Utah Governor Gary Herbert Urged to Protect E-Commerce Tools for Small Business

SPANISH FORK, Utah (May 21, 2020) – Community leaders and small businesses throughout Utah sent a letter calling on Governor Gary Herbert and other state policymakers to preserve access to business- critical digital tools and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic and the long recovery period ahead. Led by the Connected Commerce Council (3C), the letter was signed by over 60 Utah-based leaders representing a range of digitally empowered small businesses, including Brand Makers in Spanish Fork.

“Access to online tools enables websites, analytics, digital ads, online marketplaces, and e-commerce platforms to empower retailers, restaurants, service providers, and Utah small businesses of all types,” wrote Utah business leaders. “Now, more than ever, businesses and the Utahns they serve benefit from the stability, scale, and security of these tools.”

Small business advocates also cautioned against ill-timed regulations and legal challenges that could disrupt technology options that have proven critical during the downturn.

“With storefronts closed across the country, the tools offered by companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon have become vital economic lifelines for countless small business owners and entrepreneurs,” said 3C President Jake Ward. “Governor Herbert and leaders like him throughout the state understand what it takes for Utah to compete in the digital economy, and they know that now is not the time to put small businesses at a disadvantage or slow their recovery.”

“We’re lucky to have access to so many free and low-cost digital platforms and tools to stay in business, maintain our workforce, and serve our community,” said James Greaves, CEO of Brand Makers in Spanish Fork. “As we work toward reopening the economy, it’s important that elected leaders understand the role technology is now playing and avoid policy mistakes that could slow our recovery.”

A copy of the letter and a list of signers is available here.