SALT LAKE CITY- (August 6, 2008) The Salt Lake Chamber announced today the hiring of Wesley Smith as Director of Public Policy. In this role, Smith will coordinate public policy deliberations, represent the Chamber on various committees as well as advocate and communicate the public policy priorities of Utah’s business community. Smith will work closely with the Chamber’s policy committees, with an immediate focus on immigration, health reform, and Downtown Rising.

 

“Businesses depend upon public policy decisions that strengthen our economy and contribute to a vital workplace,” said Lane Beattie, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Wesley joins an already strong public policy team to ensure that Utah’s largest business association is policy relevant and at the forefront of government decisions that impact private enterprise. I am delighted to have him on our team.”

 

The Chamber in recent years has been at the forefront of several significant public policy deliberations. Recent accomplishments include securing public funding for science, research and technology (USTAR), preempting gridlock on our roads by supporting aggressive investment in Utah’s highways and transit system, and creating a movement to enhance our capital city, commonly known as Downtown Rising.

 

Before joining the Chamber, Smith worked as an independent consultant primarily with The Exoro Group, where he was extensively involved with several policy initiatives. He has also been a policy analyst with the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., and a partner in a local law firm, Smith Hammond, LLP. Smith served President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney in several capacities.  His White House experience includes working in the Office of Presidential Advance, the Office of the Vice President and the Office of Counsel to the President.

 

Smith earned a BS degree in American Studies from Brigham Young University and a J.D. degree from The George Washington University Law School.

 

“I am thrilled to work with some of the best public policy minds in the state,” said Smith. “The Salt Lake Chamber works so extensively in public policy; this is the perfect place to make a real difference in the community.”

 

About the Chamber

The Salt Lake Chamber is Utah’s largest 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 over 4,200 businesses statewide and one in every three jobs in the Utah economy.  Chamber affiliate organizations include the Downtown Alliance and World Trade Center Utah.