NEW YORK CITY — The Dow Jones industrial average opened at 10,174. The Utah delegation attending the Republican National Convention opened the day even higher.

A select number of delegates were invited to ring the opening bell Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange — a rare honor in the post-9/11 world, when visitors are seldom allowed onto the trading floor.

"This is one of the most important places in the world, some say the most important place in the world," said Utah's senior Sen. Orrin Hatch. "It is a real privilege for all of us to be here. As Utahns we are very grateful."

The invitation to the Utah delegation was extended through the machinations of Provo Mayor Lewis Billings, an avid day trader, who was on the stand along with Hatch, Rep. Rob Bishop and Lt. Gov. Gayle McKeachnie, who was making his first visit to New York.

They shared the honor with various other members of Congress, including Florida Rep. Bill Young, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, who actually rang the bell that started the day's trading.

Another 28 members of the delegation, staff and guests watched from the chaotic trading floor, littered with tickertape and bedraggled traders speaking their own language.

"It was nice they would do an event for Utah," said Mike Mower, a delegate who helped arrange the invitation-only event. "Since 9/11, they don't allow many people onto the floor. It is a real honor."

For Utah Republicans steeped in the principles of a free market, the trip to Wall Street was a holy pilgrimage.

"Our goal is to build an environment where people want to invest," Bishop said.