Chamber president honored as 'Giant in Our City'

The Salt Lake Chamber has named its annual “Giant in Our City.” And it’s one of its own.

Chamber president and CEO Lane Beattie was surprised with the designation during the organization’s 130th anniversary celebration recently. “I didn’t know they were going to do that. It was a very kind thing for all of them to do and a real, real pleasure,” Beattie said after the award was presented at the event by a group of past chairmen of the chamber’s board of governors.

Beattie, who has headed the organization for 14 years, said that he’d responded “absolutely not” when it was suggested some years ago that he should receive the recognition bestowed on a long line of Utah leaders, including former 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

The black-tie event was held at George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City. Contents of a time capsule that was placed in the cornerstone of the original chamber building, the Commercial Club, in 1909 were also unveiled at the event.

“It was truly an honor,” Beattie said. “Just to know the men and women who have received the Giant in Our City. It’s so rare. The quality, and I mean that sincerely, of these people who have given so much to our city.”

“Since Lane Beattie took the helm as president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber in 2003, he has transformed the 130-year-old statewide institution into a powerhouse of influence that stands for all Utah businesses,” the chamber said in a release. “With Lane’s stewardship, the c1hamber has embraced a new era of business and policy leadership by blending the traditional business chamber with powerful, top-notch business advocacy.” 

Scott Anderson, former chamber board chairman and president and CEO of Zions Bank said, “Lane is a giant in our state and I am thrilled he is now being recognized and given this title Giant in Our City by the chamber. His work has helped keep our economy strong and our neighborhoods flourishing; his leadership has been recognized and praised for the chamber’s proposals on healthcare, homelessness, clean air, immigration, education, economic development and diversity. He has worked hard to make our capital city vibrant, our arts and cultural fabric inclusive and inspiring, and our work environment nourishing.  Due to Lane, the American Dream is alive and well in Utah, where all have access to a good job, a good education, good healthcare, affordable housing, and a good life.”

“I appreciate Lane Beattie’s friendship and leadership,” said Gov. Gary Herbert. “The chamber has been an integral part in helping the Utah story be told, and to have the success we’ve had as the best performing economy in all of America today; upward mobility, best place for business, largest growing middle class, great tributes coming in about Utah because of the efforts of Lane Beattie and the Salt Lake Chamber.” 

Beattie has received other honors and accolades over the years, including an honorary doctorate from Utah Valley University in 2008. He is a member of the National Advisory Council of the Marriott Business School at Brigham Young University and a recipient of the 2007 Local Distinguished Service award from the American Public Transportation Association. Beattie is currently one of only two chamber of commerce presidents in the U.S. that sits on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100. He was named to the U.S. Chamber board of directors in June 2011.

Chamber board chairman Keith McMullin, president and CEO of Deseret Management Corp., said Beattie was “so deserving of the honor and recognition.”