What is the Chamber of Commerce

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

A Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary partnership of businesses, organizations, and professionals working together to strengthen the local economy and improve the quality of life in the community. Members join because they understand that working together with one unified voice helps create positive change. The Chamber enhances the local marketplace by promoting its members, encouraging connections, and providing referrals and resources that help businesses grow and succeed.

A chamber of commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that brings businesses together to support economic growth and community development. It benefits businesses by offering networking, promotion, advocacy, and resources that help them grow and stay connected to the community.

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The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce held its first Board of Directors meeting on September 14, 1949, at the Utah Field House of Natural History. For more than 70 years, the Chamber has played a vital role in the growth and development of Vernal and the Ashley Valley.

In its early years, the Chamber was deeply involved in the Echo Park Dam project, which later expanded to include the Central Utah Water Project and efforts to secure Flaming Gorge Dam. Although the Echo Park Dam was not completed, these efforts resulted in funding between 1956 and 1966 that improved the monument area by providing a permanent home for fossils, building a visitor center, parking, employee housing, water and sewer systems, and constructing roads and trails through the canyon areas.

The Chamber’s Highway 40 and Roads Committees worked to complete the Vernal-to-Manila highway and address road projects throughout the county, including the Book Cliffs and Bonanza highways. The Chamber also helped locate and purchase land for the community golf course. Its National Guard Committee was instrumental in securing an armory in Vernal, with the Utah National Guard approving $135,000 for construction in 1952.

Before separate departments were established, the Chamber coordinated recreation, tourism, and convention efforts. Many long-standing community events began through the Chamber, including Main Street Flower Planting, Lighting of the Dinosaur Gardens, Trees for Charity, the Water Conference, Energy Days/Summit, Business Symposium, Health Fair, Kid’s Canal Project, recycling initiatives, and more.



Guided by its motto, “The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to advancing the economic and educational growth and health of the community,” the Chamber continues its work through committees focused on public relations, community development, legislative impact, education, conservation issues, and business development. The Chamber supports numerous community projects and events, including Downtown Revitalization, Passport to Summer, Holly Days, John Wesley Powell Days, Freedom Fest, Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo, DinoTrails, the Bus Stop Bench Project, and others. The Chamber sponsors the annual Fourth of July Parade and Flyover and the Parade of Lights, while the Dinah-Mites ambassadors welcome new businesses and assist with local events. Weekly Chamber Luncheons provide members with informative speakers, presentations, and networking opportunities.