Smith’s brings Geoffrey’s Toy Box back to stores

Smith’s Food & Drug, a division of The Kroger Co., announced a partnership to bring Geoffrey’s Toy Box exclusive brands to nearly 600 Kroger family of stores, including 34 Smith’s stores, for the 2018 holiday season.

“Geoffrey’s Toy Box delivers a unique shopping destination within Kroger stores,” said Kenny Kimball, president of Smith’s Food & Drug Stores, in a press release. “We’re excited to offer Geoffrey’s Toy Box this holiday season to provide our customers with the opportunity to purchase a selection of toys once exclusive to Toys ‘R’ Us.”

Starting this month, Geoffrey’s Toy Box-branded merchandise and displays will appear in participating Smith’s Stores. The selection of 35 children’s toys includes brands like Journey Girls, You & Me and Imaginarium.

Bullfrog Spas to expand headquarters in Utah

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development, also known as GOED, announced Bullfrog Spas will expand their headquarters in Utah, adding up to 150 jobs, $2.2 million in state revenue and an estimated $20 million in capital investment.

“More hot tubs in Utah? Of course we’re thrilled Bullfrog Spas is expanding here!” said Theresa Foxley, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, in a press release. “On a serious note — Bullfrog is an impressive innovator in its product category, and its commitment to keeping jobs in the U.S. is commendable. We’re glad they’re continuing to call Utah home.”

Founded in 1996, Bullfrog Spas is based in Bluffdale, with locations all across the state. They design, manufacture and market hot tubs and outdoor spas.

“As we expand our global distribution, we’re proud to continue to manufacture 100 percent of our products in Utah. We believe in the sustainability of the Utah manufacturing environment and we’re grateful for programs like the Governor’s Office of Economic Development that help organizations like ours to grow even deeper roots in a community that we love and are pleased to call home,” said Jerry Pasley, Bullfrog Spas CEO, in a press release.

As part of the contract with Bullfrog Spas, the GOED Board of Directors has approved a post-performance tax credit rebate not to exceed $334,633. Each year that Bullfrog Spas meet the criteria in its contract with the state, it will earn a portion of the total tax credit rebate.

Mining group announces leadership changes

The Utah Mining Association announced today that President Mark Compton will depart from the association Jan. 15 to pursue new leadership opportunities.

“During Mark’s leadership, the association experienced growth in membership, public education outreach, and industry collaboration,” said Chad Baker, chairman of the board, in a press release. “We are very grateful for Mark’s leadership and service to the Utah Mining Association over the past six years. We wish him the best in his new role and look forward to continuing to grow and expand the association, its positive impact, and public outreach under a new president.”

A search for a new president is underway, and the association’s executive committee and staff are working on a smooth transition.