The Valley Voice Podcast

How long before businesses and consumers are confident enough to invest, spend, and work like we did before the pandemic? That's a tough question to answer, but local business expert Bret Skousen talks through what the rest of 2020 might look like. Combining nearly 30 years in private business, and his recent work as a faculty member at the Utah Valley University Woodbury School of Business, Skousen discusses what the public policy response should look like, and shares some advice for business owners.
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New data from the state breaks down just how much the pandemic has hurt our economy. Good news? There are still two industry sectors that are strong and growing.

Phase IV of the Congressional response to the Coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact could be moving soon. On this episode we interview Jennings Imel, Executive Director of the US Chamber's Western Region. Jennings walks us through where things stand today for the next round of federal aid, and what the sticking points are that impact business. Find us on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Visit: thechamber.org and click on the podcast icon on the home page.

If you're a business owner who is following all the right guidelines to keep employees and customers safe during the pandemic, how do you then restore consumer confidence and bring back customers? We interview Phil Case with Max Connect Marketing to talk through strategies you can employ today.

Streamline Manufacturing is a local business that is jumping into the fray in the fight against Coronavirus. They retooled their manufacturing process, and they're now bottleing tens of thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer - and selling to Utah businesses at cost. We interview CEO John Durley.

Utah Governor Gary Herbert announced the state is easing some restrictions this week, moving the state from the "extreme" to "moderate" risk category. We talk through that step with Utah County Health Department director Ralph Clegg, and what it means for area businesses.

With business and government leaders eyeing how and when to safely reopen Utah's economy, a key question that's come up is liability related to getting the virus in a public facing business. State Senator Kirk Cullimore talks with us about his new bill, SB3007, which protects businesses from that risk.

The big question for business leaders and policymakers right now is: how do we safely reopen the economy? Today's podcast features Joe Megibow, CEO of Purple Innovations. Joe walks us through what they did to adapt to the impact of the pandemic, allowing them to still operate while protecting employees. Oh, and they're ALSO making needed gear for hospitals (in this case - relief beds).

Utah's legislature is gearing up for a special session next week to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic. But it's also the first ever "virtual" legislative session (thanks to social distancing guidelines still in effect). We chat with Rep. Val Peterson, of House District 59 in Orem to give businesses a preview of what to expect during the special session.

The federal relief package (aka the CARES Act) changed Unemployment Insurance. We interview Kevin Burt, Unemployment Insurance Division Director for the State of Utah on what businesses need to know, and how they can navigate their options.