SPEAKING ON BUSINESS

SPEAKING ON BUSINESS was a syndicated radio program heard daily on 12 Utah and eight Idaho stations. I was called the "voice of Utah business" for the 13 years I did The Metro Business Report and then 12 years doing Speaking on Business. So after 25 years of doing a daily show, my last program was aired on April 30, 2010. Health concerns caused me to end this most enjoyable venture. I miss it! Here is a copy of my final script.

This is Fred Ball , Zions Bank, speaking on business.I don't know how many times I have said those words over the past 13 years., but I do know that today will be the last time I say them. Speaking on Business has been an important and most enjoyable part of my life, but circumstances now make it appropriate that I turn the pleasure of hosting the program to someone else.

Speaking on Business has featured more than 2,500 businesses over the years. You have heard about companies with hundreds of employees and millions of dollars in annual revenue. You have also been introduced to sole-proprietors with one employee working out of his garage or basement. We have talked about companies under the direction of a fourth generation of ownership and companies just emerging from the incubator stage. I hope all of the stories were of interest and of some value.

I loved the opportunity to travel so I could visit and interview many of the program's subjects. I have been in shops, stores, factories, restaurants, fields and many business locations. I marvel at the entrepreneurial spirit of the people in our area. Frequently, I would get in my car after a visit and interview and say to myself, "Gee, why didn't I think of that."

I'm grateful to the many business owners who have allowed us to highlight them on the program. I'm most appreciative to you listeners who have made the program popular. I valued you emails, phone calls, letters and input regarding possible business to feature and suggestion to improve the program. I'm appreciative of the fine staff members who so ably assisted me preparing Speaking on Business. Mostly, I want to express deep appreciation to Scott Anderson, president of Zions Bank, for giving me the opportunity to join the staff of this exceptional organization. I have enjoyed my 14 plus years as an employee and can never adequately express the joy and satisfaction this relationship has provided.

So.. it is time for me to say "goodbye and thank you."

For the last time... for Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.