Weber County

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

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

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)

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/.

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).

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce

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