“We are honoring Blake Roney with the Chamber’s Pillar of the Valley award because of his long-time commitment to build and sustain successful businesses in Utah Valley, and for his involvement in numerous philanthropic and community causes locally and throughout the world,” said John C. Lewis, Chairman of the Utah Valley Chamber Board of Directors. “Blake is a savvy business leader with a huge heart and a great sense of humor. One moment, he is evaluating business plans on the corporate or start-up level, and the next, he’s exploring the best ways to address a community challenge or feed impoverished children around the world. There seems to be no end to the good Blake accomplishes. His fingerprints are all over Utah Valley and across the globe.”
Roney was one of the founders of Nu Skin and served as its president and CEO from its inception in 1984 until 1996, when he took on the chairman position. Today, Nu Skin Enterprises is one of the largest direct-selling companies in the world, and operates in 48 markets throughout the Americas, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
In addition, Roney is a founding member of Nu Skin’s Force for Good Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the lives of children by offering hope for a life free from disease, illiteracy, and poverty. Since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has granted nearly $20 million to life-changing projects that benefit children in more than 50 countries.
Most recently, one of Roney’s investment groups purchased The Shops at Riverwoods in Provo, Utah. Utah’s first open-air mall is now a pedestrian-only shopping, dining, and entertainment center that is geared to Utah Valley families.
“Blake has a real commitment to Utah Valley,” said Steve Densley, President of the Utah Valley Chamber. “His local influence is evident as he takes on just about any project that will make this valley the best possible environment for our families. The side benefit is that his efforts here have great positive impact far beyond the boundaries of our valley.”Roney earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management in 1983. In 2004 he was identified as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Utah by Utah Business Magazine. In 2003 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Salt Lake Community College.
The father of eight children and three grandchildren, Roney serves on several community and university boards and is active in civic and church organizations.
The Pillar of the Valley award will be presented at a gala celebration Friday, March 25, 2011 at the Hinckley Center at Brigham Young University. A reception begins at 6 p.m. with the dinner and program beginning at 7 p.m.
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