Community

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University and Ogden City are making contemporary art exciting and accessible to the local community with new, video game-inspired sculptures and a video exhibition at the Dumke Arts Plaza.

The plaza will celebrate this new exhibition with a Season Kick-off on April 7 from 6-9 p.m. at 445 25th Street. The exhibition is curated by Weber State’s Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery and features art from Utah artists.

An arts-focused community space, the Dumke Arts Plaza represents a special collaboration between WSU and Ogden City. The Shaw Gallery and a committee of Weber State faculty work to develop the plaza’s programming, taking into consideration artistic practices, technologies and ideas of contemporary artists.

“On behalf of Weber State University, and with the support of the Matthew S. Browning Center for Design, it’s been a pleasure for the Shaw Gallery to lead curatorial programming efforts at the Dumke Arts Plaza,” said Lydia Gravis, director of Art Exhibitions & Public Programs at the Shaw Gallery. “We’re pleased to continue a strong tradition of programming world-class art right here in Ogden.”

Created by Michael Whiting over the course of 15 years, the plaza’s newest free-standing exhibition “Level Up” features sculptures inspired by the pixelated art of retro video games. The sculptures are constructed using steel and automotive paint, and are placed throughout multiple levels of the plaza.

The plaza will also host “Cauldron,” a video exhibition curated by Tyrone Davies that includes 10 short works by eight video makers.

Gravis said the Shaw Gallery is excited to showcase the work of talented artists so close to home.

“As we continue to bring visibility to public art in Ogden, we invite the community to join us in celebrating the creative energy of this dynamic outdoor space,” she said.

Matt Choberka, director of Weber State’s Matthew S. Browning Center for Design, said it’s rewarding to be involved in a project that brings the university and community together.

“The city has been very ambitious in the establishment of the Nine Rails Creative District, recognizing that the arts not only enrich and educate, but are also major drivers of economic development and community revitalization,” he said. “The plaza is in the heart of Nine Rails, and so provides a focal point for creativity and community.”

Choberka said the curation committee is working on bringing a “very exciting range of art experiences to the plaza.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the plaza and Mike Whiting’s new pieces interact,” he said. “I think much of the public has yet to really see how much the plaza can offer and how much of a true public space it has become.”

The plaza also represents the continuing philanthropy of the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation, the main funder of the project. Since its founding, The Dumke Foundation has gifted over $40 million toward the betterment of communities in the Intermountain West.

“Weber State and Ogden City have benefited enormously from the vision and generosity of the Dumke family,” Choberka said.

The Foundation, Ogden City, RAMP, Weber State and Ogden Contemporary Arts, along with community stakeholders, collaborated closely to develop the vision for the Dumke Arts Plaza.

Friday’s kickoff event will feature performances by Tribal Love and Infusion Rock, and is part of Ogden’s monthly First Friday Art Stroll.

More information on the upcoming exhibit is available on the Shaw Gallery website and more on the Dumke Arts Plaza can be found on Ogden City’s website.

Jessica Kokesh

Social Media Editor

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University will host its 14th annual Intermountain Sustainability Summit at the Ogden campus March 23–24.

This year’s theme, “Connect & Amplify Impact,” aims to highlight the importance of working together as businesses, non-profits, higher education and government sectors collaborate to solve climate challenges.

“The heart of the summit is inviting people to come together and find where we can support healthy thriving communities, economies and ecosystems,” said Bonnie Christiansen, Sustainability Practices and Research Center manager. “The energetic dynamic partnerships that come out of the summit have kept it going for the last 13 years.”

On March 23, the symposium will feature breakout sessions on topics ranging from global climate change to the Inflation Reduction Act. It will also feature two keynote speakers: Nalini Nadkarni, forest ecologist and creator of the Initiative to bring Science Programs to the Incarcerated, and Larry Confino, an independent documentary producer and director.

On March 24, participants can also attend two extra workshops. The first covers securing financing for energy projects and the second covers building electrification and energy savings.

Registration is required for the summit’s workshops and breakout sessions. For a full schedule of events, pricing and registration information, visit the Intermountain Sustainability Summit webpage.

The summit is Utah’s largest sustainability conference and has been held in Ogden since 2010. It has attracted hundreds of sustainability professionals and emerging leaders from business, government, nonprofit and academic sectors.

“The summit is unique because it creates a space where people are learning, building relationships and creating collaborative efforts,” Christiansen said.

Bryan Magaña

Public Relations Director, bryanmagana@weber.edu

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

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

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/

D.L. Evans Bank Announces Taylorsville High School Wellness Center as 2022 Donation Initiative Recipient

BURLEY, ID, January 23 – D.L. Evans Bank is pleased to announce Taylorsville High School Wellness Center as one of the donation initiative recipients of 2022. This donation initiative gives D.L. Evans Bank employees an opportunity to nominate their favorite non-profit organizations in Idaho and Utah to receive a donation from D.L. Evans Bank. D.L. Evans Bank also added an additional 5% to each total in the employee’s name.

A donation in the amount of $2,625 was made to the Taylorsville High School Wellness Center and was nominated by Julie Taylor, Vice President Branch Manager of the Murray branch. This donation will help the wellness center purchase school supplies, hygiene items and food. Meal bags are also available for students near a long weekend and holidays to ensure they will have something to eat while away from school.

Pictured: Sam Taylor (D.L. Evans Bank Commercial Loan Officer), Brian Murray (Assistant Principle Taylorsville High School), Afton Lambson (Assistant Principal Taylorsville High School), and Julie Taylor (D.L. Evans Bank Vice President Branch Manager of Murray).

About D.L. Evans Bank
Established in 1904, D.L. Evans Bank is a community bank focused on serving the local communities and providing the best banking solutions to the community members. D.L. Evans Bank has 38 branches in Idaho and Utah, with more than $3 billion in assets.

More information can be found at https://www.dlevans.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

D.L. Evans Bank announces John V. Evans, III has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and John V. Evans, Jr. will continue to serve as President

BURLEY, Idaho, January 5 – D.L. Evans Bank announced today that John V. (J.V.) Evans, III, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and John V. Evans, Jr. will continue to serve in the role of President.

John V. Evans, Jr. joined D.L. Evans Bank in 1979 and has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank since 1985. His father, John V. Evans, Sr. joined the Bank as President in 1987, after serving ten years as Governor of Idaho, and he served as Bank President until 2014. John Jr. succeeded his father in the role of President. John Jr. stated: “It’s been an honor to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of D.L. Evans Bank. While I look forward to continuing my role as President of the Bank, appointing John V. Evans, III, to the Chief Executive Officer role is an exciting milestone for our company and I believe his expertise and knowledge will lead the Bank to further growth while nurturing the company culture.” John Jr. has been instrumental in the Bank’s overall success for more than 43 years. It is under his leadership that the Bank has grown from two branches and $8 million in assets to over $3 billion in assets and 38 branches throughout Southern Idaho and Northern Utah. D.L. Evans Bank is currently the largest Idaho-based community bank.

Appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of D.L. Evans Bank, John V. (J.V.) Evans, III, is a fifth-generation banker, as he is a great-great-grandson of the D.L. Evans Bank founder, David Lloyd (D.L.) Evans. He has more than 25 years of banking experience, serving as an Executive Officer and being instrumental in the success of the Bank. J.V. said: “I am excited to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of D.L. Evans Bank and for John V. Evans, Jr. to continue to serve as President. Being a family-owned and employee-owned bank, we are very proud of our company and family history. We are grateful to be able to serve our communities. We have remarkably talented leaders and employees working for our company and I am excited for the future.”

Over the years, J.V. has led D.L. Evans Bank in several different capacities, from lending and management to being appointed as a member of the Executive Management team in 2003 in the role of Executive Vice President, and in more recent years as the Chief Credit Officer. J.V. has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Idaho and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. He has been active in his community serving on many non-profit and community boards. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Idaho Elks Hospital Foundation, Idaho Bankers Association, Bankers’ Bank of the West, and the Federal Delegate Board of the Independent Community Bankers Association.

John V. (J.V.) Evans, III, Chief Executive Officer (Left) and John V. Evans, Jr., President (Right)

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.

Jessica Kokesh

Bryan Magaña

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

Bryan Magaña

NBA All-Stars to Visit YMCA Programs

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

D.L. Evans Bank Announces Taylorsville High School Wellness Center as 2022 Donation Initiative Recipient

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

Lon Hudman, Five Star Hospitality Performance

D.L. Evans Bank announces John V. Evans, III has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and John V. Evans, Jr. will continue to serve as President

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

Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce

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Weber State brings 2 new exhibits to Dumke Arts Plaza

Jessica Kokesh

Bryan Magaña

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

Bryan Magaña

NBA All-Stars to Visit YMCA Programs

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

D.L. Evans Bank Announces Taylorsville High School Wellness Center as 2022 Donation Initiative Recipient

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

Lon Hudman, Five Star Hospitality Performance

D.L. Evans Bank announces John V. Evans, III has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and John V. Evans, Jr. will continue to serve as President

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

Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce

Contact

Follow Us