With the arrival of spring, the conclusion of the Legislative Session, and some exciting opportunities for reconnections just on the horizon, it’s good to be engaged in ChamberWest!  Unbelievably, second quarter is just a couple of weeks away. 
 
I’d like to give a shout out to Bryan Scott and the Legislative Affairs Committee for their work during this session!  Currently, we have over 130 people engaged in this very important committee working to protect our businesses on policy and regulations on a state level.  We’re thrilled to have success with passage of the Catalytic Converter Bill - HB38. Including this bill, the committee reviewed 78 bills and took 7 Priority Support, 2 Priority Opposition, 45 Support and 2 Opposition positions.  We have some very strong legislators that we really appreciate working with both before, during and after the session.  Committee members will be happy to return to once-a-month meetings. 
 
The highly anticipated Awards Gala is just next week, March 29^th at the Maverik Center.  The event again promises an opportunity to connect with over 400 business and civic leaders.  We will enjoy great entertainment, food and beverage.  Most importantly, we’ll be recognizing and celebrating 15 award finalists  with the five winners announced that night and honoring Mayor Kristie Overson with our 2022 Hall of Fame Award.  As a reminder, our 2022 finalists include:   
 
Best Place to Work Finalists
Danone North America
Express Recovery Services, Inc.
Summit Vista
 
Best New Business of the Year Finalists
Nothing Bundt Cakes - Taylorsville
SERVPRO of West Valley City
Expedition Superstore
 
Small Business of the Year Finalists
The Joint Chiropractic - West Jordan
iMpact Utah
Mapleleaf Cabinets
 
Business of the Year Finalists
Markosian Auto
GCR Tires & Service
Ruff Tuff Products
 
Volunteer of the Year Finalists
Makaila Kelso – Family Support Center
Trish Hull – SLCo Libraries – Kearns Branch
Mark Thorne, CPA – Thorne and Associates CPAs
 
Women in Business Spring Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, April 12^th, has booked an incredibly strong line up of presenters.  Keynote topics include:  Change - How to Turn Uncertainty into Opportunity by Suzette Blakemore with FranklinCovey and Statues vs. Stature: Leading at any Level by Jodi Orgill Brown, an award-winning author.  In addition, breakout topics include: Creating a Culture of Kindness; The Words Effect: How to Create Your Most Beautiful Life; and Women and Money: Taking Charge of Your Financial Future.  In addition to the strong topics, participants will enjoy reconnecting with colleagues and friends, visiting with exhibitors, breakfast, lunch and more.  If interested in a sponsorship and/or an exhibitor table, reach out to Connie Bailey at connie@chamberwest.org.  Registration is open at:  https://chamberwest.com/events/details/women-in-business-spring-conference-1611
The Spring Job Fair, back by popular demand, will be held at Hunter High School on Wednesday, April 27th from 2:00 – 6:00 pm.  The job fair, in partnership with the Granite School District, Jordan School District, Salt Lake Community College, and Utah Department of Workforce Services, offers a great opportunity to connect employers with high school students, college students, and local adult job seekers looking to “work local”.  Tables for employers are available at no charge to members of ChamberWest although we are offering sponsorship opportunities for greater exposure.  The focus is on summer jobs and future career options for students and better jobs for adult job seekers in our westside community. If interested in a sponsorship or a table at the event, please reach out to Connie Bailey at connie@chamberwest.org or 801-977-8755. 
Thank you for all you do in support of this great community.  We are proud to represent the local business voice in West Valley, West Jordan, Taylorsville, and Kearns.  Please feel free to reach out to me or staff if we can be of service.
 
Best wishes,
 
Barbara
Barbara S. Riddle, CMP
President/CEO
801-540-6312
www.ChamberWest.com