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Speaking on Business makes a surprise change in order to honor the person, who for so long, has kept us all abreast of Utah's business community.
Hello. I'm Scott Anderson, president of Zions Bank, and it is my pleasure to step in as host because I'd like to honor the host--Fred Ball. Today, Fred receives the Small Business Administration's award for Journalist of the Year, and it's one he certainly deserves.
For nearly 20 years, Fred has been heard over Utah's airwaves discussing the intriguing stories behind so many Utah businesses. He first delivered the Metro Business Report during his 25 years as president of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. And we at Zions Bank were pleased in 1996 when Fred joined us and began "Speaking on Business." Since then, he has highlighted close to a thousand Utah businesses and recognized some remarkable people from around the state. In essence, Fred Ball has become the 'voice of business' on Utah radio.
Fred's support of Utah's business community has extended beyond his radio broadcasts. Over the years, he has served many organizations, in many capacities too numerous to name. But his accomplishments can be seen in the recognition he's received, including several prestigious awards from local, national and international organizations.
A few years ago, we worried for Fred when we learned of his battle with pancreatic cancer. Doctors believed he had six to eight months to live. But Fred's positive nature and determination saw him through the illness. He endured 196 days with nothing to eat or even a drink of water, relying only on intravenous nourishment. And despite it all, Fred kept up his business beat, delivering news of the commerce community from the telephone in his hospital room.
So, it is with pleasure today that we at Zions Bank along with the Small Business Administration and many hundreds of businesses statewide recognize Fred Ball for his continued work and long-standing interest in speaking on business.
