It’s that time of year again, the Rural Utah Chamber Coalition Conference! (Warning don’t try and say that five times fast!) This year the annual RUCC conference was hosted in picturesque Bear Lake at the Sunrise Resort and Event Center and was attended by chambers, resource partners, government entities, and learning institutions from across every corner of the state.
The beautiful setting was perfect for networking, building relationships, and brainstorming new ways to boost local economies and improve life in rural Utah. We enjoyed workshops, inspiring talks, and hands-on sessions that sparked fresh ideas and energized efforts to support our communities. Not to mention some super fun group activities for the cherry on top! We Utahns are best known for collaboration and working together to better our communities and this conference truly exemplified those goals.
A Voice for Rural Utah
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So what is RUCC? The Rural Utah Chamber Coalition is a collaborative partnership that brings together chamber executives, board members, elected leaders, and government liaisons.
Their mission is to address and advocate for the unique challenges facing rural chambers and communities. By offering strategic programming, the coalition aims to drive significant economic development, foster rural innovation, and enhance prosperity for the residents of rural Utah. |
RUCC Board
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How They Do It:
- Hold monthly meetings that provide government updates, information about available grants, and training for chamber executives.
- Partner with elected leaders to ensure collective, rural voices are heard.
- Provide valuable resources and expertise to make sure your chamber is a success.
- Hold an annual conference for entities to come together and learn and collaborate.
Important Takeaways for Rural Development
The conference covered a wide range of topics essential for driving economic development in Utah’s rural areas. Attendees learned about the pivotal role of chambers in rural economic development and the significance of building strong relationship capital. They explored future-ready initiatives that highlighted workforce and educational opportunities, exemplified by sessions like FutureReady Utah.
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(Please note that all of the nicer non-iPhone photos are thanks to Jeff Raisor of the Richfield Chamber. Thanks Jeff!)
Best practices for recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers were also shared, emphasizing the importance of a strong volunteer base in community efforts. Techniques for engaging community partners to revitalize downtown areas were discussed, alongside methods for building good relationships with elected officials. Attendees also delved into strategies for developing non-dues revenue and securing financial support from municipalities and counties. Insights on creating dynamic programming and unlocking success through strategic sponsorships were provided, along with guidance on developing a thriving visitor economy to leverage tourism for economic benefits.
So in a nutshell??? You can’t ask for a better gathering of experts and information!
Statewide Attendance from Key Organizations
This conference wouldn’t be what it is without the participation of key stakeholders in Utah’s rural areas.
This list includes various chambers of commerce, city councils, government offices, educational institutions, and other organizations dedicated to supporting rural economic development and community prosperity.
This list includes various chambers of commerce, city councils, government offices, educational institutions, and other organizations dedicated to supporting rural economic development and community prosperity.
Work Hard, Play Hard
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The RUCC team didn’t stop there, they also put together a roster of fun activities for attendees to bond and get to know each other even more. Evening socials, activities like pontoon boat rides, UTV tours, karaoke, and more.
Epic Recreation took half of us on a zippy pontoon boat ride across Bear lake and the other half went on a UTV ride through the back country of the Bear Lake mountains. We saw sheep, deer, and the splendor of how beautiful this area truly is! It was a fun way to bond and get to know each other outside of work! |
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Helping Utahns Together
Ruca’s Owner Dalena Kelley
We at the Utah Microloan Fund are incredibly honored to be a partner of RUCC and to have the opportunity to mix and mingle with leaders from across Utah. Although based in Salt Lake City, we are committed to embodying the spirit and values of a true statewide organization. Our programs and services, including microloans, business training, and financial literacy workshops, are designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Utah, ensuring that every community has the resources they need to thrive.
It was a special treat to realize that one of our clients, Ruca’s, was the main caterer for the conference. Best known for their fresh sandwiches,
Aebleskivers (Danish Pancake Balls), shakes, and more, Ruca’s has become a staple of the Bear Lake food scene. Owning a business in a seasonal tourist town can be difficult, especially for a new business owner. Dalena shared that she got her loan with the UMLF to get her through her first Winter, but now six years later is a mainstay business! If you’re visiting town, be sure to visit Ruca’s at 284 S Bear Lake Blvd next time you are in town or give Dalena a call for catering!Thank You to the RUCC Team
Hats off to the RUCC board for putting together such a wonderful conference filled with thought-provoking topics, expert speakers, amazing food, good fun, and networking.
- Tricia Harris, RUCC Chair
- Colette Cox, RUCC Vice-Chair & GOEO Rural Outreach Manager
- Abby Ivory, RUCC Secretary & Economic Development Coordinator of R6
- Monica Holdaway, Advocacy Chair & Box Elder Chamber President
- Chris McCormick, RUCC Former Chair & Cedar City Chamber President
- Joel Brown, RUCC Founder
For Your Next Stay in Bear Lake
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Sunrise Resort and Event Center is the perfect place to host your next company retreat, wedding, family reunion, or even a solo vacation.
Our group often remarked that this conference was like summer camp for adults and made the conference extra special. Thanks to owner Mark Smoot for hosting RUCC! |
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Stay in Touch with the Rural Utah Chamber Coalition
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To stay in touch with RUCC or to become a member please visit:
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