The Salt Lake Chamber, Gov. Gary R. Herbert and the Utah League of Cities and Towns honored the cities of Clearfield, Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan and Park City with the “2016 Utah Governor’s Business Friendly Community Award” for efforts to reduce burdensome regulations at the local level and strengthen Utah’s pro-business climate.
The awards were presented by Lt. Governor Spencer J. Cox at the Utah League of Cities and Towns Annual Meeting in conjunction with the Utah Business Friendly Cities Initiative. To be eligible for the award, each city reviewed business regulations and made critical changes to help cultivate an environment where businesses can thrive.
The Utah Business Friendly Cities Initiative tasks local elected officials with the survey of business leaders in their community, review of city regulations, and to collaborate to revise and repeal unnecessary ordinances, regulations, and procedures currently in place. Cities then summarize their efforts in a report.
“This is just a tremendous effort. Most regulations happen at the local level and our cities being proactive and collaborating is critical,” Lane Beattie, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber said. “Business leaders will certainly look at which local communities are being honored as they look to invest and grow their business. I also want to acknowledge Gov. Herbert and the Utah League of Cities and Towns for their great partnership on this program.”
The initiative, started in 2013, has honored more than 30 cities for efforts at the local level to create the best business climate in the nation.
“The conscientious examination of regulations on our businesses will always lead to increased opportunities for Utahns. Our state shines when businesses can thrive, innovate, and improve Utah’s quality of life.” Gov. Herbert said. “I applaud the communities that have undertaken this effort and hope that others will follow their lead.”
The Utah Business Friendly Cities Regulation Review Starter Kitprovides a framework for improvement, but cities have the flexibility to adapt process and implement best practices to meet the needs of their individual communities.
“Energizing business growth through business-friendly regulation is critical to Utah’s economy and quality of life,” Ken Bullock, Executive Director of the Utah League of Cities and Towns said. “We’re hoping every city in the state undertakes this effort and works toward improved and streamlined regulations at the local level.”
Reports from each city can be found at www.slchamber.com/
