7th Annual International Business Conference

With today's market fluctuations, business owners and budding entrepreneurs need more resources and support than ever. I have great news for you: just as Cece Mitchell has used this column to provide relevant and practical information each week for the past two years, I am looking forward to continuing the trend as the director of the Zions Business Resource Center (BRC). Each week, our Taking Care of Business newsletter offers timely tips and tools you can use to grow your business.

Since becoming the BRC director last September, I have been impressed by the many business owners I meet who possess passion and drive for what they do. My admiration for those willing to take a risk in business was what drew me to this job, following several years working for the State of Utah developing private and public partnerships to support our community.

The same intrepid spirit is what leads business owners to consider expanding to overseas markets. Thousands of local companies are succeeding by going global because, as the bestselling book by Thomas L. Friedman states, “the world is flat.”

You can learn best practices for expanding beyond our domestic borders at Zions Bank’s 7th Annual International Trade and Business Conference on May 20. Read on for details about the half-day event ideal for those adventurers ready to take their business into other markets.



Luz Robles
Director, Zions Business Resource
Center

Feature

Former Prime Minister of Australia to Speak at Zions Bank's International Trade and Business Conference

Why is it important to “go global?” If your business isn't taking advantage of international opportunities, you're missing out on some real potential demand for your product.

According to statistics from the U.S. Commercial Service's Export Assistance Center, 70 percent of the world's purchasing power and 95 percent of its population are outside the United States. What's more, jobs related to exporting pay 20 percent more, on average, than those not related to shipping across borders. Indeed, international trade is one of the hottest areas of economic growth for Utah and Zions Bank’s 7th annual International Trade and Business Conference, slated for May 20 at the Downtown Marriott in Salt Lake City, is setting the stage for further growth.

“Zions Bank’s annual conference brings together some of the top minds in international business and provides a great networking opportunity for those who are just starting to think globally,” says Mark Garfield, senior vice president and manager of the bank’s International Banking Department. “We’re proud to provide this resource to the Intermountain West’s entrepreneurs and executives who want to learn more about expanding their companies beyond traditional domestic markets.”

John Winston Howard, who served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1996 to 2007, will be the keynote speaker at the half-day conference, which will run from 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Companies based in the Intermountain West are experiencing vigorous international growth, according to state government numbers. Utah ranks fifth among Western states for exports, having exported $7.8 billion in 2007 — a 65 percent increase over three years earlier. Nonetheless, booming international trade has brought with it new challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences and logistical challenges of how to get paid. This year’s Zions Bank International Trade and Business Conference will help business owners navigate through those issues and find a niche in the international marketplace.

Business executives and entrepreneurs who attend the conference will learn about opportunities for expansion in dynamic foreign markets, particularly along the Pacific Rim. Along with Howard’s insights, the conference will feature exhibits about risk mitigation, translation services, logistics, foreign bank exchange and many more topics integral to foreign trade. Attendees will also receive an understanding of the current trade and political environments.

In his first visit to the United States since his term in office ended last November, John Howard will discuss his uniquely global approach to leading the most prominent Western stronghold in the Asian-Pacific Rim. He will candidly share his vision for the international economic future, with special focus on the roles that China, India and the Pacific Rim will play.

As Australia’s second-longest serving prime minister, Howard pursued broad pro-market economic policies. During his period in office Australia experienced economic growth averaging 3.6 percent per year. What’s more, in the face of criticism from many, Howard initiated unprecedented efforts to broker a free-trade agreement with China, paving the way for China’s willingness to participate in a free market. Because of his work in developing ties with China, the country is now Australia’s largest export market.

During the conference, additional speakers will share their expertise on pan-Pacific trade. Zions Bank will also honor the recipient of the “Global Pacesetter” award — a Utah company demonstrating international success. The conference will also feature several booths where local vendors will offer information on tools and resources for international trade.

As a resource for Utah businesses going global, Zions Bank helps companies process and manage their international transactions. Last year, the bank received the “2006 Export Lender of the Year” award from the U.S. Small Business Administration for its efforts in financing small business exporters.

The cost of the event is $30 before May 1, $35 thereafter, and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Register online or call (801) 844-8573. Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended.
 

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