Businesses unite to form chamber
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Friday, December 7, 2007 | 
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]By Deanne Winterton
Standard-Examiner correspondent
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By Deanne Winterton
Standard-Examiner correspondent
MORGAN -- Morgan County businesses have been without a chamber of commerce and about two dozen businesses are ready to do something about it.
At a recent exploratory meeting, about 25 people representing area businesses gathered to launch what may be the first chamber of commerce in a decade. All attending the meeting agreed they were interested in moving forward with the idea and 80 percent expressed willingness to be an officer.
"It really shows their commitment," said Darrell Rupp, who runs a local auto parts shop and helped spearhead the idea.
Two of the county's largest employers -- Holcim, a worldwide cement and concrete supplier, and Browning, maker of hunting and shooting accessories -- have expressed support.
From 1995 to 1997, a Morgan Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development operated under articles of incorporation.
The previous chamber fell apart from apathy, according to a former member.
"Nothing went wrong, people just went different directions," said Gary Weitzeil, owner of Studio One Photography and president of the now-defunct Morgan Business Association. "There was just not as much momentum and it sputtered out and lost steam."
In that two-year span, the chamber included a broad range of members, from local businesses to national businesses operating in the area, such as Utah Power and U.S. West.
Current organizers hope their chamber will be just as successful.
Business owner Bridget Cook is excited to see the idea take shape.
"When businesses do things together, it can transform a community," said Cook, who runs Morgan Valley Directory and The Perfect Word, a public relations firm. "I love the synergy businesses can create."
The chamber will provide opportunities for businesses to support each other, Rupp said.
In addition, a chamber would do much to encourage an economic climate that welcomes new businesses.
"Morgan is not considered as a place to locate business," Rupp said. "A chamber will help us be recognized in the state as a county interested in economic development."
The biggest boon provided by a business association to the county could be its potential to produce more sales tax revenue and jobs, providing a solid alternative to increasing property taxes to fund the infrastructure demanded by residential growth.
"I'm convinced this is the answer. There would be less need to increase property taxes," Rupp said.
The group will meet again Jan. 10. For more information, contact Rupp at 231-4810.
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