'Better Together': South Valley Chamber shares 2025 impact and 2026 vision

For the South Valley Chamber of Commerce, 2025 was the best year for growth, according to a new impact report unveiled at the chamber’s annual “State of the Chamber” event on Feb. 11 at the Salt Lake Community College campus in Sandy. 

The chamber connects businesses in seven cities, including Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman and Bluffdale. All seven cities were represented at the event with attendance from the mayors. 

Several people and companies were honored at the luncheon, including Kellie Challburg from Draper City as Board Member of the Year. Sports Salt Lake earned the Tourism Award. Cyprus Credit Union was awarded the Community Service Award. The Chamber Service Award was given to Matte Quinney from Columbia Bank. Ryan Gregerson from RCG Law Group was honored with the Business Education Award. The President’s Award was awarded to the Larry H. Miller Company.

From partner cities and nearby, the chamber increased its membership by 195 in 2025, putting its total membership at 585 in 2026. Additionally, the chamber added 1,000 more followers on social media platforms.

The chamber reported a 60 percent increase in ribbon-cuttings over the past three years, an increase that South Valley Chamber CEO and President Jay Francis said the chamber is on track to beat already this year.

“When I took over the chamber in October 2020, I wanted our events to have purpose,” said Francis. “Each event we host, I want people to leave saying, ‘I met someone,’ ‘I learned something,’ or ‘I am better for attending.’”

From events and programs held throughout the year, including Women in Business luncheons, Junior Women in Business trainings, Let’s Do Lunch, Meet the Member events and Business Institute, the chamber counted 4,500 participants.

Announced at the event, the new year will hold new awards for small businesses. Francis announced the “Small Business Impact Award,” an idea that came to the chamber team that week.

“Small businesses are the backbone of South Valley,” Francis said. “They create jobs, support local causes, support youth teams, mentor entrepreneurs and take risks of moving the economy forward. Beginning in 2026, the South Valley Chamber will honor seven exceptional small businesses, each nominated by one of our city partners, whose impact goes beyond their bottom line.”

The awards align with the chamber’s new theme for 2026, “Better Together,” which Francis said will be the chamber’s mantra for the year.

Through its committees, tourism work and business education efforts, the chamber is framing its upcoming year around collective rather than individual efforts.

“We’re going to be focused, we’re going to be strategic, and we’re going to be purpose-driven,” Francis said. “We’re better because you’re here. We hope that you’re better because we’re all together.”