The Utah Best of State Awards recognize outstanding organizations, businesses and individuals in Utah. Awards are given based on demonstrated excellence in a chosen field of endeavor, innovation and creativity and contributions to a higher quality of life in Utah. Silverado Senior Living’s Aspen Park Community (disclosure: Goldman client) took home the award for Best Assisted Living Facility.

An interesting article in Marketing Daily discusses the results of a new study conducted by Focalyst that shows baby boomers as less “brand loyal” than previous generations. The Me Generation is more willing to switch brands when it comes to home goods and technology providers, but less willing to change their insurance or banking preferences.

A web site aimed at employees of assisted-living communities, residents and their families is up and running, soliciting what it terms ways to improve facilities.

“The Campaign to Improve Assisted Living” is a coalition including the Service Employees International Union, caregivers, residents, their families and others described as senior advocates. According to the coalition’s web site, www.improveassistedliving.org, “when homes fail to live up to their promises” of providing high quality, safe housing and services at a price that represents good value, “we need to unite to make sure the companies that run them are held accountable.”

The coalition is asking employees of assisted-living communities, along with residents and their families to use the web site to reveal instances of inadequate training, low morale, high turnover and violations of standards and regulations.

Besides the Union, coalition members include the Older Women’s League, Gray Panthers and Interfaith Worker Justice.