GOED Names World Trade Center Utah as Official International Business Promotion Organization
SALT LAKE CITY (April 6, 2017) – The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has contracted with World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) to oversee the state’s international business promotion activities.
“This formal, contracted partnership will leverage WTC Utah’s public-private partnerships for significant cost savings and increased efficiency in the state’s international business efforts,” said Val Hale, executive director of GOED. “World Trade Center Utah is a capable and trustworthy partner, and we look forward to expanded global business opportunities for the state.”
GOED will retain all government-to-government relations and formal diplomacy efforts through Franz Kolb, director of diplomacy and protocol.
In addition to its current activities, WTC Utah will assume managing responsibility for trade missions, trade shows, international business education for urban and rural communities statewide and will play a key role in pursuing foreign direct investment (FDI). WTC Utah will also provide international market analyses and data measuring Utah’s international activities.
“The mission of WTC Utah is to help companies find more customers, expand their markets, and grow their business. The addition of trade missions, trade shows and FDI is a natural extension of our current services and will enhance our ability to help create jobs and expand Utah’s economy,” said Derek B. Miller, president and CEO of WTC Utah. “Our team is excited to lead the state’s international business promotion efforts and help realize the governor’s vision to make Utah a premier global business destination.”
WTC Utah has extensive experience with international business promotion. In 2016 the WTC Utah team consulted with more than 200 Utah businesses to help them successfully export. The WTC Utah team also partnered with GOED to help organize and lead three successful trade missions to Mexico, France and Canada. These trade missions provided an avenue for more than 80 individuals to connect with international business opportunities and partnerships abroad. They also plan many events to train and educate the business community.
GOED consistently engages in public-private partnerships to enhance its efforts. The contract with WTC Utah will function similar to other partnerships that allow greater flexibility in securing and leveraging resources to further the state’s economic development efforts.
ABOUT WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH
World Trade Center Utah is a private, nonprofit organization that’s mission is to accelerate international growth for Utah companies through our global network, programs, and services. Officially joining the World Trade Center Association in 2007, the organization has helped companies throughout the state actualize their global potential and was recognized with the 2021 President’s “E” Award for Export Service — the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. For more information, visit wtcutah.com or follow @WTCUtah on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
