All posts by ngochnour

Blog, Utah Business Columns

A rising tide

Originally published in Utah Business.

As a college student interning in Washington, D.C., I heard a friend offer a view of conservatism and liberalism that still affects me decades later. She said our job as responsible citizens is to conserve ideas that are right and true and liberate ideas that are right and true. This simple concept is a guiding light for me in public policy deliberations. Public policy is informed by ideology, but should not be controlled by it. The best public policy occurs when we draw the best ideas from the left and the right to avoid or solve complex problems. We are fortunate to live in a state that does this quite well.

Continue reading A rising tide →

Blog, Utah Business Columns

Lasting Impressions

Originally published in Utah Business.

I recently returned from a 10-day vacation in England with my daughter. My husband picked me up at the airport and during the drive home we compared stories about my trip and his time here at home. Within about 15 minutes of conversation a theme emerged that gave me pause. I think our community needs to be careful not to lose our edge, and it starts with the little things.

Continue reading Lasting Impressions →

Deseret News Columns

Utah got it right by banning powdered alcohol, while Colorado got it wrong

Originally published in the Deseret News.

Utah and Colorado remind me of siblings. They share some things in common. At other times you can barely see the resemblance. I was reminded of this juxtaposition this week when Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill making powdered alcohol legal in Colorado, while Gov. Gary Herbert just days earlier signed a bill prohibiting the sale or use of it in Utah. Nicknamed “Palcohol,” this powdery substance, when mixed with water, mimics a shot of vodka or rum. It’s a fast way to enjoy alcohol on the go, and in my judgment, a mistake for the people of the Centennial State.

Continue reading Utah got it right by banning powdered alcohol, while Colorado got it wrong →

Blog, Deseret News Columns

The best of Utah demonstrated in religious freedom/LGBT compromise

Originally published in the Deseret News.

 

“Hope” is the thing with feathers —

That perches in the soul —

And sings the tune without words —

And never stops — at all —

— Emily Dickinson

This week I joined a large group of interested Utahns who gathered in the Gold Room at the State Capitol as legislators, leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and representatives of the LGBT community gathered to announce landmark legislation that balances religious freedoms and protections against discrimination of LGBT people in the workplace and housing. It was a monumental moment of civility, compassion, freedom and fairness that elevates Utah to a better place. This compromise represents the best of Utah, and I want to publicly thank the leaders of our state.

Continue reading The best of Utah demonstrated in religious freedom/LGBT compromise →

Utah Business Columns

Utah oil prices 101

Originally published in Utah Business.

I live by a Costco store and watch in amazement as people line up in their cars to purchase fuel. Am I imagining it or have lines gotten longer since motor fuel prices have been sliced in half? The plummeting price of oil has caused a rippling effect through the global, national and Utah economies. It’s the biggest economic news since the Great Recession and something we all need to understand better. Here’s my attempt at describing Utah Oil Prices 101:

Continue reading Utah oil prices 101 →

Blog, Utah Business Columns

Flight Plan: Utah quite possibly has the best airport in the country

Originally published in Utah Business.

One of my favorite signs in Utah is the electronic sign along I-80 just east of the airport that notifies drivers that downtown Salt Lake City is a mere five minutes away. It is a powerful reminder of the convenience of the Salt Lake City International Airport and the extraordinary asset it is to the Utah economy.

Continue reading Flight Plan: Utah quite possibly has the best airport in the country →

Blog, Deseret News Columns

A bright future for Utah women

Originally published in the Deseret News.

Experience is often the best teacher, and the last few weeks were filled with important lessons about life, women and society. I invite you to reflect with me.

In early January, I attended former House Speaker Becky Lockhart’s memorial service at the state Capitol. In what I can only describe as patriotic grace, our state honored this much-loved public servant in the perfect way. Ask anyone who attended the service and they will confirm it was a deeply moving event. The Lockhart family, legislators, legislative staff and ecclesiastical leaders made clear in their remarks that a woman can have a beautiful family and be a leader in the community. I only wish we didn’t have to witness the tragedy of her death to have such a poignant reminder.

Continue reading A bright future for Utah women →

Blog, Utah Business Columns

Required Reading: The best source for information about the Utah economy

Originally published in Utah Business.

The New Year is a great time to take stock and learn new things. I am often asked what is the best source for information about the Utah economy. Thanks to a wonderful collaboration between the David Eccles School of Business and the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, you can learn all of the latest and greatest facts about the Utah economy in a single report. The 2015 Economic Report to the Governor, released this month, provides the single best compendium of information about Utah demographics, employment, income, taxes, exports, prices, major industries and other indicators. If you want to gain a better understanding about the Utah economy, go online and download your copy today.

Just to whet your appetite, here are some of my favorite factoids included in this year’s report:

Continue reading Required Reading: The best source for information about the Utah economy →

Deseret News Columns

My holiday wish — not overindulgence or expectations, but connections and relationships

Originally published in the National Edition of the Deseret News.

I recently attended a Catholic Community Services’ dinner where Bishop John C. Wester reminded the audience of a simple truth. He said, “When we give, we enter into a relationship with someone.” For me it was a beautiful reminder of what the holiday season ought to be. The holidays are about people, not things.

Unfortunately, for far too many of us, the holidays have become a volume sport of shopping and overindulgence. We constantly seek more at the expense of what is best. Often this is a choice between things and people.

Continue reading My holiday wish — not overindulgence or expectations, but connections and relationships →