SALT LAKE CITY--The Salt Lake Chamber has named Ryan Evans to the new position of vice president of Business and Community Relations. In this role, Evans will fortify relationships with prominent Chamber members and community partners and strengthen the Chamber’s statewide business leadership.

“The business community makes a significant contribution to the quality of life in our state,” said Evans. “It is vital that we reach out to our partners and like-minded organizations to strengthen business during challenging times.”

Chamber membership, which represents more than one in every three jobs in Utah, has grown to over 5,000 businesses—the highest in its history of more than one hundred years. In recent months, the Chamber has formally committed to working closely with other business organizations to provide public policy support and strengthen our economy.

“The organizations we have agreements with already provide excellent service for their members,” said Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “We can augment their efforts by advocating for the business community and supporting our colleagues across the state.”

The Salt Lake Chamber recently signed memorandums of agreement to improve business collaboration with the Utah Hispanic Chamber and Chamber West which covers Taylorsville, West Valley City, Kearns Township and other areas in close proximity. The Chamber is in discussions with several other business and non-profit organizations. Evans will oversee these relationships working to expand the voice and influence of business in Utah.

Evans serves as the lead Salt Lake Chamber staff representative of the Utah State Chamber of Commerce which serves as a coordinating entity for chambers of commerce throughout Utah. Increased levels of coordination between business organizations throughout the state benefit the entire community.

The former chef and owner of Firehouse BBQ Grill in Murray, Evans has worked at the Salt Lake Chamber since 2003. He attended the University of Vermont and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah. He is currently enrolled in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management, a four year executive development program.