Just as legendary New York Mayor Ed Koch would famously ask, “How am I doing?” as he waved to people on the street, we cheerfully requested feedback from chamber partners and anyone working in Summit County in our annual online survey. The result is a valuable snapshot of Park City’s 2024 business climate.

This year, 323 people responded, almost all of them chamber partners who own or manage local companies. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and comprise the vast majority of our 1,000+ chamber partners, so it’s unsurprising that most respondents work with fewer than 50 employees. Equally predictable: most are focused on tourism.

Three of four say visitors account for at least 40 percent of their sales, and a third say tourism accounts for 80 to 100 percent of their revenue.

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Respondents say marketing campaigns that reach Park City’s vast and widely scattered tourism base are the most valuable benefit of chamber membership. Being in the spotlight on VisitParkCity.com is the top-rated attribute, while social media and blog promotions also rank high.

Close behind is our delivery of the latest business intelligence; members like our weekly bulletin, occupancy status reports and forecasts, and legislative updates. Always enthusiastic about improving Park City, they say building new connections and contributing to the community are primary reasons for belonging to the chamber.

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Employee housing and the low availability of workers are the most frequently cited challenges. These nagging problems defy easy solutions. They share community concerns about maintaining our small-town character and dealing with transportation in the face of continuing growth. They back our engagement with the Park City and Summit county councils and planning commissions on these and other challenges.

Respondents say we should continue advocating for local and visitor support of locally owned businesses while raising awareness of tourism’s positive economic impact. We agree. They appreciate our growing success in attracting business groups and international visitors to Park City and would like to see more.

How can we improve our services? Respondents agree that while marketing Park City as a premier outdoor destination for summer and winter recreation is a critical chamber responsibility, we need to draw more visitors during the spring and fall shoulder seasons to produce steadier, year-round business. This observation matches our sustainability goals, which call for more balanced year-round visitation.

They also suggest updating our web presence, enhancing referrals and promotions, and finding ways to connect them directly with Parkites on essential issues.

We’re always working hard to be sensitive to partner needs and input, so it is no coincidence that on April 30, we will unveil a fully reimagined, year-round Park City brand. This fresh, authentic and exciting new direction will undoubtedly turn heads.

I’m also glad to report that for months, we have been crafting an entirely new website designed specifically for locals and partners — a communication tool that can build sought-after community connections and promotional opportunities. More details are coming very soon!

There is always much more in our survey than I can squeeze into one column. I am pleased we’ve earned high overall marks —  82 percent say we are a good or excellent value (43 percent choosing ‘excellent’). The results also underline the challenges a flourishing, growing economy presents to our lifestyle and environment.

We are determined to be at the forefront of helping solve these challenges, with our eye on a bright long-term future for Park City.

Jennifer Wesselhoff is the president and CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.