Utah Business magazine presented World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) President and CEO Derek B. Miller with a CEO of the Year Award today at ceremony held at the Grand America Hotel.
“I have always been interested in international development, international business and international affairs. I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the state to expand Utah’s economy one company and one job at a time,” said Miller. “I am truly honored to be recognized as a 2017 CEO of the Year.”
CEO of the Year Awards recognize executives who exude innovation, show sound business judgment and have proven financial success. Utah Business selects award recipients through a call-for-nominations process. To be selected, candidates must have proven to be successful leaders within their companies and communities.
“Each year, Utah Business honors outstanding CEOs from private, public and nonprofit organizations. This year, we are honoring 10 chief executives who stand out above the rest,” said Heather Stewart, managing editor for Utah Business. “Derek Miller is being recognized in the ‘Nonprofit – Business Services’ category for his leadership in expanding World Trade Center Utah’s reach throughout the state and fearlessly advocating for trade in Utah.”
Scott Anderson, president of Zions Bank and chair of the WTC Utah board, had the following to say about Miller’s recognition:
“Oftentimes, we look at the business side of individuals and reward them and congratulate them on their business acumen, but I think what we miss when we do that is the more human side which really makes a person great. And that’s what makes Derek great. Not only does he have the business expertise and the political expertise to handle the job, but he has the personal skills and the family skills that anchor him with values that he can then take forth into the community.”
Under Miller’s leadership World Trade Center Utah has implemented a rural outreach program to ensure all areas of the state have access to its exporting resources and started a quarterly Thought Leader Symposium Series. He also rallied executives from some of Utah’s top exporting companies to participate on a newly created WTC Utah board.
Miller’s impact on the Utah economy goes beyond his accomplishments at World Trade Center Utah. Since his return to the state nearly a decade ago, Derek has delivered innovative solutions that have streamlined government, fostered opportunity and spurred economic growth. Prior to his current role at WTC Utah, Derek served as managing director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and chief of staff for Governor Herbert.
About World Trade Center Utah wtcutah.com
The mission of World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) is to help Utah companies think, act and succeed globally. WTC Utah accomplishes this mission through three key objectives. First is to motivate and educate Utah businesses to expand their global presence through training seminars, regional forums and newsletters focused on international business development, trade issues and export opportunities. Second is to build capacity of Utah businesses for international trade through B2B consultations to identify expansion goals, assess current capabilities, determine overseas opportunities and connect companies with market experts and potential partners. Third is to expand global network of Utah businesses through trade missions and networking with foreign trade officials.
Written by News Release: 20 March 2017
