At the request of Governor Gary R. Herbert and in partnership with World Trade Center Utah and the Salt Lake Chamber, GOED sponsored the fifth annual Utah Global Forum on Nov. 8, 2018, at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.
At the forum, government and business leaders met to facilitate dialogue on how businesses can expand beyond local boundaries and develop an import and export strategy to engage the global marketplace. The forum included many high-profile speakers along with breakout sessions on Utah’s inland port, international business and career opportunities, and information about the annual World Trade Center Utah pitch competition.
The program began with opening remarks from GOED’s Val Hale and Salt Lake Chamber’s Derek Miller. Next, Miles Hansen, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, spoke about how Utah can be the crossroads of the world and that we have the ingredients needed to be successful. After Hansen’s remarks, Natalie Gochnour from the Kem C. Gardner Institute, lead a university presidents panel that discussed Utah education for a global economy.
The forum’s keynote speaker was actor and economist, Ben Stein. Mr. Stein shared insights on trade and its importance in the global economy.
Governor Gary R. Herbert concluded the event as he spoke about Utah’s success in building important global relationships that strengthen not only Utah’s economy, but also the global economy.
On behalf of Governor Herbert, we thank all who participated in the 2018 Utah Global Forum and look forward to next year’s event.