Leaders in Utah Valley business, civics, and education gathered at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Thursday, October 27, 2022, for the second annual Utah Valley Growth and Prosperity Summit. The summit aims to bring together dignitaries from across a wide range of sectors to address the priorities and concerns of Utah Valley citizens.

The summit commenced with a welcome from Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. Blair’s opening address focused on Utah’s dramatic population growth, laying the foundation for the summit’s focus.

“We are the epicenter of growth for the state of Utah, right here in Utah Valley,” Blair said. “Not only that, I think Utah is at the epicenter for how we manage growth and prosperity for the nation.”

Following opening remarks, the Chamber shared its Valley Visioning video. The video presented Envision Utah and the Association of Utah County Chamber’s award-winning plan called Utah Valley Vision for 2050. The vision focuses on some of the growing pains that accompany rapid growth, top priorities and concerns of Utah Valley residents, and how those concerns can be addressed.

In the video, UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez said, “This is what Valley Visioning is: It’s really about creating a road map to get to the future that we want. It is about intentionally planning for growth while preserving the best about the community that we love.”

Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox provided a video presentation focusing on Utah’s recent economic growth. “I know we have said this for years, but Utah truly has one of strongest economies in the country,” he said in the video. “All the indicators show that.”

Governor Cox also detailed his plan for combating inflation, housing supply and demand, and water conservation. “Inflation is real, and we are working on a number of ways to help families feeling the weight of higher prices, especially those in need,” Cox said. “We have increased grants to local food banks and raised awareness of emergency rental assistance, heat, and other programs.”

The opening keynote address was provided by former Utah Governor and Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Chair Gary R. Herbert. He talked about the new Herbert Institute for Public Policy at UVU and its purpose and goals, as well as education in Utah.

“[The Herbert Institute] is designed to help our young people, our student population — however that’s defined — to understand how policy is made, and what good policy is, and make sure they are civically minded and engaged, and helping to develop policy,” Herbert said.

Tami Pyfer, director of operations at UNITE, a national project aimed at improving political discourse and increasing respect in civic communication, spoke about UNITE’s mission. During her speech, Pyfer dove into the importance of treating others with dignity when discussing policy and finding conversational unity.

“We need to unite around one core principle — everyone needs to be treated with dignity,” Pyfer said. “Nobody should be treated with contempt.”

Pyfer highlighted UNITE’s Dignity Index, an index that helps people and leaders measure their civility in dialogue. “We use the index to start a conversation about how we talk to each other, exploring the incentives, tactics, and effects of contempt,” she said.

President Tuminez addressed attendees, saying, “Talk matters. Research matters. This kind of gathering matters, where we are all here because we share a common love for Utah Valley, a common love for the state of Utah.”

Focusing on UVU priorities, President Tuminez addressed education in Utah, sustainability, Utah Lake, healthcare, engineering and technology, mental health, and workforce development. She also highlighted new programs coming to UVU, including a physician assistant master’s program.  

Breakout sessions and panel discussions covered topics including business environment, housing, education and workforce development, transportation, healthcare, and natural resources.

Other speakers at the summit included Congressman Burgess Owens, LiveView Technologies CEO Ryan Porter, and Harvard University professor Arthur Brooks.