"I just think that follow-up is critical — follow-up and coordination — because we used to talk in the international world when I was in the Reagan administration, we had these kind of diplomatic drive-by shootings. We'd stop by, say hi, and went on to the next airplane out. And that's not how international commerce, friendship and relationships are built. ... It's business relationships, keeping track of them and going forward," he said.

And when legislators make international trips, they "carry the business card for the state of Utah," he said.

Madsen said such trips are part of legislative leadership.

"Our job is to lead, as legislators, and I appreciate your assistance in helping us lead this state ... dragging it kicking and screaming into the 21st century so that we can really have a cosmopolitan perspective on the world we live in and not put blinders on and not be so backwards. ... We've got to get this state into the 21st century. I appreciate that, and I really do hope that we can take that on as a mission, not only in this commission but as a Legislature," he said.

"And why not be on the cutting edge? Why be on the tailing end of things? If the rest of the country is all so backwards and asleep, maybe we can awaken, arise and get out ahead of everybody else."

A few commission members will meet with Cramer and members of the Governor's Office of Economic Development before the commission's next meeting to discuss ways to ensure that legislators greet important international visitors coming to Utah or otherwise are involved in helping international trade.

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E-mail: bwallace@desnews.com