Business

“We’ve hidden a wallet deep in the woods, help us locate it to keep all the goods.
Find a bank branch to get your first clue, by scanning the QR that’s closest to you.
Watch closely each week to know when clues drop, follow on social to be at the top.
$20,000 is the prize that you seek, give half to a charity and the other half you keep.”

Join us for our first Where’s the Wallet Cash Quest!

We’ve hidden a wallet somewhere in Utah for you to find. Starting August 7, begin the search by scanning our QR code poster, which you can find at your nearest Bank of Utah branch. This QR page will be where all our clues are posted so be sure to bookmark it. (Note: QR poster is scannable from outside the building so questing can happen at any time of day)

Follow us on social media to know when new clues are added to the page. We will also post the occasional bonus clue so watch close! The lucky winner to find our wallet will receive $10,000 to keep, then they will be given the opportunity to allocate an additional $10,000 to a local charity of their choice from an approved list. So don’t delay, head to your local branch on August 7 to start the search!

Good luck on your quest!

Find Nearest Branch

Additional rules and regulations are as follows:

You must be 18 or older to participate.Bank employees and families of employees are not eligible to win.Wallet will not be hidden on private property. Please remember the “leave no trace” rule as you search. You will have cell service.The donation of $10,000 will be made in the winner’s name on behalf of Bank of Utah to a charity of the winner’s choice from an approved list of organizations. This donation will not be tax deductible.Prize money will be deposited into a Bank of Utah account for easy access and transfer.Bank of Utah is not responsible for taxes related to winnings.By accepting a prize, the winner consents to the use of his or her name, likeness, voice, opinions, biographical information, hometown and state and/or other personal information in advertising without additional compensation.No rock climbing, digging, or bushwhacking is necessary. Bank of Utah is not responsible for any personal claims of injury, death, loss, expense, or damages arising from participation in this campaign.Bank of Utah reserves the right to disqualify any individual it believes or finds to be tampering or violating the official rules, or in any unsportsmanlike or disruptive conduct. Please be kind to others who are searching. Any attempt by any person to deliberately damage any web site or undermine the legitimate operation of this campaign is a violation of criminal and civil law.Any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with the prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action.

Kym and Peter Buttschardt consider their Roosters group of restaurants as “gathering places first, and restaurants and taprooms second,” said Kym Buttschardt.

So it’s fitting that they were honored with the Utah Restaurant Association’s prestigious Golden Spoon: Restaurateur of the Year award.

“It’s for restaurateurs with a community-minded spirit, and for our love and support of the community,” said Kym Buttschardt.

The awards are nominated by restaurant industry peers and selected by the URA’s executive committee. Some past winners include Deer Valley Resort and Scott Evans of the Pago Restaurant Group in Salt Lake City.

Starting in 1991 when they opened their fledgling Union Grill at Union Station, the Buttschardts helped spur downtown Ogden’s renaissance. In 1995, they opened Roosters Brewing Co. on 25th Street, in serious decline since its railroad town heyday. The success of Roosters and Union Grill attracted other restaurants and shops, transforming the sketchy neighborhood into a historic destination. It’s become a backdrop for festivals, a farmers market, concerts and other events, of which the Buttschardts are often organizers or supporters.

The Buttschardts’ restaurants/breweries/taprooms have grown to include Roosters locations on 25th Street, Layton and at the Salt Lake City International Airport; an expanded Union Grill on 24th Street; the B Street production brewery and taproom on B Avenue in Ogden; and The Coop in Layton.

“As we have grown, we’ve recognized an opportunity to bring all the administrative services under one roof,” said Kym Buttschardt. “We purchased The Depot building in Ogden with that in mind and have been building out an ‘enterprise’ level of management services there. We’re calling that the Roosters Hospitality Group.”

Kim Bowsher has become the chief executive officer of Roosters Hospitality Group, which oversees the Roosters, Union Grill and Coop brands. Chef Matthew Lake is the chief operating officer, overseeing all culinary operations, including catering.

Bowsher most recently headed the Ogden Downtown Alliance and has directed Roosters’ branding and publicity for over 10 years through her media group, kbEnt.

“What she brings is a strategic vision to keep us relevant and working together as a group, rather than individual restaurants and breweries,” said Kym Buttschardt.

“She’s good at figuring out what your customers want, instead of what you want to give them,” said Pete Buttschardt.

Lake, a Culinary Institute of America grad, was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best Young Chefs in 1996 when he helmed prestigious New York City restaurants. More recently, he owned Zy and Alamexo restaurants in Salt Lake City. He was hired by the Roosters group in 2021.

“He looked at our whole business, analyzed our menus and brought so much focus,” said Pete Buttschardt. “With our costs and labor rising, we’ve refined our menus and taken some things off and brought some new things on. We’ve had the same menu items at the Ogden and Layton locations, but they weren’t always made the same way. He got to be consistent.”

All catering bookings, whether in Layton, Ogden or elsewhere, now take place with Roosters Hospitality Catering Sales Manager Angelica Sweet.

The past five years have brought growth on many fronts. Roosters opened its B Street taproom and production brewery in late 2018. The brand was awarded a contract at the Salt Lake International Airport through SSP America and began operating there in August 2021. When Corbin’s Grill closed, Roosters in Layton was offered a chance to take over that space next door. It was remodeled into an events area and a new bar/eatery concept, The Coop by Roosters, that opened last fall.

While The Coop was in development, Jeff Ray of Layton’s popular Holy Smoke BBQ was forced to close when he lost his building lease. In a culinary twist of fate, Ray was brought in as pitmaster for The Coop. Fans of the gone-but-not-forgotten Holy Smoke can get their barbecue fix with Ray’s smoked wings, pulled pork, tri-tip steak, brisket and carnitas enchiladas. Ray also provides wings, ribs and other smoked items for the other Roosters restaurants and caterings.

“It’s never going to be the old Holy Smoke, but we’re pretty solid in how we integrated it,” Kym Buttschardt said. “And the cocktail program there is pretty solid too.”

Although alcohol is a big part of Roosters Group restaurants, food still brings in the most revenue. At the Layton and 25th Street Roosters, sales are 80% food, 20% alcohol. At The Coop and B Street taproom, it’s 60% food, 40% alcohol. Union Grill’s sales are 90% food, 10% alcohol.

Each of the different restaurants have their menu mainstays. Union Grill is known for its French onion soup, topped with bubbly, melted provolone cheese. Its pasta salad is another favorite. Pepper jack enchiladas are Roosters’ stop-selling item, filled with shredded roasted turkey and green chilies, topped with pepper jack cheese sauce and chopped cilantro. Grilled salmon is a staple at both Roosters and Union Grill, and there’s a variety of tacos, sandwiches, burgers, pastas and salads at all the restaurants.

The Buttschardts first met working at Market Street Broiler while attending the University of Utah. Kym earned an accounting degree and accepted a job in Washington, D.C., with the Price Waterhouse firm. Meanwhile, Pete heard about an opportunity to open a restaurant in Ogden’s Union Station and scraped together enough money to open Union Grill in 1991.

Kym transferred back to Utah, “because Pete and I either had to break up or be in the same state.”

The two married, and Kym took over Union Grill’s marketing and front-of-house, so Pete could focus on food and operations.

Kym had grown up in Ogden, where her parents owned Sandy’s Fine Foods. But she didn’t feel a pull to come back to Ogden. “Pete is what pulled me back,” she said. “And I decided if I came back, I was going to make this a place where my sons would be proud of where they came from.”

They say they didn’t start out with a grand plan; mostly, they took opportunities as they came. In 1995, they saw an opportunity to open Roosters when brewpubs were becoming trendy. When they needed more space to host large groups, they moved Union Grill to the old Berthana Building on 24th Street, and expanded the Layton Roosters. The opportunity to produce beer on a larger scale for distribution in stores resulted in the B Street facility and taproom.

There were a few glitches along the way.

“We bought Wildflour Bakery and found out that we’re not bakers,” said Pete Buttschardt. He also tried supplying food and drinks in a converted train car at Ogden’s FrontRunner Station, “And that kind of bombed.”

They’ve weathered up-and-down years with recessions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Some years, one location didn’t make money but was offset by another location that did.

Now, the Roosters Hospitality Group will move all the restaurants and catering operations under one umbrella, said Kym Buttschardt. “Pete and I have been spinning plates for so long, and this will give us time to pursue other things that we care about.”

Wildcat MicroFund expands with $1.2 million gift from America First Credit Union

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University’s Wildcat MicroFund has received a $1.2 million gift from America First Credit Union to expand its services throughout Utah.

The Wildcat MicroFund focuses on serving socially and economically disadvantaged communities throughout northern Utah, offering cash grants of up to $3,000 and additional networking opportunities to Weber State students and area entrepreneurs.

The $1.2 million gift will allow the fund to expand its services to Utah communities beyond Weber, Davis, Morgan and Box Elder counties.

“We serve the next generation of entrepreneurs by giving them a platform to test their ideas in a real-world setting and bring brand awareness to their local communities,” said Catherine Holbrook Clark, manager of the Wildcat MicroFund. “The opportunities that this funding provides not only make a profound impact on the entrepreneurs themselves, but on their families and the community as well.”

Since 2018, the microfund has awarded over 300 grants to businesses in a variety of industries, including construction, education, outdoor recreation and tourism.

Ogden resident Tania Rodriguez is a recent recipient of a microfund grant. Rodriguez operates Los Churros del Norte, a traveling food stand that serves up churros, buñuelos and other Mexican food. SHe worked several different jobs before she decided to pursue her true passion – cooking. Learn more about her in the video below.

“My churros are made from scratch, by hand, and they taste just like a small piece of my beautiful country of Mexico,” she said. “Making churros gives me the opportunity to share something special.”

When the truck that transports her churro cart broke down, Rodriguez couldn’t afford to fix or replace it. A friend told her to apply to the microfund, and she received enough money to buy a new truck to keep working at local events.

America First Credit Union “could not be happier to partner with the Wildcat MicroFund,” said Tammy Gallegos, AFCU’s chief strategic engagement officer.

“The Wildcat MicroFund is an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs to launch, build and grow their venture,” she said. “We’re thrilled that through this program we get to be part of the journey for individuals furthering innovation here in Utah.”

“The most fulfilling part of being a small business owner is that I’m a step closer to making my American dream a reality,” she said.

For more information, visit the Wildcat MicroFund website.

Bryan Magaña

Publice Relations Director, bryanmagana@weber.edu

Weber State University Uses 3D Printing for Aerospace Support, Research

OGDEN, Utah, January 26 – Weber State University is using 3D printing to advance its research on composite materials that support northern Utah’s aerospace and defense ecosystem.

The university’s Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center recently upgraded and installed the Impossible Objects Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing system, or CBAM-2. The machine prints composite materials that can then be used to design parts for a range of high-tech applications.

Located near Hill Air Force Base, Utah, the MARS Centers brings together Weber State students and faculty with industry experts who can apply innovative solutions to real-world problems, especially in the realm of national defense.

“Composite materials are of high interest to the military, and the ability to 3D-print those parts on demand with CBAM gives us an advantage to participate in more projects and recruit the best talent,” said David Ferro, dean of WSU’s College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology.

Ferro said Weber State has a long history with Impossible Objects and believes the new system – a leap in technology from the center’s previous CBAM printer – will be a valuable tool in aerospace research among academia, defense and commercial partners.

“We’ve used this technology to print parts for legacy aircraft, aging jets that need replacement parts or tools that aren’t in production anymore,” said Devin Young, grant writing and research specialist at WSU, who works at the MARS Center. “CBAM makes parts that are lighter and stronger than some of the other methods out there, and it does it faster.”

Young said a recent example of 3D-printed parts via Impossible Objects includes a strap that keeps first-aid kits secure inside aircraft currently flown by the U.S. Air Force.

“We’ve found a range of uses for this technology, from large aerospace companies to small local businesses,” Young said.

Steve Hoover, Impossible Objects CEO, said the CBAM system’s Carbon Fiber PEEK 3D-printed material achieves excellent mechanical properties and is a cutting-edge alternative for aluminum prototyping, tooling, spares and repairs.

“The MARS Center is at the forefront of aerospace and defense research,” Hoover said. “We’re proud that they’ve selected CBAM technology, and have already engaged in several projects that have exciting potential for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and other industrial partners.”

The MARS Center opened in August 2022 thanks to a $3.5 million donation from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. The CBAM 3D Printer from Impossible Objects is among the first advanced manufacturing technologies to be installed and used the new facility.

Contact: Bryan Magaña, byranmagana@weber.edu

Weber State University is renowned for excellent teaching, accessible educational opportunities and its enduring presence in northern Utah. Weber State serves more than 29,000 students form all walks of life and offers 225+ degree programs, including 20 graduate degrees. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more.

Impossible Objects is a 3D printer and materials company founded with the belief that materials science inventions would enable 3D printing to revolutionize the world in the same ways computers and the internet have revolutionized the way we live, work and play. Impossible Object’s CBAM technology combines the production rate of conventional manufacturing with the design flexibility of 3D printing to create high-performance materials at break-neck speeds. These advanced composite materials are lightweight, strong and ideal for a range of industrial applications. By removing the barriers, we’ve unlocked new opportunities to reshape and rethink manufacturing. Learn more at https://www.impossible-objects.com/

Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs and Veteran Business Resource Center launch Utah Veteran-Owned Business Registry

SALT LAKE CITY, January 9 – The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) and the Veterans Business Resource Center (VBRC) at Salt Lake Community College have launched a Veteran-owned business registry. This registry will help promote Veteran-owned businesses in Utah by allowing the public to search for and find Veteran businesses to support.

Utah is home to over 140,000 Veterans and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18,000 Utah businesses are Veteran-owned. The state continues to be recognized as one of the best performing economies in the nation and a business-friendly state. UDVMA and VBRC are dedicated to ensuring Veterans can take advantage of this success and grow their businesses.

“It is an honor to serve our Veterans and their families and we are excited to launch this new registry as another way to give back,” said Gary Harter, executive director of UDVMA. “Utah is a highly patriotic and military friendly state and many Utahns want to show their gratitude to those who have served. Now they have more ways to do so by supporting their local Veteran-owned businesses.”

“Veterans have a wealth of experience and skills that lend very well to starting and running successful businesses,” said Rick Brown, VBRC Director. “As we continue our work here at the VBRC helping Veterans and their families start and run businesses, we are pleased to offer this registry to further boost the great work of our Veterans.”

The Utah Veteran-Owned Business Registry can be found at https://vbr.veterans.utah.gov. Utahns can search by keywords or the name of the business. Businesses with any level of Veteran ownership can register at vbr.veterans.utah.gov/s/register-business. Veteran status and business license will be verified by UDVMA and being listed on the registry does not represent an endorsement of the business or its services.

The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) is the state agency that assists Veterans, service members and their families to access their benefits and strives to ensure that Utah remains a military and veteran friendly state. UDVMA also advises the Governor and state legislature on matters pertaining to military affairs throughout Utah and serves as a liaison to the leadership of Utah’s military installations, defense industry, and economic development organizations.

The Veterans Business Resource Center (VBRC) was created by the State of Utah and Salt Lake Community College to directly support Veterans, service members and their families in starting and growing their businesses. VBRC offers support and resources to assist in testing your business idea, developing a business plan, forming a company, analyzing financial needs, and creating an effective marketing strategy.

For more information, please contact:
Taylor Ricks, UDVMA, (801) 900-1906, tricks@utah.gov
Rick Brown, VBRC, (801) 957-5288, richard.brown2@slcc.edu

Aerospace Expands Its Regional Office at Hill Air Force Base

Bringing Technical Expertise to Modernize and Strengthen our Nation’s Next-Generation ICBM Programs

The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) hosted a ribbon-cutting today for its newly expanded offices at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, where significant work is being done to support the modernization of our nation’s nuclear deterrence programs and outpace adversarial nuclear threats. From these new offices, Aerospace’s top engineers and scientists will work on advancing the development of the next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

“As adversaries develop and advance nuclear weapons capabilities, the sustainment and modernization of our nation’s nuclear deterrence is critical to protecting our national security,” said Steve Isakowitz, Aerospace president and CEO. “Building on our legacy of supporting ICBMs during the Cold War, Aerospace continues to provide unmatched technical expertise and objective analysis to ensure the success of our nation’s nuclear programs and support the Department of Defense’s deterrence mission.”

Aerospace has supported ICBM programs at Hill Air Force Base for more than 14 years. Today, company engineers and scientists continue to provide technical expertise for ICBM programs through systems, propulsion, and guidance engineering, as well as software development capabilities that include digital engineering and cybersecurity. They also aid government decision-makers in evaluating acceptance of risk-enhancing mission assurance measures.

“The Aerospace Corporation’s alignment at Hill Air Force Base is the perfect fit in the work to protect our country,” said Chuck Leonhardt, president and CEO of the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce. “We are fortunate to have such a powerful leader in the space industry in our business community.”

Aerospace’s new 24,000 square foot office will accommodate up to 140 employees, customers, and contractors – more than tripling today’s staffing numbers. It will also enable Aerospace engineers to work in a co-located, secure environment alongside the U.S. Air Force’s program staff. The presence of secured IT facilities and equipment will allow for collaboration with remote locations across the nation. Additionally, local staff are part of Aerospace’s nationwide Engineering and Technology Group (ETG), which provides deep technical insight and expertise to the local customer base and other strategic customers, like NASA, across the nation.

Aerospace’s local presence is expected to have an approximate economic impact of $13 million by the end of 2023. The company has a newly formed relationship with the University of Utah, where it advises on systems engineering curriculum needs. In the community, local Aerospace employees volunteer in programs that inspire the next generation of students to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Grand Opening Planned for Dumke Arts Plaza in Ogden

Construction is near completion on the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Arts Plaza, located in Ogden, Utah. The Dumke Arts Plaza will be an arts-focused community space, a dynamic outdoor gallery, and an intimate performance venue. The plaza is designed to inspire creativity, elevate diverse perspectives, and anchor Ogden as a hub for contemporary art. The plaza will feature major art installations as well as community-led arts programming ranging from small concerts, to dance performances, to video art. It will be a space to engage with art in all its forms, but also a place for everyday gatherings — sharing lunch with a friend or enjoying a family visit.

The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the Dumke Arts Plaza on Friday, Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. at 445 25th Street, at the corner of 25^th Street and Ogden Avenue. The event will serve as the premiere of the plaza’s inaugural exhibition, a selection of work by internationally renowned American sculptor Chakaia Booker, curated by Weber State University. Also on display will be the Beacon, a permanent sculptural piece that extends from the plaza over 25^th Street. Invited speakers will make brief remarks at 6:15 pm and performances will take place throughout the evening. All are encouraged to attend and celebrate the Dumke Arts Plaza as a new arts-focused space for the community.

A unique collaboration among project partners and community members has shaped the Dumke Arts Plaza. The Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation is the lead funder for the project. The Foundation’s gift of more than $2.2 million to support the Dumke Arts Plaza is intended to honor the legacy of its founders and their commitment to Ogden. Ogden City and Weber County RAMP also contributed major funding to the project. The Foundation, Ogden City, RAMP, Weber State University, and Ogden Contemporary Arts, along with community stakeholders, collaborated closely to develop the vision for the Dumke Arts Plaza. The plaza design was led by renowned firm, Sasaki Associates, working with Ogden-based firms IO LandArch and Union Creative Agency. Hogan Construction is now building the plaza.

The Dumke Arts Plaza represents the transformation of a blighted motel property into an innovative civic space that will bring the community together around art in Ogden’s dynamic Nine Rails Creative District. The plaza’s design, inspired by the region’s dynamic landscape, has the flexibility to support many types of art, from large-scale installations to small performances, and includes an LED screen for displaying film and video art. An elevated platform known as the plinth provides more space for arts programming, as well as a new perspective on the plaza and its surroundings. The Dumke Arts Plaza is a welcoming public space, with interactive play elements, unique lighting, benches, and waterwise landscaping. A major feature of the Dumke Arts Plaza is the Beacon, a new sculpture that extends over 25th Street, inviting visitors to explore the plaza.

The Dumke Arts Plaza creates an exciting opportunity to share world-class art exhibitions with the community in an outdoor civic space. Weber State University’s Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery and the Department of Visual Art & Design are proud to curate the inaugural exhibition at the Dumke Arts Plaza, featuring a selection of work by the internationally renowned American sculptor Chakaia Booker. The exhibition includes three major recent pieces by Booker. Booker’s distinctive approach to form and materiality, utilizing repurposed automotive tire rubber to construct complex and monumental abstract objects, speaks eloquently to themes of transformation, reimagining, and recontextualization. As such, her work is a uniquely fitting focal point for the public’s first opportunity to experience world-class public art at the Dumke Arts Plaza, itself a major initiative in the revitalization and reclamation of civic space for Ogden, the state, and the region.

For more information about the Dumke Arts Plaza, please visit ogdencity.com/DumkeArtsPlaza. Ogden City encourages community members and organizations interested in hosting arts programming and events at the Dumke Arts Plaza to visit the website for more information.

For more information about the Chakaia Booker exhibition presented by Weber State University, please visit https://weber.edu/shawgallery/upcoming.html. The exhibition will be on view to the public from Dec. 3, 2021, through May 15, 2022. The exhibition is presented in partnership with Ogden City and Ogden Contemporary Arts and is made possible by the generous support of the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation, the Matthew S. Browning Center for Design, and the Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities.

November 17, 2021

Petersen Inc. awarded Global Supplier by Bechtel

Bechtel awards Petersen Inc. 2020-2021 Supply Chain Excellence for their contributions to the Hanford Vit Plant project

Ogden, Utah – November 17, 2021 – Petersen Inc. announced today that Bechtel has recognized them with a Global Supplier Award for 2020-2021. Companies were evaluated on multiple factors including overall performance, ability to deliver quality services, and meeting or exceeding expectations of safety, performance, technical expertise, and environmental compliance.

“This is a tremendous recognition by Bechtel, and we are humbled and grateful to be acknowledged as a key supplier,” stated Rob Despain, VP Business Development for Petersen Inc. “We have a 20+ year partnership with Bechtel and look forward to continually strengthening that relationship and future opportunities in the years to come,” added Despain.

Petersen Inc. of Ogden, Utah and Pocatello, Idaho built two 300-ton melters to be used at the Department of Energy’s Hanford Vit Plant (Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant). The melters will safely process a portion of the 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste generated during the Manhattan Project and Cold War. The process involves mixing silica and other glass-forming materials, heating to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, then pouring into stainless steel containers for disposal.

Designing and manufacturing the two melters included 1,200 engineering drawings and took nearly three years to fabricate, with a third melter in fabrication as a spare. Petersen Inc. is also currently manufacturing the stainless-steel containers used to dispose of the waste.

“The partnerships we have with our subcontractors and suppliers are fundamental in delivering projects to our customers,” said Tarek Amine, Bechtel’s Manager of Procurement & Contracts. “Collaboration with subcontractors and suppliers enhances our ability to align to our customers’ goals, achieve their objectives, and deliver a lasting positive impact in the communities where we live and work.”

Click for more info

November 11, 2021

The Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate became public under an Emergency Temporary Standard OSHA regulation on Friday, November 5, 2021. As a result, businesses must be in full compliance with the rule by January 4, 2022. However, as was expected, within 24 hours of the public filing, a federal appeals court issued a stay on the regulation citing ‘grave statutory and constitutional issues with the Mandate.’

Employers have compliance requirements within 30 days of rule publication and testing requirements within 60 days of publication marking the January 4 final deadline unless a court ruling overturns the regulation.

The COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) issued by OSHA sets in motion these requirements for companies with over 100 employees. The rule requires businesses to set up an assessment process to determine who is vaccinated and who is not, set guidelines on receiving proof of vaccination, and establish a record-keeping system containing this information. Important dates and information to consider include:

By December 5, 2021 (30 days from publication), workplace assessment must be completed, and unvaccinated employees are required to wear masks until vaccinated.
By January 4, 2022 (60 days from publication), vaccinations must be completed for employees. Booster shots are not required.
Companies must provide 4 hours of paid leave to receive vaccination and 2 days paid for potential vaccine recovery if needed.
Natural immunity does not count and those with exemptions must test in a clinic (Home tests are not acceptable, and employees must pay for tests.)
Businesses should determine how they will handle religious exemptions in terms of attestation, ecclesiastical statement, or strong moral objection.

Required Documents to Share with Employees:

As part of the emergency regulation, it is required that employers distribute the following four documents to their staff by December 5, 2021, which explain the rights and responsibilities of each party.

OSHA Rules for Submitting Comments:

OSHA has initiated a 30-day comment period for employers/business feedback on the ETS as it could become the permanent standard. Now is the time to voice your concern, opinion, or experience with this matter.

You may submit comments and attachments, identified by Docket No. OSHA-2021-0007, labeled “COVID 19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard Rulemaking” electronically at regulations.gov. Follow the instructions online for making electronic submissions. All submissions must include the agency’s name and the docket number for the ETS (Docket No. OSHA-2021-0007.) When submitting comments or recommendations, commenters should explain rationale and, if possible, provide supporting data and information. Wherever possible, commenters should indicate the title of the person providing the comments and, when appropriate, include information about the type and number of employees at their worksites.

All comments, including any personal information you provide, will be placed in the public docket without change and, with the exception of copyrighted materials, will be publicly available online at regulations.gov. Therefore, OSHA cautions commenters about submitting information they do not want to be made available to the public or submitting materials that contain personal information (either about themselves or others) such as Social Security Numbers and birthdates.

All comments and submissions are listed in the regulations.gov index; however, some information (e.g., copyrighted material) is not publicly available to read or download through that website. All submissions, including copyrighted material, are available for inspection at the OSHA Docket Office. Contact the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-2350 (TTY number: 877-889-5627) for assistance in locating docket submissions.

Utah Chamber Coalition

On November 10, 2021 the Ogden-Weber Chamber met with representatives from the Utah Chamber Coalition to address this issue to help ensure a greater collective voice of business within the state. The Salt Lake Chamber provided the information contained in this fact sheet for distribution.

This network will bring together public and private sectors in a statewide initiative to promote innovation and business in Utah. From aerospace, agriculture and artificial intelligence to biosciences, engineering, and transportation, the new Wasatch Innovation Network will support Utah businesses — start-ups to unicorns — with network development, funding channels, policy development, government relations, and support for research, development and commercialization.

Public and private sector organizations across Utah gathered Tuesday to announce a statewide multi-industry initiative to promote research, development and commercialization with the goal of developing Utah as a global innovation economy. The new organization called the Wasatch Innovation Network (WIN) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit that will promote Utah as an international leader in innovation, technology transfer, manufacturing and marketing, as well as offer support services to businesses throughout the state.

“There are many moving parts in any innovation ecosystem, and the time is right to connect the whole Wasatch Front,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance, in announcing the new initiative at a press conference hosted with TechBuzz News and Colliers International. “We hear leaders talk more and more about Utah becoming the ‘Crossroads of the World’ and an important way we will achieve this is by developing a best-in-class innovation economy. Our collective goal with the Wasatch Innovation Network is to begin connecting laterally in a way that promotes innovation, creates commercialization, introduces new possibilities, and attracts talent that increases our national leadership.”

The Wasatch Innovation Network will connect industry to capital, startup to incumbent, and academia to market, with the purpose of creating a team of teams to scale out Utah’s innovation ecosystem. The organization will provide services that include:

Policy Development and Government Relations
National and International Marketing of Utah as a Leader in Innovation, Technology Transfer, and Ever-Expanding Opportunity for Investment
Public Communications Support for Innovation R&D and Commercialization
Support for Start-Ups that Includes Mentoring, Network Development, Assistance with Capitalization, National and International Engagement, and Technology Transfer from Universities
Regular Meetings for Organizational Development, Member Needs and Interests, and Networking Opportunities for All WIN Partners
Industry Specific Committees in Areas Including Aerospace, Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical, Computer Hardware/Software Development, Cybersecurity, Energy, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Healthcare, Human Potential, Infrastructure, Internet of Things, and Transportation

The Wasatch Innovation Network will bring together leaders and institutions to drive innovation across silos to broaden economic appeal and commercialization. The new organization plans to focus on four cardinal values around mentorship, growth, innovation, and acceleration to drive results for each participating group.

“Salt Lake City has made an expanded life sciences hub a key focus of its Tech Lake City Initiative,” said Kelly McAleer, an account executive with the Kenney Group and former head of BioUtah. “In South Salt Lake and Salt Lake County, the BioInnovations Gateway continues to serve as a magnet for the next generation of healthcare innovators with its high school experiential learning initiatives and a new life sciences incubator, called O-Zone, and it will be opening soon.”

Additionally, this network will help craft a unified vision for our entrepreneurial ecosystem as there are key developments happening in Utah around innovation such as the Point of the Mountain and Falcon Hill Aerospace Research Park. The Wasatch Innovation Network will have a voice in these developments and support smart innovation policy. Utah can develop a first-in-the-nation innovation blueprint for other states to model.

According to other founding members in attendance:

“As a leader in developing and maintaining collaboration, Weber State University is excited to join the Salt Lake Chamber and other partners to launch the Wasatch Innovation Network,” said Brad Mortensen, president of Weber State University. “We see many opportunities to foster an innovative, entrepreneurial, and collaborative ecosystem that strengthens the output and inclusivity of Utah’s economy, providing for improved lives and livelihoods for all of our diverse populations.”

“The founding values and purpose of the Wasatch Innovation Network — to connect and expand opportunities for communities and organizations through strong partnership — align perfectly with WFRC’s mission,” said Andrew Gruber, Wasatch Front Regional Council Executive Director. “Through the Wasatch Choice Regional Vision, which is built on a foundation of partnerships, we strive to improve quality of life along the Wasatch Front, by coordinating the location of well-planned housing, educational, workplace and recreational opportunities with streets, transit, and trails. The Wasatch Innovation Network will help to enhance and strengthen these connections across the Wasatch Front.”

“I am excited for the University of Utah to be part of the new Wasatch Innovation Network,” said Michael L. Good, MD, interim president of University of Utah and CEO of University of Utah Health. “As one of America’s leading research universities, the U has an important role in Utah’s innovation ecosystem. To bring innovative ideas to market requires a network of support and partnerships. And this initiative leverages public and private collaborations to do just that for our students, researchers, and ultimately our community.”

“Utah’s technology sector continues to make waves and to see where our next big tech boom will come from, you need to look up — to space and beyond, ” said Greg Manuel, vice president and general manager of the Strategic Deterrent Systems Division at Northrop Grumman. Utah’s aerospace industry is fueled by an ‘innovation imperative’ across the civil, defense, and space sectors. We are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space to drive next-level innovations and secure our future against evolving threats.”

“The Wasatch Innovation Network will be a collaborative tool to help strengthen and build competitive businesses along the Wasatch Front,” said Jay Francis, President/CEO of the South Valley Chamber. “Utah businesses have proven time and time again that by working together and sharing strengths and insights makes everyone stronger and more successful. The term ‘Network’ really says it all, and as our businesses come together and network across city and county boundaries we will once again be a standard for innovation for other states to follow.”

Founding members of the organization include:

Founding partners of the Wasatch Innovation Network include Clarke Capital Partners, Colliers International, Davis Chamber of Commerce, EDCUtah, Envision Utah, FatPipe, Gardner Companies, The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, Nomi Health, Northrop Grumman, Ogden Weber Chamber of Commerce, Owlet, Point of the Mountain Chamber of Commerce, Provo City, Salt Lake City, South Valley Chamber, Spiff, TechBuzz News, Utah Valley University, The University of Utah Office of the President, Wasatch Front Regional Council, Weber State University, and Women Tech Council.

For more information, visit slchamber.com/wasatch-innovation-network.

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