LEHI — The actions of a business in one country can have ramifications and consequences the world over, which is why the current need for honest and ethical leaders is so great, said LDS Church leader Dieter F. Uchtdorf on Friday.

President Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke to members of the Utah Valley chapter of the BYU Management Society at its fundraising gala Friday after he was awarded the second annual Pioneer in Leadership award. Community leaders including Gov. Gary Herbert; President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency; Elders M. Russell Ballard and Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve; and BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson and UVU President Matt Holland were in attendance.

The German-born President Uchtdorf said globalization has created challenges that will best be solved by honest men and women as there are far too many self-interested business and community leaders the world over. Speaking to the group of BYU alumni, President Uchtdorf said that the best way to be ethical leaders is to focus on the teachings of the church to which they belong.

"Our religion, our faith, has to be reflected in our leadership, and our leadership must be grounded on personal righteousness," he said.

The BYU Management Society is an international organization that seeks to "grow moral and ethical leaders around the world," according to its Web site. The evening gala held at Thanksgiving Point raised funds for scholarships to be given to business students attending BYU and UVU. More than 350 people attended, and a number of local businesses sponsored the event. The Utah Valley chapter has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships in the last 10 years.

Prior to President Uchtdorf's speech, Herbert presented him with a letter stating that President Uchtdorf is a wonderful example of leadership

"Your service exemplifies the type of service we need, particularly during these trying times. You are an outstanding humanitarian and offer unwavering dedication," he said.

Also speaking was recent BYU Marriott School of Business graduate and 2009 scholarship recipient Christina Clark. Clark thanked all those whose generosity enabled her to graduate without any debt, allowing her to focus on volunteer efforts. Clark said she taught free business classes to Spanish-speaking immigrants who wanted to learn how to form their own companies in their new country — an opportunity she said she wouldn't have had without the chapter's support.

"Thank you for helping me help them," she said.

President Uchtdorf was given the award for being "an example of leadership and integrity ... serving as a board member for several government and business executive committees" and for "serving his country in an exemplary manner," according to chapter materials. Mark Hale, the Utah Valley chapter president, presented President Uchtdorf with the award, which was an original sculpture of a man and woman and wagon wheel.

KSL TV's Scott Haws was the master of ceremonies for the event, and BYU's a cappella group Vocal Point performed.

e-mail: mfarmer@desnews.com