Chamber Discussion: The Chamber champions business interests during the legislative session News, sports, jobs

Courtesy David Rowley

The momentum at the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce continues apace. With the recent Utah Legislature in session, we are gearing up for several upcoming events and hope many of you will join us.

Legislative session

I have a new respect for the men and women who give their time, talents and resources to make Utah a better place for all of us. The Utah County Legislature is a respected and listened to group on Utah’s Capitol Hill.

I would like to share a few experiences we had during this session. One of our favorite parts of the session is the opportunity to partner with all departments in Utah County and the state. Through our combined efforts, we’ve been able to sponsor many bills, make changes to others, and challenge those that don’t meet our policy-specific principles (for more information on these principles, visit: thechamber.org/legislative-priorities).

Here are some highlights: It’s always fun to be on Capitol Hill and sit in the gallery listening to bills being discussed and debated. However, it’s more fun to be on the House or Senate floor as guests of Utah County Legislators. And, to leave their work to them, I don’t mind a closer look.

Utah County Caucus

Friday morning, the Utah Valley Chamber supported our elected officials by attending their 7 a.m. caucus meeting where we heard business perspectives on legislative priorities.

Courtesy David Rowley

In the year In mid-February, the conference hosted our Chamber Executive Roundtable to discuss bills important to the business and Chamber of Commerce community. A number of bills that appeared to lack clarity, were too vague or had unfriendly business language were discussed openly and respectfully.

Other bills that would allow for more efficiency and support the business community were also applauded and encouraged. We appreciate the transparency and cooperative spirit provided by our Utah County elected officials.

One example of this is a bill sponsored by Representative Brady Bramer. He passed a bill that would not only help Utah businesses, but bring more businesses to Utah. House Bill 216 establishes a Court of Commerce and Chancery in Utah.

The best known of these courts is located in Delaware, where most major corporations are incorporated. The Business and Chancery Court is widely recognized as the country’s main forum for resolving disputes related to the internal affairs of companies and other commercial institutions.

The House strongly supported this bill, and we are pleased that it has passed the House and Senate and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.

A big thank you to the legislators, practitioners and staff who worked closely with Chambers of Commerce during the session. Together, we will bring the voice of business to Capitol Hill.

Utah County goes to Washington

This April, the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce is organizing a trip to Washington, D.C., in partnership with Gary R. Herbert, Director of Public Policy at Utah Valley University, where we will meet with Senator Mike Lee. and Mitt Romney and Reps. John Curtis, Blake Moore, Burgess Owens and Chris Stewart. In addition, we will hear from Nicholas Cole, a senior researcher at the University of Oxford, and Astrid Tuminez, president of UVU, among others.

Come and join us and make your voice heard. Details can be found at http://thechamber.org/chamber-events/utah-county-goes-to-washington-dc/.

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