GOED's Toolbox

Toolset: Key Partnerships
Every craftsman has a tool that he uses on a daily basis—the trusty tool that always seems to get the job done right. GOED’s “secret weapon” tool is perhaps the invaluable partnerships it has created across industry, education and government.

One such partnership is with the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah), which provides centralized economic development and business outreach functions that serve the entire state of Utah. EDCUtah is a public/private partnership, working with state and local government and private industry to attract and grow competitive, high-value companies and spur the development and expansion of local Utah businesses.

“Economic development in Utah is truly unique,” says EDCUtah President & CEO Jeff Edwards. “Working in partnership with GOED and with city and county economic developers, we make it much less complicated for businesses to evaluate Utah locations and resources, and extend our expertise to the local level where limited budgets and manpower may preclude some of our smaller communities from participating in economic development projects.”

Another key partnership is with World Trade Center Utah. Utah is the only state in the country that doubled its exports over the last five years, and GOED is positioned to help Utah businesses expand their exports yet again through assistance from its strategic partner, World Trade Center Utah.

World Trade Center Utah and GOED are seamless partners. Together they provide extensive support to Utah businesses looking for global trade opportunities. As a member of the World Trade Center organization, Utah's World Trade Center has connections with sister organizations across the globe, and can thus help open doors for Utah businesses in pursuit of global connections.

"Working with our partners, World Trade Center Utah is helping Utah expand its global trade through efforts in cooperation, education and innovation. We help Utah organizations make new international connections, build new business relationships and discover new ways to work together for global trade," says Lew Cramer, President & CEO of World Trade Center Utah.

As a one-stop shop for global trade, World Trade Center Utah offers a wide range of signature services to Utah businesses through export assessments, education and training, and through connections with relevant global partners, service providers, and higher education and government agencies such as the U.S. Commercial Service Export Assistance Centers.

GOED’s business development toolbox is filled with finely honed tools made of the most advanced materials and designs—all geared for crafting sturdy, well-built businesses and industries. Companies of every type, from micro startups to industry heavyweights, will discover the perfect implement for creating growth, driving innovation and, ultimately, building the strong and diverse Utah economy.