Salt Lake Chamber

This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Soft Play, a global leader in contained indoor playground equipment, has announced its largest project ever: The “Mountain America Jurassic Jungle,” a multimillion-dollar, six-story, dinosaur-themed indoor play area at the Thanksgiving Point indoor and outdoor farm, garden and museum learning center in Lehi. The highly interactive and immersive playground is a design collaboration between Soft Play and Thanksgiving Point that allows visitors to learn, play and imagine what life would have been like in a prehistoric world of dinosaurs. It’s the most audacious creation to date for Soft Play, which launched in September 1984 and has continually transformed the concept of indoor “soft” play ever since, setting new standards for safety, design, and customer engagement. Soft Play has crafted more than 40,000 playground installations worldwide, which it estimates have been enjoyed by over 2.6 billion children. To learn more, visit the Soft Play website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/16/25

This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration has announced a 62.8 million dollar grant award to the Utah Transit Authority to support a new bus rapid transit route to provide fast, frequent public transportation in Salt Lake County. The Midvalley Express will improve accessibility, frequency and connections, as well as encourage economic development near a regional mall, medical center, a community college and other key activity centers. The seven-mile, 15-station all-electric bus rapid transit line will connect to UTA commuter rail and light rail at either end of the line. The bus rapid transit line also will prepare the Salt Lake City region for the 2034 Olympic Games by providing a connection between Frontrunner commuter rail and the Maverik Center, a planned venue for the games. To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation Administration website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/14/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Broad Fork Bags crafts handmade, durable bicycle bags designed for adventure and everyday rides. Proudly based in Utah, they focus on sustainability, functionality and connecting the cycling community through high-quality locally made gear built to inspire exploration. Designer and Owner, Jacquelyn Barnes, joins us with more. Jacquelyn Barnes: Broad Fork Bags was founded in 2013, inspired by the Broads Fork Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon and a personal need to make biking more comfortable. Struggling with nerve damage in my shoulder, I created bike bags to avoid wearing a backpack on long rides. That simple idea grew into a business dedicated to enhancing the comfort, capability and joy of cycling. Today, Broad Fork Bags specializes in crafting durable, functional and beautifully designed bags for riders who value quality and practicality. From bikepacking adventures to daily commutes, our handmade products are designed to meet your needs and withstand the elements. At its core, Broad Fork Bags is about more than gear — it’s about empowering people to live simply, sustainably and beautifully. I feel grateful to work with incredible customers and help make their cycling journeys better. Discover our story and variety of bags at BroadForkBags.com. Derek Miller: Broad Fork Bags isn’t just about making high-quality gear but fostering connections and community through cycling. With a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship and adventure, their handmade designs elevate every ride, inspiring cyclists to explore more and live boldly. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 1/13/25

This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Utah City, a new mixed-use development in Utah County, is taking a monumental first step in its commitment to inspiring outdoor spaces with the launch of the "Greening of Utah City" initiative. A key feature is The Greenline Promenade, a multi-use pathway that connects neighborhoods, encourages recreation and supports local businesses and tourism. Utah City will plant over 1,000 trees this spring and break ground on the new 12-acre Greenline promenade, all within the first 50-acres of its 700-acre master-planned development. This initiative reflects Utah City’s dedication to revitalizing the area, prioritizing environmental sustainability and blending nature with timeless architecture. The “Greening of Utah City” initiative marks the beginning of the long-term effort to establish Utah City as the cultural, environmental and social heart of Utah County. To learn more, visit the Utah City website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/13/25

This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. At the end of last year, the Environmental Protection Agency announced 70 grant recipients for its Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program to receive funding for over 2,400 zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. The awards will fund projects in 27 states, three Tribal Nations, and one territory. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality Division of Air Quality was selected to receive 60 million dollars to fund 171 zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure to reduce air pollution. One hundred and twenty of these vehicles will be electric school buses. The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program was established through the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022. The Program will distribute a total of $1 billion through 2032 to replace fossil fuel heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission ones, as well as support the build-out of charging infrastructure and invest in the workforce. To learn more, visit the EPA website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/10/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Before-N-After offers personalized weight loss programs, longevity medicine and aesthetic treatments to help individuals achieve their health and beauty goals. With tailored plans and support, they offer a holistic approach to wellness, blending weight management with aesthetic services for lasting results. Medical Director and Owner, Andrew Johnson, joins us with more. Andrew Johnson: At Before-N-After, we bring a unique perspective to weight management, shaped by years of experience as retired military physicians. Our disciplined, results-focused approach is rooted in a deep commitment to helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals. We’ve dedicated our careers to serving others with integrity and compassion, and that same passion drives our work today. This program isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about addressing the root causes of weight challenges through a comprehensive, personalized plan that includes nutrition, exercise, behavioral changes and the latest medications tailored to each individual. We focus on sustainable results that enhance not just physical health but overall well-being. We’re proud to offer a program that empowers people to take control of their health and improve their quality of life, providing the tools and support they need to succeed for the long term. Learn more at BeforeNAfter.com. Derek Miller: Before-N-After empowers individuals to take control of their health by offering personalized support and effective treatments. They help people build confidence, achieve their goals and enhance their overall well-being. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 1/10/25

This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. In Utah alone, home prices have surged by over 300 percent in recent years, with projections showing a shortfall of 153,000 homes by 2030. To address this, the Utah Workforce Housing Advocacy has launched a new messaging campaign called “Demand More Supply” to raise public awareness of the biggest contributor to high housing prices: low housing supply. Demand More Supply urges policymakers, community leaders, and residents to collaborate to adopt solutions that create more housing opportunities for middle-income families. This effort aims to ensure economic stability, quality of life and continued growth for the region by increasing supply, streamlining regulations and fostering innovation. One way they are raising awareness is through commercials to help the ‘every day Utahn’ understand the root cause of the housing affordability crisis-limited housing supply. To learn more, visit the Utah Workforce Housing Advocacy website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/9/25

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Workbox empowers businesses with flexible coworking spaces, private offices and meeting rooms, while providing access to a network of industry professionals, operational resources and capital. It’s a dynamic environment designed to fuel business growth and innovation. Sales Manager, Tyler Hatch, joins us with more. Tyler Hatch: There is no denying that Salt Lake City has made a name for itself as a hub for technology and innovation. From healthcare and biotech to software — and nearly everything in between — Salt Lake’s business ecosystem is thriving. That’s why just over a year ago Workbox opened its doors here in the heart of downtown SLC. As a workspace built specifically for dynamic businesses, Workbox offers solutions for both startup and enterprise companies including private offices, meeting rooms, coworking and more. In addition to these flexible workspace solutions, member benefits include direct connection to over 100 capital and operating partners, as well as exclusive programming and networking events. And now through March 31st Workbox is offering three months free on any office or suite with a twelve month commitment. It’s time to experience workspace with a purpose, come visit us at 132 South State Street in the historic Orpheum Theater. Or at WorkBoxCompany.com. Derek Miller: Workbox is dedicated to supporting business success by offering tailored workspaces that meet the unique needs of each company. With flexible solutions for businesses of all sizes, Workbox helps foster productivity, collaboration and growth — empowering you to achieve more. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 1/8/25

This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Utah’s broad innovation ecosystem ranks high among U.S. states across various measures. According to a report released in December from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, co-led by the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, shows that the characteristics contributing to Utah’s success include the state’s higher education institutions, a well-trained workforce, social infrastructure, collaboration among innovation ecosystem actors, and a culture of innovation. Key findings include how: -Utah ranks first among U.S. states for innovation capacity and outcomes; and, -Five industry-aligned innovation ecosystems – such as aeronautics and space exploration and defense – exist in Utah at various levels of maturity. To learn more, visit the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/8/25

This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. BZI, a standout in the construction industry, recently received the prestigious “Inc. Best in Business 2024” award. The prestigious global award recognizes the impact and significance of the BZI Innovation Park for its innovation, inspiration and positive impact on the regions and industry segments it serves. The Inc. Best in Business honors and celebrates companies around the world who have attained major achievements and made significant contributions to their communities on a global scale. According to the organizers, the list recognizes companies that, through exceptional execution, have achieved significant milestones and core business wins, like customer expansion, key product launches, increased market share and industry-defining accomplishments. To learn more, visit Inc.com. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/7/25