Airbuild Expands to Green River, Utah
15 jobs
$9.5 million capex
Project Photosynthesis
Congratulations to the City of Green River! Airbuild, a clean energy startup focused on carbon capture, water remediation, and biochar, announced plans to develop its first microalgae facility on property leased from the city. The company plans to create 15 new jobs in the City of Green River and invest $9.5 million in Green River alone over the next 3 years.
The company’s announcement came as the result of collaboration among City of Green River, EDCUtah, USU Eastern, Better City, Utah Inland Port Authority, and the University of Utah PEAK water sustainability engine.
EDCUtah connected with Airbuild during a Global Strategy & Outreach (GS&O) trip to San Diego in May 2024. Following the meeting, EDCUtah issued a statewide Request for Information (RFI) to identify partner communities and potential locations. The City of Green River responded with strong interest, and a site visit was held in November 2024. EDCUtah supported Airbuild with connections to state permitting agencies, facilitated networking opportunities to bolster their grant writing efforts, and provided research to help the company identify key supporting businesses and contractors.
“We are honored to welcome Airbuild to Green River and proud to stand alongside partners who believe in the power of rural innovation. This project brings more than jobs and investment – it brings purpose. By turning organic waste into biochar, Airbuild is helping us lay the foundation for a more sustainable approach to fertilizer production across our region. It’s a win for our environment, our economy, and our farmers,” said Edward Castro Bennett, city manager for the City of Green River. “This partnership reflects Green River’s commitment to a vibrant, resilient future rooted in stewardship, creativity, and bold collaboration. We’re especially grateful to EDCUtah for introducing Project Photosynthesis to our state and for championing this opportunity from the very beginning.
“Airbuild is an exciting example of what can be accomplished when we listen to community needs and pair private-sector goals with community champions,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “By addressing environmental challenges through collaboration with local partners, Airbuild is helping to drive sustainable economic growth in rural Utah. We’re thrilled to see companies like Airbuild helping to shape a more resilient future for Utah.”
Airbuild is a science and energy startup specializing in river bioremediation and sustainable resource recovery. Through partnerships with local governments and canal companies, the company implements systems that extract excess nutrients from waterways to improve water quality and downstream ecosystems. Airbuild transforms harvested algae and local organic waste into biochar, which is then used as fertilizer and sold for carbon credit initiatives delivering both environmental and economic benefits to the communities it serves.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the City of Green River and the EDCUtah team for their vision and leadership in making this project possible,” said David Gory, co-founder and CEO of Airbuild. “This collaboration shows what’s possible when innovation meets community. This deployment will not only remove thousands of tons of carbon and filter millions of gallons of water, it will also transform local organic waste into valuable biochar and create local jobs. This partnership proves that small cities can lead the way in environmental innovation and resilience.”
Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, led Project Photosynthesis for EDCUtah.
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EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.
For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.
“We Build Together” — An Interview with EDCUtah’s New Executive Director
May 29, 2025
The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) is pleased to announce that Ryan Starks will be the new Executive Director and will start on May 19. We caught up with Ryan to learn his thoughts about this new chapter for our organization.
What are your short-term and long-term goals for EDCUtah?
First of all, I want to state that I have been a long-time fan of EDCUtah and believe in its mission. I admire the leadership of Jeff Edwards, Theresa Foxley, Scott Cuthbertson, and others who have helped shape Utah’s economy in lasting ways. Their contributions and leadership are legendary.
Long-term I want to establish EDCUtah as the private sector leader in the economic development space, and that means working closely with our different partners. There are a lot of different entities out there: associations, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and the State of Utah. I want EDCUtah to lead in convening these groups to accomplish shared goals. The time is now to do that convening and to create that shared vision. As part of these long-term efforts, I want to increase our membership significantly.
In the short term, I want EDCUtah to establish local and national relationships that will lead to long-term projects. This means a focus on in-state and out-of-state marketing the likes of which we’ve never yet done as a state. I feel like there’s a space for EDCUtah to really own that business branding, much the way the Utah Office of Tourism is branding the state in the travel sector. I think EDCUtah can do similar work, to help tell the story to the business community of why we’re such a great place to do business.
In a recent LinkedIn post, you talk about “We Build Together.” Please elaborate on that.
It’s pretty simple. It’s not just EDCUtah, rather it’s many people working together. When it comes to building business ecosystems and building a lasting economy, it’s all hands on deck. We have to look at ways in which we can solve some of the big problems that the state has, to attract new companies, and to facilitate existing company growth.
It takes all of us working together. “And” is an important, powerful word. It takes the public sector and the private sector. It takes rural Utah and urban Utah. It takes legislative leadership and executive leadership and leadership from EDCUtah. It takes universities and associations. How do we build together? We do it in partnership and in collaboration, in a way that will support job creation, capital investment, infrastructure, human talent, and an unparalleled quality of life—across the state. It’s not a one or the other approach. It’s a collective approach where we leverage the relationships with all partners, and we help drive positive economic growth through EDCUtah. I want to emphasize that.
How would you describe your management style?
I like to work hard. I like to have a lot of fun while working hard. I like to lift other people up who I get to work with, and so I believe in delegation. I believe in positive feedback and helping people become their best selves. I’ve taken different tests over the years, including StrengthFinders. It says that one of my inherent strengths is building other people up.
I also like to look at process, looking for efficiencies, pulling people together to solve complex problems. I love tackling big challenges, with a positive, focused attitude.
How did your time leading the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity set you up for this role?
What my time at GOEO gave me is an understanding of the ins and outs of economic development across the state. I visited every single county, and spoke with city and county leaders, with chambers of commerce, with economic development directors.
I was at GOEO for six years, but I think we can look even further back than that. I worked for Wasatch County for eight years, and that gave me the county-level perspective. I learned that every county has unique opportunities, and that counties can really benefit from a partnership with EDCUtah. Wasatch County was an investor in EDCUtah, and we were able to do a lot of our work in partnership with EDCUtah. There’s value in strategic partnership between counties and EDCUtah because we can all leverage resources in a greater way.
I learned in these jobs that economic development is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. It takes unique strategies to solve the various economic development issues in every part of Utah. The GOEO experience also helped me understand the tools and resources available at the State level. That could be grants or incentives, or even the power of just convening people.
At EDCUtah, I envision doing similar things, working with stakeholders and communities, connecting them with those resources that I became so familiar with, and connecting them to the vision of building a strong economy, into where the State’s going. There are a lot of unique lessons that I only could have learned from the State, and I’m excited to apply those lessons now to the private sector.
There are concerns about a downturn in the economy. What’s your take on that?
There are concerns, but Utah maintains one of the most diverse economies in the country.With that economic diversity, we’ve proven in the past that we’re able to weather difficult storms. COVID-19 is an example of Utah coming out as the best state in terms of our recovery.
Another example is the Rich States, Poor States Report, commissioned by the American Legislative Exchange Council. Using 70 different data points, the report just ranked Utah as having the best economic outlook in the country for the eighteenth year in a row.
Even though there’s some economic uncertainty right now, the future still looks very bright. This is a time where we need to continue to build, and not pull back.The challenges are real. But the strength of our economy is also very real, and I’m confident that we can maintain our strength by continuing to invest in the long term. I believe our best days are still ahead of us, and I invite businesses and organizations to join us in this important cause and movement.
What specific message do you have for current and future EDCUtah investors?
That the State of Utah is growing, that our economy is hot. That we need to stay focused on growing our economy in smart and strategic ways. We have the 2034 Olympics knocking on our door. We have a unique opportunity to prepare for those Olympics by making key investments into infrastructure and into Utah’s economy. These investments will create long-term returns that will benefit the next generation of Utahns.
EDCUtah can be more than an organization to promote the economy. It can be an integral part of a movement that benefits and lifts all communities in the State. I’m really confident that this window of time is going to create some unique opportunities for EDCUtah and for the State to accomplish big things. We can recruit big companies, support rural Utah, and hone in on our targeted industries.
Our investors have a voice in Utah’s economic growth. This is the opportunity to jump onboard with us, and together create some amazing things over the next decade.
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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.
Small Business Opportunity with Comcast RISE Grant Program
May 16, 2025
EDCUtah investor Comcast is bringing a cash-and-services small business grant program to the Wasatch Front. We caught up with Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, to learn more.
Please give us a high-level overview of the Comcast RISE grant program.
Comcast RISE started during the Covid pandemic, to help small business owners overcome hurdles during that time. In the last five years, we’ve awarded more than $140 million in monetary, marketing, and technology grants to help 14,000 small businesses nationwide. This year, the program focuses on five markets across the country, specifically Boston, Grand Rapids, Nashville, Seattle, and a segment of the Wasatch Front.
Small business owners in the communities of Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Riverton, Sandy, South Jordan, West Jordan, and White City are eligible to apply. The grant includes $5,000 cash, which the awarded business can use any way they want, plus a technology makeover, creative production, a media schedule, educational resources, and business consultation services. The marketing package includes professional commercial spots that are aired on our cross-channel networks.
Comcast speaks of “small businesses and entrepreneurs committed to uplifting their local communities.” Please elaborate on that and what would distinguish an applicant for this program.
We know based on research that small businesses are the fuel that keeps our economy going. Typically, the money that small business owners spend stays and circulates in their local communities. Furthermore, small businesses have a genuine and tighter relationship with the folks that they serve. So part of uplifting the community is just being an active business owner.
A way to stand out in your application is describe how your business supports the community. This could be anything. Does your business encourage employees to do any kind of community service work? Does your business provide funding for local initiatives or support employees volunteering for them? If you’re a small restauranteur, maybe you occasionally make meals for different groups that might need it, such as firefighters during the summer firefighting season. In other words, how does your businesses step up during a time of need?
The opportunity has a defined geographic area. What stood out about the Wasatch Front cities you mentioned above when Comcast developed the program?
First of all, Utah in general was chosen for a couple of reasons, one being that for the last couple of years we have ranked as the startup capital of the nation by a number of publications. Our economy is very strong, and we have a growing small business community. Being selected for the program is a nice accolade in itself.
As far as the specific cities, it was really hard to make the selection. We had to make that hard choice by focusing on communities with a high number of small businesses that have started over the last several years.
If they win a grant, what will small businesses find of most value in the package of services?
We’re hearing from business owners that have won over the last couple of years that they find three things very valuable. These are the mentoring and consultation support, the marketing support, and the business services.
I think a lot of small business owners launch a business due to passion and because it’s something that they resonate with. The owners may not necessarily come with all the business skills or acumen that are sometimes needed for a business to be successful. And so consultation and mentoring seem to be really helpful for small business owners. The consultants are from our Comcast business team locally, our regional marketing team, and some senior leaders at the company. It’s a great mix.
On the second point, oftentimes marketing budgets are tight. Connecting with our marketing team, then refining and reviewing a marketing strategy that will work and that is tailored specifically to these businesses, that interaction is invaluable. And then being able to place a 30-second commercial spot on our cross-channel network to drive business and bring in more customers, that’s also a big plus.
Lastly, I would say our Comcast business services – having a full suite of Comcast business services available – allows a business owner to streamline operations. It increases efficiency and allows those business owners to do the job they need to do, which is just to make sure their business is successful versus having to do a lot of the behind the scenes work taking up time.
How can a business owner get more information or reply? And then is there any “homework” before they apply?
The deadline to apply is May 31st. The application is available at www.ComcastRISE.com.
Applicants will want to gather their paperwork together. Your EIN number, some recent tax forms showing time in business, that sort of thing. And then I think just giving some thought to how your company does business in the community that you’re in, and what sets you apart, either about the products or services you offer, your customer experience, or how you engage with the community as a whole. What kind of things set you apart from other businesses would be helpful to think about before folks start to apply for the grant.
Comcast will host working sessions to help small business owners apply for the grant if they’re experiencing trouble or just want to do it in collaboration with a Comcast representative. At these sessions, we’ll talk about criteria and the application process.
We’re working with local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations throughout the state to set up these working sessions. We’ll do communication around that in the next couple of weeks, but we just encourage folks to reach out to their chamber of commerce to inquire when these working sessions will be taking place.
What specific message for EDCUtah investors do you have? How can they help?
The call to action for EDCUtah investors is if you know of any small businesses, say in your supply chain or customer base, or if you are a small business owner in any of these communities that are eligible, you could apply for the grant and or encourage some small business owners in your network to apply for the grant. We’re hoping to get at least 500 small businesses in Utah to apply. We’ll make 100 awards.
We have a toolkit that includes communications and social media content you can use to share this news with your network.
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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.
EDCUtah Announces Ryan Starks as New Executive Director
May 7, 2025
The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) is pleased to announce that Ryan Starks will be the new Executive Director and will start on May 19.
“We are thrilled for Ryan to step into this position and lead the EDCUtah team,” said Derek Miller president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, the parent organization of EDCUtah. “Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, leadership skills and new ideas, and we are confident in his ability to elevate the business sector in this capacity.”
Previously serving as the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), Ryan was instrumental in its growth. His leadership helped achieve historic wins, including Texas Instruments’ $11 billion investment, helping bring over 13,000 high-paying jobs to Utah and $16 billion in capital to Utah, and more.
“It’s an honor to step into this role at EDCUtah,” said Ryan Starks. “I’m deeply passionate about Utah’s dynamic business environment and look forward to building on the strong foundation that’s already in place. I’m excited to contribute in ways that support the important work of strengthening communities, driving growth and creating opportunities statewide.”
Ryan’s career spans public service, education and entrepreneurship, with prior roles at the Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce, Brigham Young University and as founding director of Wasatch CAPS. He also led international trade missions and launched initiatives like the Startup State and Joint Utah Mexico Partnership (JUMP) program to strengthen Utah’s global and rural economic reach.
“Ryan’s experience and unique qualifications to lead this organization will be exceptionally valuable, as he has an impressive understanding of Utah’s economic landscape,” said Tom Morgan, chair of EDCUtah’s Board of Trustees. “His passion for growth, partnerships and economic development is evident. I look forward to working closely with him to see that continue.”
As the executive director, Ryan will work closely with business leaders, site selectors and public partners to support recruitment efforts, provide strategic data and insights and grow the business community. Ultimately, EDCUtah is a one-stop shop for both companies and site selection teams, offering a wide range of business retention and expansion services to help business leaders make their next location decision.
Upon hearing the selection, Gov. Spencer Cox said, “Ryan has been a key part of my Administration’s efforts to keep Utah the best state for business and opportunity. I am thrilled that he will continue this important work leading the Economic Development Corporation of Utah and look forward to the public and private sectors working together as ‘Team Utah’ to drive economic prosperity.”
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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.
Building Together: 4 things you should know about Rio Tinto Kennecott’s Utah landholdings
April 30, 2025
Anyone who has looked down into Rio Tinto Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon copper mine — located on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley and the largest human-made excavation in the world — can see that things are happening on a massive scale. In a sense, that’s also true about Kennecott’s other Utah land assets.
Kennecott owns approximately 95,000 acres of land (more than six times the size of Manhattan) in the Salt Lake and Tooele Valleys. The company’s land ownership is the result of over 100 years of copper mining in Utah’s Oquirrh Mountains. Today, this land is poised to become one of largest real estate opportunities in the western United States.
We spoke with Alan Matheson, Kennecott’s former general manager of land and water development, about the significance of these landholdings for Utah’s current and future real estate development and economic opportunities.
1. Prime Location in Salt Lake Valley
“Rio Tinto Kennecott owns most of the remaining undeveloped land in the Salt Lake Valley, and significant parcels in Tooele County,” explained Matheson. “Of course, not all 95,000 acres will be developed. Much of the land is in current mining operations, much provides a key safety buffer between communities and those operations, and other areas will be preserved for ecosystem conservation. Nevertheless, significant land along the foothills of the Oquirrh Mountains is developable and will help meet the needs of our growing community.”
Many of these areas are:
- Close to downtown Salt Lake City (10–30 mins).
- In one of the fastest-growing metro regions in the U.S.
- Located along major highways (e.g. I-80, Bangerter Highway, Mountain View Corridor).
- Served by TRAX light rail and future transit.
For developers, this means access to strong job markets, schools, and transportation, making the land ideal for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects.
2. Infrastructure & Planning Already in Place
Because of Kennecott’s mining operations, large tracts of its land already have nearby infrastructure assets like roads, rail, and utilities. Many parcels are zoned for urban uses and have conceptual plans. Kennecott prioritizes ongoing collaboration with municipalities, public utilities, and transportation agencies to lower initial development costs, accelerate project timelines, and align with community goals. Taking a proactive approach, Kennecott is also addressing key challenges with water, remediation, and needed infrastructure upgrades. The result of these efforts is a series of highly attractive parcels that will contribute significantly to Utah’s future.
3. Large Parcel Sizes
Kennecott’s landholdings tend to be large and contiguous, making them ideal for business centers, large-scale commercial hubs, and master-planned communities. Utah, like many other states, is experiencing a housing shortage, and this land can play a role in meeting Utah’s housing supply needs over the next few decades.
Matheson emphasized the value of partnerships: “We recognize that accommodating Utah’s growing population will require a team effort. To that end, we’re actively exploring partnerships with outstanding developers and public entities to provide the expertise, resources, and infrastructure needed to achieve our state’s vision.”
When it comes to master-planned communities, Utah has a proven model for success. “Most people are familiar with the Daybreak community,” said Matheson. “One of the most successful developments in the country, it’s a cutting-edge example of transforming land used for mining operations into a beautiful, livable, vibrant neighborhood.”
Plans for the Daybreak community – located in South Jordan, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City — began in 2001. At more than 4,000 acres, Daybreak is the largest master-planned community in the state’s history. Today, the community has an estimated 44,000 residents and just under 10,000 homes. Daybreak was developed to include key quality-of-life amenities such as housing, schools, retail, offices, transit, parks and trails, and entertainment.
In 2021, Larry H. Miller Real Estate purchased the remaining 1,300 acres of undeveloped land in Daybreak. They’re working together with the City of South Jordan on plans to build out a downtown center that includes the new baseball stadium for the Salt Lake Bees.
4. Ready to Collaborate
Kennecott prioritizes collaboration with local governments regarding the future use of its surplus land, and the company seeks development partners with a long-term vision for sustainability and economic opportunity. “What happens on our land will impact the future of not just the Greater Salt Lake region, but also the entire state,” Matheson said. “We are approaching the development of these lands strategically, with a focus on creating a brighter future for Utah.”
Corporate expansion and site selection trends can help inform Kennecott’s land-development strategy. And as the sites are developed, Utah’s public-private partnership for economic development can support companies and site selectors as they evaluate potential sites for corporate expansion.
“EDCUtah is a key player in Utah’s economic development ecosystem and a valuable partner for Rio Tinto,” said Matheson. “EDCUtah helps us network and build partnerships that allow us to achieve our goals. But more to the point, EDCUtah can help identify the companies that would relocate to this area, bringing jobs and economic opportunity. As we develop these lands, EDCUtah will play a critical role in attracting key tenants.”
History Bonus: A timeline of Kennecott’s land ownership in Utah
“Most people don’t fully realize the history and impact of Kennecott and the Bingham Canyon Mine in Utah,” said Matheson. “Over the course of its 121-year history, the mine has produced more copper than any other mine in the world. But it’s also had significant local impact as one of the biggest taxpayers in the Salt Lake Valley—funding roads, schools, and other public infrastructure.”
In the early 1900s, the Utah Copper Company began developing the Bingham Canyon Mine in the Oquirrh Mountains. The company acquired tens of thousands of acres of land to support mining operations—everything from ore processing and waste storage to railroad infrastructure and company towns.
In 1936, the Utah Copper Company was acquired by the Kennecott Copper Corporation. Over the next several decades, mine production boomed. During World War II, for example, the mine produced about 30 percent of the copper used by the Allies.
Matheson explained: “The Kennecott mine is a vertically integrated operation. In addition to the mine itself, there is a concentrator, one of only two operating copper smelters in the United States, and a refinery. It’s unusual to have an operation that mines ore and then produces 99.99% pure copper in the same location. As we think about our nation’s energy future and economic interests, being able to produce copper and critical minerals domestically is essential.”
As Kennecott expanded the mine, the company continued acquiring land in western Salt Lake County and eastern Tooele County. This included not just mine sites, but also surrounding land for potential expansion and long-term residential buffer zones.
Then, in 1989, the global mining company Rio Tinto acquired Kennecott Corporation. Around the same time, Salt Lake Valley’s population growth started to take off—putting Rio Tinto’s land holdings on the periphery of rapidly growing suburbs. And as mining operations modernized and consolidated, less land was needed for industrial use. In response to these shifting trends, Rio Tinto formed the Kennecott Land Company in 2001 to plan and develop its surplus land in Utah.
“We know that our company has a social license to operate, and we need to make sure that we’re contributing to Utah’s quality of life, to the tax base, and to opportunities that benefit the residents of Utah,” said Matheson. “We have a resource that can be used to advance not just the interests of the company, but the people in the communities where we operate. We have been a big part of Utah’s history, and we want to be a constructive part of its future.”
For more information about Kennecott’s landholdings, contact Scott Baird, Kennecott’s current general manager of land & water development: Scott.Baird@riotinto.com.
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“Building Together” highlights examples of the collective impact of your investment and EDCUtah’s work in communities across the state. Do you have a story you’d like us to share? Email connect@edcutah.org.
For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.
Best Practices for Managing Tariff Changes
April 30, 2025
EDCUtah recently tuned in to a webinar hosted by the Reshoring Institute, a non-profit dedicated to reshoring manufacturing back to the United States. The Institute interviewed 18 executives across a wide range of industries on recent changes to tariffs. The webinar covered a lot of ground, so this recap focuses on what corporate executives are doing to manage volatile situations.
Rosemary Coates, executive director of the Reshoring Institute, led the discussion. She started with an historical perspective on tariffs, then outlined the goals and aspects of the recent moves by the Trump administration. Some takeaways include:
- “We’re moving away from sole sourcing to give us more options.” According to Coates, this quote from one executive was a common theme throughout all the discussions they had in the study. Domestic sourcing is likely to grow over the next few years, Coates observes, though she cautions that redeveloping a domestic supply base can take as much as 18 months to put into effect. She notes that two-thirds of the respondents are seeking to increase domestic supply chains.
- “Our capital investments are frozen because we don’t know what to expect.” Uncertainties are causing companies to slow or stop major expenditures. Coates said that there is a similar chilling effect on hiring, at least until “outlooks and tariff rates are stabilized.” This finding was another point of consistency in all the conversations.
- Respondents indicated that, especially in the electronics sector, which imports components from China, uncertainty and geopolitics are causing disruptions. The elimination of de minimus shipments (value less than $800) is also creating an increased workload and delays for U.S. Customs.
- Companies would like to manufacture in the United States, but the economics are challenging. Investments in automation would be a significant part of this approach.
- “We are asking our Chinese suppliers to give us a discount – at least 50 percent of the tariffs.” At the same time, suppliers are asking U.S. clients to absorb more freight charges. In general, companies recognize they will have to increase prices to customers, and are asking suppliers to share the load. In addition, most companies are working with forwarders and brokers to review import classifications, potential duty drawbacks, and using foreign trade zones to delay or reduce costs.
- Companies can also look at U.S. Customs strategies, such as the First Sale Rule, to lower costs. For example, a Chinese manufacturer may sell to a Hong Kong trading company, which then sells to a U.S. importer at a marked-up price. The duty can then be calculated on the lower first sale price rather than the final U.S. sale price. There are provisions that must be followed to utilize this technique; companies are urged to work with their brokers to manage the details.
- Lastly, as of this writing, there are trade partners with lower tariffs to consider. Goods covered by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are duty-free. India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia have relatively low tariffs at this point.
Going forward? In Coates’ words, a number of the companies are “stuck, not knowing what to do.” Others are modeling various alternative strategies and “what-if” approaches, using cross-functional teams. This involves an analysis of geopolitical risks (particularly with China and Taiwan), as well as consideration of moving manufacturing to alternative low-cost countries such as Vietnam, India and Mexico. Coates also notes that companies can work with economic development partners to facilitate managing tariff changes and reshoring.
In Utah in particular, EDCUtah investors are encouraged to work with the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development and the World Trade Center Utah on foreign trade zone matters, and with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership on supply chain development and manufacturing best practices. EDCUtah will continue to engage with companies looking to reshore or diversify operations, and with foreign companies looking to find a manufacturing “landing zone” in the United States.
You can view the entire presentation here. For more information on the Reshoring Institute, visit their website.
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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.
EDCUtah Announces Scott Cuthbertson’s Departure
April 18, 2025
The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) announced this week that Scott Cuthbertson will be stepping down from his position as president effective April 25.
Scott has led EDCUtah since 2023, championing Utah’s business environment to help catalyze strategic economic opportunities across the state. During his tenure, Cuthbertson adopted EDCUtah’s five-year strategic plan, oversaw a community services revamp, navigated a transition with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, unified EDCUtah within the Salt Lake Chamber family of teams, and launched a successful state-to-state economic development initiative with South Carolina.
“Scott has demonstrated consummate professionalism throughout his tenure at EDCUtah, consistently setting a high standard for himself and those around him,” said Tom Morgan of Zions Bank, who serves as chair of the EDCUtah Board of Trustees. “Scott’s exceptional work ethic and ability to engage with partners has led EDCUtah through notable transitions and toward remarkable achievements. His focus on job creation has positively impacted communities across the state, providing new opportunities and driving economic growth.”
Erin Farr, EDCUtah vice president of business development, will serve as interim director during the transition. Farr has worked with EDCUtah for more than 10 years over the course of her career. In her current role, Farr leads a team focused on supporting businesses seeking to create new job opportunities and invest in Utah communities. She brings extensive experience in advancing strategic initiatives, generating new business opportunities, and fostering strong and lasting client relationships.
“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Scott, whose dedication to Utah has shaped EDCUtah. His commitment to economic prosperity is evident in the work we’ve seen over the years he’s been involved,” said Derek Miller, president and CEOof the Salt Lake Chamber, EDCUtah’s parent organization. “EDCUtah remains in good hands with Erin’s steady leadership, guiding EDCUtah to its next chapter – one that we’re confident will be filled with strength, purpose and growth for Utah’s business community.”
Miller is leading the search committee to oversee the selection of EDCUtah’s next executive director. The committee includes executive leadership at the Salt Lake Chamber and EDCUtah, as well as representatives of EDCUtah’s Board of Trustees.
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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.
Building Together: Utah Project Wins Surge Early in 2025
March 31, 2025
At the most recent Business Development breakfast for EDCUtah investors, the Business Development (BD) team celebrated a surge in Utah project wins.
Previously, in September, we closed the first quarter of the fiscal year with two project wins. While this was fewer wins than the same period last year, it was also expected – we’ve found that companies often delay or pause their final site selection decisions in election years.
But wins picked up again, with 10 companies announcing plans to expand in or relocate to Utah between October 2024 and February 2025. As a result of these wins, EDCUtah exceeded our capital expenditure forecast for the year and landed well ahead of our forecast for square footage absorption.
January 2025 was our busiest month for project wins, with four companies announcing their site selection decisions. For context, EDCUtah has only closed this many monthly wins four times in the last three years.
Securing these site selection decisions for Utah always requires the hard work and contributions of many partners across the state. EDCUtah’s public and private investors bring invaluable expertise, resources, and connections that help companies envision themselves in Utah. As John Merlini of JSL Partners said, “You make the process seamless and present great contacts … [this] played a significant role in JSL choosing Salt Lake City over Phoenix.”
Here are a few of the project wins we discussed at the BD Breakfast:
Nucor Forges the Future with Brigham City Expansion
EDCUtah was pleased to host representatives from Nucor at the BD Breakfast, where they were able to connect with EDCUtah investors. In January, Nucor announced plans to expand in Brigham City, a decision that was nearly four years in the making. EDCUtah supported the project by coordinating requests for information (RFIs) in 2022 and 2023; facilitating connections with Brigham City, UIPA, and D.A. Davidson; as well as organizing a site visit to advance the initiative. Their final decision was the result of collaboration among Brigham City, EDCUtah, Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), and the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO).
“This new facility marks a significant milestone for Nucor Towers & Structures as we scale up our operations to meet the growing demand for utility infrastructure in western states. Utah’s robust infrastructure and skilled workforce make it the ideal location for this investment,” said Laurent De Mey, vice president and general manager of Nucor Towers & Structures. “We are proud to deepen our roots in Brigham City and appreciate the partnership with local leaders.”
OxEon Roves into New Terrain in Davis County
Representatives from OxEon Energy also joined EDCUtah staff and investors at the BD Breakfast. In January, the company announced plans to expand its existing Davis County operations with 103 new high-paying jobs and an estimated investment of $99 million over the next six years.
The company’s announcement came as the result of collaboration among EDCUtah, the Northern Utah Economic Alliance (NUEA), Davis County, and the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO).
EDCUtah supported OxEon by facilitating strategic networking opportunities and providing guidance throughout the tax incentive process. While OxEon worked with GOEO on the state incentives application, EDCUtah provided support and resources to help advance the company’s goals. EDCUtah will continue supporting OxEon in future development phases.
Jessica Elwell, chief operating officer at OxEon Energy, said about the company’s decision to grow in Davis County, Utah:
“Utah offers a unique combination of skilled professionals, a supportive business environment, and access to critical infrastructure, making it the perfect place to scale our efforts. […] We are excited to continue contributing to the state’s growth while driving progress in clean energy technologies.”
Nucor plans create 200 new, high-paying jobs in Brigham City and invest $200 million in Utah over the coming years, reinforcing its role in advancing the steel industry.
Utah just got sweeter with Bridor’s expansion in Salt Lake City.
Also in January, Bridor selected Salt Lake City for a new food manufacturing facility that will add 400 new jobs and $277 million in capital expenditure over the next 13 years. EDCUtah collaborated with Bridor and a site selection consultant to issue an RFI, connecting the company with available sites and communities. The project received support from EDCUtah investors including JLL, Enbridge, and Salt Lake City.
The company issued the following statement about its decision to locate in Salt Lake City: “Utah’s connectivity to major transportation routes, top-notch labor market, and proximity to diverse and rich agricultural products quickly elevated Utah to the top of our five-state regional review. The strong local support of our project helped Bridor visualize the roadmap for establishing operations here.”
AeroVironment Zeros in on Salt Lake City
After working with EDCUtah, AeroVironment (AV) announced plans in February to expand its Utah presence by creating 500 new, high-paying jobs in Salt Lake City and investing $42 million over the next five years.
Site selectors at CBRE reached out to EDCUtah at the onset of the project to pull together the right partners for successful deployment. EDCUtah assisted AV in navigating state incentive programs and coordinated a site visit, connecting the company with potential communities and key partners.
“The workforce and economic environment in Salt Lake City and the State of Utah was a great fit for this project,” said Sydney August, director of CBRE, who represented AV in the site selection process. “The ease of doing business here, combined with the strong community support, makes Utah an ideal location for the expansion.”
Hypercraft Powers Up in Utah
Hypercraft is the most recent electric vehicle (EV) company to announce an expansion in Utah, with plans to create approximately 183 new high-paying jobs and invest $39 million in Utah over the next seven years.
The company’s decision to expand in Utah was facilitated by EDCUtah and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). EDCUtah assisted Hypercraft in navigating state incentive processes and in coordinating with communities across Utah’s Wasatch Front region. GOEO approved Hypercraft for Economic Development
Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF). EDCUtah will continue to help Hypercraft with incentives from other agencies and by connecting them with our network of private and public sector partners.
CleanJoule Fuels Up in Salt Lake City
Utah continues to advance its leadership in innovative aerospace solutions. In December, CleanJoule announced plans to bring approximately 100 new technically-oriented jobs to Salt Lake City and invest $150 million in Utah over the next ten years.
EDCUtah supported the project by coordinating requests for information on behalf of the company and facilitating connections between CleanJoule and local brokers, including Newmark. Jeff Rossi of Newmark assisted the company in finding its location.
“Utah has an incredible talent pool and excellent leadership at the city and state levels, and Utah’s business-friendly legislature has been instrumental in allowing us to attract outside capital and drive growth,” said Mukund Karanjikar, CEO and founder of CleanJoule. “We see immense potential in the Salt Lake City community and are excited to be part of an ecosystem that values forward-thinking approaches and cultivates an environment where businesses and individuals alike can thrive.”
Fervo Breaking Ground in Beaver County.
In October, Fervo broke ground on an enhanced geothermal energy production project in Beaver County. Cape Station is slated to produce 400 megawatts of power in the first two phases of the project, and Phase I will begin delivering around-the-clock power to the grid in 2026. Fervo Energy is a potential partner to future companies as they begin generating power, which can be used to attract new development to Beaver County.
“We are so lucky to be building our first greenfield project in Beaver County, Utah,” said Sarah Jewett, vice president of strategy for Fervo Energy. “The community has been hugely welcoming and collaborative and has been an essential partner in the progress we’ve made to date.”
EDCUtah was connected to Fervo Energy by Beaver County and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. EDCUtah assisted Fervo in exploring available incentive programs in Utah and introduced the company to the Utah Office of Energy Development and the Utah Inland Port Authority. Fervo Energy is a potential partner to future companies as they begin generating power, which can be used to attract new development to Beaver County. Together, EDCUtah, Beaver County, and Fervo Energy will work to attract other companies that will benefit the community.
Looking Ahead
While we were pleased to see the surge in project wins, we’re keeping a close eye on corporate expansion activity for the rest of the year. The uncertainty of international trade policies and other macroeconomic trends may have a dampening effect on corporate investments—but we don’t yet know how these impacts will play out in the Utah market.
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“Building Together” highlights examples of the collective impact of your investment and EDCUtah’s work in communities across the state. Do you have a story you’d like us to share? Email connect@edcutah.org.
For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.
Building Together: Provo Airport (PVU): Potential Vast & Unlimited
February 27, 2025
Located in Utah County and just 50 miles south of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Provo Airport (PVU) is Utah’s second busiest airport and one of the fastest growing regional airports in the U.S.
In 2022, Provo City worked with Layton Construction – an EDCUtah Builder’s Circle Investor – to complete a significant expansion of Provo Airport, opening a 70,000 sq. ft. terminal with four gates. Jeff Palmer, executive vice president at Layton Construction said of the project, “We were brought on early in design to manage costs, accelerate the schedule and ultimately construct this exciting project for Provo. Few projects are as rewarding as this airport due to the immense impact it has had on the entire County.”
Now, Provo Airport and Layton Construction are scheduled to begin work to expand the facility to ten gates later this year – a reflection of and a further accelerant to the area’s ongoing industry growth. We caught up with PVU airport director Brian Torgersen to learn more about how the airport supports local residents, Utah businesses, and Provo City’s strategy for the future.
For readers who may not be familiar with Provo Airport, what should they know?
Well, first of all, Provo Airport offers commercial service. We have direct flights to 16 destinations, including San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Washington DC, and Orlando. We like to say that with one connection, you can fly anywhere in the world from Provo.
American Airlines, through its partnership with SkyWest Airlines, is flying 65-passenger planes. Allegiant Air is flying 186-passenger planes, and Breeze is flying 123-passenger planes. Given the length of our runways, 85 percent of the planes that make up the entire U.S. commercial fleet could operate here, so there’s room for expansion in the future for all but the biggest wide-body aircraft.
From a passenger perspective, Provo Airport is also highly convenient and stress-free. Long-term parking is located less than 100 yards from the terminal, making for a short walk to ticketing, security screening, and baggage. All four gates are spacious and accommodating. One frequent business traveler told me that, with carry-on luggage, “seatbelt off to seatbelt on” is just eight minutes. That means when he lands, he’s off the plane and in his car in eight minutes!
What are your travel volumes?
In 2021, we had 77, 217 annual passenger enplanements – essentially passenger boardings. Several years ago, a study projected that we would reach 400,000 annual enplanements – or passenger boardings – by 2035. In 2022, we hit 211,741 enplanements. In 2024, we rose to 448,972. That’s a decade ahead of schedule, and the pace at which we’re growing is a driving factor in the plans to expand to ten gates.
There are 3,300 commercial airports in the country. We ranked no. 9 in the U.S. for passenger growth last year. When you look at airports with more than 100,000 annual enplanements, we were no. 2 in rate of growth, second only to Guam International which is still recovering to pre-pandemic passenger numbers. Our 481 percent growth rate since 2021 tops in the nation in pure commercial passenger growth.
How does the airport fit within Provo City’s growth plans?
Provo City Mayor Michelle Kaufusi speaks of the four “Provo pillars” – the city is Welcoming, Safe and Sound, Economically Vibrant, and Forward-Looking. The airport has a role in each of those pillars. Our space here is clean, well-organized, and secure. Our staff are friendly, and travelers feel welcome and safe here. The airport is a gateway to the world for our business community, so it contributes to economic vibrancy. And our ongoing planning process is certainly forward-looking.
As part of that planning process, we convene a meeting with local businesses several times a year. It’s our focus group to keep tabs on the business market and better serve our business’s travel needs.
We also keep tabs on our overall economic impact. In July 2022, the airport’s operations had direct, indirect, and induced economic benefits to Provo and Utah County of $131 million. That included tax revenues of $2.2 million. In November 2024, those figures rose to $209 million and $2.9 million. Airports like ours are economic drivers. It’s one of the reasons that Utah County has allocated $78 million in funding over the next 15 years to complete future expansion. We want to be, in the mayor’s words, “infrastructure ready” for the 2034 Winter Olympics and beyond.
There’s a large Utah Valley University (UVU) building adjacent to the airport. What’s the airport’s relationship to the university?
UVU has two main operations at the airport. The University has a flight school with approximately 120 students in flight training. This is helping fill the pipeline for commercial and general aviation pilots.
The university also administers the Utah Fire Rescue Academy at the airport. It offers a wide range of training classes to firefighters statewide. These are other examples of us being forward-looking and infrastructure ready.
How do you promote the airport to major airlines?
We attend several industry meetings a year, which are essentially speed dates with the airlines. On the business side, we pitch that Provo City is at the heart of Silicon Slopes and ranked 15 out of 403 U.S. metro areas in the Milken Institute’s 2025 Best Performing Cities report. We promote the amount of passenger traffic generated by local businesses, our two local universities, and other huge travel generators like the Missionary Training Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On the leisure side, we’re a half-hour drive to Sundance Mountain Resort and an hour to Snowbird or Deer Valley’s new East Village. We’re a three-hour drive to Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks. And we have a lot of residents who love to travel to Disneyland and Disney World.
The gate expansion will allow us to add carriers and routes. The airlines see the growth in the Provo-Orem Metropolitan Service Area, as well as Juab and Wasatch Counties. They see our potential for international travel. And they know the fees we charge the airlines are lower than those charged at Salt Lake City International Airport.
With that said, we’re not a competitive threat to SLC, nor are we planning to be. We’ll never be that big. We see ourselves as complementary to SLC – similar to the way, say, Long Beach Airport (LGB) complements Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). For a segment of the Utah market, we can be a convenient alternative to SLC.
About Provo Airport
Total acreage: 869
Two runways: 8,603-ft and 6,628-ft
Commercial carriers: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze
Gates: Four terminal-based gates and one temporary tarmac-based gate
Parking spaces and rates: 2,000 spaces, $12 per day
Car rental companies: Budget, Hertz, A to B
Utah Transit Authority bus service: Bus Route 833 hourly starting at 7:42 am until 6:44 pm
Direct destinations:
- AUS Austin
- AZA Mesa
- BNA Nashville
- DFW Dallas – Fort Worth
- HOU Houston
- IAD Washington DC – Dulles
- LAS Las Vegas
- MCO Orlando
- MDW Chicago
- PDX Portland
- PHX Phoenix
- SAN San Diego
- SBD San Bernardino
- SFB Orlando
- SFO San Francisco
- SNA Santa Ana
Website: https://airport.provo.gov/
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“Building Together” highlights examples of the collective impact of your investment and EDCUtah’s work in communities across the state.
For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.
AeroVironment (AV) to expand in West Valley City, Utah
February 13, 2025
Approximately 500 jobs
$42.3 million capex
Project Bold Horizon
Congratulations to West Valley City and Salt Lake County! AeroVironment (AV) – a leader in autonomous and intelligent multi-domain systems, – announced plans to bring approximately 500 new high-tech jobs to West Valley City and invest $42.3 million in Utah over the next 5 years.
EDCUtah became involved with AV’s expansion project through strong relationships with site selectors, helping bring the company to Utah. We assisted AV in navigating state incentive programs and coordinated a site visit, connecting the company with potential communities and key partners.
“We’re thrilled to welcome AV to West Valley City,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah. “As a leading defense tech company, AV’s expansion will not only bring high-quality jobs to the region but will also further solidify West Valley City’s position as a premier hub for cutting-edge industries. We look forward to the long-term contributions they will make to our economy and community.”
The company’s final decision came as the result of collaboration among EDCUtah, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), CBRE (San Diego and Salt Lake Office), West Valley City, and Salt Lake County.
“The workforce and economic environment in West Valley City and the State of Utah was a great fit for this project,” said Sydney August, director of CBRE, who represented AV in the site selection process. “The ease of doing business here, combined with the strong community support, makes Utah an ideal location for the expansion.”
Serving defense, government, and commercial customers, AV delivers cutting-edge technology solutions at the intersection of robotics, sensors, artificial intelligence, software analytics, and connectivity. Guided by a mission to secure lives through transformative innovation, the company has established itself as a leader in uncrewed aircraft systems, loitering munition systems, uncrewed ground vehicles, and high-altitude pseudo-satellites. With a steadfast commitment to advancing safety, operational resilience, and sustainability, AV empowers its customers with advanced solutions to meet today’s most critical challenges.
“AV’s autonomous precision-strike systems have revolutionized modern warfare, providing warfighters with the ability to neutralize high-value threats with unprecedented accuracy while minimizing risk to friendly forces,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV chairman, president, and chief executive officer. “This facility represents a critical step in our mission to expand manufacturing capacity, ensuring our forces have the technological superiority needed to deter and, if necessary, decisively defeat adversaries.”
The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) – an EDCUtah founding investor – assisted the project by approving AeroVironment for Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF).
“Utah is the ideal hub for advancing aerospace and defense technologies that are vital to national security and economic growth,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Strategic investments like this create jobs, accelerate innovation, and reinforce Utah’s leadership in aerospace and defense. Supporting companies like AV strengthens our state’s economy while driving cutting-edge advancements in the industry.”
Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, led Project Bold Horizon for EDCUtah.
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EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.
For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.
