By Derek B. Miller, President and CEO; Linda Wardell, 2019-2020 Board Chair; Craig Wagstaff, 2019-2020 Board Vice Chair
This past year and its attendant challenges will not soon be forgotten. However, thanks to your engagement and support, we know that the Salt Lake Chamber is the best place to lead out on difficult issues facing our businesses and the economy, particularly in a way that magnifies the innovation and ingenuity in our business community.
Beginning with the most significant event, the Chamber has worked extensively to mitigate the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and execute a plan for recovery. When the pandemic hit Utah, Governor Gary Herbert created the COVID-19 Community Task Force and the Economic Response Task Force, which Chamber President & CEO Derek Miller was asked to Chair. From developing the first website dedicated to addressing the coronavirus and launching an ambitious campaign to keep our businesses safely opened, to supporting creation of the Utah Leads Together plan and assisting on the Rapid Response Team, to holding virtual Town Hall meetings, providing grants to rural and minority owned business, and sharing important funding information, the Chamber has, and continues to, play a critical role in promoting Utah’s economic well-being.
Although the current pandemic started to make its presence known in Utah on the last two days of the session — quickly overtaking the headlines — the work that our Legislature completed with active and coordinated counsel from the Chamber should not be forgotten. The session saw increased success advocating for smart policies to elevate business in our state. And, as we emerge from the current crisis, these policies will help us recover and have a positive, long-lasting effect on our economy.
Other major highlights initiated by the Chamber through the year included honoring Governor Gary R. Herbert as the 41st Giant in our City, hosting a Republican Primary Gubernatorial Candidate Forum at the Grand America Hotel, hosting successful and on-going roundtable discussions to promote diversity and inclusion in partnership with the Utah Black Chamber, acquiring the KSL NewsRadio program “Speaking on Business,” launching the “Chamber Champions” video series to highlight our members, and coordinating the popular “Stay Safe to Stay Open” campaign throughout the state.
The 2019-2020 Annual Report includes our collective achievements, reflecting the business leadership the Chamber represents. We hope this report encourages you to continue serving your communities and working with the Chamber as we advocate for you. Thank you for the contributions and support you provide our community. To read the full report, click HERE.
