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

RECENT INSIGHTS

Engagement is the right path for US-Cuba relations

By Natalie Gochnour | 05/06/2016

Originally published in the Deseret News. This week, a Carnival cruise ship left Miami, crossed the Florida Straits and docked in Havana, Cuba. Over 700 passengers stepped off the ship into a socialist country that has endured a half century of Cold War hostility. If these visitors are anything like me, they left with a…

Crossroads of the West Stand Strong

By Natalie Gochnour | 04/15/2016

Originally published in the Deseret News. About 1,400 small-business owners, entrepreneurs, business executives and community leaders will gather at the Grand America Hotel on Friday for the 10th annual Governor’s Economic Summit. It will be a celebration of sorts, as the Utah economy continues to impress. The Beehive State created nearly 45,000 jobs over the…

Welcoming refugees: Come break bread with us

By Natalie Gochnour | 04/01/2016

Originally published in the Deseret News. “Pull up a seat, you’re welcome at the table, there’s room and abundance for all.” — Peggy Noonan Sometimes I feel like we live in a darkening world. Light is all around us, but each day the flame dims as disheartening events turn us away from the light —…

The Gateway Re-Imagined

By Natalie Gochnour | 03/31/2016

Originally published in Utah Business Magazine. When my daughter got her driver’s license I remember asking her if she could find her way around town. She turned to me with a confident smile and said, “I know how to get to The Gateway.” Her answer spoke volumes. A 16-year-old, newly minted driver, who lived in…

Escaping American politics

By Natalie Gochnour | 03/18/2016

Originally published in the Deseret News. In a clever piece of writing, the Economist magazine said Donald Trump is to public service what professional wrestling is to sport. The magazine’s writers characterized his candidacy as “a suspension of belief for escapists.” They are escaping a Washington, D.C., that doesn’t work anymore. I get it. With…

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