The Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Confirmation Committee on a voice vote unanimously recommended Jeremy Andrus to the full Senate for appointment to the Utah Board of Economic Opportunity.

Andrus, appearing remotely, told the committee he was nominated by the governor to replace Brad Bonham as the board member associated with entrepreneurship. "Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate to build and scale businesses as an entrepreneur and as an investor," Andrus said, adding that he had grown and exited one company and later acquired Traeger, which he relocated to Utah.

The nomination hearing focused on Andrus's private-sector experience and how it would inform board work. "I want to help Utah continue to be a magnet for talent, for investment, and for entrepreneurship while safeguarding the culture and values that makes this state special," Andrus said. He listed three strengths he would bring: the perspective of a founder and operator, the insight of an investor, and a personal commitment to the state's economic future.

Committee members asked about Andrus's public-policy experience and priorities. Andrus said he served for about four years on a business advisory board on clean air policy, and he currently serves on the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation board and the World Trade Center of Utah board. He described those roles as involving budgeting, asset oversight and helping businesses navigate global trade.

When asked about trade and tariffs, Andrus said he supports free trade broadly but described recent tariff actions as having been implemented with a pace and magnitude that were difficult for small businesses. He said he and his team had engaged with legislators and federal agencies on tariff calculations and that some adjustments followed those efforts: "We were actually instrumental in changing how a very significant tariff ... was calculated," he said.

On workforce issues, Andrus said he sees technological change — particularly generative artificial intelligence — as the major external force shaping the next decade and urged preparing the next generation with relevant education and training. He also highlighted housing affordability and preserving outdoor amenities as factors that help Utah attract and retain talent.

Senator Bluhin moved to favorably recommend Andrus to the full Senate; the committee approved the motion by voice vote with no recorded roll-call tally. The committee chair closed the item by thanking Andrus for his willingness to serve; the nomination proceeds to the full Senate for confirmation.

Why it matters: The Utah Board of Economic Opportunity advises on strategies to strengthen the state's workforce pipeline, attract employers and support entrepreneurship; a nominee's private-sector experience and views on trade and workforce policy can shape board priorities if confirmed.