3. Academic Excellence, Spiritual Growth
• 96% College Bound
• All Faiths Welcome
• Diverse Community
• Infant - 12th Grade
NOW
ENROLLING
Tours available at
16 schools along
the Wasatch Front
(Ogden to Draper)
Visit us online
www.UtahCatholicSchools.org
8. DESIGN
FOR ALL TIME
LAKE HOMES THAT ARE SO NOW … AND THEN
“Have nothing in your houses that you do
not know to be useful or believe to be
beautiful.” Famed 19th Century designer
William Morris was, to put it mildly, a
stickler for the details. We’ve taken this
older, more meticulous approach to form
and function, and combined it with a
fresh, almost whimsical sense of light
and lifestyle to create the new homes of
Daybreak’s Lake Village.
9. THESE HOMES EMBODY L AKESIDE LIVING.
They welcome sunlight and cross breezes into every room.
With an ingenious use of glass and space, they blur the
barrier between indoors and outdoors. And every detail,
from a metal roof above a wrap-around porch to a “kayak
garage,” is a reminder that you’re among the privileged
few who get to live steps from a big, freshwater lake.
AT 10 YEARS OLD, DAYBREAK IS A
MODEL OF COMMUNIT Y DESIGN.
A place where the homes are a
short walk or bike ride from parks.
Community gardens. A fresh-baked
pastry. Even a light rail station.
And Lake Village is the pinnacle
of Daybreak design, a fitting tenth
anniversary celebration.
TOUR THE MODEL HOMES OF LAKE VILLAGE.
Start your tour at the Lake Cottage. From I-15 go west on 10600 S., cross Bangerter Hwy
and follow the signs to the Lake Cottage.
(801) 446-9022
A RIO TINTO/KENNECOTT COMMUNITY
DAYBREAKUTAH.COM
10. welcome
table of contents
12
live
A spotlight on a few of Utah’s favorite places to live
42
learn
Learning: the foundation for Utah’s prosperity
48
work
Building on Utah’s thriving economy and business
66
play
Utah is the state for play all year long
89
resource guide
State information for visiting or relocating
8
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
14. live
Living in Utah
Getting to know
the seasons
The average maximum daytime temperatures
for Salt Lake’s metropolitan area range from 38
degrees Fahrenheit in January to 90 degrees in
July.
In Salt Lake County, the sun shines an average of
222 days a year with 67 percent annual sunshine.
Annual precipitation varies from less than five
inches in Utah’s Great Salt Lake desert to more
than 60 inches in the northern mountain ranges.
Snow frequently accumulates to depths of 10 feet
or more at many Wasatch Mountain ski resorts.
The state’s altitude ranges from a low of 2,200
feet in Washington County in southern Utah, often
referred to as “Utah’s Dixie,” to more than 13,500
feet in the Uinta Mountains.
Salt Lake City sits at an elevation of 4,330 feet
above sea level.
Salt Lake Weather
AVERAGE ANNUAL TEMPERATURE
52° F
JANUARY TEMPERATURE
Ave. High 36.4° F Ave. Low 19.3° F
JULY TEMPERATURE
Ave. High 92.2° F Ave. Low 63.7° F
16.2”
AVERAGE ANNUAL SNOWFALL
58.6”
Source: National Weather Service Forecast Office
Climate-Zone.com
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
Images courtesy of Red Butte Garden
AVERAGE ANNUAL PRECIPTIATION
15.
16. Images courtesy of Park City Chamber
live
Park City
Small town charm,
international renown
N
PARK CITY STATS
Population: 7,873
Elevation: 6,980 feet
Estimated median household
income: $59,350
Estimated median house/
condo value: $717,585
Median rent: $1,122
Source: City-data.com
14
amed “Best Town in America”
by Outside Magazine in 2013,
Park City offers a blissful blend
of small-town friendliness and five-star
resort culture. Nestled in the Wasatch
Mountains (east of Salt Lake City),
Park City is also one of North America’s
most accessible mountain recreation
destinations — it’s only 35 minutes from
Salt Lake City International Airport. Once
a booming silver mining town, Park City
is now well known for its world-class ski
and snowboard resorts, cultural offerings,
events and Olympic legacy.
As Utah’s only true “ski town” and a site
of events for the 2002 Olympic Winter
Games, Park City offers a relaxed smalltown atmosphere with amenities not
often found in communities of its size.
Anchored by its three ski and snowboard
resorts (Deer Valley Resort, Canyons
Resort and Park City Mountain
Resort), the area offers highly rated
winter recreational opportunities.
Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing,
cross-country skiing, snow tubing and
sleigh rides provide endless possibilities
to enjoy the area’s annual bountiful
snowfall. Adventures during the summer
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
and fall months are equally impressive,
with golf, zip lines and more than 400
miles of public trails providing plenty of
opportunities for hiking, mountain biking
and horseback riding.
There can be no doubt that Park City’s
outdoor activities are what primarily
bring people to the area for the first time.
However, the extensive cultural, dining and
entertainment offerings bring visitors back
time and time again. In many cases those
visitors make the area home.
FESTIVALS AND HAPPENINGS
IN PARK CITY
Sundance Film Festival
Park City Film Series
Kimball Arts Festival
Park City Gallery Stroll
Deer Valley Music Festival
Big Stars, Big Nights Concert
Series
Park Silly Sunday Market
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Down South
Recreate and renew
recently opened its new airport, making
the region more accessible than ever.
Utah’s Dixie has exploded with
adventurers seeking access to some of the
country’s best recreation. Whether it’s
hiking in Zion or Bryce Canyon National
Parks; boating at Sand Hollow or Quail
Creek State Parks; teeing off at one of the
many area golf courses; or rejuvenating at
a world-class spa like Red Mountain or
Green Valley, the southern half of Utah
is a hub of activity.
The arts take center stage down south
with three different venues: the Tonyaward winning Utah Shakespeare
Festival in Cedar City, Tuacahn
Amphitheatre in Ivins, and music
under the stars at the O.C. Tanner
Amphitheater in Springdale.
MORE INFO
Explore Utah’s red rocks
country for recreation or
doing business at St. George
Convention and Visitors Bureau
at UtahStGeorge.com
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
St. George skyline, Tuacahn Ampitheatre by Dave Becker; Sky Mountain Golf Course by Alex Santiago; Opera House courtesy St. George Convention and Tourism Office
W
hile the northern part of the
state is scattered with vast
mountain ranges, the secret
to the south has long been its beautiful
red rocks and desert climate. St. George
20. Image courtesy of Visit Utah
live
Cache Valley: Utah’s hidden treasure
C
ache Valley is often referred to as
Utah’s hidden treasure. Comprised
mainly of dairy farms, small
towns, stunning mountains and modest
cities, Cache Valley offers excitement and
adventures for everyone as a gateway to
the outdoors.
The American West Heritage Center,
a living history attraction in Wellsville,
offers a taste for early Cache Valley farm
life with hands-on historical exhibits.
Rockhill Creamery in Richmond is
another must-see and operates out of a
historic farmstead. The creamery uses
traditional cheese-making techniques and
offers samples to Saturday visitors.
Logan, the heart of Cache Valley, houses
a dynamic student population thanks
18
to Utah State University, where
agricultural, science and engineering
programs reign. Logan is home to worldclass opera company Utah Festival
Opera, as well as a number of art galleries
and historic structures.
Locals relish the perfect powder at littleknown Beaver Mountain Ski Resort,
while golfers have their pick of four Cache
Valley courses.
Nearby national forests make it a varied
outdoor mecca, where rock climbers can
scale Logan Canyon’s more than 400
diverse climbing sections, and fishers can
take advantage of its blue-ribbon trout
streams. Nearby recreational playground
Bear Lake offers hiking, golfing and
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
water sports, as well as snowmobiling and
ice fishing in winter.
Many Utahns flock to Hardware Ranch
in Blacksmith Fork Canyon, bundling
up for a sleigh ride to meet hundreds of
grazing elk. Just southeast of Logan, the
ranch is the winter feeding area for Utah’s
official state animal.
MORE INFO
Find out more about
an adventure in Utah’s
northern realms by visiting
TourCacheValley.com
24. live
Ogden Area
Outdoors and more
I
n the last decade, Ogden has gained
momentum as an outdoor sports
destination for being the center for
skiing and adventure sports. Ogden is
the gateway to three Utah ski resorts:
Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Wolf
Mountain. It is also home to the Salomon
Center, one of the world’s top 10 manmade adventures, offering most notably
iFLY, a vertical wind tunnel; FLOWRIDER,
an indoor river that provides wakeboarding,
surfing, and boogie boarding; as well as
other adventure activities.
GOLDEN SPIKE NATIONAL
HISTORIC SITE
On May 10, 1869, officials of the Central
Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad
met at Promontory Summit, Utah, to drive
four symbolic spikes (two gold), celebrating
the completion of the first transcontinental
railroad. Today, visitors can see working
replicas of the steam locomotives, Jupiter
and 119, in “The Last Spike Ceremony,” held
every year on the anniversary and on most
Saturdays during the summer season.
MORE INFO
Look to Ogden for the latest in
outdoor gear and recreation at
OgdenCity.com
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
Historic 25th Street by Out of Bounds Creative; Solomon Center by Kevin Dilley; Golden Spike Reenactment courtesy Visit Ogden
Probably the most dramatic changes
have been the influx of nationally known
outdoor companies and the gradual
redevelopment of downtown Ogden.
Historic 25th Street has been given
a major facelift in recent years, while
neighboring blocks have been leveled to
make room for movie theaters, high-rise
condos, restaurants and more. Weber
State University also calls Ogden home.
25.
26. Utah Valley
Economic boom
FIFTY YEARS AGO, Utah Valley
was a beautiful valley noted for its vast
orchards, breathtaking mountains and a
steel mill that drove its economy.
Today, the steel mill is gone, as are many
of the orchards. Taking their place are
hundreds of thriving businesses comprising an economy that is being recognized
nationally as both diverse and robust.
Forbes Magazine recently ranked the Provo-Orem area as the second-best place in
the nation for business and careers.
In addition to the Forbes ranking, a host
of other organizations have pointed to
Utah Valley as among the best places in
the nation to live, work, play and even
grow old.
Brigham Young University and Utah
Valley University, boasting more than
60,000 students between them, also call
Utah Valley home. They churn out thousands of graduates each year, many of
whom have helped start and grow com-
24
panies like Novell, WordPerfect, Altiris
(now Symantec), and the list goes on.
In 2013, Google Fiber announced that
Provo would be one of the first in the
nation to have the lightning-fast internet
connection with the purchase of the
iProvo fiber network.
Technology companies are springing up
all across the valley. Josh James, founder
of Omniture (which is now Adobe)
and DOMO, coined the phrase “Silicon
Slopes” to describe the technology
cluster that has blossomed in Utah Valley
and along the Wasatch Front. Even the
federal government is attracted to Utah
County. The National Security Agency
built the Utah Data Center, a top-secret
intelligence-gathering facility, in the
northern end of the county.
While much of the country is still weighed
down by a sluggish economy, Utah
Valley is racing to the forefront thanks
to innovation, hard work and a fantastic
business climate.
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
After graduate school, I
needed to relocate to find a
good job. Coming from the
D.C. Metro area, I wanted
someplace that had a nice
suburban community feel,
but was within easy driving
distance of a larger city. Provo
fit the bill nicely.
Provo has a great community
feel to it with frequent events,
a robust arts scene and small
local businesses. One of the
unexpected perks of moving
to Utah was the number of
local parks that were perfect
for summer picnics and family
activities. I love that I’m less
than an hour from Salt Lake
City, giving me access to many
of the perks of big-city living,
including professional sports
teams, a world-class ballet,
and a variety of museums and
cultural sites.
– Brianna Magnusson, Assistant
Professor of Epidemiology, BYU
Images courtesy Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau; Ms. Magnusson by Stephanie Garr Adams (www.stephaniesportraitdesign.com)
live
27.
28. KEARNS, UT
C E L E B R AT I N G U TA H ’ S O LY M P I C L E G A C Y
FOR THE LOVE OF SPORT
UTAH OLYMPIC LEGACY FOUNDATION
puts the unique disciplines of Olympic
winter sports within reach of all ages and
abilities. In record numbers, Utah’s youth
are engaged in sports such as freestyle and
Nordic skiing, speed skating, curling, and
hockey. Olympic winter sport participation
has more than quadrupled since 2002.
Thru dynamic sport programming, Utah’s
youth are participating in winter sports right
alongside Olympic and elite athletes. We
invite you to experience Utah’s Olympic Legacy
and help us share the joy of winter sport and
outdoor recreation.
OLYMPIC VENUES IN ACTION
Within a short drive of downtown Salt Lake City,
visit two Olympic venues - designated official
U.S. Olympic Training Sites.
UTAH OLYMPIC OVAL
Try the ‘Fastest Ice On Earth’ at Utah Olympic
Oval. Public skating is available year-round with
seasonal programs in figure skating, ice hockey,
curling and more. Develop a lifelong passion for
ice sports!
UTAH OLYMPIC PARK
Summer and winter, Utah Olympic Park’s
offerings educate and challenge all ages,
encouraging sport interest and participation for
life. Choose from the thrilling Comet Bobsled ride
or take a splash in the aerials training pool.
Learn more and register online today!
U.S. OLYMPIC
TRAINING SITE
UtahOlympicLegacy.com
PARK CITY, UT
29. Relocating to Utah?
Summit Sotheby’s International Realty, the premier luxury real estate brand, offers our clients a wide
range of services including destination services, home marketing assistance, and international services.
Contact us today for a free relocation packet about moving to Utah, 435.649.1884.
Search for your ski, golf, or equestrian lifestyle property at SummitSothebysRealty.com
Bridgette Osguthorpe
Director of Relocation
435.649.1884 | 800.641.1884
S u m m i t S o t h e by s R e a l t y. c o m
30. live
Salt Lake
Neighborhoods:
Different faces of the valley
F
rom quiet, family-friendly bedroom communities, to
vibrant, walkable neighborhoods, Salt Lake has its share of
locales that have made it one of the best places to live.
SUGAR HOUSE
Once the southern end of the city, Sugar House now is smack
dab in the middle of everything going on in and around Salt Lake
City. This energetic suburb is one of the oldest neighborhoods in
Salt Lake City and home to Westminster College.
The name derives from a sugar beet processing facility that
used to be in the area. However, the sweet neighborhood is
more known now for great shops and walkable streets. Sugar
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
Images courtesy Visit Utah
Salt Lake is known for its friendly
and helpful people, as well as the
gorgeous surrounding Wasatch
and Oquirrh Mountains. Each
neighborhood or geographic
area of Salt Lake City and Utah is
a virtual cornucopia of different
flavors, lifestyles, people and
characteristics — unique to
anywhere else in the U.S.
House Park, which serves as an anchor for the neighborhood,
is undergoing a massive renovation. A federally-funded streetcar
is also on schedule for the final design completion of the
construction work to finish up around the end of this year.
9TH AND 9TH & 15TH AND 15TH
These two neighborhoods, near the intersections of 900
East and 900 South, and 1500 East and 1500 South, are
blossoming into their own colorful pockets of locally-owned
stores and businesses unique to their areas.
The homes in both areas range from modest to mega, and
are among the most culturally diverse areas in the city. Parks
31. We never said
saving water meant
compromising
beauty.
Search over 900 waterwise plants.
Visit interactive garden exhibits.
Free classes and tours.
Come visit our garden today.
View sample landscapes.
Inspiring, educating and empowering
our communities to be waterwise .
801-256-4400
http://conservationgardenpark.org/
8275 South 1300 West - West Jordan, Utah 84088
www.conservationgardenpark.org
32. live
Boy on dock image courtesy of Daybreak; Golf course image courtesy of South Jordan Chamber of Commerce
like Liberty Park (9th and 9th) and
Wasatch Hollow (15th and 15th)
are nearby, as are some of Salt Lake
City’s oldest and best schools.
Picturesque tree-lined streets and
proximity to downtown make both these
neighborhoods desirable for families and
working professionals in Salt Lake City.
DAYBREAK
Farther south in the city of South Jordan,
Daybreak is growing into one of the most
desirable neighborhoods in all of Salt
Lake City — even in its relative youth.
A massive master-planned community,
Daybreak is a covenant-controlled
neighborhood of hundreds of homes by a
collection of builders throughout Utah.
Condominiums to million-dollar homes
are available in this varied community.
Homes in the neighborhood are all
energy efficient, and developers
took careful measures to preserve,
restore and create beautiful natural
surroundings for residents.
Nearby shopping options such as The
District have sprung up around the
We made the decision to move
from Lake Oswego, Oregon, to Utah
about 11 years ago. We wanted a
place where we could raise our
boys that was safe and had a good
outdoor recreation culture. Utah was
exactly what we were looking for.
We chose to live in Draper because
of the excellent schools, amazing
views of the valley and the unique
30
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
melting pot that it has become in
the past decade. A lot of families
new to the state have made Draper
their home.
It is only 20 minutes from
downtown, close to skiing, the
mountains and great fishing.
– Steve Roberts, Vice President of
Sales and Business Development,
Veritas Funding
33.
34. live
neighborhood to provide convenient
retail for Daybreak residents.
AVENUES/FEDERAL HEIGHTS
Perched on a hilltop directly above Salt
Lake City, the Avenues and Federal
Heights neighborhoods are among some
of the most desirable and unique homes in
Salt Lake City.
One of the oldest neighborhoods as well
— some homes were among the first
in the valley — the Avenues is almost
purely residential with a smattering
of small businesses, two hospitals and
churches within the neighborhood.
Homeowners have lauded the quaint
feeling of the streets and homes, and
generations of families have called the
Avenues home.
Images courtesy of Sandy City
Federal Heights, near the University
of Utah, has morphed into one
of Salt Lake City’s more exclusive
neighborhoods with multi-million dollar
homes and properties with unsurpassed
views of the Salt Lake Valley.
SANDY AND DRAPER
The southern part of the Salt Lake Valley
has attracted a lot of new businesses to
Utah, including sporting goods super
chain Scheels, E*Trade and Comcast.
The cities of Sandy and Draper were
ranked in CNN’s 100 best places to live in
America. These city suburbs offer quick
access to four world-class ski resorts,
the 20,000-seat Rio Tinto Stadium,
home of the MLS team Real Salt Lake,
several shopping centers, miles of biking
and hiking, and the Sandy and Draper
amphitheaters.
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
35. One Valley. Endless Possibilities.
Discover the Heber Valley—one of Northern utah’s best kept secrets.
situated only 45 minutes from downtown salt lake city, the beautiful Heber Valley is a quick
and convenient family escape that offers a wide range of adventures and activities for all ages.
With three state parks, two world-class ski areas, blue ribbon fly fishing, endless hiking and
biking trails, 90 holes of public golf and majestic mountain views, the Heber Valley boasts
scenic and recreational opportunities all year round.
Heber Valley Office Of TOurism
475 North main, Heber, utah 84032 | 435.654.3666
GoHeberValley.com |
36. live
Utah Housing Market Overview
from the Utah Association of Realtors
THE PAST TWO YEARS HAVE
signaled a return to normalcy in Utah’s
housing market. After selling fewer than
30,000 homes in 2010, Utah Realtors
were on track to sell around 40,000
properties in 2013. That would be the
strongest year for housing in the Beehive
State since 2006, according to data from
the Utah Association of Realtors.
At the end of September 2013, the most
recent data available, the number of
closed transactions increased by more
than 9 percent, extending a more than
two-year trend of higher sales (compared
to the same month in the previous year).
Utah’s improving economy helped release
pent-up demand as buyers across the state
took advantage of low interest rates and
still-affordable home prices. Areas that had
exceptionally strong sales for the first nine
months of 2013 were Washington County
(up 24 percent), Davis County (up 23
percent), Wasatch County (up 22 percent)
and Tooele County (up 17 percent). Since
January, the number of homes sold
statewide has increased 14 percent.
Accompanying the rise in home sales
has been an increase in home prices.
In September, the Utah median sales
price jumped more than 12 percent,
from $185,000 to $208,000. This is the
18th consecutive month that home
prices were higher compared to the
same month the year prior. Since the
beginning of 2013, the median price
has gone up nearly 15 percent.
While home prices have increased in most
counties year to date, the top performers
(excluding rural counties) are Wasatch
County (up 24 percent), Washington County
(up 21 percent), Iron County (up 19 percent)
and Salt Lake County (up 17 percent).
Now that Utah’s housing market has shown
a sustained recovery, potential buyers are
wondering what to expect should they decide
to make a purchase in the next few years.
While higher interest rates and increased
home prices will slow the speed of house
price appreciation, the forecast remains
positive. In the Salt Lake metro area,
home prices are expected to rise more
than 10 percent in the next three years,
according to a second quarter report from
CoreLogic Case-Shiller. The company also
projects that the Provo-Orem, OgdenClearfield and St. George areas will also
have house price gains, although not as
high as in Salt Lake.
This general trend of moderate home price
increases is also expected for the U.S.,
although many areas will not be as strong
as in Utah, especially along the East Coast.
“Combined with increased housing
construction, expected increases in
existing inventories should restrain price
appreciation even if demand remains
strong,” said David Stiff, chief economist
for CoreLogic Case-Shiller. “Nevertheless,
the rate of price growth in the coming
months will remain above its long-term
average of 4.5 percent annual appreciation
since 1975.”
Over the next five years, CoreLogic CaseShiller expects U.S. home prices to rise at
an average rate of 3.4 percent each year.
Mortgage trends will also have an effect
on the market’s performance over the
coming years. The National Association
of Realtors is expecting interest rates to
tick up to the low 5 percent range in 2014.
However, many analysts have said that
rates would have to climb to the 6 percent
range before the rise would hurt the
housing market.
An increase in new construction and a
renewed interest from potential sellers
will also help ease the inventory shortage
that occurred in the first half of the year,
making it easier for buyers to find and
secure a home.
Metrostudy reported in October that the
number of new homes under construction
is 30 percent higher than it was a year ago.
Meanwhile, 48,000 Utah homeowners
who once owed more on their mortgages
than their properties were worth now
have equity and can put their homes up
for sale. Both trends are giving buyers
more choices and are supporting activity
in the move-up market.
At the end of September, the 20,203 Utah
homes listed for sale represented a supply
of 5.9 months. While this still characterizes
a seller’s market, it is much closer to a
balanced market than earlier in 2013 when
supplies would be gone in 5.4 months if no
new homes were put up for sale. Typically
between six and seven months of inventory
represents a market that is balanced
between buyers and sellers.
Utah’s consistent performance in creating
jobs and reducing unemployment has
positioned the state’s housing market for
stable, sustainable growth, especially as
a large number of Generation Y buyers
purchase homes for the first time. Buyers
and sellers can learn more about the
unique markets in their own areas by
contacting a local Realtor®.
A searchable index of Utah Realtors is available at UtahRealtors.com.
34
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
37. Image courtesy of Downtown Alliance
live
GETTING AROUND UTAH
Getting around the Beehive State has never been easier
COMMUTERLINK REDUCES
TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Utah’s CommuterLink
website, one of the most
advanced and intelligent
transportation systems
in the country, uses the
latest technologies and
professional expertise to
reduce traffic congestion
and increase efficiency
by alerting commuters to
potential trouble on the road.
The result is a more efficient
transportation network that
saves taxpayers more than
$100 million annually and
reduces carbon monoxide
emissions by an estimated
5.1 million kilograms per
year. Visit CommuterLink at
CommuterLink.utah.gov
F
or most of its history, Utah has been
an important stop on the trail for
travelers, earning the title of the
“Crossroads of the West.” The transcontinental railroad, Pony Express, stagecoach
and Lincoln Highway all crossed through
the Salt Lake area in their time. Today, the
region benefits from the intersection of
two major interstate freeways (Interstate
80 and Interstate 15), a major railroad
hub and an international airport.
Utah is also undergoing major changes in
commuter transportation. Infrastructure
has been a big deal for the Salt Lake
Chamber, as it is a crucial piece of a
prosperous economy. Because of the
State’s commitment to improving available
transportation to residents and visitors,
major improvements are moving forward
on Utah’s highway and transit systems.
High-speed commuter rails run from
northern Utah to Provo, and the TRAX
light rail system has extended its reach by
heading further west and even connecting
the Salt Lake International Airport with
downtown Salt Lake City. Both light rail
and commuter rail feed into Salt Lake
Central Station, just west of Salt Lake
City near the Gateway shopping center.
Salt Lake Central Station serves as the
junction for bus, train, light rail and
commuter rail traffic.
MASS TRANSIT
Today, more Utahns than ever are
using public transit to get to work,
school, special events and other daily
activities, with nearly 43 million trips
taken annually on the 1,600-square-mile
service area Utah Transit Authority
(UTA) covers. The success of the light rail
has largely fueled the record-breaking
ridership levels in recent years.
UTA provides public transit to about 80
percent of Utah’s population along the
Wasatch Front and beyond. Services
provided by UTA include TRAX light rail in
Salt Lake County; an inter-county fixedroute bus system; the Flextrans paratransit
operation, which provides curb-to-curb
transportation for riders with disabilities;
www.SLCHAMBER.com | LIFE IN UTAH 2014
35
38. Utah’s top business news
at your finger tips
Free
oad
Downl
THE MAGAZINE FOR DECISION MAKERS
www.utahbusiness.com
39. Come home and
STAY
A WHILE.
REAL ESTATE
When you are ready to make the move to our mountains
or just across the valley, our professional team will make
it simple. Call today to learn about our full service
committREAL ESTATEon your next home purchase.
ment to you
Stop looking. Start finding. Love living.
BuyWithM1.com
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
Get started today.
(801) 204-6013
www.BuyWithM1.com
REAL ESTATE
A Full-Service Brokerage Firm
40. live
the Rideshare program that encourages and offers carpooling; and
also service to local ski areas during the winter.
Utah’s public transportation system now includes a high-speed
commuter rail that stretches from the northern Utah community
of Pleasant View to Utah County. Dubbed “FrontRunner,” the
commuter rail system connects into the existing TRAX system
at Salt Lake Central Station to seamlessly connect Ogden to
Provo. As the state’s first commuter rail system, the FrontRunner
offers an efficient and reliable transportation service, with trains
reaching speeds up to 79 miles per hour.
The newest public transportation line to open was the S-Line, the
Sugar House Streetcar, which opened in early December 2013. It
was the first streetcar to operate in Utah in more than 50 years.
It runs nearly two miles east to west, from about 1000 East to
Central Point Station at 220 West. Planning for the Sugar House
Streetcar project began in 2006 and construction began in 2012.
The project was funded in part by a $26 million U.S. Department
of Transportation TIGER grant. The 2014 ridership is estimated
to be approximately 3,000 people daily.
Image courtesy of Salt Lake International Airport
www.gsutah.org
(801) 265-8472
AIR TRAVEL
The Salt Lake City International Airport is within 2.5 hours
from most of the state’s population. The airport—situated just
west of Salt Lake City and about 10 minutes from downtown—
served 20 million passengers in 2012 and ranks as the 26th
busiest airport in the nation. Salt Lake City International also
has a strong record of having on-time flights.
With these accolades comes proof of Utah’s continued expansion
into the world stage: Delta Airlines, whose second largest hub is
in Utah, now offers non-stop flights to Paris, France. These direct
flights are a boon for tourists and business travelers alike, as
they connect Utah directly to not just Paris, but several European
destinations with minimal stops.
At Utah’s international hub, nearly 650 scheduled daily flights
are operated each day by eight major airlines to about 100
nonstop destinations.
INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
Utah’s transportation infrastructure includes 45,120 miles of
federal, state, and local highways and roads. Interstate 80 (east
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41. Utah’s Independent Schools:
I N D I V I D UA L I Z E D E D U C AT I O N
H I G H Q UA L I T Y T E AC H E R S
SMALL CLASS SIZES
C andid ate M e m b er
K to G r ad e 12
Am erican For k (801) 642-0055
am erican -h er itag e.o r g
CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT
MOTIVATED STUDENTS
The Independent School Difference...
Accredited M em b e r
K to G r ad e 8
Salt Lake C i ty (801) 583-0094
m cg illis s ch o o l. o r g
Education for the whole child. Independent schools nurture students’
intellectual ability and curiosity, personal and social growth, and civic conscience.
Individualized education. Independent school teachers and administrators
take the time to know each student to encourage achievement in and out of the
classroom, and to generate excitement about learning.
Accredited M em b e r
Pre-K to G r ad e 8
Par k C ity (435) 649-2791
par kcityd ays ch o o l.o r g
High quality teachers. Faculty at independent schools combine top teaching
skills with a passion for their subject areas. Many teachers bring to the classroom
knowledge from advanced degrees and successful careers. Their energy and
enthusiasm create significant learning experiences for their students.
Inclusiveness. Independent schools are diverse and vibrant communities that
welcome and respect each family.
Accessible educators.
Independent schools understand that parents are
important partners in a child’s education. Parents are encouraged to contact
administrators and teachers with questions or concerns about their child’s school
experiences.
Safe schools. Independent schools maintain up-to-date facilities and provide a
safe and nurturing environment for children. Parents can rest assured that faculty
know their students well and can help them when they are confronted with
problems.
Real-world experience. Independent school leaders know that students
benefit from interaction with people who hold different perspectives and come
from different backgrounds. They strive to provide students real-world
experiences to prepare them to achieve not only in school, but also in work, in
further academic pursuits, and in life. In addition to being exposed to a broad
array of courses, independent school students participate in community service
work and keep up with political affairs.
The schools listed are members of the Northwest Association of
Independent Schools (NWAIS), an organization which promotes high
educational quality through the establishment and advancement of
comprehensive accreditation standards.
Accredited Mem ber
Pre-K to G rade 12
Salt Lake C ity (801) 355-7 485
rowlandhall.org
Accredited Mem ber
G r ade 8 to 12
Mount Pleasant (435) 462-1400
wasatchacademy.org
Accredited Mem ber
Pre-K to G rade 12
Sandy (801) 572-1780
waterfor dschool.org
42. live
RAILWAYS
Amtrak provides daily passenger service
on the California Zephyr to and from
points throughout the United States.
Amtrak trains arrive at and depart from
the Salt Lake Central Station intermodal
hub. The first phase of the station
opened in July 2005 and accommodates
passengers transferring among local bus
service, automobile, bicycle, Amtrak and
Greyhound. A light rail connection is
currently under construction and should
be completed in spring 2014 right around
Image courtesy of UTA
to New York City/west to San Francisco),
Interstate 15 (north to Canada/south to
Mexico), and Interstate 70 (east to Denver)
are vital to the efficient movement of goods
and materials throughout the region. Both
I-80 and I-15 converge in Salt Lake, allowing convenient access to the Wasatch Front
and points beyond. The I-215 belt route
offers expanded access along the eastern
and western perimeters of the valley.
the scheduled completion of the Ogden/
Salt Lake FrontRunner line.
THE FUTURE
With the steady and robust population
growth of the Salt Lake Valley, reliable
and eco-friendly transportation is
becoming ever more important. Public
transportation continues to play critical
role in combating poor air quality and
congestion that plague the Wasatch Front.
The Salt Lake Chamber’s Transportation
Committee continues to advocate for
adequate funding of transportation
initiatives that focus on an environmental
quality and roadway efficiency and
expansion. While the Utah Legislature has
done much already to increase funding for
clean air initiatives, more must be done to
maintain and improve our transportation
infrastructure. To keep things growing, we
must keep things flowing.
The Perfect Landing for Business
Or anything else for that matter
Nestled at the base of the Wasatch
Mountains, the Salt Lake City
International Airport is just 10
minutes from downtown. This
allows for unprecedented access
to a vibrant city for business, recreation, and everything in between.
Be a part of our dynamic economic
future in an unparalleled natural
setting with extraordinary amenities.
With seven airlines providing over
600 daily flights, getting here
couldn’t be easier.
www.slcairport.com
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43.
44. learn
Class is in Session:
Higher Education in Utah
UTAH BOASTS A HEALTHY SYSTEM of higher education
that offers a wide variety of programs for students in many fields.
Through both private and public schools, Utah higher education
is both affordable and crucial for job growth in the state.
“We are focused on increasing participation and completion
in the Utah System of Higher Education,” said Commissioner
Buhler. “Today’s jobs demand a certificate or college degree, and
we are working to ensure that all Utahns have access to a high
quality, affordable postsecondary education,” he added.
According to Pam Silberman, the director of communications for
the State Board of Regents, the number of jobs requiring a college
degree is on the rise.
“We are aware that by 2020, 66 percent of the jobs in the state
will require some form of higher education. So that really is our
focus, getting as many students as possible to participate in
college and get degrees, because that is the wave of the future,”
she said. “In order to earn a family-sustaining wage, you’re going
to need some kind of higher education degree or certificate.”
Buhler’s office has been working to increase the underserved
students’ ability to attend college by helping them prepare for the
application process. These students are also receiving assistance
as they prepare to find ways to prepare to pay for college– a major
concern for anyone seeking a degree.
Silberman notes that despite decreases in state funding, Utah
schools continue to offer relatively low tuition prices especially
when compared to other states. Buhler and his staff are working
to increase state funding and to help students and parents begin
saving early so they can afford tuition and other costs.
A recent effort to increase affordability and degree completion
is the Fifteen to Finish campaign. In order for students to finish
an undergraduate degree in four years, they must take at least 15
credit hours a semester, as opposed to the average 12 hours that
most students take. By taking the full load, students not only
finish on time, but often save money on tuition since, according
to Silberman, most institutions charge the same tuition for 15
credits as they do for 12.
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“WE ARE FOCUSED ON INCREASING
PARTICIPATION AND COMPLETION IN THE
UTAH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION.”
– David Buhler
John R Park Administration Building courtesy of the University of Utah; Joseph F. Smith Building Quad courtesy of Brigham Young University
David Buhler, the commissioner for the Utah System of Higher
Education State Board of Regents, has identified a need to
get underserved students prepared for and enrolled in higher
education programs, and to help current students do what they
need to graduate.
45. “DARE
... ”
FOR YOURSELF
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
WSU, nestled at the base of Utah’s Wasatch
Mountains, offers more than 225 two- and four-year
programs,11 graduate degrees and talented faculty
dedicated to seeing you succeed. From internships
to research experiences, from sporting events to
student clubs, Weber State is action-oriented, and
a place where you can chase your dreams.
weber
.edu
•
getintoweber
.com
46. learn
It has the largest student population of
any school in Utah. BYU is one of several
private universities along the Wasatch
Front, including Western Governors
University and Westminster College.
Brandon Beck, student body president of
BYU, feels that his school does more than
just provide classroom education.
Image courtesy Utah Valley University
In Utah, students can enroll in both private
and public institutions, all of which offer
a wide range of degrees. The University
of Utah (U of U), the state’s flagship
public school, has a robust undergraduate
curriculum as well as several renowned
doctoral and medical programs. Emily
Andrews, editor-in-chief of the Utah Daily
Chronicle, says that her time at the U of
U has given her the chance to get some
hands-on training in her major.
44
“I like going to the U because I’ve been
able to really specialize in my field and
apply what I’ve learned in a real-world
environment,” Andrews said.
The U of U’s rivals in blue to the south,
Brigham Young University (BYU),
is privately owned by the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is
consistently ranked as one of the most
affordable private schools in the nation.
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
“The iconic words at the entrances to
our campus, ‘enter to learn, go forth
to serve,’ sum up what makes BYU so
special,” Beck said. “I truly believe that
the students who attend BYU view
their educational pursuits as a means
by which they can better serve in their
families, churches and communities.”
Along with the U of U and BYU, Utah
State University (USU) is the other
research university in the state. It offers
a number of undergraduate and graduate
degrees in the cozy setting of Cache Valley.
Student body president Doug Fiefia notes
47. learn
Image courtesy Brigham Young University
USU offers plenty of activities on campus,
giving it a strong sense of community.
“There is nothing quite like being an
Aggie,” he said. “There is a sense of family
and unity that I haven’t felt anywhere.
People refer to this as the Aggie Family
or the Aggie Nation. It is a place that
students come for a true student life.
Your educational experience is the
learning happening in and outside of
the classroom, and Utah State provides
wonderful opportunities for students to
learn in both aspects.”
Utah also has a number of institutions
that have the dual role of serving as
both community colleges and four-year
universities. Students at schools such as
Weber State, Utah Valley University,
Dixie State University, or Southern
Utah University can earn certificates,
associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or
even master’s degrees.
For David Wilson, the student body
president at WSU, the focus on community
education and advanced degrees allows the
school to serve its students well and focus
on teaching with a personalized touch.
“Our dual mission blends extremely well
with an emphasis on our three pillars of education–access, community and learning,”
Wilson said. “Weber State is a school where
you get hands-on learning and are presented with a chance to make a difference in the
lives of your fellow students. Becoming a
Wildcat is the best choice I possibly could
have made for my future.”
Salt Lake Community College is the
most prominent community college in Utah,
and has several locations along the Wasatch
Front. The school’s mission is to serve its
students by making education convenient
and affordable. Jessica Fowler, SLCC student
body president, says that this focus on
students helps everyone fit in on campus.
“Here at Salt Lake Community College,
everybody is somebody – everyone has
a place to be,” Fowler said. “We offer
many services to our students, such as
day care for student parents, tutoring
for those struggling with any subject,
and great health and wellness services.”
For young adults in Utah looking to further
their education, they do not need to go far
from home. And according the Silberman,
recent efforts by all of these institutions
to increase out-of-state attendance have
been successful. Utah’s institutions of
higher learning are leading the way in
serving students, and it seems like people
all over the country are taking notice.
www.SLCHAMBER.com | LIFE IN UTAH 2014
45
48. learn
(source: Georgetown University study). To
fulfill this economic potential as a state,
we must increase degrees and certificates
awarded each year by four percent.
F
rom K-12 and beyond, Utah recognizes the importance of education in
our children’s lives. Success begins
early—and every child deserves a shot at
a quality education.
With upwards of 600,000 students in our
state’s public education system, system,
Utah invests two of every three education
dollars solely in instruction (teachers
and education specialists). It’s thanks to
the wonderful teachers we have that our
students are among the best educated
in the country. And we have legislators,
business and education leaders, and
even families who want to make our
educational system better to prepare our
students for successful futures.
Image from Thinkstock
PROSPERITY 2020
INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION
The Utah Legislature did four things to
invest in education in 2013:
• Passed a joint resolution adopting
the twin goals of 90 percent reading
and math proficiency in elementary
schools, and 66 percent of all Utah
adults with a postsecondary degree or
certificate by 2020—goals shared by
education movement Prosperity 2020
• Made strategic investments toward
measurable goals
• Committed to develop a collaborative
and united education plan
WHERE WILL WE BE BY 2020?
It is anticipated that 66 percent of jobs in
Utah will require postsecondary education
Business leaders also launched the Prosperity 2020 Business Promise to deploy
20,200 volunteers into Utah classrooms by
2020 to help students with reading, math
and other critical skills needed to succeed.
Volunteerism is a crucial piece in increasing
positive educational outcomes, ensuring
students understand the concepts important to critical thinking and communicating.
GOALS OF PROSPERITY 2020
• 66% of Utahns with postsecondary
certificates or degrees
• 90% of elementary students proficient
in reading and math
• Make Utah a STEM Top 10 Center for
technology jobs and businesses
WHAT IS PROSPERITY 2020?
Prosperity 2020 is the largest business-led
movement to enhance education through
improving innovation, accountability,
efficiency and investment in Utah’s
education system. Twenty chambers of
commerce along with other business
associations throughout Utah joined
together to improve Utah’s economy
through strengthening education.
Learn more about efforts to enhance
education in Utah at Prosperity2020.com.
HIGHER EDUCATION IN UTAH
Public Colleges & Universities
Educate Most of Utah’s College
Students
• Eight public colleges & universities
• 179,871 students enrolled 2012-13
(80% of all college students in
Utah)
• 31,339 credentials awarded
in spring 2012 (75% of all
credentials)
• Enrollment projected to increase
by 28% in next 10 years
Utah Colleges are Among Most
Affordable
Higher Education Contributes to
Utah’s Economy
• Third lowest in total cost to
attend college
• $4.2 billion enterprise
• Lowest level of student debt
(55% graduate with no debt)
• Of those who borrow, average
student debt ($17,227) is lower
than national average ($26,600)
• Lowest student loan default rate
in US (2.3%)
(Information from Utah System of Higher Education)
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
• Employs over 30,000 people
(includes U of U Healthcare)
• 2/3 of state building inventory
• For every $1 of state tax funds
spent on capital development,
higher education generates
$2.60 in non-state funds
• Utah Educational Savings Plan
is one of only four 529 plans to
receive Morningstar Gold Rating
49. UESP Rated a Gold 529 Plan
by Morningstar®
“[UESP] continues to be
among the leaders in reducing
costs. . . . The plan’s flexible
suite of investments and low
costs continue to earn it a
Gold rating.”
Morningstar Analyst Kathryn Spica, CFA
“Morningstar Names Best 529 College-Savings Plans for 2013,”
October 2013
Open a UESP account and begin saving today.
Saving for your loved one’s higher
education is a good way to inspire
their future. When you save with the
Utah Educational Savings Plan, you
help make that future possible.
• Free to open an account
• No minimum or ongoing
contribution requirements
• Federal and Utah state
tax advantages
A nonprofit 529 college savings program
800.418.2551 | uesp.org
Read the Program Description for more information and consider all investment objectives, risks, charges, and
expenses before investing. Call 800.418.2551 for a copy of the Program Description or visit uesp.org.
Investments are not guaranteed by UESP, the Utah State Board of Regents, UHEAA, or any other state or federal
agency. However, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance is provided for the FDIC-insured savings
account. Please read the Program Description to learn about the FDIC-insured savings account. Your investment
could lose value.
Non-Utah taxpayers and residents: You should determine whether the state in which you or your
beneficiary pay taxes or live offers a 529 plan that provides state tax or other benefits not otherwise
available to you by investing in UESP. You should consider such state tax treatment and benefits,
if any, before investing in UESP.
50. work
Salt Lake Chamber
Utah’s voice for business
MISSION STATEMENT
We stand as the voice of business,
we support our members’ success
and we champion community
prosperity.
THE VOICE OF BUSINESS
As the state’s largest and longest-serving
business association, the Salt Lake
Chamber provides a new kind of business
leadership on a statewide level through
a blend of collaboration, advocacy and
service. We aim to create an environment
built for economic success, now and
in the future. We continue to enhance
business-strengthening programs to make
membership in the Chamber more valuable,
and to help us achieve our mission.
We fight for a greater investment in Utah’s
future workforce through the Prosperity
2020 movement (see page 44). We help
to strengthen Utah’s health system,
sustain investment in transportation and
enhance community prosperity through
innovation. The Chamber will continue to
provide leadership on the issues facing our
state—to serve the business community
as well as Utah citizens.
Thanks to the Chamber and its partners’
work in securing good business policy,
Utah is one of the best states to start a
business, expand a business or simply to
do business.
Learn more about the Chamber
at SLChamber.com
We support policies that help businesses
thrive as “The Voice of Business” in Utah.
CHAMBER FAST FACTS
More than 7,850 member
businesses
219 businesses have been
members 25+ years
9 International Chamber
Agreements
79 percent of members are
small businesses
Hosts more than 150 events
and seminars per year
Strategic Partners:
Downtown Alliance & World
Trade Center Utah
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
Images courtesy of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce
Members span all 29 Utah
counties, 13 states and into
Canada
51. What exactly will an educated, well-trained
workforce do for Utah’s economy?
www.slcc.edu
The benefits of a top-notch workforce are obvious. Besides providing thousands
of educated employees, here’s what else Salt Lake Community College does to
support Utah’s thriving economy:
Education: With 120 areas of study available at 13 locations, including online
courses, SLCC offers flexible schedules six days a week, and degrees that
are fully transferable to Utah’s four-year schools.
Business Resources: SLCC offers a wide range of services and support to
the business community through on-site internal resources such as the Global
Business Center, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program,
the Miller Business Innovation Center, and the Salt Lake Region Small Business
Development Center.
Workforce Training: SLCC has programs available through Corporate
Solutions to help improve employee efficiency and strengthen recruiting and
retraining. Training can be customized to meet the needs of a global workforce.
Education, resources and training–that’s how SLCC helps Utah’s workforce and
economic development stay “a step ahead.”
AA/EO INSTITUTION
52. Images courtesy of World Trade Center Utah and World Bank Group
work
LEADING THE NATION IN
EXPORT GROWTH
Utah is the only state to
increase international
exports for 10 years in a row.
2010: $13.8 billion
2011: $18.9 billion
2012: $19.2 billion
More than 100,000 Utah jobs
are directly related to trade.
Going Global
International expansion opportunities
UTAH’S PRIMARY
EXPORTS
• Metal manufactures
• Computer and
electronic products
• Chemicals
• Food
• Transportation
equipment
C
ompeting in a global economy
has become a necessity, both as
a business and as a state. Utah is
certainly one of the brightest stars on the
flag when it comes to export growth. Over
the past decade, Utah continues to emerge
as a premier global business destination
despite being a landlocked state.
Small business owners are encouraged to
build their customer base, not just within the
state or country, but outside of the U.S. From
2008 to 2012, Utah’s exports grew by 85.1
percent, much higher than the U.S. average
of 20.1 percent. More than 2,800 Utah
businesses have customers in more than
195 countries, exporting a diverse range of
products including medical devices, outdoor
recreation gear and aerospace composites.
As the statewide voice of international
business, World Trade Center Utah
(WTCU) facilitates economic growth
through increased exports and international
awareness for Utah’s companies.
As the Salt Lake Chamber’s strategic
partner, the WTCU specializes in helping
Utah businesses enter profitable global
markets. Not only do international exports
bring revenue to Utah businesses, they
also create and support more Utah jobs.
The State also works to bring business
to Utah and take Utah business to
other countries. This past year, Utah’s
International Trade and Diplomacy
Office led eight trade missions to various
countries, along with assisting more
than 700 companies through individual
meetings, and holding more than 50
training events that educated 1,500
individuals on international trade issues.
Learn more about international trade and business at WTCUtah.com
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
54. Image courtesy of GREENbike | SLC Bike Share
work
Coming to SLC on a business trip?
Salt Lake City hosts a variety of national and international conventions, competitions and
sporting events. Conventions such as the Outdoor Retailer Winter and Summer markets,
which is the largest of its kind in the world, happen in the heart of downtown at the Salt
Palace Convention Center. Salt Lake is home to the Tour of Utah, Salt Lake Comic Con
and the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, attracting thousands of annual visitors.
BEST WAY AROUND THE CITY:
Ride TRAX from the airport straight into
downtown in less than 20 minutes. Most
everything you need can be found within
or close by TRAX’s Free Fare Zone. From
there you can GREENbike around town –
even in a business suit or skirt.
BEST HOTEL:
Hotel Monaco, located on corner of Main
Street and 200 South, is a short walk or
bike ride to the Salt Palace. They even put
a goldfish in your room so your business
trip is a little bit less lonely. The street
level of the hotel is home to one of SLC’s
best restaurants, Bambara.
BEST POWER BREAKFAST
MEETING:
Many business deals have been closed
over seafood omelets at Market Street.
BEST BUSINESS LUNCH:
Caffé Molise, which is only a half block
from the Salt Palace, has great food and an
amazing patio if the weather cooperates.
BEST SPOT FOR BUSINESS BEERS:
Enjoy some local brews in a classic micro-
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
brewery environment at Squatters,
Red Rock Brewery and Desert Edge
Brewery.
BEST EXPENSE ACCOUNT
DINNERS:
Hit up Takashi or Naked Fish for your
sushi needs. Copper Onion or Bistro
222 are the best in contemporary
cuisine. Or try Tin Angel for something
unexpected with a fun atmosphere.
And if you forgot something at home,
there’s world-class shopping just a short
stroll away with the likes of City Creek
(closed on Sundays) and The Gateway. If
you feel like exploring, you will also find
specialty stores and charming restaurants
throughout the heart of downtown. Just
hop on a GREENbike and go!
56. Image courtesy of Goldman Sachs
work
Goldman Sachs
Globally renowned investment firm
growing and giving back in SLC
F
rom establishing a small presence in
Utah in 2000, Goldman Sachs in Salt
Lake City has grown to be the second
largest office in the United States and
the fourth largest in the world. Starting
with only a couple hundred employees,
the financial firm now has more than
1,700 employees in Salt Lake City and the
momentum is expected to continue.
“The Salt Lake City office is integral to
the fabric of the firm, and has been an
important location for Goldman Sachs,”
said David Lang, head of Goldman Sachs’
Salt Lake City office. Thanks to a followthe-sun model, the Salt Lake City branch
is a vital part of the firm’s global business
as employees interact with office locations
in other time zones. And from a business
continuity perspective, the geographic
diversity that Salt Lake brings to Goldman
Sachs’ global footprint is very attractive.
In 2013, the Goldman Sachs Salt Lake City
branch was the very first office outside of
the New York City headquarters to host
the Goldman Sachs Annual Shareholders
meeting. Lang said this was a great opportunity to highlight Utah and the Salt Lake
City office. Lang clarified his firm’s commitment to Utah by saying, “This emphasizes the importance of the firm’s expanding presence in, and its commitment to,
the region and its employees here.”
To recruit talent, Goldman Sachs draws
upon the local university crowd. “Goldman
Sachs has long-standing relationships
with the University of Utah and Brigham
Young University, and actively recruits
from 16 schools in the western United
States,” Lang said. The number of interns
and eventual permanent hires by Goldman
Sachs from Utah’s schools continues
to grow, indicating the state’s higher
54
education system is turning out skilled and
educated individuals ready to work.
One of the biggest reasons Goldman Sachs
chose to expand in Salt Lake City was
because of the strong talent and dedicated
employees they attract, among other
favorable factors. The educated workforce
has been a significant key to Goldman
Sachs’ success in Utah. The firm has also
seen success in relocating employees from
around the world, with a vast majority
of their workers loving the experience of
living and working in Utah.
Along with the firm’s financial services,
philanthropic work also has a considerable
role in the Goldman Sachs company
culture. From education, to nonprofit
volunteering and small business
counseling, Goldman Sachs provides many
opportunities for communities, people
and projects to succeed and grow. “Strong
state and local relationships, which are
reinforced by a shared commitment
to charitable giving, have reinforced
the firm’s commitment to the area and
involvement in community growth and
development initiatives in Utah,” Lang
said. Here are a few examples:
Through the Community TeamWorks
Program, Goldman Sachs employees in
Salt Lake City have contributed more than
27,500 hours to 534 projects for more
than 85 local organizations in the Salt
Lake City metropolitan area. Community
TeamWorks Program is a global volunteer
initiative through Goldman Sachs.
As a financial institution, Goldman Sachs’
Urban Investment Group has committed
more than $3.2 billion of the firm’s capital
to underserved communities around the
country, providing financing to various
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
important community projects around Salt
Lake City, including the Utah Food Bank
(Salt Lake City), the Utah Charter Academy (West Valley City), and Rendon Terrace, an affordable housing development
for low-income senior citizens (Salt Lake
City). Goldman Sachs also financed the
nation’s first Social Impact Bond targeted
to early education to expand a high-impact preschool program for disadvantaged
children in Salt Lake City.
In partnership with the Utah Governor’s
Office of Economic Development, Salt
Lake Community College and other
community partners, Goldman Sachs
launched its 10,000 Small Businesses
program in Utah during the summer
of 2012. Small businesses play a crucial
role in building a strong economy, and
Goldman Sachs recognizes that, offering
this $500 million initiative to help spur
small business and job growth across the
nation. 10,000 Small Businesses provides
small business owners with “greater access
to business education, financial capital
and business support services.” This is a
scholarship program, meaning it’s free to
small business owners who are admitted.
By the end of 2013, more than 65 Utah
small business owners have graduated
from the program.
It’s safe to say that the relationship
between Utah and Goldman Sachs has
grown to be a mutually beneficial one—
one we hope will continue for many years
to come.
Founded in 1869, the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
is a leading global investment banking, securities
and investment management firm that provides
a wide range of financial services to a substantial
and diversified client base.
57.
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Business thrives in Utah
I
t’s no secret that there’s a secret sauce
when it comes to business in Utah.
With a business-minded governor and
the strong presence of the state chamber
of commerce, the Salt Lake Chamber,
business in the Beehive State is growing
into a force to be reckoned with not only on
a national level, but internationally as well.
Utah’s economy is thriving with an
estimated unemployment rate of 4.8
percent and 3.3 percent job growth as of
December 2013. This year, Utah’s private
sector is set to achieve the Utah Jobs
Agenda goal of creating 150,000 jobs in five
years - more than a year ahead of schedule.
Since the challenge, Pepperidge Farms,
Exelis, Fresenius, Goldman Sachs,
Rio Tinto, eBay, Adobe, Boeing, IM
Flash, EMC Corporation, Edwards
Lifesciences, Qualtrics and others
have expanded, thanks in part to the
state’s worthwhile incentives and sensible
business regulatory environment.
While we encourage new business to
relocate in Utah, we also promote existing
business through in-state programs. Our
Business Resource Centers offer a
convenient “one stop shop” for addressing
the needs of new or growing businesses,
and the Procurement Technical
Assistance Centers provide assistance
to small and mid-sized Utah companies
in obtaining government contracts. We
have also offered for the past three years
an online health insurance marketplace,
called Avenue H, geared to help small
businesses control costs and give
employees access to health care coverage.
We propel rural development, offering
grants and incentives to companies
that locate their business in small
communities. We also help rurally
disadvantaged communities, assisting
them to accomplish economic
development projects.
While maintaining Utah’s current
economy, we also look to the future.
Utah works to build its 660,000 K-12
future workforce to ensure our long-term
competitiveness. One example is the
Science, Technology, Engineering and
Math (STEM) Action Center, a program
that drives research and implementation
of STEM education best practices for
K-12 students. The STEM Action Center
LOOK WHO’S GROWING
COMPANY
LOCATION
INCENTED JOBS
Boeing
Salt Lake City
104
GAF
Cedar City
50
Qualtrics
Provo
1,080
Workday
Salt Lake City
500
Instructure, Inc.
Cottonwood Heights
655
DoTerra
Draper
330
1-800 Contacts
Draper
654
Solarwinds
Draper
1,040
SyberJet
Cedar City
240
Metal Craft
Cedar City
960
HireVue
Salt Lake City
540
56
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
supports the Governor’s education plan
and the Prosperity 2020 initiative (see
page 44).
The country and the world are taking note
of Utah’s success; the critics rave about
Utah—just take a look at our accolades.
ACCOLADES
Utah #1 for 2011, 2012, 2013
“Best State For Business And
Careers”
– Forbes Magazine
Utah #1
“A Best– Managed State”
– Governing Magazine
Utah #1
“Top 10 Pro–Business States”
– Pollina Corporate Real
Estate Inc., August 2013
Utah #1
“Utah top state for volunteerism seven years in a row”
– Volunteering and Civic Life
in America Report, December
2012
Utah #1
“United States Small Business
Friendliness”
– Thumbtack, April 2013
Utah #4
“10 Best States for Starting a
Business”
– CNBC, May 2013
Utah #5
“Fastest Internet in the West”
– Utah Broadband Project,
July 2013
59. You have dreams.
We have money.
WELCOME TO A BETTER WAY HOME.
Home is a place where you should always feel comfortable and happy. At Zions
Bank, we are committed to helping you find that sense of well-being. We have home
loan* products that are specialized for business owners, executives and professionals.Visit
Zions Bank and let one of our experts help get you on your path to comfort.
For home financing options, go to zionsbank.com/homefinancing,
call 801-316-1600, or visit your nearest financial center.
*Loans subject to credit and collateral approval. Restrictions apply. See your local financial center for details.
60. work
T
University of Utah:
an innovation, entrepreneurship and
commercialization leader
Pablo Johnson
is a medical
student at the
University of
Utah and one of
the founders of
Troclosure. The
team invented
and is refining a
tool for suturing
the hole
created during
laparoscopic
surgery.
he University of Utah is the leading
research and education institution
for the state of Utah – but it does a
lot more than educate the next generation
of science and business leaders. It has
also been consistently ranked as one of
the top universities in the nation for
faculty commercialization and student
entrepreneurship.
Faculty members at the U of U conduct
research in all major areas of study, and
they invent hundreds of new devices,
processes and techniques every year.
Many of these inventions lead to patents,
new companies or licenses with existing
companies.
Driving these achievements are
experienced faculty entrepreneurs
serving as mentors for emerging
entrepreneurs. Students also play a key
role by serving as research assistants,
conducting original research and
launching companies. The result is a
thriving innovation ecosystem that
continues to attract national attention.
Learn more at TechVentures.utah.edu
INNOVATION AND
COMMERCIALIZATION AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
IN FY 2013
$361 million research awards
167 faculty members disclosed an
invention
212 inventions disclosed
88 U.S. patents issued
89 license agreements
U.S. PATENTS BY TYPE AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
IN FY 2013
21 medical devices
21 engineering and manufacturing
Power Practical was founded by two students in the department of material
science and engineering at the University of Utah. Their leading product, the
Power Pot, is a portable cook pot that turns heat and water into electricity
for charging cell phones and other devices.
14 therapeutics, pharmaceuticals
and drug delivery
12 diagnostics
6 physical sciences
14 other
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
Images courtesy of the University of Utah
17 startup companies
61.
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USTAR: powering Utah
T
he Utah Science Technology and Research initiative
(USTAR) is a long-term, state-funded investment to
strengthen Utah’s “knowledge economy,” based on three
program areas.
The initiative invests in world-class innovation teams with
researchers recruited from around the globe. Those researchers
are employed in innovation teams located in research facilities
at the University of Utah and Utah State University. Based
on best practices of other states in technology economic
development, USTAR has been built on unique Utah strengths
to forge a new national benchmark in innovation and growth.
In addition, USTAR operates outreach teams across the state to
help entrepreneurs and existing companies commercialize new
technology and access the resources available at higher education
institutions.
engineers, Reaveley Engineers + Associates, also received the
2013 Engineering Excellence Grand Award from the American
Council of Engineering Companies.
RESEARCH
As part of building Utah’s “knowledge economy,” USTAR has
provided funding to assist both the U of U and USU in recruiting
50 catalyst-type researchers from some of the nation’s top
universities. These researchers are at the forefront of their fields
and were recruited from universities such as MIT, Harvard
University, Case Western and UCLA.
U of U USTAR researcher Deborah Yurgelun-Todd said, “One of
the really exciting things about the USTAR initiative for us was
the ability to take our research to another level, to commercialize
and see its implementation.”
“Since its inception in 2006, USTAR has enhanced Utah’s
research capacity by skillfully connecting private, public and
higher education assets in the state,” said Dan Berglund, State
Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) president & CEO. USTAR
was honored with the Expanding Research Capacity Award
at the 2013 SSTI Excellence in Technology Based Economic
Development Awards Ceremony. “Through USTAR’s efforts, the
state has recruited numerous world-class researchers, increased
R&D funding attraction and spurred economic growth.”
USTAR BUILDINGS – A LEED STANDARD
USTAR sets the gold standard in sustainable building. The 118,000
square-foot USTAR BioInnovations Center at USU was dedicated in
October 2010 and received LEED Gold certification, the first on the
Logan campus, a year later.
Image courtesy of the University of Utah
“As a LEED Gold-certified building, the USTAR BioInnovations
Center is among the most sustainable, energy-efficient research
centers in the nation,” said Robert T. Behunin, vice president
for commercialization and regional development at USU. “The
USTAR Center is a tremendous asset for researchers. The state-ofthe-art capabilities within the facility have allowed us to leverage
our resources to build important partnerships with industry.”
The U of U James L. Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building, a
USTAR Innovation Center dedicated in April 2012 - received LEED
Gold certification in September 2013. “We’re proud to continue
our commitment to a sustainable campus,” said U of U President
David W. Pershing. “With its water-wise landscaping, recycled
materials and energy-efficient lab equipment, this building is truly
a model for the future of sustainable research buildings.”
The $133 million construction project has also been recognized
by ENR Mountain States with a 2012 Award of Merit, as well as
2012 Excellence in Concrete Award from the American Concrete
Institute Intermountain Chapter. The building’s structural
60
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
Student’s in Randy Lewis’ lab work to spin synthetic
spider silk. In an effort to produce even more strength
and flexibility within the synthetic spider silk strands,
Lewis now focuses his work on the creation of new
methods for spinning and processing the silk strands.
63. Healthcare Answers
1 in 3 American Lives Impacted
Together, We’re Transforming Healthcarewww.VeriskHealth.com
Join one of the fastest-growing healthcare IT companies.
With 10 of the 30 top-growing occupations related to healthcare,
Verisk Health provides a platform to advance in a leading industry.
We are changing the way healthcare is administered and
delivered in the United States by providing data services,
analytics and advanced technology to answer the
healthcare industry’s most complex challenges.
Learn about our generous benefits
package and Utah-based opportunities at
www.veriskhealth.com/careers
Data. Analytics. Answers.
64. work
Health care in Utah
U
tah’s approach to health care is unique among
the states when it comes to the Affordable
Care Act. While the other 49 states chose one
of the federal government’s three options — statebased marketplace, federally-facilitated marketplace,
or state-federal partnership — Utah blazed its own
trail. Governor Gary R. Herbert hammered out a
deal with the Department of Health and Human
Services that has the federal government running an
exchange for individuals, while the state continues to
operate its small business marketplace.
The state’s marketplace, Avenue H, has been in
operation since 2010. It works with small businesses
that have 1-50 employees to give employees a say in
their health care and employers some cost savings.
Employers that participate on Avenue H choose
a set dollar amount (rather than a percentage) to
contribute to their employees, then the employees
use those funds to shop on Avenue H for a plan that
fits their needs. Employees can choose from among
70 plans offered by three insurers: Arches Health
Plans, SelectHealth and UnitedHealth Care.
Together, these three insurers reach all areas of the
state, so employers on Avenue H have health care
options no matter where they live.
In early November 2013, Avenue H opened its
consumer enrollment site. Employers can go to
AvenueH.com and get a quote for their group’s
62
coverage, then enroll online with or without help
from an insurance broker.
People who are self-employed, unemployed or eligible
for Medicaid are all able to sign up for individual
insurance through the federal Health Insurance
Marketplace. Even though it’s called “individual,” it
also includes families.
Utahns are also able to get insured through the
traditional market, just as they always have. There
are numerous insurance companies that are active in
Utah, as well as hundreds of insurance brokers who
can direct people to the right resources.
For more information, please visit
HealthCare.gov or AvenueH.com
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
65. Love
comes to
comes to
the rescue
of children
every day.
every day.
At Shriners Hospitals for Children—Salt Lake City, our mission is
At Shriners Hospitals for Children—Salt Lake City, our missionit
simple: deliver world-class medical care to children who need is
simple: deliver world-class medical afford itchildren who need it
most — whether their families can care to or not.
most — whether their families can afford it or not.
For 89 years we’ve specialized in helping children affected by
For 89 years we’ve specialized in helping children affected and
various orthopaedic conditions. While expertise, dedication by
various orthopaedic conditions. While expertise, dedication and
generosity make it possible, we believe our hospital is fueled by
generosity make it child at everybelieve our hospitalthefueled by
love, helping each possible, we step as they make is journey
love, helping each to kids. every step as they make the journey
from patients back child at
from patients back to kids.
To refer a child for care call (801) 536-3500 or (800) 314-4283.
To refer a child for care call (801) 536-3500 or (800) 314-4283.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/saltlakecity
shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/saltlakecity
Fairfax Road at Virginia Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Fairfax Road at Virginia Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
66. Commercial Real Estate in Utah
O
ver the last several years, Utah has
outperformed a sluggish national
economy. Consequently, the
state’s commercial real estate market has
maintained above average performance in
most areas. Looking ahead, Utah’s stable,
business-friendly environment will attract
new companies and foster the expansion of
those already in Utah.
OFFICE
While job creation remains positive
in office-using sectors, trends toward
efficiency will continue to influence office
markets. Strategies that allow companies
to use space more efficiently are gaining
traction and attention as a cost-saving
measure. New and more efficient work
space strategies are in turn redefining the
relationship between broader economic
growth and how real estate markets
respond to it. Looking ahead, job growth
in office-using sectors is expected to
remain positive, and overall the office
market is expected to continue improving
along with the area’s economy.
INDUSTRIAL
With low energy, land, and labor costs, as
well as prime intermodal access to the western United States, Salt Lake County is an
64
attractive location for industrial operations
of all types. An increase in developers
new to Salt Lake has spurred competition
for industrial product and land. Market
indicators from the past few years consistently show steady and above-average
performance, particularly in the area of
new construction. Of the 1.4 million sq. ft.
of speculative construction completed in
2013, 70 percent was pre-leased. Roughly
1.5 million sq. ft. of product currently
under construction is slated to be completed before year-end 2014, and another 1.6
million sq. ft. is estimated to break ground
in the near-term. Overall, with increased
activity and continued expansion, 2014 is
expected to be a good year for industrial
real estate in Salt Lake.
RETAIL
Salt Lake’s retail market was characterized
by steadily increasing demand during 2013,
with food services being the most active
segment. Increased competition for prime
retail space has motivated developers to
maximize use of retail pads, which have
traditionally been limited to one tenant.
Due to the significant amount of newly
completed retail space over the past two
years, new construction is expected to slow,
with the exception of infill construction
LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
and redevelopment. However, with a strong
local economy and increasing demand,
the Salt Lake retail market is expected to
perform well during 2014.
CAPITAL MARKETS
General conditions continue to improve
in the investment market with lending
standards loosening somewhat. Both
investors and lenders remain prudent;
however, lenders are planning on another
active year in 2014 as commercial real
estate remains an attractive investment.
Despite potential interest rate changes,
overall capital markets are healthy and
expected to remain so through 2014.
OUTLOOK
During the coming year, Utah and Salt
Lake County will experience moderate
growth. Positive attributes such as
a favorable demographic profile and
particularly dynamic sectors, such as tech,
will continue to have a positive impact. As
such, continued improvement and above
average performance will be reflected in
area commercial real estate markets.
Excerpts for this article taken from
the 2013 Fall Economic Outlook
produced by CBRE in partnership
with the Salt Lake Chamber.
Image by Kyle Jenkins courtesy of Summit Sotheby’s Realty
work
67. “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success.
You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world,
but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.”
—Babe Ruth
Thank you, Utah, for being the best playing field a team could ever have.
At CBRE, we bring together the most comprehensive service offering, strongest brand and most talented
real estate professionals in Salt Lake City and around the world. For one reason alone—to best serve our
clients. Now that’s teamwork.
#1 in real estate services worldwide
www.cbre.com/slc +1 801 869 8000
68. play
Salt Lake City
Capital of
Cuisine
Dine O’ Round at Tin Angel Cafe image by Margie Richlen, courtesy of Downtown Alliance;
Dine O’ Round at Squatters image by Doug Barnes, courtesy of Downtown Alliance
SALT LAKE CITY: THE CAPITAL OF CUISINE
Over the past decade, Salt Lake City has cultivated a number of
quality restaurants with varying cuisines, from locally produced
fare to imported chefs from around the world. From authentic
Italian at Valter’s, to Mexican staple Red Iguana, to the Taste of
India, to tapas from Eva, to sushi at Takashi, to locally sourced
favorites such as Pago, Copper Onion and beyond, you can
discover a wide array of restaurants to tickle your taste buds.
If you enjoy fresh seafood and great steaks, the various
restaurants operated by Gastronomy Inc., are great options:
Market Street Grill, Market Street Broiler, Market Street
Oyster Bar and The New Yorker.
Barbecue is well-loved among Utahns, and Pat’s Barbecue is a
good choice for the slow-cooked barbecue flavor. Known for its
historic atmosphere, Pallet provides an unexpectedly delicious
twist on American cuisine.
For the best brewpub in Utah, you’ll want to hit up Squatters
Pub. With award-winning homemade brews (even organic!),
great burgers and a relaxed environment, Squatters is a staple
in downtown Salt Lake City. Red Rock and Uinta Brewing are
other favorite local brewers with restaurants.
See Downtownslc.org/eatslc/nightlife-restaurant-map to
track down even more delectable dining options in Salt Lake City.
HEADING OUT
But the culinary antics don’t end in Salt Lake City!
Up Emigration Canyon (only 10 minutes from downtown), you’ll
find Ruth’s Diner—a local favorite since the 1930’s. A little
further south in Millcreek Canyon, Log Haven enchants patrons
with exquisite scenery and award-winning New American cuisine.
Some of the best Chinese can be found at Mandarin in
Bountiful. For exquisite French fare, La Caille in Cottonwood
Heights will transport you straight into a classic French novel.
In fine dining, The Mariposa at Deer Valley is a must during
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
winter. In the mountain town of Park City, the High West
Distillery & Saloon comes highly recommended for dinner and
drinks.
In the good ol’ South, you can enjoy award-winning gourmet
cuisine at Camille’s Sidewalk Café in St. George. The Painted
Pony is also on old favorite down there, and Hell’s Backbone
Grill in Boulder serves food that also benefits the world.
DINE AROUND WITH DINE O’ ROUND
Pull up a chair to one of the most anticipated dining events
of the year, the Downtown Dine O’ Round, a two-week event
where dozens of restaurants in downtown Salt Lake City offer
multi-course lunches and dinners at great prices. This is the best
opportunity to sample some of the region’s best dining.
69. SHINES
Discover more than 100 stores and
restaurants lining a sparkling creek, all
under a fully retractable glass skylight.
It’s always beautiful shopping weather
at City Creek Center.
FIND YOUR STYLE
NORDSTROM
ROlex BOuTIque O.C. TANNeR
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BROOKS BROTHeRS
MICHAel KORS
ANTHROPOlOGIe
ANN TAYlOR
MACY’S
TRue RelIGION BRAND JeANS
COACH
WeST elM
ATHleTA
MICROSOFT
APPle
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THe CHeeSeCAKe FACTORY
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BRIO TuSCAN GRIlle
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SPECIAL OFFERS FOR TRAvELERS
GeT A COMPlIMeNTARY PASSPORT
TO SHOPPING AT THe CuSTOMeR
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50 S. Main Street
Downtown Salt lake City
SHOPCITYCREEKCENTER.COM
70. play
Nightlife &
Entertainment
CLUBS & BARS
Bar-X is a popular spot for fresh, handcrafted cocktails and
its speakeasy ambience. Other downtown hot bars and clubs
for libations include The Red Door, The Beerhive, Gracie’s,
and the Tavernacle, which is also home to the best karaoke in
town! It’s also worth noting that The Bayou boasts the largest
collection of beers in the state.
If dancing is your scene, Area 91 has the biggest dance floor in Salt
Lake City and hosts themed dance nights throughout the week. Plus
it’s friendly to those under 21 with separate dance floors. Habits is
another great place to boogie and chill with friends.
For a good sports bar, Lumpy’s Downtown and the Fiddler’s
Elbow can do no wrong, with TV screens in almost every booth
so you won’t have to miss any game for the sake of another. If
you’re a Real Salt Lake fan, Dick ‘n Dixie’s is a good place to
catch the match with like-minded fans.
Squatters Pub is a local favorite for homemade brews, as is Red
Rock Brewing Co. Other crowd-pleasing homemade libations
include High West Whiskey and Five Wives Vodka.
In the works is a brand new kind of nightclub downtown. It will
be a part of a new multi-use building called Air Center, which will
also be home to a restaurant, office space and more. Inspired by the
nightlife of larger cities such as New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles,
Atlanta and Toronto, the new club is slated to open in winter 2014.
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LIFE IN UTAH 2014 | www.SLCHAMBER.com
Night owls unite! Whether
it’s music, clubbing or a chill
lounge, there’s nightlife in
Utah that you may not expect.
THE MUSIC SCENE
Thanks to venues like EnergySolutions Arena, USANA
Amphitheatre, The Depot and In the Venue downtown, as
well as the Maverik Center, you can almost always find music
to jam out to. When the big-name artists come to town, people
come out in droves, making downtown the place to be.
We also have a bumping local music scene. Some of the best
places to catch local artists include Kilby Court, The Urban
Lounge, The Garage, The State Room, Liquid Joe’s, and most
bars and pubs on Main Street in Park City.
One of the hottest music events in Salt Lake City is the Twilight
Concert Series that features local, nationally and internationally
known music artists. The series runs on Thursdays during the
summer, and brings upbeat crowds to Pioneer Park.
PERFORMING ARTS
Talent is something that Utah is not lacking. From community
theaters around the state to the pros and even semi-pro, there’s
no shortage of stages and actors to fill them.
Utah is also home to some amazing classical music, with year-round
performances from the likes of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera
and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, a world-renowned choral
group which serenades hundreds of thousands each year. You haven’t heard beautiful music until you’ve heard these Utah gems.