Unity. Collaboration. Representation. Utah’s businesses have always grown stronger when they work together — and now that teamwork is reaching a new level.
At its 138th Annual Meeting on Sept. 25, the Salt Lake Chamber announced the creation of the Utah Chamber. This new statewide organization will bring together local chambers of commerce and industry associations and represent businesses across all of Utah.
This historic milestone marks the next chapter of collaboration and shared prosperity for Utah’s business community. Here’s why it matters:
A unified voice for greater impact
For the first time, Utah’s business community will have one clear voice at both the state and federal levels. As Adam Hayes explains for Investopedia, “In the U.S., state chambers focus on statewide and sometimes national advocacy, and therefore have greater influence over regulations and legislation.”
Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, adds that Utah’s need for the business community to speak with a unified voice has “never been greater.”
“Ongoing statewide prosperity, as well as challenges facing Utah, require vigilant attention and advocacy,” Miller said. “The Utah Chamber will serve to unite our chambers and industry associations across the state.”
The Salt Lake Chamber will continue its leadership in the metropolitan area, while the Utah Chamber strengthens coordination statewide, ensuring Utah’s future growth remains strong, strategic and collaborative.
Quick explainer: What do chambers of commerce do?
Chambers of commerce are nonprofit organizations made up of businesses that work together to support their local economies. Hayes writes that chambers “advocate for local business interests, promote economic development and provide services to help their members succeed.”
In short, chambers are a collective voice for businesses.
They help smaller companies compete, empower larger employers to shape the business environment and ensure the entire community benefits from a strong economy.
While each chamber is different, here are a few of the most common roles they play:
- Policy advocacy – representing business interests with lawmakers and regulators.
- Networking and mentorship – hosting events, workshops and forums that help businesses connect and learn from each other.
- Workforce support – providing resources for employee training, recruitment and retention.
- Economic development – promoting local growth, entrepreneurship and investment opportunities.
- Community engagement – encouraging business involvement through volunteerism and partnerships that strengthen communities.
Benefits of joining a chamber
Membership in a chamber of commerce brings value to businesses of all sizes, from small and mid-sized companies to large, enterprise corporations. Membership benefits generally include:
- Visibility – chambers promote their members through directories, events and marketing channels, enabling customers to find them more easily.
- Credibility – being a member signals to customers and partners that a business is reputable and engaged in the community.
- Education – access to workshops, seminars and training sessions that help businesses stay competitive.
- Problem-solving – whether it’s navigating new regulations, finding talent or exploring growth opportunities, chambers serve as a resource and connector so businesses never have to tackle these things alone.
- Collective strength – when chambers advocate, they do it on behalf of all members, which means even the smallest businesses gain a voice in major policy conversations.
A stronger economy for all Utahns
Utah is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s strongest economies. The creation of the Utah Chamber reflects the state’s continued growth and the shared commitment of Utah’s business leaders to collaboration and community.
“Utah’s business community has proven itself to be as resilient as the people of Utah, and our responses to the varied challenges ahead will fuel the trajectory of Utah’s robust economy,” Miller said.
By bringing local chambers together, the Utah Chamber provides a stronger platform for advocacy, connection and growth, ensuring Utah’s business community continues to lead nationally.
Learn more and get involved
The Utah Chamber is uniting chambers statewide to provide a stronger platform for advocacy, collaboration and growth.
Business leaders can get involved by connecting with their local chamber, exploring statewide initiatives and adding their voice to discussions that shape Utah’s economy.
To see how the Utah Chamber is working to strengthen Utah’s business environment — and how you can be part of it — visit utchamber.com.
