Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development

Mayor Mendenhall and The Whale were invited to our Sister City, Matsumoto, Japan, as part of the celebration of our 65-year friendship! This milestone highlights the bond between our two cities. To learn more about the program visit https://lnkd.in/gzY7YZxS. And thank you to Mike Murdock and Stephen Kesler for helping create this incredible miniature model!

We visited Pib’s Exchange with Mayor Mendenhall, one of the many fantastic businesses featured on the Shop Sugar House Savings Pass! Sign up for the Savings Pass at www.ShopSugarHouse.org to unlock discounts and deals from a variety of Sugar House businesses. Are you a Sugar House business interested in joining the pass? Email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist! #shoplocal #shopslc

Yesterday, Economic Development, along with one of our divisions, the Salt Lake Arts Council, hosted a panel on the importance of integrating artists, arts organizations, and creative industries into development projects in the city. Thank you to our panelists, J. Steven Price, Mayor Mendenhall, Smock and Roll, and City Council Chair Victoria Petro, for taking the time to share your valuable insights. And thank you to our moderator, Russel Roots from the Utah Film Center, and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art for providing the beautiful space. Together, we can foster a community that thrives economically and culturally through the power of art. ??

We visited Stryker Neurovascular with Mayor Mendenhall! They are a global leader in medical technologies and their neurovascular division is focused on advancing the practice of less invasive stroke therapies. Incredible innovations are happening right here in Salt Lake! #TechLakeCity

This week, our team, along with the Mayor’s Office, had the privilege of welcoming members of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Representatives from Finland, Italy, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Poland, Portugal, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and South Africa joined us for discussions on inclusive leadership, the important contributions of women in leadership, public safety, and the rich cultural diversity of Salt Lake City. A heartfelt thank you to Utah Global Diplomacy for facilitating this important exchange of ideas!

ACDBE... No, we didn't get the alphabet wrong! We're talking about the?Airport?Concessions?Disadvantaged?Business?Enterprise- a program that supports small businesses across the country. On October 16, SLC is hosting "Outreach 24"- our annual event for business owners who are interested in working with the airport. We'll be sharing more about this amazing initiative at SLC so stay tuned!

We stopped by Suazo Business Center with Mayor Mendenhall! They are a non-profit economic development and business resource center committed to the empowerment of the Latino / Hispanic and other underserved members of our community. Their focus is on helping minority entrepreneurs start their own small businesses, or helping existing minority business owners grow their businesses to the next level of success.

Congratulations to Atim Atte Enyenihi, Ph.D., one of our outstanding team members, for receiving the Women Tech Council Tech Accelerator Award! The Women Tech Council is a national organization focused on the economic impact of women driving high growth in the technology sector. Dr. Enyenihi serves as the Technology and Innovation Strategic Advisor in the Department of Economic Development, where she oversees our Tech Lake City initiative, which aims to position Salt Lake City as a premier hub for technology and innovation.

We had the opportunity to visit Square Kitchen with Mayor Mendenhall and engage in a discussion with three incredible leaders in our community to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month and reflect on the vital contributions of our Hispanic and Latino neighbors. Ana Valdemoros, former City Council Member and founder of Square Kitchen; Maria Garciaz, CEO of NeighborWorks; and Eduardo Baca Cuenca, Consul General of Mexico in Salt Lake City, each bring unique perspectives and energy to our city. Together, we explored how to continue building a more inclusive, supportive Salt Lake City where all voices are heard and celebrated.

It’s National Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us as we feature Latino/Hispanic leaders, artists, businesses, and organizations that are an important part of our diverse SLC community. With a rich history of fostering artistic expression, Marla Love has dedicated more than 12 years to cultivating enriching art experiences. Now, with the launch of Art Heart SLC, she is taking her passion for art to new heights. Art Heart SLC is a new art venue in Salt Lake City, located in the heart of the Maven District, and founded by Marla alongside her talented daughters, Naeemah and Jaseena. Marla Love is also a craft artist for the Living Traditions Festival and strives to create spaces “where hearts and art meet.”