Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson led a panel discussion focused on global partnerships and rural prosperity during the One Utah Summit held in Cedar City on Aug. 4, 2026. The summit brought together leaders from rural Utah and international businesses to discuss how strong personal and professional connections benefit local main streets and international markets alike.
Building Economic Trust
During the summit, Henderson emphasized the importance of relationship-building in commerce. According to a press release from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Henderson spoke with leaders from rural Utah and international businesses to explore how strong connections benefit all participants. She noted that from local main streets to international markets, people choose to do business with people they trust, suggesting that old-fashioned relationships remain vital in a modern economy.
Leadership and Speakers
Governor Spencer Cox also addressed the assembly, telling attendees, "You're what's right in Utah." The summit featured a wide array of high-profile speakers, including Utah First Lady Abby Cox and several state officials. Other notable participants included Southern Utah University President Mindy Benson and various leaders from the Utah Inland Port Authority, including Board Chair Abby Osborne and Managing Director Natalie Randall.
Diverse Summit Discussions
The summit included several specialized breakout sessions and presentations covering diverse economic and social topics. On Aug. 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy and Redge Johnson, deputy director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, participated in a discussion regarding the management of public lands and natural resources. On the same day, Southern Utah University President Mindy Benson and Brad Wilson, CEO of Utah 2034, discussed the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympic Games.
Innovation and Branding
On Aug. 5, 2026, the summit addressed the intersection of technology and economy. A presentation featured Jefferson Moss of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Margaret Busse of the Utah Department of Commerce, which included a slide regarding Utah's recently announced "Pro-Human AI Initiative." Additionally, Eric Leavitt, CEO of the Leavitt Group, delivered a presentation titled "In the Same Boat." Other sessions on this date included a discussion on elevating Utah's tourism branding and a panel titled "Convergence: How the Experience, Creative, and Innovation Economies will Shape Opportunity for Utahns."
Infrastructure and Logistics
Infrastructure and logistics were also central themes of the conference. On Aug. 6, 2026, Eric Gehringer, executive vice president of operations for Union Pacific, spoke about the railroad's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern. Gehringer noted that the move would create the nation's first transcontinental railroad spanning "ocean to ocean." Another session on Aug. 6, 2026, involved Tim Davis, David Shallenberger, Sebastian Abril, and Zach Renstrom, who discussed permitting reform.
Recognizing Service
The summit also honored long-term service within the state's community. On Aug. 5, 2026, Lauri Garfield, who has managed scheduling and related responsibilities for the Rural Utah Summit for 28 of the past 39 years, received a distinguished service award. She was joined on stage by both Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and Gov. Spencer Cox to accept the honor.
Summit Impact
The One Utah Summit served as a multifaceted platform for economic and social dialogue. From discussions on the 2034 Olympics to deep dives into the logistics of transcontinental railroads and the impact of AI, the event connected state officials like Henderson and Cox with industry leaders and community organizers to discuss the future of Utah's prosperity.
