Pioneer Day is a State Holiday in Utah celebrating the arrival of the pioneers into Utah’s Salt Lake Valley in July 1847. Fireworks, parades, and family gatherings are held each year commemorating this event. Utah is not unique in its pioneer heritage – in fact, immigrants have been (and still are!) a vital part of what make the United States of America a diverse place to live. Immigrants have flocked to the shores of America since it’s founding – many being greeted by the familiar Statue of Liberty.
‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…’ the statue proclaims. Immigrants from all backgrounds have stood on the shores of a free America and heaved a sigh of relief and looked forward to the future with bated anticipation.
Utah is “Home Sweet Home” to immigrants from a variety of countries, and more immigrants continue to come. IT IS EXCITING! It is just one reason that Utah is the fourth fastest-growing state in the US, with a population that has more than doubled in the past forty years. The population’s racial and ethnic minorities make up more than 20% of its total, and for example, our Tongan population is the biggest in the United States outside of Tonga. What does this mean for business? And the insurance industry, in particular? How can we best help the transition to the American way of life?
There are new laws, a new educational system, new customs, and new ways of trying to establish roots. It is a hard learning curve without help, but there are organizations and companies—ourselves and our clients among them—that are in a position to help these “tempest-tossed” individuals. We strive to help refugees build their foundations and we see the work that our insurance partners do as another buffer to help ease their transition into this new life.
Because of these ‘modern-day pioneers’, diversity of religion, political opinion, sexual orientation, and different lifestyles abound. Every day, Utahns can experience new foods, new customs, and new personalities, all while living life the way they want to, for themselves.
This diversity is what happens when you live in a nation where you can “breathe free”. We are proud to support that worthy ideal and would love to help your company build a diverse and exciting team. It’s what we are best at.
Take a breath. Isn’t it wonderful?