Business leaders believe that developing a highly educated workforce is the most critical long-term strategy for a vibrant economy and healthy society. We cannot compete over the long haul in a global market if we don’t educate the next generation of workers, business leaders, innovators and teachers.  Utah educators, families and students should be commended for achieving positive outcomes with relatively limited funding. Even with many notable accomplishments, a careful look at current conditions and trends reveals a sobering and unacceptable reality. Full Story Audio

Statement of Principles

 Prepare Utahns to Compete in Global Economy: We support the creation of a long-term strategy for education that will prepare Utahns to compete in an international economy.

 Create Comprehensive approach to Public and Higher Education: We view public and higher education as inextricably linked and believe that education policy should treat them comprehensively. Community groups, business associations and parents should support coordinated goals. 

 Raise Expectations: We believe that Utah’s education system should produce the highest achieving students in the nation. Students should excel in a broad curriculum. Administrators, teachers, parents, students, business leaders, the governor and the legislature must commit their best efforts to meet expectations. 

 Focus on High Demand Education and Training: We believe that education policy should support the development of a talented and vibrant workforce for our rapidly changing economy by emphasizing areas of unmet need—math, science, engineering, technology and technical education. Education should be responsive to the needs of Utah business. 

2009 Public Policy Priorities

 Continue to invest: Reductions in public and higher education budgets should be limited to those that will have the most limited impact on current students. 

 Business Support of Education: The Chamber’s Utah. School. Work. program will continue to support our schools by matching businesses that can supply time, talent or resources to schools. In 2009 we will pursue avenues to provide much needed resources from businesses directly to schools.

Recent Accomplishments:

 Utah School Work Program: This is our signature education campaign. The Chamber is committed to raising $100,000 and donating 100,000 hours to local schools. The Salt lake Chamber continues to support Junior Achievement and Utah Scholars programs. 

 Junior Achievement: Chamber members affirmed the business commitment to the Junior Achievement program by volunteering time in local schools.