Salt Lake Chamber

Hosted by Salt Lake Chamber

Business

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500

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Salt Lake Chamber stands as the voice of business in Utah. We support our members' success and champion community prosperity.

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60 recent

June 16, 20261 min

Speaking on Business: LSI

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. LSI is a Utah-based consulting and business development firm that helps organizations grow and operate more effectively. They support clients with strategy, logistics, workforce solutions and market insights to improve performance and secure new opportunities. COO, Sam Beasley, joins us with more. Sam Beasley: Most operational problems stay invisible until something breaks. At LSI, we help organizations strengthen their systems behind the scenes that keep complex operations running smoothly — especially in industries like aviation logistics, government contracting and other highly coordinated and regulated environments. Our focus is on building structure, clarity and reliability into everyday processes so teams can perform at a higher level. We look at everything from communication and coordination to accountability and workflow design, helping organizations reduce friction and prevent issues before they happen. What we’ve learned is that success rarely comes from one big moment. It’s built through small, consistent actions done well over time — clear communication, strong systems and dependable execution. That’s the work we care most about. When operations run the way they should, organizations are free to focus on what they do best and grow with confidence. Learn more at LSIwins.com. Derek Miller: By improving how organizations operate behind the scenes, they’re helping Utah businesses and agencies run more smoothly and efficiently. Their work supports stronger performance, better coordination and long-term growth across key industries in the state. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/16/26

June 15, 20261 min

Speaking on Business: Professional Education at the University of Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. University of Utah Professional Education helps people gain practical skills and continue growing in their careers. Through flexible classes, certificates and training programs, it gives professionals opportunities to learn, adapt and move forward. Partnerships Coordinator, Mary Alley, joins us with more. Mary Alley: Professional Education at the University of Utah has helped individuals and organizations build workforce skills for more than two decades. As a wing of continuing education, we provide flexible, noncredit trainings designed to meet the needs of today’s professionals. We offer courses and credentials in high-demand fields like project management, human resources, leadership development, healthcare and artificial intelligence; all taught by experienced industry professionals. Our programs are designed to deliver practical, in-demand skills for individuals at every stage of their career journeys. We also partner directly with organizations across Utah to create customized workforce training solutions. Our custom courses help businesses strengthen teams and stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Whether you are looking to advance your career, explore a new opportunity or help your team grow, Professional Education is here to support you. Learn more and register for your next class at proed.utah.edu. Derek Miller: By helping people build new skills and advance their careers, University of Utah Professional Education is strengthening Utah’s workforce and creating more opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities to grow and succeed. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/15/26

June 12, 20261 min

Speaking on Business: Big Foot Balloons

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Big Foot Balloons is a locally owned hot air balloon company offering unforgettable experiences above Utah. Their team is committed to creating safe, memorable, exceptional experiences for every guest. Owner Jake Thomas, joins us with more. Jake Thomas: At Big Foot Balloons, we take people above the Wasatch near Park City and Heber right at sunrise, and it’s truly one of those experiences that stops you in your tracks. Whether it’s a couple celebrating an anniversary, a family making memories or someone seeing Utah for the first time from 3,000 feet in the air, it’s an experience you really can’t find anywhere else. One thing people always ask about is safety. Hot air ballooning is regulated by the FAA, and our pilots are licensed, highly trained and held to the same federal standards as any other aircraft operation. That oversight matters, and we take it seriously. And once you’re up there, it’s the most peaceful aircraft in the sky. No engine noise, no turbulence — just the wind, the silence and some of the most breathtaking views Utah has to offer. Visit us at BigFootBalloons.com and come share the sky with us. Derek Miller: Companies like Big Foot Balloons show how small businesses help make Utah special. They create memorable experiences, support local jobs and tourism and remind us that supporting local businesses helps Utah’s communities continue to grow and thrive. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/12/26

June 11, 20261 min

Speaking on Business: Ballet West

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1963, Ballet West has been an important part of Utah’s arts community, bringing world-class performances, timeless productions and opportunities for dancers and audiences to connect through ballet. Senior Director of External Affairs, Erika Stone, joins us with more. Erika Stone: At Ballet West, we believe the arts do more than entertain — they inspire creativity, bring people together and strengthen communities. As one of the nation’s leading ballet companies, we’ve seen firsthand how live performance can create lasting connections and meaningful experiences for people of all ages. Productions like Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker, America’s first and longest-running version of the ballet, continue to draw audiences from across the region each year, supporting downtown businesses and welcoming thousands of patrons through our doors. Beyond performances, Ballet West reaches communities across Utah through school programs, scholarship opportunities and access initiatives for underserved families. For many children, it’s their first experience seeing live performance, opening the door to creativity, curiosity and confidence. By investing in the arts, Ballet West is helping create a more connected, vibrant future for Utah — one that supports culture, community and economic growth for generations to come. Derek Miller: By bringing people together through the arts, Ballet West helps make Utah a more creative, connected and culturally vibrant place to live. To learn more about performances and programs, visit BalletWest.org. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/11/26

June 10, 20261 min

Speaking on Business: The Other Side Village

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Other Side Village in Salt Lake City is redefining how communities respond to homelessness. Located at 1882 West Indiana Avenue, The Other Side Village pairs permanent housing with a powerful model of accountability, connection and self-reliance. CEO, Preston Cochrane, joins us with more. Preston Cochrane: At the Other Side Village residents are not passive recipients of services. They actively rebuild their lives through joining a therapeutic community and learning vocational skills in social enterprises like The Other Side Donuts, The Other Side Foods, The Other Side Inn and The Other Side Events. These enterprises provide workforce development and create pathways back into self-reliance, stability and generate revenue to support the mission, reducing reliance on government funding and moving toward a self-sustainable model. What sets the Village apart is its commitment to lasting transformation. Residents choose sobriety, adopt a values-centered way of living and are guided by coaches who have lived similar experiences. This is not a short-term fix. It is a community built for sustained change, where dignity and accountability work together. The Other Side Village demonstrates a model that can be replicated in other cities looking for real, people-centered solutions to homelessness. Derek Miller: By helping people rebuild their lives, The Other Side Village is creating real, lasting change in our communities. To learn more about their services and impact, visit TheOtherSideVillage.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/10/26

June 8, 20261 min

Speaking on Business: Rowland Hall

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Rowland Hall is an independent school in Salt Lake City that blends rigorous academics with hands-on learning and community engagement, helping students grow into curious, creative and impactful leaders. Director of Belonging, Equity and Impact, Chandani Patel, joins us with more. Chandani Patel: At Rowland Hall, we believe that meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom and into our community. That belief is why we created the Center for Community Impact, a place where students, faculty and community partners come together to address real challenges. Through action projects, outreach initiatives and collaborative research, our students develop not only skills, but empathy and a lifelong commitment to positive social change. This Spring, we hosted our annual Impact Summit, where high school students, educators and community leaders came together to celebrate a year of meaningful work and to look ahead. We're actively looking for local organizations, businesses, nonprofits and community leaders navigating challenges who want to partner with Rowland Hall students to find impactful solutions. If that sounds like something you'd want to be part of, we'd love to connect. You can learn more at rowlandhall.org. Derek Miller: By investing in student growth and education, Rowland Hall is helping shape Utah’s youth into future leaders of our communities. They are building a more engaged, thoughtful and capable generation that is making a difference throughout the state. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/8/26

June 5, 20261 min

Speaking on Business: SentryWest Insurance Services

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1976, SentryWest Insurance Services has worked closely with clients to create personalized coverage, backed up by a knowledgeable team that values building strong, one-on-one relationships. President Paul Borup, joins us with more. Paul Borup: At Sentry West Insurance Services, we believe great insurance starts with strong relationships, built on trust, personal service and partnerships our clients can truly rely on. Our insurance solutions are designed to protect you from the unexpected, with quality coverage tailored to your needs and budget. In today’s changing world, risks evolve quickly, and your business insurance should too. That’s why we take the time to understand your community association, business or nonprofit, and deliver creative, cost-effective solutions built for your specific needs. Our goal is simple: the right balance of price, protection and service, so you can move forward with confidence no matter what life brings. With six locations in Utah and Idaho and a team committed to personal service, SentryWest Insurance Services goes beyond policies to build lasting relationships. Whether you’re protecting your home, business or family, SentryWest delivers coverage tailored to your unique needs. Learn more at SentryWest.com. Derek Miller: Companies like SentryWest Insurance Services help keep Utah moving forward by giving people peace of mind, supporting local businesses and being a dependable presence communities can turn to through every stage of life. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/5/26

June 4, 20261 min

Speaking on Business: Utah Department of Transportation

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Utah Department of Transportation is recognized as a national leader — not just for its roads or innovation, but for how its people come together as one team to serve Utah. Communications Director, Elizabeth McMillan, joins us with more. Elizabeth McMillan: Transportation is about freedom. That’s why UDOT has a bold vision to give people choices to go where they want, when they want, in the way they want – safely. You know us for orange barrels and road construction. But you should know: we’re about more than highways. We’re building a complete system that includes trails, buses, trains and even new technologies for transportation in the sky. We know that how we do things matters. Our mission is to enhance quality of life through transportation, and our efforts are guided by a framework to deliver better mobility, good health, connected communities and a strong economy. The 1,800 employees of UDOT not only serve the people of Utah: we are Utahns. Yes, we plan, build, maintain and operate the roads – but more important than that, we drive them right along with you. Learn more at connect dot UDOT.Utah.gov. Derek Miller: Every day, UDOT’s work helps Utah move forward. From supporting growing communities to improving the way people travel across the state, their efforts create a stronger, more connected Utah for families, businesses, and future generations alike. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/4/26

June 3, 20261 min

Speaking on Business: Equality Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2001, Equality Utah has worked to make Utah a place where every person belongs and can thrive. Through its programs, the organization helps ensure people receive the support and respect they deserve. Executive Director, Essie Gonzsen, joins us with more. Essie Gonzsen: Equality Utah is a statewide organization working to ensure that every Utahn is treated fairly and with dignity — under the law and in their daily lives. For the past 25 years, we’ve focused on advancing thoughtful, effective policy at the state legislature, building relationships across differences and supporting leaders who are committed to fairness. A big part of our work is helping people navigate complex and often polarized issues in a way that leads to real progress. That means working alongside community members, business leaders and elected officials to find common ground and move solutions forward. We also invest in the next generation through our College Ambassador Program, equipping students across Utah with the skills to engage thoughtfully and lead in their communities. At the end of the day, our work is about strengthening Utah — making it a place where people feel respected, heard and able to contribute. Derek Miller: By advocating for equality, education and inclusive policies, Equality Utah helps Utahns feel supported, respected and included. To learn more about their mission and to get involved, visit EqualityUtah.org. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/3/26

June 2, 20261 min

Speaking on Business: Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre brings opera, musicals, concerts and arts education to northern Utah each summer. Their work supports students, performers, tourism and the local community through meaningful artistic experiences. Associate Artistic Director and Education Director, Vanessa Ballam, joins us with more. Vanessa Ballam: Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre celebrates over three decades of extraordinary storytelling with our vibrant 2026 summer season, running in June and July in Logan, Utah. Founded by Michael Ballam, the festival presents thrilling productions and unforgettable performances. Highlights at the Ellen Eccles Theatre include 1776, featuring Michael Ballam, and The Pirates of Penzance. At the Utah Theatre, don’t miss The Last 5 Years, alongside Scalia/Ginsburg & Trial by Jury — sharp, witty and musically dazzling. From grand operatic moments to intimate musical theatre, our stages offer world-class voices, lush orchestration and striking design. Perfect for families, art lovers and community groups, season tickets and flexible packages make attendance easy. Join us for classes, free concerts and unforgettable summer evenings in beautiful Cache Valley. Visit UFOMT.org or call the box office to reserve your seats and be a part of this Logan tradition. Derek Miller: Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre helps make Utah a more vibrant place to live by bringing powerful performances and arts education across the state. Their work continues to strengthen Utah’s appreciation for the arts. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/2/26