SALT LAKE CITY, Utah; May 23, 2024 — Former President George W. Bush visited Salt Lake City today to speak at the Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit, hosted by Zions Bank and World Trade Center Utah. The 43rd U.S. president shared his insights on his eight years in the White House and the current geopolitical climate with an audience of 800 business and community leaders at the Grand America Hotel.

Featured speakers at the conference also included former heads of state from three other countries: former Mexican President Vicente Fox, former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former Senegalese President Macky Sall.

Additionally, current and former top executives from companies including Allbirds, Black Diamond, Priceline, Savage and Traeger offered insight on market diversification, supply chain resilience, global monetization, and economic trends.

The conference comes at a time when companies based in the Intermountain West are growing overseas. In 2023, Utah exports exceeded $17.4 billion, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. That’s an 8% increase from its export level in 2013. About 85% percent of Utah’s exporting companies are small- to medium-sized businesses, and 20% of Utah jobs are tied to trade.

“We were honored to host President Bush today, along with other distinguished world leaders and top business minds,” said Zions Bank President and CEO Paul Burdiss. “As the world becomes increasingly connected, even small- and mid-size companies are finding ways to expand overseas, where 95% of consumers reside. We want to help position local companies at the forefront of global commerce.”

Ranked as the state with the best economic outlook for 17 consecutive years by Rich States, Poor States, prospective host for the 2034 Olympic Winter Games, and the site of a newly constructed international airport, Utah is a global hub of interconnectivity. Recognized as the Beehive State, it upholds a reputation for a resilient work ethic, contributing to its status among the leading economies in both the U.S. and the world. May 19–24 has been declared World Trade Week by a formal White House proclamation.

During the event, Zions Bank honored Rio Tinto as the recipient of the “Global Pacesetter” award — a distinction given to a company doing business in Utah demonstrating international success. 

About Zions Bank

Zions Bank is Utah’s oldest financial institution and is the only local bank with a statewide distribution of branches operating 95 full-service branches. Zions Bank also operates 26 branches in Idaho and Wyoming. In addition to offering a wide range of traditional banking services, Zions Bank is also a leader in small business lending. Founded in 1873, Zions Bank has been serving the communities of Utah for more than 150 years. Additional information is available at www.zionsbank.com. Zions Bank is a division of Zions Bancorporation N.A., Member FDIC.