At Banterra, we strive to be your financial partner in all aspects of your banking needs, including offering products that fit your unique needs, building strong relationships, and providing support in every way we can to help your business succeed. One of the ways that we show that support is through Banterra’s “Meet The Merchant” blog series, which provides insight into the entrepreneurial journey of some of our business customers and then promoted through our marketing channels. This month we are highlighting Utah Education Association (UEA). Originally founded in 1860 and incorporated in 1911, UEA has been a champion for public education. Continue reading to hear from Jennifer Boehme, Executive Director of UEA and learn more about how this educator-led organization continues to impact generations through advocacy, support, and partnership.

Tell Us About The Utah Education Association

The UEA is a member-driven, member-led association representing over 18,000 public school educators from around the state of Utah. We have members in every public school district with leaders who are elected locally. The UEA Board of Directors is comprised of educators from 11 regions around that state, two statewide directors, and a president and vice president. All of them are currently active public-school educators. Our mission is to advance the cause of public education in partnership with others, strengthen the teaching profession, promote quality schools for all of Utah’s children, and advocate the well-being of members.

Within each of our 11 regions, leaders and staff support members with organizing around issues, advocacy, and negotiations. At the UEA, we offer professional learning on a variety of topics, including a 2-day summer institute. Other programs offer members opportunities to be involved with the legislative process, the political process, social and racial justice, and issue organizing.

The UEA has four strategic goals including:

  1. Social & Racial Justice – Work with members and education community partners to develop and implement social justice programs to disrupt educational inequities caused by institutional racism
  2. Professional Development & Support – Advocate for teaching as a sustainable career
  3. Quality Public Schools – Improve public schools by developing partnerships that lead to better student outcomes while elevating the teaching profession
  4. Organizational Growth & Capacity – Grow our organizational capacity to fulfill our mission for our students and the betterment of public education

What Was The Inspiration Or Motivation In Starting Your Business?

The Utah Education Association (UEA) represents the active, retired, and aspiring public school educators across Utah. The UEA believes in opportunities for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society. Our motto is to have a safe, equitable school for every child.

How Has Your Business Grown Over The Years?

The UEA started with a group of teachers who wanted to organize so they could faithfully perform their “mission to the children committee to their care.” From this initial mission, the UEA has grown to be a recognized name in Utah education and a powerful group of advocates for public education.

What Have You Done To Achieve Such Growth?

The last 12 months have been very successful for the UEA. We completed construction of a new headquarters building on the property we have owned since 1965, moving in the middle of September 2024. The UEA filed a lawsuit against the Utah voucher program, which was ruled unconstitutional in April 2025. The UEA led a campaign against the 2024 constitutional amendment A that would have changed the way public schools are funded. This measure was voided when courts found the legislature had not met language publication requirements. The UEA, in partnership with other organizations in a coalition called Protect Utah Workers, gathered 251,274 valid signatures to put HB267 Public Sector Labor Union Amendments on the ballot.

How Has Banterra Helped Your Business To Become More Successful?

Banterra Bank provided the construction loan for our new headquarters building. As a non-profit organization, other banks did not understand our financial position and how to account for that in the commercial construction and mortgage loan process. Preston Keller, Market Executive and Jeremy Lowry, Regional Market Executive, worked with us to secure that funding. Banterra Bank President, Jeff May visited and toured our old building prior to demolition and our new headquarters after completion. Since then, the UEA has moved our operational bank accounts to Banterra and have felt supported by Sophie Fradelakis, Banking Center Manager.

Additionally, Banterra donated to our new headquarters building and is sponsoring our Superstars in Education awards banquet in September 2025. We appreciate the relationship we have with Banterra Bank.

Staying Connected With The Utah Education Association

Whether you’re an educator, a supporter of public schools, or simply want to learn more about the impact UEA is making in Utah communities, visit their website or their social media pages including Facebook and Instagram.

Choosing Banterra As Your Business Banking Partner

Banterra is proud to support our business customers within our communities over the last 50 years. Whether it is banking products, loan offerings, or treasury management tools, we are dedicated to solutions that fit the unique needs of your business. If you are looking to start or grow your entrepreneurial journey, and need a bank that is truly a partner, connect with our team today.