March Chamber Lunch at Springhill Suites

The March Kanab Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon was held at the SpringHill Suites, with lunch provided by Pizza Hut and dessert cookies courtesy of Brown Box.

Chamber board member Nicholas Meyeres welcomed attendees and introduced SpringHill Suites General Manager Jessie Riddle, who greeted the group and said he is always happy to offer tours of the property.

Meyeres also welcomed two new Chamber members: Garrett Smith, general manager of the Fairfield by Marriott Inn and Suites scheduled to open in June, and Carole Hammon, owner of Photos4Biz, which specializes in commercial advertising photography. He also recognized the Chamber’s renewing members before introducing the luncheon’s featured speaker, Emily Bentley.

Bentley, director of museums for Kanab City, gave a presentation focused on historic preservation.

She explained that several aspects of preservation work in Kanab fall under her role and noted that because many smaller communities in Kane County do not have a similar position, she is available to answer questions or offer guidance on preservation issues.

Bentley also serves as the city’s liaison to the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, known as SHPO. Kanab City is recognized as a Certified Local Government through SHPO, a designation that helps communities work with the state on preservation ordinances and commissions.

She explained that historic resources can include buildings, districts, archaeological sites, and structures such as bridges and monuments. Properties considered for historic recognition must retain their architectural integrity and have significance through historical, architectural or archaeological value.

Historic places, she said, help communities maintain a sense of identity and connection while also supporting tourism. About 78 percent of U.S. leisure travelers visit historic sites or museums.

The presentation included photographs of several historic properties in Kane County and concluded with an overview of the process for listing properties on the National Register of Historic Places.

Chamber member Matt Brown followed with a brief announcement about projects being organized in Kanab in connection with the upcoming America 250 celebration.

Meyeres concluded the luncheon by inviting attendees to introduce themselves and share updates about their businesses. Many participants stayed afterward to visit and connect, continuing the networking that is a hallmark of the Chamber’s monthly gatherings.