State's chambers join forces to form economic policy coalition

At least a dozen chambers of commerce in Utah have formed the Utah Chamber Policy Coalition to have one voice to “promote business success, jobs, opportunity and prosperity.”

The coalition will work with state, local and federal leaders to coordinate on policies related to economic issues, including, taxation, regulation, education, housing, the environment and transportation.

“One of the most important things we have learned through the pandemic and ensuing economic crisis, is that we are better together,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance. “As chambers of commerce across the state, we can accomplish more when we speak as a unified voice on behalf of our members and the broader business community.”

“Utah’s economy has been the envy of the nation,” said Don Willie, president of the St. George Area Chamber. “The pandemic has been a setback, though we are better off than other states and have a firm foundation on which to bounce back. The Utah Chamber Policy Coalition will be essential to that process, allowing us to innovate together, speak with clarity and authority on areas of mutual interest, and make decisions over the next few months that will strengthen our state for years to come.”

The coalition said it will identify, discuss and determine areas of common interest, with all members maintaining their own voices and independence on issues unique to each local chamber.

“We expect that there will be much to unite us and that on those issues our voice will resonate with government, business and community leaders,” said Aaron Quarnberg, board chair of the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “In this way, we will even more effectively serve those individuals and businesses with whom we have stewardship.”

Among the founding members of the coalition are the Salt Lake Chamber, St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, Cedar City Chamber of Commerce, Utah Black Chamber, Utah Hispanic Chamber, Davis Chamber of Commerce, Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce, Kanab Area Chamber of Commerce, Point of the Mountain Chamber, Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, American Fork Chamber of Commerce and ChamberWest.

Details about the coalition are available by contacting Kaitlyn Pieper at info@utahchamberpolicycoalition.com.