Utah Global Forum to explore 'Prosperity Through Diversity' at annual meet

A prominent political analyst and the top official at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will headline the Utah Global Forum, set for Oct. 17 in Salt Lake City.

Highlighting the event’s theme of “Prosperity Through Diversity,” the keynote speakers are Ana Navarro, a GOP strategist and a contributor for CNN, ABC News and Telemundo, and Javier Palomarez, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The forum is hosted by Gov. Gary Herbert and is a joint effort of World Trade Center Utah, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Salt Lake Chamber. It takes place 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 17.

“Having two nationally recognized keynote speakers at this year’s Global Forum will give attendees a richer understanding of issues impacting international trade,” said Derek B. Miller, president and chief executive officer of World Trade Center Utah. “Ana Navarro’s remarks will go behind the headlines to provide insightful context around current affairs, while Javier will highlight how diversity can improve a company’s bottom line.”

Navarro also is a political contributor on ABC’s “The View” and served as the national Hispanic co-chair for Gov. Jon Huntsman’s 2012 campaign and the national co-chair of John McCain’s Hispanic Advisory Council in 2008, where she was also the national surrogate for the McCain 2008 campaign. She served on Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s transition team in 1998 and was his first director of immigration policy in the Executive Office of the Governor.

Palomarez’ organization represents the interests of more than 4.2 million Hispanic-owned businesse, that combined contribute over $668 billion to the U.S. economy every year. It also advocates on behalf of 260 major American corporations and operates through a network of 200 local chambers and business associations nationwide.

In the corporate realm, Palomarez has more than two decades of experience, including working at Allstate Insurance Corp., as vice president for marketing and public relations at Sprint Inc., and senior vice president of multicultural marketing at Bank of America.

The forum also will feature “power” presentations titled “What is Happening Around the World,” “What is Happening in Utah,” “Made in the U.S.A.” and “How Technology is Changing the International Business Landscape.” Breakout sessions include “Diversity of Markets,” “Diversity of People,” “Diversity of Resources” and “Diversity of Money.” Awards will be presented to Utah’s 2017 International Person of the Year and Utah’s 2017 International Company of the Year.

The forum takes place at the Grand America Hotel, 555 S. Main St., Salt Lake City. The cost is $90, which includes admission, lunch, forum materials, exhibits, networking and parking. Details are at utahglobalforum.com.

In 2016, Utah exports totaled $12.1 billion, with top export commodities being metals, computer and electronic products, chemicals, food and related products, and transportation equipment.

“Our state is one of the best places to grow a business, and the Utah Global Forum will help companies reach beyond our borders for more opportunities,” said Val Hale, GOED’s executive director. “We enjoy a prosperous economy, and diversity in the state that will secure prosperity for generations.”

“In the changing global economy, it is imperative that those Utah companies looking to compete learn the necessary skills to go beyond our borders and succeed,” said Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “The Utah Global Forum has been an effective conduit for moving Utah businesses into the global marketplace. The Salt Lake Chamber is proud to be a partner of this wonderful event.”