Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development

Yesterday, Economic Development, along with one of our divisions, the Salt Lake Arts Council, hosted a panel on the importance of integrating artists, arts organizations, and creative industries into development projects in the city. Thank you to our panelists, J. Steven Price, Mayor Mendenhall, Smock and Roll, and City Council Chair Victoria Petro, for taking the time to share your valuable insights. And thank you to our moderator, Russel Roots from the Utah Film Center, and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art for providing the beautiful space. Together, we can foster a community that thrives economically and culturally through the power of art. 🎨

We visited Stryker Neurovascular with Mayor Mendenhall! They are a global leader in medical technologies and their neurovascular division is focused on advancing the practice of less invasive stroke therapies. Incredible innovations are happening right here in Salt Lake! #TechLakeCity

This week, our team, along with the Mayor’s Office, had the privilege of welcoming members of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Representatives from Finland, Italy, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Poland, Portugal, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and South Africa joined us for discussions on inclusive leadership, the important contributions of women in leadership, public safety, and the rich cultural diversity of Salt Lake City. A heartfelt thank you to Utah Global Diplomacy for facilitating this important exchange of ideas!

ACDBE... No, we didn't get the alphabet wrong! We're talking about the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise- a program that supports small businesses across the country. On October 16, SLC is hosting "Outreach 24"- our annual event for business owners who are interested in working with the airport. We'll be sharing more about this amazing initiative at SLC so stay tuned!

We stopped by Suazo Business Center with Mayor Mendenhall! They are a non-profit economic development and business resource center committed to the empowerment of the Latino / Hispanic and other underserved members of our community. Their focus is on helping minority entrepreneurs start their own small businesses, or helping existing minority business owners grow their businesses to the next level of success.

Congratulations to Atim Atte Enyenihi, Ph.D., one of our outstanding team members, for receiving the Women Tech Council Tech Accelerator Award! The Women Tech Council is a national organization focused on the economic impact of women driving high growth in the technology sector. Dr. Enyenihi serves as the Technology and Innovation Strategic Advisor in the Department of Economic Development, where she oversees our Tech Lake City initiative, which aims to position Salt Lake City as a premier hub for technology and innovation.

We had the opportunity to visit Square Kitchen with Mayor Mendenhall and engage in a discussion with three incredible leaders in our community to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month and reflect on the vital contributions of our Hispanic and Latino neighbors. Ana Valdemoros, former City Council Member and founder of Square Kitchen; Maria Garciaz, CEO of NeighborWorks; and Eduardo Baca Cuenca, Consul General of Mexico in Salt Lake City, each bring unique perspectives and energy to our city. Together, we explored how to continue building a more inclusive, supportive Salt Lake City where all voices are heard and celebrated.

It’s National Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us as we feature Latino/Hispanic leaders, artists, businesses, and organizations that are an important part of our diverse SLC community. With a rich history of fostering artistic expression, Marla Love has dedicated more than 12 years to cultivating enriching art experiences. Now, with the launch of Art Heart SLC, she is taking her passion for art to new heights. Art Heart SLC is a new art venue in Salt Lake City, located in the heart of the Maven District, and founded by Marla alongside her talented daughters, Naeemah and Jaseena. Marla Love is also a craft artist for the Living Traditions Festival and strives to create spaces “where hearts and art meet.”

The 2100 South Sewer Upgrades Project is complete, and all lanes have reopened! Be sure to #ShopSugarHouse next time you’re in the area! For more info, click here: https://lnkd.in/gQwhEjS8

Last week, the Salt Lake City Public Art Program, NeighborWorks Salt Lake, Brolly Arts, Salt Lake City Council, and the Fairpark Community Council celebrated the restoration of the Bridges Over Barriers mural, located under the 300 North I-15 underpass, with the community. Be sure to check out one of Utah’s largest public art projects!