Chamber Message

Point of the Mountain Chamber of Commerce Message

When the pandemic first began a little over two years ago, we were all sent home into lockdown and forced to adapt. We quickly learned (some faster than others) how to operate virtual meetings for work, school, church and other activities.

For me, I was halfway through my junior year of college and interning at the Utah State Legislature when things dramatically changed. I left Provo and moved back to my parents’ house for what I thought would be a few weeks. We all know that a few weeks turned into something completely different than what we were expecting.

Two years later, on the other side of this pandemic, we can look back and see the strength and resolve it took to survive the long days and worrisome nights. As we transition back to our normal ways without masks and mandates, it is important that we also return to having a closeness with those around us.

During the 2022 Brigham Young University Commencement ceremony, BYU President Kevin J Worthen spoke of a psychological factor called the “Propinquity Effect,” which is defined as “the tendency of individuals to form close relationships with people they repeatedly encounter. That is, the more often one comes into contact with another person, the more likely it is that one will form a friendship or romantic relationship with that person.”

While completing all of our everyday tasks online, we were starved of this; we lacked nearness with those beyond our household. We adapted to make do, but now it is time to reinvest in our relationships with our neighbors and community members.

This highlights so clearly the need for a Chamber of Commerce. Here at the Chamber, we provide weekly opportunities to interact with those who you normally may not encounter as well as to develop relationships and meaningful connections for your personal life and for your business.

At General Chamber Luncheons, Connect 4 Lunches, golf tournaments and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, chamber members are provided with the opportunity to make the meaningful connections with others in the community that we all need in order to thrive and find fulfillment.

I have been with the Point of the Mountain Chamber of Commerce for a couple months now, and I have been astounded by our members’ dedication to helping those around them. My propinquity to so many wise and kindhearted individuals each month has made the job worthwhile.

On behalf of the Chamber, we invite you to step outside and join us at a networking lunch to build connections and get to know those in our fantastic community.

Addison Garside Director of Operations Point of the Mountain Chamber of Commerce