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

RECENT INSIGHTS

Utah’s growing cost of doing business problem

By Natalie Gochnour | 07/20/2017

Originally published in Utah Business. The Utah economy celebrated its eighth anniversary of economic growth in June, the second-longest in state history. Currently, the state economy is creating about 45,000 jobs a year. Unemployment remains low at 3.2 percent and inflation-adjusted wages continue to rise. The nice economic winds have been blowing and business is…

Goodbyes are hard, but they are also meaningful

By Natalie Gochnour | 07/05/2017

Originally published in the Deseret News. For many Utah families, July and August are filled with goodbyes. Sons and daughters leave for school and military academies, LDS missionaries depart on missions and job seekers start fresh opportunities in new towns. In every case, a great thing is happening, but so is a goodbye. I’m not…

Our fight against violent crime begins at home

By Natalie Gochnour | 06/17/2017

Originally published in the Deseret News. It’s been a violent summer in our community and country. A disturbed man gunned down a mother, her sons and another child as they returned home from school. A drunken fight turned into a murder in Murray. A drug bust in the basement of a Cottonwood Heights home revealed…

Major trends with the potential to reshape Utah

By Natalie Gochnour | 06/14/2017

Originally published in Utah Business. Alvin Toffler was a futurist who wrote extensively about the digital revolution. He popularized the term “information overload” and wrote the landmark book Future Shock, which has sold millions of copies and remains in print today. He died last year, but left a legacy of compelling ideas. I thought about him…

How to find happiness this summer

By Natalie Gochnour | 06/01/2017

Originally published in the Deseret News. Summer begins this month, and I find it a good time to recharge my spirit and think about how to approach life. A summer reset helps me refocus my energies, recalibrate my expectations and recommit to a happy life. My mother gave me the gift of optimism. She used…

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