St. George Chamber Newsletter

CHAMBER LUNCHEON

This week's luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The luncheon will be held at the The Holiday Inn from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm in the Sabra Ballroom . Lunch is served promptly at 11:45. Please arrive early to be seated by 12:00 noon. The luncheon cost is $13.00 per plate. The public is invited. The luncheon speakers this week are Russell Behrmann, President of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce and Terri Draper, President of the Community Action Committee. They will be addressing the Chamber regarding how your business can become more involved with the Chamber and the issues facing the business community. For more information, contact Susi at 435-628-1650 ext. 3.

The Luncheon Sponsor this week is Wells Fargo & Co.

Wells Fargo & Co. is a diversified financial services company providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 11,000 stores, 12,359 ATMs, the internet and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. Wells Fargo has $1.3 trillion in assets and 281,000 total team members across their 80+ businesses. Their vision: Wells Fargo wants to satisfy all their customers' financial needs, help them succeed financially, be the premier provider of financial services in every one of their markets, and be known as one of America?s great companies. In the St. George area Wells Fargo operates 8 branches, a mortgage office, Wealth Management Group and a Business Banking Group which employs approximately 200 team members.

CHAMBER BRIEFS

The 16th Annual Business Expo is Right Around the Corner!

Call NOW to be a part of the 16th Annual St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo! This year's Expo focuses on putting 'Dixie First' by highlighting local businesses and their products! If timing is everything, then the 2009 Business Expo has never been more perfectly timed to assist you in taking advantage of an economic trend. This Expo will be held on June 10th and 11th, and will be attended by 3,000 to 5,000 consumers. Expect the same high quality business-to-business attendees, plus an increased number of general public retail customers! Timing is Everything! Invest in the 2009 Business Expo and register TODAY! Call Susi at 435-628-1650 ext. 3 for more information, or to register, Click Here

H1N1 Flu Update for Businesses-

The flu ?formerly known as swine flu? is having an impact on businesses worldwide and in our own backyard. After receiving briefings from local health officials (Southwest Utah Public Health Department) and after monitoring the latest Centers for Disease Control information and Utah Department of Health releases, we?ve gathered key information vital to our members. We urge you to carefully review the attached information. For the H1N1 Flu Update, Click Here

Milestone Member

All throughout 2009, the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce will be reinstating a tradition - The Milestone Member Recognition Award. This award goes to those outstanding Chamber members that have been a 'member in good standing' for 10 or more years. This week, at the Chamber luncheon, we are recognizing The Dixie Center...more

Next Publish Date for the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce eNewsletter: Tuesday, May 19th, 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, May 15th, 2009 by 12:00 noon. Submissions will not be published in the May 19th newsletter 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

Snow, Christensen & Martineau Congratulates David Oswald on His NFL Contract

Snow Christensen & Martineau wishes to congratulate our client, David Oswald on his recent Player Contract with the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League (?NFL?). Joseph P. Barrett, the only NFL Certified Contract Advisor in Salt Lake County, and a Shareholder with Snow Christensen & Martineau successfully negotiated Mr. Oswald?s NFL Player Contract during the 2009 NFL Draft...more

Brent McDonald Joins Local Law Firm

Brent McDonald, formerly of Salt Lake City, has joined the law firm of Snow Jensen & Reece as an associate attorney specializing in construction, intellectual property, specifically in regard to trademark and copyright, and general litigation. McDonald earned his law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, in California, graduating fifth in his class with high honors...more

St. George, UT a Premiere Destination for Best Boomer Towns

Best Boomer Towns named St. George a 'dream spot' for all ages! They rave, "St. George has a gorgeous setting in southwestern Utah. Overhead, the sky is a gorgeous blue, with high clouds streaming like white decorations. Behind town, the sandstone cliffs are rich and red, next, there?s the lovely green grass created by the area?s nine golf courses a huge attraction for retirees." For the full article, Click Here

Utah Employer Praises E-Verify, Says Using it Helps His Business

A Utah employer who uses E-Verify spoke out in support of the program last week, saying that customers called him because he advertised that he participates in the program. Larry Morrison of St. George, Utah ? owner of Morrison Insulation LLC ? told a city council forum that his company "gets 'two jobs a week' just by advertising that it uses E-Verify to check its employees' work status," and argued that "more businesses should use the system"...more

DSC Communication Department Receives $145K Donation from Simmons Media Group

The Dixie State College of Utah communication department has announced a partnership with Simmons Media Group that will help provide practical and hands-on experience to DSC students interested in broadcasting. The partnership announcement, highlighted by a $145,000 donation from Simmons Media Group, coincided with the DSC communication department?s debut of a new classical music FM station, KXDS Dixie?s Classical 91, which began airing this past April 15. KXDS Dixie?s Classical 91 is currently broadcasting on a preview basis on FM frequency 103.1 KURR-FM, with plans to move to its permanent frequency home at 91.3 FM in the near future...more

U. S. Small Business Administration - Utah District May Newsletter

The Utah Small Business Administration (SBA) has published their monthly newsletter for May. Read all about Utah's 2009 Small Business Person of the Year, Jan Miller and other 2009 Award Winners, and see the lending totals from Utah Banks for the month. For the full version of the Utah SBA Newsletter, Click Here

Get Safety and Soundness at Town & Country Bank

As a new bank, Town & Country profits from added regulatory oversight. They?re liquid, fully capitalized, and ahead of their financial projections. Importantly, Town & Country doesn?t have any subprime loans. Your FDIC-insured funds are safe and secure at Town & Country Bank. Visit them at 1464 South 1490 East Circle, next to Summit Athletic Club, call 435-673-1150, or Click Here

Stephen Wade Automotive Group Car Appraisals

Are you wondering what your vehicle is worth, now with the market going up and down? Or maybe you want to know the history of your car? Stephen Wade Automotive Group has an offer for you! Bring in your vehicle to the Stephen Wade Automotive Group. They?ll give you a free appraisal, run a complete vehicle history report through auto check by Experian, a $20 value, and if you want, they?ll buy your car from you. This is a free service to you with no pressure and no obligation. Come to the Stephen Wade Automotive Group. Stephen wade Chevy/Cadillac, Stephen Wade Toyota, Stephen Wade Honda/Mazda and Stephen Wade Nissan in St. George. Click Here

Get Real ? Get Your Body Back!

UFIT knows you're busy! You want to lose that belly and look amazing but you don't want to spend hours and hours in the gym... UFIT?s revolutionary, GET REAL Personal Training System greatly reduces the time and effort required for you to get fit with our time saving combination of fat burning cardio and muscle toning resistance training, JUMPSTART YOUR WEIGHT LOSS for only $20 per session! Space is Limited! Get signed up now, and receive Metabolic Testing for HALF-OFF! That?s $99 worth of Nutritional testing, along with your Food Plan FREE! Call UFIT Personal Training to be one of the lucky ones at 435-688-9123. UFIT can only take so many at this price, so CALL NOW! For more information, Click Here

Ensure You're Insured!!!

Commissioner Sherrie Hayashi encourages employers to review company safety plans and ensure employee protection. One way to protect your employees, is to have workers? compensation (WC) insurance coverage. Accidents do happen. In 2008, there were 68,432 reported workplace injuries. The Utah Labor Commission investigated 2,279 of over 86,000 Utah employers for WC non-compliance. By law, almost all employers must cover their employees with workers? compensation insurance. In the event of a workplace injury or disease, workers? compensation (WC) pays medical costs and partial wage replacement during recovery, sometimes for a lifetime. WC insurance pays without regard to fault and its exclusive remedy protects Utah employers. For the full letter, Click Here

Choose Zion's Way Home Health and Hospice for all Your Hospice Needs!

Zion?s Way Home Health and Hospice coordinates a team of friendly, experienced professionals to provide you with individualized and customized care for your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, call 435- 688-0648 or 1-888-688-0648...more

May is National Foster Care Month!

Show your support for the Utah Foster Care Foundation (UFCF) by dining at Chili?s Restaurant! Come to Chili's between 11:00 am and 11:00 pm, on Monday May 11th and 10% of proceeds will be given to the UFCF for recruitment and support of children and foster families in southwest Utah. For more information the Utah Foster Care Foundation, come to an 'Information Night' on Wednesday, May 13th at 6:30 pm at 359 E. Riverside Dr., call Debbie at 435-656-8065 or Click Here

Boulevard Home Furnishings Tent Sale!

More than 2000 items over 50% OFF May 7-16! Don?t miss the great savings during the Boulevard's Annual Tent Sale! They are clearing out all Closeouts, One-Of-A-Kind, As-Is, and Slightly Damaged inventory. And that?s not all. You not only get extra Cash & Carry discounts for taking it with you, these items are priced to empty the tent! New items will be added daily as the Boulevard continues to mark everything in the tent down. Don?t miss it! Everything in the tent will be going, going, GONE! Pay NOTHING until 2010!!! For more information, Click Here

Special Advertising Offer from The Dixie Center for Chamber Members!

You can reach approximately 400,000 resident and non-resident customers every year by advertising in the Dixie Center. The 2? x 8? lighted advertising panels are located in the Exhibit Hall where thousands of people visit such events as the What Women Want Expo, Huntsman World Senior Games, Jubilee of Trees and the Dickens? Christmas Festival. Normally these panels rent for $1200 per year + artwork. The Dixie Center has slashed this price to $500 per year, including artwork, for Chamber members. If you are interested in taking advantage of this fabulous offer, call the Dixie Center at 435-628-7003. Don?t forget to mention that you are a Chamber member!

SPECIAL EVENTS

St.George's Downtown Farmers Market Open

Local farmers and artisans are now selling their wares every Saturday morning throughout the summer at Ancestor Square. The season will run from May 9th to October 31st. Located at Main St. and St.George Blvd., this quaint park is the ideal place for a relaxing shopping and socializing experience...more

A Century of Sanctuary: The Art of Zion National Park Abridged

The St. George Art Museum will host their final monthly 3rd Thursday Art Conversation for the current exhibits on May 21st at 7pm, as Art Historian, Deborah Reeder, the Manager/Curator for the St. George Art Museum and curator of the historic art in the Century of Sanctuary exhibit, presents a program, The Art of Zion National Park: A Stunning Visual History. Reeder has managed small museums for over a dozen years, and is a University of Chicago trained art historian...more

Red Mountain Spa Hosts Event to Support Animal Shelter in Ivins

Red Mountain Spa announces their "Pound Puppy Gala" to be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 6:00 pm. Come and support them as they raise awareness of the Friends of Ivins Animal Shelter. This shelter supports the ?No Kill? philosophy and strives to place all adoptable pets. Their shelter is the only ?No Kill? municipal shelter in Southern Utah. Come to the Gala and enjoy entertainment provided by local artists, a barbeque-- complete with traditional and vegetarian fare, and a Live & Silent Auction. Tickets are $65.00 per person. For more information, call 435-673-1718 or Click Here

What Women Want Expo

The "What Women Want" Expo, Sponsored by the Spectrum and Weight Watchers is this weekend! Come to the Dixie Center on Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, 2009!!! Expo Hours are Friday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The What Women Want expo is a chance for women from all around to come together and experience all the new products out there for women! Each new Expo turned out to be the largest and best so far! Don't miss the "What Women Want" Expo THIS Friday and Saturday, May 15th and 16th! For more information, call Michelle McCall at 435-674-6221 or Click Here

SEMINARS, EDUCATION, & WORKSHOPS

FREE Safety Training!

The Utah Safety Council has teamed up with the National Safety Council to provide this FREE course. Funding for Safety Management Systems for Small Business has been provided by a Susan B. Harwood grant. Enrollment is limited to organizations with less than 250 employees. Free registration is available to one individual per organization. Pre-registration is required. Register online at www.utahsafetycouncil.org, or by calling the Utah Safety Council offices at 801-478-7878, ext. 304 or toll free at 800-933-5943, ext. 304. For more information, Click Here

Register for DSC's 2009 Summer Semester

Registration is currently underway for Dixie State College of Utah?s 2009 Summer Semester. The semester schedule consists of two five-week blocks, which begin May 18 and June 22 respectively, and an eight-week block that runs from June 1 through July 23. To register for summer courses, call 435-652-7701 or to log-on, Click Here

Do You Want to CATAPULT Your Business to the NEXT LEVEL?

Are You Interested in Utilizing Technology in Your Marketing, such as through a Business Blog or Social Media? Come join Affordable Business Solution's Troy Braithwaite, Utah?s Authorized Duct Tape Marketing Coach, at his next Marketing Catalyst Class. He will assist you in CREATING a CUSTOMIZED Marketing Plan & SYSTEM for your business. If you have read the famous book, E-Myth, you know the importance of systems in businesses. A marketing system will help you put your marketing on auto-pilot and track the effectiveness of it to make sure you are getting the best exposure and biggest bang for your buck. He will also help you learn how to utilize technology into your marketing system through Search Engine Marketing, what to put on your website, how to use a Blog as a marketing tool and how to utilize Twitter for your business. Join today and it will help you to not only GROW in today?s ECONOMY, but PROSPER! Class starts on Thursday, May 21st and is limited to 6. Only 2 Spots Left! Contact Troy by email, troy@ab4you.com, or phone 435-635-7775 ext. 6, to see if this class is right for you! For more information, Click Here

Be Ready Utah 2009

Be Ready Utah, "Ready Your Business" is coming to Cedar City THIS week. With a Ready Your Business Workshop and it is "FREE" to attend. Protect your Business with the Division of Homeland Security Business Readiness Seminar Series. This seminar will be held Wednesday and Thursday, May 13-24, 2009 at State Bank of Southern Utah, located at 377 N. Main St. in Cedar City. Every business should have a plan. It just makes good business sense!!! Join Utah businesses in preparing against any unexpected interruption! For more information, call Jesse Valenzuela, Ready Your Business Program Coordinator at 801-538-3296, email him at jessev@utah.gov or Click Here

Managing Your Business In Turbulent Times

Wells Fargo is excited to sponsor the BBI Financial Seminar "Managing Your Business In Turbulent Times" this June 11th and 12th. This seminar enables Wells Fargo to bring a nationally recognized expert on the subject of financial management and generational transitions for businesses to Southern Utah. The seminar will go beyond the current economic situation and delve into how to manage through these troubling times, gain a better understanding on why companies fail, while sourcing hidden cash with effective use of financial statements and financing your business during troubled economic times. Those that attend are eligible for 16 hours of CPA Continuing Education Credits and will have tangible tools that they can put to use immediately into their own business. The fee is tax deductible along with travel and other related expenses. Seats are limited to 40 which allows for individual participation and discussion of the subject matter. Breakfast will be provided and lunch will be fully catered. For questions contact Aaron at 435-674-8156, email him at aaron.ernest@wellsfargo.com or Click Here

Red Hills Wellness Center Calendar of Community Events for May 2009

Learn the basics of meditation, all about Insulin Resistance, Helping and Healing Fibromyalgia, How to Lose Weight with the HCG Diet, Live Blood Analysis & Bio-Nutritional Testing, CPR and much more at the Red Hills Wellness Center. This calendar is good for the month of May...more

Grant Writing Workshop in Hurricane June 25 & 26, 2009

Washington County Sheriff's Office and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grant writing workshop in Hurricane, June 25-26, 2009. Beginning and experienced grant writers from city, county and state agencies as well as nonprofits, K-12, colleges and universities are encouraged to attend...more Click Here

?Voice Lessons? FREE One-Hour Voice Lesson through May, 2009

Teenagers, adults and casual singers gain self-confidence while singing in a group or solo, gain vocal control, improve pitch, learn proper breathing and singing technique, extend vocal range, and be able explore the many ways in which songs can be expressed. As an Aspiring Artist, you will find your own style through vocal expression and interpretation and Artist Development. Through May 2009, receive a one-hour complimentary Voice Lesson with Gayle Louise. For more information, call 435-275-4258 or toll free at 888-500-3559 or Click Here

WHATS HAPPENING

UDOT Region 4 Weekly Construction Report

The Utah Department of Transportation has selected to reconstruct the Bluff Street Interchange (Exit 6) at I-15 in St. George, Utah. Crews will be paving Bluff Street Monday May 11th. Alternate local routes are advised. Crews will also be working in the Bluff Street area on a separate project to upgrade traffic signal functions. Single lane closures and additional congestion should be expected. At the Atkinville Interchange (I-15 Milepost 2) workers will continue landscaping. The adjacent rest area is being used for retaining wall construction. The east side of the interchange accessing the Southern Parkway remains closed to the public. On I-15; Washington To Cottonwood Creek, Milepost 10 to 19, paving will continue north of the Hurricane turn-off. Heavy machinery continues clearing ground for an auxiliary truck lane. This excavation may continue around the clock. Trench work for fiber optic cable continues east and parallel to the interstate. Small crushing activity and material moving is ongoing. No delays expected during the daytime. Intermittent lane closures during the evening. For more information, call the Utah Department of Transportation at 435-893-4702 or Click Here

Dixie Regional Medical Center's Annual Jubilee Cup

The Foundation of Dixie Regional Medical Center and Jacobsen Construction will hold the 12th Annual Jubilee Cup Charity Golf Tournament this year on June 4th at Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club and on June 5th at The Ledges Golf Club. Proceeds benefit bringing Life Flight helicopter services to southern Utah. If you would like to participate in the 2009 Jubilee Cup please contact Kent Ririe at 435-251-2484 email him at kent.ririe@imail.org , or Click Here

SWING for SUHBA Scholarships!

Come join the excitement at the 7th Annual SUHBA Scholarship Golf Tournament on Friday, June 19th, at the Coral Canyon Golf Course. This is a fun event and a great way to network with other businesses. All the proceeds from the tournament go to the SUHBA scholarship fund, which helps students here in Washington County? so you?re playing for a very good cause! SUHBA will be giving away $20,000 in scholarships this year. They will also have a $10,000 Hole-In-One prize with other prizes including a Richard Petty Driving Experience, $500 Golf Pac Travel Gift Card, and a $500 Visa Gift Card. Call the SUHBA office for more information at 435-674-1400, or to download a registration form, Click Here

RIBBON CUTTINGS AND OPEN HOUSES

Open House

Barney McKenna & Olmstead, P.C. and Alpha Engineering are celebrating their 10th and 20th anniversaries (respectively) with an Open House on May 14th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at their new office building located at 43 S. 100 E. in St. George. For more information, call 435-628-1711.

New Health Center Open House

Save the Date for the Southwest Utah Community Health Center (SWUCHC) Open House! The SWUCHC invites you to attend their Center's Open House on May 12th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at Millcreek High School, located at 2410 East Riverside Dr. Join SWUCHC in celebrating a new partnership between Washington County School District, Intermountain Healthcare and the Southwest Utah Community Health Center.Come for Refreshments, Prize drawings and a Ribbon Cutting! For more information, Click Here

Mountainlands Area Plan Room Invites you to their Ribbon Cutting!
Mountainlands Area Plan Room invites you to their Ribbon Cutting, to be held on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 11:00 am. This event will be held at their offices, located at 915 S Main St. For more information, contact Mike or Sandy at 435-688-2608.

CALL TO ACTION

Dixie Applied Technology College Diesel Program Student Needs Your Help!

On February 27, 2009 a group of students from the DXATC Diesel program competed in Utah State Skills Olympics at SLCC. The members of the group were Broc Grundy (post secondary division), Coby Robinson (secondary division/ Snow Canyon), and Cody Wulffenstein (secondary division / Pineview). The Competition consisted of 12 different skills areas within the diesel repair industry along with a mock job interview and a knowledge test. Some of the areas tested were shop skills i.e. drilling, tapping, welding, and cutting., Engine Diagnosis, Air Conditioning, and Precision Measuring. Each contestant had 15 min to complete a task and then they were scored on how well they performed...more

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are the heart of Zion?s Way Hospice. Hospice volunteers provide friendship, companionship and support to hospice patients and their families. Volunteers, after the appropriate certification and training, can also help the staff in the art of their complementary services such as music therapy, art therapy, massage therapy, pet therapy, aroma therapy and therapeutic touch. Volunteer opportunities are also available for non-patient related areas such as office work filing, computer input, assembling information packets, telephone support and reception work. If you are interested in becoming a Zion?s Way Hospice volunteer, contact Jim Dowd at 435-688-0648 or toll free 888-688-0648.