Chamber and business leaders from across the state discuss the need and mission behind the creation of the Utah Chamber following last week’s announcement
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 30, 2025) – Today, business and chamber of commerce leaders from around the state gathered at a media roundtable to provide details and insights into the historic creation of the newly announced Utah Chamber. The Utah Chamber is a statewide chamber of commerce dedicated to unifying Utah’s business community, local chambers and industry associations by providing a strong, coordinated voice to strengthen Utah’s economy, support job creation and address statewide challenges.
“The creation of the Utah Chamber is a testament to the remarkable growth and development that Utah is experiencing,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of both the new Utah Chamber and the Salt Lake Chamber. “Until now, the Salt Lake Chamber has functioned as ‘Capital City by Name, Statewide by Mission,’ and has sought to bolster both the capital city and the state’s business environments through advocacy and opportunities for connection. In order to ensure ongoing statewide prosperity, we’re establishing an entity dedicated entirely to the unification and amplification of the state’s voice as a whole and to addressing the complex needs and opportunities that arise from its diverse regions and industries.”
While the Salt Lake Chamber will continue to serve as the voice of business for the metropolitan area, the Utah Chamber will focus on representing the broader needs of Utah’s growing and diverse economy. Leaders emphasized that the Utah Chamber will work in tandem with local, regional and specialty chambers of commerce throughout the state, including the Salt Lake Chamber, to ensure that business interests are supported at every level statewide.
“The Utah Chamber is a vital step forward for chambers across the state, particularly those outside the highly populated Wasatch Front,” said Jamie Andrus, president and CEO of the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce and Co-chair of the Utah Chamber’s Chamber Coalition. “It ensures that rural and regional perspectives are always represented with seats at the table for statewide discussions, decisions and advocacy. This unified approach will help strengthen Utah’s economy for every community and lift our potential from every corner of the state.”
In addition to expounding on the Utah Chamber’s purpose and mission, roundtable presenters addressed details surrounding the transition, division of responsibilities and logistics of how the Chamber will function.
Upon hearing the announcement, Governor Spencer J. Cox said, “Utah’s economy thrives because elected officials and business leaders work together every day to increase opportunity and prosperity for all Utahns. This ‘Utah way’ is exemplified by the new Utah Chamber, a coalition of local chambers and industry associations that will collaborate to continue our state’s economic success.”
Members of Utah’s business community wanting to be represented in the Utah Chamber are advised to join their relevant industry association and local chamber of commerce, including the Salt Lake Chamber. For insights into the organization, leadership structure and ongoing progress, visit UTChamber.com.
Additional Supporting Quotes:
- John Curtis, United States Senator
“Utah has always punched above its weight. We’re known for strong families, vibrant communities and an economy that consistently leads the nation in growth and job creation. With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, Utah is proof that a thriving economy and strong communities go hand in hand. I’m grateful Utah’s business community will now have an even stronger voice to advocate for our continued success.”
- J. Stuart Adams, President, Utah Senate
“The creation of the Utah Chamber marks a pivotal moment for our state’s business community and its legislative advocates. By uniting voices from every corner of Utah, the Chamber will strengthen efforts to advocate effectively on key legislative priorities, including economic growth, workforce development, infrastructure and maintaining a strong business environment. This collaborative approach will help policymakers understand the challenges and opportunities facing Utah businesses statewide, guiding policies that drive long-term prosperity in every community.”
- Erin Laney Barr, Managing Director & Market Leader, CBRE, and vice chair, Utah Chamber Board of Directors
“By bringing together businesses and chambers from every region, the Utah Chamber can help a variety of sectors collaborate on solutions that benefit all Utahns. From supporting smart, sustainable growth to ensuring commercial infrastructure meets the needs of a growing economy, a unified and statewide voice will only ensure that communities remain vibrant and economically competitive.”
- Curtis Blair, President & CEO, Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, and co-chair, Utah Chamber’s Chamber Coalition
“Utah’s business community is strongest when we work together in unity, and I look forward to collaborating with leaders from every corner of Utah to ensure our businesses, industries, and communities continue to thrive.”
- Aaron Starks, 47G – Utah Aerospace & Defense, and co-chair, Utah Chamber’s Industry Council
“Whether in aerospace, technology, manufacturing or small business, a unified statewide chamber is a win for businesses across every sector. The formation of the Utah Chamber provides a stronger platform for collaboration, advocacy and access to resources. By bringing together diverse industries, we can address shared challenges, advance economic growth and ensure Utah remains competitive on a national and global scale.”
