Happy Friday from #OneUtah, a weekly update from the office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox. Here’s your recap of what we did this week, what's on the horizon, and more.

A quick thank you

This week we said goodbye to Ken Palmer, father to First Lady Abby Cox and her nine siblings.

Since we announced his passing, we’ve received an outpouring of love, condolences, and support. We greatly appreciate everyone who reached out and everyone who attended the funeral service. We feel so lucky to be part of such a caring community. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Celebrating Governor’s Day with the UTNG

The Utah National Guard is equipped with nearly 7,500 soldiers and airmen who are ready to serve here at home or worldwide. They display honor and courage each and every day.

We appreciate the opportunity to visit with these service members this past weekend and thank them for always being ready.

We also want to honor those who have lost loved ones serving in the U.S. military. Gold Star mothers and families are the resilient legacies of their service member’s sacrifice to our nation. Please join us in offering them our gratitude and promise that the fallen will never be forgotten.

Honoring a new president at SUU

This past week we were thrilled to recognize and celebrate a friend and Southern Utah University’s new president, Mindy Benson. 

President Benson represents the best of Southern Utah University. Born and raised in Cedar City, she is truly the community’s president. There is not an organization she hasn’t worked with, a faculty member she hasn’t supported or a student she hasn’t helped. 

Thank you for the many contributions you’ve made to SUU and to our state, President Benson, and congratulations!

Another round of Utah Artist Awards

We were delighted to honor the following artists at the Governor’s Mansion Artist Awards this week: 

• Dr. Marcia Price, Lifetime Achievement Award;
• Carrie Trenholm, Visual Artist Award; and
• Paisley Rekdal, Performing Artist Award.

We always enjoy celebrating the achievements of our artists here in Utah and appreciate their impacts on our communities. See photos from the event here.

Training Utah firefighters

This week, we had the pleasure of attending the North American Fire Training Directors Conference. 

Utah is filled with beautiful and diverse landscapes which are faithfully protected by our wonderful firefighters. Because of the excellent training of our firefighters we continually get to enjoy our unique landscape.

Utah 360 Tour recap

This month we have visited South Salt Lake, Weber, Davis, Cache, and Uintah counties on our Utah 360 tour. Some of our highlights include:

• Visiting the Davis County Receiving Center: We are grateful for their work providing crisis intervention services and caring for those in the midst of mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral crisis. 
• A town hall at Weber State with the Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service: It was a joy to meet with students dedicated to the civil exchange of ideas and a passion for civic engagement. 
• Lunch with Salt Lake Rotary Club: We appreciate the Rotary’s efforts to promote peace, strengthen communities, and support education. 
• A town hall in Cache County hosted by the Utah Farm Bureau: We enjoyed visiting with Utah’s farmers and rural community members. 
• The Utah Tourism Summit in Uintah County: We enjoyed learning about efforts to expand the tourism industry in Utah. When we invest in tourism, we invest in our state’s future and improve residents’ lives.

We have more Utah 360 Tour visits coming up, so stay tuned!

Hosting diplomats from around the world

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson welcomed a medley of consuls general and other dignitaries to the Capitol before the group attended this year’s Silicon Slopes Summit in Salt Lake City to learn about our booming tech industry. 

Diplomats representing 18 countries caught a glimpse of the Capitol’s storied Gold Room before a luncheon on Wednesday.

Our administration places a high value on international relationships and trade. We truly believe that increasing our global connections make the world a better, safer, kinder place.

Celebrating Utah’s vibrant culinary culture

We’re spotlighting Utah’s vibrant culinary culture this month, and this week we’re talking desserts.

The state’s most unique trail follows two-lane asphalt roads to the sweetest spots of all. These are the diners, cafes and restaurants that serve pie, the iconic American dessert. The Utah Pie Trail explores southwestern Utah one slice at a time at five stops along a highway loop. 

While you could drive the Pie Trail in a day, it’s best to split this dessert drive into two or three segments so you can savor every tasty wedge — pickle pie, traditional apple pie, raspberry rhubarb pie and sour cream raisin pie. Read more here.

Rio Tinto makes $55 million underground mining investment

Lt. Gov. Henderson joined local mayors, mining officials, and leaders from the Department of Environmental Quality atop Bingham Canyon’s historic open pit mine on Tuesday to celebrate Rio Tinto Kennecott’s $55 million investment to expand underground mining.

More than a century ago, mining in Bingham Canyon began underground and now – once again – heavy equipment is hauling ore from beneath the earth. Our administration is committed to boosting modern-day mining to build infrastructure and technology for the next generation. 

Responsible mining programs play a critical role in national security, the clean energy future, emerging technologies, and our economy. In the Beehive State, investments in mining are investments in Utahns.

ICYMI

• On Thursday, we had the opportunity to visit with students at Uintah High School and discuss the importance of mental health and civic engagement. These students are talented and passionate, Utah’s future is bright. 
• We are sending out thoughts and prayers to all affected by Hurricane Ian.
• On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Henderson geeked out over Martha Hughes Cannon with Executive Director Margaret Busse and a group leading voices in Utah’s tech sector. 
• We were pleased to appoint Paul Tsosie to the Colorado River Authority Board.
• On behalf of the Utah Valley Chamber, Lt. Gov. Henderson presented the Chamber Champion Award to Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi on Monday.

Coming up

• Oct. 5: We look forward to meeting with local Utah elected officials at the ULCT Annual Convention!
• Oct. 6-7: We’ll be in Washington County meeting with business, education, and community leaders as part of the Utah 360 Tour. Stay tuned for updates!
• Oct. 6: Lt. Gov. Henderson will be in Kane County as a part of our Utah 360 Tour. She’ll join us in Washington County the next day.
• Oct. 11-13: We’re excited to head to Cedar City for the One Utah Summit! This is the 35th consecutive year of rural summits, and we look forward to seeing community leaders make valuable connections. If you’re attending, stop by the Beverly Sorensen Center for the Arts on Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m. We’ll be broadcasting our monthly rural radio show live!
• Oct. 17: Have a question for us? Now's your chance to ask! Join us for a live town hall at 6 p.m. You can watch on YouTube, Twitter, or Facebook, and you can ask your questions live or submit them here: bit.ly/UTTownHall1017. 
• Oct. 20: We’ll spend an hour answering questions from local reporters on the Governor’s Monthly News Conference hosted monthly by PBS Utah. Watch it live on our website or on our Facebook page.
• Oct. 20: We’ll be joining “Let Me Speak to the Governor” on KSL NewsRadio at noon. Tune in or call in!
• Oct. 24: We’ll be in Utah County meeting with business, education, and community leaders as part of the Utah 360 Tour. Stay tuned for updates!
• Oct. 24: We’ll host a Latino Town Hall. More details here.

Get involved!

Looking for a new job opportunity? From great employee benefits to versatile work schedules, the career opportunities with the state are truly endless. Join Team Utah today! 

Those looking to volunteer can also consider more than 300 boards and commissions. Find out which openings are available and how you can get involved here!

Get in touch!

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