Summit focuses on innovation to enhance rural Utah economy

Speakers and participants at what organizers touted as the longest-running rural development conference in the nation focused on “innovation through entrepreneurism and partnership” during the recent 2019 Utah Rural Summit in Cedar City. Utah politicians, business owners, educators and students gathered in the Hunter Conference Center at Southern Utah University for the networking and development event. More than 500 attended the event, doubling last year’s attendance.{mprestriction ids="1,3"}

During the final day of the summit, Gov. Gary Herbert stressed the need for innovative thinking to help rural Utah economically catch up with the rest of the state. The governor promoted the annual summit as an event that allows leaders from around the state to converge and find new ways to grow rural Utah’s economic base. 

“We’re finding suggestions and counsel in determining what we can do differently and what will produce better outcomes,” said Herbert. “This coming-together and sharing of ideas is really an important aspect of saying, ‘Here’s where we are today but here’s where we want to be tomorrow.’”

During the opening day of the summit, the Utah Department of Workforce Services, the Salt Lake Chamber and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah signed a memorandum of understanding encouraging companies to identify remote employment opportunities and to fill those jobs with workers in rural communities. 

One example of innovation was given by Southern Utah University President Scott L. Wyatt, who touted the recent decision to lower the cost of SUU’s online degree program, giving non-traditional students more of an opportunity to graduate from college.

“Some innovation is simply a solution looking for a problem,” said Wyatt. “Where we make the real difference is innovation that solves big problems. That’s where we should place our focus.”

The conference offered a number of presentations and networking for participants, including the event’s first SpeedPitch competition for local entrepreneurs. The competition was meant to support business ideas in the early stages that have high potential to grow and help the community, organizers said.

Judges heard pitches from 60 entrepreneurs during the first day and narrowed the group to 10 finalists. Each business was given three minutes to present its purpose, products and needs for a chance to win part of more than $10,000 in prizes. Finalists presented ideas ranging from locally made candles for a cause to “Tinder for Dogs.”

Each of the eight judges was given two votes, reserving one of  Herbert’s votes for the “Governor’s Choice Award.” Businesses got to choose prizes for each vote received. A $1,000 Business Growth Award, $500 Flexible Use Award and $750 Audience Choice Award were some of the available prizes. 

Mike and LeeAnn Adams of Parowan finished first, receiving six of the 16 votes and the Audience Choice Award for their app, dubbed “Mad Freight.” Mad Freight, which Herbert called an “Uber for freight,” matches drivers with businesses needing freight delivered.

Judges awarded Joshua Price, an assistant professor of economics and finance at SUU, two of the 16 votes and the Governor’s Choice Award for his “Build-A-Course” pitch that would significantly reduce textbook costs for students.{/mprestriction}