June 26, 2025
Hi Team Commerce,
It was great seeing you all in person for our One Commerce Meeting. I wanted to take this opportunity to share some key updates and express my gratitude for your hard work and dedication.
Highlighting the Division of Real Estate’s Accomplishments
I would like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding initiatives implemented by the Division of Real Estate (DRE), which were unfortunately left out of the Governor’s video shared during this week’s One Commerce meeting. Their dedicated efforts deserve our acknowledgment. Over the past fiscal year, DRE has made significant strides in reprioritizing and streamlining its investigative processes, resulting in a more efficient resolution of cases. This has not only reduced processing times but has also enhanced overall accountability within the division.
Here are some additional highlights:
- Appraiser Mentorship Program: DRE is launching an Appraiser Mentorship Program to enhance appraiser practices and prevent compliance issues through valuable guidance and support. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation and practical regulatory solutions.
- Reducing Barriers for Licensees: In an effort to dismantle unnecessary barriers for licensees, DRE successfully collaborated with the Mortgage Commission to remove an educational requirement inconsistent with other states and lacking clear justification.
- Property Management Rulemaking: DRE is actively coordinating efforts for the Real Estate Commission’s Property Management Rulemaking Committee, ensuring the policy development process remains on track, relevant, and clear.
We appreciate the DRE’s ongoing commitment to fostering trust, upholding fairness, and boosting commerce in Utah.
Celebrating the State of Utah Leadership Certification Program Graduates
Congratulations to Laurel North, Bryan Cowley, Glen Minson, and Scott Whittaker for completing the intensive State of Utah Leadership Certification program. This prestigious program brings together leaders from all state agencies to foster collaboration and develop advanced leadership skills. Their dedication and hard work throughout this demanding course are outstanding, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment to professional growth and excellence.
Recognizing Our Exemplary Employees
I am thrilled to spotlight several outstanding individuals who exemplify our core values of Continuous Improvement, Diligence, Accountability, Professionalism, Unity of Purpose, Shared Knowledge, Collaboration, and Mutual Support. Please join me in congratulating the following exemplary employees:
- Kellie Cragun, Corporations
- John Davis, Securities
- Carolyn Dennis, Admin
- Sean Fuller, Securities
- Jenae Luthi, Admin
- Charlie Vandel, Corporations
Their dedication is crucial to our success, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.
Pay for Performance (P4P) Reminder
Our Pay for Performance and Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) are coming in the next few weeks. DHRM recently informed us that the compensation will actually be available in the August 1 paycheck, not the July 18 paycheck, as previously stated in the One Commerce meeting. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and hard work.
- 2.5% COLAs will go into effect on July 1.
- We are also providing a P4P one-time incentive to employees who have received ratings of successful, exceeds expectations, or exemplary, which will average 2% for the one-time payment.
- Please remember that eligibility for a P4P award requires at least one year of service at Commerce.
Hybrid Work Updates Effective July 1
Our updated hybrid work arrangements and parking are effective July 1.
- New Telework Agreement: All telework employees must sign an updated Hybrid Work Agreement and return it to their direct supervisor, even if their schedules do not change.
- Transit Pass Parking & Incentive: There’s an incentive of $100 for transit pass use during FY26 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). Please notify your supervisor by June 30th to be eligible for this incentive. Additionally, transit pass parking will be available on Fridays in a first-come, first-served (FCFS) area on P2 without a permit.
- Parking Permits: Please make sure you have your new parking permit. If you have not yet received one, please contact your division.
- P2 Lot FCFS Permits are valid for designated red zone areas on the map. Please note that parking is not allowed in the Labor Commission, DWS Metro, P1, or unauthorized P2 spots, and overnight parking is not permitted.
- Reserved Permits are for DWS Metro, P1, and P2 Senior Leadership; those with reserved permits should not park in FCFS areas.
Embracing Design Thinking
During the One Commerce Meeting, keynote speaker Jefferson Moss, Executive Director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, emphasized innovative problem-solving through Design Thinking. This human-centered approach focuses on understanding user needs to develop effective solutions and follows a process of empathizing, defining the problem, ideating, prototyping, and testing. Design Thinking is vital for several reasons:
- User Focus: It ensures solutions are relevant and valuable.
- Innovation: Promotes creativity through experimentation and diverse perspectives.
- Refinement: Enhances products and services to better meet user needs.
- Collaboration: Unites diverse viewpoints for effective problem-solving.
- Business Success: Improved solutions lead to greater customer satisfaction and business performance.
Ultimately, Design Thinking allows us to create meaningful solutions that resonate with Utahns and align with our GRIT initiative. Thank you for your commitment to these goals as we work together towards continued success.
Warm regards,
Margaret Busse
