The Chamber as the Backbone of Rim Country’s Growth

In every thriving community, there are organizations quietly doing the work that keeps everything moving forward. They don’t seek the spotlight, and they aren’t focused on who gets credit. Instead, they exist to serve, connect, and strengthen the whole region. That’s the role the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce must embrace as our community grows and faces new opportunities.

Our region — from Payson to Pine, Strawberry, Star Valley, Tonto Basin, and beyond — is shaped by unique needs, diverse voices, and multiple layers of leadership. Local business owners, nonprofit leaders, residents, and elected officials all have a stake in the future of Rim Country. At the same time, state and federal partners influence funding, infrastructure, and development. The Chamber is uniquely positioned to be the backbone organization that brings these groups together, ensuring collaboration instead of competition and forward motion instead of fragmentation.

Being a backbone organization means:

• Convene, don’t compete. We bring stakeholders together — from town councils and tribal governments to small business owners and national agencies — to align on shared priorities for economic growth and community development.

• Support without seeking the spotlight. True leadership means we’re willing to work behind the scenes so that good ideas succeed, regardless of who gets the credit. The goal is always the well-being of Rim Country, not recognition for the Chamber.

• Bridge local and federal priorities. From tourism funding to infrastructure investments, the Chamber can serve as a trusted liaison, helping local businesses and leaders navigate opportunities and advocate for the needs of our region.

• Empower others to thrive. We provide tools, resources, and support so businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders can do their work more effectively and sustainably.

  
  

This approach matters because no single group can meet the needs of our growing and changing region alone. We need collaboration that crosses boundaries — between towns and unincorporated areas, between private enterprise and public service, between tradition and innovation. The Chamber’s job is to create the conditions for that collaboration to flourish.

As our economy evolves — with new industries, tourism opportunities, and community development projects on the horizon — it’s easy to become focused on individual wins. But our greatest strength will come from working together for the long-term success of Rim Country. When we serve as a backbone organization, we help build a foundation strong enough for everyone to succeed.

“Our mission is not about claiming credit. It’s about doing the hard, quiet work that allows others to shine and the community to thrive.” — Jimmy Lee, Executive Director, Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce

We invite our business leaders, government partners, and community members to join us in this vision. Together, we can ensure Rim Country isn’t just a beautiful place to live — it’s a connected, resilient, and prosperous region for generations to come.