You don’t need to be a business owner, or even a resident, to know that business is booming in Spanish Fork and Salem! We have a lot of things to thank for that, one of them being our thriving Chamber of Commerce. Having a supportive and collaborative community in business is something that money simply can’t buy; but it is something we are eternally grateful to be able to offer the businesses in this area. Boasting one of the largest memberships in all of Utah County, the opportunities for membership involvement in this community are vast and ever-evolving. 

Over the past year our businesses, both large and small, have shown extraordinary capacity for innovation, collaboration and determination. Together we have navigated economic uncertainties, harnessed new opportunities, and continued to drive growth within our community. 

The Chamber of Commerce received a grant from the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity which helped us to produce a job fair at the Advanced Learning Center in Salem just this past April. We were able to help over 40 local employers connect with job-seekers in the area, and promote their businesses and services. A large event that the Chamber produced earlier this year was the annual Spanish Fork Easter egg hunt. The hunt had over 5,000 residents in attendance, and well over 150 local businesses participating in sponsoring and volunteering. In May, the Chamber Golf Tournament in tandem with the Spanish Fork Rotary Club was funded entirely by local business donations and sponsorships. The Chamber was also able to award 14 scholarships granted to high school students in Salem and Spanish Fork – and we aren’t even halfway through this year! 

Coming up, we are excited to be working on a Business Bingo game during Fiesta Days that will promote local business during one of our largest tourist seasons of the year, a Battle of the Forks Pickleball Tournament against American Fork, and our epic South County Business Summit in the Fall. 

On a larger scale, our chamber of commerce has been a steadfast advocate for the interests of our business community, engaging with local, state, and federal governments to ensure that our voices are heard. Our lobbying efforts have resulted in favorable policy changes, including employment incentives for small businesses and grant opportunities for local innovation and sustainability projects. 

As we stand at this mid-year juncture, it is clear that our chamber is strong, but we must remain vigilant and proactive. The global economic landscape is ever-evolving, and we face ongoing challenges such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and evolving consumer behaviors. However, I am confident that with our collective strength and strategic vision, we can turn these challenges into opportunities. 

Our focus for the remainder of this year will include areas of:

Workforce Development: We intend to address the skills gap and labor shortages by growing our partnerships with educational institutions and vocational training centers. We will be hosting a Lunch and Learn later this year that will educate our local businesses on how they can utilize these programs for maximum efficiency and return.

Sustainability and Resiliency: Promoting sustainable business practices and resilience planning. Our areas are growing rapidly, which will inevitably lend to an ever-changing business climate. We plan to continue working closely with local government leaders to ensure that businesses are considered as we continue to grow, and their needs are kept at the forefront as decisions are being made. 

Collaborative Focus: We are always and forever stronger together. Our goal is to make sure that no voice goes unheard, and no issue too large or small to tackle in unison. We intend this year to continue growing together as a business community, supporting one another and learning from each other as we thrive. By working together, we can leverage our collective strengths and resources to drive economic development and address all community needs. 

In closing I would like to express my utmost gratitude to all our members, partners, and supporters for your unwavering commitment and dedication. Your hard work and collaboration have been instrumental in our success, and I am confident that, together, we will continue to achieve great things in Spanish Fork and Salem.

By  Kathleen Leavitt, President & CEO Spanish Fork Salem Area Chamber of Commerce