ST. GEORGE — World Trade Center Utah and St. George Area Chamber of Commerce announced in a news release on Tuesday a continued alliance that will offer Southern Utah companies local access to World Trade Center Utah’s grants, international programs and business services.
International trade supports nearly 1 in every 4 jobs in the state, with small businesses accounting for 85% of Utah’s exporters. The alliance between World Trade Center Utah and the chamber connects Southern Utah companies with global opportunities, grows the state’s international presence, and provides World Trade Center Utah with a physical presence in the fastest-growing county in the state.
“The World Trade Center Utah partnership aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s mission to help southern Utah businesses expand,” Shawn Christensen, chamber president and CEO, said in the press release. “This partnership will allow us to continue to strengthen the business community through helping companies diversify their revenue streams.”
Achieving international business success is at the heart of World Trade Center Utah’s work. In 2022, the trade center facilitated engagements with business and diplomatic delegations from 36 countries, led 15 international trips and awarded $1.5 million in grant funding. In total, World Trade Center Utah helped nearly 400 Utah companies throughout the state from a wide range of industries such as life sciences, aerospace and defense and outdoor products.
The growth for these businesses alone has resulted in $152.3 million in new trade opportunities for the state.
“As we (WTC Utah) strive to further Utah’s position as the crossroads of the world, it’s important that we harness the talent and innovation from businesses throughout the state, particularly in growing regions like southern Utah,” Miles Hansen, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, said in the news release.
“The partnership between WTC Utah and the St. George Chamber focuses on expanding access to expertise and business services to more Utah companies,” Hansen added. “Our combined abilities will better prepare companies for international opportunities and position them for greater success in a competitive global marketplace.”
According to a 2022 report by WalletHub, Washington City and St. George City ranked as the No. 1 and 2 Best Small Cities for Starting a Business. With so much growth, it is important that businesses have convenient access to all services and expertise available to them.
One of the many resources more readily available to Southern Utah businesses is access to grants. World Trade Center Utah administers the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program. Grant funds, which can be utilized to offset a wide range of costs associated with pursuing international sales. With nearly $1M in funds available, small businesses in the region can start the grant process through the chamber office.
Having benefited from the many resources offered by World Trade Center Utah over the past few years, Dalyon Ruesch, CEO of Vitalpax, is anticipating up to $2 million – $3 million per year in international revenues.
“I feel confident as an owner that we will have the correct information and the support of an experienced team,” Ruesch said in the news release.
With an aggressive international growth plan in place, the La Verkin-based company has expanded throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia and South America.
For more information about the World Trade Center Utah-St. George Area Chamber of Commerce partnership and how to utilize global business services, visit the chamber office at 136 N. 100 East, St. George, or contact Shawn Christensen.
For more information about the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce visit their website or follow @stgeorgechamber on Instagram and Facebook.
For more information on the World Trade Center Utah, visit their website or follow @WTCUtah on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
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