St. George Chamber Newsletter

CHAMBER LUNCHEON

This week's luncheon will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The luncheon will be held at the The Courtyard by Marriott from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. 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 speaker is Utah District Director, Stan Nakano, of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Nakano has ultimate responsibility for a district loan portfolio that is in excess of a billion dollars. In addition, he oversees a variety of entrepreneurial development programs available to the public. He will be addressing the Chamber regarding SBA?s Recovery Act and the new ARC loan program. For more information, contact Susi at 435-628-1650 ext. 3.

Chamber Sponsorship Special for July!

'Beat the Heat and Stay Cool' this Summer by taking advantage of the July Chamber Sponsorship Special! For only $200, your business can reach thousands by sponsoring a luncheon. This special offer is only available through the month of July. For more information, contact Susi Lafaele, Event Coordinator, at 435-628-1650 ext. 3 or email her at susilafaele@stgeorgechamber.com.

CHAMBER BRIEFS

Message from the President

June may be the month for business burglaries in St. George. It was just last year that we published this information to help our members deal with a rash of business burglaries. We share it with you again because it is always good advice, any month of the year...more

'Tee off' at the 6th Annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament!

"The reason the pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can't see him laughing."
-Phyllis Diller--
→This year, the Chamber Classic will be held on August 28th, 2009 at the Sand Hollow Resort. Hole sponsorships are available! Don't lose out on this opportunity! For more information on sponsorships, call a member of the Golf Committee: Murray Gubler, Committee Chairman at 435-680-8012, Ed Rodgers at 435-673-3553, Pam Graf at 435-619-6843, Mary Hatch at 435-251-2110, or Bill Wilkey at 435-862-7626. OR to participate as a team, call Susi at 435-628-1650 ext. 4. For the Player/Team Registration Form, Click Here. For the Sponsorship Registration Form, 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 Kelly Services...more

Follow the St. George Chamber!

The Chamber is on Facebook and Twitter! Join the St. George Chamber of Commerce at these Networking Websites, and create new business networking avenues! Follow the Chamber's updates, RSVP for events, see pictures of weekly events, and MORE! To become a fan of the Chamber's Facebook page, Click Here. To follow the Chamber on their Twitter Page, Click Here. For more information on how the St. George Chamber of Commerce is 'Doing what matters most... for Business!', Click Here

Next Publish Date for the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce eNewsletter: Tuesday, July 7th, 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, July 4th, 2009 by 12:00 noon. Submissions will not be published in the July 7th 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

ERA?s Make a Change. Make a Difference. Energy Saving Campaign and Sweepstakes

Smart energy use can be a big opportunity to save money and the best place to start is at home. Every window with a drafty sill and every furnace filter left unchanged eats up energy and wafts money out of your wallet. The good news is that a few simple changes around the home can make a big difference in your energy bill...more Click Here

Learn About Capitalization Rates

Jon Walter, commercial real estate investment specialist, explains how to properly calculate your "CAP RATE" or evaluation return on investment. "A Capitalization Rate(CAP rate) is metric commonly used in investment real estate to evaluate return on investment. Most people know it by the simple equation of net income divided by purchase price." For the full article, Click Here

Snow Christensen & Martineau Attorney Named Chair

Robert R. Harrison, a health law attorney with Snow Christensen & Martineau, has been named Chair of the Governing Board of the Health Law Section for the Federal Bar Association. The Federal Bar Association, a professional organization for lawyers and judges involved in federal practice, has more than 16,000 members in the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SkyWest to Discontinue St. George ? Los Angeles Service

SkyWest Airlines, a subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc (NASDAQ: SKYW) today announced that it plans to discontinue scheduled United Express flights between St. George, Utah and Los Angeles, Calif., effective September 1, 2009, citing its strategy to reduce select flights that cannot be profitable in light of weakened demand and an unsettled fuel environment...more

Grease Monkey 'Trusted Tips' Article

Maintain your Transmission! Learn about maintaining your transmission from Rick & Teressa Miller at Grease Monkey! "Transmission failure can be costly. A preventive maintenance inspection, according to vehicle manufacturer specifications, gives your preventive maintenance professional the ability to spot potential problem"...more

Win a 1955 Oldsmobile from the Foundation for Students of Washington County!

Foundation for Students of Washington County is taking $5 donations for an opportunity at winning a restored 1955 Oldsmobile. This car is beautiful and could be yours! It has been donated to The Foundation as a means to raise money for the Fine Arts programs in Washington County School District. The car is on display at one of the State Bank of Southern Utah branches for the next 6 weeks. Visit any one of the State Bank of Southern Utah locations for a chance at this car! For more information, contact Pam Graf at 435-673-3553 ext 223. The drawing will be held at the Foundation's Car Show on October 24, 2009 at the St. George Town Square. Click Here

Sky-View Technologies Announces New Transmit Location

Sky-View Technologies announces the addition of a new Transmit Location in the Buena Vista Green Springs Area of Washington City. This new location allows expansion of High Speed Internet and Phone service to the Buena Vista area as well as areas south. Other areas include Stone Cliff and Washington Fields that were previously blocked by terrain. Sky-View also just recently activated a new transmit site on Iron Mountain in Iron County which provides service from Old Iron Town to Parowan and many rural areas. A GigE microwave path is also near completion between St. George and Cedar City which will allow more redundancy to the system and will be available for broadband transport....more

SouthWest Federal Credit Union Awards $10,000 in College Scholarships

SouthWest Federal Credit Union recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to 10 local graduating seniors. More than 35 applications were received from students in Washington, Iron and Beaver Counties, each vying for one of the 10 scholarships given to college-bound seniors. Each of them also had to excel academically and in extracurricular activities, plus demonstrate their commitment to community service. Aside from their sheer academic strength, the needs of even the best students are apparent...more

Royston Turquoise Mine Tour

The Mesquite Bus Company invites you to their "Travelpoint Tours Inc. Royston Turquoise Mine Hosted Bus Tour!" Come and find some of the rarest turquoise in the WORLD! The cost for this chartered travel trip is only $235 and includes: Motel room (single or double occupancy), cost for day of mine tour & box lunch, snacks/beverages while traveling to and from the mine, and MORE! This trip is scheduled for July 31st & August 1st. For more information, call 702-358-6433 or Click Here

Mattress Gallery & More Chamber Discount!

The Mattress Gallery & More would like to invite you to visit them at their new location! The are now located at 969 North 3050 East #B5 next to Sportsman's Warehouse. Now, for a limited time, all Chamber Members get 20% off! For more information, call 435-656-3364 or visit their new store today!

Curtis Anderson Named Vice President at SouthWest Federal Credit Union

Curtis Anderson has joined SouthWest Federal as the Vice President of Business Services. In his newly created position, Curtis will oversee the credit union?s business lending, including loans for small businesses (SBA loans) and all other commercial lending, and deposit services...more

Roadrunner Baseball This Week

Don?t miss out on all the 'Baseball Goodness' happening this week! On June 30th, come and participate in the ' Dash for CASH' after the game! Thousands of Dollars worth of CASH and PRIZES will be given away! On July 1st, it?s Canada Day! Celebrate at the field with the St. George Roadrunners and the Calgary Vipers. On July 3rd ? Almost the 4th and the Roadrunners celebrate with Fireworks after the game! Roadrunner Baseball-- It's FANTASTIC!

Changes to SBA 504 Loan Program Will Allow Businesses to Refinance Existing Debt, Expand, Create New Jobs

Small businesses seeking to expand will be able to refinance existing loans used to purchase real estate and other fixed assets as a result of permanent changes to the U.S. Small Business Administration?s 504 Certified Development Company loan program. The changes were authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009....more

GOLF... A SIMPLE PLEASURE at Town & County Bank

At Town & Country Bank, they?re interested in improving your golf swing. Here?s how they want to help. Simply drive to Town & Country Bank and open a ?Senior? Checking Account. This will qualify you for the 2009 Simple Please Golf Package drawing. The winner will receive a golf value of over $500.00... including: Pro golf instruction, a free round at SunRiver, a custom Town & Country Tour hat and a sleeve of golf balls. Open your ?Senior? Checking Account and register to win Today! *No Purchase necessary to register. Drawing July 6, 2009. Visit the Town & Country Bank at 1464 S 1490 E, next to Summit Athletic Club, call 435-673-1150 or Click Here

Boulevard 4th of July Weekend Savings Event!

For 3 Days ONLY, Thursday through Saturday, EVERYTHING is on SALE! Come into Boulevard Home Furnishings and SAVE THIS weekend!!! Plus, They Pay the TAX! (with a purchase of $399 or more) Drop by the Boulevard this weekend and SAVE! Remember, Boulevard Home Furnishings has Special 4th of July Hours! They are 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm! Celebrate the SAVINGS with the Guaranteed Best Prices! For more information, visit www.BoulevardHome.com or Click Here

Local Virtual Office and Business Support Provider Announces Three New Accounts

HOST Business Services, St. George?s leading provider of virtual office and on-demand business administration solutions, announces the addition of three companies to its client roster. HOST Business Services is now providing virtual office and on-demand business services for marking company Boomerang Strategic, auto-acquire antenna system developer Mobile RXTX and Attorney Martin R. Slater...more Click Here

Paradise Canyon Eye Care Reaches Out

Dr. Joseph W. Fife and Paradise Canyon Eye Care are reaching out to small business owners in St. George and the surrounding communities during this economic downturn to offer a no cost Vision Plan to you and your employees. Paradise Canyon Eye Care knows it?s expensive to offer health benefits to employees yet it is still important to provide your employees with benefits at a reasonable cost. Their plan costs you nothing, but it gives you and your employees, spouses and dependents a 20% discount off of their comprehensive eye exams and/or eye glasses purchase. This keeps your costs down, provides quality benefits to your employees and brings new patients in to Paradise Canyon Eye Care?s office. Now that?s a win-win situation! Paradise Canyon Eye Care ?Vision With a View! Visit their offices today at 1449 N. 1440 W. Suite 24 in St. George, call 435-656-200, or Click Here

InfoWest wants to say THANK YOU!

InfoWest appreciates your business and wants to show their appreciation by having an InfoWest customer appreciation day! They?ve purchased 500 tickets for TWO upcoming St. George Roadrunner baseball games next week and are giving the tickets away to you, their valued customers, for FREE. The first game is on Tuesday June 30th at 7:00 P.M. The second game is on Thursday July 2nd at 7:00 P.M. Games are played at the Dixie College Bruce Hurst Field. To get your Free tickets simply come into their St. George office, located at 148 E. Tabernacle in St. George! Hurry down and pick up your tickets today before they are gone! For more information, call 435-674-0165.

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.)

Cell Phones for Soldiers still being collected at University of Phoenix

Greg Robinson, Operations Supervisor, University of Phoenix, St. George Learning Center announced that the St. George Campus collected over 100 cell phones during the recent Cell Phones for Soldiers campaign. The Cell Phones for Soldiers program was started in April 2004 by then 13-year-old Brittany Bergquist and her 12-year-old brother Robbie of Norwell, Massachusetts...more Click Here

Dixon, Truman & Fisher, P.C. Offers Client Relief

If you were injured at the hands of someone else and would like a free review of your file, you can contact the attorneys at Dixon, Truman & Fisher, P.C. for a free initial consultation. The attorneys at Dixon, Truman & Fisher, P.C. can be found at www.InjuredByAnother.com. Dixon, Truman & Fisher, P.C. is an AV rated law firm which means that they have demonstrated the highest level of legal ability and ethics...more Click Here

Free Consultations at Clear View!

Can you imagine spending the day without your glasses? No more glare. No dust under your contact lens. Clear View Eye Care wants to help you be free from glasses and contacts. They are offering free consultations for Orthokeratology, a non-surgical alternative to LASIK. For more information call Clear View today at 435-674-3502, visit www.clrvue.com, or for...more

SPECIAL EVENTS

Author Hyrum Smith to Speak in Cedar City

You are invited to a special evening event featuring world-renown author/speaker Hyrum Smith. There is no charge for this event. This special event will be held on July 9th, at 7:00 pm at the Theater in the Sharwan Smith Center at the Southern Utah University campus in Cedar City. These tough economic times have required all of us to take a close look at what we can do to increase productivity, increase sales, and to increase quality of life. Come for some ideas that will change the way you think about education, growing your business, or becoming a business owner. RSVP required. For more information, email ilg1@live.com.

Dixie State College Theatre Program Set to Debut "The Comedy Storm" for Summer Season

Dixie State College Theatre Program Set to Debut "The Comedy Storm" for Summer Season Dixie State College of Utah?s Theatre Department will be one of the many campus programs hard at work during the summer season, thanks in part to the launch of "The Comedy Storm," a new summer theater series to be housed in the Laboratory Theater in the Eccles Fine Arts Center. The productions will open on Thursday, June 18th and will run through Saturday, July 18th. The three weekend shows will start nightly at 7:30 p.m., while the Monday shows will begin at 5:00 p.m....more

The Museum Connects With the St. George Community

While the economic situation remains gloomy, fill your heart and life with art. Visit the St. George Art Museum! On June 13th, the Museum opened with From Pale to Brilliant: Photography of the West, an exhibit in two parts. All exhibits end on September 12, 2009. Hours are 10:00 to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday with 3rd Thursdays 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Art Conversations at 7:00 pm. Fees are $3 for adults, $1 for children 3-11, and under 3 are free, as are Museum Members...more

DSC Sears Art Museum Gallery Presents Dual Summer Art Exhibit Now through July 31

The Sears Art Museum Gallery at the Dixie State College of Utah Dolores Dore? Eccles Fine Arts Center is currently presenting a dual summer art exhibit, featuring two talented artists from southwestern Utah, including Cedar City?s Fiona Phillips and part-time Apple Valley resident Paul Fuentes. The exhibit is open Monday through Thursday through July 31, from 9:00 am-5:00 pm...more

Tuacahn?s Outdoor Saturday Market

Tuacahn Center for the Arts is already well known as a place for live music and professional theatre, and now the venue will host a weekly outdoor market featuring local artwork, crafts, food, entertainment, giveaways and more. The marketplace will open each Saturday May through November from 9:00 am-2:00 pm (8:00 am-1:00 pm during the summer, June 13-Sept. 5). Admission and entertainment is free. Patrons will be able to stroll along the tree lined walkways near the water feature and browse the displays by local painters, artists, and crafters...more Click Here

St. George's Downtown Farmers Market 2009

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. Each Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon you can enjoy warm bakery goods and coffee while you shop for seasonal vegetables and fruits. Along with the produce, there are: homemade cheeses, breads, pies and herbs available. If you're looking for an unique gift for any special occasion, check out all the homemade crafts. This is a great place to bring your out of town guests to experience a bit of St.George. There is plenty of parking surrounding the square. So, stop on by, enjoy the park and support local farmers and artists! Click Here

First Annual Climb to Conquer Cancer

The Red Mountain Spa, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, will be holding their First Annual "Climb to Conquer Cancer" event to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. This event is to be held on July 11, 2009, starting at the Red Mountain Resort & Spa in Ivins. Teams will gather together to walk uphill to beautiful Snow Canyon State Park. The event features a fun 6 mile early morning round-trip ?climb? up the trail to the Upper Galoot area, where you?ll be greeted by Native American Flute Music. Hairstylists are also volunteering their time to cut hair to donate to ?Locks of Love?, an organization that helps create hairpieces for those that experience hair loss due to cancer treatment. For more information, Click Here

SEMINARS, EDUCATION, & WORKSHOPS

Contractor Continuing Education Seminars

The Associated General Contractors of Utah is holding Contractor Continuing Education Seminars! This training is approved by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) to complete your licensing requirement including 3 hours of Core and 3 hours of Professional training. Give us a call to complete all 6 hours in one day. Our next seminar will be held July 15th in St. George. For more information please contact Owen Olsen at 435-628-1346 or oolsen@agc-utah.org. Space is limited so register ASAP.

Red Hills Wellness Center Calendar of Community Events for July 2009

Learn the basics of meditation, all about Insulin Resistance, Candida, Fibromyalgia, & Colonics, Bio-Identical Hormone Balance & Your Health, Womens Empowerment, Pain Management using Bodyworks, CPR and much more at the Red Hills Wellness Center. This calendar is good for the month of July...more

Let?s Face it, Employees Value BENEFITS-- Free Direct Deposit Payroll Card!

Employer Options offers a better way to pay and get paid, a responsible low-cost alternative to payday loans! Typically this means expensive insurance policies, PTO and other health related programs aimed at ensuring "physical wellness". With the Impact Payroll card / Credit line your COST is ZERO. You also get the benefit of complimentary educational tools, knowledgeable member consultants, and innovative financial products that provide real-world benefits. Join Employer Options to discuss this opportunity at their FREE SEMINAR. It will be held at the Sunbrook Center located at 2398 W. Sunbrook Dr. (next to the Sunbrook Golf Course Club House.) on Thursday, July 16th, 2009. A light breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:00 am and the seminar will run 8:00 am to 9:00 am. For more information, call 435-674-9505.

WHATS HAPPENING

The Core V.I.P. Benefit Golf Tournament at Sand Hollow Resort

The Core Veterans Integration Program will host the Freedom Cup, a charity golf tournament, at Sand Hollow Golf Resort on July 2nd, 2009. The tournament cost is $500 per foursome, all earnings directly benefiting the Core V.I.P. The tournament will include an opportunity drawing, prizes for closest to the hole, beat the pro, and the longest drive. To register a team, or to learn more about Core V.I.P....more Click Here

COMMUNITY INTEREST

St. George Arts Commission is Accepting Grant Applications

The St. George Arts Commission is accepting grant applications for the fiscal ?09-?10 year. The grants are available on line at www.sgcity.org. Just click on Committees & City Boards - Arts Commission - Arts Grant Application. Applications are due no later than July 8, 2009 at 5:00 pm. The availability of funds will be contingent upon approval of the St. George City Council. For more information, call 435-627-4525.

Unity Church has Moved Downtown!

Unity Church of Positive Living has moved to 198 North 100 East in downtown St. George. The new downtown location is centrally located and easily accessible. Sunday worship services at 10:00 am include meditation, special music and a talk emphasizing a practical Christianity, relevant to your daily life. Sunday School is available for children, ages 3-12. Hospitality follows the service each Sunday and gives everyone a chance to meet and greet each other. All are welcome at the Sunday worship services. Unity Church is associated with Unity Village and Silent Unity, which has provided 24 hour prayer support to people around the world for over 125 years. The Daily Word, a publication of Unity, offers daily meditations appropriate for all faiths. For more information about the local church, call Reverend Luigi Persichetti at 435-229-7242. Click Here

CALL TO ACTION

Rotary Club of Red Rock Projects

Service Above Self is the Red Rock Rotary motto and their Club represents it very well. They have participated in many projects in their short time in existence. Some of these projects include: the Centennial Project, Backpack Project, Academic Decathlon, Christmas Lighting at the Blommington Round-Abouts, Koins for Kids, Group Study Exchange, Just 4 kidz, Kite Festival, l Polio Plus, Reality Store, Red Rock Bluegrass Festival, RYLA, Rotary Bowl, Tsunami Relief, Vocational Exchange, Wheelchair Program, Youth Exchange, Youth Exchange, Youthlinc, Los Ninos de Mexico, Literacy Council, Operation ?School Bell.? Make a Difference! Join the Red Rock Rotary each Wednesday morning at 7:15 am at the Gardner Center on the Dixie State College Campus. For more information, call John Page at 435-256-0315.

Join the American Cancer Society and Paradise Canyon Eye Care and Climb to Conquer Cancer!

Paradise Canyon Eye Center?s team will be joining the others on Saturday, July 11th at Red Mountain Spa for a 6 mile round trip hike into Snow Canyon Park. Participants will meet at 6:30 am and begin the hike at 7:00 am. You?re invited to visit www.utahclimb.com for more information. Come join the Paradise Canyon Eye Care team. You can hike with them (shuttles provided for those who need a lift) or just make a donation in honor of someone whose life has been touched by cancer. They support the American Cancer Society and the Climb to Conquer Cancer. Sign up today and they?ll see you on July 11th!