This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1945, the Utah Foundation is a nonprofit research organization that provides clear, nonpartisan analysis and publishes yearly reports to help Utahns and policymakers better understand the issues shaping our state’s future. President Shawn Teigen, joins us with more.
Shawn Teigen:
The Utah Foundation’s 2025 signature project was the Social Capital Index. That project culminated in finding that Utah has very high social capital. But what is social capital? It refers to the ways people use networks and social connections to benefit both themselves and their communities.
For example, maintaining relationships with coworkers as they move into new positions can keep you up-to-date in the industry, maybe place your child in an internship or even give you a leg up in finding a better job yourself.
Maintaining relationships with your business is just as important. If you are Garbett Homes, for instance, your concrete suppliers might be Staker Parson, and your lumber supplier might be SunPro. The strength of these bonds is what social capital is all about.
Finally, at the Utah Foundation, we see the Salt Lake Chamber as part of our social network. We see the Chamber as part of our team, with both of us benefiting from this relationship at the end of the day.
Derek Miller:
The Social Capital Index highlights how strong relationships drive opportunity and economic growth across Utah. Understanding these connections helps communities thrive. Explore the findings at UtahFoundation.org. I’m Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.
