Originally published in Utah Business.
I can still remember the flyers plastered in the hallways of my junior high school: “Bonnet ball begins next month. Sign up now.” The flyers started a conversation between a good friend and me—should we sign up for bonnet ball or try an alternative sport known as soccer? The year was 1975 and soccer, especially for women, was a largely unknown sport in the Beehive State.
Originally published in Utah Business.
Economists love investment because it helps transform lower value inputs into higher value outputs. That’s economist-speak for economic development, and we are fortunate in Utah to have another major infrastructure investment project taking off … literally.
Originally published in Utah Business.
About a decade ago, as a member of the governor’s senior staff, I learned a valuable lesson about female leadership in the workplace. The governor’s senior team was discussing the right course of action on a welfare issue affecting thousands of Utah families. It won’t surprise those of you who know her well that Olene Walker, who was lieutenant governor at the time, made her point of view known in an articulate, well-reasoned and forceful fashion. She was not going to stand on the sidelines while an issue affecting the neediest Utah families was debated. It was an extraordinary example of the feminine value of compassion having its day, and I took note. Society benefits from women in the workforce.
Originally published in Utah Business.
In less than six months, many of the most critical components of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, will begin. Mandates for coverage, the end of pre-existing conditions, a community rating and richer subsidies take effect next year. As we move closer to 2014, many Utahns and Utah businesses sense the mighty change. I’m telling people to buckle up—one of the largest social policy changes in our lifetime is here.
Continue reading Buckle Up: Obamacare Will Be Here in Six Months
Originally published in Utah Business.
I’m frequently asked about the likelihood of inflation raising its ugly head in response to the massive infusion of money by the Federal Reserve since the 2008 fiscal crisis. The recession ended nearly four years ago and yet the Fed continues to intervene aggressively.
Originally published in Utah Business.
I recently interviewed with Joel Kotkin, the famed demographer, author and columnist who is frequently quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Daily Beast. Kotkin was doing a media tour and had spent the prior two days meeting with community leaders to get a pulse on Utah. As we finished the interview he said, “Salt Lake is very self aware and it serves you well.”
Originally published in Utah Business.
The Utah Legislature—with all of its individuality and nuance—can now boast the nation’s second fastest-growing economy. That’s right. Utah leads every state but North Dakota in the rate of job growth, and the Utah economy gets stronger by the day. Years of economic leadership are paying off and Utah families are the winners. It’s time to take a pause and thank Utah legislators for their service.
Originally published in Utah Business.
January is one of my favorite times of the year. I relish the chance to push the reset button and begin anew. I use it as a time to reflect about what worked in the prior year and what can be done in the coming year to make life better.
Looking back at 2012, two major public issues rattled my sense of rightness: the negative campaigning in the 2012 elections and the posturing about the fiscal cliff. Both issues call for an infusion of feminine values into the public square.
Continue reading A Fresh Start: Let Your Feminine Values Shine in 2013
Originally published in Utah Business.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more.” – Melody Beattie
Three years ago this month, a large and diverse group of community leaders gathered at the Utah State Capitol to affix their names to The Utah Compact. For those in attendance, the Utah sun beamed a little brighter that day as our community adopted a more gracious approach to the complex issue of immigration reform. Since then, Utah has followed a more compassionate, constructive and civil immigration discussion that has lifted Utah to a higher, better place and set an example for others. For this we can all be grateful.
Continue reading A Time of Thanksgiving: Reflections on The Utah Compact
Originally published in Utah Business.
The moment of truth is here. On Nov. 6 Americans will elect a president, vice president and 468 members of Congress. For many, it will be the election of a lifetime as we choose how to eliminate chronic unemployment, national malaise and a trillion dollar deficit. It’s our chance, indeed our duty, to vote for a better future. As we do so, I offer a post-partisan and admittedly imperfect, five-step plan for the new Congress and president that I hope will inform your vote and your public advocacy in the weeks ahead.
Continue reading Moment of Truth: The 2012 Elections are Finally Here