2018
TOP 10
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
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UTAH’S BUSINESS LEADER The Salt Lake Chamber is Utah’s largest and longest-standing business association. A statewide chamber of commerce with members in all 29 Utah counties, the Chamber represents the broad interests of the state’s 63,000plus employers, which employ more than 1.4 million Utahns. This includes thousands of Chamber members and their employees. Established in 1887, the Chamber has become widely known as Utah’s Business Leader, applying the expertise and experience of its members to major issues facing the Beehive State. Through research and advocacy on local, state and federal levels, the Chamber stands as the voice of business, supports its members’ success and champions community prosperity.
USING THE PUBLIC POLICY GUIDE AND COMPANION DOCUMENTS As Utah’s Business Leader, there are thousands of issues of importance to our economy and business community. The Top 10 Legislative Priorities serves as the Salt Lake Chamber’s agenda for Utah’s upcoming 2018 Legislative Session. This document is complimented by a new principles-based guiding document for the business community’s public policy work, a positions document to further capture critical issues and our federal priorities booklet.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
BUSINESS LEADERS
Understand the business community’s priorities and positions on critical issues.
38-15-1 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES From legislative committee rooms and the Governor’s office, to Congress and city halls across the state, the Salt Lake Chamber works to promote a pro-growth, business-focused agenda. The Chamber publishes regular updates on these efforts under the title of 3815-1 on slchamber.com. That number represents the necessary votes in the 75-member Utah House of Representatives, 29-member Utah State Senate and support of the Governor of Utah required to enact legislation. We encourage you to follow these updates throughout the year, and especially during the 2018 Legislative Session.
Develop a deeper understanding of the key issues impacting Utah’s economy.
TOP 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS MODERNIZING UTAH’S TAX CODE
3
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE
5
AIR QUALITY
7
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
9
TRANSPORTATION 11 HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
13
REGULATION REFORM
15
FAMILIES AND WORKPLACE
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HOMELESSNESS 19 QUALITY OF LIFE
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Dear Fellow Utahns, While there’s no question 2017 was a time of change, Utah did what it’s always done and plotted a course to prosperity. The forward-thinking leadership of our elected officials and the engagement of the business community on the critical affairs facing our state has been key to our success. It is because of this commitment that Utah remains amongst the top economies in the country and one of the most inclusive. Economic opportunity is alive and well in Utah, and we must protect it. This opportunity is derived by a shared goal of making Utah a global business destination with an unparalleled quality of life. We can advance that goal by making informed, purposeful and courageous decisions during the 2018 legislative session. For example, Utah must follow Washington’s leadership and modernize our state’s tax code. We have waited far too long to address this issue and inaction risks all of our success. Modernizing our tax code would allow us to become more competitive and enable investment in future generations, as well as the infrastructure and services needed to support them. Reaching unparalleled quality of life requires an even greater attention from every Utahn, business leader, and elected official on improving our air quality. No issue would improve our quality of life more. Foundational to our quality of life is preserving our affordability and ability to keep our loved ones close. This means we must address housing affordability, improve land use decisions and continue to focus on high-quality job creation. Without action, we will have too many people, too little land, and be far too expensive to sustain economic prosperity. Beyond these issues, we must address the greatest challenge facing businesses in today’s marketplace—a qualified workforce. Enhancing the quality and size of our workforce must be of utmost importance, and should be a central focus of the session. To add our perspectives to these issues and many others, we have updated our approach to our annual Public Policy Guide, which outlined all our principles and positions, with this document. This new approach is focused on our Top 10 Legislative Priorities and specific legislative actions to address them. This publication embodies our mission: to stand as the voice of business, to support our members’ success and to champion community prosperity. To be clear, this new approach is not to say that the Chamber has become any less committed to our principles and clear positions on hundreds of policy issues. Instead, our intent is that this new publication will better inform business leaders and legislators of our priorities as they tackle the major issues facing our state and our economy. This new approach comes from years worth of effort to do what we do best—build common ground. In a time of change, the steady hand of business leadership is critical. We are proud of the Chamber’s reputation as a coalitionbuilding organization. We have, and will always commit to bringing our state’s best and brightest to tackle tough issues. To look ahead. To solve problems. And to provide public leadership for Utah’s continued economic success. We invite you to review these priorities and join us in working to build a better Utah.
Lane Beattie Wilford Clyde President & CEO 2017-2018 Board Chair
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MODERNIZING UTAH’S TAX CODE IT’S TIME TO ACT! Our modern economy has left Utah’s tax code behind and, with it, the flexibility to make strategic decisions about Utah’s future. The Salt Lake Chamber believes this is the most critical issue facing the Legislature and must be addressed this session. After years of effort to understand the various policy options to modernize our tax code, now is the time to act.
Legislative Action
There are many proposals that deserve consideration to modernize Utah’s tax code. We support taking action this session on tax modernization to ensure we can meet our current and future needs, enhance our state’s competitiveness, and create greater equity and efficiency for our economy.
THE ECONOMY HAS CHANGED There is little doubt this isn’t your grandfather’s economy. The digitization of goods and changing purchasing patterns have made Utah’s tax code a thing of the past. It’s time to look at new approaches to broaden the base and lower the rate with a modern tax code for a modern economy.
Note: Health care expenditures include services and pharmaceutical and medical goods Source: Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute Analysis of U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis NIPA data
OUR TAX BASE IS SHRINKING Utah’s sales tax base has eroded significantly in recent decades. This is due to changes in the economy and legislative actions. Today, Utah offers more than 170 exemptions to the tax code and inducements to incentivize behavior, 90 of which we do not know the full cost, according to a legislative audit. It’s time to broaden the base and lower the rate so legislative actions and a changing economy do not unfairly burden the rest of taxpayers.
Sales Tax Base as a Percentage of Utah’s Personal Income
77% 1978 46% 2015 Source: Legislative Fiscal Analyst
The Salt Lake Chamber believes modernizing Utah’s tax code is the most critical issue facing the Legislature and has engaged in a public awareness campaign to help Utahns understand the key issues facing the state and why tax modernization is so important. Learn more at utah.tax 3
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MODERNIZING UTAH’S TAX CODE KEEPING UP WITH GROWTH IS EXPENSIVE As a high-growth state, we must provide Utah’s workforce with the skills of the 21st century and constantly maintain and invest in infrastructure. Keeping up with your kids and grandkids requires real investment to stay in front of the cost curve. Relying on the same old tax code and fiscal constraints to invest in our future won’t cut it. Utah’s Population Growth $ $
$ $
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2018
2030
3 MILLION
2060
4.2 MILLION
5.6 MILLION
Source: Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
ENHANCING EDUCATION FUNDING The number one challenge companies are facing in terms of growth is a quality workforce. Modernizing our tax code presents an opportunity to enhance Utah’s overall funding effort in education and ensure we are investing in the future in order to have the talent needed to compete. Utah’s Public Education Funding Effort Education Revenues per $1,000 of Personal Income 60 Estimates
50 40
20 10 0
STATE RANKING
30
8
9
8
7
11
11
12
16
17
19
20
29
25
22
32
33
24
26
29
32
31
35
37
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
U.S. Average
Income Tax
Property Tax Basic Levy
Other Property Tax
2015
2016
2017
2018
Other Revenues
Source: Utah Foundation
MAINTAINING UTAH’S COMPETITIVENESS In today’s marketplace, Utah businesses need a more competitive tax code. Other states are catching up to Utah’s economic vibrancy, and Utah trails many of its competitors in creating the economic environment necessary to attract headquarters and advanced manufacturing. This means we need to make the necessary changes to keep Utah’s tax climate among the best in the nation. Source: The Tax Foundation TOP
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EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE MEETING UTAH’S TALENT NEEDS THROUGH GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY, INVESTMENT, AND INNOVATION The most pressing challenge facing Utah’s economy is a talented workforce and a robust education system. Addressing this challenge means greater accountability, investment and innovation in education, as well as a more concerted effort to coordinate workforce development programs to keep the talent we produce in state. Executives Report Workforce Top Challenge for Growth 50% 42%
N=38
40% 30%
24%
20% 8%
10%
3%
11%
8% 3%
3%
0%
Workforce (limited labor pool or quality of candidates)
Transportation or Infrastructure Related Challenges
Market Size or Growing Customer Base
Internal Company Dynamics
Access to Capital or Real Estate Challenges
Other Government Challenges
Regulation or Taxes
Other Economic Challenges
Source: Salt Lake Chamber’s CEOutlook – Quarter 2, 2017
MAKING UTAH A KNOWLEDGE CAPITAL Utah is known for the quality of our talented workforce, and other states are taking notice. It’s time for greater attention on what the public and private sector can do to attract, retain, and develop the best and brightest for Utah’s economy. This is a complex issue, but we can take actionable steps to immediately address the problem. A recent analysis points out that many Utah graduates leave the state for high-wage jobs, effectively taking Utah’s investment with them. In addition, employers are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified talent and navigate the state’s numerous workforce development systems.
Legislative Action
We support innovative efforts to strategically align the private and public sectors to attract, train, and retain a skilled and talented workforce. This includes increasing certificate and degree programs, and stackable credentials that meet high-wage, high-demand workforce needs.
Legislative Action
We support developing an innovative talent development and retention strategy that focuses on empowering and incentivizing a greater number of students to enroll in degree programs for high-demand, high-wage jobs, and remain in the state after graduation.
Legislative Action
We support evaluating and documenting the numerous workforce development programs through a legislative audit and utilizing this information to move towards a collective impact model across institutions, agencies, and industries to fill in the state’s talent gaps. Collective Impact Thinking and Framework for Utah’s Workforce Programs Complex social problems cannot be solved by single programs, organizations or sectors alone. Isolated Impact
Traditional Collaboration
Collective Impact
Five Conditions of Collective Impact Common agenda Shared measurement Mutual activities Continuous communication Backbone support
Source: Stanford Social Innovation Review
Talent Ready Utah focuses and optimizes the efforts businesses make to enhance education. Talent Ready Utah supports businesses as they become involved with education through activities like job shadowing, internships, donations, industry tours and in-classroom presentations. 5
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EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE UTAH’S EDUCATION ROADMAP
Reading Proficiency
Math Proficiency
8TH GRADE
Source: National Assessment of Education Progress Reflects At or Above Basic Level of Proficiency
GOAL
2015
8TH GRADE
8TH GRADE
66% by 2020
IN THE U.S.
IN THE U.S.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
GOAL 2011
2015
2015 2015
2011
2011
GOAL
90% 66%
76% 84% 34TH 26TH
Increase educational achievement and attainment for every learner at all levels of the education system.
Source: National Assessment of Education Progress Reflects At or Above Basic Level of Proficiency
High School Graduation
HIGH-SCHOOL GRADUATION BY 2020
VISION
4TH GRADE
MISSION Utah invests in long-term prosperity for our residents by enriching the life experiences, civic engagement, and career opportunities for all by providing a robust and innovative quality education, from early childhood through adulthood.
OUR ADULT WORKFORCE HOLDING A POSTSECONDARY DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE BY 2020
40.3% 47.9%
Source: Lumina Foundation, Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
Throughout the 2017 interim session, agencies involved in education throughout the state, along with the Education Interim Committee chairs, worked together to develop statewide goals and outcome metrics, from preschool through advanced degrees and careers. Entering School Ready to Learn Prepared for High School Success Prepared for College, Career and Life Opportunities Access to Achieve College and Career Success Meets the Needs of a Dynamic State and its Economy
FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
MEASURING PROGRESS
INNOVATION & COLLABORATION
8TH GRADE
85% 84% 73% 76% 4TH GRADE
2011
4TH GRADE
2015
2011
4TH GRADE
MATH PROFICIENCY BY 2020
2015
68% 74% 79% 81%
2011
READING PROFICIENCY BY 2020
2015
2011
GOAL
90% 90%
After years of study, Governor Gary R. Herbert and his Education Excellence Commission developed Utah’s Education Roadmap. This planning guide brings together the common elements of stakeholder plans, providing greater alignment of the education system, as well as momentum in the work to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Utah students. The roadmap’s strategies will require maximizing existing resources while also making new investments into the education system.
Legislative Action
We support advancing innovation, accountability, and greater investment in education to make Utah’s education system among the best in the nation. This includes implementing the targeted investments and strategies identified in the Governor’s Education Roadmap, the Prosperity through Education 5-Year Plan, and working towards achieving the goals of Prosperity 2020. Source: Governor’s Education Excellence Commission
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AIR QUALITY CLEARING THE AIR After a monumental outreach effort through the Your Utah, Your Future process, Utahns identified a goal of significantly reducing our emissions in the decades to come. Utah’s poor air quality can have a real impact on economic growth, but so can over-regulation. We need to find a balance to implement emission reduction and energy efficiency strategies with a focus on reducing the cost of living and doing business in Utah.
SOURCES OF EMISSIONS DURING INVERSIONS MOBILE SOURCES
13%
POINT SOURCES
39%
AREA SOURCES
Point source air pollution is a single identifiable industry source of pollution.
48%
Mobile source air pollution includes any pollution emitted by motor vehicles.
Area source air pollution includes small pollution sources such as homes, small businesses and commercial buildings.
Source: Utah Department of Environmental Quality
ACHIEVING 40% REDUCTION BY 2050: A GOAL WE CAN ACHIEVE Between 2002 and 2014, Utah’s population increased by 28 percent, or over 600,000 people. During this same period, total statewide emissions declined by 30 percent and per capita emissions reduced by 46 percent. This trend shows that even with nearly a doubling of population, real emission reductions are possible with purposeful actions.
MOBILE SOURCES
AREA SOURCES
It is estimated that the number of cars in Utah will nearly double by 2050. To meet our goals, we need to drive 25 percent less per person than today. That means a reduction of more than 7.5 billion vehicle miles traveled with better transit, improved planning and land use decisions, and significantly increasing the number of low-emission vehicles on Utah’s roads.
As the number of Utah homes and businesses nearly doubles by 2050, area sources will become the dominant source of air pollutants. To meet our goals, we need new buildings to be 50 percent more energy efficient than today, and all older homes and businesses renovated to be 30 percent more energy efficient.
Legislative Action
We support allowing state funding for the highestvalue transportation projects including expansion of our transit and active transition system, as well as smarter land use that will reduce vehicle miles traveled.
Legislative Action
We support the accelerated adoption of cleaner vehicles, as mobile sources are currently the largest share of emissions.
Legislative Action
We support all local refineries upgrading to produce cleaner-burning fuel, which has the potential to significantly reduce vehicle emissions.
Legislative Action
We support creating incentives for better energy benchmarking of commercial buildings to help offset costs.
Legislative Action
We support targeted efforts to assist home and building owners to become more energy efficient.
Legislative Action
We support efforts to require ultra-low nitrogen oxide burning natural gas water heaters for all new and existing buildings.
Legislative Action
We support incentives and efforts to mitigate wood burning.
POINT SOURCES Since 1995, large industry has reduced emissions by 47 percent and all major industrial sources will be required to install Best Available Control Technology by 2018. To meet our goals, we need to build on these efforts through the 2014 state regulations to balance the impact on the economy, while also significantly reducing emissions.
Legislative Action
We support the state’s efforts to effectively implement the state regulations enacted in 2014. 7
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AIR QUALITY
Zero Red Air Days is a united effort among various agencies, organizations and concerned citizens to improve Utah’s air quality. This initiative is a goal that our community will no longer tolerate poor air quality. It is an acknowledgement that we all need to do our part to take actions within our homes, businesses and public policy that improve our air. How are you going to do your part?
Source: Utah Department of Environmental Quality
BECOME A CLEAN AIR CHAMPION & TELL YOUR STORY Air quality continues to rank as one of the top concerns for employees throughout the state. Clean Air Champions are businesses that show dedication to their employees’ well-being and benefit from bottom line savings, enhanced employee health and morale, and recognition from business community peers by implementing strategies that help reduce emissions. By completing a simple form and selecting which clean air strategies your business will (or already has) implement, your company will be considered a Salt Lake Chamber Clean Air Champion. Let us share your efforts to improve the air. PARTICIPATE IN THE CLEAR THE AIR CHALLENGE Clear the Air Challenge is a month-long competition that gives your company and employees the chance to reduce your vehicle emissions by choosing alternate methods of transportation. By driving less and driving smarter, you will ultimately help improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and conserve energy in Utah. More likely than not, many of your business’s competitors and peers participate in the challenge, so the pressure is on! Sign up your company as a team by visiting cleartheairchallenge.org. The next challenge starts February 2018. SHOW UCAIR The Salt Lake Chamber works closely with the Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR) to promote simple actions you can take at work and at home to make a measurable difference for Utah’s air. Visit ucair.org for ideas. TOP
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMPETING IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY Winning on Merit: In a global economy, Utah must focus on the primary reasons our economy is thriving and what we must do to produce even greater results. This includes retaining our pro-business climate, stressing innovation in lieu of regulation, addressing critical funding needs for our workforce and infrastructure, and ensuring we maintain a high quality of life for all Utahns. Headquarters of the Intermountain West: Utah has undergone several economic transformations, from a natural resources and defense dependent economy, to now one of our nation’s premier technology hubs. Our state can have another threshold moment by placing a greater emphasis on attracting regional and national corporate headquarters. These investments will provide high-quality jobs and ensure we meet our potential as the Crossroads of the West.
Legislative Action
We support efforts to make our tax, workforce, quality of life, and other key determining factors more targeted towards enhancing Utah’s competitiveness for regional and national corporate headquarters. Wasatch Front: The growth of Utah’s four most populated counties is among the most significant changes in Utah’s urban dynamics in a generation, presenting a significant economic opportunity. The Wasatch Front is home to more than 2 million residents, representing nearly 85 percent of our state’s population and roughly an equal percentage of our overall economy. However, this is often not fairly captured in federal statistics or national rankings and publications, which can have a real impact on economic development opportunities and branding.
Legislative Action
We support efforts to advance the consideration of merging Utah’s Metro-Statistical Areas (MSAs) in federal datasets to better represent the interconnectedness of these areas, and enhance our attractiveness as a region. Rural Economic Development: Our state has gained national recognition as one of the best performing economies in the nation. However, the economies of 11 rural Utah counties have contracted since the Great Recession. The current number of jobs available in these counties are less than they were in 2007. Governor Gary R. Herbert has demonstrated true economic leadership by focusing attention on a real need in Utah’s economy, something the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has called, “a tale of two Utahs, or the unequal economic prosperity between the state’s rural and urban counties.”
Legislative Action
We support efforts that bolster job creation in rural Utah and meet the Governor’s goal of 25,000 jobs by 2020. These efforts include supporting tourism, relocation and teleworking, forward-thinking planning, disciplined infrastructure investment, and expanded export opportunities. Legislative Action We support efforts to continue to enhance the state’s broadband access and capacity, small cell technology, and other digital infrastructure to enable both urban and rural economic growth. In his 2017 State of the State address, Governor Gary R. Hebert challenged Utah businesses to build 25,000 jobs throughout rural Utah by 2020. This initiative brings partners from all corners of the state to engage with rural communities and explore new opportunities.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SIGNATURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Economic Development Incentives Utah’s companies and our economy compete in a global marketplace for talent and capital. Recent reviews demonstrate that Utah’s incentive programs to attract and retain business—adding thousands of jobs and growing Utah’s economy in the process—is well worth our investment.
Inland Port Utah is uniquely positioned as a logistics hub with multi-modal transportation assets and the ability to allow global trade to be processed and altered by value-added services. Our state has connections to major seaports, first-rate transportation infrastructure and access to large markets.
Legislative Action
Point of the Mountain The Point of the Mountain area, extending from Sandy to Lehi, is well situated to become an economic powerhouse for Utah’s future. It is critical that we take intentional steps to enhance quality of life and catalyze economic growth in a way that substantially increases the number of high-paying jobs in the region.
Legislative Action
We support efforts to improve Utah’s economic development tools at the state, county and local level that enable competition for high-paying jobs, make significant capital investments, and enhance transparency, collaboration and efficacy.
Legislative Action
We support the possible development of an inland port, including continued evaluation to advance investment and governance.
We support the state-led visioning and strategic planning process to establish the Point of the Mountain area as an internationally-acclaimed job center.
U T A H ’ S Q U A R T E R LY E C O N O M I C S U R V E Y O F B U S I N E S S E X E C U T I V E S
The Salt Lake Chamber’s CEOutlook is a new statewide economic survey of Utah business executives. Modeled after other national business sentiment surveys, it provides a forward-looking view of the Utah economy. The results of the survey will help business and community leaders make informed decisions about likely future economic conditions. Salt Lake Chamber’s CEOutlook Confidence Index and Job Growth 3.2%
100
3.2%
90
3%
2.7%
2.5%
70 60
2%
50 2%
40 30
Job growth
60.63
Index
62.00
0%
62.84
1%
66.29
1%
Source: Salt Lake Chamber
80
17-Q1 66.29 3.2%
17-Q2 62.84 3.2%
17-Q3 62.00 2.7%
17-Q4 60.63 2.5%
20
Concern <50
Year-Over Job Growth
3%
>50 Optimisim
4%
10 0
Over the past year, this effort has developed the Salt Lake Chamber’s CEOutlook Confidence Index to summarize business leader’s sentiment on the economy. This index is based on responses to the four standard questions included in each quarter’s survey (Question 1-4). The index can range from 0 to 100. A score below 50 indicates executives believe the economy will worsen; a score above 50 indicates a belief among executives that the economy will improve. TOP
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TRANSPORTATION MODERNIZING TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT AND POLICY The business community understands that investment in multi-modal transportation is directly tied to economic development and quality of life. Throughout the summer and fall, the Legislature convened a special Transportation Governance and Funding Task Force to take a deep dive into a variety of possible improvements to transportation policy and governance, as well as ways to streamline and align investment and funding strategies for Utah’s longterm transportation needs. The task force was comprised of local government officials, legislators, business and community leaders including; Salt Lake Chamber President and CEO Lane Beattie, and Utah Transportation Coalition co-chairs, Sophia DiCaro of the Cynosure Group, and Wade Sherman from Adobe. Through this process, it was realized that innovative approaches are needed to ensure we Keep Utah Moving.
Keeping Our Edge: Utah’s recent economic success had been made possible by many factors, including our state’s significant commitment to transportation funding. It is imperative that we continue this legacy of economic leadership through stewardship of the state’s financial resources to make disciplined investment in our multi-modal transportation network.
Legislative Action
We support continued investment in our state’s multi-modal transportation network to address capacity expansion, maintenance, and operations of Utah’s significant transportation assets.
Legislative Action
We support users bearing the primary responsibility for funding Utah’s infrastructure.
Legislative Action
We support necessary reforms to the State Infrastructure Bank to significantly capitalize the bank and enable greater local participation, incentivize smarter land use decisions, and prioritize infrastructure projects with a substantial economic impact.
Legislative Action
We support expanding the available funding tools for transportation, including tax increment financing for fixed infrastructure projects, a pilot program for road user charges, evaluating toll roads and greater use of variable pricing models.
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$ Governance Changes Utah’s transportation agencies, and our state’s commitment to forward-looking planning and investment, are nationally recognized for their effectiveness, efficiency, and for delivering the robust transportation system we have today.
Legislative Action
We support modifications to transportation governance as necessary to achieve a shift in planning and investment that allows for the highest value projects, regardless of mode, and key objectives for our transportation system to be advanced.
Utah’s Unified Transportation Plan 2015-2040 Utah’s Unified Transportation Plan is a model for the nation and is our guiding vision for transportation planning and investments. The plan comprehensively prioritizes investments needed now and for decades to come. Learn more at utahunifiedplan.org
$7.3 B UNFUNDED
Focusing on Economic Development Utah must enhance the focus on transportation planning and investment to provide access to existing, emerging and future job centers, and to improve housing affordability.
Legislative Action
We support use of corridor and area-level planning to better integrate transportation planning and investment with economic development opportunities and local land use planning.
Legislative Action
We support greater inclusion of economic development as a criteria in the transportation prioritization process. This includes identifying existing, emerging and future job centers, and prioritizing infrastructure to serve those areas, particularly where doing so will improve jobs/ housing balance.
Legislative Action
We support utilizing state dollars as an incentive to align land use planning in order to better maximize taxpayer dollars. Utahns Support Smarter Land Use An overwhelming number of Utahns support communities designed around walking, transit, short drives, and diverse housing.
$67.5 B
82%
SUPPORT $6.2 B EXISTING REVENUE Source: Wasatch Front Regional Council
18% Source: Envision Utah
The Utah Transportation Coalition collaborates with our partners to make smart and sustainable transportation choices and to secure adequate, stable, and long-term funding that supports a high quality of life and economic growth in Utah. Learn more at utahtransportation.org TOP
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HOUSING AFFORDABILITY UTAH’S BIGGEST UNADDRESSED ECONOMIC RISK For the first time in 40 years, Utah has more households than available housing units. This creates a serious threat to our state’s economic prosperity. Land is becoming scarce in metropolitan areas, the labor market is tight, and current local policies have all limited the number of housing projects brought to market. This means the average Utah family is struggling with a gap between their housing needs and affordable options. Furthermore, the public perceives that Utah has a strong housing market, but does not have a clear understanding of the issues at play. “Housing affordability” refers to providing access to different housing types of all income groups, whereas “affordable housing” referes to providing housing for people below the median income level or government-subsidized housing.
Legislative Action
We support efforts to address Utah’s housing affordability crisis through improved land use, streamlining construction permitting, sensible innovation policies, and promoting quality development to increase density.
THE GAP: INCREASE IN HOUSEHOLDS EXCEEDS INCREASE IN HOUSING UNITS All three housing markets are strained: existing homes, rentals and new construction. These conditions caused single-family and rental prices to increase nearly 8 percent last year. Since 2010, Utah has added four new households for every three new housing units. New Households Compared to New Housing Units
Source: Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
The Housing GAP Coalition is poised to address the challenges associated with housing affordability to ensure the American Dream is kept alive for all Utahns by providing access to a variety of housing types for all income groups. This Salt Lake Chamber initiative is bringing the state’s brightest minds from business, academia and government together to tackle this very real threat to our long-term economic prosperity. 13
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HOUSING AFFORDABILITY POPULATION DOUBLING BY 2050 Utah’s population has doubled in the past 30 years and will double again by 2050. Only one-third of population growth is due to people moving to the state—our increasing family numbers contribute the other two-thirds. Tackling Utah’s housing gap is about your kids, grandkids and aging parents.
Source: Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
LOCAL POLICIES LIMIT HOUSING PROJECTS
HOME BUYERS MAY BE PRICED OUT In 25 years, with a nominal annual price increase of 5 percent, median Utah home prices could increase to $800,000.
Communities can have a real impact addressing Utah’s housing gap. It’s important that local elected officials become educated on this critical issue as well as the impacts local land use and other policies have on keeping their communities affordable.
LABOR DEMOGRAPHICS ARE CHANGING Demographics have changed Utah’s labor market. Before 2010, one in five immigrants in Utah worked in the construction industry. Currently, only 2 percent of Utah’s foreign-born population is in construction. Sensible immigration policy will improve Utah’s housing affordability crisis.
20 PERCENT IMMIGRANT WORKFORCE 2 PERCENT IMMIGRANT WORKFORCE
Source: Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
INSUFFICIENT LAND IN METRO AREAS CLOSE TO JOBS There are physical constraints on developable land due to geography, and building only single-family homes will require more infrastructure and more travel time for homeowners. Growing population places a strain on water availability, impacts air quality and increases commute times. Responsible growth and wise utilization of resources will help preserve our high quality of life.
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REGULATION REFORM
PROTECTING AND ENHANCING UTAH’S BUSINESS CLIMATE Regulation reform is among the easiest and simplest ways policymakers can influence economic growth. Every state is subject to many of the same federal regulations, so proactively addressing our state’s regulatory structure can make an immediate impact on improving Utah’s competitiveness. Utah continues to garner national praise for our pro-business climate. As it stands, Utah’s administrative code has a clear process, requires business engagement and has been continuously improved. In 2011, the state conducted one of the most thorough regulation reviews in the nation. However, Utah’s regulatory structure was becoming outdated in comparison to leading states. In 2017, the Utah Legislature and Governor Gary R. Herbert enacted the most significant overhaul of regulatory policy in state history to address this concern. These reforms focused on improving analysis and evaluation of administrative rules and legislation that greatly improved Utah’s business climate. Fully implementing these changes and understanding why they happened is critical to ensuring Utah remains a great state for business.
Which States Have a Rigorous Regulatory Analysis?
States with cost-benefit analysis on regulation
States without cost-benefit analysis on regulation
Source: Salt Lake Chamber Analysis of Fifty State Regulatory Practices
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Enacted New Regulatory Analysis Legislation in 2017
REGULATION REFORM
SUMMARY OF 2017 REGULATION REFORM EFFORT
#1
TWO-PARTY CONSENT LAW
BETTER EVALUATIONS
Require a quantitative analysis on the fiscal impact of every rule Implement an analysis tool for agencies Expand business impact categories Improve breakdown on the fiscal costs of rules
#2
STOP UNNECESSARY REGULATION
Recording Consent Laws Utah must take actions to preserve privacy and protect intellectual property and keep up with today’s technology. Currently, Utah’s “one-party consent” rule does not meet this test and exposes the business community to unnecessary risk.
Flag legislation that may produce increased regulation Perform and publish a Small Business Impact Reduction Analysis on every rule
#3
IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY AND OVERSIGHT
Establish an executive branch clearinghouse for regulation Emphasize the impact on economic development Modernize and invest in rules.utah.gov Place best practices in statute
#4
ACHIEVING A NATIONAL MODEL
Considering a more robust analysis on costs and benefits of rules
Overview According to the Wiretap Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. § 2511), it’s illegal to secretly record any oral, telephonic, or electronic communication that is reasonably expected to be private. However, the “one-party consent” rule allows secret recordings if at least one person in the conversation consents to the recording. The party giving consent must participate in the conversation to qualify. The twelve states with two-party consent laws are: California Connecticut Florida Illinois Maryland Massachusetts
Michigan Montana Nevada New Hampshire Pennsylvania Washington (State)
While a state’s recording laws usually determine the legality of taping conversations, federal law takes precedence and preempts all state laws if it’s considered to be more protective of privacy.
THE
COST OF DOING BUSINESS IMPROVING UTAH’S REGULATORY SYSTEM
As the statewide voice for business, the Salt Lake Chamber works to ensure Utah’s business climate remains among the best in the nation. Read the full report at slchamber.com/costofdoingbusiness
Legislative Action
We support efforts to enhance Utah’s business climate by joining 12 other states with “two-party (or all-party) consent” laws, outlawing recordings of conversations unless every single person in the conversation gives consent. Protections should be preserved for recordings of emergencies, protecting whistleblowers, and victims of discrimination or abuse. TOP
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WORKPLACE AND FAMILIES SUPPORTING UTAH’S ECONOMY AND FAMILIES Currently, Utah has insufficient workers with the skills businesses need to fill existing and new job openings. As a result, factors that are substantially affecting the growing skills gap must be considered. It is advantageous to individuals, businesses and to the state to find a balance between supporting our economy and supporting families to ensure the best and brightest are able to contribute to our state’s prosperity. It is imperative that we support and strengthen Utah’s workforce. Employers invest time and resources to hire and train workers, and ultimately, their bottom line depends on the success of their employees. As such, many employers are already pioneering innovative solutions to attract and support talent. However, a declining fertility rate and historically low labor force participation rates show a need for a more structural solution that addresses the balance between remaining a top-state for business and accessing the best talent, while also supporting Utah families.
4.5
Total Fertility Rates
4.30
4.0 3.5 3.0
3.30
3.30
3.61
2.63
2.65
2.5
2.33
2.48 2.48
2.0 1.5
1.87
1.79
2.08
2.06
1.86
Source: Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
United States
Utah
2014
2012
2010
2008
2006
2004
2002
2000
1998
1996
1994
1992
1990
1988
1986
1984
1982
1980
1978
1976
1974
1972
1970
1968
1966
1964
1962
1960
1.0
Replacement Level
Note: The Replacement Level is the fertility level (2.1) at whch the current population is replaced. Source: National Center for Health Statistics
Important Implications Demographers were surprised to see the total fertility rate in South Dakota surpass Utah’s in 2016. Utah’s fertility rate has now declined for eight consecutive years and appears to be on a path to a new normal. This trend has important implications. It will relieve growth pressures in Utah’s public schools, but also impact the growth in Utah’s labor force. While there are many causes, policymakers and business leaders should support policies that support working families in Utah.
Reciprocity of Occupational Licensing for Military Spouses Inconsistent licensing requirements and a lack of reciprocity among states effectively block many military spouses from pursuing their chosen field of work. Utah’s economy and thousands of Utah families would benefit from allowing reciprocity for military spouses.
Legislative Action
We support reforms to occupational licensing to allow for reciprocity for military spouses to increase workforce mobility and labor market efficiency.
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WORKPLACE AND FAMILIES OPTIMIZING PARTICIPATION Utah’s labor force participation rates have not yet returned to pre-recession levels for both men and women. This is particularly inhibitive as Utah businesses work to find and retain talent in a tight job market. It is also notable that labor force participation rates for women are markedly lower than that of men. Utah women have much higher workforce participation rates than U.S. women until the age of 25, after which point the state consistently drops below national averages. This trend hints that removing barriers that inhibit family creation could empower a greater number of women to participate in Utah’s workforce. Paid Family Leave Families are important actors in our economy. We want all employees to be able to work, provide and care for their families, and contribute to our economic growth, while balancing and preserving our state’s business climate.
Legislative Action
We support efforts to achieve a balance between supporting Utah families and preserving our state’s business climate through an incentive-based approach, that encourages employers to provide expanded leave policies. We oppose mandates to private sector leave policies as it would disrupt other employer benefits that already exist in the market and add significant costs.
Labor Force Participation by Gender
Percentage of Women in the Labor Force by Age
2007-2017 81.3%
76.0%
78.5%
78.6% 63.2%
Male
58.2%
59.2%
Female 2007
2011
2016
Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services
2017
61.4%
Age
U.S. Women
Utah Women
16-19
39.2%
54.0%
20-21
67.8%
74.0%
22-24
76.9%
81.2%
25-29
78.2%
72.9%
30-34
75.9%
66.3%
35-44
76.0%
68.4%
45-54
74.9%
71.9%
55-59
66.9%
64.6%
60-61
57.8%
56.6%
62-64
45.6%
43.4%
65-69
27.1%
25.0%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015, American Community Survey
Affordable Child Care Parents face real barriers to joining the labor force, maintaining workplace productivity, or enhancing their skills through education without access to high-quality, affordable child care.
Legislative Action
We support incentives that enhance access to affordable quality child care as a strategy to support Utah employees and their families to potentially grow our labor force, prepare the workforce of tomorrow, and enhance our economic competitiveness. A survey by the Early Care & Learning Council reports that when companies provide child care, employee absences decrease by up to 30 percent and job turnover declines by as much as 60 percent. 83 percent of millennials say that they would leave their current jobs for one with more family-friendly benefits, indicating that increasing access to affordable, quality child care is an effective talent acquisition and retention strategy. An investment in early childhood education means significant public savings due to the strong return on investment —returns can be as high as $16 for every $1 spent. TOP
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HOMELESSNESS
ADDRESSING UTAHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS Operation Rio Grande: Through a highly collaborative approach, city, county and state leaders developed a threephase approach to address homelessness in the Rio Grande area. The lawlessness of the area was first addressed by strict enforcement on drug usage and violence. Phase two centered on treatment, support and increasing access to critical services. The third phase is heavily reliant upon public/private partnerships and aims at restoring the dignity of work to those in need. This is an economic and moral challenge that will require collaborative solutions, including mental health care, job training, substance abuse treatment and new investments in affordable housing.
Legislative Action
We support planning and funding from the Utah Legislature, and communities throughout the state, for facilities, services, housing and employment, as part of a long-term strategy to address and prevent homelessness.
Legislative Action
We support communication efforts to educate the public about the problems with giving to individual panhandlers and the need to support community organizations dedicated to helping the homeless. We also support enforcement of ordinances and laws that curtail aggressive panhandling and camping in the public right of way.
DIGNITY OF WORK
INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN
PREEMPLOYMENT
DIGNITY ACTIVITES
Drug court Residential treatment Sober living
Daily education and skills workshops Internships Mentorships Healthy routines Day jobs (temp) Work ready evaluation
WORK READY Jobs available now (full-time or part-time) On-site recruitment fairs Resume and interview prep
WORK SUPPORT Transportation Housing Clothing
Service Provider Coordination Identification Behavioral & Physical Health Services
SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYMENT
Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services
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PARTNER FEEDBACK
RETENTION
FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT
HOMELESSNESS
DIGNITY OF WORK “DREAM” TEAMS DIGNITY RESTORED THROUGH EMPLOYMENT AND MENTORING Our purpose is to create an individualized work experience opportunity with an employer where the participant can be exposed to workplace essentials as they prepare for employment. We applaud the efforts of many business leaders in working to address our communities homelessness crisis and encourage every business to participate in the dignity of work effort.
TEAM
Participant Employer
Dignity of Work Employment Counselor Workforce Development Specialist
DESIGN EXPERIENCE An internship: up to 10 hours per week for 2-4 weeks Exposure to the workforce, specific industry and specific employers Opportunity to model skills that will lead to employment PREPARATION Coaching and mentoring through daily workshops Established prerequisites that support a successful internship experience
EMPLOYMENT PLAN Negotiated list of activities (between participants and dignity of work case manager) that prepare the participants to be successful with activities that lead to and retain employment; internship is one strategy on the employment plan WORKSITE AGREEMENT Short-term contract between participant and employer Identifies expectations of the employer (e.g. skills to be taught) Identifies expectations of the participant (e.g. code of conduct) PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS Employer will have a participant who has an employment counselor and receives coaching as well as pre- and post-employment support to ensure the participant meets the employer’s needs Employer will have direct access to a single point of contact—a Workforce Services/ Workforce Development Specialist—to coordinate all efforts with placement and retaining participants Participant has greater access to employers to learn workplace skills that will help them obtain full-time employment
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QUALITY OF LIFE THE BEST STATE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY Utah’s spectacular environment is a legacy passed to us from preceding generations. It provides recreational opportunities and natural beauty that attracts great companies, employees, and tourism. Our natural resources are also an essential part of many business processes. We must thoughtfully approach how to appropriately balance these economic interests, while also ensuring a welcoming and inclusive nightlife experience for locals and visitors alike. Ultimately, the communities we call home must enhance our quality of life through improved recreation, better connectivity, and thoughtful planning.
43 STATE PARKS Utah’s state parks are comparable to some states’ national parks, with similar visitors and venues.
NATIONAL PARKS Utah is home to five national parks, eight national monuments, two national recreation areas and six national forests.
14 WORLD-CLASS SKI RESORTS Most of which are within a one-hour drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport. WORLD-RENOWNED CULTURE The Sundance Film Festival showcases the world’s best independent filmmaking
each year, while the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival draws more than 125,000 visitors each year to its permanent stages.
Legislative Action
We support the development and funding of Utah’s recreational assets, including additional facilities, to meet growing demands, promote tourism, improve outdoor access for residents and address other needs. This includes efforts to invest, enhance, expand, and promote Utah’s national and state parks, which attract millions of visitors annually and contribute to urban and rural economies.
Legislative Action
We support reforms that modernize Utah’s liquor laws to protect public safety, reinforce a welcoming and hospitable climate for tourism and business recruitment efforts, and retain state control of wholesale distribution.
SECURING UTAH’S WATER FUTURE
Legislative Action
We support continued and greater investment in Utah’s water data to inform and develop an actionable, adaptive, and comprehensive state water strategy. This research and data should be funded through the Water Infrastructure Restricted Account. This should also include a thorough analysis on the advantages and disadvantages of how we pay for future investments in water infrastructure and how to further utilize user fees. 21
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UTAH’S NEXT ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT An engaged and active statewide business community plays a vital role in Utah’s prosperity, which is why the Salt Lake Chamber’s board, committees and partners have built on current and past efforts to sketch Utah’s Next Economic Blueprint. During 2017, nearly 100 business leaders engaged in a process to develop an innovative and business-driven strategy to guide Utah’s future that includes the 20 top objectives and 54 key milestones. This comprehensive effort will help guide our state’s long-term economic direction and competitiveness. We invite you to dream big, think hard and engage as we work towards Utah’s Next Economic Blueprint. Learn more about the process and the objectives at slchamber.com/blueprint
Global Crossroads Amplifying global competitiveness and connectivity
Executive Board Identifying megatrends
• Globally Competitive Infrastructure • Globally Recognized Business Destination • Host the World
• Protect Utah’s Collaborative Spirit • Engage the Next Generation of Business Leaders
Transformative Choices Making strategic capital investments • Transformative Collaboration • Transformative Network • Transformative Investments
Unleashing Opportunity Boosting economic mobility and high-wage job creation • Epicenter of Opportunity for Individuals • Epicenter of Opportunity for Every Community • Epicenter of Opportunity for Business
Unrivaled Location Enhancing quality of life, health and happiness • Unrivaled Sustainability • Unrivaled Access and Hospitality • Unrivaled Livability
Knowledge Capital Creating a workforce for tomorrow’s jobs • Create Knowledge • Operationalize Knowledge • Attract and Retain Knowledge
Economic Dynamism Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship • Economic Headquarters of the Intermountain West • Dynamic Workforce • Fundamentals of Dynamism
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POLICY STAKEHOLDERS As the voice of business, the Salt Lake Chamber develops principles, policies and positions on major issues affecting Utah businesses. Key to this effort is the work of policy-related committees, subcommittees, task forces and councils involving more than 850 representatives of member corporations, organizations, government and civic leaders, and the academic community, all of whom serve voluntarily. In almost every instance, significant public policy issue positions originate with one of these Chamber components. Participation on a committee by a member is not explicit support for any one position.
STEPS IN DEVELOPING THE TOP 10 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
POLICY COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
CHAIR REVIEW
EXECUTIVE BOARD
APPROVED
Policy-related committees, subcommittees, task forces and councils have three basic policy responsibilities:
In addition to an annual public policy survey of all members, committees and stakeholders work with Chamber staff to update work plans and the previous yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top 10 Legislative Priorities
Committee chairs and the Public Policy Chair review and submit the Top 10 Legislative Priorities to the Executive Board
The final step in approval is the Executive Board meeting in December
The Top 10 Legislative Priorities is an action plan for Chamber staff, stakeholders, business leaders and elected officials for the upcoming legislative session
Identify current and emerging problems Provide support on policy analysis and communication efforts Advise and counsel on issues to recommend to the Executive Board
TOGETHER WE SUCCEED Business unites us as a family of chambers, industry associations and other key partners. Today, more than ever before, it is important to get involved. As Utahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest statewide business association, we are working to solve the issues that impact the business community, our economy and our collective future prosperity. Visit us at slchamber.com
KEY PARTNERS
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2017 BUSINESS CHAMPIONS We deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of the Legislature in making Utah the best state for business. We want to recognize the 2017 Business Champions that represented more than 89 percent of the Legislature. The Salt Lake Chamber appreciate the tireless efforts of the Legislature in making Utah the best state for business. We honor legislators who support a pro-economy and pro-business agenda with the title of “Business Champion.” The designation of Business Champion is directly tied to a legislator’s voting record on Salt Lake Chamber “Priority Votes” and included in the Chamber’s annual Legislative Scorecard. HOUSE•67/75•(89%)
SENATE•26/29•(89%)
During the legislative session, the Salt Lake Chamber’s Executive Board will designate the top priorities of the business community as “Priority Votes.” Unlike other organizations that establish some criteria after a session to evaluate legislators, these issues are often covered within this Policy Guide. Priority Votes are traditionally reserved to 20 or fewer pieces of critical legislation. Additionally, prior to a floor vote on a Chamber priority, legislators will receive the following: Priority Vote letter on their desk
E-mail notification of the Priority Vote
These notifications will clearly describe the Chamber’s support or opposition to the legislation and a brief description of the impact of the legislation on business. Legislators and Chamber members can find a full list of Priority Votes and other bills the Chamber is supporting, opposing or tracking at slchamber.com
QUESTIONS REGARDING PRIORITY VOTES OR A CHAMBER POSITION? PLEASE CONTACT OUR TEAM: Abby Osborne Vice President of Government Relations 801.831.6116 aosborne@slchamber.com
Michael Parker Vice President of Public Policy 801.541.8466 mmparker@slchamber.com
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SALT LAKE CHAMBER 2017-2018 EXECUTIVE BOARD President & CEO: Lane Beattie, Salt Lake Chamber Chair: Wilford Clyde, Clyde Companies, Inc. Vice-Chair: Steven Starks, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies Public Policy Chair: Vance Checketts, Dell EMC Economic Development Chair: Dean Luikart, Wells Fargo Bruce Bingham, Hamilton Partners Terry H. Buckner, The Buckner Company Gérald Caussé, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lori Chillingworth, Zions Bancorporation Cindy Crane, Rocky Mountain Power John Dahlstrom, Wasatch Group Spencer P. Eccles, The Cynosure Group
Theresa Foxley, EDCUtah Chris Gamvroulas, Ivory Development Val Hale, Governor’s Office of Economic Development Kay Hall, Zions Bank Fred P. Lampropoulos, Merit Medical Systems, Inc. Brent Low, Utah Media Group Molly Mazzolini, Infinite Scale Keith McMullin, Deseret Management Corporation Derek Miller, World Trade Center Utah Scott Parson, Staker Parson Companies Ray D. Pickup, WCF Gary B. Porter, Deseret Management Corporation
Nigel Steward, Rio Tinto Kennecott Craig Wagstaff, Questar Corporation Linda Wardell, City Creek Center - The Taubman Company Bert R. Zimmerli, Intermountain Healthcare Chief Operating Officer: Heidi Walker, Salt Lake Chamber Chief Financial Officer: Dan Brimhall, Salt Lake Chamber Chief Economist: Natalie Gochnour, University of Utah Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute Executive Vice President: Jason Mathis, Salt Lake Chamber Ex-Officio: Pat Jones, Women’s Leadership Institute
SALT LAKE CHAMBER 2017-2018 BOARD OF GOVERNORS Kim Abrams, Goldman, Sachs & Co. John A. Adams, Ray Quinney & Nebeker Jeff Alexander, Alexander’s Printing Doug Anderson, Redmond Minerals Nathan Anderson, Union Pacific Railroad Eddie Bangerter, Rocky Mountain Care Scott Beck, Visit Salt Lake, The Convention and Visitors Bureau Dr. Robert T. Behunin, R&R Partners Gary Bell, Leavitt Group Jerry R. Benson, Utah Transit Authority Mayor Jackie Biskupski, City of Salt Lake Corp. Laura Bogusch, Boeing Company Mark H. Bouchard, CBRE Nate Boyer, The Boyer Company Mark Brennan, Ames Construction Lonnie M. Bullard, Jacobsen Construction Company Keith M. Buswell, Wadman Corporation Robert B. Campbell, Wheeler Machinery Co. Rob Carpenter, JP Morgan Chase Andy Carroll, REAL Salt Lake / Rio Tinto Stadium Lee Carter, UBS Bank USA Bob Checketts, Kern River Gas Transmission Company Curtis K. Child, RC Willey Home Furnishing Roger Christensen, Bank of Utah Chris Christensen, Bank of America / Merrill Lynch Dr. Noelle E. Cockett, Utah State University Clint Costley, Kier Construction Amanda K. Covington, Vista Outdoor Lew Cramer, CBC Advisors Bill Crim, United Way of Salt Lake Michael M. Dale, New Media Strategies Raymond J. Dardano, Marlin Business Bank Ingolf de Jong, GENCOMM Sydnee Dickson, Utah State Office of Education Matthew M. Durham, Stoel Rives LLP Rebecca Dutson, United Way TJ England, CR England - Global Transportation Clint W. Ensign, The Sinclair Companies KC Ericksen, Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc. Dr. Ivy Estabrooke, USTAR Mark Faas, Deloitte Marlise Fisher, Washington Federal Tage Flint, Weber Basin Water Conservancy District Rick L. Folkerson, Ken Garff Automotive Group Reed Forrester, Delta Airlines Scott Frederickson, Frederickson Murri Jerry Frisch, Wasatch Container Christian Gardner, Gardner Company Kevin Garn, Thackeray Garn David Gessel, Utah Hospital Association (UHA) Marsha L. Gilford, Smith’s Food & Drug Stores John Graham, 1-800 Contacts, Inc. Terry Grant, KeyBank of Utah Mark J. Green, M.C. Green & Sons, Inc. Robert Grow, Envision Utah Jonathan Hafen, Parr Brown Gee & Loveless Neil Hafer, Enterprise Holdings Inc. Larry Hancock, Steward Health Care System John Hanshaw, MountainStar - HCA Mountain Division
Nathan Hardy, UAMPS Kelly Harris, Harris Financial Utah Richard M. Hartvigsen, Nu Skin Enterprises Inc. Ted L. Hill, Eide Bailly, Inc. President Matthew Holland, Utah Valley University Tom N. Hori, REDCON Kirk Huffaker, Utah Heritage Foundation President Deneece Huftalin, Salt Lake Community College Scott Hughes, Hughes General Contractors, Inc. Jaime Hullinger, American Express Richard Hunt, Hunt Electric, Inc. Sydne Jacques, Jacques & Associates Merlin Jensen, Comcast Business Brayden Jessen, SentryWest Insurance Services Suzy Jessen, Ancestry Dale Johns, Salt Lake Regional Medical Center Greg M. Johnson, Intermountain Healthcare Patricia W. Jones, Women’s Leadership Institute Kirk Jowers, doTERRA International Brent Kartchner, Interior Solutions Jason M. Kerr, Basic Research, LLC John Knotwell, Utah Technology Council Leean Kravitz, Fidelity Investments Tyler Kruzich, Chevron Brent Lange, Hale Centre Theatre Gary Larcenaire, Valley Behavioral Health Chris Lee, Deseret Management Corporation Nicole Lengel, Harmons David Lockwood, EnergySolutions Daniel C. Lofgren, Cowboy Partners Christopher Lund, Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects Ed Macha, Reliable Controls Corporation Al Manbeian, GPS Capital Markets, Inc. Ronald Mangone, Strong & Hanni, PC Mayor Ben McAdams, Salt Lake County Kristin McCullagh, SelectHealth Ty McCutcheon, Daybreak Communities Rich McKeown, The Leavitt Partners Dr. Donna L. Milavetz, OnSite Care John Miller, Mark Miller Toyota Mike Moffitt, Gold Cross Services Thom Morgan, Morgan Asphalt President Stephen R. Morgan, Westminster College Ron Mortimer, Horrocks Engineers Inc Shawn Murphy, Wastach Electric Shawn Murrow, LDS Hospital Sterling W. Nielsen, Mountain America Credit Union Brett Okland, Okland Construction Company Jeff Olsen, Boart Longyear Jim Olson, Utah Jazz Slade Opheikens, R&O Construction Company Candice Payne, Alaska Airlines President David Pershing, University of Utah Julie Peterson Burdett, Tiffany & Co. John Pfisterer, Komatsu Equiment Co. Kevin R. Pinegar, Durham Jones & Pinegar, P.C. Duffy E. Pingree, Bear River Mutual Insurance Company Walter J. Plumb, Plumb Holdings LLC Hal J. Pos, Parsons Behle & Latimer
Dean Taylor Randall, David Eccles School of Business Chris Redgrave, Zions Bank Peter Reichard, Utah Foundation David P. Reid, ABC 4 Utah Mike Rice, Moreton & Company Martin Ritter, Stadler US Inc. Bill Rock, Park City / Canyons Resort Robin Rockwood, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco / Salt Lake City Branch Brian Sather, Blacksmith International Don Schulthies, Wal-Mart Stores Henry Schwendiman, Bonneville Real Estate Capital Michael Seare, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. Thayne Shaffer, America First Credit Union Randy Shumway, Cicero Group Brian Singleton, Prime Inc. James L. Sloan, Swire Coca-Cola, USA Dave Smith, Penna Powers Stuart Smith, Faithful & Gould Erich S. Sontag, People’s Intermountain Bank Brady Southwick, Cummins Rocky Mountain LLC Brandon Squire, Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Mike Steele, Harmons BJ Stringham, Utah Woolen Mills Trish Stromberg, iSolvedHCM Blake E. Strong, Strong Auto Group Jim Sutton, Northrop Grumman Corp. Jim Swayze, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah Craig Thatcher, Thatcher Company Dan Thomson, CHG Healthcare Services Joe Tomon, Procter & Gamble Paul Torres, Manuel’s Fine Foods Maxine Turner, Cuisine Unlimited Catering & Special Events Trent Vansice, Auric Solar Vicki Varela, Utah Office of Tourism, Film and Global Branding Melanie Vartabedian, Ballard Spahr Brian Verwer, IM Flash Technologies, LLC Guy Wadsworth, Wadsworth Brothers Kip Wadsworth, Wadsworth Development Group Lauren Walker, Young Living Essential Oils Mike L. Washburn, Thanksgiving Point Bryan Webb, Layton Construction Company LaVarr Webb, Webb Consulting Angie Welling, Google Fiber Chad J. Westover, University of Utah Health Care Grant S. Whitaker, Utah Housing Corporation Nathan Wickizer, Cache Valley Electric Company President Charles A. Wight, Weber State University Brent Williams, Dental Select Jody L. Williams, Holland & Hart, LLP Todd Wolfenbarger, The Summit Group Dr. Dave R. Woolstenhulme, Utah College of Applied Technology President Kevin J. Worthen, Brigham Young University Edgar Wright, Pepsi Beverages Company Lee Wright, Kirton McConkie Thomas Wright, Summit Sothebys International Realty Brent Wyman, CenturyLink
The Salt Lake Chamber Executive Board and Board of Governors recognizes and appreciates the Chamber’s staff for its dedication and professionalism.
175 E. University Blvd. (400 S.) #600 Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 801.364.3631 slchamber.com