JESSIKA CLARK WEBER COUNTY
Jessika Clark is a professional storyteller. She is the public relations manager for Weber County and has a master’s degree in Professional Communication from Weber State University. Her communications passion is finding creative solutions to boost brand reputation and community involvement. Creativity is one of Jessika’s core strengths—she enjoys producing videos, capturing photos, writing content, and managing social media campaigns that are engaging, informative, inspiring, and tell a story. She is a proud Weber State University alum and has experience working in the nonprofit, education, and marketing industries. In her current position as the Weber County public relations manager, Jessika enjoys telling the story of Weber County and its rich history, diversity, and sense of community. She collaborates with County employees and elected officials to solve problems and accomplish goals for community vibrancy, economic leadership, and continued success.
JONATHAN LAUER – XYZ MARKETING
Jonathan Lauer is the 27 year old Co Owner of XYZ Marketing. Born and raised in Germany moved to Utah in 2018 and started a video production company that later merged into XYZ Marketing.
Jonathan has 6 children and whenever he is not working or playing with his kids, he tries to find time to go on roadtrip adventures or spending time in the mountains camping. His drive and reasoning behind XYZ Marketing is to one day reach his goal of making marketing predictable.
WENDY HUYNH AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Wendy Huynh, Branch Manager at America First Credit Union, is dedicated to serving and uplifting the community. With a passion for financial wellness, Wendy, a two-time Service Star recipient, sets high standards for herself and her team. In her 6-year career, she rapidly advanced to branch management, leading one of the highest volume branches in Northern UT. Wendy aligns her success with professional drive and values that resonate with the organization’s mission.
America First CU, especially through its Charitable Foundation, reflects Wendy’s commitment to positively impact lives in the community. She embraces the mantra of living one’s best life and actively seeks opportunities for growth, innovation, and celebration of others. Wendy’s leadership extends to the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce, where she graduated from Leadership Northern Utah and actively promotes AFCU products at Business After Hours events.
JADE ELLIS HOMETOWN VALUES
Jade joined the Hometown Davis County team in 2015 as an assistant. By 2021 she was elevated to Business Management Consultant with the Ogden-Weber team. Jade enjoys Chamber volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits such as the GOAL Foundation / Ogden Marathon, Bridging The Gap – Catholic Community Services of Utah, the annual Gala, Golf tournament and ribbon cuttings. She is a committee member of both the annual Youth Impact fundraisers and Ogden Arts Festival.
When Jade isn’t volunteering, you can find her at home in Bear River, with her fiancé, renovating their 1937 home. Enjoying the start of her forties, more travel and setting a wedding date are her main goals for 2024.
FLOR LOPEZ SUAZO BUSINESS CENTER / LITTLE RAINBOW CANDY STORE
Flor has been an active participant in various non-profit organizations, including LUPEC and OgdenCAN. Additionally, she is a Spiker at the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce. She is also the owner of ITSIERRA, Phoenix Business Solutions, and Little Rainbow Candy Store. Currently, she works for Suazo Business Center, which allows her to support entrepreneurs on their path to success.
Flor Lopez was born in California but grew up in Mexico. She earned her bachelor’s degree in computer systems engineering, practicing for 12 years in companies nationwide in Mexico. In 2016, she moved to Utah, learned the language and became an integral part of the community.
SARA MEJEUR INTERMOUNTAIN MCKAY-DEE HOSPITAL
Sara is the Marketing and Communications Manager within the Administration Team at McKay-Dee Hospital. She is a driven community collaborator that serves on multiple committees within the Chamber of Commerce and is most proud of her work with Women in Business and the Spikers. Sara also serves on the board of the GOAL Foundation, UDVC, and chairs the Ogden Preparatory Academy School Board. Sara and her husband Josh enjoy wrangling their three children and exploring the vibrant Ogden community.
MIKE PLOWMAN SPIKERS CHASE BANK
Mike Plowman is a commercial banker and vice president for Chase Bank. As a young boy Mike wanted to grow up to become a banker. No really, he did. Inspired by Jimmy Stewart’s character George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life, Mike wanted a career path that would let him help people flourish and businesses grow. He has spent the last 28 years doing exactly that working in the Ogden-Weber area.
Mike’s keys to success in navigating his Chamber membership have been to show up, get involved and build relationships. Wanting 2023 to be a special year as Head Gandy Dancer Mike strived to attend every event that he possibly could and was awarded the Cosmo Award for highest attendance at 112%. Mike is an LNU graduate and has served twice as the Chair of Contacts 2.
Mike and his wife Jana, have four children and two grands. Mike bleeds purple attending many Weber State games and can be found coaching athletics or serving in Scout Troop 407.
ROBYN CLARK CONTACTS 2
Robyn has been in sales and marketing for the past 14 years. She thrives on relationships and quality customer service. She has helped companies grow their business, meeting sales quotas and yearly goals. She enjoys marketing and giving customers that extra special touch. Robyn is excited about life and always feels there is an adventure waiting. In the summer she is usually waterskiing, so any lake will do. She enjoys hiking and skiing the mountains. One of her major bucket list accomplishments was summiting the Grand Teton. She enjoys teaching children skiing at Nordic Valley. When she slows down she will be painting or quilting, she loves to create.
SARA TOLIVER LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS VISIT OGDEN
Sara Toliver is President/CEO of Visit Ogden. Her passion for the Ogden-area community drives her in her day-to-day activities to make the greater Ogden area an amazing visitor destination and wonderful place to live. Sara is a strong advocate for the importance of the visitor economy in her community and around the state and region serving on several community and industry boards. In 2021, Sara was inducted into the Utah Tourism Hall of Fame and in 2023 received the Ogden/Weber Chamber’s Athena award.
Sara and her husband, Brett, are the proud parents of 19-year-old twins and love playing in the mountains and supporting their local community.
SIGNS AND STICKS
Signs and Sticks is a family owned company. We initially started in the print industry doing vehicle graphics and signs. Over the past year we have expanded our capabilities to provide paper products, promotional products, apparel, and backlit signs. Our goal at signs and sticks is to get your brand out there on whatever you would like. There is very little that we can’t print. We provide design services in order to better help our costumes make their ideas come to life. We have the capability to help people with small orders all the way to the tens of thousands.
TECHNEEDS
TechNeeds was born out of a simple yet profound desire – the founders’ determination to take control of their destinies, escape the traditional employment model, and make a meaningful impact on the business community. Fueled by the belief that every small business deserves access to reliable and transparent IT services, TechNeeds was established to be a solution-oriented force for entrepreneurs and enterprises alike.
XALISCO
Xalisco was founded with the mission to bring a piece of Mexico to Ogden. Their food is 100% authentic prepared with fresh local ingredients. Xalisco is a hub for community building. In a time of division in our country, Xalisco breaks down cultural barriers and brings people together through food, art, enjoyment, and friendship. Their inspiration comes from cooking traditional food the same way families do it in their kitchens across Mexico. In summary, the Xalisco experience means happiness!
ENABLEUTAH
EnableUtah was organized in 1968 by parents who believed their children with disabilities deserved an education – which had always been denied. Federal mandates to educate those children came seven years later but did not include integration.
Starting with deficient materials, space, and support, the initial teacher and 11 students began what would become a multimillion-dollar agency in Northern Utah. Thousands of people in the greater Ogden area have benefited and learned independence through the training provided – which expanded from academics to daily living and vocational skills training.
UNITED WAY OF NORTHERN UTAH
United Way of Northern Utah was founded in 1934 as a Community Chest sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. United Way works to provide opportunities for all individuals and families to thrive by collaborating with partners across business, government, and nonprofit sectors. As we reflect on 90 years, we are proud of all that has been accomplished as we have adapted to the changing needs in Northern Utah. Change doesn’t just happen, it’s created together. Thank you for being part of 90 Years UNITED. Join us as we continue to build a thriving future.
YOUNG CARING FOR OUR YOUNG
A force for good in Utah, Idaho and Montana’s communities, the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation serves children and families in need. For over seventeen years, they’ve taken action on issues related to clothing assistance, hunger, literacy and teen homelessness. The foundation has donated over $6 million since their inception, and they’ve revolutionized how children’s clothing needs are taken care of with the KIND Fund — which has served over 3500 children.
INSPECTOR TONY HOME INSPECTIONS
Inspector Tony Home Inspections was started in 2016 and is a small company of 6 people. Our goal was not just to serve our clients, but to to serve our community. We have successfully run a Casino Night fundraiser since 2017 for Youth Impact Ogden and have raised over $250,000 for this organization.
Tony is a Certified Master Inspector with countless educational and experience hours. We have personally trained our certified inspectors to take care and share their knowledge with our customers so that the customer can make an educated decision.
PEAK CHIROPRACTIC
Peak Chiropractic Clinic was started in 2009 and will be celebrating its 15th year in business next month. Peak Chiropractic was partially named for the amazing views of Ben Lomond, Mt Ogden and Lewis Peak that patients are able to enjoy out its back windows. Dr. Jeremy Griffin has been the owner of Peak Chiropractic since its opening and has helped thousands of patients with a myriad of spinal and other joint related conditions. Peak Chiropractic focuses on treating families, as well as specializing in the treatment of injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. Peak Chiropractic has been an active member in the Ogden Weber Chamber of Commerce since its opening and is proud to call Weber County home.
VALLEY GLASS
Established in 1956, Valley Glass has been a leader in the glass industry, proudly remaining a family-owned and operated business for three generations. With a deep-rooted local heritage, we are passionate about what we do and dedicated to serving our community.
We offer Commercial, Residential, and Auto Glass. We are recognized nationwide for our expertise in our Ballistic glass services.
To ensure the highest quality of service, all our installers and technicians undergo training and certification, adhering to industry-leading standards.
At Valley Glass, we believe that holding true to our core values, integrity and delivering exceptional customer service is what has earned us the loyalty of customers through generations.
CHROMALOX
Chromalox is a premium global provider of electric thermal technologies. The company invented the first metal-sheathed resistance heating element 100 years ago. That pioneering and innovative spirit continues today. Chromalox serves a growing number of global markets and industries with thermal solutions that deliver superior performance for mission critical applications. The company is leading the way in the transformational use of energy, materials, and advanced technology. Chromalox is also a champion of sustainable manufacturing, as exemplified by its major expansion of its North Ogden facility in 2024.
ENGLAND LOGISTICS
One of the nation’s top brokerage firms, England Logistics, is a third-party logistics (3PL) company that offers a portfolio of non-asset based transportation solutions. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the company has additional offices nationwide. England Logistics has strategically grown to hundreds of employees and achieved substantial growth, resulting in recognitions such as inclusion on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies.
GOLDENWEST CREDIT UNION
At the heart of Goldenwest Credit Union beats the philosophy of “People Helping People,” a guiding principle that has defined its mission since the 1930s. As a non-profit financial cooperative, Goldenwest exists not to maximize profits for stockholders but to provide member-owners with affordable and convenient financial options.
Originally named Ogden Railway and Depot Company Employees Federal Credit Union with roots in historic Union Station, Goldenwest has grown to serve 185,000 members with a team of 750 dedicated professionals. The Credit Union holds assets exceeding $3 billion, and operates 50 branches across Utah an Idaho.
Established in 1952 by the Browning family, Bank of Utah has grown into one of the top-performing banks in the nation with 400 employees and $3B in assets. Headquartered in Ogden, the Bank plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and vitality of our community. The investments made here stay here to support local businesses and individuals. Beyond simply offering loans, checking & savings accounts and other financial products, the Bank contributes to the stability and prosperity of our neighborhoods through service and volunteerism. Bank of Utah has 18 branches, trust teams in Ogden and SLC, and mortgage teams in Logan, Price & St. George.
NOLAN KARRAS
Nolan Karras is one of 5 boys raised by Orlen and Afton Karras in Roy. He has been married to his beautiful wife Lynda Purrington for 56 years; they have three children each of whom married a wonderful spouse and provided them with 13 gifted grandchildren and 4 special great grandchildren.
Nolan graduated from Weber High, received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Weber State and an MBA from the University of Utah.
After graduation, he went to work with a major international CPA firm, earning his CPA designation and maintaining that designation for 50 years. After several years in public accounting, Nolan worked for 4 years for the Jack B. Parson Companies as their chief financial officer and then started his own investment advisory business where he continues to be involved today. His career included the opportunity to serve on the Boards of Merit Medical, Utah Power, PacifiCorp, Scottish Power (Glasgow, Scotland), Beneficial Life, and American General bank.
Nolan served in the US Army Reserve for 6 years.
He has served his Church as a Bishop and Stake President. For the past 9 years, he and Lynda have served as Specialists supervising JustServe.org in Northern Utah. JustServe is a community service initiative where the entire community can find voluntary opportunities to assist those in need and enhance the quality of life in the community.
Nolan was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 1980 where he served as Majority Leader and Speaker of the House. He sponsored the legislation which funded the building of the Olympic facilities and the enabling legislation to host the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. As Speaker he helped guide the legislation that made Weber State a university.
He served as the Chair of the Utah State Building Board for 5 years.
He was appointed to the State Board of Regents where he served for 12 years, 4 of which he was Chair of the Board. He then served for 8 years as a Weber State University Trustee where he also served as Chair. He was the Chair of the Richard Richards Institute and Chair of the Olene Walker Institute at Weber State.
Nolan served on the Board of Trustees and Management Committee for the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games where he served as Chair of the Finance Committee. Currently, he is a member of the Governing Board and is vice-Chair of the Finance/Audit Committee for the Salt Lake Bid Committee for the 2034 games.
He has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Dixie State College and the College of Eastern Utah.
For the past 12 years he has served as a director of a Political Action Committee known as Education First which supports public and higher education issues in Utah. He also currently serves on the Board of the Success in Education Foundation. He is a member of the Education Committee for Envision Utah.
He previously served as Chair of the Carmen Pingree Center for Autism, the University of Utah Hospital Board and was a member of the Maliheh Clinic Free Clinic Board.
For the past 9 years, Nolan has served on the board of Family Promise of Ogden which hosts families experiencing homelessness. He served as Board Chair and currently serves as the Chair of the Capital campaign.
THE PROPER WAY
The Proper Way frightens most sound engineers when they show up for load-in at any venue for the first time. As piles of instrument cases begin to stack up on the stage, sound guys start fretting about their cable inventory and hoping they have enough open channels on the board for what increasingly appears to be a 7- or 8-piece band.
A couple of guitars, a banjo, and a mandolin appear first, and seasoned venue operators immediately think, “Okay…a bluegrass band.”
However, subsequent trips to the touring vehicle during load-in reveal a ukulele, a piano, a dulcimer, a drum pad, and a bag of hand percussion, and their next thought is, “What the hell is happening?” or “The rest of the band members must be running late.”
But the tight-knit collective of three multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriters that is The Proper Way quickly assures them of their simplicity, and by the end of the night, The Proper Way typically becomes a house favorite.
Standing off stage, Scott Rogers, Shane Osguthorpe, and Carrie Myers look like a stereotypical trio of folkies: Two older dudes with varying degrees of facial hair, a road-worn Stetson, and a younger woman in a floppy hat and flowing dress with pockets (pockets are crucial, according to Carrie).
Upon first impression, you wouldn’t be blamed for expecting a quiet evening of soft, acoustic dinner music…and The Proper Way can deliver that in spades with haunting three-part vocals backed by reverent instrumentals.
While ever-growing crowds around the western U.S. hang on every note of The Proper Way’s slow-burn performances, they seem to come for the unexpected explosions of energy that the trio brings.
The band’s typical performances run around three hours, with no breaks. (They’ve gone as long as seven hours for a private party that simply wouldn’t die.) Don’t ask for a setlist at the end of the evening…they never use one. No two shows are ever the same.
“We like to plug into the vibe of the crowd and let that vibe guide what we do,” says Osguthorpe. “The only time we use a setlist is at festival performances where we need a tight 45 to an hour, and even then, we’ll be swapping things in and out on the fly.”
In addition to a pile of original music that can be found on virtually all of the streaming platforms, TPW is adept at covering a seemingly infinite number of songs; but they virtually never play a single one as a straight cover. Their unique spin on songs keeps just enough familiarity to encourage singing along or dancing, but in ways that you’ve never heard. Think Prince or Lizzo with a banjo.
The group will often do all-request shows and is known for throwing down better-than-passable versions of songs for the first time right in front of audiences.
That’s The Proper Way.
MALIALOLE
Malialole (Mah-lee-yah-loh-lay) is a Polynesian Music, Dance and arts school, ensemble and entertainment group. Malialole’s mission is to perpetuate the Polynesian culture through song and dance while promoting cultural awareness of all Pacific Island People sharing stories of the past and present.It is the goal of Malialole to teach, build and connect the youth with the beautiful Polynesian culture and tradition of respect and love.
STANDARDS & SUBSTANDARDS
Standards & Substandards is a quartet (vocals, piano, bass, and drums) with roots in jazz and branches reaching out to everything else. The band delights in finding ways to re-create a pop song with a swing rhythm or a blues scale, the more ironic or whimsical the better. And we love to perform classic jazz standards along with the rest of it. We’ll play George Gershwin, Dua Lipa, Stevie Wonder, and Duke Ellington compositions all in a row and just catch our breath long enough to string together an Etta James classic with Radiohead. All the while, we love to work improvisationally off of one another, so even we aren’t exactly sure what’s going to happen next.
The band formed in an improvisational moment as well, a testament to seizing moments when they arise. Children brought us together by accident, and there we were next to a piano and Caryn’s statement that she’d always wanted to play with a jazz ensemble. And now here we are, playing gigs and recording our music and having a good time. If you’d like to hear more of us, follow us around, or book us for an event, look us up at https://substandards.band.
Caryn Crowley (vocals/diva)
Caryn happily steps into her professional role as a junior high history teacher, but at her core she’s always been a vocalist (and diva). Creating Standards & Substandards with the guys helped reignite her passion for music, and she can’t imagine a better way to spend her spare time than jamming in Tim’s basement and playing gigs.
Adam Johnston (piano)
Adam turns to a piano to find solace or vent frustration, so practicing and playing S&S gigs makes him a better human being. When he’s not learning riffs and chord changes, he teaches physics and works with teachers in science education.
Tim Herzog (bass)
Tim has the expertise to remodel a kitchen, remake a camping trailer, or reform a chemistry teaching lab. He’s also grown up playing bass and has accompanied jazz groups throughout his life, and his fretless bass and playing draw attention for all the right reasons.
Ian Marshall (drums)
Ian is the member of the band with real credentials and a degree in music, as well as a long list of performance credits. He’s an inspiration and mentor to lots of budding musicians, including the members of S&S, a long list of grateful high school students, and his own children.