2 minute read
Letter from the Editor
ELECTIONS MATTER. We, as business leaders and entrepreneurs, sometimes like to brush aside politics as we focus on the daily hustle of running our businesses. We don’t want to get caught up in the drama or the inevitable debate. We’re focused on getting things done—delivering a quality product or service at a competitive price in the shortest amount of time.
The divisive nature of politics, especially as of late, doesn’t make our lives any easier. But rather than turning away from the political rhetoric and divisive debates, we need to become more active in the decisions being made that affect our lives and our community. We need business leaders to help us cut through the noise. We need business leaders to be more engaged in government, policy, and elections. We need business leaders to encourage their employees to be informed and to vote.
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In my undergraduate political science classes, we often debated about what issues won elections. Was it education? Social Services? Healthcare? Infrastructure? While every election cycle seems to have its “flavor of the week” issue, paramount to any of these issues is the health of the economy.
Today, the economy is booming and we want to keep it that way! We need to elect leaders who understand the importance of a thriving economic ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporations alike. We need to elect leaders who understand that rather than placing burdensome constraints on businesses, they should eliminate unnecessary regulations and lower the barriers to entry. We need to elect leaders who will take specific and measurable action on pivotal economic development strategies like workforce development, affordable housing, community beautification, quality of life, and more. Earlier this year, the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce launched its Chamber Votes Initiative, which has the singular focus of getting the business community more engaged in politics and government. If we sit on the sidelines or brush off elections as a waste of time, we are leaving a vacuum that will inevitably be filled. Through this initiative, we ask businesses to do the following:
1. Encourage your employees to register to vote. They can register online at vote.utah.gov. 2. Encourage your employees to research and learn about the candidates. 3. Educate your employees on the importance of electing business friendly candidates. 4. Encourage your employees to vote via their mail-in-ballot.
As business leaders, let’s be part of the solution. Let’s get out the business vote this year!
Sincerely,
Don Willie President and CEO, St. George Area Chamber of Commerce
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