Chamber President Message Last summer, my husband contracted COVID-19 and was in the ICU for eight days. Luckily for us, his condition improved, and, after many months, he has made a full recovery. To say this was a stressful, uncertain time for our family is an understatement, and one thing we didn’t anticipate was the full effect it would have on our small business. It’s a challenging time to own a small business, but I’m not telling you anything you haven’t seen. Personal illness, new regulations, supply chain issues, labor shortages, financial fragility … the pandemic has dumped a myriad of unforeseen stressors at the feet of small business owners everywhere. Luckily for us, the Payson/Santaquin area has a chamber of commerce dedicated to helping our businesses recover and thrive! In 2022, the chamber will redouble its efforts to help by providing different avenues of advertising, sharing resources of education and assistance, creating opportunities for businesses to sell and to serve, and facilitating valuable networking opportunities to build connections. Even with these efforts, however, our businesses can’t thrive without the increased support from the communities they call home. One thing the pandemic hasn’t taken from us as community members is the freedom to choose how we spend our money. With so many small businesses struggling right now, I’d like to encourage us to be more intentional about where we
choose to shop. Now more than ever, let’s sound the watch cry of Shop Local, Shop Small. Now, you may be wondering how this benefits you and your family. The answer is simple: when our businesses thrive, our community thrives. • When local businesses feel supported, they tend to support the community more. Business owners tend to volunteer at events, sponsor teams, participate in Onion Days and Orchard Days, and invest time and money in the local schools. Local businesses have a vested interest in making their communities great. • Local small businesses help create community identity. They help shape our area’s culture. For example, we’re lucky to be surrounded by beautiful orchards and farmland. As we choose to support these farms and agribusinesses, they’re able to continue as pillars in our communities, and it comes together to contribute to a strong sense of home and identity. • Local small businesses create more local jobs and happier employees. Aflac’s 2018 Small Business Happiness Survey reported that 87% of employees at small businesses say working for a small business is more fun than working at a large one. Employees feel seen and employers are more understanding because they have better relationships with their employees. •Local small businesses will pay local property taxes that contribute to our
SHOP local police and fire departments. They charge sales tax which goes towards other local projects. • Your dollars stay in our community! I’m excited for the possibilities that 2022 holds. As you work hand-in-hand with us at the chamber of commerce, we can create a culture of support that will strengthen our local businesses, communities and families. Shop Local, Shop Small! Stephanie Taylor President, Board of Directors Payson Santaquin Area Chamber of Commerce
H E L P I N G YO U E XC E L I N L I F E A S W E L L A S I N H E A LT H
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