Agenda
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6TH: EMERGENCE & PRE-SUMMIT DAY
10:30 AM | Emergence Check In | Please grab your credential badge at a check in desk in the lobby of the Hunter Alumni Building. *Please note that Emergence Day events require an Emergence Day Ticket. You can find more information on our Tickets page.
11:00 AM | Launch | Start your Emergence Day experience with an energizing kickoff that sets the purpose and intentional framework for the day. You’ll gain clarity on what it means to be “Future Ready” and how the SUULI leadership principles will guide your learning.
12:00 PM | Lunch | Grab lunch and return to the main session room to enjoy your meal as the keynote begins.
12:15 PM | Emergence Keynote | John "Dragon" Teichert | Hear from nationally recognized leader John “Dragon” Teichert as he shares powerful insights on leading with courage, purpose, and integrity. His story and lessons will leave you inspired to step forward with confidence in your own leadership journey.
12:55 PM | Leadership Awards | Celebrate Utah’s outstanding leaders as we recognize individuals who model values-based leadership and create meaningful impact in their communities. This is your chance to be inspired by real-world examples of leadership in action.
1:00 PM | Comfort Break | Take a moment to recharge before diving into the afternoon’s leadership-focused sessions.
1:10 PM | Business | Jessica Alvey | Discover how personal integrity and shared values can transform organizational culture, build trust, and create sustainable success in today’s business world.
1:40 PM | Innovation | Isaac Barlow | Explore how bold leadership fuels creativity and adaptability. This session will challenge you to embrace risk, spark innovation, and co-create a vision for the future.
2:10 PM | Non-Profit | Tim Stay | Learn how purpose-driven leadership empowers nonprofit organizations to thrive. With a focus on empathy, equity, and mission alignment, this session will help you lead with both heart and impact.
2:40 PM | Government | Brandy Grace | Examine the role of ethical, transparent leadership in building public trust and civic engagement. Gain tools for fostering collaboration and shared vision in government work.
3:05 PM | URLA Graduation | Celebrate the accomplishments of the Utah Rural Leadership Academy graduates as they step forward as values-driven leaders shaping the future of their communities.
Join us as we identify who gets to compete for $50,000 in front of our all-star judges at the finals! Be there to cheer on the next generation of entrepreneurs and see innovation in action! | SUU Business Building
The night kicks off at 6:00 PM on the Hunter Alumni Patio with savory hors d’oeuvres, refreshing drinks, and plenty of time to mix, mingle, and connect.
At 7:30 PM we will move into the SUU Auditorium for a special acoustic performance by country star Craig Morgan that’s sure to strike the right chord and start the One Utah Summit on a high note.
And that’s not all! Thanks to the support of Utah First Credit Union, a very special announcement will be made—one that will shape the future for two young Utah musicians.
This event is complimentary with your Summit ticket—come celebrate, connect, and be part of a memorable start to the One Utah Summit.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH: SUMMIT DAY
Please grab your credential badge at a check in desk in the lobby of the Auditorium.
Discover the heart of innovation at our Exhibit Hall, where cutting-edge products, inspiring displays, and interactive experiences come together to ignite your passion and drive for the future! You've never seen an exhibit hall like this one! | Hunter Alumni Center, Third Floor, Great Hall
Lillian Breeze Manning | The National Anthem
Stephen Lisonbee | Welcome | Welcome to the 2025 One Utah Summit!
Governor Spencer Cox, U.S. Secretary Doug Burgum | The Future of Rural America | Utah’s small towns and rural communities are the heart of the state, surrounded by wide-open spaces, rich natural resources, and traditions that run deep. Join U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Governor of Utah as they discuss what’s ahead for rural Utah. From energy to public lands, they’ll explore how federal and state governments can work together to support rural communities, protecting the land we love, and creating opportunities that help families and future generations thrive in every corner of Utah.
Governor Spencer J. Cox, Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson | Rural Awards
Jeremy Hafen, Speaker Mike Schultz, Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson | Building Utah's Future | Built upon Governor’s State of the State theme of “We Must Build,” “Now is a time for building.” The focus for the “Building Utah’s Future” panel and discussion will be on the infrastructure, transportation, energy, and water that is needed to allow for quality growth. What is needed to be ready for the 2034 Olympics, to have the needed housing for future generations, and to keep Utah on the path of positive growth and economic stability.
Nate Walkingshaw, Dick Garlish, Emy Lesofski, Jonathan Perry | From Innovation to Resiliency: Building the Energy Landscape of Tomorrow | A panel discussion: "From Innovation to Resiliency: Building the Energy Landscape of Tomorrow" with Emy Lesofski, the Governor's Energy Advisor and Director of the Utah Office of Energy Development, Nate Walkingshaw, CEO and founder of Torus, Dick Garlish, president of Rocky Mountain Power, and Jonathan Perry, ACES general manager. Learn more about Utah’s strategic direction for an abundant energy future.
Brandon Unterbrink, Brandy Christian, Abby Osborne | Forging New Connections: BNSF’s Entry into Utah’s Intermodal Market | BNSF Railway, one of North America’s largest freight rail networks, is bringing new intermodal service to Utah—strengthening supply chain resilience, unlocking new market access, and driving long-term economic growth. BNSF Vice President of International Intermodal, Brandon Unterbrink, along with Patriot Rail CEO, Brandy Christian, join the Utah Inland Port Authority Board Chair, Abby Osborne for a mainstage discussion on the power of logistics partnerships and what this milestone means for Utah’s future as a powerful manufacturing center.
Take a break to savor the taste of freedom! Enjoy sweet treats while exploring a vibrant exhibit of our nation's historic flags. It's a stars-and-stripes celebration you won't want to miss.
Tage Flint | Is Water Scarcity in Our Future? Solutions Exist if We Progress. | Our water-use decisions today directly impact the availability of this vital resource for generations to come. Utah Water Ways and the Slow the Flow Partners offer practical tools, resources, and solutions to help us all conserve more water.
Mick Thomas, Curtis Moore, Dawn Wellman | Securing the Future — The Imperative of Critical Mineral Development in Utah | The United States is at a pivotal moment in reducing its reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals, which are essential to defense, energy, and economic security. With proven reserves, processing capacity, and a strong technical base, Utah is positioned to lead the full domestic supply chain.
Jefferson Moss, Becki Wright, Leo Wright, John Mogel | Fueling Utah's Future: An Entrepreneur's Playbook for Success | Learn what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in Utah. Jefferson Moss, Executive Director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, will lead conversations with business leaders across various growth stages. The panel discussion will uncover the drive and determination behind their achievements. It will highlight how GOEO’s business recruitment and expansion team, the state’s EDTIF corporate incentive, the Startup State Initiative, and other critical programs actively support Utah’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering growth from concept to corporate expansion.
Drake Howell | BZI Innovation Park — Utah's New Center of Gravity | Speaker Drake Howell, Project Executive at one of Utah's newest industrial parks, will share exciting updates and how BZI is creating high value opportunities and thriving communities.
Virginia Pearce, Mark Gillard, Brett Burgess, Jeff Miller | Couch Conversation: A Legacy of Filmmaking | Join us for a conversation with Academy Award nominated producer Mark Gillard and Executive Producer of Horizon: An American Saga about what it takes to film on location across the state — from building infrastructure and hiring local crews to creating long-term economic benefits for rural communities.
In support of Governor Cox’s Operation Gigawatt, Rocky Mountain Power and Enbridge are powering up Tuesday’s lunch at the One Utah Summit. Experience Rocky Mountain Power’s bucket trucks, which hold four people at a time and lift riders 100 feet into the air—and step inside Enbridge’s natural gas trailer for an interactive look at energy in action. Plus, enjoy a variety of food trucks on site with something for everyone!
Ready to snag some Utah gold? The One Utah Summit store opens in the Great Hall on the third floor of the Hunter Alumni Center. Swing by for exclusive free swag and complimentary books from a couple of our very own Leadership Day speakers. Once it's gone, it's gone!
The State Bank Business Challenge features contestants competing for over $50,000 in cash and prizes in front of a panel of all-star judges. Who will win the $5,000 people's choice award? Attend this event and help decide! | SUU Auditorium
- How to Level Up Your Community for More Effective Recruitment: Unlocking Logistics and Beyond | Andy Pierucci, Karen Doherty, Clinton Painter, Holly Sweeten. Moderated by Scott Wolford. | Charles Hunter Room, Hunter Alumni Center
- Recruiting businesses to rural areas takes more than a good sales pitch—it requires the right mix of infrastructure, workforce, and community readiness. In this panel, public- and private-sector leaders will share practical strategies to make rural communities more attractive to prospective employers, with a special focus on the often-overlooked role of logistics. From improving freight and transportation connections to building the amenities and partnerships that matter most to site selectors, attendees will hear how real-world projects—like Ash Grove Cement’s Utah location—are bringing jobs and investment to rural regions.
- Nuclear: Meeting Tomorrow's Energy Needs | Dr. Laura Nelson, Emy Lesofski, Curtis Moore, Gay Wyn Quance. Moderated by Joel Ferry. | Whiting Room, Hunter Alumni Center
- Nuclear energy has powered America for decades (primarily in the East). Now, advancements in technology are opening up new opportunities in the West, including right here in Utah. What role could nuclear play in Utah’s diverse energy mix? How can rural communities benefit from new jobs and infrastructure? Is it safe? A candid discussion on the possibilities, challenges, and opportunities nuclear energy brings to Utah’s long-term energy strategy.
- Experience Elevated: Redefining Tourism in Utah | Sara Otto, Lesha Coltharp, Natalie Randall | Shooting Star Room, Hunter Alumni Center
- Utah is redefining what it means to travel in the age of the experience economy. Join the Utah Office of Tourism and industry partners for a look at emerging opportunities in crafting visitor experiences. Discover how the state’s iconic dark skies, diverse landscapes, and deep-rooted communities shape year-round experiences that invite visitors to actively engage, create memories, and form lasting emotional connections. Learn how Utah is crafting a customer journey that delivers value to travelers and communities—building loyalty, satisfaction, and a resilient tourism economy for the future.
- The Future of Housing in Rural Utah: The Impact of Energy, Growth, and Tourism | Kyle Pasley, Zach Hartman, Troy Ence. Moderated by Representative Cal Roberts. | Yankee Meadows Room, Hunter Alumni Center
- This panel will explore innovative solutions to the unique challenges of building in rural Utah, navigating the obstacles of new energy developments, and addressing the strain of a burgeoning tourism industry on local housing.
- The Rural Health Transformation Program: Reshaping Healthcare in Utah's Rural Communities | Jim Marshall, Marc Watterson, Kyle Snow, Dr. Matt McCullough, Alan Pruhs. Moderated by Nate Checketts. | Vermillion Cliffs Room, Hunter Alumni Center
- This panel discussion will provide an in-depth look at the newly enacted Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a key provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). This federal program offers a significant opportunity to invest in, stabilize, and strengthen rural healthcare in Utah. The session will explore the program's funding mechanisms, Utah's application process, and its potential impact on the state's healthcare landscape.
- Beyond Megawatts: How Energy Strengthens Rural Utah | Kelly Stowell, Ryan McGraw, Tony Martines, Steve Ryder, Brady Hewitson. Moderated by Theresa Foxley. | Charles Hunter Room, Hunter Alumni Center
- Utah’s rural counties are at the center of the state’s energy future. In this workshop, local leaders, landowners, and developers will share what it really looks like when an energy project comes to town -- from the first conversation with a landowner, to construction, to long-term community benefits. You’ll hear perspectives from across the table: developers on the kinds of partnerships they look for, county officials on planning and permitting considerations, and landowners on what it means to host a project. The goal isn’t to get into technical details, but to give you a practical sense of the process, the opportunities, and the questions every community should be asking. Whether your county has already been approached by an energy developer or you’re preparing for the future, this session will provide the tools and confidence to engage in a way that puts your community first.
- Leveraging Outdoor Recreation Grants | Carly Lansche, Jason Curry, Patrick Morrison, India Nielsen. Moderated by Evan Beitsch. | Whiting Room, Hunter Alumni Center
- Join our themed "Love is Blind - Outdoor Recreation Grant Edition" workshop to find your perfect funding match! We'll introduce you to different grant programs, each looking for specific recreation projects ranging from motorized trails and ropes courses to community parks and youth education. Learn about the unique requirements of each grant in an engaging, “Love is Blind”-themed session. We’ll teach you about matching fund needs, eligible project types, and other opportunities from the Division of Outdoor Recreation, like planning assistance and Trail Crew work. Discover which grant is the best fit for your park, trail, program, or infrastructure needs.
- Fireside Chat: Grid Resilience, Economic Growth, and Utah's Energy Future | Joel L. Molander and Reed Page. | Shooting Star Room, Hunter Alumni Center
- Utah is one of the nation’s fastest-growing economies, with over $13 billion invested in energy and manufacturing projects since 2022. According to the Site Selectors Guild’s State of Site Selection 2024, electric power capacity has become the top factor determining the location of future projects, from hyperscale data centers to high-tech manufacturing. With national electricity demand projected to rise 35–50% in the coming decades, Utah’s ability to deliver reliable, cost-effective power quickly will shape its economic future. This fireside chat, featuring leaders from Enchanted Rock and Summit Energy, will explore the intersection of customer electrical reliability, grid-resilient system design, commercial enablement including investor owned and municipal/public utility district ownership, and fuel infrastructure to propel economic development and growth for Utah. The conversation will cover actionable insights that utility planners, policy makers, developers, and economic leaders can apply to support growth while maintaining system reliability.
- A Toolkit for Thriving: GOEO Resources for Rural Businesses & Communities | James Dixon, Paul Jolley, and Jen Wakeland. Moderated by Colette Cox. | Yankee Meadows Room, Hunter Alumni Center
- Utah's rural businesses and communities are the backbone of the state's economy, and the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) is committed to their success. In this interactive workshop, members of the GOEO team will demystify the wide range of economic development programs, grants, and initiatives. Participants will gain practical, hands-on knowledge and a clear understanding of the available tools. Discover how to access business expansion grants, secure community project funding, and leverage federal- and state-level programs to foster economic growth and job creation in rural areas. This session is for working-level professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders ready to take the next step. You'll leave with a clear roadmap and actionable tips to help your business and community prosper.
- Utah Economic Council Data: A Guide for Local Decision Making | Nate Talley, Phil Dean, Maddy Oritt, Robert Spendlove. Moderated by Mary Pearson. | Vermillion Cliffs Room, Hunter Alumni Center
- Description Coming Soon!
Unwind and celebrate at Iron Springs Silver Hills Resort Park from 4–8 PM with an unforgettable evening of great flavors and live entertainment. Savor delicious food and sweet treats, sip on craft beer, wine, cocktails, or refreshing mocktails, and enjoy music and performances in a beautiful outdoor setting.
It’s the perfect way to connect, relax, and cap off your Summit experience, all included with your One Utah Summit ticket.
Event Address: Iron Springs Adventure Resort; 3196 North Iron Springs Road; Cedar City, UT 84721; http://www.ironspringsutah.com/
Please RSVP to help us plan!
Go to the One Utah Summit ticketing page, click on Activities, and select the number of people you’d like to RSVP for. This will give us an accurate head count so we can prepare accordingly. This activity is free for all One Utah Summit attendees.
Taste of Cedar City
We invite you to step out and explore local flavors just steps from SUU. Enjoy special discounts at participating restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops when you show your One Utah Summit badge credential. It is the perfect way to dine, mingle, and support Cedar City's small businesses.
Participating Locations:🍦 Bulloch’s - Free scoop of ice cream. 🍔 The Pub Spirits & Craft Kitchen - $10 off meal of $50 or more. 🍕 Centro Woodfired Pizza - 15% off. Discount applies to food and non-alcoholic beverages; excludes alcohol, tax, and gratuity. Not combinable with other offers. 🍷 IG Winery - Enjoy free charcuterie in the sitting room. 🍌 Dippers - 15% off. 🥪 Firehouse Subs - 15% off. 🥐 French Spot Bistro - 10% off. 🌮 Las Flores Family Mexican Restaurant - 10% off. 🍫 Ganache-d Gourmet Brownies - Discounted brownie sampler box and ice cream. 🥧 Pie Crumbs - 10% off. 🥤 Soda Nerd - 20% off.
Downtown Crawl - Cedar City Historic Downtown Tour
5:15 - 6:00 PM | Step back in time and experience the charm of Cedar City’s historic downtown with a guided walking tour led by Ryan Paul, Assistant Professor of History, and Jansen Bennett, Historic Architect with Utah Main Street. Starting at Mayor’s Square (100 E Center St), this 45-minute tour highlights the stories, architecture, and unique local businesses that continue to make downtown thrive.
Hosted by Cedar City Historic Downtown and Utah Main Street, this engaging experience is the perfect way to connect with the city’s heritage while seeing firsthand the vibrant community at the heart of Cedar City.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8TH: LEADERSHIP DAY
Join us bright and early Wednesday at 6:30 AM for a refreshing hike on the Coal Creek Trail. This paved trail is the perfect way to start your day, offering stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. It's a popular spot for birding, running and biking, so lace up your shoes, grab your layers and bring a headlamp or flashlight for this unforgettable experience!
Where: Meet at Canyon Park East Side (500 E Center St, Cedar City, UT 84720)
When: Wednesday, October 8 beginning at 6:30 AM. This hike will take about 1.5 hours.
Bring: water, good walking shoes, layers, a good headlamp or flashlight, and a sense of morning wonder!
Please RSVP to help us plan!
Go to the One Utah Summit ticketing page, click on Activities, and select the number of people you’d like to RSVP for. This will give us an accurate head count so we can prepare accordingly. This activity is free for all One Utah Summit attendees.
If you haven't already, please pick up your credential badge at a check in desk in the lobby of the Auditorium.
Stephen Lisonbee | Welcome | Welcome back to the 2025 One Utah Summit!
Dennis Jorgensen | The Opportunity Clock: Lead Your Day with Gratitude and Energy | What if the first thing you heard each morning wasn’t an alarm, but an opportunity? In this energizing keynote, Dennis Jorgensen shares how replacing dread with gratitude can shift not only our mornings, but our leadership as well. With humor and heart, Dennis shows how starting our days with “It’s great to be alive!” sets the tone for success in work and life.
Jeanette Bennett | What Utah’s CEOs Taught Me: 5 Lessons from 25 Years of Interviews | Jeanette Bennett has spent the past 25 years in conversation with Utah’s most inspiring CEOs and leaders. As a journalist, founder of BusinessQ and Utah Valley Magazine, and now CEO of Colliers, she’s gathered countless stories and insights about what it truly means to lead. In this session, Jeanette opens up about the five most powerful lessons she’s learned along the way—wisdom that goes beyond industries and titles, and offers encouragement for anyone striving to grow, lead, and make a difference.
Ruth Todd | Learning Lives Forever so Learn to Leave It Better | What does it mean to keep learning long after the lessons end? Through stories of family, leadership, and legacy, Ruth Todd shares why curiosity never expires, and how our influence can outlast us when we choose to lift others.
Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson | The Path of Most Resistance: Turning Roadblocks into Building Blocks | The Stoic philosophy that “What stands in the way becomes the way” encourages embracing challenges by turning obstacles into opportunities for growth, innovation, and action.
Ed Latimore | Hard Lessons From The Hurt Business | Drawing on lessons from growing up in public housing projects, getting sober, returning to school at 30 to earn a degree in physics, and professional boxing, Ed Latimore teaches four Hard Lessons From the Hurt Business on making powerful lasting changes in your life when you're tired of being the underdog and losing rounds to life.
Lt. Governor Henderson & Melinda Pfundstein | One Utah Transformational Leadership Awards
Take a break to savor the taste of freedom! Enjoy sweet treats from while exploring a vibrant exhibit of our nation's historic flags. It's a stars-and-stripes celebration you won't want to miss.
Scott Holmes | To Don't List: Establishing Successful Boundaries | Scott Holmes, Founder & CEO of Teton, will share insights on the power of saying “no” in his inspiring presentation. Drawing from his entrepreneurial journey, Holmes will explore how creating clear boundaries can fuel productivity, protect well-being, and set the stage for long-term success.
Clint Pulver | I Love It Here™ - Create an Organization People Never Want To Leave | In this inspiring keynote, Clint Pulver reveals how great leaders use mentorship, not old-school management, to connect with multi-generational teams, foster diversity, and build a culture where people thrive. Learn the four keys to mentorship that turn workplaces into communities employees never want to leave.
We just couldn’t get enough, so we’re keeping the food trucks overnight! Join us in the Auditorium parking lot for round two of mouthwatering favorites from our local food truck lineup, because one day just isn’t enough to taste it all.
Mountain bike the Iron Hills Trail System!
Please RSVP to help us plan!
Go to the One Utah Summit ticketing page, click on Activities, and select the number of people you’d like to RSVP for. This will give us an accurate head count so we can prepare accordingly. This activity is free for all One Utah Summit attendees.
Speakers
Awards
Sponsors
