SPECIAL EDITION
“ Our culture gave our businesses a competitive advantage .” – Steve Starks
In February 2020 , Gail Miller was honored by Ford and Lincoln on February 14 , at the 2020 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Expo as a recipient of their Salute to Dealers award . This recognition praises dealers with significant charitable impact in their communities .
“ They are the face of Ford and Lincoln in communities around the world , and today we are happy to applaud their commitment and dedication to building stronger , healthier , more connected communities ,” said Edsel B . Ford II , chair of the Salute to Dealers awards program and member of the Ford board of directors .
In September 2020 , the Utah Foundation held its annual luncheon in conjunction with its 75th Anniversary Celebration . As part of the celebration , Gail Miller was presented with the organization ’ s 2020 Insight Award . Utah Foundation ’ s mission is to produce objective , thorough , and well-reasoned research and analysis that promotes the effective use of public resources , a thriving economy , a wellprepared workforce , and a high quality of life for Utahns .
A month later , Utah Business magazine and Living Color Utah presented the second annual
Living Color Gala — a night to honor those individuals who have made it their mission to attract and foster diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the state of Utah . The nominees were recommended and voted upon by members of the state ’ s six diverse chambers of commerce and Utah Business .
Gail Miller was among the 22 individuals , businesses , and organizations honored at the event . She was selected as a leader in the area of diversity and supporting community change .
Thurl Bailey , former Utah Jazz player and current pre- and post-game broadcast analyst , accepted the award on Gail ’ s behalf . Thurl shared his experience of coming from a very diverse community to a very different one when he joined the Utah Jazz , in 1983 . It was so different that he wasn ’ t sure he wanted to stay . During his second season with the team , Larry and Gail Miller became part owners of the team — and full owners a year later . Their caring natures and their involvement with the team and with him personally changed his heart and his desire to stay . He encouraged the audience to model the example set by the Millers in being welcoming , focused on the community , and committed to making a difference . For more than three decades , Thurl has contributed significantly to the Jazz , the LHM Group , and the community at large .
Gail wasn ’ t alone in being honored . Each spring , Utah Business recognizes the top CEOs from across the state for their vision and leadership . “ During the past 12 months , every business has felt the strain of dealing with the new normal . But these CEOs have not only pulled their company through the hardship of a pandemic but they ’ ve also dedicated themselves to overcoming the challenge and boldly going where no CEO has gone before .” Steve Starks was selected as one of the notable CEOs of the year .
Like many companies in Utah and across the country , the LHM Group , adapted and evolved during the early weeks and months of the pandemic . Instead of hunkering down , the Group embraced technology and innovation to navigate the economic downturn . It leaned on experienced leadership , communicated regularly to its workforce , and valued its employees and customers .
“ Our culture was tested , but our culture gave us a competitive advantage ,” Starks said . “ In a moment of change or uncertainty , the ability to communicate clearly really helped us get through those challenging months , and people could hear directly from Gail Miller and be reassured that we ’ ll get through this .”
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