St. George Chamber Newsletter

CHAMBER LUNCHEON

THERE WILL BE NO LUNCHEON THIS WEEK

Due to the Economic Summit, there will be no Wednesday luncheon This Wednesday, January 13th. Our next Chamber luncheon will be held NEXT WEEK--January 20th, 2009 at Entrada.

CHAMBER BRIEFS

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

THIS WEDNESDAY--Attend the Washington County 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

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 Submissions will not be published in the January 19th 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

NAI Utah Southern Region Publishes 2009 4th Quarter Market Report

NAI Utah Southern Region recently published its 2009 4th Quarter Market Report covering commercial real estate trends in Southern Utah. The market report provides statistics and reports trends for the office, retail, and industrial markets in Washington and Iron Counties. NAI has published commercial market data in Southern Utah since 2001. To see the 2009 4th Quarter Market Report, Click Here

SUHBA names its 2009 Members of the Year

Businesses of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association are honored annually for extraordinary association, industry and community service excellence with the presentation of the 2009 SUHBA "Members of the Year" awards. The selection criteria are derived from many factors including local association service (local, national or state), community service, and various other positive contributions the business makes to the community and the Association...more

Get a FREE Consultation with Advanced Physical Therapy!

Advanced Physical Therapy has been serving Southern Utah for over 25 years and wants you to know they treat all their patients like family. Do you have trouble sleeping at night, are your muscles sore and achy, do you have an old sports injury, nagging pain that you can't explain or make go away? Call now to schedule your FREE consultation with a Physical Therapist. At Advanced Physical Therapy, they want to offer their professional services to you in hopes that they can lead you in the right direction or help you help yourself get relief from your discomfort. Call 435-652-4455 now to schedule your free screening!

HintonBurdick employee Ryan Johnson becomes licensed CPA

Morris Peacock, managing partner at HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors, announced today that Ryan Johnson recently passed the Certified Public Accountant exam and is now a licensed CPA. He works in the firm?s St. George office. HintonBurdick was founded in 1975 in St. George and has grown to become one of the largest CPA firms in the state of Utah. With twelve partners embodying a wide range of accounting proficiencies and a knowledge of financial practices in many different industries, HintonBurdick brings a team perspective to the accounts it services, drawing on the individual expertise of partners and mangers as needed to meet the unique needs of each client...more

ERA Brokers Consolidated Welcomes New Teammate!

ERA Brokers Consolidated is excited to welcome Gary Moulton to their St. George Blvd. office. Gary choose to join the ERA Brokers team because he knows that they share his belief in having close relationships with clients and always puts their interests first. He looks forward to serving Real Estate clients in the St George area! ERA Brokers Consolidated is proud to have served the Real Estate needs of the residents of the area for the past 26 years. They are a top 25 Brokerage in the ERA Franchise System and the number 1 ERA Office in the State of Utah, in both size and production...more Click Here

On-site H1N1 Vaccinations Available to Businesses

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department (SWUPHD) is now offering on-site H1N1 vaccinations to businesses that can sign up at least 20 staff to be immunized. There is no charge for this service or the vaccine although participants should bring their insurance cards if they have one. Interested employers should contact their local SWUPHD office for details...more Click Here

Ring in the New Year with 'DogTown'

Many people don't know that Best Friends in Kanab is home to the National Geographic Channel's hit series 'DogTown.' Season four is in full swing and airs every Friday at 8pm MT on the National Geographic Channel. Watch one episode and you will understand why 'DogTown' was nominated for a People?s Choice Award. Click here to learn more about the 'DogTown' series.

ERA Brokers Recognizes Top Producers

Leading local Realtors from ERA Brokers Consolidated have been recognized for their outstanding sales performance during December 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

Access the SBA - Utah District Office January 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 Additional Funding for SBA Recovery Lending Programs will Support $4.5 Billion in Small Business Lending, the Recovery Act Loan Documentation Requirements and Restrictions, and Lender Totals for the month of December. To access SBA's e-newsletter for the month of January, Click Here

What is Rotary?

Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary?s main objective is service ? in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world! Join us Red Rock Rotary Club today! For more information call 435-674-6703.

Town & Country Bank's New Office Opens January 11th

Home sweet home! Town & Country Bank has moved into its new quarters at 405 East St. George Boulevard over the weekend of January 9-10, and is open for business as of Monday, January 11, 2010. Bank President and CEO, Bruce Jensen says, "We are very excited about the caliber of the building." Jensen says the new 7,800 square foot office will better accommodate the bank's "concierge banking" model.

Take On YOUR Health!

With every changing year, so many people create their New Year's Resolution to be better, be healthier, or to lose weight. Now there's the opportunity to not only get healthy now, but give yourself the knowledge and power to stay healthy FOREVER!!! Over the last 18 months, the Dixie Weight Loss Challenge has worked with over 500 people to lose over 6,000 lbs! The next Challenge starts TONIGHT Tuesday, January 12th, 6:00 pm at Plant World. The Dixie Weight Loss Challenge has a mission is to impact 1% of Dixie, and they are on their way! Join the hundreds of participants who have had LASTING RESULTS! Call 800-585-9412 or Click Here

It's the Holiday Weekend Sale at Boulevard Home Furnishings!

Join Boulevard Home Furnishings for Great Buys Storewide! There will be free hot dogs and drinks on Saturday from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm or while they last. Join Chef Imi Kun of Orchids Fine Dining for a very informative and entertaining cooking show from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 16th. And don't forget to enter to win a FREE Cricut Expression! Visit Boulevard's website --www.boulevardhome.com-- for all the details! Come celebrate the savings at Boulevard Home Furnishings--January 14th through the 18th. Buy Smart. Buy at the Boulevard. Click Here

Reserve Your Exhibition Booth for the 2010 Parade of Homes!

Don?t miss your chance to get that perfect spot to showcase your company during the Parade of Homes. Exhibiting in the Parade of Homes is an excellent way to promote and display your products and services to thousands of people in such a short time period. Set yourself apart from the competition, gain new customers, and let everybody know that you are ready for their business! Exhibitors continue to participate year after year because of the excellent exposure they receive and the quality contacts they make. Approximately 26,000 visitors attended the 2009 St. George Area Parade of Homes! How long would it take you to get that many visitors to come into your business doors? Exhibition spaces are reserved on a first come basis. Hurry now and reserve your spot by submitting an exhibitor application and your 50% deposit. For more information about exhibiting in the Parade of Homes, please call Shawna Applegate at 435-674-1400 or Click Here

United Way Dixie Funding Application Now Available

Applications for local non-profit agencies to request funding from United Way Dixie for the 2010-2012 funding cycle will be available on the United Way Dixie website beginning on January 1, 2010. Applications will be accepted from January 15 until February 16, 2010 at 3;00 p.m.. Please see the United Way Dixie website for eligibility requirements and other important information regarding their allocation process. Any questions may be directed to their office at 435-674-5939, by emailing info@dixieunitedway.org, or to visit their website, Click Here

SPECIAL EVENTS

Dino Days in Dixie, February 1-6, 2010

This is the tenth anniversary of the discovery of the tracks at Johnson Farm and it's going to be a celebration with a bang! Dino Days has a full program of free fun and events for both kids and adults and want to encourage the local community to come over and get involved. Events include the Grand Opening of the "Fossils in Our Backyard" exhibit with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting as well as an honorary plaque presentation for Darcy and Colleen Stewart for their ongoing support of the Discovery Site. There will be dinosaur book readings, crafts, a "Scout Night," displays, and lectures...more Click Here

The Sears Museum Gallery at DSC's Eccles Fine Arts Center's "Neon Odyssey"

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

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....more

SEMINARS, EDUCATION, & WORKSHOPS

First-Time Home-buyers Workshop Slated for January 21

For those considering entering the housing market for the first time, real estate experts are saying there has never been a better time. The combination of low interest rates, lower home prices and a tax credit extended until April 30, 2010 has created the "perfect storm" for first-time home-buyers. However, home ownership is not a decision to be entered into lightly. First-time home-buyers need the right information to proceed. For example, using a tool such as a rent versus buy analysis can take the guess work out of whether or not it is really in the best interest of a consumer to buy a home now or wait until later...more

Ask A Foster Parent!

Do you have questions about foster care? Do you ever wonder why people do it? Come get all your questions answered at "Ask a Foster Parent" Information Night. This informational event will be held Wednesday January 20th from 6:30 ? 7:30 pm at the Utah Foster Care Foundation office. They are located at 321 N Mall Dr. #B102. Call Debbie for more information at 435-656-8065.

Come To Your Senses!

Zion?s Way Home Health and Hospice is offering a 10 week workshop entitled, Come To Your Senses: Demystifying the Mind Body Connection. The workshop teaches proven techniques to overcome tension and mental distress, and alleviate the effects of negative thoughts. Facilitators Dirk Shumway, LCSW and Kathy McKean, RN are instructors certified by the creator/author Dr. Stanley Block, MD. The workshop begins on Wednesday, February 3rd, and runs from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. The cost is $15.00 to cover the cost of the workbook. For more information or to enroll, please call Zion?s Way at 435-688-0648.

What's on your Bucket List?

Join the Travel Connection and Collette Vacations for "The Bucket List" night on Tuesday, January 19th at 6:30 p.m. in the Belltower Courtyard Reception Center. Learn about exciting world-wide travel destinations to add to your bucket list. Discounts, drawings, and refreshments will be provided. Call 435-628-3636 to RSVP, as space is limited....more

The next session of the Vic Braden Tennis College Junior Academy begins January

Keep your children active in a sport for a lifetime in our award winning camp #1 IN THE WEST AND #5 IN THE WORLD. During the winter months it is held on our indoor courts and includes: one class each week (optional programs available), tournament and challenge matches for Super Stars and All Stars, target hitting contest for All Stars and Future Stars, Pee Wee program (4-6 yrs), use of ball machines lanes and indoor court, before and after Dartfish video analysis and end of quarter pizza party with tournament and target hitting, 20% off for additional children, Viewing section in balcony and on court, study area for students. Start anytime, the rate will be prorated from the time you start. To sign up contact Mark Jacques, 435-986-5092 or email vicbradentennis@aol.com....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, concrete work, and landscaping continue on the east roundabout. DDrivers 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. Traffic control is also in place on westbound Brigham Road as it approaches the east roundabout due to an adjacent road project and median construction. Evening work may also restrict traffic flow. 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 5500 West to 100 West shifts to the South side of the roadway. One lane of traffic in each direction. Be prepared for bumps over temporary steel plates and drops from pavement when accessing adjacent properties in the construction zone. For more information, call the Utah Department of Transportation at 435-893-4702 or Click Here

CALL TO ACTION

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