Longtime Utah legislator R. Lane Beattie has been chosen as the new president and chief executive officer of the Salt Lake Chamber.
After a seven-month candidate search, Beattie was chosen from a field of 95 applicants by a unanimous vote of the chamber's board of governors. He will take the helm on July 1.
"I'm absolutely thrilled with the opportunity," Beattie told the Deseret News Wednesday. "One thing the Olympics has done over the last few years is make me so proud to be in the state of Utah. And now, to work with Salt Lake City and the entire state in economic development is an opportunity I'm really looking forward to."
Beattie currently serves as the state's Olympic officer, a governor-appointed position he accepted in 2000. He will conclude his activities there by June 15.
Michael De Groote, chamber spokesman, said Wednesday that Beattie is just what the organization was seeking.
"We were looking for someone who needed no introduction, someone who could immediately hit the ground running," De Groote said. "We were looking for someone who didn't need to be brought up to speed, who could immediately increase the voice of the chamber on Capitol Hill, who has the intelligence and personality that will help the chamber to grow."
A Bountiful-based real estate broker and developer, Beattie may be best known for his tenure in the Utah Legislature. From his first term in 1989, he went on to serve as Senate majority whip, majority leader and president.
Now Beattie will lead the new combination of the chamber and the Downtown Alliance, which also will take effect July 1.
Beattie said he isn't afraid of getting involved in the heated discussion surrounding key downtown issues, such as whether Nordstrom should be allowed to move from Crossroads Plaza to The Gateway, or the Main Street Plaza debate.
"I think one of my strengths is in resolving conflict," Beattie said. "So where I can be of assistance, I'd like to help. Those are things we need to get resolved, for the benefit of downtown."
His appointment "will coincide with the beginning of our new fiscal year, with the new board of governors, and the official date of the combining of the chamber and Downtown Alliance," De Groote said. "We are in many respects a new organization, with a great legacy."
Beattie's focus will be on economic development and promoting pro-business legislation, De Groote said. Craig Peterson, the chamber's chief operating officer who has served as acting president since Larry Mankin resigned on Oct. 17, 2002, will keep many of the leadership duties at the chamber. Downtown Alliance executive director Bob Farrington will continue to lead the alliance. Both will report to Beattie.
Wednesday's announcement also answered nagging questions surrounding Beattie's possible run for governor.
"When it first came up," Beattie said, referring to the chamber position, "I had several other things that I was looking at. But this is a commitment. It has to do with the opportunities and the excitement I have for economic development in the city and downtown. I'm excited to work for the chamber, and now the Downtown Alliance, which have been brought together and which have new, unique opportunities.
"When I looked at what I could do, I figured I could stay at home, which was an appealing option, or I could work with people I've worked with for the last 15 years. There were a lot of unique matches in this position. I feel very fortunate. So at the present time, I'm totally committed to the Salt Lake Chamber."
Local and national leaders applauded the chamber's choice.
"The selection of Lane Beattie as a champion for the Salt Lake business community is great news for the Utah economy," said Gov. Mike Leavitt. "His contributions as a businessman, legislator and Olympic officer have made Utah a better place to live and do business. I am confident his new appointment will strengthen the Utah economy moving forward."
Ditto from Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former head of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee.
"Lane Beattie is one of Utah's finest and most accomplished leaders," Romney said in a prepared statement. "His extraordinary insights, unwavering commitment and tireless efforts helped create the most successful Winter Olympics in history. One by one, he took on some of the most challenging problems that faced the Games, and he solved them.
"His accomplishments flow from his integrity and character. Without guile or pretense, Lane works for the good of Utah and its people. It was an honor to know and work with Lane; the Salt Lake Chamber is lucky to have him at the helm."
E-mail: jnii@desnews.com