PHILANTHROPY SHOULD BE INTEGRAL TO BUSINESS: And Utah companies are leading the way.

• Author: Walker, Samuel
• Position: ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Utah is world famous for its generous and hard-working people. In fact, Utah ranks as the most charitable US state, with high rates of volunteering, service, and charitable gifts.

The state's spirit of philanthropy doesn't just come from its charitable residents. Utah's business community has played a major role in establishing Utah's spirit of generosity. James Clarke, founder of Clearlink and one of Utah's most respected philanthropists, thinks this is a significant factor in the continued growth of Utah's business community.

"I think a big part of the economic outlook of any state, but especially here in Utah, is how we as a business community come together and take care of our most vulnerable communities," says Clarke.

Clarke hopes his legacy of giving, which was inspired by business leaders who came before him, will likewise help to inspire other business leaders in the state to consider growing their business with philanthropy as both a means to grow and as a reason for pursuing success from the start.

"It is important to understand that philanthropy is not a destination, but one of the best parts of the journey," says Clarke who, along with his wife Andrea and their family have found their own journey enriched by the relationships they formed through their involvement in various causes. They especially cherish the opportunity to support adults living with disabilities through Central Utah Enterprises at the Labor and Honor Center, non-traditional students and single parents through Utah Valley University and the Stella H. Oaks Foundation, and children fighting through illness and injury with their families at Ronald McDonald House Charities.

In 2020, Andrea and James Clarke sought to formalize their legacy of giving by establishing their family foundation, The Labor and Honor Foundation. They created the foundation to provide financial resources, leadership expertise, and nonprofit insight to organizations that seek to alleviate poverty, increase educational attainment, and expand access to the arts.

In an effort to highlight and encourage the good that is being done in Utah, the Foundation recently implemented its Labor and Honor Award, recognizing remarkable Utah leaders during Utah Philanthropy Day. According to Natalie Okeson, executive director of the Labor and Honor Foundation, "The award recognizes an individual, family, or organization whose dedication to a cause has led to a phenomenal shift, breakthrough, or transformation...