This week we’ll take time to honor the Small Businesses of the Year along with our Chamber Champions at the Chamber’s 107^th Annual Meeting. Just last week the recipients had a chance to share their stories with one another at a special pre-award luncheon. I loved hearing the stories told by the entrepreneurs who have made the sacrifices, taken the risks and overcome the obstacles to find success in their business endeavors.

Each honoree briefly told the story of their business and each spoke of how their involvement in the community and in the Chamber had benefitted their business. The reasons they gave for their involvement varied but they all affirmed that thinking of more than just their bottom line had helped them provide some benefit to their communities and, ultimately, contributed to their success.

Michael Dale is a prime example. Years ago he left a steady paycheck to establish New Media Strategists. While building a business from the ground up, he also became an active member of the Salt Lake Chamber. During his time at the Chamber, Michael has served in a number of capacities including as chair of the Communication Committee and now as chair of the Access Salt Lake program. He is also a member of our Board of Governors where he advises on a number of issues. I have no doubt his commitment to making Utah a better place for business has benefitted his company.

Our Chamber Champions have all gone above and beyond the call of duty to make the Chamber successful. To share just one example, Paul Springer of Bailey-Montague Graphic Design consistently lends his talents and work ethic to enhance the Chamber’s publications. Paul is the creative mind behind the printed materials for Downtown Rising, the Public Policy Guide the Annual Report. No assignment is too difficult, no project too big and no deadline too close for Paul to help the Chamber look professional and communicate our message. Of course, the same level of dedication could be ascribed to Paul’s fellow Chamber Champions.

This year we will also present the President’s Award for Excellence for just the third time in Chamber history. Real Salt Lake is deserving, not only for its success on the field, but for solidifying its place in the business community. In the last few years, the club has found a home and secured naming rights for the beautiful Rio Tinto Stadium. RSL is the perfect example of an organization that has benefitted by engaging with the business community through the Chamber. We all shared in the excitement of hosting the MLS All-Star Game and claiming the MLS Cup because RSL has made the effort to become a part of our community.

As we take time to honor these organizations and individuals, we applaud their commitment, hard work and their entrepreneurial spirit. Please join us at the 107^th Annual Meeting and Small Business Awards; you can register here.

We often say small business is the lifeblood of the economy and it’s true. Small businesses, like those we’ll honor this week, play a major role in our economy and help make Utah a state on the move.