Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Most of the country is catching on to the fact that Utah's business climate is among the top in the nation. According to WalletHub, the Beehive State ranks No.2 in the U.S. for its economy.
Because the state is so business-friendly, standing out from the crowd is essential. Being a member of the Salt Lake Chamber is a great way to boost your organization and find belonging in the Utah business community.
Here are just a few ways the Chamber helps its members prosper.
Highlighting member businesses
Getting a business off the ground is hard work. When you finally get it up and running, keeping the lights on is just as challenging. Getting any sort of help, recognition and boost in the community at large is life-changing.
The Chamber makes a habit of recognizing its members through various channels. One way is with the "Speaking on Business" series. Chamber President and CEO Derek Miller regularly takes a quick minute to speak with different chamber members to talk about their organizations and the "why" behind them.
For example, Miller spoke with One Kind Act a Day Executive Director Curtis Benett to discuss how small acts of kindness can spark a ripple effect, cultivating a more compassionate and connected word. He spoke about how, by partnering with schools, businesses and organizations, they have created meaningful programs and resources that bring people together.
Each organization highlighted by the Chamber tells a story of a fellow Utahn who is making their dreams and passions a reality in their community.
You can read or listen to the Speaking on Business series stories on the Chamber website.
Speaking openly with members about their businesses
Every business owner can speak to the unique strengths and challenges their business faces daily. For some, it's getting ticket sales. For others, it's managing growth at the right pace. The Chamber speaks with figures in Utah businesses to talk about what's working well for them, what challenges they face and why they love doing what they do.
One feature is a conversation with Sandi Hendry, the owner and founder of Minky Couture. She shares the story of how Minky Couture blankets began, why she loves running a small business and the challenges the company is facing.
The vulnerability and excitement in each conversation makes each business owner more relatable and emphasizes how each is an important part of the Utah community.
Hosting networking events
Any business owner — big or small — knows why networking is essential. Speaking with like-minded individuals can be a great way to bring more awareness and conversions to your business.
Bianca Miller Cole, writing for Forbes, outlines the importance of networking. She says it's a great way to exchange ideas, find people with the resources and skills to help you and it can help you grow your status and confidence.
The Chamber makes a habit of hosting networking events for its members. For example, Business Women's Forum networking events provide the opportunity for women to speak with other female business leaders and owners. At the same time, Business After Hours allows members the chance to connect and build relationships with other business professionals in the community.
To see the Chamber's full calendar of social events, visit their website.
Advocating for members' interests
Shaping Utah's economy by supporting laws and advocating for change is one component of a thriving business landscape. Every year, the Chamber announces its legislative priorities at the Utah Economic Outlook & Public Policy Summit. The upcoming summit is on Jan. 10.
The priorities include the economy, natural resources and the environment, health care, homelessness, taxes and regulation, and more. Communicating important issues with policymakers is a key tenet of the Chamber's mission.
These priorities come from the Chamber's members. When members speak up and share their interests, it allows Chamber leaders to share the needs and challenges of Utah business owners with people who can change laws and policies.
More reasons to join the Salt Lake Chamber
These are only a sampling of the benefits of becoming a Chamber member. To see a complete list of events, seminars and initiatives, visit the Salt Lake Chamber website.
