The Chamber

—The Salt Lake Chamber’s Mission Statement

 

The roots of the Salt Lake Chamber go back as far as 1887 when a chamber of commerce was organized to unite a divided business community. That early chamber collapsed under the weight of an economic depression by 1898. Only a few years later, during the winter of 1901, those same business leaders came together again under the direction of Utah Governor Heber M. Wells. Governor ­Wells called together a “Committee of 100” to discuss the creation of what was then called the Salt Lake Commercial Club. On February 11, 1902 the Commercial Club was officially organized. The business leaders of 1902 recognized that for a community to prosper it must have a strong voice of business.

Over the years the name of the organization changed from first the “Commercial Club,” and then the “Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Club,” until its current name, the “Salt Lake Chamber.” For over 100 years the Chamber has worked to build a strong business environment and a better community.

Throughout the years, the Chamber
has spurred thousands of improvements in the Salt Lake area including downtown growth and development, the birth of a transit system, the creation of an international airport, assisting the securing of the Utah Jazz basketball team, economic expansion, and effective government and public affairs work.

The purpose of the Salt Lake Chamber
is to build business success. It is about helping businesses grow, make more profit, and hire more people. It is through member involvement and a pool of dedicated volunteers that the Chamber is able to make this possible. The strength of its many volunteers is matched by a professional staff to produce effective results.

The Communication and Marketing Department promotes the Chamber and its programs to members, the media, and the business community.

The Government Affairs Division interfaces with government at the city, county, state, and federal levels to represent the business interests of Chamber members.

The Membership Development & Programs Division responds to member needs and works to increase member numbers, involvement, exposure, and ultimate business success.

The International Trade Division offers members resources and support as they venture into today’s global marketplace.

The Small Business Division and the Women’s Business Center provide small business-centered programs and resources for both men and women that help them start and grow a business and take it to the next level of success.

Education—Remain current and competitive in the marketplace through increased knowledge about business issues via Chamber seminars, workshops, and conferences.

Networking—Develop new business contacts through various Chamber events like Business After Hours and Breakfast of Champions. Learn about Chamber programs at the Member Orientation, which provides members with an opportunity to exchange business cards and expand their client base. Another networking event, the Business to Business Expo, is a two day trade show that features over 200 exhibitors and is attended by about 10,000 people. The Women & Business Conference is a one-day event that attracts hundreds of women to network and learn about topical issues facing women in the workforce. Also, more than fifty Chamber committees meet regularly to advance business issues and perform community development.

Referrals—Receive referrals from the thousands of requests for recommendations on goods and services that are answered by the Chamber staff each week. (Only Chamber members are referred.) The Chamber’s website, www.saltlakechamber.org, is also a great source of referrals. Members are encouraged to use the Chamber Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide when purchasing local products and services in order to support fellow Chamber members.

Exposure—Receive publicity on the Metro Business Report radio program, in the Wasatch Business Connection newsletter (includes the text from the Metro Business Report), and via www.saltlakechamber.org. Members can advertise in Chamber publications or on the Chamber’s website for lower rates and are able to purchase member-mailing labels for individual use.

The Chamber Member to Member Discount Program—The Chamber offers numerous ways for you to save money on services and products. This program allows members to offer their best discounts and services to other members of the Chamber and/or the public. You need these things anyway—why not save money through your Chamber membership? See www.saltlakechamber.org for more details.