[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 76 (Thursday, May 24, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH

 Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate the 
World Trade Center Utah on the naming of one of Utah's finest buildings 
in their honor. On May 23, 2012, my Utah staff had the pleasure of 
attending a ceremony whereby the building formerly known as Eagle Gate 
Tower became the World Trade Center at City Creek. Naming one of Salt 
Lake's premier business addresses after the World Trade Center Utah is 
a fitting tribute to the important role the organization plays in 
guiding Utah's world-leading companies into new markets. This 
achievement is all the more remarkable when you consider that the 
organization was only founded in 2006.
  We hear time and time again about the fact that 95 percent of our 
potential consumers live outside the United States. But we all know 
that reaching those customers can be difficult. Since 2006, the World 
Trade Center Utah has assisted over 1,000 companies to do just that, 
through educational classes and seminars, international business 
development events, and networking opportunities. The World Trade 
Center Utah rightly prides itself on being the ``first stop'' for Utah 
businesses seeking to expand their trade opportunities. By assessing 
their capabilities, providing educational opportunities and connections 
to the right people and organizations, the World Trade Center Utah 
provides the businesses of the Beehive State a much needed roadmap to 
engaging in international trade.
  Their hard work has paid off. Thanks in no small part to the World 
Trade Center Utah and the leadership of its CEO, Lew Cramer, Utah 
merchandise exports increased 37 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, 
growing from $13.8 billion to $18.9 billion. In a time of great 
economic difficulty for our Nation, this was no easy feat and was no 
doubt welcome news to the nearly 93,000 Utahns whose jobs depend on 
exports, as well as the companies in Utah which collectively exported 
to over 190 foreign markets.
  I congratulate the World Trade Center Utah, as well as its founding 
CEO, Lew Cramer, and his dedicated staff for this achievement.

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