Lane Beattie says Goodbye

Published: April 25, 2018, 4:21 p.m.

In November, Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and the Downtown Alliance, announced his planned retirement. His last day at the organization is April 30, 2018. But before he heads off to spend more time with his family, he sat down with us to reflect on his last 15 years with the Chamber. “I cannot express how grateful I am to have been able to lead this great organization for the last 15 years. When I took the job at the Chamber I planned to only stay on for two years. But two years turned into five, five turned into ten and I just couldn’t pull myself away from all of the exciting progress we were making here at the Chamber, ” said Beattie. “None of the successes of the Salt Lake Chamber and the Downtown Alliance would have been possible without the dedication and participation of this state’s business community. By working together we have accomplished many great things, and I have no doubt that with the continued leadership of our board, the engagement of our business leaders and the commitment from this great staff that those successes will continue for many years to come.” Beattie became president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber in 2003. Since that time, he has helped transform the 130-year-old statewide institution into a powerhouse of influence that stands for all Utah businesses. Under Lane’s stewardship, the Chamber embraced a new era of business and policy leadership. By blending the traditional business chamber with powerful, top-notch business advocacy the Salt Lake Chamber has truly embraced the designation of ‘Utah’s Voice of Business.’ “Lane Beattie dedicated his time, wisdom and passion to this great organization and has helped shape what it is today. Under Lane’s direction, the Salt Lake Chamber has stepped up and been the advocate for Utah’s business community even when it meant making tough decisions,” said Wilford Clyde, chairman of the Salt Lake Chamber. During his tenure as president of the Downtown Alliance, Lane created the Downtown Rising vision and helped to advance projects including City Creek Center, 222 South Main, Salt Lake City’s Public Safety Building, and Eccles Theater along with regional light rail and commuter rail lines to support downtown’s growth. “As president of the Downtown Alliance, Lane has been our city center’s biggest cheerleader,” said Molly Mazzolini, Downtown Alliance board chair. “He understands the urban center’s role in building a strong regional economy and has been a tireless advocate for creating a dynamic and diverse downtown community.” While Beattie will certainly miss his role in bolstering the business community, he says, “I have to look at retirement through my grandchildren’s eyes, and understand for them, it means more time with grandpa.” Derek Miller will take over as president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance on May 1, 2018. For more information about Beattie’s history with the Chamber, visit http://slchamber.com/lane-beattie-bio/