ChamberWest Stands for Business
ChamberWest represents business interests and lobbies on behalf of the business community as a whole and for our members. ChamberWest lobbies for business with city, county and state leaders in West Valley City, Taylorsville and Kearns.
Policy statements are generated by our Gov't Action Committee for approval by the Board of Directors. Once approved by the Board of Directors, it provides a steering document for staff to work from to promote business interests.
Unlike many chambers of commerce, ChamberWest does not receive support funding from any of our member cities. We truly represent the voice of business and are the largest independent chamber of commerce along the Wasatch Front with full-time staff. Our member cities pay regular membership investments just like any other business.
Policies have currently been developed and approved for transportation, government competition in the private sector with others coming.
ChamberWest is your advocate for a positive business climate and can assist member organizations with specific issues.
 ** 2010 Legislative Bill List ** website
Summary of Bills - Feb. 10, 2010 - Chamber Watch List
OFFICIAL PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS:
TRANSPORTATION
ChamberWest supports maximizing the region’s use of transportation dollars towards initiatives and projects that improve multi-jurisdictional coordination, reduce congestion, improve air quality, and provide better mobility options to strengthen economic prosperity. Transportation projects should generally coincide with usage of transportation modes. We feel this is the best way of addressing congestion, mobility and air quality.
ChamberWest believes that safe and efficient highways, including mass transit, are necessary to support economic development throughout Utah. What happens with transportation around the state has an impact to economic development and commerce along the Wasatch Front and in West Valley City, Taylorsville and Kearns.
Highways- ChamberWest supports continued funding for planning, design, and construction of safe and efficient regional highway facilities in order to:
* meet workforce needs;
* insure that businesses have the mobility to move goods and services; and
* help businesses respond to customer needs safely, competitively, and efficiently.
Mass Transit- ChamberWest supports continued funding as needed to expand and improve mass transit in order to provide adequate transportation for strengthening all aspects of community. Priority should be placed in the growing western Salt Lake County area.
Mountain View Corridor- ChamberWest supports the right-of-way acquisition and construction of Mountain View Corridor as a vital west-side freeway and not a toll road. ChamberWest encourages transportation leaders to review and find alternative funding options and funding diversification for the Mountain View Corridor to maintain its free usage. This corridor is necessary for economic development and prosperity and is urgently needed to handle the planned residential and commercial growth over the next several decades.
Unfair Government Competition- ChamberWest supports legislation and regulations that prohibit federal, state, and local governments from entering into competition with the private sector. An exception is when goods and/or services are inherently governmental, must be performed by the government, or require the government to focus on its core mission functions.
ENERGY: (adopted 2/11/2010)
ChamberWest recognizes that western Salt Lake County’s energy and natural resource needs due to future growth will need to be designed today. This future growth along the “West Bench” of the Oquirrh Mountains will require adequate water and sewer delivery systems as well as electrical, telecommunication, solid waste and natural gas infrastructure. Elected leaders in Utah must insure these needs can be supplied timely in the state where growth warrants the investment in order to balance the needs of a populace and the conservation of the environment. Promoting the wise use of emerging technologies can assist in solving energy issues.
Energy- ChamberWest supports all forms of renewable and current energy production technologies including nuclear, coal, gas, wind and solar. Discussions on energy should include conservation programs for all resources. ChamberWest believes that all forms of energy production should be placed on the table for full discussion with preference given to domestic production. Domestic production is the only way to insure a long-term, free market system with job creation and stability. Tax incentives should be encouraged to promote domestic production.
(Press release issued on July 25, 2007)
Business Community says "Not Now" on School Split Ballot Question
West Valley City – ChamberWest, the chamber of commerce of West Valley City, Taylorsville and Kearns, believes that it is premature to place the question of splitting school districts on the November ballot. The business community recognizes that education is a public good whereby businesses and residents in the entire county benefit from the education opportunities provided.
Two key concerns that the chamber believes should be resolved prior to the question appearing on an upcoming or future ballot are:
· Motivated by self-preservation after the initial split, other cities and communities could create additional smaller districts. Remaining geographic areas may be required into a new or an existing school district without a vote of their residents and without an appropriate study to determine the feasibility of these isolated areas. The results of which may likely be more costly for residents and businesses. Unlike options available to incorporate a city, education is not optional.
· No provisions for financial equity. Education is a public good whereby communities and businesses benefit collectively. Commerce and employment are conducted broadly throughout the county and crosses all political lines. Therefore, all should participate in the delivery of education, wherever it may be needed.
“There are some very legitimate concerns with several scenarios following the initial district split that have likely not been thoroughly explored”, states Alan Anderson, ChamberWest President and CEO. “Equitable funding options should also be resolved so that education needs can be met, wherever they may be needed.”
ChamberWest respectfully requests the Salt Lake County Council vote NO to place the school district split question on this November's ballot.
ChamberWest is the recognized chamber of commerce for the West Valley City, Taylorsville and Kearns area and is the second largest, and independently operated chamber of commerce in Salt Lake County. ChamberWest serves nearly 550 member businesses, small and large, with access to nearly 220,000 residents and 5,100 licensed businesses. As such, the Chamber is committed to contribute to business development and economic prosperity and promote a positive community and business atmosphere.
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