Today, the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual State of the Cities and County Breakfast. Prior to the event BYU-Idaho Radio spoke with the Chamber President/CEO, Diane Bruce, about the breakfast and how the Chamber helps the local community and businesses.
Several important local leaders spoke at the event, BYU-Idaho President Meredith, Rexburg and Sugar City mayors, a Madison County commissioner and others.
“So, it's just a chance to hear what was accomplished and what we can look forward to,” Bruce said. “What are the programs, initiatives and goals in 2026, how businesses can support that, what people can get behind. Rexburg is growing and things are changing so fast. It's a great time to come and be informed and be abreast of what's happening in our city.”
The Chamber has seen significant growth, with over 100 businesses joining in the past year. The Chamber now has over 300 businesses as members. This growth resulted in the breakfast event being sold out. With growing numbers, Bruce is looking toward the future of the Chamber.
“The bigger we are, the stronger we are. We want to make sure that we're delivering value,” Bruce said. “It's not just having new Chamber members join, but are they getting their value from being a chamber member? And that will be our focus in 2026.”
Bruce emphasized the importance of human connection through shopping at local businesses.
“You can get everything you need locally,” Bruce said. “And when you choose to spend your dollars locally at a local business, every local business represents a local family. So, it strengthens the business, it strengthens the family, which strengthens the community. And that's what I would say we need to do better.”