Statement of Principles

 Open Markets: The Salt Lake Chamber supports public policy that encourages open markets and the full participation of Utah companies in the world economy.

 Global Perspective: Public policy should take into account the global nature of competition and empower Utah businesses to succeed in such an environment.

2009 Public Policy Priorities: 

 Facilitate Sound immigration Policy: Support public policies that establish clear and definitive rules for immigration that will enhance Utah’s global competitiveness.

 Workforce Development: Identify and champion policies that establish a qualified workforce from which Utah employers can draw. 

 Health System Reform: Reduce the costs of health care to Utah companies to level the playing field in global markets. 

 Financial Support of WTC Utah: Support the Governor’s recommended budget allocations to GOED and to the World Trade Center Utah.

Recent Accomplishments:

 Official Certification: In November 2008, WTC Utah received its official certification of Trade Services from the headquarters of the World Trade Centers Association, which is granted to less than thirty percent of the 350-plus World Trade Centers around the globe.

 Visiting Dignitaries: Together with its strategic partners (Salt Lake Chamber and GOED), WTCU has sponsored the visits of eight ambassadors in the fall of 2008. 

 Facilitating international Business: The World Trade Center Utah has provided training and educational seminars to assist Utah firms entering international markets. 

 Increasing Exports: Utah’s global presence increased dramatically in 2008. Merchandise exports topped $10 billion, a new record and a more than 35 percent increase over previous years. Approximately 2,300 Utah companies export goods and 85 percent of these are small and medium-sized companies with fewer than 500 employees.


Impact on Business

 Through seminars, educational events, individual counseling and trade missions, during the past year WTC Utah has directly served the international needs of over 350 Utah companies and exports from Utah continue to expand rapidly. Merchandise exports are expected to surpass $10 billion dollars in 2008, up from $7.2 billion in 2007, and only $4.1 billion in 2003. 

 In Utah, one out of every five manufacturing jobs depends on exports.

 Over 2,000 Utah companies export goods—85 percent of those companies are small or medium sized businesses. 

 Increased exports have created over 20,000 jobs in the past three years.