Thoughts from a Utahn on strengthening the economy, building community, and promoting civil society.

RECENT INSIGHTS

This Christmas rekindle a favorite Christmas memory

By Natalie Gochnour | 12/20/2018

Originally published in the Deseret News. When I was 9 years old, I woke up before the rest of my family on Christmas morning to take a sneak peek at the gifts. I remember my sense of wonder as I tiptoed down the staircase. The fireplace still gave off a slight glow from the raging…

What Utah’s historically low fertility rate means for Utah

By Natalie Gochnour | 12/06/2018

Originally published in the Deseret News. Utah population estimates released this week confirm a deceleration in growth. Utah births fell to their lowest level in 18 years. With net in-migration also tapering off, Utah’s population increased in 2018 by a healthy but modest 1.69 percent. There are many storylines about Utah’s growth, but of greatest…

What to expect as the McAdams bus heads to Washington, D.C.

By Natalie Gochnour | 11/28/2018

Originally published in the Deseret News. I remember the first time I heard about a guy named Ben McAdams. I was employed by the Salt Lake Chamber and working closely with Mayor-elect Ralph Becker on his transition team. The mayor-elect told me of his intent to bring on a sharp young attorney to oversee government…

Tech vs. Coal. How Can Our State Share the Wealth?

By Natalie Gochnour | 11/23/2018

Originally published in Utah Business. Utah’s Carbon and Emery counties possess immense beauty between the slot canyons of the San Rafael Swell, the rock art in Nine Mile Canyon, beautiful pasturelands, and a historic rail town. However, beautiful scenery isn’t all these counties have to offer; the regions also possess vast coal reserves and a…

Don’t Let The Bozos Grind You Down

By Natalie Gochnour | 10/19/2018

Originally published in Utah Business. We’ve all experienced it: a boss, a coworker, a friend, a family member, or some other person who grinds you down. They use their negative energy to thwart, hurt, offend, or stand in the way of your peace and progress. In extreme cases, you may even struggle to pick up…

Utah and Salt Lake City Policy Innovations

Athena Remarks

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Christmas reminder: Success in life depends on human kindness

Finding peace in God’s love

Singing my mother to heaven