Business

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

Lon Hudman, Five Star Hospitality Performance

Lon Hudman is a managing partner of Five Star Hospitality Performance, the single source partner for corporate events, experiences, team building activities, and incentive travel for over 18 years. The Worldwide Event Producers have worked with many renowned brands including Microsoft, Eddie Bauer, Outdoor Retailers, and 3M to provide unforgettable experiences.

With offices in Orlando, FL and Salt Lake City, UT, the organization provides both national and global services. Lon Hudman describes what drew him to Ogden explaining, “I recognized a need for a quality event production company in Ogden and Northern Utah.” Hudman spent 25 years in the event production industry prior to stepping away for several years to help establish a start-up nutritional supplement company. Now Hudman has returned to the event production industry to pursue the career that he has always loved.

After telling a former client of his plans to dive back into the event production industry, the client replied excitedly, “Thank goodness! No one ever matched your creativity or the quality of the events that you produced.” Another client endorsement states, “The Five Star Hospitality team are all so great to work with! The location and resort they helped us find was perfect for our company trip. They made the process very easy with constant communication and suggestions that all were on point. Five Star lives up to the name 100%!!”

Specializing in large events, Five Star Hospitality Performance’s corporate structure allows them to assemble the ideal-sized team to fit your needs and optimize the amount spent on any event. Their list of trusted and experienced partners in all areas of event production is second to none, resulting in an event that is of the highest quality and yet budget friendly.

“You rarely remember how something looks, but you will always remember how it made you feel. That’s why we work with our clients to combine creative storytelling, experiential design, and a focus on natural touch points to curate spaces that create lasting memories, not fleeting impressions.”

Hudman believes that live events are going to make a huge comeback, “Post Covid, people are looking forward to getting together again in person and enjoying conventions, meetings, and incentive travel,” said Hudman.

To learn more about Five Star Hospitality Performance, please visit https://fivestarhospitalityevents.com/ or check out their Instagram here. You can also reach Lon Hudman at lon@fivestarperformance.co

Tyler Nancollas, Skyline Hills Financial

Founded in 2021 by three young entrepreneurs, Skyline Hills Financial is a debt collection agency based in Ogden, Utah. The founders collectively noticed inefficient areas in the debt collection industry, and after vigorously analyzing these areas, they wanted to create a company that would provide the best experience possible for companies throughout Utah while helping and serving the people who find themselves owing money. It took months of strategic planning and preparation before they officially opened on April 4, 2021.

James Wilson, Alex Benitez, Tyler Nancollas

The debt collection agency is modernizing and improving the way debts get collected – their debt recovery experts prioritize clients’ goals by professionally collecting money that is owed on delinquent accounts while also providing a positive and beneficial experience to those who find themselves in these situations. They take away the “call center” feeling and work alongside their clients to take the best care of them. With every interaction had, Skyline Hills Financial goes above and beyond to ensure a positive experience.

“We chose to start a business in the Ogden-Weber area for many reasons, the main being that we love this community” said co-founder, Tyler Nancollas. “We were born and raised in Ogden and wanted to work in a place that we call home.”

Since the day that they opened, Skyline Hills Financial has strived to be a resource that clients and consumers can rely on. One of the focal points of the agency is to provide accurate information and articles across various subjects including debt recovery and financial literacy. In addition, their agency is one of the few collection agencies in the nation that provides free professional financial advising to their clients’ customers.

“By guiding people through this process, we hope to have an impact that will help provide the knowledge to achieve financial freedom and avoid these situations in the future,” said Tyler. “We host webinars to enhance our customers understanding of finances as well as collections.” The care and respect that Skyline Hills Financial has for their clients and their clients’ customers is something that you won’t find in any other agency.

The assistance that Skyline Hills Financial provides helps to resolve difficult client-customer situations. One customer said in regard to her experience with Skyline Hills Financial, “I’ve never dealt with such a respectful and knowledgeable team when it comes to my debt.” This wasn’t the first time she was sent to collections due to outstanding balances. “Once I began to work with their specialists, my entire mentality changed.” Skyline Hills Financial left such a positive impact on this customer, that she went back to the company she had a balance with to let them know how great the service was.

Tyler, Alex, and James are excited to be more involved in the community and are looking forward to opportunities to help local companies and people.

To contact Skyline Hills Financial, please visit their website here or contact Tyler at tylern@skylinehf.com

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).

Bill Willahan, NOW CFO

Bill Willahan is a Business and Accounting Consultant at NOW CFO, a full-service consulting firm founded in 2005. Bill was invited to join the NOW CFO team in 2017 and continues to experience the thrill of working with clients to over come obstacles and improve operations.

NOW CFO is a “roll up our sleeves” full-service consulting firm with a singular focus on outsourced CFO, controller, accounting, and financial service needs. Their reputation as talented management consultants and financial analysts with an entrepreneurial spirit has helped them grow to over 31 markets in 13 different states with hundreds of employees – all of them providing financial services that improve the success of their clients.

With most NOW CFO Utah Operations along the Wasatch Front in Salt Lake and Utah counties, it was time to break ground in the Ogden-Weber area. “I have been involved in these northern counties over the last few years, and I’ve observed an innovative entrepreneurial focus which I both respect and wanted to be part of,” said Bill. In 2019, Bill moved his family to Layton to represent NOW CFO in both Davis and Weber counties.

When asked what the defining moments of his career at NOW CFO is, Bill said, “There have been several defining moments with difficult and complex projects; from cryptocurrency accounting to implementing new systems that have helped me understand how important our clients are.” Bill explains that the accounting for a cryptocurrency company is extremely complicated.

NOW CFO fits a unique spot in the accounting world. They do not do audits or taxes, but rather they work with their clients in offering business and accounting services focused on the operations of the clients. NOW CFO advisors are partnered with a client to help create success and continue growth. This team mentality has created bonds with their clients, who are widely valued throughout the business world.

Bill is excited to see NOW CFO continue to grow and expand into markets that need their services. With the increasing complexities of business, NOW CFO is well-positioned to assist clients in achieving success.

Financial Visibility Means Smarter Business Decisions

To learn more about Bill or inquire about his services please visit NOW CFO’s website here or email Bill at bwillahan@nowcfo.com

In 2021, China started Good As Gold Insurance as a one-woman business writing all different types of insurance policies customized to the lifestyle of her clients. As a mother of two girls, it was important for China to have a job where she was able to stay home with them as much as possible before the school year started – Good As Gold Insurance allowed her to do just that.

“You’ve got it gal!” is China’s motto – she never gives up on a challenge and she never wants her clients to give up either. “No” is not an option for her and she will go to any lengths to make things work. Many clients have said that China always gets back to them with not only a solution, but several options when they felt stuck. Everyone knows they can count on China!

One customer testimonial from her client, Debbie Williams, reads, “China is so bright and really knows about insurance. She is friendly and very conscientious, making sure you get the right insurance for your personal needs.”

China loves and values Ogden’s rich culture, history, and growing community. She has always been connected to this community and proud of its accomplishments and growth. Ogden was the ideal place for her to start her business and she knew that her business would prosper here. When asked what the biggest win for her business has been, China said, “Good As Gold Insurance has experienced financial every month since it opened in 2021.” China is excited for the future and looks forward to seeing the growth of a business that is her completely her own, not attached to another person!

So, what if, instead of thinking about solving your whole life, you just think about adding additional good things. One at a time. Just let your pile of good things grow.
– Rainbow Rowell

To learn more about China please call or email her at: (801) 940 2693 or goodasgoldinsurance@gmail.com

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.”

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

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

Bryan Magaña

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

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

Lon Hudman, Five Star Hospitality Performance

Tyler Nancollas, Skyline Hills Financial

Aerospace Expands Its Regional Office at Hill Air Force Base

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

Bill Willahan, NOW CFO

Financial Visibility Means Smarter Business Decisions

Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce

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