GOING GLOBAL: WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH GREW 180 COMPANIES LAST YEAR THROUGH ITS NETWORKS, SERVICES, AND PROGRAMS. THEY CAN GROW YOURS TOO.

From the day it was founded, World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) had a clear mission: to help Utah businesses grow into markets worldwide. Today, the strategy for making that a reality has evolved.

"We started as a three-person team working in a small corner of the Salt Lake Chamber," says Lew Cramer, the first president and CEO of the organization, which was founded in 2006. "The incredible growth of the WTC Utah and Utah's international profile since those early days is nothing short of extraordinary."

Helping steer the organization is a world-class board consisting of executives from some of Utah's biggest international brands, including Brad Bonham, president and CEO of Walker Edison and Derrick Porter, co-founder and CEO of Beauty Industry Group.

Under that leadership, the organization has honed a laser-like focus on accelerating growth for Utah companies through its global networks, programs, and services.

"Utah has the potential to become the Crossroads of the World," says WTC Utah Chair Jon Huntsman, a three-time U.S. Ambassador. "Business leaders in our state realize it, markets across the globe recognize the benefits of doing business with Utah companies, and WTC Utah is the catalyst to make the connection."

Notably, 85% of Utah's exporters are small businesses that compete and win around the world by connecting with the 95% of the world's consumers who live outside of the U.S. WTC Utah works hand-in-hand with partners across the state, including the U.S. Commercial Service and Small Business Administration, to provide an intuitive approach to select markets, overcome barriers, and connect with buyers, partners, and investors around the world.

"Every market is different, complex, and unique," says Aaron Starks, WTC Utah's chief revenue officer and managing director of global business services...