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

RECENT INSIGHTS

Why this Middle East trip can make Utah the ‘Crossroads of the World’

By Natalie Gochnour | 09/23/2022

Originally published in the Deseret News. Editor’s Note: Natalie Gochnour, David Eccles School of Business Associate Dean and Deseret News contributor, traveled with a delegation of business and community leaders on a trade mission led by the World Trade Center Utah to Israel and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Here is an insider’s look at what…

Athena Remarks

By Natalie Gochnour | 11/19/2021

Prepared remarks by Natalie Gochnour upon receiving the 2021 Athena recognition. I want to thank the Salt Lake Chamber – Gary Porter, Derek Miller, Heidi Walker, the Board of Governors, and Utah business leaders – for this honor. I also want to thank my fellow Athenas, especially Molly, Linda, Chris, Deborah, Pat, and Peggy, for…

Here are reasons why Utah should host another olympics

By Natalie Gochnour | 07/29/2021

Originally published in the Deseret News. As the Tokyo Olympics take center stage, it’s natural for Utahns so ask, “Why should Utah do this again?” I think the answer is simple: Approximately a million people who live in Utah today were not here in 2002. That’s nearly one in every three residents. I want all…

Here’s why data and dialogue are the key to improving equity, diversity and inclusion

By Natalie Gochnour | 05/12/2021

Originally published in the Deseret News. Ninety minutes. That’s all it took. I gained a deeper understanding of how data informs an elected official’s thought process regarding racial and ethnic disparities in Utah. He, in turn, reviewed the data and considered how he might incorporate this data into policymaking. Both of us acknowledged the importance…

Utah has a new governor. The nation can learn from his civility

By Natalie Gochnour | 01/08/2021

Originally published in the Deseret News. Interstate 15 south from Salt Lake City to St. George always looks familiar to a native Utahn like me. What was less familiar this weekend as I drove south to attend Utah’s inauguration ceremony was the digital highway signs that read: “Thank you Gov Herbert. Safe travels.” I passed…

Utah and Salt Lake City Policy Innovations

Athena Remarks

Here are reasons why Utah should host another olympics

Christmas reminder: Success in life depends on human kindness

Finding peace in God’s love

Singing my mother to heaven