60 jobs
Project Blue Ridge

Congratulations to Salt Lake City! Triple Point Security — a cybersecurity consulting and talent development firm that provides leading-edge services and solutions to protect organizations and their data from digital threats — is bringing approximately 60 new and highly valuable cybersecurity jobs to Salt Lake City in the coming years. Through partnerships with academic institutions and local businesses, Triple Point Security will educate and train Utahns in cybersecurity subject matter areas of zero trust architecture (ZTA), cloud security, secure AI adoption, DevSecOps, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).

“Triple Point Security brings invaluable expertise to Salt Lake City’s growing technology sector,” said Lorena Riffo Jenson, director of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development. “Their innovative approach to cybersecurity and commitment to protecting organizations from digital threats strengthen our city’s position as a leader in tech innovation. We are delighted to welcome a company with such a strong reputation for excellence and integrity to our business community.”

EDCUtah was engaged in this project through a referral from Beth Colosimo of The Mill Entrepreneurship Center at Salt Lake Community College (The Mill SLCC). EDCUtah collaborated with Triple Point Security to identify potential co-working spaces, providing support to help the company find a location that suited its needs.

“We’re excited to see Triple Point Security join Salt Lake City’s vibrant technology sector,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah. “This expansion underscores Salt Lake City’s reputation as a hub for innovation, and we look forward to the contributions Triple Point Security will make to our local economy and business landscape.”

Triple Point Security is a cybersecurity firm that provides innovative security solutions to businesses across various industries. With a focus on proactive protection, the company offers services in risk management, threat detection, and incident response. Triple Point Security leverages cutting-edge technology and industry expertise to safeguard clients’ digital assets, ensuring robust defense against evolving cyber threats.

“We are excited to serve the Salt Lake City community and the state of Utah with our industry-leading cybersecurity experience in cloud computing security, ZTA, and secure AI adoption,” said Carlo Espiritu, founder and principal consultant of Triple Point Security. “I personally look forward to strengthening our existing relationships with academia, fostering cybersecurity talent development, and providing our services to Utah’s technology ecosystem.”

Rex Buys, business development manager, led Project Blue Ridge for EDCUtah. The company’s announcement resulted from collaboration among Salt Lake City Corporation, EDCUtah, Salt Lake Kiln, and Beth Colosimo with The Mill at Salt Lake Community College.

_____

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.

The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) and the Southern Utah Economic Alliance (So.Utah) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership and strengthen coordination between Utah’s statewide business recruitment efforts and southern Utah’s five-county region.

Under the agreement, So.Utah will continue leading economic development engagement across Washington, Iron, Beaver, Kane and Garfield counties. The organization will provide companies and statewide partners with direct access to local leaders, communities, sites, infrastructure, workforce resources, and other regional opportunities.

EDCUtah and So.Utah have also established reciprocal representation on their respective boards, creating a direct and ongoing connection between statewide and regional economic development efforts.

Working alongside state and local economic development organizations, EDCUtah and So.Utah will coordinate company outreach, project responses and site visits for businesses evaluating opportunities in southern Utah.

Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah said, “At EDCUtah, our mission has always been to bring the right people to the table on behalf of the businesses we serve. Collaboration is the ingredient that makes ‘Team Utah’ work, and agreements like this put that principle into practice. By formalizing our relationship with So.Utah, we are building a stronger, more coordinated effort to bring investment and critical jobs to communities across our state.”

“We’re honored to formalize this partnership with EDCUtah,” said Todd Brightwell, CEO of So.Utah. “Southern Utah has tremendous opportunities, and companies need a clear path to understand what we have and how to connect with the right people. We know our communities, our sites, and our local leaders. EDCUtah brings statewide and national reach, along with decades of recruitment experience, while collaborating with the state connects important state resources and programs. Bringing those strengths together gives southern Utah a stronger, unified voice and a better opportunity to compete for the projects that will bring high-value jobs and investment to our region.”

For businesses considering an expansion within Utah or a new location in the state, the agreement provides a coordinated team connecting state resources, statewide recruitment capabilities, regional expertise, and local decision-makers.

Ryan Starks and Todd Brightwell are available for interviews about this partnership upon request.‍

About the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah)‍

EDCUtah is Utah’s statewide economic development organization, working with state and local government and private industry to attract high-value companies and grow Utah’s economy. Since 1987, EDCUtah’s mission has been to catalyze quality jobs and capital investment across the state through corporate recruitment and retention, economic research, site selector marketing, and community strategy. Learn more at www.edcutah.org.

About the Southern Utah Economic Alliance (So.Utah)

So.Utah, the Southern Utah Economic Alliance, is a private-sector-led, publicly supported regional economic development organization serving Washington, Iron, Beaver, Kane and Garfield counties. So.Utah works to expand, recruit, and retain businesses while serving as a regional convener and connecting companies, communities and partners with the data, relationships and resources needed to succeed. Its mission is to advance a resilient, competitive and sustainable economy across southern Utah. Learn more at soutah.org
_____

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

Once a year, EDCUtah highlights the fiscal year’s achievements, notable project wins, and key people and organizations that helped these efforts. Between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, EDCUtah helped 12 companies expand in or relocate to Utah, representing 8,519 new and retained jobs and $20.2 billion in projected capital expenditure. Capital expenditure is at a record high, and every $1 invested in EDCUtah generated $8,180 in Utah’s economy this year.

The year’s results took center stage at EDCUtah’s Annual Meeting at The Garden Place at This Is The Place Heritage Park, filled to the brim with leaders, partners, and government officials eager to hear how Utah’s economy keeps landing at the top of national rankings, and what comes next, including a new partnership aimed at southern Utah.

A Welcome Built Around Partnership

Executive Director Ryan Starks welcomed attendees and highlighted EDCUtah’s expanding list of partners, including an MOU we signed with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) at the beginning of 2026. He previewed deeper work with site selection teams nationwide and a city partner exchange to Austin, Texas, then closed with the line that carried through the meeting: “Let’s build together.”

Why Utah Is Winning

Derek Miller, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, delivered a brief keynote centered on partnership, framing economic development as work that depends on the state, local government, and the private sector moving together. He credited Utah’s current strength to investments made a decade ago and cautioned against complacency: “The prosperity we enjoy right now was earned a decade ago. We cannot coast. We have to keep our foot on the gas.”

How the Wins Came Together

Wins spanned industries, from American Tungsten and Antimony Ltd (formerly Trigg Minerals) to Karman Space & Defense and Stadler Rail, with 101 more projects active in the pipeline as of Sept. 3. EDCUtah Deputy Director Erin Farr broke down how this year’s 12 wins came together: 33% site selector led, 30% through EDCUtah partners, 27% company direct. “Let’s play the long game and build together,” she said.

EDCUtah cannot accomplish these wins alone; dedicated partnerships and passionate Utah leaders make them possible. At the meeting three companies shared how they’re expanding in the state:

• Route 92 — SVP of Operations Randy Sullivan explained why the company, developing a stroke catheter device, chose West Jordan over Miami, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and Boston: workforce, quality of life, and tax incentives. Route 92 is now building out its device development and manufacturing operations in Utah.
• Western Governors University — President Scott Pulsipher spoke to WGU’s growth, with its platform now serving nearly 200,000 students nationwide. Utah remains the operational and cultural home base for that scale.
• Nucor — VP Laurent De Mey pointed to Utah’s logistics infrastructure, talent pool, and business ecosystem as deciding factors. The company is expanding its Utah footprint in pursuit of becoming the world’s safest steel producer and largest recycler.

New Partnership: EDCUtah and Southern Utah Economic Alliance

EDCUtah announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Southern Utah Economic Alliance (SoUtah), designed to strengthen collaboration between the two organizations.

Celebrating Utah’s Economic Development Leaders

EDCUtah recognized three partners for turning collaboration into results. Bob Stevenson, Davis County Commissioner, received the Public Sector Leadership in Economic Development award: “I’m very touched and honored by this award. I love Utah and it’s a privilege to serve the residents and businesses of our community.”

Christy Alter, a vice president at Goldman Sachs, received the Private Sector Leadership in Economic Development award: “Goldman Sachs invested in Salt Lake City over 25 years ago in part because of Utah’s exceptional talent and the collaborative ecosystem fostered by organizations like EDCUtah.”

And Rocky Mountain Power received the Institutional Cornerstone in Economic Development award, with President Dick Garlish noting, “Energy is the backbone of economic development, and Rocky Mountain Power is proud to help provide the reliable energy foundation that allows communities and businesses to grow, innovate and thrive.”

What’s Next

Between the GOED MOU, the SoUtah partnership, deeper work with site selectors around the country, and the Austin state-to-state exchange, EDCUtah is signaling that the year’s results represent a floor, not a ceiling. As Ryan Starks and nearly every speaker put it: let’s build together.

About EDCUtah

Since 1987, EDCUtah has worked with state and local government and private industry to attract and grow competitive, high-value companies and spur the expansion of local Utah businesses. More at www.edcutah.org.

Media Contact

Lindsey LeBaron, Director of Marketing and Communications, 801-420-5815

In May, EDCUtah announced the appointment of Jon Hawkins, principal at Inside the Rings, as a strategic advisor. In this role, Jon will help support community development, advise cities on Olympic readiness initiatives, and foster economic development opportunities throughout Utah.

Jon’s experience in Olympic readiness includes consulting, governance, and advocacy. He serves on the boards of the Utah Sports Commission, the Olympic Legacy Foundation, and the USA Climbing Foundation, and he also chairs the legislative Olympic Coordinating Committee. In each of these roles, Hawkins has helped shape projects, policy, and conversations around major events, stakeholder priorities, and the broader impact of sport.

Recently Jon has been talking with dozens of EDCU investors and other contacts. We caught up with him to find out more about Utah’s Olympic efforts.

What is the economic opportunity represented by the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games?

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute puts the potential economic impact at about $6.6 billion, but I think it could actually be a bigger opportunity, when you look at how businesses, cities, counties, higher education institutions can multiply the effect of the Games themselves. If these constituents really put forth an effort to participate, the economic opportunity for everyone is going to be massive. One of the reasons I say that is because the Olympics touch nearly every sector of the economy.

The organizations that are prepared to participate will benefit the most. And by prepared, it’s not a matter of starting in 2032 or even 2030, it means starting now. The partnerships that are needed to maximize the impact of the Games for your organization, those relationships take time to build. Working through logistics of things, that’s going to take time as well. Starting with a strategy and a plan now is a lot better and a lot less expensive than waiting until 2030 or 2032 to come around.

Tell us about the conversations you’ve been having. In general terms, who have you been talking to?

I’ve been talking to all sectors of the economy, organizations both public and private. It’s interesting that despite the diverse nature of these organizations, the conversation is pretty much the same. It’s along the lines of “I know that I want to get involved, but I don’t know how. Help me understand how to get involved.”

What we do at Inside the Rings is to understand what a given organization’s goals are, determine the right pathway for their involvement, and then we strategize on the approach that will take the fullest advantage of the Olympic Winter Games.

Not all communities can afford to have a venue, or to be honest with you, wants to have a venue. But they do want to capture the magic that comes with the Olympic Games, and there are a set number of pathways or different routes to participating.

In our discovery discussions, we identify the different pathways that would help them reach their goals.

What are some other common questions?

There are other questions such as “Can we get a venue here? Can we actually host an event?” The answer is probably not, because the cost is astronomical and a lot of the planning is already in place. It’s very limiting for communities that don’t have an existing venue that want to host a competition now.

For the communities that already have Olympic venues, they’re asking, “Is this venue good enough? Does it need to be upgraded? Is there something else that’s going to be built that might take that opportunity away?”

The answers here are generally that our venues are in good shape, and other than some shifting of a few ski and snowboard events to different venues, things are pretty well set.

How has the Olympic opportunity changed since 2002?

First of all, the cool thing is almost everybody is excited to have the Olympics back. There’s a lot of nostalgia around 2002 and the wonderful opportunity that it was.

One of the biggest things that I’ve noticed in talking with organizations and communities that were involved in 2002, the focus then was on the venues, traffic, ticket sales and merchandise sales.

The opportunity before us in 2034 includes those same concerns, but there are other opportunities. I recently talked to a contact of mine at the State Department who is the liaison to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). What he highlighted is that the IOC, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and the organizing committee here in Utah all are working to ensure that the athletes have the best experience possible. The questions revolve around setting up the field of play and venue infrastructure, getting athletes from place to place, and housing and feeding the athletes and their coaches.

One thing my contact said to me was that no one’s ever focused on how the business community can get involved, or how the fans can get involved. He made me realize, “The Olympics are coming to Utah, but how is Utah coming to the Olympics?”

An opportunity for Utah organizations is to create an experience for community members and fans. For example, how do we set up cities and counties to be able to bring people out of their homes, bring people together to have an Olympic experience that doesn’t necessarily involve getting a ticket and going to an official venue. Watch parties, for example, are a way to bring residents, visitors, community organizations and businesses together to create an Olympic memory.

‍Does a business or a community have to be an Olympic sponsor to see a big benefit?

That’s another common question I hear. Not every business wants to be a big sponsor or can afford to do so. The same goes for cities. There are more modest levels of support at an individual sport level that can be very impactful for the team and for the organization giving the support.

Every other country in the world that participates in the Olympics has government sponsorship of its Olympic teams. The U.S. does not. I’ve talked to several different national governing bodies (NGBs). These NGBs are the official overseers of specific sports. Folks are familiar with U.S. Swimming, U.S. Ski and Snowboarding, U.S. Track and Field, those sort of organizations. The big ones are doing great and have resources. But other NGBs are not so fortunate, and have some pretty tight constraints.

I would advise companies and communities to look for ways to get involved in the short term. As I mentioned before, I would say start planning and building those relationships now. The Olympics in 2034 might seem like a long ways away. The good thing is we have three Games between now and then that allow us to dry-run different approaches. Every year between now and 2034, any relationship with an NGB picks up momentum.

‍Are there other ways to support the U.S. Olympic effort beside financial?

As I mentioned, other national governments help sponsor their countries’ Olympic team, and because of that, those teams have funds to do a lot of research and development.

For example, with the sliding sports, especially Germany, Austria, Switzerland, even Latvia, those teams are crushing it. That’s in part due to research and spending on composite materials. They have a technology advantage over the U.S. team.

We’re doing a really good job winning medals with the resources that we have here. If we could involve our manufacturing side, expand the research and development, and develop better technologies for our sliding sports, we’d be in a more competitive position with those countries that are leading those sports. The same goes for biathlon, and even ski and snowboard to an extent.

There are U.S. manufacturers out there that are willing to help, but they may not be aware of the opportunity or how to get involved. I’m encouraged by some early efforts at Weber State University and by our friends at the 47G industry association to bring better composite technology to our sliding sports. Developments like that tell me that there are opportunities to build public-private partnerships that could be as meaningful to our teams as high-dollar donations.

‍What’s been reaffirmed and what’s surprised you?

I think what’s been reaffirmed is excitement for the games. In the conversations that I’ve had, you don’t have to sell them to anybody. It is one of the easiest door openers I’ve seen. Everyone wants to be invited and included and participate in the games.

I think that’s unique to Utah. Obviously we have this phenomenal legacy from 2002. If you’re out on the streets of Salt Lake or anywhere else in the state, you’ve got people still wearing their Olympic volunteer uniforms. That’s because of the experience they had, and the positive uplift that it was for Utah. So it’s not surprising there is total excitement.

I think one of the most surprising things are the number of organizations that are engaged in planning. There are organizations up in Ogden, for example, that have already outlined 50 to 60 different projects that they want to work on. These are to support a reimagined downtown Ogden, in other words, a level of planning to make the city a major Olympic hub.

These are not small-scale projects, and that effort reaffirmed to me that it’s time to start preparing now across our state.

‍What’s one thing you wish people knew about the Olympics?

Everybody at the organizing committee is doing a phenomenal job. They’re great to work with, and they’re great people. They have a lot on their plate and a lot of people don’t understand what the committee’s responsibility is. I’ve talked to some of the members, and they say they can’t do what people are asking them to do.

Some of the requests are simply not in the committee’s scope. There are very strict parameters that the organizing committee can and can’t do. The committee just has to focus on what those responsibilities are, and not try to get every organization in Utah involved. That’s why EDCUtah and the Chambers of Commerce are great places to begin the process of getting involved. We can figure out a plan together, and not be a burden on the organizing committee.

‍What’s the relationship between Inside the Rings and EDCUtah?

Six months ago, I called Ryan Starks of EDCUtah and told him I was starting this consulting business. I was calling to ask, “What do you think?”

His immediate response was that EDCUtah would love to bring Inside the Rings on as a strategic advisor for the Olympics. Ryan recognizes that for EDCUtah and its investors, the Olympics are perhaps the greatest opportunity to showcase Utah to the global business marketplace and to site selectors that we’ll see in our lifetimes.

So I don’t work for EDCUtah but I do engage with the organization and with the clients that EDCUtah sends to me, to help them understand what the opportunity is for involvement in the Olympics. My services can help strengthen the relationship with EDCUtah. We’ll provide more detail in the coming months.

_____

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) is pleased to announce recent additions to our Business Development team. Please join us in congratulating Justice Russell on her new role and welcoming Preston Brightwell to the team.

As Business Development Managers, Justice and Preston will support EDCUtah’s business recruitment and expansion efforts, working with companies exploring opportunities to locate and grow in Utah.

Justice Russell transitions to the Business Development Team

Justice joined EDCUtah in 2023 and has played an integral role in planning and executing events for EDCUtah investors, site selection consultants, and company leaders who bring corporate expansion projects to EDCUtah. Through her work, she has built strong relationships across Utah’s economic development network while creating meaningful experiences that support EDCUtah’s mission.

Justice holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Portland State University.

Preston Brightwell joins the Business Development Team

Preston joins EDCUtah with experience in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management. His background in building partnerships and supporting strategic initiatives will strengthen EDCUtah’s business recruitment and expansion efforts.

Preston holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Utah.

_____

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

In recent years, Comcast has invested $1 billion in Utah to serve its 1.1 million household and business customers in the state. We caught up with Jennifer Somers, vice president of government & community affairs, to learn more about how the long-time EDCUtah investor is supporting business growth and tackling the “digital divide.”

Comcast has made significant investments in Utah. How do those investments support the state’s economic growth, and why is Utah an important market for the company?

Across the country, Comcast has invested nearly $200 billion over the past five years to expand broadband, support U.S. jobs, and strengthen communities—and Utah is an important part of that story.

In the last three years alone, Comcast has invested more than $1 billion here in Utah —  spanning network infrastructure and our workforce — with more than half a billion dollars going directly into our network, because we know connectivity is the foundation for economic growth.

Today, our network reaches more than 1.1 million homes and businesses statewide, helping create the conditions for job creation, business expansion, and long-term investment.

Utah continues to be an important market for the company because of the state’s strong population growth, business-friendly environment, and expanding communities that continue to drive demand for fast, reliable connectivity. Utah is a market where Comcast can expand our network and support long-term economic growth.

We’re seeing that translate into real economic impact across Utah communities, including in Eagle Mountain, where we expanded our network to more than 18,000 homes and businesses, supporting growth in one of the state’s fastest-growing communities. Through partnerships with the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce and the local library, Comcast supported a digital navigator program that provides hands-on training to help residents, including seniors, build essential digital skills to access services, participate in the workforce, and stay connected in today’s digital economy.

How does high-speed, reliable broadband serve as a foundation for Utah communities and businesses to compete and grow?

Broadband today is essential; it’s what allows communities and economies to compete.

That’s why we’ve made sustained investments at scale, in the last five years we’ve invested more than $80 billion into our network nationwide.

In Utah, that infrastructure powers everything from small business operations to advanced industries. When businesses have access to high-speed, reliable internet, they can hire, expand, and reach new markets with confidence. That digital foundation is what allows communities to attract investment and build a resilient, future-ready economy.

What types of industries and businesses in Utah benefit most from Comcast’s network and services?

The reality is—every sector benefits.

From small businesses to global enterprises, connectivity enables companies across Utah to operate, innovate, and scale.

Nationally, Comcast powers more than 2 million small businesses—more than any other provider—which gives a sense of how critical connectivity is to economic growth at every level.

And we see that same impact play out here in Utah—across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, education, and retail.

How does Comcast partner with state and local leaders to expand broadband infrastructure and drive economic development across Utah?

This work only happens when the private sector and public sector are aligned.

At the national level, Comcast’s network of more than 65 million homes and businesses with access to our network demonstrates both the scale of the opportunity and the experience required to deliver infrastructure at this level.

That experience carries directly into how we partner with state and local leaders in Utah.

Comcast is proud to partner with the Utah Broadband Center to further expand our network, bringing service to unserved areas and addressing critical connectivity gaps across the state.

As part of this partnership, Comcast is investing $20 million to support broadband deployment and improve access for underserved communities throughout Utah.  We work closely with communities to align investments, streamline deployment, and expand connectivity into new areas—especially those that have historically been harder to reach.

Programs like the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) offer a major opportunity, and success will come down to strong partnerships and proven execution.

How is Comcast supporting small business growth and entrepreneurship across Utah?

Small businesses are the backbone of Utah’s economy, and connectivity is central to their success.

Across the country, Comcast supports millions of businesses with the connectivity they need to operate and grow, and that same focus applies here in Utah.

We’re not just connecting businesses, we’re helping them compete. We’ve introduced new, simplified pricing options designed specifically for small businesses, making it easier for them to access the connectivity they need with more predictable, transparent costs.

From fast, reliable internet to secure and scalable solutions, we help Utah businesses operate efficiently and expand into new markets

Beyond connectivity, we’re also investing directly in local entrepreneurs. In 2025, Comcast RISE awarded 100 grant packages to small businesses across the Wasatch Front, providing $5,000 monetary grants, technology upgrades, marketing support, and business consultation services.

For our Comcast RISE recipients, that support is driving real growth, helping them invest in their businesses and expand their impact. As an example, Francis Castillo, CEO and owner, JFS IT Solutions, and Comcast RISE recipient, said: “Words cannot fully describe the happiness and gratitude I feel. This grant is an incredible opportunity to overcome challenges, grow, and help other entrepreneurs leverage technology to build their businesses.”

We also partner with local organizations and business communities to provide entrepreneurs with the tools, connectivity, and support they need to start, scale, and succeed in an increasingly digital economy.

‍Beyond building networks, how is Comcast working to expand access, affordability, and digital skills for Utah residents?

Building the network is just the first step. Making sure people can actually use it is just as important. Nationally, Comcast’s investments are focused not just on infrastructure, but on strengthening communities and expanding opportunity.

In Utah, that shows up through programs like Internet Essentials, which has connected more than 241,000 low-income residents to affordable internet over the past decade.

At the same time, through our $1 billion Project UP initiative, we’re investing in digital skills, workforce development, and entrepreneurship – including $8 million in the last three years right here in Utah.

When you combine access, affordability, and skills, that’s when you start to see real, lasting economic mobility.

‍As Utah continues to grow, how is Comcast preparing its network and investments to support the state’s future economy?

Utah is growing quickly, and we’re building our network to match that momentum.

Our investments in the state are part of a much broader, long-term commitment.

In Utah, that means expanding into new communities, including rural areas, and advancing our network to support multi-gig speeds and next-generation technologies.

We’re not just building for today—we’re building for where the economy is going.

_____

For more information, visit www.comcast.com. “Building Together” highlights examples of the impact of your investment and EDCUtah’s work in communities across the state. 

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

Today we’re celebrating Utah’s 16th Shovel Award from Area Development! Each year, Area Development recognizes states that stand out for their ability to attract high-impact economic development projects. Using data submitted by state economic development agencies such as EDCUtah, Area Development evaluates the top projects based on job creation, capital investment, industry diversity, and each state’s overall economic strategy.

This recognition wouldn’t be possible without the many community and industry partners across the state who support Utah’s economic prosperity every day.

From Area Development:

“Utah’s Silver Shovel performance in 2026 is built on medical technology, aerospace, and food processing — a combination that reflects the state’s ability to compete across very different industrial sectors. Stryker leads the roster with $615 million and 862 medical technology jobs in Salt Lake County, one of the larger medtech investments in the region this year. AeroVironment adds 526 aerospace jobs in Salt Lake City, and Bridor brings $277 million and 400 food processing positions to the same market.

Advanced manufacturing anchors the industrial middle of the portfolio. Nucor invests $205 million and 200 steel manufacturing jobs in Brigham City, and Stadler Rail brings $189 million and 250 transportation positions to Salt Lake City. ACS Manufacturing contributes 223 general manufacturing jobs in Clearfield, and UFP Industries adds 100 construction products positions in Grantsville City.

Energy and life sciences round out the picture. OxEon Energy brings $99 million and 103 renewable energy jobs to North Salt Lake, and Ratio Therapeutics adds 100 life sciences positions in West Valley City. Coast Pay contributes 100 financial services jobs in Draper City. Microvascular Therapeutics brings a medical device presence to Salt Lake City, and AirBuild adds 15 renewable energy positions in Green River. Utah’s breadth of investment across sectors and geographies earned it a well-deserved Silver.”

Learn more about EDCUtah’s business expansion and relocation services.

_____

If you were involved with this project and would like 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.

Select Health is a nonprofit health plan in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Colorado, with more than one million members across the United States. A long-time EDCUtah investor, Select Health offers commercial and government medical plans, as well as dental, wellness products, and pharmacy benefit management. Its integration with key clinical partners and hospital systems helps ensure high-quality healthcare at the lowest possible cost for members and the community.

We caught up with Dan Richards, head of commercial sales, to learn more about the organization’s strategies and experiences in the Utah marketplace.

What message does Select Health have specifically for companies that are considering Utah for an expansion or relocation?

Utah offers a combination that’s hard to find: economic strength, talent availability, and an exceptional quality of life.

From a healthcare perspective, companies coming here can expect a strong, integrated health system with Intermountain Health and a partner in Select Health that understands employer needs. We focus on delivering value — not just coverage, but solutions that help control costs, improve employee health, and support long-term workforce sustainability.

For companies considering Utah, I’d say this: You’re not just choosing a location, you’re choosing a community and a set of partners. Companies can expect a healthcare partner invested not just in benefits administration, but in the long-term health and success of their people and the communities where they live and work.

What quality-of-life rankings are currently on your radar for Utah? What role does Select Health play in supporting Utah’s high quality of life?

Utah consistently stands out for its strong quality-of-life fundamentals: things like economic opportunity, access to the outdoors, education, and overall community well-being. What’s especially important to us is how health fits into that picture.

As part of a nonprofit, integrated health system with Intermountain Health, Select Health can take a long-term, community-focused approach to health. By aligning coverage with care delivery, we focus on prevention, access, and affordability — not just treating illness, but supporting healthier lives over time. That model helps individuals stay well, employers maintain a productive workforce, and communities remain strong.

We also pay close attention to rankings related to access to care, community health outcomes, and affordability, because they directly affect employers’ ability to attract and retain talent. From our perspective, Utah’s strength is how these factors come together to support both business success and quality of life.

Across our markets, including Utah, we work with hundreds of community partners and reach well over a million individuals each year through outreach and engagement efforts. Our goal is simple: help people live the healthiest lives possible, and in doing so, contribute to the overall vitality and livability that Utah is known for. That’s why we invest in addressing broader social factors like transportation, food security, and community support systems.

How does Select Health regard Utah as a place to do business?

The Utah market is foundational for Select Health. It’s where our roots are, and it continues to be one of the most dynamic and attractive places to do business in the country. Being part of an integrated health system also allows us to collaborate closely across care and coverage, which supports both employers and the broader economy.

We see Utah as a growth market, but also as a partnership market. There’s a strong alignment here between employers, healthcare systems, and organizations like EDCUtah that are focused on long-term economic and community development.

For us, success in Utah isn’t just about market share—it’s about being deeply embedded in the ecosystem, supporting employers, and helping build a healthier workforce that can sustain the state’s continued growth.

What’s your presence in Utah in terms of employees and offices?

Utah is home to our largest operational footprint. With nearly 2,000 employees who consider our Green Street Campus in Murray their home office, we have a significant employee base in the state. Our parent company, Intermountain Health, is also deeply rooted in Utah, with caregivers from Salt Lake to St. George.

Beyond physical presence, our teams are deeply engaged across the state, working with employers, providers, brokers, and community organizations to support business growth and population health.

What investments has Select Health recently made in Utah in terms of infrastructure, community development, or business development?

Our investments in Utah span both healthcare delivery and broader community development. Because we’re part of a nonprofit health system, our investments are designed to stay local and support long-term community health. That includes technology and care management capabilities, prevention and mental well-being initiatives, and programs that help employers manage healthcare costs while supporting their employees’ health.

From a community perspective, we’ve significantly expanded our collaboration with local organizations focused on social determinants of health—things like housing stability, food access, and education. That work alone has reached over a million individuals through hundreds of touchpoints and partnerships.

We also invest in employer-facing capabilities, such as tools, programs, and services that help Utah companies manage healthcare costs while improving employee health outcomes.

And just as important, we continue to invest in our people and operations here, ensuring we have the infrastructure and talent in place to support the growing employer base in Utah.

Any new investments or programs on the immediate horizon?

Looking ahead, our focus is on expanding access, improving affordability, and strengthening employer partnerships.

That includes continued investment in digital tools, care navigation, and programs that support whole-person health—especially as employers look for more holistic solutions for their workforce. These advancements are designed to make healthcare easier to navigate and improve health outcomes.

We’re also continuing to deepen our work in the community—working with organizations that are addressing upstream factors that impact health, because we know that’s essential to long-term sustainability for both individuals and businesses.

How does EDCUtah fit into your market strategy?‍

EDCUtah is an important partner for us because they sit at the center of business attraction and expansion in the state.

Your work connecting businesses, policymakers, and community leaders complements our focus on creating environments where people and organizations can thrive. Collaboration like this strengthens Utah’s ability to attract employers while supporting sustainable growth.

As companies evaluate Utah, healthcare and health insurance are critical to that decision, both in terms of cost and the ability to attract and retain talent. Through our partnership, we’re able to help ensure those companies understand the strength of the healthcare ecosystem here and what Select Health can offer.

It’s really about alignment—we’re both working toward the same outcome: a strong, growing, and sustainable business environment in Utah.

_____

For more information, visit www.Select Health.org. “Building Together” highlights examples of the impact of your investment and EDCUtah’s work in communities across the state. 

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.