Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
It's time to celebrate the Salt Lake Chamber's 136-year-old legacy of doing business in Utah at their Annual Meeting 2023. Come meet with business and community leaders as the Chamber reflects on the previous year's accomplishments and what's to come in the year ahead.
As part of the celebration, the Chamber honors outstanding individuals and businesses who've had a positive impact on the community. Here's a look at this year's award recipients.
President's Award For Excellence: Brandon D. Fugal
The President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber chooses an individual to receive the President's Award for Excellence. This year's recipient is Brandon D. Fugal, Chairman and co-owner of the commercial real estate firm Colliers.
Before merging and partnering with Colliers, Fugal owned and co-founded Coldwell Banker Commercial Advisors, which was the No. 1 operator internationally for 14 years in a row. He was also the No. 1 agent globally. Under Fugal's leadership, Colliers has reached the No. 1 commercial real estate firm in the Intermountain West and is also one of the leading firms in the world.
Well-respected in the business community because of his expertise, Fugal has won several awards and is an active entrepreneur and investor. His special projects include the development and master planning of 1,250 acres on the North Shore of Oahu, the 512-acre Skinwalker Ranch in Utah, Evermore Park in Pleasant Grove and the 120-acre Thanksgiving Development in Lehi.
You can access his full bio on the Chamber website.
Legacy Award: Rio Tinto Kennecott
This year's Legacy Award, which recognizes a long-standing business in Utah, goes to Rio Tinto Kennecott. As an important part of the Salt Lake Valley for 120 years, the mine has evolved through the years and now produces essential materials to make modern living possible. These essential materials can be found in cell phones, computers, hybrid electric cars and solar panels, among others.
In addition to maintaining the U.S. as a global mining leader, Rio Tinto Kennecott employs more than 2,000 people and indirectly contributes to 14,000 more jobs.
Fortitude Award: Fidelity Investments
The Fortitude Award honors a corporate business in Utah and Fidelity Investments is this year's recipient. Since 1946, Fidelity has been committed to "strengthening and securing [their] clients' financial well-being through exceptional service and innovative solutions." With over 42 million individual investors, $11.7 trillion assets under administration and $4.5 trillion discretionary assets as of June 30, 2023, the privately-held company has a proven track record for making sound judgments.
Fidelity employs over 70,000 associates – including more than 2,900 Utahns – who are focused on the long-term success of their customers.
Opportunity Award: Nexus IT Consultants
The Opportunity Award, which recognizes a small business in Utah, goes to Nexus IT Consultants. Nexus IT, a top Managed Service Provider in Utah, delivers exceptional IT solutions. With a strong tech understanding and innovative mindset, they empower businesses to thrive digitally.
Their skilled professionals offer comprehensive IT support, strategic consulting and advanced cybersecurity solutions, specializing in infrastructure management, network optimization and data protection. As a trusted partner, Nexus IT enables Utah businesses to harness technology's full potential for sustained success.
Icon Award: Alpha-Lit Salt Lake City
The Icon Award, which honors a woman-owned business in Utah, goes to Alpha-Lit Salt Lake City. In November 2019, Julie Johnson brought Alpha-Lit Marquee Letter Rentals to Salt Lake as a fun side hustle to do on the weekends. Since then, her company has been lighting up events across the Wasatch Front for celebrities, TV show premiere parties, weddings and more with the highest quality marquee letters, numbers and symbols. Johnson is proud to be in the business of helping Utahns celebrate.
Inclusive Business Award: Bank of America
The Inclusive Business Award goes to a business that is dedicated to diversity and inclusion through corporate values and policies. This year's recipient is one of the world's leading financial institutions, Bank of America. Their focus on profits and purpose reflects how they help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with.
Bank of America operates under the belief that "all employees should be treated with respect, live free of discrimination and be able to bring their whole selves to work." As both an employer and a bank, they work to advance racial equality and economic opportunity for all.
Trailblazer Award: Cloe M. Nixon
The Trailblazer Award honors a rising star in the business community. This year's recipient is Cloe M. Nixon, a government affairs manager at Dorsey & Whitney. Nixon is an experienced project manager who helps clients across various industries. Her years working in Sen. Orrin Hatch's office and in Gov. Gary Herbert's administration have given her a unique view into Utah's economic and political landscape.
Chamber Champions
The Chamber Champions are exceptional volunteers and partners with the Salt Lake Chamber. These are the five Champions of 2023.
Jadon Andersen, Deseret Digital Media
Senior Director of Sales, KSL.com
Erin Barry, Merit Medical Systems
Vice President of Government Affairs
Sue Devereaux, HR & Benefits Consultant
Jennifer Goodwin, Northwestern Mutual
Director of Marketing
Brent Uberty, BW Productions
Managing Director
You can learn more about these champions on the Chamber website.
Register for the Salt Lake Chamber's 2023 Annual Meeting
The Chamber's Annual Meeting takes place on Aug. 29 at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the program runs from 12 to 1:30 p.m. To learn more about the honorees and to register for the event, visit the Chamber's event webpage.
