Awards
Each year, the summit provides an opportunity for Governor Cox to recognize outstanding individuals and companies for their contributions at work and to the state. Below are the 2024 Governor’s Awards honorees.
Rural Utah Business of the Year
Crusoe Energy Solutions
This honor goes to a rural Utah business that demonstrates innovation, has an entrepreneurial spirit, is making a positive economic impact on its local rural community measured by job creation, revenue growth, contribution to the local tax base and is a good corporate citizen. The business should demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, both environmentally and socially, has growth potential and has effective leadership and management practices in place with strong industry excellence. Overall the business should have a positive impact on the rural area in which it operates.
Rural Investor Award
Lakeshore Learning
The Rural Investor Award is a prestigious recognition given to companies that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and contribution to the economic development and sustainability of rural communities in Utah. This award honors businesses that have made significant investments in rural areas, fostering job creation, infrastructure development, and community well-being. By recognizing these efforts, the award aims to inspire others to invest in and support the growth and prosperity of Utah's rural regions
Horizon Award
FERVO & Utah FORGE
Tremendous strides are being made in Utah and the research and development of geothermal resources. Utah FORGE is an international field laboratory making significant advancements in enhanced geothermal. Fervo is applying at a utility-scale the research success experienced by FORGE. As a result, Utah is quickly becoming a leader in geothermal. The risks, resources and commitments of both groups are worthy of being honored and recognized for how they are solving critical energy challenges facing Utah.
Legacy & Leadership Award
Kris Griffith, American Pacific Corporation
The Legacy & Leadership Award honors a distinguished company in the aerospace and defense sector that has made a profound impact on the industry and set a benchmark for future success. This prestigious accolade celebrates a company that has demonstrated exceptional innovation, unwavering commitment to quality, and a visionary approach to advancing aerospace and defense technologies.
Rural Matters Partner
Brandy Grace
A leader who has put forth signficant work to improve the quality of life of rural Utah through building programming and services.
Utah Rural Legacy Leader
Gail Miller
A leader who has contributed a career of service, making a significant impact to Rural Utah!
Utah Rural Influencer
Tammy Pearson
An individual each year who is widely known and respected for their leadership, mentorship, and convening power throughout Utah's rural communities. Through this person's influence, leaders are developed and partnerships are created.
Utah Rural Rockstar
James Barlow, BZI
An individual each year who has made immediate impact as a recognized leader, rolling up their sleeves and taking the lead on visionary projects that will shape the future of rural Utah.
FutureReady Utah Leader Award
Kim B. Clark
This award honors an individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership and actively contributes to a FutureReady Utah. It recognizes those engaged in exemplary transformational leadership practices and who play a pivotal role in preparing Utah's next generation of leaders.
Transformational Leader Legacy Award
Joan Trumpauer Mulholland
This award honors an individual who has contributed significantly in life to leading with heart, lifting others, and modeling compassion.
Transformational Leader Awards
Individuals who have engaged in Utah Rural Leadership Academy or Utah Local Leadership Academy are actively engaged in lifting Utah's workforce, communities, culture, and industries. Transformational leaders lift those around them and build our towns for a better tomorrow.
Tricia Harris
Rural Utah Chamber Coalition
LaTosha Mayo
Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah
Brenda McDonald
Uintah County
Jerry Taylor
Garfield County