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.