Running a successful business isn’t just about great products or services – it’s about building relationships, staying visible, and being part of a thriving local economy. One often overlooked resource is your local chamber of commerce. These organizations offer a wealth of benefits, from legislative advocacy to excellent networking opportunities, making them an invaluable partner for businesses of all sizes. Here’s why getting involved with your local chamber of commerce can be a game-changer for your business. Chamber 101 A chamber of commerce is a local organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the interests of businesses within a community. It serves as a hub for business owners, providing resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy on legislative issues. Chambers of commerce work closely with local and state governments to influence policies that benefit the business community. They also host events, workshops, and seminars to foster professional development and collaboration among members. Legislative advocacy Among the many roles chambers of commerce play, legislative advocacy stands out as one of the most critical. Chambers have strong relationships with local legislative and state districts, making them powerful allies for businesses. The most effective chambers are excellent at this, meeting with legislators quarterly, weekly, and annually, depending on the legislative session. This association is invaluable because it keeps you informed about changes in the law that could impact your business. Staying connected with what’s happening in the legislature helps protect your business and serve your customers better. Networking opportunities Large chambers of commerce are particularly known for their robust networking opportunities. They bring in speakers, host lunches, and organize events that provide education and local connections at a low cost. These events are not just about learning; they are also about meeting other business owners, potential clients, and partners. While large chambers of commerce are renowned for their extensive networking opportunities and resources, small chambers offer unique advantages that are equally valuable for businesses. They provide increased visibility, tailored support, and resources that cater specifically to local needs. Additionally, small chambers are more flexible and responsive to changes in the local business environment, offering timely support and resources. By being involved with both large and small chambers, businesses can maximize their benefits and thrive in their local communities, as they become part of a powerful organization where businesses, school districts, and legislators come together to collaborate and support each other. Professional Development Joining a chamber of commerce offers excellent professional development opportunities. Many chambers have a network of volunteers and board members who are involved in the strategy and future direction of the chamber. Serving on a board or committee not only enhances your resume but also allows you to build relationships and give back to the community. It’s a great way to develop leadership skills and gain visibility in your local business community. Staying informed Chambers of commerce are a powerful tool to stay connected and informed about local business trends and legislative changes. They play a huge role in keeping businesses updated on what’s happening in the law, which is crucial for making informed decisions and staying compliant with regulations. Tips for New Businesses If you’re new to the business community, here are some tips to get involved with your local chamber of commerce: Attend member orientation sessions: These are usually held over breakfast or lunch. They are a valuable resource to learn about the chamber and its benefits. Evaluate before joining: You can attend events and check out the chamber’s website before committing to membership. This helps ensure the chamber is the right fit for your business. Volunteer on a committee: Volunteering allows you to work on projects with other members, helping you build stronger relationships and balance your business needs. Use your best judgment: Every community is different, so find the chamber that best fits your business needs. Smaller chambers can also offer significant benefits, providing a more personalized and supportive environment, often at a lower cost than larger chambers. By choosing the right chamber and actively participating, you can build strong connections, stay ahead of legislative changes, and contribute to the economic vitality of your community. Embrace the opportunities that come with chamber membership and watch your business thrive! Driving Business Forward Chambers of commerce are indispensable allies for businesses, offering a strategic edge through advocacy, networking, professional development, and staying informed. By actively engaging with both large and small chambers, businesses can harness these benefits to drive growth and success in their local communities. About Sharlene Wells From Utah’s Miss America to Emmy-nominated ESPN sports broadcaster, Sharlene Wells has had a remarkable career. She covered prestigious events like World Cup Soccer and Kentucky Derby, produced documentaries and books for the Department of Defense, earning a role on the Defense Advisory Committee for Women in Services and a public service medal in 2018. Now Senior Vice President at Mountain America, she is recognized as a “Woman of the Year” by Utah Business magazine and a “trailblazer” by Ragan Communications. Sharlene holds degrees from BYU and U of U, serving on boards like AMAR International and USO Intermountain Advisory Council. She has four children, and is passionate about traveling, hiking, biking and most especially, being with her family.

You are not alone. Many woke up shocked at their increase in health insurance bill on January 1st, 2026. Your marketplace plan costs are so high this year are for three main reasons. We returned to original government subsidies, the health insurance market increase 15-35%, and we returned to the original subsidy cliff at 400% FPL (Federal Poverty Level). Understanding the Healthcare Marketplace The healthcare.gov marketplace is a platform for various health insurance companies to offer health insurance plans. These plans must meet certain requirements. Some requirements include no pre-existing conditions, requiring coverage for therapy, specialty drugs, pregnancy and delivery. The program sometimes allows government money to pay for parts of your health insurance cost. The ACA started in 2013. These plans have been simple-to-use, work like employer group plans and often low cost. Those with lower income and/or high medical care needs find the most use of healthcare.gov plans. Health insurance plans not on healthcare.gov do not have the same rules and coverage requirements. What is Federal Poverty Level (FPL)? Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is a formula of your family size and your household income. How much total money each member will earn for the year and your total family size fits you into an FPL percentage. This tells the government how much you pay and how much they pay. The 400% Subsidy Cliff One of the biggest drawbacks of the ACA is the 400% FPL subsidy cliff. This means if the combination of your income and family size exceeds 400% FPL, you will pay 100% of the cost. Only $1 over the cliff and you pay 100% of the health insurance costs for the entire year. Pandemic-Era Changes to Healthcare Subsidies In 2020, the US government declared a pandemic over a coronavirus outbreak. Emergency authorizations allowed the government to expand their funding to programs. Programs like Medicaid and healthcare.gov received temporary funding and looser rules. Healthcare.gov plans had two massive changes: The subsidy cliff extended to 750% of the Federal Poverty Level The government began paying more than normal Let's give you an example. Say your ratio 50% of the health insurance bill. After the emergency authorization, your cost was only 20% of the bill – at the same income and family size. These extra government payments stayed constant for nearly four years. Many thought these temporary changes was how it always been and became normal. Political Uncertainty and the 2025 Government Shutdown Last fall, two extra pressures caused more uncertainty and confusion. The extra emergency government help was set to expire at the end of 2025. Congress was to vote if they would extend the extra help, or return back to the original. This became a hot button topic. Congress shut down the government. This resulted in 30 days shorter open enrollment window to choose the right plans. No one knew if the plans would cost you 20% or the original 50% of the total insurance cost. Those who are in the 400+% subsidy cliff did not know if they would be get any help or if they were going to pay 100% of the costs. We dealt with many frustrations and much uncertainty. Congress Returns to the Original Rules Congress made a final vote after open enrollment. In January 2026, Congress chose to go back to the original rates and rules. If you saw your health insurance costs jumped 2-3x or 10x, you may now know a bit more why! The combination of government shut down and delayed voting is what made this such a surprise. Returning to original government subsidy, 400% FPL, and the large health insurance rates caused increases. Congress' delayed voting and shut down caused the surprises and Good News: There Are Other Options The good news: if you’re considering going uninsured mid-year or having trouble paying your premiums, it is not too late to explore true insurance not on the marketplace. Reach out to the Chamber for our group benefit and retiree benefit plans available to you as a chamber member! Guest Blogger: Joshua Erickson Eagle Mountain resident Joshua Erickson is a seasoned insurance strategist with seven years of industry experience and going on fifth successful open enrollment cycle. An honors Finance graduate from UVU and a Wolverine Fund alumnus, he leverages his high-level analytical background to bring Wall Street-level precision to local benefits planning. Joshua Erickson specializes in stabilizing corporate budgets by securing level and flat renewals for employee and retiree benefits, while also providing sophistic ated advocacy for individuals targeted by the IRS. By bridging the gap between complex finance and practical coverage, he delivers predictable, long-term stability for his neighbors and their businesses. _______________________________________ Facebook: @Josh.e223 Instagram: /joshuae223 LinkedIn: @joshuaerickson1a

How to Stop Being the Best-Kept Secret inTown

Valley Crossroads Chamber members gathered at Village Baker in Saratoga Springs for Flash Lunch networking and community connections.

Mayor Chris Carn and Congressman Burgess Owens testified before Congress supporting the Saratoga Springs Post Office Act.

Jr. Chamber Makerspace Open Lab in Eagle Mountain gives students hands-on experience with 3D printing, podcasting, design tools, and entrepreneurship.

The Valley Crossroads Chamber hosted the Meta Building Business Workshop, helping entrepreneurs grow their audience and marketing using social media and AI tools.

Local mayors from Cedar Fort, Fairfield, Eagle Mountain, and Saratoga Springs joined the Valley Crossroads Chamber to discuss infrastructure, growth, and transit.

Chamber Celebrates 3rd Annual Awards Gala