The Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest and longest-standing statewide business association, held its Small Business Summit on Friday and honored four small businesses.
The half-day conference, titled Ignite & Inspire, and held at the Salt Lake City Marriott University Park Hotel, provided small business owners, managers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to come together, learn new tools, gain practical skills and make invaluable connections to help support the growth and success of small business in Utah.
Those in attendance had the opportunity to visit several breakout sessions featuring topics such as strategic planning, marketing and sales, finding and retaining talent, and more.
“Small businesses are the beating heart of Utah’s economy and vitally important to the Salt Lake Chamber. Not only do these entrepreneurial men and women make up nearly 75percent of our membership, but they are also the driving force behind our state’s economic success,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance. “Small businesses employ more than 557,000 people — nearly half of Utah’s private workforce. The Salt Lake Chamber is proud to recognize their work and honor those small business owners who are making a difference.”
This year’s honorees include:
Small Business of the Year – LUX Catering & Events
LUX is a family of designers, artisans, and epicureans with a lifetime of combined expertise. Founded in 1995, LUX is built on passion and an unwavering commitment to excellence. They take a boutique approach to event production, including creating customized menus featuring the freshest of ingredients. LUX is your destination for incredible, cutting-edge events.
Veteran Owned Business of the Year – Hamlet Homes
Hamlet Homes is committed to providing homebuyers with quality, customer-oriented townhomes and single-family homes located in attractively designed neighborhoods in northern Utah. The Hamlet Companies will celebrate 25 years in business this April, and as of this year, Hamlet has developed over 3,600 homes in 60 communities and Hamlet Development Corporation has developed over 4,500 lots for Hamlet Homes and other builders. Hamlet’s motto is: Great Homes, Great People, Great Experience.
Entrepreneur of the Year – Beddy’s
Inspired by the struggle of keeping her twin boys’ beds tidy, Betsy created a zippered bedding prototype and navigated a 2014 Kickstarter campaign launching Beddy’s with $108K raised in 40 days. From simple designs and limited sizes, Beddy’s zippered bedding is now offered in designer fabrics and patterns available in sizes from toddler to
king beds. Beddy’s is available online and in 16 RC Willey stores. Beddy’s growth has been recognized as one of Mountain West Capital’s Emerging Elite in 2017 and just 4 years after launch, in 2018, Beddy’s was named #270 on Inc’s 5000 after demonstrating a four-year growth of 2,610%. The Inc. 5000 list also revealed that Beddy’s ranked #9 as one of the 10 fastest-growing private companies in Utah.
Small Business Champion – The Enterprise – Utah’s Business Journal
The Enterprise – Utah’s Business Journal is about business and for business. Delivering up-to-date, relevant, actionable business news, covering industries such as finance, transportation, construction, energy, and real estate, The Enterprise’s news content is unique. Their goal for the last 48 years is to rapidly inform so that businesses can take immediate steps to grow, enhance and protect their business.
This year’s Small Business Summit: Ignite & Inspire Keynote Speaker was Sarah Calhoun, founder and owner of Red Ants Pants. Tired of wearing men’s work pants that didn’t fit, Calhoun designed pants that would fit, function and flatter working women. Red Ants Pants are made in the USA and that will not change. Red Ants Pants is based out of White Sulphur Springs, Montana where the storefront, distribution center, and international headquarters all reside in a historic saddle shop. Calhoun has become an inspiration to entrepreneurs nationwide and is known for her dedication to supporting rural communities.
For more information on the Small Business Summit: Ignite & Inspire, visit https://slchamber.com/smlbizsummit/
