CHAMBER LUNCHEON

Please join the Chamber at our weekly luncheon on Wednesday, January 17th from noon to 1:00 p.m. This week’s presenter is Dr. Lee Caldwell, President of Dixie State College. The luncheon will be held at the Gardner Center at Dixie State College. Cost is $12.00/person.

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah is our luncheon sponsor this week. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah is the state's first health insurance carrier. Today, Regence provides benefits to more than 400,000 Utahns. The company is a member of The Regence Group, an affiliation of four BlueCross BlueShield companies in Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Together, Regence companies insure more than 3 million members and is the largest affiliation of health care plans in the Mountain State region. The Regence Group and its affiliate plans are not-for-profit, independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, which through their BlueCard program offers the largest in-network access to doctors and hospitals statewide, nationwide, and worldwide. More than one in three Americans has coverage from the Blues. For more information, visit www.ut.regence.com . Or contact Sandee Card at sandeec@regence.com , or by phone at 652-8048. Click Here

CHAMBER BRIEFS

Register today for the The St. George Area Chamber Annual Awards and Installation Banquet, Reel Business Stars, "Lights, Camera, Action" on Saturday, Feb. 3rd at Dixie State College, Gardner Center. Mr. Phil Tuckett, Emmy Award Winning NFL Film Cinematographer, will be our featured speaker. The cost is $35 a ticket. Please call Trudy at 628-1650 ext. 3 to reserve. ...more Click Here

The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following businesses who are graciously sponsoring our award winners and also businesses sponsoring additional events for the Annual 2007 Awards & Installation Banquet. Major Sponsor – Well’s Fargo Bank Reception Sponsor – Canyon Media - Southern Utah’s BEST Country 99.9 KONY Country Invitation Sponsor – Oh, My Heck Marketing – Nina Heck Program Sponsors - Oh, My Heck Marketing and Action Zone Centerpiece Sponsor – Regency Blue Cross Blue Shield Entertainment Sponsor – Design to Print Tabloid Sponsor – The Spectrum Executive of the Year – Kim, Tracy & Troy Ence – Ence Homes Sponsor, Southern Utah Home Builders Association Entrepreneur of the Year – Kelly Nyberg and Randy Cosby– Infowest Sponsor, LearnKey Community Business Partnership – June & Brooks Pace - The Dammeron Corp. Sponsor, Select Health Community Service Volunteer – Paula Bell – Individual Sponsor, Zions Bank Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year – Steve Kemp & Graig Griffin - Kemp Griffin, Inc. Sponsor, Durham, Jones & Pinegar Lifetime Achievement – Mayor Daniel McArthur Sponsor, City of St. George Business Integrity Award – Scott, Randy, Troy and Travis Wilkinson – Wilkinson Electric Inc. Sponsor, Soltis Investment Advisors Please join with other businesses on February 3 to honor these recipients and enjoy a delightful evening.

Capture Today Photography will be available at the Annual Awards & Installation Banquet. For more information Click Here

The Southern Utah Networkers is a business-to-business referral/networking group sponsored by the St. George Chamber. S.U.N. meets at 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Courtyard By Marriott. Their next meeting will be Friday, 1/19/07. The featured speaker is Prestgious Power Cleaners. S.U.N. is currently looking for members in the following categories: physician, nursing facility, assisted living, home care agency, chiropractor, personal/life coaching, and others. Call the club president Chris Bengtzen at 435-229-4007 or Orville Lucus at 435-688-8182 for more information.

Chamber Membership Material Update. One of the membership benefits is the ability to place marketing material in the Chamber Welcome and Visitor Center where thousands of visitors and newly relocated residents visit each year. Due to the growth of the Chamber we have had to revise our policy. As of January 1, 2007 brochure size should not exceed 8 ½” x 3 ¾” (tri-fold). There is no longer ample space to display 8 ½” x 11” flyers except by special arrangement. Business card holders will only hold 2 ½” x 3” cards. All materials featuring any offer mentioning price, discount or consideration (including free offers) must include an expiration date. The Chamber encourages all other materials to include a publication date or some means to assist Chamber Staff and Volunteers in determining if the information is still accurate and valid. For a complete policy Click Here

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Mountain America Presents Small Business Workshop, Wednesday, January 17th. In conjunction with the Dixie Business Alliance at Dixie State College, Mountain America is bringing in a panel of experts to present on various topics relating to small business ownership....more

Sunbrook Homes Announces New President and CEO. Sunbrook Homes and its parent company Sun Hill Homes are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Walker as President and CEO....more

Dixie State College will host an Employment Fair on Thursday, February 22 in the Gardner Center Ballroom from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Employers wishing to participate may register on-line at www.dixie.edu/career. Last year they had over 100 employers at the Employment Fair and had to create a waiting list for others who waited too long to register. Employers seeking to hire students graduating with 4-year degrees, associate degrees or certificates, summer/seasonal or part-time positions are invited to register. The Employment Fair is well-attended by Dixie State College students looking for jobs and careers. Don’t wait! Register today. For additional information call the DSC Career Center at (435) 652-7737. Click Here

Ence Commercial Construction Holds Ground Breaking. The Chamber of Commerce Sunshiners, Bank of the West, Ence Commercial Construction owners and staff met at 558 East Riverside Drive to celebrate the Rio Plaza Groundbreaking on Friday, January 12th, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. ...more Click Here

Elite Shredding: “Ensuring No One Knows Your Business”. The National Association of Information Destruction (NAID), the organization dedicated to increasing the security and ethics of the information destruction industry, has awarded Elite Shredding, Inc. with the highest certification available....more

Stephen Wade Commercial Truck Center is expanding to its new location on Hilton Drive. They will have over 47 service bays, 9 bays dedicated for Medium Duty, Semi-Trucks and RV’s. They will have state of the art equipment to easily lift semi-trucks in the air. Stephen Wade will have over $1,000,000 in parts inventory making them the largest parts department in all Southern Utah. ...more

NAI is proud to welcome Darden Restaurant’s Olive Garden to Southern Utah. NAI is the largest commercial real estate organization in the world. ...more Click Here

Oasis Palms Luxury Apartment Community held a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, January 9th. They have completed their new community which is designed to provide the highest quality of luxury living in St. George. They are located at 260 Dixie Drive. ...more

Resource Management Inc, (“RMI”), and the Utah Division of Homeland Security, are sponsoring a “Ready Your Business - 12 Point Business Continuity Planning Session”, on January 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at 243 E. St. George Blvd. This training will provide clients and other business owners with insight on how to develop a plan to deal with a major disaster. Anyone desiring to attend this informative seminar may reserve a spot by calling RMI at 435-652-0200. Every business should have a plan…It just makes sense! ...more

SPECIAL EVENTS

Tuacahn Amphitheater Announces Concert Schedule For Year. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Tuacahn box office at 652-3300....more

Bike 2 Bike is sponsoring a special "Zion Century" (100, 65, 50 miles) on February 24, 2007 to benefit the Spina Bifida Association of Utah. If you would like to put literature or goods in the packets given out to the riders, Bike 2 Bike is offering a special price to Chamber members. The normal price is $50, but for Chamber members, it will be $25. For more information about the ride or placing literature or goods, 801-677-0134 or bob@bike2bike.org. Also look for more information about a benefit concert the evening of February 24th at the DSC Cox Auditorium at 7:00 pm. Curt Bestor will perform to benefit Spina Bifida of Utah and culminate the Zion Century Event. Tickets are $22 and can be obtained at the DSC ticket office.

“Excitement is Building” for the 17th Annual St. George Area Parade of Homes scheduled for February 16-25, 2007. Twenty-five exceptional homes will be on display located throughout the Washington County area. Come experience the best in Southern Utah home building and see the latest in home technology, design, and decorating. To preview the homes Click Here   www.paradehome.com

The 4th Annual St. George Winter Bird Festival is on January 26th-28th. You don't want to miss this exciting event presented by the Red Cliffs Audubon Society of St. George. The festival has expanded to 3 days of activities centered at the Tonaquint Park & Nature Center-1851 S. Dixie Drive. Exhibits, Sales, Presentations, and Kid's Workshops. Outstanding and unique presentations include: Birds of Washington County; Extinction; Introduction to Bird Watching; Watchable Wildlife Program; Bird Photography; SW Utah's Wintering Hawks & Eagles; California Condors; Utah Raptors; Binoculars & Scopes; Feeders & Seeds; and the Origin of Birds. ...more Click Here

DSC Cultural Arts presents Repertory Dance Theatre’s – Time Capsule: A Century of Dance January 20, 2007, 7:30 pm Dixie State College, Main Stage Theater Tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors, $9 youth, $3 DSC students Call 652-7800 for tickets. Karen Oldham, Chara Huckins, Angela Banchero-Kelleher will be among the dancers in Repertory Dance Theatre’s Time Capsule...more

SEMINARS, EDUCATION, & WORKSHOPS

Do you still need one or more Continuing Education Credit hours to renew your General Contractors License? If you do we can help. The Southern Utah Associated General Contractors will be offering, a DOPL Training Seminar on Thursday, January 18th at the St. George AGC Office. Come and complete one or all of your DOPL training requirements in one single day. We will be offering 3 hours of Core Credit Classes and 3 hours of Professional Credit classes. For more information please contact Owen Olsen, District Manager AGC at 435-628-1346 and oolsen@infowest.com . Space is limited so register ASAP.

The Southern Utah Associated General Contractors presents: “Loss Control” Topics of discussion will be: Understanding companies’ loss control, Difference between loss control & compliance, Understanding legal liability, Controlling your experience modification rate and Third party overreaction law suites. ...more

The Southern Utah Associated General Contractors presents: “MSHA Refresher Training.” David Daniels from the Safety Consortium will be conducting this refresher training course on Tuesday, January 23rd in the St. George AGC office. For more information please contact Owen Olsen, District Manager AGC at 435-628-1346 and oolsen@infowest.com . Space is limited so register ASAP.

David Daniels from the Safety Consortium will be conducting this refresher training course on Tuesday, January 23rd in the St. George AGC office. For more information please contact Owen Olsen, District Manager AGC at 435-628-1346 and oolsen@infowest.com. With the construction growth in the St. George area, many people have been concerned about the “dust problem.” The Southern Utah Air Quality Task Force has taken on these concerns and has come up with a game plan. Come and learn what you can do to help keep Southern Utah’s Air Clear, and help improve the quality of life for everyone....more

The Southern Utah Home Builders Association Education Committee presents: Selling the Purple Cow: The Real Secrets Behind Effective Marketing and Advertising on Thursday, January 18, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Dixie State College, Udvar-Hazy School of Business Building, Boeing Auditorium, 300 South 1000 East, St. George. Cost is $20 for SUHBA members and $35 for non-members. ...more

Portrait Kitchens is having a workshop on Saturday, January 27th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost is $39 for one person or $49 for two if you register by the 19th. Lunch is included. Attendee's will receive $625.00 worth of design assistance. To register call their office at(435) 986-9566 or Click Here

MCC’s Brighter Future Festival offers fun and info for residents, students. If college has always seemed out of reach financially or academically, Mohave Community College is offering a closer look and a compelling reason to consider obtaining or advancing your higher education. ...more

Primitive Pottery Workshop – Zia Pottery Studio at Coyote Gulch Art Village on January 22 & 23. Instructor Ineke DeKoning and cost is $125 per person. For information call 634-1926.

WHATS HAPPENING

Royden Card Fine Art Presents “Little Stories, Inner Landscapes,” New Paintings by Fae Ellsworth. Utah artist, Fae Ellsworth, will be the featured visiting artist beginning February 17, 2007 at Royden Card Fine Art in the Coyote Gulch Art Village at Kayenta. Her exhibit, “Little Stories, Inner Landscapes,” will open with a reception on Friday, February 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m....more

RIBBON CUTTINGS AND OPEN HOUSES

Please join the Getaway Spa & Salon for their ribbon cutting on Thursday, January 18th at 10:00 a.m. Their address is 1506 South Silicon Way, Suite #2A (Tonaquint Retail Center), St. George. Grand Opening is January 18th thru 20th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Join them for a free hand massage, hair & makeup tips and an opportunity for door prizes and giveaways. Gift certificates available. Food and refreshments served. Click Here

Hope Pregnancy Care Center of St. George is hosting an open house for the community on Sunday Jan. 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please come by to visit the center. Corner of 100 South & Bluff. Stapley Dental Bldg. bottom floor Suite B. Hope offers many free and confidential services, such as: pregnancy tests, accurate information about options; government and community referrals; baby and maternity clothes, baby furniture and accessories, abstinence education, parenting classes, and post-abortion support. Hope Pregnancy Care Center does not offer or refer for abortion or contraception. Phone (435) 656-5331.

Mark your calendar for Designer Furniture Gallery Warehouse’s ribbon cutting on Thursday, January 25th at 11:00 a.m. They are located in the Fort Pierce Industrial Park.

CALL TO ACTION

The Woodward Gymnasium, current home of St. George Musical Theater, will be demolished on February 5, 2007. SGMT expects to complete the renovation of a new home (214 North 1000 East) in June 2007. Meanwhile, we desperately need storage units. "We have so much stuff, but it's all necessary!" says Jan Broberg, Executive Director. If you can help for these six months, PLEASE call (435)628-8755 and ask for Don Kenworthy, Deward Wilson, or Jan Broberg. You'll get credited in the playbill as a sponsor.

Dino Days is looking for sponsors to give coupons (i.e. ice cream, dessert coupons, or anything that would be a fun reward) to recognize kids, K-12, for all of their efforts during Dino Days. Recognition is available for all sponsors throughout the Dino Days week. Other sponsorship opportunities for the event are available. For more information contact Alan Crooks 435-656-1966 or by email at alan@alancrooks.com .

COMMUNITY INTEREST

The St. George Police Department is Hosting the 12th Annual Citizen's Academy. This is an in depth look at the workings of the police featuring presentations from the bomb squad, SWAT Team and the drug and gang task force. ...more

Kurt Thompson and Linda Baker Installed as New Officers
 

MCC Chancellor Tom Henry Recognized as a Bellwether Award Winner.

 

Dennis Wells, Ence Homes December Employee-Of-The-Month.

 

Ryan Garrett Joins the NAI Team.

 

PAULA SMITH - O48 REALTY, 935 E. 700 S. #205, St. George, UT 84790, (435) 773-3751, www.WeMoveYouFree.com

 

FAIRFIELD INN, Melanie Elison – Assistant General Manager, Justin Telford – New General Manager, Harriet Lesnick – Sales Manager (not pictured), 1660 Convention Center Drive, St. George, Utah 84790, (435) 673-6066, www.fairfieldinn.com