SALT LAKE CITY- (October 14, 2010) Salt Lake Chamber President and CEO Lane Beattie has been named a “Friend of Education” by the National Association of State Boards of Education. Under his leadership, the business community has worked to protect education during the economic downturn and continues to work to strengthen education in our state.

 

“There is no separating the educational strength of a community from the strength of its economy,” said Beattie. “Our work is just beginning. We’re fortunate to have dedicated partners who want to see Utah flourish, and we’re going to keep working to enhance the educational opportunities for students in our state.”

 

Through Beattie’s leadership, the Chamber formed a model partnership between the business community, the Utah State Office of Education and the Utah System of Higher Education. The partnership encourages investment and innovation that will help students graduate college and enter the workforce better prepared for their professions.

 

As the State Legislature faced significant budget challenges in early 2010, Beattie led the Chamber’s efforts to encourage investment in education. During a news conference held at the Capitol, he opened an umbrella and called on the legislators to utilize the state’s Rainy Day Fund to protect education from steep cuts. As a result, public and higher education were funded at the same level as the previous fiscal year.   

 

“Lane Beattie has long been recognized by the people of Utah as a dedicated public servant and business leader who cares deeply about public education,” said NASBE Executive Director Brenda Welburn. “During these days of economic uncertainty, he has been instrumental in advancing partnerships between education and industry to help ensure a positive future for the students and businesses of Utah.” 

 

The Utah State Board of Education nominated Beattie for the award, which he will receive at the NASBE’s national conference in Salt Lake City, Oct. 16^th.

 

About the National Association of State Boards of Education
The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. NASBE exists to strengthen State Boards as the preeminent educational policymaking bodies for citizens and students. For more information, visit www.nasbe.org.

 

About the Chamber
The Salt Lake Chamber is Utah’s largest statewide business association and Utah’s Business Leader. With roots that date back to 1887, the Chamber has been standing as the voice of business, supporting its members’ success and championing community prosperity for over 100 years. The Chamber represents 6,100 businesses statewide and one in every three jobs in the Utah economy.  Chamber strategic partners include the Downtown Alliance and World Trade Center Utah.