Check-In & Breakfast
6:30-8 a.m.
SUMA Plaza

Main Stage
8-9:40 a.m.
Randall Jones Theater

Welcome
Stephen Lisonbee
Assistant Vice President at Southern Utah University; Senior Advisor of Rural Affairs, Office of Governor Cox

Welcome to the One Utah Summit held on the beautiful Southern Utah University campus. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Utah Rural Summit as the premier gathering place for convening Utah’s top leaders and decision-makers to discuss rural Utah’s challenges and opportunities.

Rural Matters Spotlight: Energy Opportunities
Joel Ferry
Executive Director, Utah Department of Natural Resources

Utah's leading the nation in aligning state, local, federal, and industry priorities to create a safe, secure, and resilient energy future. Hear how the energy community prioritizes affordability, reliability, and sustainability with a new state Energy and Innovation Plan and get updates on emerging projects that will change Utah's energy landscape.

Rural Education: A Changing Approach to Workforce Engagement
Mindy Benson, President, Southern Utah University
Brittney Cummins, Senior Advisor for Education, State of Utah
Steve Starks, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors, The Larry H. Miller Company
Koby Willis, Superintendent, Piute County School District

Industries across the nation struggle to find a qualified workforce to fill critical job openings. Utah's education systems have come together to address the need to align educational opportunities for all ages with workforce needs. A skilled and relevant workforce is a core building block for Utah's continued economic success.

Rural Matters Spotlight: Culinary Innovations
Chef Shon Foster

Rural Utah's filled with culinary experiences which turn locations into destinations. What does this mean, and how can we create strategies to ensure these remarkable experiences remain for many years? Chef Shon Foster has been at the center of this gastronomic evolution and will share his story and leadership.

Rural Sports: World Class Hosts to World Class Events
Adriana Chimaras, Director of Tourism & Museum, Emery County
Pitt Grewe, Director, Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
Kevin Lewis, Director of Tourism, Greater Zion
Dave Shallenberger, Owner & Manager, Coalatree

Sports in rural Utah drive significant economic activity, bringing communities together and sharing our backyards with the world. The state's Division of Outdoor Recreation supports these economic activities in partnership with local leaders. Hear how rural sporting events are good for business.

Rural Matters Spotlight: Institute of Land, Water, and Air
Brian Steed, Executive Director of the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air

The new Utah State University Institute of Land, Water, and Air builds pathways to engage policymakers with critical environment and natural resource research. The institute is an interdisciplinary initiative, bringing research together with state, county, and city governments to create a positive impact for Utah. Executive Director Brian Steed has a long history of leading some of Utah's most significant efforts. Join him for this main stage discussion to catch the vision of the new institute.

Utah Rural Legacy Leader Award
Gov. Spencer J. Cox
Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson
Stephen Lisonbee, Assistant Vice President at Southern Utah University; Senior Advisor of Rural Affairs, Office of Governor Cox

Join us to celebrate a leader who has dedicated a lifetime of service to our nation and Utah communities. His incredibly distinguished accomplishments accompany a deep and tender commitment to reaching out and bringing us together to achieve our greatest potential.

Bringing People Together: The Power of Partnerships
Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson
Larry and Terry Echo Hawk

Lt. Gov. Henderson will lead an intimate fireside chat with Larry and Terry Echo-Hawk, discussing their lifetime of service and commitment to the people of Utah and Tribal Nations that has taken them from rural communities to the White House.

State of Rural Utah
Gov. Spencer J. Cox

What makes a community strong, vibrant, and resilient? And what role does the government play in helping individuals, families, and businesses thrive? Join Gov. Cox as he shares stories from his recent visits to rural areas, explains why he’s so optimistic about Utah's future, and shows how we can further strengthen our institutions and each other.

Utah’s Own Break & Networking Social
9:40-10 a.m.

Main Stage
10-11:20a.m.

Governor-led International Trade Missions: Helping Utah Companies Grow on the World Stage
Jake Glenn, Director of Trade Shows and Trade Missions, WTC Utah
Jonathan Freedman, Co-founder, Downeast
Avais Ahmed, Oak River Capital/Ahmed Investments, Managing Director
Dalyon Ruesch, Founder and CEO, Vitalpax
Katelin Roberts, Executive Director, BioHive

Utah's shining globally. Learn how Utah companies are growing internationally by participating in governor-led trade missions. Join us for a discussion with international business leaders from various Utah industries and sectors.

Servant Leadership: How Utah Responds During Crises
Jess Anderson, Utah Commissioner of Public Safety
Tracy Glover, Sheriff, Kane County
Derrin Owens, State Legislator
Kim Shelley, Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality
Evelyn Warnick, County Commissioner, Millard County

In Utah, how we do things matters. When disaster strikes, state and local cooperation becomes more important as we work together to protect lives and livelihoods in crises. Effective leaders plan and roll up their sleeves to ensure the best outcome for Utahns. These individuals are at the center of championing a team approach to problem-solving and providing resources to local communities in need.

Stronger Together: A Couch Conversation between Governor & First Lady Cox and Shawn & Carrie Bradley
Gov. Spencer J. Cox
First Lady Abby Cox
Shawn & Carrie Bradley

Trials become easier with the love and support from those closest to us. Join these couples for an honest discussion about finding unity during the toughest times.

Show Up Service Project
First Lady Abby Cox
Kirsten Rappleye, Director of First Lady Initiatives

First Lady Abby Cox and Show Up initiative Director Kirsten Rappleye will introduce our lunchtime service project, which supports and shows appreciation to rural Utah educators.

Show Up Service Project & Food Truck Rodeo Lunch

Join the First Lady’s Show Up team to prepare teacher appreciation kits. Enjoy live music from Mountaintop Sound and food from various local food trucks.

State Bank Business Challenge
1-2:15 p.m.
Randal Jones Theater
Beverley Center for the Arts
Hosted by State Bank of Southern Utah

The State Bank Business Challenge at the fall One Utah Summit helps identify and support high-potential early-stage businesses. With $25,000 in cash prizes plus additional awards, qualifying Utah entrepreneurs have the opportunity to present their business to judges and summit audience members. Participants benefit from feedback and opportunities to connect with funding and valuable mentors.

Exhibitor Hall & Utah’s Own Reception
2:15-3 p.m.
The Great Hall
Hunter Alumni Center

Breakout Sessions - Round 1
3:15-4 p.m.
Hunter Conference Center

Break
4-4:15 p.m.

Breakout Sessions - Round 2
4:15-5 p.m.
Hunter Conference Center