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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Exports remain an important percentage of Utah's economy, accounting for about 15 percent of our gross state product. Approximately 61,000 jobs were supported by Utah's international business, contributing to export totals over $12.3 billion in 2014, according to World Trade Center Utah. Of the almost 3,500 companies that exported from Utah, 86 percent were small to medium-sized businesses with less than 500 employees.
To help business leaders from across the Intermountain West learn new ways to innovate, compete and grow jobs in an increasingly global environment, Zions Bank will be holding the 14th annual Zions Bank Trade and Business Conference on Tuesday, May 12, at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. Sir John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, will keynote the event and explore how Pan-European events impact global commerce.
Having served as Prime Minister during a time of unprecedented transformation, Major offers a unique perspective on the changing global landscape. During his term, he instituted public sector reforms that became international models and left behind the strongest economy that any incoming British Government had ever inherited. He also initiated an important effort to secure lasting peace in Northern Ireland, even lending his support on the issue to his successor, Prime Minister Tony Blair.
During the conference, Major will share thoughts about current global trouble spots and what nations must do to maintain peace. He will also discuss the European Union and how international cooperation has affected the world in the most recent economic downturn. Other speakers at the conference include Bret Stephens, winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, who is the foreign affairs columnist and deputy editorial page editor of The Wall Street Journal.
The Zions Bank Trade and Business conference runs half a day, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on May 12 at the Grand America Hotel. Check-in and registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $35 which includes lunch. You can register online at zionsbank.com/conference. This event sells out so early registration is recommended.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Zions Bank Trade and Business Conference www.zionsbank.com/conference
