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Last week, the state of Utah celebrated its longstanding relationship with Europe by hosting the second annual Utah-Europe Days. Franz Kolb, Director of Europe for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development said, “We felt the need to recognize the deep-rooted trade, cultural and educational relationship that exists between Utah and Europe. The attendance at each event was either at or near capacity, evidence of the interest Utahns have in Europe and the strong ties we’ve developed over many years.”

The two-day commemoration began with an official declaration signed by Governor Gary Herbert pronouncing May 9-10, 2012, to be Utah-Europe Days in the State. Dignitaries from the delegation of the European Union to the United States and the countries of Germany, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey and the United Kingdom came to participate in the events. Also in attendance were many of Utah’s honorary consul members, Sister City representatives and local business leaders.



On Wednesday afternoon, European trade experts helped Utah companies from the aerospace, energy, life sciences and information technology industries understand their European industry counterparts. Utah company representatives received practical advice from experienced international business professionals. One participant said, “I came to the seminar not knowing the opportunities for business in Europe or how to handle the European Union regulations for my product. Now, not only do I have a European contact for help, I have a better understanding of how my industry operates in Europe.”

Thursday started with the 4th Annual Women in International Business Conference  — Focus Europe.  After introductory remarks, Sophia DiCaro, deputy director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, presented co-organizer and Ballard Spahr international attorney Barbara Bagnasacco with an award for her outstanding contributions to promoting international business between Utah and Europe. The conference had several keynote speakers that focused on a general overview of critical success factors for women driving international transactions.





The conference also featured two concurrent breakout sessions focusing on Northern Europe and Southern Europe that highlighted key features unique to each area. Topics included practical suggestions on how to transform cultural challenges into opportunities for success, the impact of a different legal and economic framework, the value of international networking, discussion of business cases and how to learn from them, tips on specific cultural nuances, and health and safety considerations.





Company representatives from Utah met with European trade experts on Thursday afternoon at a seminar titled, “Successful European Business Strategies.”  The seminar offered focused presentations on European market entry strategies, regulation differences between the United States and the European Union, and resources available to help Utah companies be successful in Europe.





Concluding Thursday’s busy schedule was the Utah-Europe Days 2012 reception for Utah business leaders and European representatives. Participants embarked on a one-of-a-kind culinary journey through Europe. Attendees were treated to a spread of Europe’s finest authentic cuisine from the continent’s distinctive regions and countries. The networking dinner provided a fun and productive atmosphere for European invitees to mingle with Utah company representatives.





During the reception, Governor Gary R. Herbert recognized Archie Rae McFarland of AVISPA LLC and Dennis Smith of Johnson Matthey Inc. for their dedication and contributions to the State of Utah.  The companies were awarded a plaque for their service.





Sponsors of Utah-Europe Days include The Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Ballard Spahr, World Trade Center Utah , Zions Bank,  gwSaar Saarland Economic Promotion Corporation, Brigham Young University’s Center for the Study of Europe and the Marriott School Global Management Center, Freightlink International, JBT AeroTech Jetway Systems, National District Export Council Utah Chapter, Johnson Matthey, KOSMO Corporation, Nitya Software, Tanner LLC, Utah Regional Investment Fund, World Trade Association of Utah, and XANGO.





For more information on attending these seminars in the future please contact Franz Kolb at fkolb@utah.gov.