SALT LAKE CITY, UT — World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) is pleased to announce the addition of Derrick Porter , CEO of Beauty Industry Group (BIG), and Jeremy Andrus , CEO of Traeger Grills, to its Board of Directors.

These two innovative leaders head global consumer brands that have made a significant impact in Utah’s economy and beyond. BIG is a hair extension and solution company that sells its products in 165 countries and to more than 100,000 stylists and salons worldwide. Traeger is a leading producer of premium wood-fired grills and grilling accessories, with products sold in over 60 countries. 

“Increasing international business isn’t just about expanding our reach and increasing revenue, it’s about creating new opportunities for our communities, employees and families,” said Porter. The Salt Lake City-based company employs more than 550 people directly, with 150 located in the state.

WTC Utah’s Board of Directors is chaired by Jon Huntsman, former governor of Utah and U.S. ambassador to Singapore, China and Russia. Founded under his governorship in 2006, WTC Utah has developed a robust network that spans the world, and provides a wide range of international programs and services to help accelerate growth for Utah companies and elevate the state’s global status to promote prosperity and build economic resilience.

Whether it’s leading conversations with diplomats from around the world, connecting Utah businesses with international opportunities, or developing solutions for the global supply chain crisis, WTC Utah and its members and partners are at the forefront of key international issues.

“What’s happened with supply chains in the last few years has shown businesses and consumers alike just how connected we all are,” shared Andrus. “It’s important to take what we have learned, and establish an economic ecosystem in the state that supports businesses who — either from importing and/or exporting — rely on the global marketplace to succeed.”

Achieving international business success is at the heart of WTC Utah’s work. In 2022, WTC Utah facilitated engagements with business and diplomatic delegations from 36 countries, led 15 international trips and awarded $1.5M in grant funding. In total, WTC Utah helped nearly 400 Utah companies from a wide range of industries such as life sciences, aerospace and defense and outdoor products. The growth for these businesses alone has resulted in $152.3M in new trade opportunities* for the state.

With a vision to make Utah the crossroads of the world, one business at a time, WTC Utah leverages the leadership and experience of its board of directors to bolster international opportunities for companies throughout the state.

“Derrick and Jeremy bring world-class experience and expertise in starting, acquiring and growing global brands,” said Miles Hansen, president and CEO of WTC Utah. “So much of our success is directly tied to the thought-leadership and talent of our board of directors — many of which have been with us from the very beginning. Derrick and Jeremy mark a new chapter for our growing organization, one that will further propel the state’s global position in the years to come.”

*New Trade Opportunities = Actual Sales + Prospective Sales + Actual Investments resulting from trade and/or investment activity and as reported in client impact statements