SALT LAKE CITY- (November 19, 2008) The on-field rivalry between Brigham Young University and the University of Utah has spilled over into the business world.

 

Lane Beattie, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and his counterpart, Provo/Orem Chamber President, Steve Densley, have jumped into the fray with a parlay of their own. The losing team’s corresponding Chamber will fly the flag of the winner in a prominent place for a full business day. Both men have agreed that the back of their office doors does not constitute “prominent” and further upped the ante with dinner in their respective cities added to the bet.

 

“We’re business people and the numbers tell the story,” says Beattie who’s chamber is officially cheering for the Utes. “The way I see it, 11-0 is a better bottom line than 10-1.”

 

The game is already being called the most significant in the history of the rivalry with the Cougars ranked 14^th and the Utes ranked 7^th in the BCS standings. The two schools will go head-to-head on the gridiron with a Mountain West Conference championship on the line as well as a potential trip to a BCS bowl game. Most important, though, are the bragging rights that will last a whole year.

 

Neither chamber officially condones gambling, gaming or any other form of wagering outside of friendly BYU-Utah related matters and both like their chances of coming out on top.

 

“Both schools have had outstanding seasons,” says Beattie. “The real winner is the state of Utah with the two teams serving as incredible ambassadors for this truly great place to live, work and enjoy top-notch college football.”

 

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.