lake’s vibrant sports, arts, and cultural heritage.

This all-day celebration features something for everyone, including skijoring, a thrilling blend of rodeo and ski racing, along with live music, cultural performances, interactive brand displays, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

The Winter Roundup offers a one-of-a-kind celebration for all ages.

To learn more, head to the Visit Salt Lake website.

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

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

Silicon Valley venture capitalist, founder, and philanthropist Tim Draper is boosting Utah's young entrepreneurs with a 500,000 dollars gift to support the Utah Entrepreneur Challenge and High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge.

The Utah Entrepreneur Challenge is a business-model competition for college students at universities statewide, while the High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge focuses on business ideas from students ages 14–18.

Both initiatives, run by the nationally ranked Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah, aim to empower aspiring entrepreneurs through funding, prizes, and real-world experience.

Participants gain invaluable opportunities to connect with professionals, refine their ideas, and develop entrepreneurial skills, helping to launch their startups and prepare for the business world.

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

Originally aired: 2/5/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. CatTongue Grips offers practical, innovative solutions through its non-abrasive, slip-proof technology. They offer a variety of products, ranging from non-abrasive tape to adhesive gription pads, designed to stabilize your grip on anything that needs to stay put. Co-founder and CEO, Missy Kelly, joins us with more.

Missy Kelly:

At CatTongue Grips, we’re dedicated to designing non-abrasive, no-slip solutions that maximize safety, preventing slips, trips and falls.

Our mission is to enhance safety and usability by creating practical, non-abrasive grips that improve accessibility, reduce accidents and increase peace of mind. Designed to empower people of all abilities, our grips provide stability in bathtubs and showers and improve grip on household tools — whether in personal or professional settings.

As a certified women-owned business, we’re proud to collaborate with industries such as healthcare, aging-in-place, manufacturing, education and the military. By addressing the diverse needs of these sectors, we help improve accessibility, reduce risks and foster a culture of safety and inclusion in workplaces and communities.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to innovation and social responsibility. Every product we create is designed to make life safer and easier, contributing to a future where individuals and industries alike can thrive.

Derek Miller:

CatTongue Grips empowers individuals and businesses to thrive with confidence, safety and practical solutions. Discover how their products are transforming lives by visiting CatTongueGrips.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 2/5/25

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

Utah Valley University is partnering with Utah-based Clarion AI Partners, SchoolAI, and AskElephant to offer paid apprenticeships in applied AI to prepare students for the workforce and provide them pathways to well-paying tech jobs.

The three companies will offer students competitive wages based on the industry and role that are in line with federal guidelines.

As students gain new skills and competencies, there may be opportunities for wage increases.

The applied AI apprenticeship program will allow students to gain hands-on experience and learn necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities on the job rather than in just classroom settings.

To learn more, visit the Utah Valley University website.

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

Originally aired: 2/4/25

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

Envision Utah, along with Utah Workforce Housing Advocacy, has released a new report on Utahns’ perceptions of the state’s housing situation.

The research, conducted in late 2024, included a survey of approximately 600 adults and a multi-day online focus group with 36 people from different backgrounds, who shared their thoughts on housing in 20 to 40-minute sessions.

The report reveals that most Utahns agree there is a housing problem and that we must build more homes to increase supply and drive down prices.

Key findings not only include concerns about housing supply and availability, but also the importance of access to opportunities, especially for low-income individuals and first-time homebuyers, and the need to balance quality of life with adding new housing.

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

Originally aired: 2/3/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1975, Parr Brown Gee & Loveless has been a trusted partner for Utah businesses. Their experienced team offers top-tier legal counsel, helping companies navigate challenges and drive success. Shareholder and Attorney at Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, Jonathan Hafen, joins us with more.

Jonathan Hafen:

At Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, we are proud to celebrate 50 years of serving Utah’s business community. As Utah has grown into one of the top places to do business, we’ve had the privilege of supporting both local and national companies as they thrive here.

With this growth, businesses need sophisticated and trustworthy legal counsel, and that’s where we come in. Our team of nearly 100 attorneys and paralegals has extensive experience in business litigation and transactional matters, working with companies of all sizes. Our attorneys are top graduates from local and national law schools, and we represent some of the most recognized companies in the country.

But our commitment doesn’t stop at business. We are deeply invested in our community, helping Utahns navigate the legal system and offering pro bono support to arts and charitable organizations.

To learn more about us we invite you to visit parrbrown.com.

Derek Miller:

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless continues to lead with a strong commitment to supporting businesses and communities across Utah. Their blend of expertise, service and community involvement ensures they’ll remain a trusted partner for years to come. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 2/4/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Young Automotive Group is rich with history. What started as a single dealership in 1924 in Morgan, Utah has grown into one of Utah's and Idaho's most trusted automotive groups. President Spencer Young Jr. joins us with more.

Spencer Young Jr.:

For 100 years, the Young Automotive Group has been dedicated to delivering an exceptional customer experience. It's a commitment we've had since my great grandfather, Seldon "Jack" Olsen, founded our business, and it's been instilled in all of our locations throughout Utah, Idaho and Montana.

Throughout 2024, we celebrated 100 years in business. It's an achievement we're incredibly proud of, and we know that it's been attained because we've prioritized one thing: value.

We strive to provide value both in and outside of the showroom. Our employees operate on a series of principles that work to ensure you're provided with a quality deal and unmatched customer service. In addition, our dealerships strive to make an impact in their area.

Working with our charitable nonprofit, the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation, we've provided communities with nearly 7 million dollars and new clothing to over 6,000 children in need through our revolutionary KIND Fund program.

Our team at the Young Automotive Group is excited for the road ahead, and we can't wait to help you Think Young.

Derek Miller:

With over thirty automotive and powersports operations across Utah, Idaho and Montana, the Young Automotive Group continues to evolve, and plans to celebrate another monumental year in 2025. For more information, visit YoungAutomotive.com. I'm Derek Miller with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business

Originally aired: 2/3/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Nicknamed the Startup State, Utah is a place where people see their business dreams become reality. Here to help is Album VC, a venture capital team with a vested interest in early-stage tech startups. Founder and General Partner, John Mayfield, joins us with more.

John Mayfield:

At Album VC, we focus on early-stage technology investments, specializing in business software and startups rooted in Utah. For the past decade, we’ve invested in 6 to 10 high-potential companies annually, providing not just capital but mentorship.

Known for our founder-friendly approach, we’ve supported several Utah-based tech companies that have grown to exceed 1 billion dollars in market value. Notable successes include Podium, a customer communication platform; Filevine, a case management tool for lawyers; Divvy, a spend management software; and Neighbor, a peer-to-peer self-storage platform.

Our investment philosophy prioritizes genuine human connection, fostering long-term relationships with entrepreneurs over transactional dealings. This commitment has led to investments in over 100 companies, with assets under management surpassing 500 million dollars. At Album VC, we’re proud to help Utah’s tech ecosystem thrive while empowering founders to achieve lasting success.

Derek Miller:

Success in today's fast-paced business world demands a unique blend of talent, timing and expertise. As investors with entrepreneurial and operating backgrounds, Album VC combines instinct with strategic investment decisions. To learn more, visit Album.VC. I’m Derek Miller with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 1/30/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. With decades of expertise in event planning and catering, LUX Events blends premium services with eco-conscious practices, fostering connections, supporting communities and championing sustainability as a commitment to clients and the planet. Co-Owner and Managing Partner, Kelly Lake, joins us with more.

Kelly Lake:

As we celebrate over 30 years in the hospitality industry, we remain driven by a core belief: that hospitality is so much more than service — it’s about creating connections, celebrating communities and making a positive impact.

Sustainability has always been a priority for us. From the beginning, we saw the opportunity to be a leader in eco-conscious catering, offering sustainable practices like landfill-compostable disposables and sourcing local, seasonal ingredients. It’s about more than reducing waste — it’s about building our sustainable future.

As we continue to expand, across our family of brands, we’re focused on maintaining that balance between excellence and sustainability. We’re committed to offering affordable, eco-friendly options while staying true to the premium service our clients expect. And as we grow, we’re building a team that shares our values and passion for sustainability — internally and externally.

At The LUX Group, sustainability isn’t just a choice; it’s our promise to you.

Derek Miller:

LUX Events continues to lead the event and catering industry through innovation, creativity and a strong commitment to sustainability. By combining premium services with eco-conscious practices, LUX is shaping a future where special moments are celebrated while making a lasting positive impact. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.

Originally aired: 1/29/25