Employer Recognition

13. December 2022


It is a time of year where giving thanks, showing support and setting goals is at the forefront of our thoughts. We can reflect on the progress we’ve made throughout the past year and resolve to take action in the future to work toward prosperity.   

At the Department of Workforce Services, one of our four cornerstones is Community Connection where we commit to “engage with our partners to support opportunities for communities to prosper.” One of the best ways for any community to prosper is advancement in both equality and opportunity for its residents. Workforce Services serves vulnerable populations and employers by strengthening and improving the public workforce system through the programs we provide. 

Equality and opportunity represent one of Gov. Spencer Cox’s six strategic priorities from the One Utah Road Map. As the keynote speaker at Utah’s Business Diversity Summit, Gov. Cox identified economic differences, background issues and disabilities as diversity challenges that must be addressed. He suggested that diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are key to opportunities and prosperity.




In this month’s publication of Workforce Advantage, please join Workforce Services in celebrating Utah employers and individuals recognized throughout the year for deliberate actions to strengthen and improve the workforce by supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.



Golden Key Awards
Every year the Utah Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities in conjunction with Disability:IN and their partners honor individuals and businesses with Golden Key Awards. They recognize those who have helped promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The 2022 Golden Key Award recipients are:
A photo from the Golden Key Awards ceremony. This is the photo of the award winner from SUU DRC and SUU Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative who won the Educator Provider of the year award. There are four people in the photo and they are dressed professionally and appear to be happy.
  • Star Nursery - Small Business of the Year Award
  • Dan Albro and Loveland Living Planet Aquarium - Medium Business of the Year Award
  • Lowe’s - Large Business of the Year Award
  • Kennedy Wahlen - Ace Advocate/Citizen Award
  • Chris Hineman - Ace Employee with a Disability Award
  • Internal Revenue Service - Freedom Award
  • Utah Department of Commerce - ASAP Award
  • Melany Johnson and Canyons School District - Educator Provider Award
  • Susan Hunter, SUU DRC and SUU Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative - Educator Provider Award
HIRE Vets Medallion Award
The Department of Labor recognizes employers for their investment in recruiting, employing and retaining our nation’s heroes. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully meet rigorous criteria in these areas. The Utah employers recognized as Medallion Award recipients for 2022 are:
  • HurtVet Subcontracting - Platinum MedallionTwo circles that resemble medallions or coins. One is blue and gold and the other is blue and silver. There is a slight red outline. Each of the circles say U.S. Department of Labor and Hire Vets, and have a silhouette of an eagle on them. The one that is blue and gold says Gold Award and the one that is silver and blue says Platinum Award.
  • Maise Technology - Gold Medallion
  • The Arbinger Institute - Gold Medallion
  • The Emfield Team - Realitypath - Gold Medallion 
  • Gauss Management Research and Engineering GMRE, Inc. - Gold Medallion
Apprenticeship Utah Awards
Gov. Cox declared Nov. 14-20, 2022 National Apprenticeship Week in Utah. At the Apprenticeship Summit on Nov. 15, Rich Thorn, President and CEO of Associated General Contractors, was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his support of registered apprenticeships in Utah. Additionally, Apprenticeship Champion Awards were presented to individuals and employers for helping to expand apprenticeship programs.
A photo from the awards ceremony during the Apprentice Utah Summit. This one is for Rich Thorn, president of Associated General Contractors, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Rich Thorn, President and CEO of Associated General Contractors - Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Mountainland Technical College - Outstanding Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor
  • Hunt Electric - Outstanding Registered Apprenticeship Employer
  • Peter Fuller, Workflow Academy - Registered Apprenticeship Champion
  • Dery Guillen, Okland Construction - Registered Apprenticeship Champion
  • Ty Stark, Hogan & Associates Construction - Outstanding Registered Apprentice
As we recognize these award recipients and celebrate their commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, let’s resolve to increase equality, opportunity and prosperity every year. Workforce Services is ready to partner in your plan of action. Contact a Workforce Development Specialist in your area to find out more about how we can support your business.

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