ChamberWest members raise a toast, with sparkling cider, to 2026 as they plan events for the new year. (Tom Haraldsen/Salt Lake Business Journal)
The ChamberWest Chamber of Commerce is beginning its 65th year in 2026, and members celebrated past achievements and future plans at the annual Membership Breakfast Meeting on Jan. 27.
Chairman of the Board Ryan D. Nelson said the chamber is “in great position going forward. We added 96 new members in 2025, reviewed 157 bills that were before the Utah Legislature and offered 47 positions on those bills, and hosted 36 events.”
Those included two golf tournaments and an international trip. He said the chamber also has plans for a trip to Greece this year.
Barbara Riddle, president/CEO of the chamber, introduced the board of directors, who received unanimous approval from members in attendance. She also paid tribute to Connie Bailey, who recently retired after serving in the chamber office for 35 years.
Leaders then spoke about various committees they chair. Mikey Smith said the ambassadors helped welcome new businesses, conduct ribbon-cuttings and attended groundbreakings. He said the chamber has 21 ambassadors.
Cameron Wilkins, chair of Friday Connections, said working with other chambers continued to expand ChamberWest’s reach. He said one focus was helping promote nonprofit businesses with spotlight stories.
Chair Leslie Bell presented the date for the annual Job Fair, which will be held April 23 at Taylorsville High School. Bell said the Granite School District “is always very grateful for the support from the fair,” and looks forward to the annual event.
Stephen Smith, who chairs the Legislative Institute, said the chamber is already following 91 bills that have been filed for lawmaker consideration, as well as attending subcommittee hearings He said this year’s legislative agenda “looks as busy as any we’ve seen in the past.”
The Leadership Institute, chaired by Jason Helm, continues to coordinate a 10-month program for training and education for businesses. Along those lines, the Professional Development Series, chaired by Steve Pluim, works with personal development as well, inviting guest speakers in for training opportunities.
The Women in Business committee, chaired by Maggie Cline, continued to grow last year, offering eight events and being an integral part of the chamber’s spring conference.
Five new board members were approved for two-year terms: B. Murphy from Anchor Financial Services, Mark Thorne from Thorne and Associates CPAs, Rick Clasby from the Utah Trucking Association, Ryan Perry from Rio Tinto, and Stephanie Lyon from Stratus HR.