After almost 30 years as president of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, Steve Densley will retire this year to make way for new president Val Hale.
'I think the Chamber of Commerce has taken a great step forward in its establishment as the Utah Valley Chamber with the hiring of Val Hale, who has great connections at UVU and BYU,' Densley said in a press release. 'I support the Board's decision and wish the new administration well.'
Hale currently serves as the Vice President for University Relations at UVU. An alumni of BYU, Hale has also held several positions at the university; including Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations.
Hale stated, 'My goal is to build upon the foundation created by Mr. Densley and help create a Chamber of Commerce that is widely regarded as one of the best in the country and is looked upon with pride by the business community.' Hale also said that he is looking forward to 'serving as the chief advocate for commerce in Utah Valley.'
The Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce is a local Chamber of Commerce that works on the local level to bring the business community together to develop strong local networks, which can result in a business-to-business exchange. Like most local Chambers, it works with the local government, such as the mayor, the city council and local representatives to develop pro-business initiatives.
In addition to a new president, a new leadership position was created -- Executive Vice President. This new position will be filled by Donna Milakovic, the current President and Executive Director for the Lehi Area Chamber of Commerce, a position she's held since 2009. Milakovic is an alumni of BYU and a four year attendee at the US Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management.
When asked about her new office, Milakovic said, 'I am thrilled to be a part of the Utah Valley Chamber and look forward to working with businesses and communities throughout the Valley.'
Hale and Milakovic will officially start their new roles on July 23 and Densley will retire on August 1 of this year.