Kathy White, a lifelong resident of Murray, has been appointed interim President and CEO of the Murray Area Chamber of Commerce. For White, the new role marks a return to familiar territory—but with new energy and direction.

“It’s truly an honor to step into this role,” White said. “My inspiration comes from a deep-rooted passion for community-building and a desire to support Murray’s unique blend of local heritage and forward-thinking entrepreneurship.”

White is no stranger to the Chamber. She has served in various capacities over the years and has watched firsthand how Murray has evolved. With the city undergoing a wave of redevelopment and revitalization, she sees this as a critical moment for the Chamber to reassert its value—not just as a networking group, but as a central player in Murray’s business and civic life.

Murray Chamber of Commerce CEO Kathy White with her husband Jeff Ertmann. (Photo courtesy: Kathy White)

“I want the Chamber to be seen not just as a networking organization, but as a vital connector and catalyst for business and community growth,” she said.

Her first order of business: reinvigorating the Chamber’s Ambassador group and expanding outreach efforts to ensure that both new entrepreneurs and long-established businesses feel connected to the Chamber’s mission. She is launching a monthly event called Chamber Coffee & Connections aimed at fostering informal, welcoming gatherings where members can form relationships and share resources.

“This isn’t just about handing out business cards,” she said. “It’s about creating a community where businesses feel supported, heard, and valued.”

White’s vision for the Chamber includes a shift in tone—from transactional to relational. “While traditional business-to-business networking has its place,” she said, “I believe there’s real power in creating opportunities for connection that are both beneficial and enjoyable.”

She points to the unique opportunity Murray faces: available commercial space and a growing population offer fertile ground for new enterprises. But not everything is smooth sailing. “I’ve heard from several business owners that Murray’s sales tax rates can be a deterrent compared to neighboring cities,” White noted. “That’s something we need to better understand and address through advocacy and conversation.”

She also acknowledges the competitive pressure posed by online retail. “Supporting and promoting local commerce is going to be critical for our economic health moving forward,” she said.

Alongside her role at the Chamber, White is also the lead organizer behind one of Murray’s most visible community events—the Utah Hot Air Balloon Palooza, set to return September 19 - 21 at Cottonwood High School.

Now in its second year, the festival attracted over 6,000 attendees in 2024, and White anticipates even more in 2025. “The community response has been amazing,” she said. “Our food trucks and vendors had such a great experience that most of them asked to come back this year, which is a testament to the energy and support the event generated.”

Murray Chamber CEO Kathy White crews the Chick-fil-a balloon. (Photo courtesy: Kathy White)

This year, the festival will introduce tethered balloon rides—an improvement aimed at reducing wait times and increasing accessibility. “We’ll have two balloons offering rides, and tickets will go on sale September 1st at UtahHotAirBalloonFestival.com,” she said.

Saturday night’s “Glow Palooza” will feature live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. A new STEM-focused Kids Day will be hosted by the Murray Youth Community Council. “Final details are still being confirmed, but it promises to be a meaningful addition for families looking to make the most of the event,” White said.

Coordinating a festival of this size is no small feat. “It’s taken a dedicated committee working together for over eight months,” White said, adding that she has learned from more seasoned events like The Great Reno Balloon Race. “We’re still relatively new to this... but the vision is big—and so is the community’s enthusiasm.”

“We always prioritize safety,” she noted, and reminded attendees that drones and dogs are not allowed on festival grounds.

White sees the balloon festival as more than entertainment. It’s also a vehicle for promoting local business. “We’re being intentional about including local businesses and organizations in every aspect of the festival,” she said, citing partnerships with food vendors, hotels, and sponsors.

White’s dual roles—as Chamber CEO and festival organizer—are deeply intertwined. In both, she sees the potential to strengthen community ties and generate momentum for Murray’s next chapter.

“I grew up in Murray, so I understand the culture, the people, and the pride that comes with being part of this community,” she said. “We’re still in the early stages, but there’s so much to build on.”

For more about the Chamber, visit themurraychamber.com. Festival information can be found at utahhotairballoonpalooza.com.