Awards
Each year, the summit provides an opportunity for Governor Cox and Lieutenant Governor Henderson to recognize outstanding individuals and companies for their contributions at work and to the state. Below are the 2025 Governor’s Awards honorees.
Utah Business of the Year
The Creamery
The Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity's Business of the Year award honors a company that has significantly contributed to economic development in Utah. This honor goes to a Utah business that demonstrates innovation, has an entrepreneurial spirit, is making a positive economic impact on its local community measured by job creation, revenue growth, contribution to the local tax base and is a good corporate citizen. Overall, the business should have a positive impact on the rural area in which it operates.
International Business of the Year
Stadler Rail
The World Trade Center's International Business of the Year award honors a company that has elevated Utah's global presence through exceptional international business efforts. This award recognizes an organization that has successfully expanded into new markets, built meaningful global partnerships, and contributed to strengthening Utah's reputation on the world stage. Honorees demonstrate innovation, resilience, and leadership in navigating international opportunities and challenges.
Utah Rural Legacy Leader
Scott Truman
A leader who has contributed a career of service, making a significant impact to Rural Utah!
Utah Rural Influencer
Curtis Wells
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
Maria Twitchell
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
Pat Guerrero
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
Daneka Souberbielle
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.
Abby Ivory
R6 Regional Council
Abby Ivory demonstrates transformational leadership through her ability to connect people with the right resources and solutions. Her talent for engaging others and solving problems across Utah has created a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
Spencer Douglas
BZI
Spencer Douglas embodies transformational leadership. Through his passion and dedication to the Iron Leaders Academy, he has inspired those around him to grow, lead boldly, and become the best versions of themselves.
Jared Haddock
Carbon County
Jared is a sincere and dedicated leader who works tirelessly to help others improve. He takes the time to listen, carefully researches, and seeks to understand the bigger picture before making thoughtful recommendations or decisions that impact others.
Clinton Painter
AZOMITE Mineral Products
For Clint Painter, learning is not enough. He has to share what he is learning, always encouraging others to build their own lives and others around them. His nature is not to look at what is best for him, but how he can use what he knows to lift people, communities, and organizations to greater success.