Listen: Utah County Featured in National Radio Reports on Business and Workforce Trends

Utah County’s young workforce, dynamic economy, entrepreneurial spirit, and distinctive culture are the focus of a series of in-depth reports from Marketplace, a nationally broadcast business-focused program from American Public Media, heard on NPR stations nationwide. The reports are part of The Age of Work, a podcast-style series funded by ADP Research. 

Click here to access the full list of featured reports described below. 

“The fact that Marketplace chose to spotlight Utah County is a strong indicator of the significance of the economic activity and growth that are happening here,” said Utah County Communications Manager Richard Piatt. “Everyone who lives in or loves Utah County should take time to listen. Hearing what national experts are saying about the area is impressive—and affirming.” 

There are eight episodes in the series, each about ten minutes long, covering topics such as: 

• The aging U.S. workforce—and how Utah County’s younger population is drawing national attention from those eager to replicate its environment. 
• Utah County’s vibrant entrepreneurship culture 
• How local culture helps attract commerce 
• The challenges and opportunities facing one of the youngest counties in the U.S. 
• A nonprofit supporting immigrants in their personal and professional lives 
• Home-based businesses in Eagle Mountain 
• High schoolers in Eagle Mountain launching and running their own soda shop 
• What Utah County’s economic environment suggests about the future of the national economy

Listen here: [The Age of Work homepage] 

Marketplace selected Utah County in part due to its youthful workforce and because U.S. News & World Report has ranked Utah the “Best State in America” for the third consecutive year. These rankings reflect strengths in fiscal stability, economic opportunity, and infrastructure. 

In an interview with KUER, Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal noted that Utah County’s rapid growth is both exciting and challenging. 

“It’s crowded and getting more crowded,” Ryssdal said. “We went out to Eagle Mountain, where housing development is booming. You can’t turn around without seeing new construction. However, this comes with higher home prices and increased crowding. Cedar Valley High School, for example, opened six years ago with about 1,800 students. Today, it has 3,400. So for all the joys that come with population growth, there are real challenges—like making sure there are enough schools.”