World Trade Center Utah announces new partnership office at Utah Valley University in Orem
Alliance will give UVU business students real-world experience helping Utah County businesses to compete globally
OREM, Utah (Apr. 29, 2021) — Miles Hansen, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) and Astrid S. Tuminez, president, Utah Valley University (UVU) announced a new alliance today that will open a WTC Utah office on the UVU campus in Orem, providing Utah County companies with direct access to global business expertise and services. The office will be staffed by a full-time employee and UVU students under the direction of the Salt Lake office.
“The World Trade Center Utah partnership aligns perfectly with the University’s Vision 2030 plan,” said Astrid S. Tuminez, president, Utah Valley University. “Part of the plan is to strengthen community, workforce, and economic development partnerships. This alliance is allowing us to come together to create value for businesses and students.”
“The collaboration between WTC Utah and UVU positions Utah as the crossroads of the world,” said Aaron Starks, vice president of global business services for WTC Utah. “The opening of our new office enables even more Utah companies to have direct access to the expertise and services they need to compete and win.”
International trade supports nearly one in every four jobs in the state, with small businesses accounting for 85% of Utah’s exporters. The alliance between WTC Utah and UVU will connect Orem companies with global opportunities, grow the state’s international presence, and provide WTC Utah with a physical foothold in an area known for technology business growth. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Utah County led all counties in total population growth creating an ideal location to harness international expansion.
With an interest in assisting Utah companies as they increase their international sales, Larry H. Miller Group, Kirton McConkie, Facebook, World Trade Center Utah, and the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce are donating $50,000 in grant funding to help companies cover the cost of the global services. Based on a company’s current international experience, those who utilize these services will begin by developing a strategy, leveraging services such as website development and global logistics, or connect directly with partners abroad through match-matching.
Having recently benefited from the resources offered by WTC Utah and UVU, Jennifer Mitchell, founder & CEO of Natura Solve is anticipating up to $900M per year in international revenues. “I feel much more confident as an owner now that we will have the correct information and the support of an experienced team,” shared Mitchell. With a new website and international branding concepts in place, the Utah-based company is expanding into Dubai, India, and Peru.
About Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state of Utah, with more than 40,000 students. The university boasts a dual-mission model that combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness and vocational programs of a community college. UVU’s unique model, which focuses on student success, engaged learning, rigorous academic programs, and faculty-mentored research, is transforming higher education by making it more affordable and accessible to students of all backgrounds. For more information, visit uvu.edu or follow @utah.valley.university on Instagram or Facebook.
About World Trade Center Utah
World Trade Center Utah’s mission is to accelerate growth for Utah companies through our global network, programs, and services. Officially joining the World Trade Center’s Association in 2007, the organization has helped companies throughout the state actualize their global potential. For more information, visit wtcutah.com or follow @WTCUtah on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Media contacts
Scott Trotter, senior director of communications
University Marketing and Communications
scott.trotter@uvu.edu
+1 (801) 863- 6807
Julia Pappas, senior director of brand
World Trade Center Utah
jpappas@wtcutah.com
+1 (435) 650-3484
For more information about the World Trade Center Utah-Utah Valley University partnership and how to utilize global business services, please email us at info@wtcutah.com.
