Business

Saunders Construction Announces Change in Leadership

OGDEN, UT – Saunders Construction, a four-generation construction firm started in 1908 in Ogden, Utah, is announcing a change in the leadership of the company. Casey B. Hall has been named President and General Manager, Edward T. Saunders is the CEO, A. Craig Saunders will continue as Vice President, and Lori Robertson will remain as Secretary. Saunders Construction does a variety of commercial construction, specializing in medical remodels and tenant improvements.

Moving forward, Saunders Construction will continue building based on the same principles of honesty, integrity, forthrightness and dedication that have been its trademark for over 114 years.

Casey Hall, the new company president, has been with Saunders Construction for 23 years. He started as a laborer and through hard work and dedication became a superintendent and then a project manager and estimator. He has an extensive resume that includes construction of many new commercial buildings, several new chapels and remodels for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, state and government projects, the Ogden and Weber School Districts, and other prominent businesses along the Wasatch Front. Since 2010, Saunders Construction has been focusing on medical remodels and tenant improvements. These specialty projects include a cardiology office, sleep labs, optometry and plastic surgery clinics, imaging facilities and operating rooms.

Every aspect of construction, from demolition to roofing, can be completed by our own experienced personnel or through the relationships we have with reputable subcontractors in all trades that we know and trust. Our superintendents, Steve Thompson, John Hall, Will Harkness, Ethan Moser, Matt Squires and Trevor Trotta are all hardworking and dedicated and have the knowledge and ability to bring each job to successful completion.

Although there are many larger construction firms in the state, we believe there are none with a better reputation or legacy than that of Saunders Construction.

For more information about Saunders Construction, please visit https://saunders1.com/.

Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel Announces Entertainment Lineup

FORT HALL, ID, February 6 – Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel announces an exciting Entertainment Lineup of concerts and shows. Bringing world-class entertainment to Eastern Idaho continues, and the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel looks forward to hosting these upcoming events.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 10 a.m. Stay tuned to Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel’s Facebook page for a special access code.

All other tickets for these upcoming events will go on sale Friday, February 10, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Entertainment Lineup
Midland Concert
Friday, June 2, 2023 | 8 p.m. | Outdoor Concert | Ticket Pricing: $39 – $150
Hailing from Dripping Springs, TX, lead vocalist Mark Wystrach fronts Midland’s rich sound, rounded out with lead guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson and bass player/vocalist Cameron Duddy. Rooted in tradition in both sound and style, the trio initially garnered attention by playing clubs in the region. Their critically acclaimed sophomore album Let It Roll (Big Machine Records) earned the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Top Country Album Sales cart upon release, receiving praise from outlets such as Rolling Stone, Variety, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly, among others. Wystrach, Carson, and Duddy all played an integral role in writing the 14-track album with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. The album was produced by Dann Huff, McAnally, and Osborne and was a follow-up to the critically acclaimed, gold-certified debut album, On The Rocks (Big Machine Records). Launching in 2017 with rave reviews, On The Rocks was declared “The Year’s Best Country Album” by the Washington Post. Their 2x Platinum-certified chart-topping debut “Drinkin’ Problem,” which offers an international nod to Country music reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s, earned the band their first GRAMMY® Awards nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Midland was also named New Vocal Group of the Year at the 2018 ACM Awards and was nominated for Vocal Group of the Year at the 2020 CMA Awards.

Ja Rule & Ashanti Concert
Friday, July 7, 2023 | 8 p.m. | Outdoor Concert | Ticket Pricing: $39 – $150
Ja Rule
Born in Hollis, Queens, he debuted in 1999 with Venni Vetti Vecci and its single “Holla Holla.” From 1999 to 2005, Ja Rule had several hits that made the top 20 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Between Me and You” with Christina Milian, “I’m Real (Murder Remix)” with Jennifer Lopez, “Always on Time” with Ashanti, “Mesmerize” also with Ashanti, and “Wonderful” with R. Kelly and Ashanti. During the 2000s, Ja Rule was signed to Inc. Records, which was formerly known as Murder Inc. and was led by Irv Gotti. Ja Rule has sold over 30 million records worldwide and was the best-selling rapper in 2001.

Ashanti
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, actor, and author burst onto the music scene with her smash hit, self-titled album, Ashanti. It landed the #1 spot on the Billboard Top 200 and R&B album charts, selling a whopping 504,593 units in its first week. This set a SoundScan record as the most albums sold by any debut female artist in the chart’s history and granted her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Throughout her 20-year career, Ashanti has released six studio albums and received several illustrious rewards, including eight Billboard Awards, a Grammy, two American Music Awards, two Soul Train Awards, and six ASCAP Awards. She has reigned at the top as one of Billboard’s “Top Females of the Decade from 2000-2010” and continues to break Billboard records having a Hot 100 entry every decade in the 2000s, 2010s, & 2020s.

Upcoming Entertainment
Chris Janson – March 24, 2023
The Clairvoyants – April 8, 2023
Midland – June 2, 2023
Lee Brice – June 23, 2023
Ja Rule & Ashanti – July 7, 2023

To purchase tickets, go to shobangaming.com. Additional information, as well as our most recent media releases, may be found at shobangaming.com.

About Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel
Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel is home to an 85 thousand-square-foot gaming operation, 156 hotel rooms, the largest ballroom in the region at 15 thousand square feet, full-service Cedar Spa, six food and beverage outlets, and High Stakes Bingo Hall.

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes owns and operates three gaming properties, including the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, Sage Hill Casino and Travel Center, and Bannock Peak Casino and Truck Stop. The Economic Growth Plan continues to evolve for the health and benefit of the Tribal membership and the Eastern Idaho Region.

D.L. Evans Bank Announces New Branch Manager of the South Ogden Branch

BURLEY, ID, February 3 – John V. Evans Jr., President, and Chief Executive Officer of D.L. Evans Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Morris Smith to the Vice President Branch Manager of the South Ogden Branch.

Morris joined D.L. Evans Bank last year with extensive banking and finance experience. He worked at the Downtown Ogden KeyBank branch for 17 years in the Dealer Loan Center and as a Loan Officer. From there he went to Centennial Bank where he worked for 13 years as Branch Manager for the Ogden, Layton, and Clinton branches. He studied at Weber State University and the American Institute of Banking. In his new position with D.L. Evans Bank, he will continue consumer and commercial lending while managing the branch and providing customer care and leadership in achieving branch goals.

Morris Smith, South Ogden Branch Manager, D.L. Evans Bank

Morris currently serves on the Board of Directors at Weber Human Services located in Ogden where they provide resources to the community that need assistance with mental health, education, housing, and basic human health needs. He loves adventuring outdoors: hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and boating. He also enjoys his family and friends as they are the most important things in his life.

He would like to invite his family, friends, and customers to visit him at the South Ogden branch located at 3990 South Washington Boulevard. He can also be reached by phone at the office at (801) 399-2265 or by cell at (801) 510-9445.

https://www.dlevans.com/

NBA All-Stars to Visit YMCA Programs

Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players make special plans to visit children in Afterschool and Preschool Programs.

On Friday, February 17, from 3-4 PM, Afterschool and Preschoolers at the Taylorsville YMCA Community Family Center are in for an incredibly special afternoon. The Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players are hosting an event at the YMCA, especially for these children, where they will interact with players and fathers. The media team from the NBA will accompany this group, where a worldwide spotlight will highlight their work with the YMCA of Northern Utah.

At the Y, many of our families come from low-income backgrounds and receive scholarships to attend YMCA programs. For them, interacting with NBA players and those connected to them will be the opportunity of a lifetime. The Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players will spend time with participants and their parents, encouraging them to always reach for their dreams and speaking to parents about supporting their children’s goals. They’ll join in with Afterschool activities where they can have meaningful interactions with participants in the program.

During the event, YMCA preschoolers have prepared a few songs to show off the skills they have learned in the classroom while our Leaders-in-Training Group (4th-8th graders) have prepared a skit to teach about our 4 core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, & Responsibility. Four incredible student leaders from the Afterschool Program will receive personalized signed jerseys from All-Star players, recognizing them for their outstanding character as young people. Additionally, the Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players are presenting the YMCA with a donation for the Y Afterschool Program and matching funds from members of the group.

The spokesperson for this event, Chris Jones, said, “We are very excited to partner with the YMCA of Northern Utah. This incredible group of fathers and men see the value in programs like the Y and are happy to support them in any way possible. Our group has always been philanthropic at heart, so we look forward to sharing that with the world, especially with the YMCA of Northern Utah.”

With the support from the NBA, Black Chamber of Commerce, YMCA Board of Directors, and the Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players, we are hopeful this event to draw much-needed community support and, more importantly, provide an unbelievable experience for children that deserve it. We truly believe Utah needs to see this kind of good happening in its own backyard.

For additional information about how the YMCA was chosen for this opportunity, contact Chris Jones from the Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball at (646) 420-8511. For information about the YMCA of Northern Utah, please contact Mandy Lail at (385) 287-8009.

About the YMCA of Northern Utah
Since 1893, the YMCA of Northern Utah has sought to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engaged 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. We are proud to be a part of a nationwide movement that seeks to deliver lasting personal and social change through our programs.

https://www.ymcautah.org

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

Ogden School District to Provide No Cost Meals to All Students For the Remainder of the 2022-2023 School Year

OGDEN, Utah – Nov. 2, 2022 – The Ogden School District Child Nutrition Department is pleased to announce that effective November 2, 2022 through the remainder of the school year, all breakfasts and lunches served to all of our students will be free of charge. The Child Nutrition Department has elected to use available State Reimbursement funding to cover the costs of the meals for the remainder of the school year for students who do not financially qualify for free school meals. We hope this decision will benefit families by easing the financial burden of paying for school meals.

Please note this is for the 2022-23 school year only. Parents will need to plan on submitting a free & reduced meals application or pay for school meals for the 2023-2024 school year. The Ogden School District Child Nutrition Department will re-evaluate the opportunity to offer meals at no cost to all students in the future, based on available funding.

This news builds upon the announcement made on August 19, 2022 that eight of the 18 schools in Ogden School District had qualified for inclusion in the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, which provides funding for school meals in school communities with high rates of poverty.

Bonneville Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, James Madison Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Odyssey Elementary, Mound Fort Jr. High and George Washington High School are the schools that had already qualified for the federal CEP funding during the 2022-2023 school year. Now, Ogden School District has ensured that students at all other District schools will receive no cost meals for the remainder of the school year.

For more information, contact Jer Bates, Director of Communications or visit www.ogdensd.org.

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).

United Way of Northern Utah Appoints Julie Johnson as New CEO

by Amanda Heperi

Johnson brings more than 11 years of program development and community resource distribution to CEO position.

The Board of Directors of United Way of Northern Utah (UWNU) are pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Johnson as Chief Executive Officer. Johnson is the first female to take the role of CEO at UWNU.

In her most recent role as Director of Community Resources, Johnson provided oversight and guidance for early childhood education, bringing operational expertise to the organization’s education initiative and enhancing its impact.

“The interview process exceeded the expectations I had,” said UWNU Chairman of the Board Rhett Long. “In the end, we had the right candidate inside the UWNU organization. Johnson stood out in several areas. Her time as the interim CEO, gave some insight to how the organization would work together under her leadership and we could see the positive impact she had leading staff.”

While at UWNU, Johnson created the Nonprofit Connection, expanded 211, and implemented Welcome Baby and Learn with Playgroups in our service area. Additionally, Johnson oversaw the distribution of community service grants to local nonprofits. Johnson has also served on many working and advisory community boards.

“Julie has a great deal of support from staff, community leaders, other nonprofits and the UWNU Board of Directors,” continued Long. “She received numerous letters of recommendation and support for the position.”

“As chair of grants committee for several years, I had the opportunity to watch Julie guide and train other nonprofits so they could receive more support for their cause and needs. Northern Utah is lucky to have Julie supporting so many!”

Julie Johnson, CEO, United Way of Northern Utah

Exciting Changes Coming to YCC – We’re Building Homes and Futures!

As we all know, the affordable housing shortage is a significant issue in our community and country. Finding a safe and accessible housing option is even more difficult for survivors of domestic violence. In addition to physical abuse, many victims have experienced financial abuse as well. This may include limited or no access to bank accounts, destroyed credit, and a compromised tenant rental history due to the actions of abusive partners.

Among YCC clients, we have seen firsthand the challenges, and unfortunately, we also see many returning to their abusive relationships due to financial constraints and a lack of housing options. Therefore, YCC is embarking on an exciting new project to create a transitional housing option right on our current site.

YCC will break ground in January 2023 on a 14-unit apartment building located on the southwest corner of our property just off 23rd Street. We will be demolishing the 85-year-old apartment building, thrift store, and warehouse in order to make room for the apartments. Wadman Corp. will lead the development of the project, designed by Bellgique Architects, with a projected open date of early 2024. Tenants in the building will be able to live there for up to two years as they prepare to become fully self-sufficient. YCC will provide ongoing case management, and tenants will have access to classes, therapy, support groups, child care, and parenting classes. Along with healing from domestic violence, tenants will experience a rental structure that supports them based on need. They will build a rental history, work to restore credit, eliminate debt, and prepare to live independently.

To find out how you can support this transformational project, contact:
Margaret Rose, Executive Director – (801) 689-1703
Sara Mejeur, Development Director – (801) 689-1740

Changes to the Donation Center and Thrift Store

Due to the construction project, we will no longer be able to accept used donations. We simply will not have the space to manage the volume of donations. The last day to bring in your used donations will be August 31st. Starting September 1st, please reach out to one of these fantastic community partners to see if they can accept your donation:

Boys & Girls Club
Deseret Industries
Lantern House
Ogden Rescue Mission
Salvation Army

As always, we will continue to welcome and appreciate new donations at our main office. These donations help our clients, children, and our organization in many ways, and we are incredibly grateful for past and future giving from our generous community.

The thrift store, Threads of Hope, will remain open until the end of October. Please come and shop and help us raise our critical funds before we close!

Mel Witharana, Janadhi & Company

In 2006, Mel saw that one of the needs for small businesses was assistance with technology and cooperation – to provide the same quality assistance that you’d find from enterprise-class businesses with dedicated IT teams. He believed that with the right help, small businesses could compete and be successful in the marketplace. This defining moment is what sparked the inspiration for Janadhi & Company.

Janadhi & Company helps businesses cross the bridge of technology. As an IT solution for businesses, they offer A-Z technological needs. When asked what makes his organization unique, Mel said, “Even though we provide services to over 2000+ customers, we have a close relationship with each client. We like to build long-term relationships and we have always stood by our clients.”

Mel and his team are also very knowledgeable about their products and services. Every year, they allocate a large amount of their revenue to properly train their staff. They also look after the community by volunteering, donating to non-profits, or working on projects that help build better communities.

“I feel I have grown stronger by hearing and seeing others smile when they succeed. Knowing that I have contributed to the growth of a client’s business and helped them in accomplishing their dreams of success… This is why I do what I do,” said Mel, referring to his purpose at Janadhi & Company.

One of Mel’s favorite quotes is, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” from Gandhi. This quote is one that him and his team live by. Mel loves to see the smiles on people’s faces after they get the help they need – this is the biggest win for his company.

Mel is excited for the future of Janadhi & Company as technology continues to advance!

To learn more about Mel, his staff, or Janadhi & Company please visit their website here, call or email: (801) 529 4182 or mel@janadhi.com