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.

Welcoming new governors

This week we were pleased to meet five in-coming governors at a boot camp for new governors sponsored by the National Governors Association. Workshops and discussions focused on setting goals, budgeting basics and the NGA’s bipartisan approach so these new governors can hit the ground running. 

Over the next year as NGA vice chair, we look forward to working with our fellow governors to solve problems and improve our communities.

A new state flag

Last week, the More Than A Flag task force approved the final design of Utah’s new state flag. For almost two years, we’ve worked on designing a new state flag that represents all Utahns. We asked the public what they like – and didn’t like – about the designs throughout the process. 

This final design will now go before the Utah State Legislature during the 2023 General Legislative Session for a vote.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this process, and thank you for helping us tell the story of Utah! Visit flag.utah.gov for more info, and watch here to learn more about this process.

Expanding funding options for Utah small businesses 

We’re excited that the U.S. Department of the Treasury recently approved the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity’s (Go Utah) Utah Small Business Credit Initiative. This federally funded lending program makes it easier for Utah small businesses and entrepreneurs to qualify for loans. Soon, $69 million in funding will be available to help expand access to credit for small businesses, especially in underserved communities. 

The application process will open to lenders on Nov. 30. Click here to learn more about the expanded funding options for small businesses. 

Rural Health Week

Those who live in rural communities make up about one-quarter of Utah’s population and deserve quality health care services. We need to make sure that rural health care professionals are able to provide services to their patients by addressing challenges related to geography, transportation, infrastructure and broadband telecommunication requirements. 

That is why we have declared Nov. 14-18 as Rural Health Week in Utah. We are committed to ensuring access to health care for all Utahns, and we recognize and support the rural health care providers in our state. Read our official declaration here.

Education Support Professionals Day

On Nov. 16, we were honored to express our appreciation for education support professionals across the state. From bus drivers to cafeteria workers to administrative staff, the efforts of education support professionals are vital to the education of our young people, and we’re so grateful to these valuable employees for their positive contributions to our public schools. 

Click here to read the official declaration proclaiming Nov. 16 Education Support Professionals Recognition Day. Thank you for helping our students and improving our communities!

Hope, love, and community in Cache Valley

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson found hope, love, and community in Cache Valley on Wednesday as she visited two life-changing community-based nonprofits.

In her first visit, she toured CAPSA – a domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape recovery center – that has become a model for other shelters in Utah. In a one-year period, CAPSA served 1,927 individuals and answered 7,848 crisis calls – serving as an outstretched hand for Utahns in need of hope and support. We’re working with legislators to bolster shelters like CAPSA around the Beehive State.

Next, the lieutenant governor met with students and teachers at the Cache Valley English Learning Center, a gathering place and classroom for immigrants from around the world. including Mexico, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Brazil, Russia, and China.

Thank you, Cache Valley, for showing us the power of hope and community.

‘The Ruth’ takes center stage

On Tuesday, Utah leaders and philanthropists set the stage for Hale Centre Theatre’s next big act: a state-of-the-art theater and performing arts facility in Pleasant Grove.

On hand for the groundbreaking ceremony, Lt. Gov. Henderson applauded the hard work and dedication of local leaders whose commitment to the unifying nature of theater made the project possible. The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater, nicknamed The Ruth, will inject millions of dollars into local businesses, serving as a catalyst for economic opportunity and human connection.

We’re excited for this significant investment in Utah’s world-class theater scene and plan to be first in line at the box office for its 2024 production of “A Christmas Carol.”

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, so we are highlighting the eight Tribal Nations in Utah. 

This week we are highlighting Al Groves, an artist of Northern Ute and Hopi descent, who practices Native American porcupine quillwork, which some consider to be a dying artform. Al’s work is appreciated and recognized throughout North America and helps connect with Native American culture. 

Learn more about Al and see his beautiful artwork here.

Governor’s Awards for Excellence Highlight

Each week, we are highlighting a state employee who was recently awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence. This week we are recognizing Burke DeGroff with the Utah Department of Transportation. 

On Sunday, July 25, 2021, Burke and his wife were traveling on I-15 through Millard County when an intense dust storm enveloped the interstate. With visibility diminishing, they pulled to the side of the road and saw a car, with people still inside, wedged under a semi-truck. He could also see flames spreading around the car. 

Realizing the immediate danger, he ventured through the dust to retrieve a fire extinguisher from the truck and used it to douse the flames. He then turned his attention to the crash victims, particularly a little boy who remained trapped in the back seat of the car. Enlisting the help of others, Burke attempted to remove the boy, but he was wedged in too tightly. He stayed with the frantic boy and tried to calm him, assuring him that emergency responders were on the way and would be able to get him out. Among 22 vehicles, eight individuals lost their lives, but the little boy lives. 

Burke knows the dangers of working daily in a high-speed environment, but on his day off he willingly risked himself to save others. Burke DeGroff is a true hero.

To read more about the Governor’s Awards for Excellence, click here.

ICYMI

• Last week we were so honored to observe Veterans Day at a moving ceremony at the University of Utah. Utah is proud to be home to nearly 150,000 veterans whose service and contributions both in and out of uniform have helped strengthen and build this great state and our country. 
• The Capitol Preservation Board is now accepting proposals for the addition of two small commemorative plaques to the grounds of the Utah State Capitol. More information here.
• Last week, our Utah 360 Tour took us to Skyline High School and Cyprus High School  where we met with students to discuss civic engagement and youth mental health. We also toured Salt Lake County’s ballot processing center on Election Day!
• On Nov. 8, we joined DCFS to discuss the current state of Utah's child welfare system and how communities can help. Learn more about the Division of Child and Family services here.

Coming up

• Nov. 22: We’ll kick off the holiday season with the Light the World Giving Machine Opening at City Creek.
• Nov. 23: We look forward to serving Thanksgiving dinner to those in need at the Rescue Mission, an annual highlight for our family.
• Nov. 24: Happy Thanksgiving! We are grateful to be a part of such a wonderful state and wish you a safe and joyous holiday. 
• Nov. 30: We look forward to celebrating talented local artists from around the state at the Governor’s Mansion Artist Awards.

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!

You can reach the Governor's Office here. And you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest news and updates.

Contact the Governor's Office