The 2024 One Utah Summit was held on April 11-12 at The Grand America Hotel. It was a valuable forum where ideas were exchanged, partnerships fostered, and outstanding achievements celebrated.
Summit Highlights
Event highlights included the morning plenary session where Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, was joined on stage by Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, for updates made and challenges Ukraine faces.
Jason Hewlett, leadership expert, author, and entertainment speaker, delivered an energized and engaging message, “Your Leadership Promise”, that combined music, impressions, and comedy.
That afternoon, Gov. Spencer Cox discussed his Disagree Better initiative and 2024 priorities, and Lt. Gov. Henderson highlighted the importance and benefits of volunteerism.
Governor’s Awards
A summit highlight was the presentation of the Governor’s Awards honorees. Gov. Cox recognized these award recipients for their contributions at work and to the state.
- Utah Business Leader Community Impact Award
Presented in partnership with the Salt Lake Chamber
Keith B. McMullin, Retired President & CEO, Deseret Management Corporation
- Utah Businessperson of the Year
Presented in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
Lavanya Mahate, Founder & CEO, Saffron Valley Restaurants, Bix Bakery & Cafe, and RISE Culinary Institute
- Utah Business of the Year
Presented in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
bioMérieux
- Utah International Person of the Year
Presented in partnership with World Trade Center Utah
Fraser Bullock, President & CEO, Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games
- Utah International Business of the Year
Presented in partnership with World Trade Center Utah
PMI Foods
- Cameron Russell Williams Rising Impact Award
Presented in partnership with the Cameron Russell Williams Impact Fund
Kimmy Paluch, Managing Partner, Beta Boom
- Pete Suazo Business of the Year
Presented in partnership with the Suazo Business Center
Rancho Markets
Utah Office of Energy Development Award
- Energy Pioneer Award
Presented in partnership with the Utah Office of Energy Development
OxEon Energy
Governor’s Medals for Science and Technology
Presented in partnership with the Utah Innovation Center
- K-12 Education
Juliette Bautista Barahona, Founder and Director, Club Ability - Academia/Research
Cornelia Ulrich, Ph.D., M.S., Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah - Industry
Gregory C. Critchfield, M.D., M.S.
EarlyDiagnostics, Inc., Sera Prognostics, Inc., and Myriad Genetics, Inc.
Startup State Entrepreneur Challenge
Another summit highlight was the Startup State Entrepreneur Challenge held on Thursday evening. Budding entrepreneurs competed for $115,000 in cash and in-kind prizes. Contestants from across Utah pitched their visionary ideas to a panel of esteemed judges.
This year’s winners include:
Signspaces
1st Place: $40,000 & People’s Choice: $10,000
$10,000 Master of Business Creation (MBC) scholarship at the University of Utah
3Helix
2nd Place: $25,000
$5,000 Master of Business Creation (MBC) scholarship at the University of Utah
ProPlans
3rd Place: $10,000
With its visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and spirit of innovation, Utah continues to be a role model for other states.