St. George Chamber Newsletter

CHAMBER LUNCHEON

This week's luncheon will be held on THURSDAY, November 19th, 2009

The luncheon this week will be held at the Dixie Convention Center. It will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm, and will feature the Jubilee of Trees. Lunch will be served promptly at 11:45. Check-in is in the South-Side Rotunda of the Dixie Center. Please arrive early to be seated before 12:00. The luncheon cost is $15.00 per plate. For more information call the Chamber office at 435-628-1650.

Vantage Strategies Is the Luncheon Sponsor this week

Vantage Strategies, LLC is a CPA firm specializing in financial planning for families, estates and businesses. They offer deep experience and an integrated approach to helping clients manage all aspects of their financial life. They are, essentially, financial architects. Their multi-disciplinary approach includes CPA services, wealth management, and asset protection planning. A comprehensive list of their services can be found on the company website: www.vantage-strategies.com. CEO of the company is Greg Kemp, who also founded Kemp Burdick, CPA?s & Advisors (now Hinton Burdick). The company offices are located at 94 E. Tabernacle, in St. George.

CHAMBER BRIEFS

After Hours Event!

Join us for an After Hours Event! Network and have fun at the Chamber After Hours Event, to be held on Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. This event will be held at the Jones Waldo offices, located at 301 North 200 East #3A. Come for food, fun, and networking! Light refreshments will be served. Bring plenty of business cards for networking and to WIN prizes! This event is sponsored by Jones Waldo, is FREE, and for CHAMBER MEMBERS ONLY. For more information, contact Susi at 435-628-1650 ext. 3, email her at susi@stgeorgechamber.com, or Click Here

Nominate a Business for the Annual Recognition Awards!

The 2009 Annual Recognition Awards have been profiled to emphasize the unique mission of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce and its advocacy of strengthening the role of businesses in our community. Seven awards will be presented at our annual Installation Banquet scheduled for January 30, 2010 at the Dixie State College Gardner Center Ballroom. Please help us assure that these non-gender-specific awards reflect significant achievements during 2009 by businessmen and women of Washington County. Note: Please include as much information as possible to support your nomination. DEADLINE EXTENDED! The deadline for the nomination forms has been extended to November 20, 2009! For more information, call Susi at 435-628-1650 ext. 3...more Click Here

Visit the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Calendar!

Ever find yourself wondering "what's up" at the Chamber? Need a way to keep track of the Chamber's events? Now you can see what's going on at the Chamber with one simple click! Just go to the Chamber website, www.stgeorgechamber.com, and click on the "Calendar" link found on the left hand sidebar. Never wonder what's going on at the Chamber again. With just one simple click, you can keep informed of what's happening at the Chamber. To see the Chamber calendar now, Click Here

The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce is going to COSTA RICA!

Join friends from the Chamber and the St. George Area March 24 to April 1, 2010 in TROPICAL COSTA RICA! More details are coming soon! For more information, contact Sandra Wolff at Morris Murdock Travel 435-628-3633, email her at swolff@morrismurdock.com, or Click Here

Next Publishing Date for the St. George Chamber of Commerce eNewsletter is: Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Chamber Members are encouraged to submit company event information, open house announcements, job offers, education opportunities, press releases, etc. For inclusion in the next St. George Area Chamber of Commerce E-Newsletter, please submit all information by Friday, November 20th, 2009 by 12:00 noon. Submissions will not be published in the November 24th eNewsletter if received late. All submissions will be printed as is. Submissions should be written from a 'third person' point of view. Please email all information to Karyn Keanaaina at karyn@stgeorgechamber.com.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Washington City HoneyBaked Ham Co. Offers a New Twist to Your Typical Thanksgiving Feast

Washington City-area hosts and hostesses for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday can roll up their sleeves and rest easy this year. HoneyBaked Ham Co. located at 740 West Telegraph Street in Washington City is offering special menu items for local residents: recipe ideas for their Thanksgiving dinner gatherings...more

Indoor Tennis Program for Children

The Vic Braden Junior Tennis Academy has four indoor courts, allowing Juniors to practice indoors this winter. All Chamber of Commerce members may refer any child for a 20% discount in the Vic Braden Academy while space is available. Call to enroll your children now at 435-986-5092. Click Here

Experience "Life in Dixie 100 Years Ago" at the DSC Dixie Forum

Dixie State College of Utah?s weekly "Dixie Forum: A Window on the World" series continues this Tuesday, Nov. 17, with a special look back at life in Dixie a century ago, presented by former DSC president Dr. Douglas Alder and DSC Special Collections Librarian Bonnie Percival. The Forum will begin at a special start time of 1 p.m., in the Dunford Auditorium of the Browning Resource Center on the DSC campus. Admission is free for all community members, DSC students, and faculty and staff...more

New Weight Loss Challenges Starting!

Stay healthy through the holidays! Dixie Weight Loss Challenge has two brand new 8-week Nutrition Classes and Weight Loss challenges starting NOW. They are well on their way to impacting 1% of Dixie...but they want to impact more lives! It?s OFFICIAL ? Dixie has lost over 5,000 lbs. so far! The last "loser" lost 22 lbs. in 8 weeks! The 8-week program is designed to provide education and offer support in a fun, social environment. Classes start on Tuesday November 10th in St. George at Plant World, and on Monday November 16thin Hurricane at 6:00 pm. For more information, call (800) 585-9412 to pre-register.

Room for You at the Local Cracker Barrel's Thanksgiving Table! Celebrate with your family by dining with us for $8.99 or host in your home for $49.99

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® of St. George has just the recipe to help you spend a little more time with family and friends this holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving. As this special time approaches, you can smile knowing that your family will enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal with all the fixin?s, and you don?t have to do the fixing! Spend Thanksgiving visiting with your family and let Cracker Barrel of St. George take care of the kitchen work. You and your family can come down to the local store for a homestyle Thanksgiving meal with all the fixin?s, or bring the feast straight to your home...more Click Here

Best Friends Animal Society is a Sanctuary for Animals!

Founded in 1984, Best Friends Animal Society operates the largest companion animal sanctuary in the United States. On average there are about 1,700 abused and abandoned animals who find refuge at the sanctuary. The largest populations by species are cats and dogs, but there are also horses, parrots, rabbits, potbellied pigs, guinea pigs, etc. These homeless pets are given lifetime care until they are adopted by loving families. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary covers 3,700 acres. The sanctuary property has been featured in many Hollywood films and the main area of the sanctuary?Angel Canyon?is one of the most picturesque spots in Kane County. Funded completely by donations, in 2009 Best Friends is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Best Friends? work with dogs is the subject of a national television series, "DogTown", on the National Geographic Channel. For more information about Best Friends call Lori Bernath at 435-644-3965 ext. 4432 or visit Click Here

November 2009 Edition of the Windermere Report is Available!

The November 2009 edition of the Windermere Report is now available. This report is a monthly publication of the Southern Utah offices of Windermere Real Estate containing news and analysis of the greater St. George housing market. Learn more about the Round two of the Home Run Grants, The Southern Utah Housing Report, and the Extended Homebuyer's Tax Credit, and much more! To view the full report, Click Here

Access the SBA - Utah District Office November E-Newsletter!

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. In this month's e-newsletter, find out more about How Small Businesses Are Important Players in Utah Business and Job Growth, the 2010 National Small Business Week Award Nominations, and Lender Totals for the month of October. To access SBA's e-newsletter for the month of November, Click Here

Boulevard Home Furnishings' 35th Anniversary Sale Event

It?s the final week of the Boulevard's 35th Anniversary and They?re Having A Ball! It?s their BIGGEST EVENT of the year! Come in and get your FREE Turkey with $399 purchase and enter to win the GRAND PRIZE - A Home Theater Room Group! Join The Boulevard on Saturday November 21st for a cooking show presented by Chef Imi Kun of the Cosmopolitan Restaurant and De Orchid Fine Dining. Also, check out the Unbelievable Price they are offering on a 15 piece room group ? ONLY $1999! Everything is on sale during Boulevard Home Furnishings Anniversary Sale ? Hurry In Now! Sale Ends Saturday! Buy Smart! Buy at the Boulevard! Click Here

Local Attorneys Help Clients Get Justice

St. George attorneys Bryce Dixon and Ron Truman, of Dixon, Truman, Fisher & Clifford. P.C., spent a week in a Salt Lake City federal courtroom trying to get justice for their clients, Jim and Colleen Spahr. Jim Spahr was injured when he walked into a hole left in the parking lot of the Rodeway Inn in Springdale, Utah. At about 6:00 a.m. on the morning of October 4, 2006, Jim Spahr left his hotel room with a small cooler to get some ice before he checked out of the hotel. Jim walked with his small cooler from his hotel room directly toward the office...more

90-Day Fit Camp to Transform Your Body from Flab to Fab!

Here's the thing - people are spending money and buying gifts in late November and all through December. How are you gonna spend your money this year? Would you rather purchase a gift that will literally change someone's life, maybe your own, or get another sweater that won't fit (them or you) anyway? A BootCamp that has proven to work, over and over again! New sessions start the week of December 1st. UFIT's Indoor small group camps have: Flattened big bellies; shrunk wide hips and thighs; Melted fat, and sculpted muscle; Reduced blood pressure, stabliized blood sugars; improved sport performance; increased romance in dull, burned out relationships; made skinny jeans fit, gave men their guns back! Get it, Call UFIT... they'll BRING IT! Chamber members: Mention this ad and receive a FREE Weight Loss Nutritional Plan! (Classes mornings, evenings and kept small.) Call UFIT Personal Training at 435-688-9123. UFIT: Affordable Results Since 1997!

Dixie Commons is Making Deals!

Dixie Commons is Making Deals on retail and office space! They have signed four new tenants since May. For more information on the best deals on the best available retail and office space, call Andrew Sorensen at 435-688-7530, or visit www.dixiecommons.org to learn more and to see a map of Exit 5--the new freeway interchange at Dixie Drive and I-15.

SouthWest Vision is offering you Cash for Clunker Glasses!

Bring in your old pair of glasses and receive $50 off a complete new pair of glasses. Your old glasses will be donated to our local Rotary humanitarian efforts. There's no better time than now to update your look. Call SouthWest Vision today at 435-673-5577, where every pair is a Masterpiece! Defining your look, and customizing your vision...SouthWest Vision. Click Here

Come to Fiesta Fun for the Holidays!

The holiday season is fast approaching! Do you know what that means?! It means it's time to come to Fiesta Fun Center for your Christmas party, corporate event or just to spend a day of fun with your family! Fiesta Fun Center has been serving the St. George community for over a decade. Come and see the wide variety of activities that they offer! To get a listing of their group rates, or if you just want to get a glimpse of the what's available at Fiesta Fun, call 435-628-1818 or Click Here

Save at Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car would like to remind all Chamber Members they offer 50% off of three-day weekend rentals, including all compact through full-size sedans. Call the local Enterprise branch at 435-634-1556 to make your reservation for this weekend! These specials can book up quickly, so call soon! Enterprise also offers a Corporate Account program for your business travel needs. Call them today to learn how their corporate rental program can give your business significant savings and convenience when compared to typical mileage reimbursement programs (or rentals from their competitors!!). Call Enterprise today at 435-634-1556.

Get Your Dixie Direct Savings Guide!

The Dixie Direct Savings Guide's is in its 13th year of operations and the fund-raising efforts in the Washington County schools and organizations are in full swing. Last year, Dixie Direct helped local schools and organizations raise over $140,000! Dixie Direct offers 2-for-1 dining discounts at over 65 restaurants. In addition, the savings guide includes over $1,200 in FREE bonus coupons, golf, health & beauty, entertainment, home and maintenance, and shopping discounts. Support local businesses while using your discounts as well as supporting the local schools and organizations! Get your 2010 Dixie Direct Savings Guide today for only $35! Be sure to text "Save" to 83043 for additional savings for Dixie Direct members! For more information, call 435-628-3770 to to visit the Dixie Direct website, Click Here

Go to Superior Party Rentals for One-Stop Rental Shopping!

The friendly staff at Superior Party Rentals invites you to do your one-stop rental shopping at their showroom, where you?ll find Southern Utah?s largest rental inventory. Go to www.superiorparty.com to see their full inventory list. At Superior Party Rentals, they love to help you pull together any event, including: holiday parties, weddings, anniversaries, quinseterras, grand openings, ribbon cuttings, and every other type of event! You name it, they?ve got it, or they're happy to help you find it. Now offering to all Chamber Members, get 10% off all your Christmas Office Party needs! Call Superior Party Rentals today! Call 435-673-6425. Superior Party Rentals--"From the BIG TOP to your table top...they have you covered!" Serving Southern Utah since 1993. Click Here

Do you want to learn to draw and paint?

Do you want to learn to draw, and then create loose, bold paintings? Do you admire the way artists seemingly and effortlessly draw and paint on the paper with free style images, striking impressions, and unique line? You say that you want to do it too? If so, Russell Black can help you to become an artist. Russell Black offers drawing and painting classes in the St. George Area. For more information about the classes available, please visit www.tinpanpainter.webs.com. New! - Instructional art videos are now available. Learn to paint in watercolor with these full length videos on DVD for only $15 each (includes shipping). For more information, go to Russell's website, and click on "Video" in the top menu bar. It will take practice, and a bit of your time for you to learn the methods, but soon you will be able to draw and paint like a professional. For more information on how you can learn to draw, paint, and channel your creativity, Click Here

Save at Hummel's Automotive Diagnostic & Repair

This is the time of year that the staff at Hummel's Automotive Diagnostic & Repair refer to as "Chamber of Commerce Weather." It's the type of weather that St. Georgians brag about to the rest of the state. When they are suffering through the real wild swings of temperature, St. George is having just the greatest of weather. It makes you glad that you live in Dixie! Even though the weather usually is great, winter is on it's way and that means that a few things need to be checked on your car...more

Holiday Parties at Laser Mania are FUN!

Parties at Laser Mania Family Fun Center are fun for all ages and virtually stress-free for event planners. Guests love the laser tag, indoor miniature golf, bumper cars, and arcade games. After every party The Laser Mania staff hear comments such as, "That was a great company party!" and "I hope we have our party here next year!" Packages are affordable for any budget, and they are happy to trade services or products for part of your party cost! For more information, please contact Jarett Waite at 435-862-1811.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Class Act Senior Theater Company of SunRiver proudly presents "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Join the Class Act Theater at their Annual Christmas Variety Benefit Show. This show helps raise funds to support next year?s shows. All of their other plays throughout the year are free to the public. Please help support Senior Theater in St George. The date for the show is Tuesday, December 1st at 6:00 pm, and will be held in the SunRiver, St. George Community Center Ballroom and Stage. There will be complimentary coffee, hot-spiced cider and cookies during intermission. For only $10.00 a ticket, you will enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas with singing, dancing groups, skits and special entertainers. Tickets will be sold at the door or call 435-773-4100 for more information.

Craft and Holiday Fair

Come to Washington City's Craft and Holiday Fair on Saturday, Nov 21st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is FREE! Get ready for the holidays with Washington City's annual craft boutique. Come and see all the latest in craft items! Vendor booth spaces available for $50. Contact Chanda Gunter for more information at 435-656-6360 for details!

Dixie State College Theatre Presents: A Year with Frog and Toad

Jumping from the pages of Arnold Lobel?s beloved books to the stage of Dixie State College?s Eccles Fine Arts Center Main Stage Theater, the DSC Theatre and Music programs are proud to present a show that will appeal to the whole family, the Tony Award winning musical, A Year with Frog and Toad. The production will run nightly Nov. 17-21, at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and non-DSC students, $5 for children under 12, and $1 for DSC students, faculty and staff with a valid activity card. For tickets and further information, please call 435-652-7800 or visit the DSC Cox Auditorium Box Office. Patrons may also purchase tickets online at "tickets.dixie.edu" or one hour prior to each evening?s performance at the Eccles Fine Arts Center Box Office. Click Here

Breakfast with Santa!

Washington City Community Center invites you to have "Breakfast with Santa" on Saturday December 12th from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. Even though Santa Clause is very busy he's making a special stop to visit all good girls and boys at the Washington City Community Center! Don't miss your chance to have Breakfast with Santa this year! Get Gourmet Food, Crafts, Games, Live Entertainment, and Pictures with Santa! Fees are: Ages 1 yr & under: Free; Ages 2-10 yrs: $6; Ages 11 & up: $12; and $15 at the door. Call the Washington City Community Center for more information at 435-656-6360. Click Here

Southern Utah Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk®

The Southern Utah Down Syndrome Association, also known as Down-South, would like to invite area businesses to participate in their annual community awareness Buddy Walk on Saturday, November 21st by hosting a booth with either a game or a craft for all of the kids to enjoy. Down-South will also have a free breakfast for all participants who purchase a Buddy Walk shirt and participate in their walk! Anyone who donates $100.00 or more will be able to host a booth, have their business mentioned on their event t-shirts, and will be listed as a sponsor on their website for one year. If you can?t afford a $100.00 donation, they are also accepting $50.00 donations to be mentioned on their t-shirts and website or $25.00 donations will receive honorable mention on the website for the rest of the year. Please contact James McFadden at 435-632-7719 or email him at james.mcfadden@sudsa.com. You can also visit their website at www.SUDSA.com to register your team and see all of the other great things Down-South has planned for Southern Utah! Click Here

Dixie State College of Utah Dolores Dore? Eccles Fine Arts Center's Fall Exhibit

The Sears Art Museum Gallery at the Dixie State College of Utah Dolores Dore? Eccles Fine Arts Center presents their fall exhibit, featuring a number of mediums and subjects, which will be on display in both the Gallery and the Fine Arts Center Grand Foyer. The exhibit, which is free to the public, is open Monday-through-Friday through Nov. 20, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Join the Red Rocker Center for Independence's First Annual "Sparkling Winter Gala!"

The Red Rock Center for Independence will be hosting it's first annual "Sparkling Winter Gala" on Friday, December 11, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. This event will be one of a kind, and will bring back beautiful Christmas memories. The program for the Gala includes musical performances by local choirs, bands and orchestras, and feature a group from the Southwest Symphony Orchestra. The Gala will also include refreshments, a special visit from Santa Claus, and a formal winter dance! This will be one classy event, that you won't want to miss. They are looking for corporate sponsors! For more information about the event and how you can help, call 435-673-7501 or Click Here

SEMINARS, EDUCATION, & WORKSHOPS

Dixie Regional Health & Performance Center to offer Free Women?s Health Lecture Series

All interested women are invited to participate in a new women?s health lecture sponsored by Intermountain Healthcare. The free courses are designed specifically for women who are ? or want to become ? active. The lecture is scheduled for THIS Thursday evening, starting at 7 p.m. each night in the Acceleration gym on the Lower Level of the new Dixie Regional Health & Performance Center at 652 S. Medical Center Drive in St. George. The November 19 lecture will be presented by Dayna Player-Robinson, exercise physiologist, who will share tips on how to start a running program. Future topics will include creating an energy boosting diet and ways to prevent sports injuries. For more information, please call 435-251-3793 or Click Here

Dixie State College POST Academy Now Accepting Applications for January Class Session

Dixie State College of Utah?s Regional Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy is now accepting applications for evening training courses from prospective students interested in a career in law enforcement. The application deadline for this session is Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. The training courses will be held Monday through Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at the DSC Hurricane Education Center starting January 11, 2010...more

Red Hills Wellness Center Calendar of Community Events for November 2009

Come to Red Hills' Yoga and Meditation Classes, learn all about Insulin Resistance: Support & Education, HCG Weight Loss for Your Health, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Anti-Aging & Stress Release, How to Manage Fibromyalgia, Hormone Balance & Your Health, Cardio Pulse Wave Test for Heart Health, Laughter Yoga, Energizing the Natural Life Force -Quantum Biofeedback, Tai Chi, and much more at the Red Hills Wellness Center. This calendar is good for the month of November...more

Get the Latest IRS and SSA Employment Tax Updates!

Now, more than ever... you need the tools to enable you to handle your wage and tax reporting responsibilities with the least difficulty and cost. The Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration invite payroll and tax professionals to attend a FREE Webinar on the latest employment tax filing information. The U.S. Small Business Administration will host the webinar. A representative from the US Department of Labor will be available to answer questions on the COBRA subsidy. To see the available dates for these FREE webinars, Click Here

WHATS HAPPENING

UDOT Region 4 Weekly Construction Report

The Utah Department of Transportation has selected to reconstruct parts of I-15 and various roadways in the Washington County Area. Ramp work will continue on both sides of the interchange. Drivers exiting I-15 from the northbound lanes are temporarily diverted onto an unpaved area. The southbound off-ramp is limited to one lane. Workers continue constructing storm drainage, installing conduit, excavating shoulders and installing signs. near the Bloomington Interchange at Exit 4. Caution should be used while exiting I-15 due to potential ramp congestion adjacent to the roundabout construction. The northbound off-ramp width will be narrower this week to provide room for adjacent construction work. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes if possible, especially during peak driving times. Evening work may also restrict traffic flow. On I-15; Washington To Cottonwood Creek, Milepost 10 to 19, Seeding and landscaping are underway. Traffic Impact will be minimal. On State Route 18, between I-15 and Dixie National Forest (Milepost 5.3 to 6.3 North of St. George), workers are seeding. There will be minimal traffic impacts.For more information, call the Utah Department of Transportation at 435-893-4702 or Click Here

RIBBON CUTTINGS AND OPEN HOUSES

SereniCare invites you to their Ribbon Cutting!
SereniCare is having a ribbon cutting ceremony on TODAY, November 17, 2009 at 2:00 pm. Their offices are located at 1316 South 400 East #A-3. For more information, contact Lane Smith at 435-986-2085.

Bella Marie's Pizzeria is having a Ribbon Cutting!
You are invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony for Bella Marie's Pizzeria! It will be help THIS Friday, November 20, 2009 at 11:00 am. Bella Marie's is located at 1487 South Silicon Way, For more information, contact Marie Perez-Chiu at 435-628-3336.

CALL TO ACTION

Washington County Children?s Justice Center Annual Poinsettia Fundraiser

Decorate your home, school, church or office and support the Washington County Children?s Justice Center (WCCJC)! This is the season of charity and giving and your purchase will help benefit hundreds of the community?s children and families. Poinsettias are $10 each or $8.50 for orders of five or more. Drip trays also available for $1.00 each.Call, Fax or E-mail to place your order, today! Call Marilee at the WCCJC at 435-634-1134 and choose a date to pick up your order at the WCCJC! Pick-up dates are November 23, November 30, or December 7 between 12:00 noon and 5:00 pm. Poinsettias are locally grown from Sandia?s Nursery. For more information, Click Here

Participate in the Washington County Children's Justice Center Apple Fundraiser!

The Washington County Children's Justice Center is having an Apple Fundraiser! Get 40 pounds of freshly picked, juicy, mouth-watering Washington state Fuji apples for only $30! Take advantage of this spectacular offer by ordering today! Apple sales benefit the Washington County Children?s Justice Center. Order and pick up your apples by contacting Marilee at 435-634-1134 or email her at mdorn@infowest.com or drop by the Center at 463 East 500 South. Apples will be available in early November, with the exact date to be determined. For more information, Click Here