Four Utah chambers of commerce were to have held a joint meeting Wednesday evening in Lehi, crossing what members perceived as a psychological barrier.

The historical meeting included the Lehi area, American Fork, Draper and Southwest Valley chambers of commerce. The Southwest Valley Chamber is an 11-year-old chamber that includes the Herriman, Bluffdale and Riverton areas. Lehi, American Fork and Draper have held joint meetings since 2004.

Draper Chamber of Commerce President William Rappleye was instrumental in organizing the initial tri-chamber events.

"Small chambers are sometimes overlooked," Rappleye said. "By combining three chambers we would develop a little bit more clout, so that was the intent.

"The secondary reason why is because we really wanted to get our members to see that the Point of the Mountain is not a blockade. ... There has always been that division. We are trying to break that mental perception."

Rappleye has a vision of cooperation and strength through the multi-chamber association.

"The long-term vision is, hopefully, at some point we can use this as a lobbying power at the state Legislature so these smaller communities that are emerging can have a voice for their communities," he said.

He said consideration hasn't been given to a combined chamber with city chapters.

"I think, under certain circumstances, if you do that you still have to maintain that individual chamber," Rappleye said. "If you dilute that by calling it, say, the Point of the Mountain Chamber, it can be self-destructive. ... I believe we have to have individual offices with the cities."

The meeting on Wednesday is more of an entertainment event than a business meeting. The four chambers will meet for a light dinner and listen to guest speakers: former Miss Utah Kathy Loveless and former Utah Jazz player Mark Eaton.

While no official business will take place, the meeting creates a means for collaboration.

"The quick return is the networking opportunities as you get together with different cities, different associations," said Heather Miller, Lehi Area Chamber of Commerce president. "We're hoping this will grow to different chambers."

She said they are hoping for a relaxing evening of fun with an opportunity to talk about ideas and to network.

All the chambers involved represent cities of approximately the same size in commercial growth.

"We have a lot in common, we have a lot more smaller businesses than large," Rappleye said. "Each year we've tried to bring interesting speakers in there so they can bring a spouse or significant other and enjoy the event."

All considered, a great tradition has been started, Rappleye said, and he looks forward to a sustained relationship with the other chambers involved.

"It's great to work with other chamber presidents from other areas and it's exciting to know business is strong and vibrant in this area," Miller said.