Wilford Clyde was recently recognized as the 44th Giant in Our City by business and community leaders at the Grand America Hotel. The Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest and longest-serving business association, presented the award to Clyde, acknowledging his life as “a builder, not only of highways, bridges, and dams, but of communities.”
The event featured a special dance performance from the Utah Valley University Pacific Island Initiative, directed by the New Zealand American Society, and a video montage of well wishes from business and community leaders throughout the state.
“In my career and in my civic service, I’m grateful for all the good people who come together to make things better,” Clyde said. “With so many individuals who deserve this honor, I am truly humbled. It really does take all of us, working together, through ups and downs, to build community.”
After graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in accounting, Clyde joined the family construction business, Geneva Rock, and eventually rose to become its president. In 2001, Clyde was appointed CEO of Clyde Companies, and later President and Chairman. Since then, the company has witnessed unprecedented growth, dedicated to its mission of Building a Better Community.
Apart from his professional accomplishments, Clyde has held numerous leadership positions in community organizations, including past chair of the Salt Lake Chamber, the Utah State Board of Regents, Utah Manufacturers Association, and the Utah Associated General Contractors. He also served as the president of the Provo/Orem Chamber, the Board of Trustees of Utah Valley University, and the national president of the Brigham Young University Cougar Club. With his roots deeply embedded in the community, Clyde served as a two-term mayor of Springville, where he has lived his entire life.
“We celebrate the contributions of a business and community leader who has done so much for our state,” said Derek Miller, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Wilford not only helped build an enduring company over numerous decades, but gave so much more to the communities he lived in. His example is one of dedication and commitment to Utah values like integrity, service, and family. We could not be more excited to honor him as a ‘Giant in Our City.’”
