St. George Chamber Newsletter

CHAMBER LUNCHEON

This week's luncheon will be held on Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

The luncheon this week will be held at the Holiday Inn of St. George, located at 850 South Bluff Street. The luncheon will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. Lunch will be served promptly at 11:45. Check-in is at the registration table, near the front entrance of each luncheon. Please arrive early to be seated before 12:00. The luncheon cost is $13.00 per plate. This week's luncheon will feature Commissioner Eardley, addressing the "State of the County." For more information call the Chamber office at 435-628-1650.

This week's Luncheon Sponsor is Dixie Hearing & Balance Center

At Dixie Hearing & Balance Center, they specialize in the science of hearing. Dr. Richard Luekenga, Au.D. makes it a priority to understand the latest hearing technology allowing patients to enjoy the sounds of life again! Their balance center boasts the most advanced technology?Videonystagmography (VNG)?for diagnosing inner ear disorders. Together with the best balance specialists in Southern Utah, The Dixie Hearing & Balance Center is committed to getting their patients back on their feet! If the loss of Hearing or Balance is affecting your quality of life, call Dixie Hearing & Balance Center today! They have offices in St. George, Cedar City, Richfield and Mesquite. You can reach them at 435-688-8991 or toll free at 1-877-688-8991....more

CHAMBER BRIEFS

Thanks for "Bettin' on Dixie!"

Sponsored by State Bank of Southern Utah, the Annual Awards and Installation Banquet promises that "the odds are in our favor" as we "Bet on Dixie" and it's future! The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates each award recipient. We also give a big 'Thanks' to all of our sponsors. Without businesses that participate through sponsorships, none of our events would be possible...more Click Here

Milestone Member

The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce awards InfoWest with their 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 is the second year this award is being presented, and is a prestigious honor. The Chamber is proud to recognize InfoWest as a Milestone Member at this Wednesday's Chamber luncheon...more

Next Publishing Date for the St. George Chamber of Commerce eNewsletter: Tuesday, February 2nd, 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 29th, 2009 by 12:00 noon. Submissions will not be published in the February 2nd 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

Dixie State Receives State Approval for Three New Degrees at Friday Board of Regents Meeting

The Utah State Board of Regents this past Friday gave Dixie State College of Utah the nod to offer three new degree programs, including the institution?s 13th baccalaureate degree, at its meeting held at Salt Lake Community College. The degree approvals continue the College?s progression toward fulfilling its mission to offer core, foundational and high demand educational opportunities...more

Expanded education credit provides greater benefit for college students

Under new tax law, the prior "Hope" education credit has been modified and expanded and is now called the "American Opportunity Credit." According to Dean Burdick, partner with HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors, "This expanded credit allows taxpayers a dollar for dollar credit of up to $2,500 of the cost of qualified tuition and related expenses paid during 2009 and 2010 and is available for expenses related to the first four years of college"...more

Competitive Doubles Tennis for Men and Women

Come to Green Valley Resort indoor tennis courts every Thursday for competitive doubles for men and women! The women's play starts at 9:00 am and the men's games start at 6:00 pm. Games are round robin play; accumulate points for competing and games won for prizes at the end of February party! Sign up or contact Mark Jacques for more information at 435-986-5092.

Jones Waldo Adds Seven New Attorneys to Strengthen Statewide Presence

Jones Waldo, one of Utah?s most prestigious and pioneering law firms, has added two shareholders to the Park City office and one to the Salt Lake City office. One associate has been added to the St. George office and three associates join the Salt Lake City team. The law firm?s Salt Lake office adds attorneys John C. Rooker, Richard G. Sorenson, Jason M. Yancey and Tiffany Brown, to its roster. The Park City office adds attorneys Eric P. Lee and Robert C. Dillon, while the St. George office adds attorney Stephanie Charter...more

Southern Utah January Exchange Tour - January 28, 2010

Join the Utah Manufacturers Association on January 28, 2010 from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm to tour RAM Manufacturing Company Inc. RAM Manufacturing Company Inc. is located at 3172 East Desert Drive South in St. George. To reserve your spot, please RSVP to Teresa Thomas at 801-363-3885 or email teresa@umaweb.org. This year is RAM's 32nd Anniversary! Raymond J. Ganowsky and his wife Melzie founded RAM Company in 1975 and have subsequently built a World Class organization employing many highly skilled workers, including their son Kevin who is the General Manager...more Click Here

What is Rotary? Service above Self

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: FIRST--The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; SECOND--High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society; THIRD--The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life; FOURTH--The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. Learn more about how you can get involved. Visit www.redrockrotary.org or join them every Wednesday at 7:15 am at the Dixie State College Gardner Center. For more information, call 435-674-6703 or Click Here

Women's Council of Realtors® Congratulates Local Realtor® Awarded with ABR®, E-Pro®, and Green® Designations

Marlene Ritzman with Equity Real Estate St. George was recently presented with her certificates for successfully fulfilling the educational and experiential requirements to earn the ABR® (Buyer Accredited Representative), E-Pro®, and Green® Designations. A former native of Southern California, Marlene dedicated over thirty years of her life to the Food and Beverage industry before making the change to real estate while settling in Southern Utah. As a contractor's wife of 29 years, Marlene saw an opportunity to extend herself by helping others get through the short sale situations and to realize their dreams of home ownership...more

Career Advancement?Learn To Set Goals and Achieve Them!

One of the most valuable suggestions which can be implanted through hypnosis consists of only eight words: "What your mind can conceive, YOU can achieve!" There is no more important message, for the statement can be applied to any goal--physical, mental, or spiritual. The mind is a powerhouse, capable of accomplishments beyond the most vivid imagination. To achieve the potential implied by the above statement, four elements are necessary...more Click Here

St. George Marathon Touted as "Most Organized" Marathon in National Publication

In the January 2010 issue of Runner's World Magazine, a publication that appeals to runners throughout the United States and Canada, the St. George Marathon was recognized by readers as the most organized marathon race in the country. In July 2008, Runner's World launched an online survey asking its readers to evaluate marathons they'd just completed. Thousands responded answering questions about everything from the ease of the registration process to the amenities at the finish line...more Click Here

Shop 'til you drop!

The Best Friends online Store has trendy treats, toys, apparel, gifts, and more for cats and dogs and the humans in their lives. To receive 10% off of every order you place through 4/30/10, use code SG110 in the coupon code field at checkout. Net proceeds from the Best Friends Store help support the work of Best Friends Animal Society. To start shopping, Click Here

Is Your Child Being Left Behind in School?

Maybe your child needs to read more. Here's help for you. Get your children involved in the Dixie Escalante Kite Festival. Each child can earn a free kite, sharpen their reading skills, and join in the kite festival activities! Your children need to start reading this month to have time to earn a free kite by festival day in April. Talk to your child's teachers and get involved in enhancing your child's reading habits, help them to earn a new kite to fly at the Kite Festival and to take home and enjoy! Get involved! Don't let your child get left behind. The Dixie Escalante Kite Festival is April 17, 2010 at Sun River.

Advertise Your Company to the Students of Dixie State College!

Dixie State College has installed flat screen monitors in various prominent locations around campus. Programming will include campus updates and announcements, local community information and other video pertinent to the interest of students and faculty. CMI gives you the opportunity to gain exposure to the 7,000 students, faculty and staff at Dixie State College and to our local community. Become a partner with CMI and be a part of the innovation happening on the campus of Dixie State College. Call Lani Puriri for all the details at 435-879-4273.

Hunt-Leavitt Insurance Agency and Roberts-Leavitt Insurance Services Combine Operations

Hunt-Leavitt Insurance Agency and Roberts-Leavitt Insurance Services, both Leavitt Group affiliated insurance agencies, recently combined operations. The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate this announcement at a ribbon cutting at 3:00 on February 9, 2010. Jaron Hunt and Travis Roberts are the local managing co-owners of the agency. The phone numbers remain the same...more Click Here

Local CPA Firm HBEG Adds Partners Due to Increased Clientele

Washington County?s longest established accounting firm, Hafen Buckner Everett and Graff, PC, has added staff and partners due to increasing business volume. The firm has moved former manager Stephen Quinn into a position of partnership. With offices in St. George and Hurricane, Hafen Buckner Everett and Graff remains Southern Utah?s longest established full-service CPA firm. The 40 year-old company specializes in expert accounting and tax services, QuickBooks training and support, business valuation, litigation support, and auditing compliance...more

Coming Soon!

Adventure World Academy has been founded on the philosophy that children thrive in a positive and stimulating environment where they are free to explore, discover and grow individually. Adventure World?s mission is to provide a safe environment in which children can experience the world. By rotating into themed classrooms, children can have new learning adventures everyday! That's why at Adventure World, their goal is to create a unique environment for children to discover, explore, and embark on new learning adventures as they enter a variety of themed classrooms throughout the day...more

St. George Area Parade of Homes--Celebrating 20 Years of Building a Community

With just a few weeks until the opening day of the 20th Annual St. George Area Parade of Homes, excitement is building for the celebration of 20 years of making a positive impact in Southern Utah. Hundreds of home building professionals are working feverishly to complete 25 beautiful new homes by opening day, February 12, 2010...more Click Here

Five County Association of Governments Needs Your HELP!

Southwestern Utah Citizens, The Five County Association of Governments (FCAOG needs your help! The FCAOG is embarking on an update to the regional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) and your participation in this process is vitally important. They are now providing citizens and organizations with an opportunity to prepare for and minimize the impact of natural hazards...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!

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

Princess Party

Hear ye! Hear ye! By royal decree from the King of Wassum (at The Washington City Community Center) a royal ball is to be held, and all princesses from near and far, ages 3-10 are invited to attend. Princesses will receive lunch, learn how to waltz, play games, ride in a horse drawn carriage, play games, meet the newly crowned Washington City Royalty, and have their picture taken with the King of Wassum himself! A grand time is to be had by all. This event will be held February 27, 2010. The first session will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and the second session will be from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. It will be held at the Wassum Royal Ballroom (Washington City Community Center Reception Hall). The RSVP deadline is Monday February 22nd. Cost is $15/Princess & $3/Parent. Children ages 3-10 must be accompanied by adult at all times in the community center. Space is limited so please respond soon.

Dixie State College Career Center's Annual Employment Fair

The Dixie State College Career Center will host the annual Employment Fair on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Gardner Center. Businesses and employers are encouraged to attend even if they do not have positions available. An Employment Fair is a good place to introduce students to your business and educate them about the products/services you provide. Students can learn how to prepare themselves for positions at your company or similar companies when openings are available. The cost is $25.00 for a skirted table and two chairs and lunch at the Red Rock Café. To register, call the Career Center at 435-652-7737 or you can fill out the form on-line. Just ...more Click Here

See The World's Largest Grapefruit Display!

Come by Lin's Market today and see the world's largest grapefruit display! Lin's Market is located at 1930 West Sunset Blvd. When you come by, get eight grapefruit for only $1.00 or a case for just $5.60! The display will be there for your viewing pleasure January 27th through January 30th. Come and check them out!

Dixie College Foundation to Host Sixth-Annual Fire & Ice Gala February 26

Every year for the last five years, the hottest ticket in town has been the Fire & Ice Gala ? a night of glamor, good food, and fun ? with proceeds going to needs-based scholarships for students attending Dixie State College of Utah. The Sixth-Annual Fire & Ice Gala is sponsored by the Dixie College Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 entity and by generous local individuals and businesses...more

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

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.

Washington City's "Lights Out, Lock In"

On February 5th at 8:00 pm thru Feb 6th 8:00 am get locked in! Each participant will be checked in at 8:00 pm and won't be released until 8:00 am. This is a fun event that includes activities for everyone all night long. There will be indoor hockey, rock climbing, basketball, dodge ball, guitar hero competitions, tug-o-war, relays, dancing, games, movies, prizes and a HYPNOTIST! This event is for those ages 12?15 yrs old. The fee for members is $18 and $20 for non-members. Call 435-656-6353 for more information.

SEMINARS, EDUCATION, & WORKSHOPS

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.

SBA?s Export Experts Offer Help on Going International

The SBA?s January Web Chat will highlight exporting basics and general SBA capital and credit programs for small business owners. Entering foreign markets can be a great way to boost sales and SBA offers loan programs to help small businesses expand or develop an export market. Business owners can find out if they are ready for exporting and learn more about how to get started...more Click Here

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

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.

RIBBON CUTTINGS AND OPEN HOUSES

Servpro of St. George Open House

Servpro of St. George will be having an open house for their recently expanded warehouse facility. The open house will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at 893 Factory Dr in Ft. Pierce Industrial Park. Light refreshments will be served. Servpro of St. George is a locally owned and operated franchise one of over 1,400 nationwide. Servpro of St. George is your complete service professionals for both residential and commercial jobs...more Click Here

"Death By Chocolate" is back!

Keller Williams would like to cordially invite you to our Annual Death by Chocolate event on February 4th, 2010! If you would like to attend this event please RSVP by February 1st to 435-674-1442 or email vduvall@kw.com. The Keller Williams team looks forward to seeing you there! You won't want to miss this delicious annual event! For more information, Click Here

Dabney & Dabney has MOVED!

Join them for a celebratory ribbon cutting at 11:30 on January 28, 2010. They are now located at 1079 E. Riverside Dr., Ste. #203. For more information, call 435-652-8500.

CALL TO ACTION

Support Cotton Days!

Vendor Booth Applications for Cotton Days will be available at the Washington City Community Center starting Jan. 1st 2010. These vendor booths are on a first come first serve basis so get registered early. With a couple thousand people coming to the parade these booths will go fast, so don't delay. For more info call Donn at 435-656-6322.

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

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. 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. 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 State Route 9, between 300 West To 800 North Hurricane, workers continue excavation and water line replacement the entire length of the project. Utility workers are also installing new gas lines. The city is relocating power poles. Local residences and businesses should be prepared for potential utitlity disruptions, dust and other construction related issues. Roadway widening excavation is expected to begin February 1. Traffic on State Street from 300 West eastward and then around the corner and northward to 300 North is shifted to one side of the roadway. There is 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