Utah Global Forum is a Catalyst for International Growth
The second annual forum provides Utah business and community leaders the tools to go global
SALT LAKE CITY, UT—Why stumble in the dark when you can learn firsthand from the best? The second annual Utah Global Forum, held Wednesday at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, brought together more than 400 business and community leaders to exchange ideas and promote Utah’s continued international growth.
“We are all here today to sharpen our tools to be competitive in the global economy, and not just to compete, but to compete and win,” Gov. Herbert said at the event. “As you implement what you’ve learned today, your business will be more successful, and only then will Utah continue to lead.”
The event was hosted by Gov. Herbert and presented by World Trade Center Utah, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Salt Lake Chamber.
Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who recently joined Secretary of State John Kerry in Cuba for the historic reopening of the U.S. embassy, provided the keynote presentation and an informative Q&A session.
Two individuals and one company were then recognized for international achievement. This year’s awards included:
International Person of the Year – David Fiscus, Director of the Utah Export Assistance Center
International Company of the Year – Priority Dispatch, a leading emergency dispatch protocol products, training and services company
Lifetime Achievement Award – Lew Cramer, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Commercial Advisors
Following the awards ceremony, four “power presenters” provided expert advice in global cyber security, supply chain, marketing and finance. Attendees were then able to visit breakout sessions covering the same topics.
Utah is one of the few states with a trade surplus and its companies export four times the national average. The Winter Olympics put Utah on the global map more than a decade ago, and the state’s business and community leaders have picked up the torch and haven’t stopped running. Support for international business growth within the state was readily apparent in the caliber of sponsorship for the event— doTERRA, Zions Bank and OOCL, just to name a few.
Utah’s global footprint offers much to celebrate, but there’s also still plenty of work to do.
“More than ever, Utah companies need the skills and knowledge to grow business beyond our borders, and this annual forum is an excellent opportunity to develop both,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah. “Whether you want to expand internationally or not, there’s something in this forum for everyone. Being aware of what’s happening in the world around you is critical to business success and ultimately the success of the state’s economy.”
The Utah Global Forum is an annual event. Visit UtahGlobalForum.com for detailed information and video recordings from this year’s event, plus updates for the 2016 Utah Global Forum.
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.
ABOUT Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) charter is based on Governor Gary Herbert’s commitment to economic development statewide. Utah’s economic development vision is that Utah will lead the nation as the best performing economy and be recognized as a premier global business environment and tourist destination. The mandate for this office is to provide rich business resources for the creation, growth and recruitment of companies to Utah and to increase tourism and film production in the state. GOED accomplishes this mission through the administration of programs that are based around targeted industries or “economic clusters” that demonstrate the best potential for development. GOED utilizes state resources and private sector contracts to fulfill its mission. For more information please contact: Michael Sullivan, 801-538-8811 or mgsullivan@utah.gov.
ABOUT Salt Lake Chamber
The Salt Lake Chamber is Utah’s largest business association and Utah’s business leader. A statewide chamber of commerce with members in all 29 Utah counties, the Chamber represents 8,000 businesses and approximately 500,000 Utah jobs—nearly half the workforce of our state. With roots that date back to 1887, the Chamber stands as the voice of business, supports its members’ success and champions community prosperity.
