SALT LAKE CITY -- Three Top of Utah chambers of commerce have joined to form a government affairs partnership to promote issues important to the three counties.
The announcement was made Friday morning in the Capitol by members of the chambers and local lawmakers.
Chris Dallin, chairman of the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce, said even though the three chambers -- Ogden-Weber, Davis and Brigham City -- are joining forces for legislative priorities, they will still be three separate chambers of commerce.
"There are too many issues that transcend county lines, like roads don't stop at the county lines, they go through," said Jim Smith, president and chief executive officer of the Davis Chamber of Commerce.
Smith said the Falcon Hill Aerospace Development, a public-private partnership being constructed next to the west side of Hill Air Force Base, will provide at least 5,000 jobs to residents in all three counties.
WSU's Davis campus has an engineering program that began last year, after the chambers joined forces and asked legislators for help to establish the program. About 100 students from all three counties are enrolled and hope to get jobs at Hill Air Force Base or ATK.
Monica Holdaway, director of the Brigham City Chamber of Commerce, said that by forming a coalition, "We have one voice."
Dave Hardman, president and CEO of Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce, said joining together on issues is not new, but doing it formally is.
And lawmakers from the three counties will also work together toward common goals.
"Partnerships is what it is all about to get things done," said Rep. Julie Fisher, R-Fruit Heights, assistant majority whip.
Rep. Ronda Rudd Menlove, R-Garland, said the three chambers will be able to accomplish more working together.
Sen. Stuart Reid, R-Ogden, said just knowing the priorities of the three counties helps lawmakers during the session.
"It brings us together working toward common interests," Reid said.
Chamber priorities
The priority list includes:
* Keeping the restaurant tax funding statewide community facilities.
* Support ongoing funding for tourism marketing and development.
* Support funding for the Utah Procurement Team.
* Support funding for a building at Weber State University's Davis campus.
* Support for Falcon Hill Aerospace Development.
* Funding and support for public education and higher education.
* Support for funding for transportation projects for all three counties.
* Support state immigration legislation, which provides enforcement, while protecting economic development and social balance.
Comments