Over the last few weeks, our Legislative Affairs Committee has taken positions on many bills.  One bill, SB184 – Prescription Cost Amendments, was identified as a bill that many thought would increase healthcare costs for businesses.  Many chambers worked in collaboration on opposing this bill.  This morning, ChamberWest joined with others in testifying against the bill and encouraged an interim study to explore well thought out solutions on this important issue. This bill ultimately did not pass through the House Business and Labor Committee with members recommending the issue move to an interim study. 
 
At the last CW Women in Business Luncheon, we featured a live survey exercise that made it easy for participants to openly share opinions on What Women Want in the Workforce.  The top answers to two questions should be of interest to our members.  The top four answers to What you Wish your Place of Business Offered that they Currently do not Offer included: benefits or better benefits, onsite childcare, gym memberships, and more flexibility in schedules.  Answers to What is the #1 Issue Women Face in the Workplace included:  equal respect, work life balance, equal pay, equal opportunities, and access to childcare.   As we continue to face a workforce shortage, this information may prove insightful as you work to attract and retain women in your workforce. 
 
We are excited to welcome President Deneece Huftalin from Salt Lake Community College as our next featured presenter for the Professional Development Series Luncheon, scheduled for Tuesday, March 21.  She will be speaking on ‘Higher Education Trends Impacting the Workforce – Are National and Local Trends Making it Harder to Find Skilled Workers?’  Register now at:  Chamber Luncheon - President Huftalin.
 
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities to expand your brand recognition with our members, information is available at: 2023 Sponsorship Opportunities.  We are actively seeking sponsors for the upcoming Women in Business Conference on April 11^th and the Job Fair on April 20^th.  We really appreciate our sponsors as they help us deliver on high quality programs. 
 
The 2023 ChamberWest Italy Trip is scheduled for October 14-22 with the trip itinerary including Rome, Siena, Pisa, Florence, Venice, and Milan.  Trip information is available at: Italy Trip Information and the registration form is available at: Italy Trip Registration Form.  The orientation meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 3 at 5:30 pm for those who have signed up and/or those still exploring the idea.  We have already filled 21 of the 40 available seats for this exciting adventure.  
 
The CW Legislative Affairs Committee has been meeting twice weekly during the Legislative Session which concludes on Friday.  The committee has reviewed over 100 bills and has taken positions on those most impactful to businesses in our area.  You can view the 121 bills on the tracker at 2023 CW Bill Tracker.  Many thanks to the hours spent by our committee members and our legislators. 
 
Upcoming meetings/events:
3/1 – Professional Development Committee Meeting
3/8 – Ambassador Committee Meeting
3/8 – West Region Tourism Executive Committee Meeting
3/8 – 2022/203 Leadership Institute Session
3/14 – Leadership Institute Board of Trustees Meeting
3/15 – West Region Tourism Archery Adventure - Open to All - Register at:  Archery Adventure
3/16 – Board of Governors Meeting
3/17 - Friday Connections (speed networking event) – Open to All – Register at: CW Friday Connections
3/21 – CW Professional Development Series Luncheon - Open to All - Register at:  Monthly Luncheon- Deneece Huftalin
3/22 – Women in Business Executive Committee Meeting
 
2023 Major Events – Save the Dates:
Apr 11 – Women in Business Spring Conference – 7:00 am – 3:00 pm - Open to All – Register at:  WIB Spring Conference
Jun 21 – CW Annual Golf Classic – 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Aug 29 or 30 – Annual Awards Gala – 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Nov 14 – Fall Conference – 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
 
You can find us on major social media sites by using #chamberwestutah.  Please reach out to me or staff if we can be of service. 
 
Best wishes,
Barbara
Barbara S. Riddle
President/CEO
801-540-6312
www.ChamberWest.com