Raising Kane Business Summit returns to Kanab on January 9

The Raising Kane Business Summit re­turns to Kanab on Fri­day, January 9, 2026, bringing together local business owners, non­profit leaders, elected officials and regional partners for a full day focused on what lies ahead for Kane County’s economy. The annual event will be held at the Kanab Event Center and is designed to reflect the full geographic and economic diversity of the county.

This year’s theme, “New Tricks for ’26,” centers on adapting to change, whether that means shifting tour­ism patterns, work­force challenges, in­frastructure planning or finding new ways for small businesses to stay competitive. Organizers say the summit is intended to help participants start the year informed, connected and better pre­pared for the months ahead.

The day begins with a buffet breakfast ca­tered by Parry Lodge at 7:30 a.m., followed by the start of the main program at 8:30 a.m. Time for networking and visiting the exhibi­tor area is scheduled throughout the day, including following meals, a mid-day snack break and again at the close of the event, giving attendees mul­tiple opportunities to connect with speakers, sponsors and fellow business owners.

The speaker lineup includes a mix of local voices and statewide perspectives, with rep­resentation from the Valley, Duck Creek and Fredonia areas. Trent Staggs, a Utah Region Advocate with the U.S. Small Busi­ness Administration, will serve as the key­note speaker, offering a broader look at small business resources, trends and opportuni­ties.

Presenters include Craig Embley of the Buckskin Tavern, Kane County Commis­sioner Celeste Mey­eres, Kanab City Man­ager Kyler Ludwig and Janette Peatross with the Kane Coun­ty Office of Tourism. Also scheduled are Ca­mille Johnson from the Utah Office of Tourism, Shannon Henderson of Thunderbird Resort and Kourtney Mil­lard of Zion Fuel Up and The Shop Coffee Company, bringing a range of perspectives from hospitality, tour­ism and locally owned retail and service busi­nesses in the area.

Duck Creek will be represented by Ashley Romero and Sam At­kinson of Hot Mama’s Pizza and Brew, offer­ing insight from one of the county’s sea­sonal, tourism-driven mountain communi­ties. Organizers say that balance is inten­tional, reflecting how interconnected Kane County’s communities have become and how business challenges and opportunities of­ten cross geographic lines.

Live music is planned during the event, with singer-songwriter Eric Sims listed as perform­ing.

Tickets, exhibitor information and addi­tional details about the schedule and speakers are available at raisingkanesummit.com. Organizers encourage early registration, not­ing that the event has continued to grow and draw participants from across the region.