Provo Is Filled With Exceptional People

When the groundhog predicted more winter and March came in like a lion, Provo Advantage hibernated. Blame Phil! But as we shiver towards March’s “lamb” exit, we’re excited to bring you our jam-packed, better-late-than-never, ‘Spring is almost here’ March edition.

We launched 2023 by highlighting my new vision statement “Exceptional Care for an Exceptional Community.” A lofty goal, to be sure, and one that can only be achieved with the help of many exceptional individuals dedicating exceptional effort by many exceptional individuals. Luckily, Provo is filled with exceptional people who are truly making a difference and we are proud to highlight a few.

Melissa Sevy, Founder of Ethik

I was recently at an event where each attendee received a unique gift at their table. What grabbed the attention of all was that it wasn’t the usual and forgettable trinket often provided. Instead, these gifts were curated from artisans around the world by a Provo company, Ethik.

Founder Melissa Sevy’s vision is to showcase crafts from over 2,000 artisans in impoverished parts of the world providing the much-needed opportunity for these artisans to earn living wages for their art. In bringing the beauty of the world to Provo, Melissa is enriching more lives than we can ever know.

Mayor Kaufusi and Friends

Knowing the importance of community leaders in achieving our exceptional standard, I invited several stand-out individuals to join me on-stage during the State of the City event aptly named, “An Exceptional Evening with Mayor Kaufusi and Friends.” Our Provo ‘friends’ were specifically chosen because they are valued community partners who provide exemplify Provo’s mission statement.

To see my speech, follow this link – https://youtu.be/M931rv3ONMY

To see Bill Hulterstrom’s speech, follow this link – https://youtu.be/PrBjc88R8Sw

To see Carrie Jenkins’s speech, follow this link – https://youtu.be/KKMCWh5Czw0

To see Chad Linebough’s speech, follow this link – https://youtu.be/rd371J84NWY

To see Norm Wrights’s speech, follow this link – https://youtu.be/mm-ezpng26U

Provo Advantage By The Numbers

Origin stories are always interesting—with Provo being the seedbed for creativity now known worldwide. Check it our by the numbers to see what we mean?

Exceptional Individuals Help Make an Exceptional Community

Still looking for more exceptional Provo news? Our White Paper gives you a satisfying deep dive into more of the exceptional people in Provo and their continuing contributions.

Download White Paper

Provo City Fire Chief Announces Retirement

After serving four decades in fire service, Provo City Fire Chief James Miguel announced his upcoming retirement today, effective May 11, 2023.

Chief Miguel was hired as Provo City’s fire chief in October 2016 after devoting more than 30 years in the California fire service, where he also served as a fire chief.

“More than six years ago, I came to Provo to find the most caring, service-oriented group of men and women I could ever imagine,” said Miguel. “We have laughed together, cried together, and I have watched them care for this community with love, compassion, and great skill.”

Under Miguel’s leadership, Provo City built its first new fire station in 20 years (Station 22) and is in the planning stages for a new downtown station to replace the seismically unsound Station 21.

“Provo is a wonderful community that has supported our work and shown their appreciation in every way possible,” said Miguel. “I’m so grateful for the trust shown by our residents as they came together in support of a much-needed public safety center and the replacement of Fire Station 22.”

“As the fire chief, the support I have received from Mayor Kaufusi and the Provo City Council is unparalleled,” said Miguel. “Not only did Mayor Kaufusi ensure we have the best facilities, equipment, and support services to care for our personnel, but under her caring leadership, we also implemented a mental wellness program for all police and fire personnel.”

During a Zoom call to fire stations, Chief Miguel personally announced his retirement, with he and Mayor Michelle Kaufusi also notifying of the succession of Deputy Fire Chief Jeremy Headman, who will serve as interim chief for 12 weeks.

Chief Miguel has passionately served our community, becoming far more than a ‘fire chief’—he has become a trusted and dear friend. His loyalty and love to his team and Provo City is beyond measure and is directly attributable to our continued public safety success.

His dedication to public safety infrastructure, with the completion and planned constructionof two new stations, is the fulfillment of a promise to residents. Under Miguel’s leadership, Provo firefighters are better equipped—and Provo residents are safer.

Upon Miguel’s official retirement on May 11, 2023, Deputy Fire Chief Jeremy Headman will act as interim fire chief. Headman was promoted to deputy fire chief in January 2017, after serving the Provo City Fire Department for 28 years.

Chief Headman is honored and humbled at the opportunity to serve the community and members of the Provo Fire Department.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside Chief Miguel for the past 6 years. He has been a great mentor and friend,” said Headman. “I have a great love for Provo City and Provo Fire Department. We have accomplished a lot over the past 6 years and with our amazing staff and the best firefighters in the state, we will accomplish even more over the next 6 years.”

Happy International Women's Day!

Happy International Women’s Day! Here are some pictures from our Provo celebration. And if you missed our live broadcast, you can still watch the replay here.

This year’s theme of ‘Happiness Through Hope and Healing’ is both timely and necessary. After the COVID-19 pandemic, a Utah State University study found that women’s health was disproportionally impacted, with nearly one-third of respondents identifying mental health as a concern.

Each one of us is going through our own personal battles, but there is hope and healing as we all support each other on our journey to happiness!

To our incredible speakers, volunteers, sponsors, staff, and participants, THANK YOU!