St. George Chamber Newsletter

CHAMBER LUNCHEON

THERE WILL BE NO LUNCHEON DUE TO THE HOLIDAY

Due to the holidays, there will be no Wednesday luncheons on December 23, 30, or January 6. Our next Chamber luncheon will be held on January 20, 2009.

CHAMBER BRIEFS

Wassail Walk-through

COME IN TODAY!!! Join the Chamber of Commerce for a "Wassail Walk-through" Open House from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm TODAY, Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at the Chamber office. Get wassail, gingerbread cookies, and mingle with the staff and other Chamber Members! For more information, call Susi at 435-628-1650 ext. 3.

Congratulations to our Awards and Installation Banquet Winners!

Our recipients this year are: Executive of the Year--Ron Metcalf; Entrepreneur of the Year--Zion's Way Home Health & Hospice; Community Business Partnership--Carl Lamar/Canyon Media; Community Service Volunteer--Ralph & Sue Flanagan; Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year--Lark Taylor, Grandma Tobler's Bakery; Special Recognition/Lifetime--Ralph Atkin; Business Integrity--Ross Hurst. Thank you to all of you who sent in nominations, and Thank you to all of our winners! If your business would like to sponsor one of these individuals or categories, email: susi@stgeorgechamber.com.

Join the St. George Chamber of Commerce in "Bettin' on Dixie"... The Odds Are in Our Favor!

The 2009 Annual Awards and Installation Banquet is slated for January 30, 2009 at the Dixie State College Gardner Center Ballroom. This reservation only event is a big hit and is guaranteed to sell out! Reservations are being taken NOW! Tickets are $35 per person and formal/semi-formal attire is required. The evening will start with a reception for the Award Winners at 5:45 pm, with dinner to follow at 6:30 pm. Come enjoy a night of good food, good company, and good entertainment. For reservations, call Susi at 435-628-1650 ext. 3 or send an email to: RSVP@stgeorgechamber.com. For the Banquet Reservation form, Click Here

Be Proactive! Register now for Economic Summit!

Now in its 13th year, the Washington County Economic Summit has the reputation of being the premier business planning event of southern Utah. The Summit has come to be known as "What's Up Down South," after its most popular session, the rapid fire bullet-point presentations of future projects that will impact the economy of Washington County for the next 18 months. Keynote presenters at breakfast and lunch, as well as two sessions of breakout presentations, round out the day's events. To register, Click Here

Make Your Next Shopping Destination: Destination Dixie!

The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce with the support of The City of St. George and the St. George Convention and Visitors Bureau have launched a radio and print advertising campaign in surrounding marketplaces urging shoppers to make their "Destination Dixie" for holiday purchases. Many shoppers in Northern Arizona, Southeast Nevada and Central and Southern Utah have a choice of where to shop for the holidays, whether it's the Wasatch Front, Las Vegas, Flagstaff or Page...more

THERE WILL BE NO eNEWLETTER PUBLISHED ON December 29th. Next Publishing Date for the St. George Chamber of Commerce eNewsletter is: Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

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, January 1st, 2009 by 12:00 noon. Submissions will not be published in the January 5th 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

Grand Canyon-Parashant and Vermilion Cliffs National Monuments 10th Anniversary Celebration

January 8, 2010 will be the kick-off event for the year-long tenth anniversary celebration of the Grand Canyon-Parashant (est. January 11, 2000) and Vermilion Cliffs National Monuments (est. November 9, 2000). The Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service will host an opening event at Dixie State College in St. George, Utah from 9:00 a.m.? 4:00 p.m. Several Department of Interior and elected officials have been invited to speak about these treasured landscapes during the morning ceremony and the afternoon session will highlight some of the successful partnerships and research projects occurring in the monuments. The Dixie/Arizona Strip Interpretive Association is currently seeking cash donations in support of this special event to assist with the purchase of food and refreshments. If you are interested in donating to this 10th Anniversary Kick-off event, Click Here for more information.

Get the "Perfect Portion at Q4U!

Q4U has changed up their menu!!! They now have "Perfect Portion Prices" for customers that might not have quite the appetite of some. They also will now be serving "Buffalo Wings" in addition to their "Q's" Wings that are already so popular. Want something different than fries? Get an order of their homemade "Yukon Gold Potato chips" with any of your orders. Q4U has expanded items for the little ones too! Get the kids meal for only $4.99! Last but not least get your Holiday 'Smoked Turkey's" here! The birds average 12-14 pounds for just $2.50 a pound! Call to order at 435-674-1023. Q4U will be in Dixie Direct again, so come on in and utilize the savings.You can also find additional coupons in St.George.biz: updated regularly for different items on special. The Q4U family wishes you the best during the Holiday's and a prosperous year for all!!

Town & Country Bank?s New Office to Open January 11, 2010

Home sweet home! Town & Country Bank will move into its new quarters at 405 East St. George Boulevard over the weekend of January 9-10, and will open for business on Monday, January 11, 2010. The opening date is a function of when construction is completed and when the bank?s core processing, telephone and security vendors are jointly available to coordinate the complex transition...more

ERA Brokers Recognizes Top Producers

Leading local Realtors from ERA Brokers Consolidated have been recognized for their outstanding sales performance during October 2009. With the ever changing market conditions, these Agents have proven that the combination of putting the needs of the client foremost in the transaction and being knowledgeable about the market, are the keys to creating a positive Real Estate experience...more Click Here

Veracity Networks Offers a $100 Challenge!

Allow Veracity Networks to review your phone, internet, and long distance bill! If your business spends over $100 a month on these services and Veracity can't save you money, they will pay you $100 (no strings attached). Veracity finds that this is the time of year most businesses do their budgeting for the new year, so let them be involved in helping you reduce your costs and improve your service at the same time! For more information, or to schedule a bill review, contact Walter at 435-773-2730.

The Southern Utah Home Builders Association Give Back this Holiday Season

Members of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA) donated 321 pounds of canned food and $591 to Dixie Care and Share during their annual Christmas Banquet held in December. SUHBA members also created beautiful gingerbread houses for the Parade of Gingerbread Homes Auction, sponsored by America First Credit Union, to raise money for Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah...more Click Here

Coldwell Banker Premier finds Expanded Tax Credit to be "Smart Spending"

Coldwell Banker Premier announces the findings from a new survey that looked at how the recently expanded federal home buyer tax credit, which opened up the credit to existing homeowners, might impact the economy. Of the more than 1,000 homeowners surveyed, 83 percent responded that if they were to purchase a home and qualify for the tax credit, they would engage in "smart spending"...more

KUSG ? TV is now on Dish Network

KUSG ? TV is now on Dish Network on channel 12. The station can also be viewed on cable: Baja channel 20, Bresnan channel 18, Skyview Technologies channel 12, and Comcast channel 111. KUSG can also be watched over the air on digital channels 12.1 and 2.2. KUSG is broadcast throughout the state of Utah...more

Dixie State College Announces Holiday Hours, Spring Semester Dates

All offices at Dixie State College of Utah will be closed for the holidays Dec. 23-25 (Wed-Fri), and then again on Dec. 31, 2009-Jan. 1, 2010 (Thurs-Fri). DSC will be open for its regular campus hours of 8 a.m.-to-5 p.m., on Dec. 21-22, and on Dec. 28-30. Dixie State College will return to a regular five-day campus schedule on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, though DSC students will remain on winter break until Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, when spring semester classes begin. Registration for classes without instructor permit will continue through Jan. 13, 2010, while last day to add a class for spring semester is Jan. 29, 2010. Registration can be done on the Internet at www.dixie.edu/registration, and in person at the registrar?s office in the Student Services Center. For questions about registration, call 435-652-7701. For help selecting courses, call the DSC Advisement Office at 435-652-7690.

Stop the Stress of the Holidays!

Do you chew you nails like they are snack food? Perhaps you know some one who does Lifeworkswest Hypnosis Group can help! For more information, contact John Page, BCH CI, at 435-256-0315 or Click Here

Bank Participates with Children's Justice Center

For the second year, Town & Country Bank is participating in the Children's Justice Center (CJC) "Wishing Tree" program. The beautifully decorated Christmas tree bears special tree ornaments representing items needed by the CJC to serve their children and to operate on a daily basis. Local residents and bank customers can come into the bank, remove an ornament, purchase the item listed on the ornament and deliver the item to the bank or to the CJC at 463 East 500 South in St. George. For the full article, Click Here

SunRiver Golf Pro Earns PGA Membership

Neil Economy, Head Golf Professional for the SunRiver Golf Course, recently earned a Class A PGA membership, a distinction awarded to golf professionals who complete a series of courses, written exams, and simulation tests, and who pass the demanding PGA Playing Ability Test. Economy was appointed SunRiver?s Head Golf Professional in May of this year, bringing to the position over seven years of experience. Before that, he worked as a wildlife technician for the BLM, conducting bird surveys and water tank surveys on the Arizona Strip. He holds an associate?s degree in wildlife science from Dixie State College...more

Last Minute Gift Ideas!

Need Last Minute Gift Ideas? Make your purchase before noon on Wednesday at Boulevard Home Furnishings, and get it delivered before Christmas! Everything in their store is on sale so you are sure to find something to please! Happy Holidays from everyone at Boulevard Home Furnishings!

Red Rock Rotary Considers Grant Applications

It is the time of year when the Red Rock Rotary Foundation considers grant applications from non-profit organizations in Washington County with a primary focus on children and youth. The Red Rock Rotary will once again be awarding grants totaling $6,000. The deadline for applications to be received is Thursday, December 31, 2009. Those receiving grants will be advised in February 2010.The purpose of the Red Rock Rotary Foundation is to apply funds raised through service projects carried out by the Red Rock Rotary Club. The Foundation provides grants to worthwhile charitable organizations in Southern Utah whose focus is helping children. The Red Rock Rotary Club is a registered 501(c)3 foundation.

Get 'Office' Benefits at the St. George Executive Suites!

St. George Executive Suites provides turnkey, fully serviced, furnished and unfurnished offices with the infrastructure, technology, and support that professionals require. Are you looking for a presence in St. George with your "own" receptionist and mailbox, but only periodically need the use of an upscale conference room, or office suite? Try their Virtual Offices! Spend a day flying; save time and money by utilizing The St. George Executive Suites' dual screen video conferencing. You are invited to visit their offices, at 169 West 2710 South Circle, Ste. 202 or call 435-628-3338 to learn more about their end of the year specials. Click Here

Snow Canyon Dental Holiday Specials

Make sure your smile is picture perfect for the holidays! Susan Baker, DDS has over 23 years experience in Cosmetic and General Dentistry. She was voted one of Washington, DC's Top Dentists (top 3%) by Washington Checkbook Magazine before moving to St. George three years ago. Gift Certificates are now available for: Half-price Lumineers, Half-price Tooth Bleaching, deep discounts on Crowns and New Patient Cleaning Packages. Hurry! Specials end January 30, 2010 and will be honored for one full year. For Lumineers Specials, Click Here To view Newsletter, Click Here. Call Snow Canyon Dental at 435-656-2800 or visit SnowCanyonDental.com.

Painted Pony offers Holiday Group Rates

Treat your staff, family, boss, associates to dinner at the Pony. Book Your Holiday Party Today (Private Dining Available)! Get lunch for $10 or $14 per person (menus available) or dinner for $25 or $35 per person--includes a 3 course meal! You can choose your menu and choose your price. Celebrate the Season with Style at the Painted Pony! This offer is available for groups of 10 and more. Call today and ask for Nicki or Breanna or e-mail info@painted-pony.com. Give the gift of Escape, an evening away from the stresses of life with memories that will last a lifetime. Gift Certificates to the Pony make Great Gifts. Get your gift cards today by calling 435-634-1700, stop in at the restaurant, or to order them online, Click Here

Call for Entries - The 31st Annual St. George Art Festival Applications Available

Applications are now available online at www.sgcity.org/artfestival or by calling the Festival office at 435-627-4500. Applications must be delivered to the St. George Arts Center by 5:00 p.m. on January 15, 2010 (approximately 110 artists will be selected). Send applications to: St. George Art Festival, 86 South Main St., St. George, UT 84770. Booth fees will be required after acceptance ? please do not send booth fees with application...more Click Here

SPECIAL EVENTS

Visions of Zion: see the best of Zion from area artists & in the Legacy Gallery--A Tribute to Gaell Lindstrom (1929-2009)

Zion National Park, once an inaccessible place, is now visited by millions of visitors from around the world. Artists have long been drawn to the rugged beautify of the Zion area since 1870. Today there is an active and increasingly vibrant artistic community working in many media. The Century of Sanctuary juried exhibit was open only to painters, The St. George Art Museum therefore offered this show in order to offer all local artists (Mesquite to Kanab and Kanab/Fredonia to Ivins) an opportunity to participate in the Zion Centennial. This show, an exhibit that wraps up the Zion Centennial year of 2009, also offers a wider look at Zion through a variety of art in many media being created in our region that centers and depends on Zion National Park...more Click Here

Learn How You Can Help at the 2nd Annual "Climb to Conquer Cancer"

Join Red Mountain Spa and learn more about the 2nd Annual Climb to Conquer Cancer for the American Cancer Society. Kick-off will be on January 12th, at 6:00 pm, at the Red Mountain Resort & Spa ? Snow Canyon Room. Become a part of this growing fundraiser to support cutting edge research, better detection, better treatment and better quality of life for cancer patients. Support this event by being part of the Event Committee, forming a team, and plan to join us for the walk/climb up beautiful Snow Canyon State Park. There will be entertainment, refreshments, and mini spa treatments for guests at the kick-off! Bring you friends and family, enjoy an evening out, and learn more about Southern Utah's 2nd Annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event!! For questions or more information, call 435-652-5740.

TONIGHT--DSC Music Department to Sponsor Holiday Concert Fundraiser for Cancer Patients and Research Dec. 22

The Dixie State College of Utah Music Department is partnering with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to present "A Celtic Christmas" concert in support for the race for life. The concert will be held this Tuesday, December 22, at 7 p.m., in the Eccles Fine Arts Center Concert Hall on the DSC campus. Admission is free and open to the public, though monetary donations will be accepted, with all proceeds going to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help cancer patients and their families improve their quality of life, as well as help finance research to ultimately find a cure for cancer...more

St. George Winter Bird Festival to be held January 28th ? 31st, 2010

The 7th annual St. George Winter Bird Festival, presented by the Red Cliffs Audubon Society, will be held January 28 ? 31 at the Tonaquint Nature Center and Park, 1851 S. Dixie Drive. Presentations, Kid?s Workshops, Field Trips, Photo Contest, Exhibits, Sales, and Live Birds! There will be additional evening programs at the BLM, Dixie State College and an evening banquet/keynote speaker at Best Western Abbey Inn. The festival is designed for beginning and experienced birders. Admission is free, banquet a fee event. For detailed information go to www.redcliffsaudubon.org, www.sgcity.org/birdfestival or contact festival chairman Marilyn Davis at 435-673-0996.

DSC Sears Art Museum Gallery "Neon Odyssey" Features Renowned Artist Jeff Ham and "The Firm" Ceramics

The Sears Museum Gallery at DSC?s Eccles Fine Arts Center is preparing for "Neon Odyssey" a one-man show that will feature the works of artist Jeff Ham. Also on display will be ceramics by "The Firm," four friends who have been showing as a group for several years. The show opens December 4 with a reception at 7 p.m. and will run until January 22. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Gallery is closed during school holidays. Admission is free...more

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. At the Bloomington Interchange at Exit 4, ramp work will continue on the east side of the interchange with paving dependent on weather conditions. Excavation and concrete work continue on the east roundabout. Landscaping is ongoing. Drivers exiting I-15 from the northbound lanes are temporarily diverted onto an unpaved area. Caution should be used while exiting I-15 due to potential ramp congestion adjacent to the roundabout construction. During peak traffic times, drivers are advised to use alternate routes if possible. On I-15; Washington To Cottonwood Creek, Milepost 10 to 19, Miscellaneous shoulder work is underway, as well as seeding and landscaping. Traffic Impact will be minimal. On State Route 9, between 300 West To 800 North Hurricane, workers continue excavation and water line replacement on the north side of the road with evening work in the intersections. Local residences and businesses should be prepared for potential water disruptions, dust and other construction related issues. Traffic on State Street from 300 West to 100 West shifts to the south side of the roadway. One lane of traffic in each direction. Expect congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times. For more information, call the Utah Department of Transportation at 435-893-4702 or Click Here

CALL TO ACTION

Calling all Helping Hands!

Get ready for an experience of a lifetime! Come to Best Friends in Kanab and spend a day volunteering with the animals. There are seven animal areas and lots of activities to choose from. You can walk dogs, play with cats, feed popcorn to pigs, talk to parrots, snuggle with bunnies, and groom horses to name a few. The animals love meeting new people and appreciate the extra special love and attention. You just might meet your new best friend. Click Here to learn more about volunteering or call 435-644-2001 ext. 4119.

Get into the "Holiday Spirit" by volunteering at the Dixie Care and Share

Dixie Care and Share is looking for help with their December 23rd Christmas Dinner. If you can cook a turkey, or help in another way please contact James English ASAP at the Spectrum Phone: 435-674-6246.

COMMUNITY INTEREST

The Perfect Volunteer Experience: Ford Ironman St. George, May 1, 2010

Blast into a new era for St. George: The Ironman Era! In just five short months, on May 1, 2010, Washington County will host the Ford Ironman St. George triathlon. Twenty-five hundred athletes from 48 states and 27 countries are registered for the St. George race and with them will come an entourage of family, friends, media reps, and race personnel. Although the World Triathlon Corporation will bring in a well-seasoned staff to direct the Ironman and all activities associated with it, an event of this magnitude requires a large volunteer base in order to ensure a safe, successful experience for athletes and the community. 4,500 volunteers are needed to staff 46 different Ironman areas ranging from banquet assistance to swim spotters...more Click Here