Happy Friday from #OneUtah, a weekly update from the office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox. Here’s your recap of what we did this week, what's on the horizon, and more. Reply to this email with any questions or suggestions regarding the newsletter. And thank you for subscribing!

One Utah Summit

As Utahns, we dream big! At the Spring 2024 One Utah Summit we were excited to meet so many who are dreaming big and doing big things. The secret sauce to Utah’s success truly is our people. We’re proud that Utah leads the nation in service and charitable giving, and that the spirit of community plays a vital role in building our strong economy. Utah is consistently recognized as the best economy in the nation, with the most recent ranking from the U.S. News and World Report and being ranked the best state for businesses for the 17th consecutive year by the American Legislative Exchange Council. 

And the best is yet to come! Utah provides fertile soil for modern innovators and entrepreneurs. As the country’s fastest-growing state, with a well-educated workforce and thriving economy, Utah’s mountains, valleys, deserts and plateaus provide the perfect environment to nourish and champion the startup and entrepreneurial spirit. Utah truly is the Startup State!

#DisagreeBetter x TED Talks

This week we were honored to deliver a TED Talk about our National Governors Association Initiative: Disagree Better. It was an incredible experience. If we want to change the world, we need to start by changing our own hearts. Learn more about our TED Talk here, and stay tuned for when the full talk is released!

Utah Home

What makes Utah Home? Lance Richards says accommodations by the Utah Department of Transportation have helped him live a more independent life. Thanks, Lance, for sharing your Utah Home story!

Automation Day at Bridgerland Technical College

Utah stands as a key contributor to the manufacturing of essential goods and services, not only in regional markets but also on the global stage. Bridgerland Technical College in Cache County celebrated automation by bringing industry employers and showcasing students' work. Lt. Gov. Henderson gave the keynote address, highlighting the manufacturing modernization initiatives from the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. See pictures here.

Utah Women First Responders

The Lift, Inspire, Focus, and Empower retreat celebrates and gives thanks to women police officers, firefighters, and other first responders in Utah. Lt. Gov. Henderson spoke to the group about the importance and value of serving in these essential roles. See pictures here.

Governor’s Award for Excellence Highlight

Each week, we’re highlighting a state employee who was recently awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence. This week we’re recognizing Sarina Ehrgott with the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement.

In adopting a new state flag, Sarina took the rare opportunity to serve as Utah’s design diplomat. She designed the strategic look-and-feel of the initiative’s brand, and was a key innovator in creating a statewide public engagement campaign. She designed and built an effective website that, in less than a year, attracted more than 250,000 page views. She incorporated feedback and ideas from more than 100 volunteers, and served as a leading voice — and eye — on the Design Review Subcommittee of artists and graphic designers. She helped review more than 5,700 submissions to find the design themes that were most significant to Utahns. She then led the small team of professionals hired to shape submitted ideas into flag designs. As deadlines approached, she was available after work hours. Her ideas, her branding expertise, and her artist’s eye were crucial elements of the campaign to design a new Utah banner. 

Thank you, Sarina, for your dedication to the state of Utah. Keep up the great work! To read about the Governor’s Awards for Excellence, click here. 

ICYMI

• This week was the Great Utah ShakeOut! Utahns across the state participated in earthquake drills and emergency preparedness. Visit shakeout.org/utah to learn more about how you can be prepared.

• Today is Declutter Day for Utahns! Bring your sensitive documents for shredding, old computers, hard drives and other electronics that may have sensitive information on them to be wiped and recycled, expired medications to be properly disposed of by law enforcement or any other unwanted items to the Guardsman Lot at the University of Utah!

Coming up

Get involved!

Looking for a new job opportunity? From great employee benefits to versatile work schedules, the career opportunities with the state are truly endless. Join Team Utah today! 

Those looking to volunteer can also consider more than 300 boards and commissions. Find out which openings are available and how you can get involved here!

Get in touch!