CHAMBER LUNCHEON

THERE WILL BE NO LUNCHEON THIS WEEK Due to the holiday and Economic Summit, there will be no Wednesday luncheons on January 6th, or January 13th. Our next Chamber luncheon will be held on January 20th, 2009.

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

Next Publishing Date for the St. George Chamber of Commerce eNewsletter: Tuesday, January 12th, 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 8th, 2009 by 12:00 noon. Submissions will not be published in the January 12th eNewsletter if received late.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

Jumbo Home Loans are back at SouthWest Federal Get ready for recovery with a Jumbo Home Loan! While these loans have been absent from the market for most of the recession, they are now back at SouthWest Federal Credit Union. A jumbo mortgage is a loan for more than $417,000. Jumbos require a minimum of 10% down and a credit score of 700 for loans up to $650,000. For those who need to borrow more, the down payment and credit score requirements may also increase...more

Terminal building emerges as construction continues After 20 years in the making, the dream of an airport that will meet the needs of the future is becoming a reality. The existing airport atop the Black Hill Mesa cannot be expanded and therefore has looming safety problems. It will never be able to accommodate passenger jets and has limited services or potential for expanded economic activity. Moving to a new site solves all of those problems. It places the city in the position to receive jets and the improved service of serving more destinations at greater distances, as well as the comfort and convenience they bring. The city is currently working to attract more air carriers as well...more

The St. George Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors Installs 2010 Officers At a recent Holiday gala held at the Bloomington Country, Beth Tolbert, past National Women's Council of Realtors Club President, installed the local Chapter's 2010 Officers. While enjoying the beautiful music of Heidi Skinner, a holiday silent auction raised funds for the future education of the Chapter's leadership...more

St. George Realtor Named Utah Association of Realtors Vice President The Utah Association of Realtors (UAR) has installed its 2010 officers. Lori Chapman, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Premier in St. George has been elected as vice president for the association. Lori Chapman, who will serve as vice president, has been a Realtor for more than 28 years. She specializes in second homes, resort real estate and new construction. She served as 2009 treasurer for the Utah Association of Realtors and as 2008 president of the Washington County Board of Realtors...more

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

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.

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

RE/MAX First Realty is "Rockin' and Rollin" with the Announcement of a New Principal Broker RE/MAX First Realty held its first annual "Retreat", themed "Rock and Role 2010." Kicking off their plans for 2010 included the introduction of the new Principal Broker, Becky Jones. Becky brings with her over 20 years of real estate and management experience. RE/MAX First Realty anticipates another great year in 2010 as the housing market shows promising improvement. Still leading the market for 2009, RE/MAX agents have kept pace with previous years statistics...more Click Here

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

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

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

Call for Entries - The 31st Annual St. George Art Festival Applications Available Applications are now available online at www.sgcity.org/artfestival or by calling the Festival office at 435-627-4500. Applications must be delivered to the St. George Arts Center by 5:00 p.m. on January 15, 2010 (approximately 110 artists will be selected). Send applications to: St. George Art Festival, 86 South Main St., St. George, UT 84770. Booth fees will be required after acceptance - please do not send booth fees with application...more Click Here

SPECIAL EVENTS

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.

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

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

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.

SEMINARS, EDUCATION, & WORKSHOPS

Register for the 2010 Spring Semester at Dixie State College! Give yourself the gift of education this holiday season by registering for classes at Dixie State College of Utah. Class registration for the 2010 spring semester at DSC is currently underway, with the semester slated to being January 11, 2010. Registration for classes without instructor permit will continue through Jan. 13, 2010, while last day to add a class for spring semester is Jan. 29, 2010. Registration can be done on the Internet at www.dixie.edu/reg, and in person at the registrar?s office in the Student Services Center. For questions about registration, call 435-652-7701. For help selecting courses, call the DSC Advisement Office at 435-652-7690. Click Here

WHATS HAPPENING

UDOT Region 4 Weekly Construction Report The Utah Department of Transportation has selected to reconstruct parts of I-15 and various roadways in the Washington County Area. At the Bloomington Interchange at Exit 4, ramp work will continue on the east side of the interchange with paving dependent on weather conditions. Excavation and concrete work continue on the east roundabout. Landscaping is ongoing. Drivers exiting I-15 from the northbound lanes are temporarily diverted onto an unpaved area. Caution should be used while exiting I-15 due to potential ramp congestion adjacent to the roundabout construction. During peak traffic times, drivers are advised to use alternate routes if possible. On I-15; Washington To Cottonwood Creek, Milepost 10 to 19, Miscellaneous shoulder work is underway, as well as seeding and landscaping. Traffic Impact will be minimal. On State Route 9, between 300 West To 800 North Hurricane, workers continue excavation and water line replacement on the north side of the road with evening work in the intersections. Local residences and businesses should be prepared for potential water disruptions, dust and other construction related issues. Traffic on State Street from 5500 West to 100 West shifts to the South side of the roadway. One lane of traffic in each direction. For more information, call the Utah Department of Transportation at 435-893-4702 or Click Here

CALL TO ACTION

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

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