On June 6, local business owners gathered at the National Vinyl Products warehouse to participate in the Central Utah International Business Forum.
Focused on helping businesses realize their international potential, the forum was hosted by World Trade Center Utah in partnership with The Utah Department of Workforce Services, Juab County and Six County AOG.
Attendees of the forum learned how to leverage available resources to win business internationally. A panel comprised of representatives from Bailey Farms, AZOMITE Mineral Products, ACT Aerospace, Intermountain Farmers Association (IFA) and WTC Utah shared their best practices for international business. Laura Nelson, Executive Director of The Governor’s Office of Energy Development and Advisor to Governor Herbert was the keynote speaker. Nelson discussed the importance energy development in Utah and promising opportunities for the future of global energy.
“Central Utah companies are a great representation of our state’s industry and talent,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah. “The international business forum provides these companies with the knowledge and tools to expand their markets, grow their business and increase prosperity in their communities.”
While at the forum, two companies received the Vanguard in International Business Award, presented by World Trade Center Utah in partnership with the Department of Workforce Services. IFA and Desert Stream Inc. were selected for the award based on their success in international exporting.
Desert Stream Inc. is a contract manufacturer covering a wide range of nutritional supplements. The first Desert Stream facility was only 900 square feet, but today, Desert Stream occupies an 80,000 square foot building and has 25-30 employees at any given time. Their products are sold worldwide in countries like Canada, Japan, China, Mexico and the EU.
Intermountain Farmers Association produces custom feed, farm supply, fertilizer and other associated products. Since their humble beginnings in 1923 as a cooperative group of farmers, IFA has grown to now operate 23 IFA country stores, 4 feed mills and 9 agronomy centers. They have developed an innovative Omega 3 cattle supplement that has allowed them to expand production capacity and reach new markets. Just this year, IFA began shipping products to South Korea and participated in a successful trade mission to Mexico with hopes of expanding into the Mexican market.
