Beginning in June of each year the Northern Utah Chamber Coalition (NUCC), along with experts in each field, come together to identify the top priorities needed in the communities north of Salt Lake City. These priorities focus on regionally significant projects.
HISTORY
In 2011 the Top of Utah Military Affairs Committee (TOUMAC), focused on Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) support, was the only joint committee between the Davis Chamber and the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce. Then CEO of the Davis Chamber, Chris Dallin, commissioned a study on how many HAFB contracts were filled by local contractors. The study found the vast majority were filled by out of state organizations – including snow removal and lawn care. The study also found local companies did not know how to land federal contracts.
Together, Dallin and Dave Hardman, then President of the Ogden-Weber Chamber, developed a strategy to bring local contracts to the base to include partnerships with LSI and then Utah Governor Huntsman. By combining the collective resources of each chamber, success soon followed with contracts worth billions being awarded to local companies.
For years the Northern Utah communities had been competing with each other, often opposing legislation that would enhance each area for the better in lieu of their preferred priorities. With the positive outcome from HAFB the question was soon asked, “How can Northern Utah work together?” Soon after, a meeting was called with all Northern Utah legislators to being the conversation about NUCC.
In the midst of the recession in the early 2010s, Weber State University was looking to expand their Davis campus. Funding was not available, until NUCC stepped in. Financing the new building became the top priority for NUCC. By identifying how the project would benefit all of Northern Utah and with the support of the Chambers, funding was awarded. No other public education building was funded that year.
Today, NUCC with the collective support of the Northern Utah Chambers focuses on regionally specific projects which benefit more than one community. Each June, NUCC members come together to set the public policy agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Each Chamber brings their top priorities to the table. Starting with projects that were not funded in the previous session then moving on to new or past needs.
NUCC is comprised of all Chambers north of Salt Lake City including:
