LAYTON—Each year the Davis Chamber selects an individual or company that has made a positive impact on the county to receive the Legacy Award. It is the highest honor given by the Chamber and this year’s recipient is Gary Petersen, the founding partner and managing partner of Adams & Petersen CPAs. 

“I attended a meeting at the Chamber 23 years ago,” said Petersen. “Chris Dallin was there and said I should go to legislative affairs. I showed up to the meeting and the rest is history.”

Petersen said he has been on the board in some capacity or another since that time. “I served as Chairman in 2005 and 2021.” 

It’s unique because no one has served twice, he said. “I guess I just hung around long enough because there are plenty of really good people. I feel guilty for having had the opportunity twice.”

Petersen has been a West Point City Council member for 22 years and on the North Davis Fire District Board as chair or vice chair for a total of 16 years. “I’ve really enjoyed serving and contributing to the community. With my financial background I thought it would be a good fit.”

It has a lot to do with the people he’s serving with, said Petersen. “The other council members and staff have made it so I wanted to stay. At the end of the year I will have completed my service. It will be a big change to be off the City Council and the North Davis Fire District Board. I’ll have to find something to fill my Tuesdays.”

It won’t be hard, said Petersen. “I will have seven grandkids (one is on the way) so I’ll spend time with them. My daughter who is having her first baby was 3 years old when I started on the City Council. My family is so used to me going off to City Council every other Tuesday or to Chamber events.”

Petersen has played a role in many aspects of the Chamber. He was a past chairman of the Transportation Committee and has participated in the Lakesiders, the Chamber’s ambassador group. He also serves on the PARC (Pioneer Adult and Rehabilitation Center) Board and is Vice Chairman of its national affiliate, Service Source.

“I enjoy serving with PARC,” he said. “It helps individuals with disabilities to try and get work to become more self-sustaining. Service Source does the same thing nationally.”

It’s incredibly rewarding. “Giving back is an important piece,” said Petersen. “It’s different for everyone. Some are taking care of a family or helping those around them. It just happens that I enjoy doing these things in this way.”

Petersen went to Weber State University and grew up in Clinton. “I’ve always been local,” he said. “My upbringing was in a pretty quiet place. I feel fortunate to be involved in the things that I have.”

It should be a joint award, said Petersen. “My wife is a huge part of this. It’s me who shows up to do what I do but in reality my wife is the person behind the scenes allowing and encouraging me to be able to do it.”

It’s been easy to stay involved in the Chamber, he said. “I’ve been able to associate with so many great people. I’ve gotten so much more from the Chamber than I’ve given. I’ve developed lifelong relationships.”

Chamber members want to serve, said Petersen. “By nature they’re good people. I’m glad to rub shoulders with those people. They’re wonderful.”

This was a huge surprise to be nominated for the award, he said. “I’m so grateful. I realize there are a lot of good people out there. It’s an honor to be singled out for a moment.”

The award will be presented to Petersen at the Chamber’s annual Business Awards Banquet Sept. 28.