SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 25, 2026) — The Salt Lake Chamber held its 2026 Annual Meeting today at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. The Chamber released its annual report and honored individuals and organizations that have shown exceptional support for its mission. The meeting marked 139 years of championing free enterprise to build a stronger Utah for its businesses, communities and people.
This year’s theme, A Beacon of Opportunity, celebrated the power of leadership, partnership and vision in shaping Utah’s future. Like a beacon guiding the way forward, the Chamber helps illuminate opportunities, navigate challenges and strengthen Utah’s economy and communities.
“A lighthouse does not build itself. Someone chose the spot, crafted the lens, established the light and then climbed the stairs every night, to protect ships they would never see and people they would never meet,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “That is the work of every business, employee and community represented in this room. What makes Utah great is its people, and today we celebrated the leaders who illuminate opportunity and guide our state forward.”
The meeting also marked a year of significant achievement for the Chamber and Utah’s business community. During the 2026 Legislative Session, the Chamber passed 100% of its priority legislation, advancing policies that strengthen Utah’s competitive advantage while protecting the interests of local communities. Utah Rising, the statewide, business-led economic initiative, continued to move from vision to action as business leaders, policymakers and community partners advanced priorities that strengthen the state’s workforce and prepare Utah for the opportunities ahead.
The Chamber also celebrated milestones that reflect the breadth of Utah’s business community. The Under One Sky: America250 Utah Awards Gala, held in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States, honored the people, organizations and enduring institutions that have helped shape the state. The Women & Business Conference and ATHENA Awards Luncheon spotlighted the contributions of women leaders across Utah and reinforced the Chamber’s commitment to creating opportunities for all members of the business community.
“There is a false choice running through the country right now that asks whether you are for business or people, for employers or employees,” Miller said. “Utah is the proof that we can support both because the businesses that make a lasting difference are the ones that succeed alongside their employees and their communities. That is the Utah model, and it is why we remain optimistic for the years ahead.”
Honorees recognized at the event included the following organizations and individuals:
President’s Award for Excellence: Dr. Brian Steed, Vice President for Government and External Relations, Utah State University, and Principal Advisor, Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air at Utah State University
Honors an individual selected by the president and CEO
Utah Rising Award: Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation
Honors an organization advancing the goals of Utah Rising
Legacy Award: Wasatch Electric
Honors a long-standing business in Utah
Fortitude Award: America First Credit Union
Honors a corporate business in Utah
Beehive Award: Utah Food Bank
Honors an organization that helps build our community through volunteerism
Opportunity Award: Avalanche Studios
Honors a small business in Utah
Icon Award: Bossible
Honors a woman-owned business in Utah
Trailblazer Award: Kylee Spjut, Senior Public Relations Manager, Penna Powers
Honors a “rising star” in our community
Chamber Champions
Honors exceptional Chamber volunteers
- Alicia Gleed, Community Building Officer, The Road Home
- Andrew Gruber, Executive Director, Wasatch Front Regional Council
- Tom Jacobson, Attorney at Law, Thomas N. Jacobson Law Offices
- Amanda Morton, Vice President of Relationship Development, Cyprus Credit Union
- Cory Robinson, Market Manager, America First Credit Union
The Annual Meeting was held Aug. 25, 2026, at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. This year’s harbor sponsors were Enbridge and Rio Tinto Kennecott.
To review the annual report, click here.
For more information on our honorees, click here.
