Chamber President’s Message It is a privilege and honor to work with this wonderful group of volunteers. I look forward to working with our Chamber Executive Director Michelle Lines, the city officials in Payson and Santaquin, and the other board members as we strive to battle the challenges that face our community and businesses in 2021. A big thanks goes to Josh Nielsen for doing a great job as president throughout 2020 with all its obstacles. Also, thanks to our past presidents Ty Jones and Jade Walker for volunteering to help with the executive committee during 2020. With Michelle as our director, we accomplished some great things that benefited the community even with the challenging COVID-19 restrictions. It’s a wonderful thing for an individual or business to volunteer their time and money and make southern Utah County a place of peace and prosperity, a place we’re proud to call home. Even greater is the person who continues that service when times are challenging. We have a
few new board members this year who have my thanks and admiration for accepting the challenge of serving as well as those who remain and continue from year to year. In 2019, I took my family on a road trip to Illinois. On 1-80, just outside of Laramie, Wyoming, there is a lone pine tree situated between the eastbound and westbound lanes called “Tree Rock.” This tree is growing out of the top of a granite boulder. In spite of what seemed to be impossible growing conditions, this tree sprouted and has been growing for at least 160 years or more. The men who helped build the Union Pacific railroad in this region diverted the tracks slightly so future travelers could pass by and marvel at the site. Stories have been told of trains stopping to view the tree while workers would take water buckets intended for fighting fires and would give the tree a drink. Much like this tree, many businesses and their employees have survived a year in difficult growing conditions and
face what appears to be another very challenging year. As the passengers gave the tree a drink as they passed by, we do the same thing to our businesses anytime we shop local. Our local businesses fuel the economy and provide jobs to family, friends and neighbors. These aren’t just local businesses — they are your businesses. When they fail, we fail; when they succeed, we succeed. Think of your communities when you shop and give those businesses in southern Utah County a drink and keep them them growing. Eagles soar to great heights during windy times. I know that if each one of us in the chamber stretches our wings during this tumultuous time and leaves our comfort zone to support chamber events and fulfill assignments we’ve be given, we will not only weather the storm, we’ll rise above it. To those who are not currently members of the chamber (residents and businesses alike), I invite you to be a hero this year and make a difference in the community by joining with us. Together, we can lift each other to new heights. I look forward to serving with you all in 2021. Together, we’ll make this a year to remember. Ben Glazner President, Board of Directors Payson Santaquin Area Chamber of Commerce Branch Manager, America First Credit Union – Santaquin
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Payson Santaquin Connection • www.paysonsantaquinarea.com
