The summit has a long-standing tradition of honoring individuals and companies that make significant contributions to Utah’s economic opportunities, local communities, and industries.

The awards have been known by different names, but their recipients have one goal in common — to make Utah the premier destination for business and entrepreneurs. Recipients live and work full-time in the state and have supported the local economy for five years or more. (You can view past award recipients here.)

The 2022 Utah Businessperson of the Year award recognizes Davis Smith. 

Smith dedicates his life to helping those in need. He's a passionate social entrepreneur and adventurer.

Davis Smith is the founder and CEO of Cotopaxi – an outdoor gear and active lifestyle brand – with a social mission at its core.

In Gov. Cox's letter to Davis Smith, congratulating him on this well-deserved award, it reads in part:

"We're grateful for your business operations in Utah and especially for your organization's mission to support and improve "the human condition." Your operation is part of the fabric of Utah business. You're a proven leader and role model for others."

The 2022 Utah Business of the Year award honors Draper-based HealthEquity. Dr. Stephen Neeleman founded HealthEquity in 2002 with a vision to repair the fractured relationship between patients and their physicians and to help more people obtain quality health insurance by re-introducing consumerism to the industry.

HealthEquity is receiving the 2022 Business of the Year award, in part for its robust business operations in Utah and especially for its example of moving jobs off the Wasatch Front into rural communities to provide more economic opportunities to Utahns.

Gov. Cox said to Dr. Neeleman:

“Your company and personal leadership are part of what’s unique about Utah business. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and example.”

The 2022 International Business of the Year award is given in partnership with World Trade Center Utah and recognizes Walker Edison.

Brad Bonham and Matt Davis co-founded Walker Edison in 2006 with a vision to break the mold and help people Live Outside the Box™. The company has built an innovative e-commerce based manufacturing model that provides the highest quality of stylish, ready-to-assemble home furnishings shipped straight to consumers’ doors.

Gov. Cox said:

“We’re grateful for your business operations in Utah and recognize your fast-paced international business growth. Your team and capabilities have grown, and so has your brand in the global marketplace. Thank you for your Utah headquarters and for your corporate citizenship — for giving back generously to the state’s communities and causes.”

Gladymir Philippe, Founder and CEO, Kado, Inc.
Presented by Morgan Russell Williams

This is the inaugural year for the Cameron Russell Williams Rising Impact Award. It’s presented by the Cameron Russell Williams Foundation and Gov. Cox to honor Cameron’s lasting impact and legacy characterized by his rally cry of “Dream big. Then bigger than that.” The award honors a black business and technology entrepreneur who’s poised to have an impact on bringing together diverse people and providing opportunities that create prosperity for Utahns.

Gladymir Philippe is the founder and CEO of Kado, Inc. He started Kado because he recognized a need to help college students find gainful employment. He identified key areas where students have difficulty finding work after graduating from college and turned it into an opportunity for success. Kado is a marketplace that democratizes access to a college student's first job. Gladymir was selected for this award because he embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that Cameron Russell Williams exhibited during his life.

Craig Wagstaff

Craig Wagstaff has been instrumental in the natural gas industry throughout his career, first with Questar and then with Dominion Energy when the two merged. He ushered Utah through the merger, ensuring that the unique Utah way of doing business remained a keystone of the organization. He recently retired as Dominion Energy's senior vice president and general manager of the Western Division. His stable leadership led to lasting industry partnerships, including between Dominion and Smithfield Foods, to develop the nation's largest renewable natural gas project through a network of hog farms.

Kelli Booth
Executive Director, Principal – Davis Campus
Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering, and Science

Under the direction of Kelli Booth, NUAMES has earned a respected reputation as a premier STEM high school in Utah. During her tenure as executive director, science offerings have increased, providing more concurrent enrollment, AP courses, and greater health occupation opportunities, and the students’ test scores have improved. Faculty, staff, parents, and students all respect her abilities. She’s mindful of economic driving forces and the skills students need to succeed.

Bruce Gale
Professor; Chair, Mechanical Engineering
University of Utah

Dr. Bruce Kent Gale is a professor and chair of mechanical engineering and adjunct professor in bioengineering, electrical and computer engineering, and materials science and engineering at the University of Utah. He has graduated 28 Ph.D. and 23 MS students and supervised 11 post-docs. Dr. Gale and his students have published 150 journal articles, five book chapters, and roughly 300 conference papers. He and his associates have 26 patents, with seven pending in biomechanics, microfluidics, and medical devices. Dr. Gale and his students have spun off six companies based on these patents.

Christopher Gibson
Co-Founder and CEO
Recursion 

Dr. Christopher Gibson is a brilliant scientist and natural leader who has dedicated himself to building and sustaining Utah’s life science ecosystem. As a graduate student at the University of Utah in 2013, Dr. Gibson uncovered an opportunity to apply machine learning to cell images, which became the foundation for Recursion – a Salt Lake City-based company with the audacious mission to decode biology and industrialize drug discovery. As Recursion’s co-founder and CEO, Gibson has led the company through exponential growth, including raising more than $1 billion in private and public capital, delivering four clinical-stage programs and more than 50 pre-clinical and discovery programs, and hiring over 400 highly skilled employees spread across life sciences, technology and operations.