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Volume 6, Issue 18, 2003-10-13
A Business Case for HDTV
Technically Twisted Commentaries
By Jason Eyre
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High Definition Television offers a clear high-resolution picture compared to normal television. But what happens when you try to implement a higher quality/higher cost technology in an industry that is not completely fueled by competition? Looking at the state of HDTV services in St. George will help illustrate some of the business problems facing the broadcast industry as they move to implement HDTV.
Currently two broadcasting companies have digital broadcasting equipment running in St. George and one local company broadcasts digitally in Cedar City. Their signals are running a digital broadcast but they are not running the full feature set of HDTV.
When I contacted ea...
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Volume 8, Issue 16, 2005-09-19
A Call for the Flat Tax
By Representative Greg Hughes
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We have all heard the talk of simplifying tax returns down to the size of a postcard - a simple and fair approach that does not require long forms, accountants, new software, and creative maneuvers designed to take advantage of endless deductions and exemptions. This summer the Tax Commission has testified to the Tax Reform task force that if a 4% flat tax was implemented, they could print this tax return form on a post card! A simple return which would be the lowest rate in any western state that has an income tax is within our reach.
When reforming its government, the country of Estonia implemented a flat low tax rate and found that compliance rates increased by double digits. A less onerous and simple tax will not only bring relief from a continually growing tax burden but will provide another tool to attract more business into our state.
The economy in Utah would inevitably benefit from a simple and low rate as businesses consider the tax burden they and their employees would be expected to pay. Simply put, if you are looking to locate in Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, or Utah, you would pay less income tax in the Beehive State!
This increased economic activity can only mean more jobs and higher pay. Colorado, with a generally low tax burden has enjoyed a greater per-capita income than Utah. Job migration has not come to Utah as usually happens when labor costs are less. Why? Because, while it would cost a business less in compensation if they relocated to Utah, the tax burden still makes it a losing proposition.
The Flat Tax would make monumental strides in changing the tax climate and finally bring greater economic opportunities to Utah taxpayers and their families.
Why will this reform be so difficult? Remember that we taxpayers love our deductions. We feel that given the cost of raising children, the interest we pay on our homes, and the charitable contributions we donate, we have more than earned a tax break. A Flat Tax would take away our well de-served deductions.
This attitude we feel toward our tax deductions is the direct result of social engineering through the tax code. Government attempts to incent particular behavior it deems important. Raising families, home ownership, and charitable giving are all worthy endeavors and serve to strengthen our community. The trap we fall into is we take our eye off the ball, which is tax burden, and focus solely on the relief or deduction. Those who want to promote specific behaviors, that are rewarded through the tax code, would be better served by increasingly onerous taxes because the deductions would carry more weight.
If state government decided to raise income taxes from 7% to 15% imagine how taxpayers would embrace their deductions! This is a shell game. When Great Britain removed their tax incentive for home ownership, the real estate market was not affected. Studies have also shown quite conclusively that charitable giving is driven by available resources and not available tax incentives. If we lower the tax burden, make it simple and fair, people will have more resources to raise children, buy homes and give to charities.
True reform will not be easy, but those who would seek to protect the status quo must realize that it is not a long term solution to the challenges we face. The time to grow our economy and bring simplicity and fairness to our tax code has arrived.
Source: The Utah Taxpayer - September 2005
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Volume 8, Issue 12, 2005-06-20
A Coach for my Small Business?
The “What's an Entrepreneur” Series
By Marvin R. Ray
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Every world champion has had a coach. Here's why the coaching industry is growing so fast and how it can make you a champion, too.
I do business seminars and watch my students take careful notes, they nod in agreement with what I say, but deep in my heart, I know that less than 5 percent of the people in the audience will actually take action based upon what they have learned.
These are bright-motivated people, but the vast majority of them are just too busy or too overwhelmed by day-to-day business matters to implement the changes they know they must make. They have everything it takes to succeed except for one thing - follow-up.
It's that lack of follow-up that has led to the explosive growth of using a business coach. Fortune magazine agrees: "The hottest thing in management today is the executive coach." Newsweek magazine chimes in with their take on coaching: ""They're part therapist, part consultant--and they sure know how to succeed in business.
“The Harvard Business Review tells us, "The goal of coaching is the goal of good management: to make the most of an organization's valuable resources." And The New York Times expands on this by saying, "...other companies offer coaching as a prerequisite...in the understanding that everyone has blind spots and can benefit from a detached observer." Industry Week obviously goes along: "The benefits of coaching appear to win over even the most cynical clients within just a few weeks." Executive Female is even more specific: "Coaching is having a dedicated mentor; it's getting knowledgeable support and encouragement and a new way of looking at things when you need it."
Imagine closing the door to your office for 30 minutes every week and having your own private success coach right there. Or perhaps the perfect time is on your cellular phone during your commute to and from work.
It is clear that these days business coaching has been booming. It succeeds because it works. Consider this quote from D.A. Benton in "Secrets of a CEO Coach":
“If high achievers like Tiger Woods and Donald Trump have one (or more) for their jobs, why shouldn't you have one for yours? ...In today's competitive business market, having a personal coach is not a luxury, but a necessity."
A business coach will help you create better, more effective goals and then support you to reach those goals in a timely manner. He will encourage and help you to stay on track by helping you understand roadblocks to change and creating a solid support structure for you to stay motivated and proactive.
He will help you maintain a sharp focus, by focusing upon your goals and helping you overcome your problems. He will provide you with research-based tools including strategic exercises based on years of work with thousands of clients. His goals are the results you want. And he'll help you achieve them with one-on-one coaching.
Success at marketing means you're part of a process and not merely engaging in an event. Have you ever attended an excellent training program, perhaps a full day or weekend seminar? The speaker is great, the information is valuable and you take eight pads full of notes? You come back to your business and you're lucky if you implement even one idea. Why?
Consider this analogy from the world of sports. Let's say you decide you want to become a good golfer. You take golf lessons. No matter how great that golf lesson is, you do not become an overnight golf champion. It takes a process to create a golf champion, and it takes a process to create a profitable company. Coaching is a process training experience designed to have a dramatic impact on your business.
The entire design of a coaching program is to get you to take action and then to stay with you to assure the proper follow-up. If a coach is nothing else, he's a master of implementation, and if he's a winning coach, he'll impart that mastery to you. If you need advise how to find a business coach e-mail me.
Editor's note: Marvin works with businesses throughout Utah to help them improve owner personal self-esteem and the bottom line of their business. Comments about Marvin's writings may be directed to Marvin at yorktown@infowest.com
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Volume 13, Issue 27, 2010-09-01
A Commitment to Focus!
Better Attitudes in the Workplace - The Multi-Tasking Myth
By Matt Eschler, Ph.D., LMFT
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Years ago at the beginning of my marriage my wife and I left home for our weekly date night. It was back in the day of the large grey “brick phone”. My employer issued me one of these monsters so that I could do crisis intervention with clients he saw in a therapy setting. My wife and I had just decided that we would go to dinner and then...
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Volume 10, Issue 2, 2007-02-19
A Crucial Confrontation
Better Attitudes in the Workplace
By Matt Eschler, LMFT
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Live your life on purpose!
- Matt Eschler
Each day we experience problems that regularly plague families, teams and organizations. Each problem we experience requires us to choose either a response or a reaction.
I have noticed that people address problems in one of three ways. Some individuals either can't or won't deal with problems, so they react by passively ignoring it. Others immediately turn on the anger switch and go to war. I also see few that respond peacefully but effectively toward a truthful solution to the problem.
One reason many people react in a passive or war like way in the face of problems is that they're af...
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Volume 9, Issue 4, 2006-03-06
A Father's Story
Would you have made the same choice?
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Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked,” Do you think they'll let me play?"
Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
Shay struggled over to the team's bench put on a team shirt with a broad smile and his Father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart.
The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing the other team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the first baseman, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever ran that far but made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to second base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first time.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and he too intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay" Shay reached third base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!
Shay, run to third" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and those watching were on their feet were screaming, "Shay, run home! Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.
That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world.
Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his Father so happy and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
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Volume 11, Issue 19, 2008-05-28
A Few Final Thoughts on PR
Public Relations for Small Business
By Ken Perkins
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Just some final thoughts here as we wrap up this column – Public Relations for Small Business. I’ve already covered most, or maybe all, these things as we’ve progressed through the past weeks, but they all bear repeating.
If there are editors and news directors you will be working with on an ongoing basis - like those at local newspapers, local TV/radio stations, or industry publications – then get to know these people and their news media outlets....
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Volume 11, Issue 16, 2008-05-06
A Final Move?
Thredgold Economic Assoc.
By Jeff Thredgold, Pres.,
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As expected, the Federal Reserve last week trimmed its key interest rate, the federal funds rate, by 0.25 percent from 2.25 percent to 2.00 percent. The Fed has cut the rate by 3.25 percent in seven moves since September 18, 2007.
The following are three key paragraphs from the Fed’s accompanying statement.
"Recent information indicates that economic activity remains weak. Household and business spending has been subdued and labor markets have softened further. Financial markets remain under considerable stress, and tight credit conditions and the deepening housing contraction are likely to weigh on economic growth over the next few qua...
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Volume 8, Issue 13, 2005-07-18
A Flat Individual Income Tax for Utah?
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The Tax Reform Task Force is considering a flat state income tax with one rate and no itemized deductions. Your Taxpayers Association supports a well-designed flat tax and addresses some of the questions and concerns that have been raised during the recent public debate. What are the benefits of a flat tax?
Economists agree that tax systems should be broad-based with low rates. Low rates reduce the distortion that tax systems have on business and household economic decision making. By eliminating deductions and exemptions, Utah could reduce its top marginal tax rate from 7% to a flat rate of around 5%.
Will the flat tax shift the tax burden from lower income households to higher income households? Not necessarily. A flat tax consists of four variables: tax rate, amount of AGI-based standard exemption, rate at which exemption is phased out as AGI increases, and amount of revenue to be generated. These variables can be adjusted to achieve an income tax that is completely flat, moderately progressive, or steeply progressive.
The Utah Taxpayer's Association supports a flat tax that does not shift the current tax burden from one income group to another, although individual households would experience tax cuts and tax increases under any meaningful reform.
Will elimination of deductions for charitable contributions reduce donations to charities? No. Evidence is very clear that changes in the tax code do not impact charitable giving. During the 1980s, top federal rates were dramatically decreased from 70% to 28%. Critics of the Reagan Tax Reform Act (TRA) of 1986, which reduced the top rate from 50% to 28%, predicted that charitable giving would decrease because reducing marginal tax rates would decrease the value of charitable contributions for tax purposes. Instead, charitable giving increased after TRA was enacted. As a percent of personal income, charitable giving has been fairly constant, despite significant changes in the tax code.
In a static sense, the TRA was revenue neutral, which means that taxpayers as a whole did not increase charitable giving because they had more after-tax income. The largest determinant on charitable giving is the state of the economy, not the tax code.
Will elimination of deductions for mortgage interest make home ownership less achievable? No. During the past forty years, the percent of federal taxpayers that itemize deductions - and consequently the percent of those who deduct mortgage interest -- has fluctuated wildly as has the tax value of these deductions since federal tax rates have fluctuated wildly also.
However, home ownership rates have been very stable over this time, with a slight increase. Broad-based mortgage interest deductions lower the effective interest rate for buying a house, and this is usually reflected in higher home prices, not necessarily increased home ownership. In recent years, the biggest impact of low interest rates has been increased home prices, not increased home ownership. Moreover, should Utah's tax system incentivize borrowing in a state whose bankruptcy rate is the highest in the nation?
Finally, supporters of deductions for charitable contributions and mortgage interest would have to oppose any reduction in federal and state income tax rates since these reductions would reduce the tax value of these deductions
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Volume 7, Issue 18, 2004-10-11
A Glossary of Terms for Commercial Real Estate
By Mark Walter, CCIM
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Commercial real estate can be confusing if you are not familiar with the terms used in this industry. For example: What is a cap rate and how do you determine the cap rate? What does NNN mean when it follows the lease price? What is TI allowance? What are CAM and CPI? In the coming issues of the Journal, I'll be providing answers to commercial real estate questions like those above. In fact, lets' preview some of them.
Base Rent: The minimum monthly rent, usually computed on a per-square-foot-per-year basis, due under the lease.
Build-to-suit: Refers to the interior construction of a tenant's space usually resulting in a single occupant building which is then le...
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Volume 12, Issue 3, 2009-01-26
A Governing Purpose ...
Better Attitudes in the Workplace
By Matt Eschler, LMFT
They can have any color of car they want so long as it’s black - Henry Ford
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When we begin a business we most often sit down with those involved and create a mission statement. Some businesses that began before the mission statement craze hurried to catch up, others wisely already had some form of mission statement in place to guide the day to day strategies. Like businesses people also would best serve their needs as well as be better at being genuine if they had a personal credo or as I like to call it a personal "Governing Purpose".
This purpose statement is what guides business. It can do just as well guiding our own personal decisions. Many get caught up in worrying about...
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Volume 7, Issue 12, 2004-06-28
A Leader Needs an EGO
By Stephen Chandler
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The higher the self-esteem of the leader, the more likely it is that he or she can perform this function successfully. A mind that distrusts itself cannot inspire the best in the minds of others. A person who feels undeserving of achievement and success is unlikely to ignite high aspirations in others. Nor can leaders draw forth the best in others if their primary need, arising from their insecurities, is to prove themselves right and others wrong, in which case their relationship to others is not inspirational but adversarial.
It is a fallacy to say that a great leader should be egoless. A leader needs an ego sufficiently healthy that it does not perceive itself as on trial in every encounter ---- is not operating out of anxiety and defensiveness ---- so that the leader is free to be task and results-oriented, not oriented toward self-aggrandizement or self-protection.
A healthy ego asks: What needs to be done? An insecure ego asks: How do I avoid looking bad?
Editor's note: Steve Chandler is a corporate leadership trainer whose clients include Honeywell, Motorola, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Bank, Texas Instruments, Bristol Myers Squibb, and over 25 Fortune 500 companies world-wide. King Features Syndicate named his “35 Ways to Create Great Relationships” the 1999 Audio book of the Year. Chandler is the author of six books and numerous audio book programs. Chandler's books have also become bestsellers in China and Japan. His newest book is titled “The Joy of Selling”.
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Volume 12, Issue 2, 2009-01-19
A Lean Mean Profit Making Machine
Take Action Now!
By Troy Braithwaite
Profit & Growth Expert
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Drastic times call for drastic measures. With so much uncertainty surrounding our economy, it is time for all small business owners to take a deep look at their business and figure out where they can "trim the fat".
In most cases, if you REALLY look closely at what you are paying for and the benefit you are receiving, you will be suprised at how much you can cut back. Most of us get lazy and start paying for luxuries through our business because we "think we need them" or just because we can.
Well, times have changed. If your bottom line is shrinking, it is time to take action NOW! Don't wait for the economy to turn around. Take this opportunity to really trim the excess fat and create a...
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Volume 12, Issue 32, 2009-10-19
A Legislative Update
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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Congress continues to consider new employment law initiatives. First, the Senate has approved (and the House is now considering) a provision (S.A. 2588) that would prohibit federal contractors who receive defense funds from requiring employees and independent contractors to sign arbitration agreements. Specifically, such contractors cannot require pre-dispute agreements requiring arbitration for discrimination and tort claims.
Second, the Mental Health Parity Act of 2009 was passed by both houses of Congress and is effective on January 1, 2010. This law requires private group health benefit plans that provide mental health and/or substance use disorder benefits to offer them on a basis equivalent to the medical and surgical benefits provided.
Another new law, effective on the same date, called Michelle's Law, similarly imposes certain coverage requirements on...
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Volume 7, Issue 8, 2004-04-26
A Letter to Local Retailers
West Nile Prevention Effort - Summer 2004
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Utah Department of Health, and Utah's local health departments are preparing for a substantial West Nile virus infection surge in Utah this summer. To prevent widespread infection throughout Utah, many resources must be utilized to combat the spread of this disease.
As you may know, mosquitoes are the primary source of West Nile virus infection in humans. Insect repellents containing DEET have been proven most effective in preventing mosquito bites. The Utah Department of Health will be promoting a comprehensive West Nile virus advertising/prevention campaign this summer. One major component of this campaign will recommend using DEET-based products. Your assistance is greatly needed.
How can your business help:
Display DEET-based repellent products prominently in high customer traffic areas.
Display DEET-based repellent products near sunscreens rather than with insecticides and mouse/rodent killers.
Order larger than normal inventory of DEET-based insect repellents, demand will be high this season due to advertising.
Order DEET-based products in more convenient sizes such as purse-sized and individual towelettes. Display any West Nile virus prevention posters, handouts, and informational material that local health agencies may provide.
With your help, we can reduce the amount of WNV transmission this summer.
RuthAnn Adams, Southwest Utah Public Health Department
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
A Look Back at Valentine's Day
Funny Business???
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Little Melissa came home from 1st grade told her father that they learned about the history of Valentine's Day. “Since Valentine's Day is for a Christian saint, and we're Jewish,” she asks, “Will God get mad at me for giving someone a valentine?”
Melissa's father thinks a bit, then said: “No, I don't think God would get mad. To whom do you wish to give a Valentine?”
“Osama Bin Laden,” she says.
“Why Osama Bin Laden?” her father asked in shock.
“Well,” she says, “I thought that if a little American Jewish girl could have enough love to give Bin Laden a Valentine, he might star...
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Volume 12, Issue 30, 2009-10-05
A Medical Degree, Too?
What Really Stinks About HR Law
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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It was bad enough when you needed a law degree to do HR, but now it seems like you need a medical degree too. Remember the "Bermuda Triangle" of employment law...ADA, FMLA,Worker's Comp laws may apply all at the same time. Sometimes they impose inconsistent obligations. Sometimes you feel like you are making medical decisions...hello "Dr. HR".
Sometimes it seems you're used/abused in the process. That stinks! What can you do about it? Make sure you have a "leave czar," someone who knows the laws and coordinates your compliance with them. When in the "Triangle," take each law on one at a time to ensure compliance with each, then move on to...
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Volume 12, Issue 36, 2009-11-16
A New Look at St. George Deseret Book
Store celebrates its massive remodel with a several author signings
By Leigh Dethman
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - The St. George Deseret Book re-opened last Thursday after a major renovation. The newly remodeled store includes several new features: a Lion House Pantry Express, which sells cookies, pastries, sandwiches, drinks, and the world-famous Lion House Rolls; an expanded art gallery; an upgraded media experience; and a new area where LDS Church Distribution items are sold.
"This is an exciting opportunity for us," said Mark Clegg, vice president and general manager of Deseret Book Retail. "This allows us to remodel to our signature new look and feel, while adding new extras to make our customers' experience rich and enjoyable."
Church curriculum and...
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Volume 8, Issue 9, 2005-05-09
A New Player on the Block
ANB Financial opens “Big” with Winding Rivers Purchase
By Robert Merrick
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As many of you already know, McNeil Development of Idaho Falls, Idaho recently announced the purchase of portions of the "Winding River" property in Hurricane, Utah. The property is located on the south side of SR-9 and north of the new Sand Hollow Reservoir and has over two miles of highway frontage. The purchase includes approximately 2300 acres of commercial and residential property with views including Pine Valley Mountain.
Roland N. Walker, CEO & his brother Lorin V. Walker, President of McNeil Development were appreciative of those who helped facilitate this transaction. All of the players were familiar faces to the local business landscape except one.
Jeff & Lori Chapman were elemental in their real estate roles. Gene Sturzenegger has held “keeper of the gate” at Winding River for over 10 years. Southern Utah Title Company provided closing services. Rosenberg Associates conducted the Environmental & Geological studies required as well as reviewing the survey and legal description for the property. Morley & McConkie did the necessary appraisal work. ANB Bank provided funding for the purchase.
Let me introduce you to the relative newcomer in the group: ANB Financial. ANB Financial opened their local branch doors in January of 2005 with temporary offices located on Sunset Boulevard.
ANB the parent company (previously Arkansas National Bank) first opened its first bank June 1, 1994 in Bentonville, Arkansas. (No, they are not part of WalMart). “The bank was started by a small group that has kept the organization private--the assets having now grown to over $700 Million,” says local ANB branch manager, Tom Cover. “This is (St. George ) the first location outside of Arkansas,” he added.
Why St. George? Cover replied “The strong Real Estate activity, Commercial potential, and the over-all charm seemed to parallel NW Arkansas. As a matter of fact, when I was first approached last Sept 2004 about joining ANB---I flew to Bentonville and found myself looking at a sign that said ‘Washington County'. A nearby town was named Springdale!”
ANB has a small staff of 10 (five added since the doors opened in January). “In the 3 1/2 months that we have been opened,” Cover added, “we have exceeded $ 150 Million in Loan commitments. Our ability to meet these growth numbers in this short a period of time I believe can be attributed principally to one thing: Our firm has one layer of management”
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Volume 8, Issue 20, 2005-11-14
A New Way to Pay Medical Bills
New IHC debit card allows employee access to Flexible Spending accounts
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IHC will offer a debit card in 2006 allowing its employees to pay many of the medical expenses that are covered by their health care Flexible Spending Account. The new “Flex Convenience” debit card will work a lot like a regular debit card except a PIN number won't be required.
Employees can use it to pay for eligible services and expenses when they go to a pharmacy, IHC hospital, clinic, InstaCare, KidsCare, and many vision centers and dental offices in the area.
The card will minimize, but not totally eliminate, the need to complete the usual claim form for Flexible Spending Account reimbursement. Employees will still need to file a claim for reimbursement for over-the-counter purchases, places that don't accept the card, or for any dependent care claims.
The card only works with health care Flexible Spending Accounts; it doesn't work with dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts. The card can be used at eligible service providers that accept MasterCard, and employees can “spend” up to the total amount they have saved in their health care Flexible Spending Account for the year. Nifty.
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Volume 12, Issue 28, 2009-09-14
A One Stop Shop for More Income
A Community Income and Career Building Event at the Dixie Center
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With a theme intended to enhance the income of all those who participate, the 'Opportunity Knocks Expo' was created to accommodate nearly any kind of business, institution and organization. The exhibiting booths all present an "Opportunity" and ways to make money, save money, plan ahead financially and/or learn of income enhancing options.
People in the community will find something intriguing and even pull from different sources to customize their financial future, whether they are younger individuals, middle aged couples with family, retired folks or even business owners. Intended to create "a one stop shop for more income, the developers have been extremely pleased with the variety exhibitors participating and anticipate a huge attendance, for this first...
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Volume 12, Issue 27, 2009-09-07
A Parent's Letter
... to My Children in School
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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To be effective in quickly identifying specific activity, costs, and indicated management action, you need a costing model that is responsive to basic unit of cost and projected profit, and is responsibility centered.
Because your Profit and Loss statement is so readily available, you may have attempted to use it as a cost ma...
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Volume 10, Issue 6, 2007-04-02
A Short Story About the World of Employment Law
Michael Patrick Obrien
By Utah & Salt Lake SHRM legal director
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It's Springtime, so let's do something different. Instead of the usual drab and dreary employment law update, let's share a short story about the strange, mythical, scary and fascinating world of employment law.
And of course, we know that all the best stories start in the same exact way. Once upon a time there was a bright and capable person named H.R. Professional
Chapter One - National Legislative Update
One morning, H.R. Professional woke up and decided to read the morning paper. H.R. Professional became very concerned that the nice people in Congress are about to make H.R.'s world a lot more complex.
What else to think from the...
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
A Shot Across the Bow
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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Financial developments within Greece of recent weeks should be considered “a shot across the bow” for similar smaller nations such as Portugal, Spain, and Ireland. Such a warning shot regarding high debt levels should also be taken seriously by larger nations, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
The nation of Greece is facing a financial crisis, tied in part to the short-term impact of the deep European and global recession just ended. Unemployment is flirting with 10.0%. At the same time, the implication of living too long above its financial means is now...
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Volume 11, Issue 5, 2008-02-05
A Small Biz Day at Legislature Scheduled - Feb. 11
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SALT LAKE CITY - The National Federation of Independent Business will hold the third annual Utah Small-Business Day at the Capitol from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the state Capitol complex in Salt Lake City.
The agenda includes:
- Small-business issues presentation and discussion led by NFIB/Utah State Director Candace Daly.
- Observation of the session in progress.
- Member and legislator recognition.
- Lunch with legislators.
- All legislators have been invited to the lunch program.
- Network with legislators about issues that matter to you!
Cost to attend ...
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Volume 12, Issue 21, 2009-06-15
A Stimulus Story
Author Unknown
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This story is set in the month of August, on the shores of the Black Sea . It is raining, and the little town looks totally deserted. It is tough times, everybody is in debt, and everybody lives on credit. Suddenly, a rich tourist comes to town. He enters the only hotel, lays a 100 Euro note on the reception counter, and goes to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to pick one.
The hotel proprietor takes the 100 Euro note and runs to pay his debt to the butcher. The Butcher takes the 100 Euro note, and runs to pay his debt to the pig grower. The pig grower takes the 100 Euro note, and runs to pay his debt to the supplier of his feed and fuel.
The supplier of feed and fuel takes the 100 Euro note and runs to pay his ...
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Volume 13, Issue 5, 2010-02-10
A Tale of Two Surveys
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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U.S. employment data for the month of January had something for everyone, and was a bit confusing…
…this is, after all, your government at work
The “official” data as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that total employment declined by 20,000 net jobs during January. Most forecasts expected a net gain of perhaps 10,000-15,000 jobs during the...
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Volume 7, Issue 20, 2004-11-08
A Tax Tip About Selling Your Home
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If you sell your main home, you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly) from your federal tax return. This exclusion is allowed each time that you sell your main home, but generally no more frequently than once every two years.
According to Morris Peacock, CPA and Managing Partner with KempBurdick CPA's & Advisors, "To be eligible for this exclusion, your home must have been owned by you and used as your main home for a period of at least two out of the five years prior to its sale. The two years may consist of 24 full months or 730 days.
Short absences, such as for a summer vacation, count as periods of use." Longer breaks, such as a one-year sabbatical, do not. You also must not have excluded gain on another home sold during the two years before the current sale. Special rules apply to members of the armed, uniformed and foreign services and their families in calculating the 5-year period.
"If you and your spouse file a joint return for the year of the sale, you can exclude the gain if either of you qualify for the exclusion. But both of you would have to meet the use test to claim the $500,000 maximum amount," stated Peacock.
If you do not meet the ownership and use tests, you may be allowed to use a reduced maximum exclusion amount if you sold your home due to health, a change in place of employment or unforeseen circumstances. Unforeseen circumstances can include divorce or a natural disaster resulting in a casualty to your home, for example.
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Volume 9, Issue 2, 2006-02-06
A Temporary Lull
The Tea Leaf Economic Update
By Jeff Thredgold, Thredgold Eco
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U.S. economic growth slowed more sharply than expected during the October-December quarter, a victim of weak auto sales, less aggressive business investment, lesser homebuilding, and (believe it or not!) an estimated decline in government spending. The fourth quarter lull appears to be an aberration from the 3.0%-4.0% pace of recent quartersand is not expected to continue.
U.S. gross domestic product (GDP, the sum total of all goods produced and services provided) grew at a miserly 1.1% real (after inflation) annual rate, versus expectations closer to 2.7%. The weak growth pace, should it survive revisions in late February and late March, would end the string of 10 consecutive quarters of at least 3.0% real annual growth, the longest such period since the mid-1980s.
Overall consumer spending, which accounts for roughly 70% of the economy, grew at a weak 1.1% annual rate, following the 4.1% spending pace of the prior quarter. The 1.1% pace was the weakest since 2001's second quarter, a time of recession.
Incentivesor a Lack Thereof
Weak fourth quarter performance was, in part, a textbook example of my favored definition of economicspeople respond to incentives. In this case, it was a lack of incentives to buy new cars that led economic growth to slow sharply.
Automakers dropped major buyer incentives in October, following powerful sales in prior months tied to “employee pricing” for auto purchases. The result?the weakest level of auto sales since 1998. A return to modest incentives in November and December led auto sales somewhat higher.Â
In total, however, spending on durable goods (primarily autos and other products expected to last more than three years) plunged at a 17.5% annual rate, the sharpest decline in 19 years. The decline in spending on autos alone subtracted 2.1% from fourth quarter economic growth.
Business investment grew at a lackluster 2.8% annual rate during the fourth quarter, the weakest spending in nearly two years, and one-third the prior quarter's 8.5% annual rate. Residential construction rose at a 3.5% annual rate, versus the 7.3% rate in the third quarter. To top it off, government spending declined at a 2.4% annual rate during the quarter, the largest drop in five years, led by a questionable 7.0% drop in federal spending.
Annual Growth
Calendar year 2005 economic growth came in at a 3.5% real pace, following the 4.2% growth rate of 2004, and the 2.7% growth pace of 2003. In current dollars, U.S. economic output was at a $12.7 trillion annual pace. By comparison, the American economy is roughly three times larger than Japan's, four times that of Germany, and more than five times the size of China's economy.
Even as growth slowed, inflation pressures were of concern, suggesting discussions of additional monetary tightening within the Federal Reserve will be spirited. The core personal consumption expenditure index‒which excludes food and energy prices‒rose at a 2.2% annual rate during the quarter, exceeding the Fed's presumed target of 1.0% to 2.0%. The index rose at a 1.9% rate over the past 12 months.
Growth in '06?
The consensus view of two recent surveys I participated in remains in the “low 3s” during 2006. The Blue Chip Financial Forecasts release of February 1 expects real growth this year at 3.3%. The USA TODAY survey that is part of this Tea Leaf forecasts a similar growth expectation reasonable economic growth remains likely.
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Volume 8, Issue 20, 2005-11-14
A Thug of Life or I am a Warrior?
Better Attitudes in the Workplace
By Matt Eschler, LMFT
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I wage Peace not War!
- Matt Eschler
In my opinion, conflict resolution has everything to do with either being a thug or a warrior. You see thugs are all about violence, winning and making someone a loser while warriors are all about telling the truth and progressing. What are you? A thug or a warrior?
Nelson Mandela was born in the early 1900's. He had to make some incredibly difficult choices early on in life that forced him into choosing the thug life or owning the life of a warrior. By age nine Nelson was placed into foster care. Nelson spent his youth and adolescence in the home of a powerful leader in Africa.
As a young man Nelson Mandela w...
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Volume 7, Issue 3, 2004-02-09
A Tip for Reducing the Costs of Your Computers
Technically Twisted Commentaries
By Jason Eyre
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One of the greatest ways for a business leader to save both capital and operating costs of computers is to buy computers with similar components or what I like to call PC Standardization. Whether you have two or two thousand computers having a standard PC means that the computers are similar both inside and outside.
Here are some benefits:
- Buying computers in bulk can often get you a discount
- If a computer fails, you can borrow components from the other computers you bought in the same lot.
- Many computers require upgrades that replace part of the existing components. You can reuse these components in the other computers you bought in the ...
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Volume 11, Issue 29, 2008-08-13
A Tough July for Jobs
U.S. economy shed another 51,000 jobs last month
By Jeff Thredgold, Pres.
Thredgold Economic Assoc.
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The American economy recorded more of the same in July with the loss of another 51,000 jobs. The unemployment rate jumped to 5.7 percent.
The loss of 51,000 net jobs during July was actually less painful than economists' consensus forecast of a loss of 75,000 jobs. Moreover, job data of the two prior months was revised to show 26,000 fewer jobs lost than previously estimated.
And that's where most of the good news stops.
The nation's jobless rate jumped to 5.7 percent in July, a four-year high, versus the 5.5 percent jobless rate of the two prior months. The jobless rate is now one full ...
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Volume 13, Issue 1, 2010-01-12
A Trip to COSTCO
Internet Sourced
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Recently I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Biscuit, the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.
(What did she think I had, an elephant?) So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that...
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Volume 12, Issue 32, 2009-10-19
A Voice for More Regulation ...
... And A Cautionary Word Against
By Scott Anderson, CEO Zions Ban
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The nation's banks are among the country's most heavily regulated industries. Zions Bank, along with all other banks, complies with more than 6,000 pages of regulations intended to protect the safety and soundness of your deposits and the banking system. So you wouldn't expect a banker to come out in favor of more regulation. Yet that's just what I'm doing - up to a point.
I support the Obama administration's proposals to develop ways of handling the failure of large financial institutions so it doesn't send shock waves throughout the economy. I also support the need to get away from taxpayers having to prop up an institution because someone thinks it is "too big to fail." It's also important that we close the regulatory gaps that allowed unregulated and lightly regulated financial companies - like mortgage brokers - to create the kind of problems that have devastated our...
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Volume 13, Issue 5, 2010-02-10
A Year of Teaching in China
Pay a Visit to China at Tuesday’s DSC Dixie Forum
By Steve Johnson
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Dixie State College’s weekly “Dixie Forum: A Window on the World” convocation series continues this Tuesday, Feb. 16, featuring DSC education professor Dr. Shirley Sung Davis and her husband, Elwin, discussing their collective experiences while on sabbatical in China. The Forum will begin at 12 noon, in the Dunford Auditorium of the Browning Resource Center on the DSC campus. Admission is free for all community members, DSC students, and faculty and staff.
The couple’s presentation, entitled...
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Volume 10, Issue 22, 2007-07-27
A Zion Society
Better Attitudes in the Workplace
Better Attitudes in the Workplac
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Live your life on purpose!
- Matt Eschler
A forty-five minute drive from St. George is a national park named Zion Canyon. Zion Canyon took millions of years to become what we now drive through and will continue to be perfected for many more years in the future.
It was formed through a geological process called Mass Wasting, also known as mass movement. This mass wasting is the geomorphic process by which soil, regolith, and rock move down slope under the force of gravity.
When gravity or pressure moves dirt and rock, erosive pressure begins to build. When the gravitational force puts pressure on a slope that exceeds its resisting force, s...
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Volume 13, Issue 24, 2010-08-05
“Back Door Amnesty” Warrants Scrutiny
Hatch, Senate Judiciary Republicans Call for Hearing to Examine Internal Administration Memo
By Mark Eddington
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said today that an internal Obama Administration memo outlining ways of granting illegal immigrants legal status without congressional consent or approval needs to be scrutinized through a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee of which Hatch is a member. Hatch joined with his Republican colleagues on the Judiciary Committee in sending a letter to...
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Volume 12, Issue 23, 2009-06-29
“Laughter for No Reason” Comes to St. George
Free Laughter Yoga Class at The Book Cellar
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Do you know that the average child will laugh nearly 400 times a day, but the average adult only 15? Short of going to a comedy club or watching funny movies, how can you inject more joy into your life? One way is to practice Laughter Yoga.
Seen on Oprah, CNN and practiced at over 6,000 "laughter clubs" worldwide, Laughter Yoga is a series of body and breathing exercises that evoke laughter. It came about in 1995 when a physician from India discovered that whether laughter was real or forced, the positive results - strengthened immune system, reduced stress, lowered blood pre...
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Volume 13, Issue 2, 2010-01-19
“On the Road Again”
A Look at Commuting In and Out of Washington County
By Lecia Parks Langston
Regional Economist, UDWS
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - If you’re like me, you may feel that you spend a lot of time commuting. Personally, I’ve listened to countless “books on tape” in the hours I’ve spent driving to and from my place of employment. The American Community Survey tells us that the average Washington County worker spends just about 18 minutes traveling to work each day.
That amount of time compares favorably with the 21 minutes the typical Utahn commutes or the 26 minutes it takes average U.S. worker to get to the job site. However, because of its limited sample size, the American Community Survey reveals little else about who is leaving the county for employment or traveling into the...
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Volume 8, Issue 6, 2005-03-28
AAA Four Diamond Awards Includes St. George Based Company
Twenty-six Utah Lodges and Restaurants Honored
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SALT LAKE CITY - Twenty-six Utah lodgings and restaurants are joining the ranks of AAA's prestigious Four Diamond Award winners. The AAA Four Diamond Award recognizes properties that are a cut above the competition in service and quality.
First time honors for lodges were presented to Invited Inn in Midway, Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge in Moab, and Hotel Park City in Park City. Restaurants recognized for the first time were Goldener Hirsch Restaurant in Park City and Simon's Restaurant in Midway. Twenty-one other Utah lodges and restaurants were return recipients of the Four Diamond Award. With 24 awards, the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown holds the distinction of ha...
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
AAA Initiates New Auto Buying Service ...
... Provides Prearranged Pricing & Buying Assistance
By Rolayne Fairclough
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - The new service provides a no-haggle experience through prearranged pricing as well as a personal auto buying assistant to AAA members before, during, and after their car purchase.
“Buying a car can be stressful, so having a knowledgeable and friendly person just a phone call away really helps ease some of the anxiety,” said AAA Utah spokesperson Rolayne Fairclough. “Members can avoid the hassle of endlessly walking through car lots and painstakingly wrangling over the price of their chosen vehicle by taking advantage of low, prearranged pricing already negotiated by...
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Volume 12, Issue 20, 2009-06-08
AAA Insurance Awarded A+ RATING
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SALT LAKE CITY, June 2, 2009 - AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah, recently announced that A.M. Best has renewed the A+ rating given to its insurance affiliate, the California State Auto Group.
"A.M. Best is the gold standard for assessing the financial strength of insurance companies," AAA NCNU President Paula Downey said. "In today's open-book environment-where the public can easily find out a tremendous amount about the financial performance of any given insurer-this objective rating of A+ is enormous for us. It also means a great deal to us in terms of how we are perceived as a valued partner for other AAA clubs."
According to A.M. Best, the A+ rating reflects ...
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Volume 12, Issue 30, 2009-10-05
AAA launches green hotels program
New Icon Highlights Eco-Certified Lodging in Travel Information
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UTAH! - AAA is taking a ride on the "greening". AAA is adding a new, bright green "ECO" symbol to its famous AAA TourBook guides to help its members identify eco-friendly lodgings.
"The new ECO icon serves as a notice to members that a property has taken steps to become an environmental advocate," said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. "We are pleased to publish this information as a service to members who make sustainability a factor in their lodging selection."
The ECO icon is one of many used in AAA TourBooks as a tool to help members select their ideal accommodations. The icons depict guest services, leisure activities, in room amenities and safety features that members say impact their...
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Volume 7, Issue 8, 2004-04-26
AAA Says Average Driving Cost Is 56.2 Cents per Mile for 2004
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The average cost of driving a new passenger car in 2004 is 56.2 cents per mile of $8,431 per year, AAA's annual Your Driving Costs study shows. AAA has reported on the average estimated cost of owning and operating a new car each year since 1950.
This year, AAA has revised its methodology for calculating driving costs to better reflect the average AAA member's use of a vehicle over five years and 75,000 miles of ownership. This means the estimated costs for 2004 are similar, but not directly comparable to costs reported by AAA in previous years.
The largest component of vehicle cost is vehicle depreciation. AAA estimates the average new car will depreciate $3,782 per year of ownership. The second biggest expense is full insurance coverage estimated to average $1,603 per year. The cost of fuel is the third largest expense incurred by vehicle owners. AAA estimates vehicle owners will pay about $975 per year for fuel.
Routine maintenance - including the manufacturer's recommended maintenance operations and tire expense - is estimated to cost $915 per year. AAA calculates typical finance charges are $741 per year based on a 5 year loan at 6 percent interest with a 10 percent down payment. The IRS tax allowance for business mileage has never allowed full reimbursement of all expenses associated with automobile ownership and use.
AAA's cost figures are based on composite national average of three domestically built 2004 cars - a subcompact Chevrolet Cavalier LS, a mid-size Ford Taurus SEL Deluxe and a full-size Mercury Grand Marquis LS.
These similarly equipped vehicles include air conditioning, automatic transmission, power steering, AM/FM stereo, dual air bags, antilock brakes, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass and a rear-window defogger.
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Volume 11, Issue 31, 2008-08-27
AAA: Over 343,000 Utahns Expected to Travel This Weekend
Despite travel slump caused by high prices
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SALT LAKE CITY - Fewer Utahns will be traveling this Labor Day weekend, but the decline is not as bad as expected and travel- and tourism-related businesses shouldn't throw in the towel.
According to the latest AAA travel survey, just over 343,000 Utahns are expected to travel 50 miles or more this Labor Day weekend. This represents an overall 1.4 percent decrease from last year.
High gas prices, the looming uncertainty of the nation's economy and embattled airlines raising rates and adding fees have dampened the spirits of holiday travelers for a third consecutive national...
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Volume 12, Issue 41, 2009-12-22
AARP Disappointed ...
... By Senate Vote Against Lower Prescription Drug Prices
By Kate Fielder
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SALT LAKE CITY - The U.S. Senate recently rejected an amendment to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that would help make prescription drugs more affordable by allowing for the safe and legal importation of lower priced drugs from abroad. The bipartisan amendment, endorsed by AARP and sponsored by Senators Dorgan, Snowe, McCain, Grassley and Stabenow, would have improved competition and helped to bring down the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs.
The Senate also rejected a second prescription drug importation amendment sponsored by Sen. Lautenberg, which would have created an unnecessary roadblock for prescription drug importation. In a move designed...
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Volume 12, Issue 35, 2009-11-09
AARP Endorses Affordable Health Care Act
By Kate Fielder
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MIDVALE, UTAH - Last week AARP announced its endorsement of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) and the accompanying Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act (H.R. 3961). The Association's support follows nearly two years of work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to craft a health care reform plan that meets the needs of AARP's nearly 40 million members and all older Americans. Among those needs are reforms that strictly curb insurance companies' discrimination against older Americans and Medicare improvements that strengthen benefits while protecting the program for future generations.
"When this debate started over two years ago, our...
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Volume 12, Issue 33, 2009-10-26
AARP Tax Aide Recruiting Volunteers
Volunteer counselors receive comprehensive training and are certified by the Internal Revenue Service
By Kate Fielder
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UTAH! - AARP Tax-Aide, is currently recruiting volunteers for tax counseling and client assistance throughout Utah for the upcoming 2010 tax season. From February 1 through April 15, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns for middle and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people 60 and older. Last tax season, AARP Tax-Aide counselors prepared more than 13,000 returns for more than 7,000 clients.
"The Tax-Aide program is continuing to grow in Utah and we need additional volunteers who possess a basic knowledge of tax law and who have good computer skills to assist with electronic filing. The program provides study materials and extensive training to build upon existing skills, and we provide mentoring and support throughout the required certification process. We are interested in volunteers from all areas of the...
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Volume 10, Issue 25, 2007-08-24
About that Document You Didn't Write
How to Manage Your Business for Highest Value
By Michael Dean Denning
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Many small business deals are made without written contracts. This is a major mistake in many if not all circumstances. Of course you can negotiate a ‘deal’ without your attorney, but in most cases you should NEVER finish the deal without him or her.
Avoid if possible structuring your deal in only verbal terms. Instead, write out your deal points and print them for review and ‘non-binding acceptance.’ Beyond that, much depends on what kind of ‘deal’ you are constructing.
Documents describing the width and breadth of products or services you routinely sell are relatively easy to rough draft and have your attorney review. The...
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Volume 7, Issue 2, 2004-01-26
About That Donkey
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An old man, a boy and a donkey were going to town. The boy rode on the donkey and the old man walked. As they went along they passed some people who remarked it was a shame the old man was walking and the boy was riding. The man and boy thought maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions.
Later, they passed some people that remarked, 'What a shame, he makes that little boy walk.' They then decided they both would walk.
Soon they passed some more people who thought they were stupid to walk when they had a decent donkey to ride. So, they both rode the donkey.
Now they passed some people that shamed them by saying how awful to put such a load on a poor donkey. The boy and man said they were probably right, so they decided to carry the donkey. As they crossed the bridge, they lost their grip on the animal and it fell into the river and drowned.
What's the moral of the story? If you try to please everyone, you might as well kiss your ass good-bye.
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Volume 8, Issue 13, 2005-07-18
Absentee Ownership: How Do I Manage It?
More Effective Management
By Marvin Ray
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Even if you don't want to personally manage a business you bought as an investment, you may still have to step in when things go awry.
Question:
I own a fast food restaurant. I bought it as an investment. I am not a cook, bottle washer or server. My problem is that I have heard through the grapevine that the fast food restaurant is creating poor morale among the employees and having run-ins with customers, causing some of them to quit frequenting my fast food restaurant. I have not witnessed any problems directly. I don't want to manage the fast food restaurant and I can't think of anyone to replace my manager. What do I do?
Answer:
There are some things you won't want to hear but you have to address them head on. The best answer is that it is going to involve more direct involvement and personal time than you want to spend to solve your problem.
Your manager might be using fear and intimidation as a primary management tool to keep you away. If other employees don't feel they can approach you even indirectly about the problem. You could have a very serious problem. Then do the following:
Hire top talent. There are many books on the shelves today that would make your situation easier with easy-to-follow tips and techniques, and how to get and keep the best and brightest talent. We will discuss this in a latter issue.
1. Nevertheless, one of the best things (that has worked for me) is to setup up one-on-one meetings with your employees, (not a bad idea to do this monthly or quarterly, anyway). This will open the door to more direct communication and make it much easier for them to tell you how they feel about working for the manager.
Taking steps to communicate directly with employees should help you pinpoint the cause of the problem. If you find it is merely one disgruntled employee, you have a fairly simple solution. However, if the problem came to you in a roundabout way, it just might be more widespread
If it does turn out that the problems at your fast food restaurant can be traced to the manager, you must deal with the situation quickly. Be aware that since you don't relish the involvement, your tendency will be to give it a superficial investigation, giving more weight to the manager's explanation of the facts than the other sources.
This could be a costly mistake. If the manager is the problem, the manager already costs you money. If you wait to solve the problem, the manager will also cost you a lot of time and more money.
2. There's a need to Understand More about Management. Do you need to fire a problem employee? Understanding your legal obligations can help you stay out of court in today's fast paced business society.
Assuming that the manager is the problem, it will be very difficult for you to correct the management style by absentee management. You must be present several days per week for several months and devote yourself to rebuilding management methods through a systematic system of positive reinforcement.
If you cannot, or do not want to, spend that amount of time on the problem, you need to replace the manager as soon as possible. If that is the direction you decide to take (which, in your situation, may in fact be a more practical solution), my advice would be to choose wisely. I mean by that, that you should hire a professional consultant to help you identify and hire the right person.
Throughout the process, keep in mind that an experienced manager who understands the power of positive reinforcement will turn complaints into compliments and workplace woes into satisfied customers and employees--all factors that will keep your investment successful. It's all about management!
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Volume 9, Issue 1, 2006-01-23
Access to Government Land Break-out Session Review
Summit Reports
By Jeff Reber
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Summit Reports
With a significant increase in the purchase of land throughout the Southern Utah region in 2005, the sale of Government controlled land over the next couple of years will play a dramatic roll in not only the value of land within the region, but in the development of the area as well.
Ric McBrier with SITLA and Jim Crisp of the local BLM office clearly defined the plans for liquidating portions of their land portfolios throughout the region, and described the process a prospective purchaser or user would have to initiate to bid on any of their proposed parcels.
It was clear that SITLA has plans to be more directly involved in increasing their ...
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Volume 11, Issue 13, 2008-04-15
Accident Victim Goes Back to School - Online
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ST. GEORGE - When Georgina Slaughter of Leeds, suffered a work related spinal chord injury in 2001, she never imagined this life altering event would be the turning point to a better life for her and her husband Doug.
Born in New York City and raised mostly in Florida, the Slaughters ended up in St. George after visiting her brother and deciding they loved the area and wanted to move here.
Upon arrival, Georgina worked a few jobs but realized that even though she had 20 years of account...
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Volume 13, Issue 8, 2010-03-11
Accountability
`Life is not accountable to us. We are accountable to life` - Dr. Dennis Waitley
By Matt Eschler, Ph.D., LMFT
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Being accountable is not the easiest process to develop in our world today. It seems that every where we turn is the ideology or advertisement that tells us we deserve to be rescued. Some even say to be accountable ONLY for the self is selfish! Are we not our brother’s keeper?
Should we not synergize with teams in order to...
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Volume 13, Issue 13, 2010-04-29
Accountability is a Key to Greatness!
``It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable`` - Moliere
By Matt Eschler, Ph.D., LMFT
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Infamous proclamations made by our kids escaping the wrath of a parents include; “It’s not my fault”, or “they made me do it”, and the infamous “don’t look at me because I forgot.” With years of experience some people graduate to more adult themes such as “It’s not my job. . . No one told me. . . It couldn’t be helped, and of course I forgot”!
The purposes of these statements are aimed at...
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Volume 11, Issue 36, 2008-10-01
Accounting Firm Adds Audit Specialist
Mosdell-Naegele joins HintonBurdick
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE - Shemree Mosdell-Naegele, a graduate of Southern Utah University with special expertise in the field of audits, has joined the staff of HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors, managing partner Morris Peacock announced today. She will work in the firm's St. George office.
Mosdell-Naegele earned both bachelors' and masters' degree from SUU and was employed by Deloitte & Touche LLP in Las Vegas before joining HintonBurdick.
Commenting on her decision to join the St. George firm, she noted that the opportunity to be ...
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Volume 11, Issue 34, 2008-09-17
Accounting Firm Adds Staff
Rees joins Cedar City office
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CEDAR CITY - In a move designed to better serve its growing client base in Cedar City, HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors announced the addition of longtime Cedar City resident Caleb Rees to its accounting staff.
Rees recently received his Masters of Accountancy degree from Southern Utah University, where he also earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He served an internship with Deloitte and Touche, LLP, in Las Vegas and lists his primary areas of expertise as tax, audit and compiling financial statements.
"Caleb will be a valuable addition to our Cedar City staff," said Robert Cox, partner and manager of the Cedar City office of HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors. "Having grown up here, ...
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Volume 11, Issue 38, 2008-10-15
Accounting Firm Awards Two Scholarships
HintonBurdick honors Washington County SUU students
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ST. GEORGE - Morris Peacock, Managing Partner for HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors announced the firm's scholarship awards to two Washington County SUU students at a recent banquet held at the Hunter Conference Center on the SUU Campus.
HintonBurdick CPAs hosted a dinner for the SUU Professional Accounting Club (PAC). The 130-plus guest included students from the PAC, faculty of SUU, and associates of HintonBurdick.
As part of the program, Caleb Rees, a staff accountant in the Cedar City office and SUU MAcc graduate, spoke on "Why I chose HintonBurdick."
He was followed by ...
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Volume 9, Issue 13, 2006-10-02
Accounting Firm Changes Name
KempBurdick is now HintonBurdick
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE - KempBurdick CPAs & Advisors, one of the largest accounting firms in Utah and the largest in Washington and Iron counties, has announced that, effective immediately, it will be known as HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors, a change prompted by the pending retirement of Greg Kemp from the firm.
Kemp founded the firm in 1975 and will leave to devote his full time to The Kemp Company and Vantage Financial Solutions, Inc.
"HintonBurdick CPAs and Advisors will continue the KempBurdick tradition of providing personal services at reasonable prices for clients needing the advantages of a full service CPA firm” said Morris Peacock, managing partner since 200...
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Volume 11, Issue 35, 2008-09-24
Accounting Firm Grows
Frederico joins HintonBurdick in Mesquite
By Brian Tenney
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MESQUITE, Nev. - In a move aimed at providing expanded service to the growing population of Mesquite, Nev., HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors have announced the addition of Kevin Frederico to their Mesquite office.
Frederico earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from Utah State University and will soon receive his CPA license. He was previously employed by Cook Martin Poulson in Logan, Utah.
Originally from Cache Valley, Frederico moved to Mesquite with his family following his graduation from Utah State. He and his wife, Flavia Analia, have one daughter, LiMorena Cecilia, born August ...
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Volume 11, Issue 18, 2008-05-20
Accounting firms plan merger
St George manager moving to Cedar City
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CEDAR CITY - Jim Wilson, president of Cedar City-based Wilson & Company Certified Public Accountants, has announced plans to merge with HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors effective June 1.
In announcing the merger, Wilson stated that although HintonBurdick already operates a Cedar City office, for the present time Wilson & Company will stay at its current location with no personnel changes planned. Wilson & Company's clients will benefit from the...
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Volume 7, Issue 1, 2004-01-12
Accounting Resolutions?
By James Mitchell, EA
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The beginning of a new year is a notoriously great time for making resolutions. For many business owners, it's also a great time to make changes to their current bookkeeping system or to start one if you don't already have one in place. Since most businesses operate on a calendar year, it's easy time to begin keeping books without having to enter year-to-date balances.
Keeping proper books is important for several reasons: First, the government requires a reasonable bookkeeping system for tax purposes. (If you don't keep any books, they have the right to impute your income and charge you the corresponding tax.) The second reason is for financial reasons. Whenever a business owner applies for a loan the first thing the lender wants to see is a financial statement. This is generally a record of the business income and outflow over a given period of time, as well as a list of assets and liabilities. The final and probably most important reason for proper bookkeeping is so that the owner and/or manager can have accurate data for decision making.
One of the most popular trends in small business bookkeeping is computerized systems, such as QuickBooks, Peachtree or Microsoft Money. These programs run from $200 to $500 and can be operational after a few hours of training. It's generally worth while to sign up for a class or talk with someone who is familiar with the program to learn some of the hints and tricks for starting a successful computerized bookkeeping system.
A few suggestions if you decide to switch from a manual bookkeeping system to a computerized system: Do NOT try and phase in over a long period of time. Pick a start date (I would suggest Jan 1), and on that date start making entries in your computer and stop making them in your paper register. If you try to keep up two systems at the same time, one of them is bound to fail. Also, just because it's there, doesn't mean you have to use it. There are a lot of features built into accounting packages like QuickBooks, but some of them might be better left alone. For example, you may decide not to use the payroll feature and out-source your payroll processing, or you may want to de-activate the inventory feature if you run a service business.
Another way for those who are not so computer savvy, is a manual bookkeeping system. Manual spreadsheets are simple, but can be time consuming. If the thought of writing down every transaction seems tiring, an envelope system can also be used to organize receipts and account for them at the end of an accounting period.
Finally, you could always have someone else do your bookkeeping for you. Most accounting firms have bookkeepers that can enter data from your checkbook and often the fees are surprisingly reasonable. Especially when you consider the time saved and the opportunity cost in learning a new system. The only drawback is that the data is not in-house and is not in real-time.
No matter how you decide to keep your books and records, it's still a good idea to have them reviewed periodically by an accounting professional. You should look for someone who you can communicate with, and perhaps most important, someone who's level of risk tolerance matches your own. If fees are important factor, the best way to minimize them is to be well prepared and organized when you present the data.
Choosing the right tax advisor and keeping good track of your books is the best defense against Uncle Sam taking to big a chunk of your hard earned money.
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Volume 7, Issue 4, 2004-02-23
ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX
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Among the 25 largest metropolitan areas or divisions participating in the fourth quarter 2003 ACCRA Cost of Living Index, the after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living ranged from 71 percent above the national average in New York-Wayne-White Plains NY-NJ Metro Division to 8.4 percent below the national average in Houston-Baytown-Sugar Land TX Metro area. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is compiled and published quarterly by ACCRA, the association of community and economic development research professionals.
Seventeen of 25 major metro areas registered living costs above the average, which was based on price data collected for 314 urban areas of all sizes in North...
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Volume 7, Issue 4, 2004-02-23
ACCRA in Southwest Utah
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ACCRA produces the ACCRA Cost of Living Index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences among urban areas. Items on which the Index is based have been carefully chosen to reflect the different categories of consumer expenditures.
Weights assigned to relative costs are based on government survey data on expenditure patterns for professional and executive households. All items are priced in each place at a specified time and according to standardized specifications.
ACCRA was founded in 1961 as the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association, is a nonprofit professional organization comprising re- search staff of chambers of comm...
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Volume 7, Issue 20, 2004-11-08
Accreditation for SUU's New BSN on the Horizon
Nursing Celebration Planned for the Spring
By Tasha Williams
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This semester's first-ever batch of Southern Utah University nursing students will likely graduate from an accredited program and will meet an industry standard in equal or less time than students elsewhere.
After nearly 30 years of cooperation with the nursing program at Weber State University, SUU has created its own Department of Nursing with an innovative curriculum - a juxtaposition from the traditional curriculum at WSU.
The program takes a hands-on approach by engaging students in group activities and case studies rather than primarily classroom lectures, says Dr. Karla Dalley, director of program management and evaluation and associate professor of nursing. One of the many new learning resources is virtual clinical excursions, which allow students to perform procedures and make decisions on virtual patients in a virtual hospital.
“This curriculum is very effective,” Dalley says. “I can really see the influence it has on their decision making . . . They are much different than students who are learning just the technical skills.”
The Department of Nursing offers a baccalaureate nursing degree in just four semesters, which Department Chair Donna Lister calls a “desirable standard nationwide.”
A nurse for - years, herself, Lister continues, “The exciting thing about our bachelor degree program is that once the students are accepted, they take the same number of semesters doing their nursing degree as they would doing an associate degree program. That's an attractive thing about our nursing program.”
The program encourages associate or diploma RNs to get their baccalaureate degree, as well. “It is really important to the profession because that is the level of education that, for example, IHC would really like,” Lister explains. “which just informed its employees that they won't receive an advancement if they don't have their BSNs.”
Harry Brown, director of public relations of Valley View Medical Center in Cedar City and member of the SUU Nursing Advisory Board, reports that he and colleagues in his industry are looking forward to seeing their industry, particularly in the southern Utah region, benefit directly from this differentiated program at their “home” University.
He believes that the more efficient timeframe in which the BSN curriculum will be relayed - in addition to the enhanced knowledge and experience with which graduates will enter the workplace - will solidify SUU's nursing in the upper layer of quality nursing preparation programs.
“Students are going to come out much more qualified,” Brown states. “What's being done now with the BSN program is absolutely super! It is certainly going to put Valley View Medical Center in a comfortable position as far as sufficient staffing and giving excellent healthcare are concerned.”
In addition to a quick, innovative program, the program will likely be accredited before this semester's class graduates in May 2006. The accrediting body will ensure the program is following its own procedures and will measure how well it interacts with SUU and its procedures, Dalley says. Establishing policy, which was the biggest hurdle, Dalley says, was a maintainable process because faculty in the program were willing to work together.
“This university is so lucky to start a program and have a truly qualified faculty already in place,” she says. “The faculty has really pulled together. I just can't give them enough credit.”
A celebration in the spring, on April 16, will highlight the profession and the new program at SUU. Students and members of the community are encouraged to attend. Relay races, entertainment, food and information about nurses in the Iron County Area will be part of the festivities.
Marjean Allen, director of Student Health Services in the University's Wellness Center, is working closely with the Nursing Advisory Board to plan the spring nursing celebration. For more information about the nursing program or application information, call the Nursing Department at 586-7915 or visit its website at http://www.suu.edu/sci/nursing.
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Volume 12, Issue 13, 2009-04-13
Accumulation Crossroads
By Matt Eschler, LMFT
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One of the principles I use in relationship counseling is the Law of Accumulation. This law states that everything in a relationship that is great and worthwhile or destructive and pain filled in your relationships are an accumulation of hundreds and sometimes thousands of tiny actions, efforts and sacrifices.
This law further mandates that everything accumulates over time. Every attitude, act, and belief accumulates or adds up. It is vital to relationship health that you put in many tiny unseen efforts that no one sees or seems to appreciate because you understand that these efforts will accumulate and build into a worthwhile event or mood in the ...
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Volume 6, Issue 22, 2003-12-08
ACM Chapter Established At DSC
CIT Students Compete At Regional Competition
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(ST. GEORGE - Nov. 21, 2003) A chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) is officially up and running at Dixie State College. ACM is the professional organization for the computer science industry.
The chapter, created this semester at the college, recently competed in the annual Regional Programming Contest in Salt Lake City. Two DSC teams, made up primarily of sophomore students, competed among 70 other university and college teams from Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Canada.
The competition consisted of five hours worth of solving various practical computer programming problems and scenarios. DSC students Edie Thomas, Carla Neilson, Pete Kuhlmann, Jonathan Wight, ...
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Volume 13, Issue 10, 2010-04-08
Actuaries of a Sort?
Better Attitudes in the Workplace
By Matt Eschler, Ph.D., LMFT
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - You hear news blasting from your Radio or read your Newspapers touting fear filled headlines about the events and circumstances that we live in. I check in on my Face Book account to see what my peers are talking about and hear the noise of crisis and see the tempting sirens of powerlessness beckoning to myself and my friends.
I am quite certain you see and hear all of...
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Volume 13, Issue 18, 2010-06-03
Ad2Action Moves Headquarters to Tonaquint
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Stan Perkins, marketing director for Tonaquint Business Park announced recently that Ad2Action, a software development company, has finalized the relocation of their corporate headquarters to the Tonaquint Business Park. Since 1998, Ad2Action has been providing turn-key Internet based Point of Sale (POS) Landing Page Campaigns, Marketing, and Process Flow Management Solutions to most major industries and home based businesses.
The AD2ACTION business model empowers businesses with the tools and resources to tap into the explosive Internet Marketing industry. This 154 Billion dollar global market has maintained explosive growth even under the worst economic conditions and is forecast to grow significantly over the years to come.
According to David R. Werner, CEO, “We are thrilled with our relocation to Tonaquint Business Park. Businesses would be amazed if they knew the level of services available at Tonaquint Business Park.” Ad2Action’s mission is to change the world through innovative Internet marketing products and services that improve the lives of those who use these tools to promote commerce and a better way of life. “The total tech environment including the availability to a hi-speed Internet access and proximity to a full-service data center makes this a no-brainer move for our company and will help us more completely fulfill our...
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Volume 11, Issue 28, 2008-08-06
ADA Debate Moves To Senate
Paycheck Fairness Act passes House
Michael Patrick O'Brien
Utah SHRM Legal Director
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The ongoing debate about whether, how, and how much to change the federal Americans With Disabilities Act has now moved on to the United States Senate. Utah Senator Orrin Hatch is one of the co-sponsors of the Senate version of ADA reform.
Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to expand the ADA. The House bill seems to vaguely expand the current definition of disability - an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity - by stating that "substantially limits" means "materially restricts."
It also precludes employers from considering...
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Volume 11, Issue 19, 2008-05-28
ADA Litigation On The Rise
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
Utah SHRM Legal Director
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A group of legal commentators is opining that 2008 will be a hot year for litigation of Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) claims.
Why? Increased ADA filings in court, some court decisions favorable to plaintiffs, an overall increase in discrimination litigation and efforts in Congress to expand the reach of the ADA.
What should you do? As with any type of employment law issue, a pound of prevention is better (and cheaper) than an ounce of litigation....
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Volume 7, Issue 7, 2004-04-12
ADA Sets Date for Walk
Sponsors Still Needed!
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It's not too late to join America's Walk for Diabetes in St. George on Saturday, May 1, 2004 as a corporate partner with the American Diabetes Association. Gain media exposure for your company while building employee morale, contributing to your community, and making an important contribution to the fight against diabetes. For as little as $2,500, you will gain local television and/or radio media exposure.
With over 18.2 million Americans with diabetes, including 100,000 Utahns, you will find that a number of your employees have diabetes. Complications from diabetes include increased incidence of stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, amputation and, even, death. The annual costs of medical care for diabetes and its complications are conservatively estimated to be $92 billion.
The American Diabetes Association is the authoritative source for information, research and advocacy leading the way to a better future for those living with diabetes until a cure is found.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities or building a corporate Walk Team, contact Laura More at 1.888.DIABETES, extension 7075, or lmore@diabetes.org. Every step you take brings us closer to a cure.
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Volume 11, Issue 24, 2008-07-09
ADB Bank Names VP
Kerry to head commercial lending
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CEDAR CITY - ADB Bank, formerly Allegiance Direct Bank, recently named Robb Kerry as senior vice president of Commercial Credit.
Kerry previously served as chief credit officer of an established community bank with a $200 million portfolio of commercial, consumer and mortgage loans. He also has experience as a bank regulator.
He has been added to the bank's executive team to oversee the addition of commercial lending to the bank's product line beginning in August.
An affiliate of the Leavitt Group, ADB Bank offers...
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Volume 9, Issue 3, 2006-02-20
Addictions in the Work Place
Better Attitudes in the Workplace
By Matt Eschler, LMFT
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Addictions in the work place will cause problems. As therapists we find many otherwise wonderful people who come to us discouraged and downtrodden because of their addictions. Some of these people are sent to us from their employers while others come on their own seeking refuge from the pain caused by their addictions.
For what ever reasons it is always noted that people that are addicted or the employers of those that have formed an addiction see that the suffering is more than personal. The problems arising from addictions affect the workplace, home, as well as their personal lives. In the past we mostly dealt with alcohol and drug addiction.
Recently we are seeing many more with addiction to internet pornography. Each is devastating and terrible in its own unique way, but all forms of addiction, including socially acceptable addictions like ‘workaholism', rob us of wholeness and completeness as human beings.
Man could be said to be made up of four parts. 1) The rational, or truth seeking part of man. 2) The physical part gives us our sensory input and through which we understand and communicate with the physical world. 3) The emotional part gives us energy and motivation. 4) And the intellectual part provides our logical or reasoning part. All four parts of human beings are essential to being a whole person. Therefore, when anyone of our four parts gets out of balance we are in a state of imbalance. Addictions happen when we create physical dependencies while striving for emotional well being.
No one sets out to ruin their lives or careers by becoming addicted to a substance that destroys their abilities to work and enjoy their lives. Rather, we become addicted while attempting to get a very real emotional need met.
We use substances like alcohol or drugs to meet this emotional need as a shortcut and become entrapped because, 1) they often are very rewarding in the short term, and 2) they create their own physical or emotional dependencies because of the effect they have upon our bodies and emotions during withdrawal.
Then we become trapped by the very solution to the need we sought after. Solutions to this is not to quit trying and not for employers to fire otherwise well trained employees. The solution is for the person to work with a trusted resource in stopping all accesses that are given to the addiction. All time, dollars, and tools given to the addiction must be totally shut down and reallocated to a building block for health. This is often not able to be accomplished without some assistance, but it is always possible to succeed.
I wage Peace not War!
- Matt Eschler |
Volume 11, Issue 10, 2008-03-18
Additional Press Release Tips
Public Relations for Small Business
By Ken Perkins
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Let's jump right back into our ongoing discussion on news release tips for small business owners.
Before sending your news release, proofread it carefully. How can an editor or news director take you and your business seriously if your press release is full of misspellings and grammatical errors? Bottom line, they can't and won't.
Use the spell check on your word processor. Re-read the release yourself, and ask at least one other person to read it for you. The more eyes that read it before it's sent, the better. Here's a good tip: read your press release aloud. It will help you catch mistakes and may prompt you to rewrite any sentences that don't sound quite rig...
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Volume 13, Issue 8, 2010-03-11
Additional Standard Deduction for ...
... Real Estate Taxes
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The IRS wants taxpayers who pay state or local real estate taxes but don’t qualify to itemize their tax deductions, to know that they may qualify for an increased standard deduction. This is the last year that the higher standard deduction for real estate taxes is available.
Here are six things you need to know about the higher standard deduction for real estate taxes:...
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Volume 8, Issue 3, 2005-02-14
Adjusting a Lease for Inflation
By Mark Walter, CCIM
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It is standard practice for the commercial lease to provide for inflation. However, what is less standard is the mechanism to track inflation. One simple solution I've seen is to tie the rent increase to the past. That's fine; if history could be counted on to repeat itself. But it doesn't. We live in a world of cycles.
Invariably, in a lease of even intermediate term duration - say five years - one of the parties will lose and the other will have a windfall. Another is to simply negotiate an arbitrary fixed percentage increase. Again, very likely, someone will win and someone will lose. The annual inflation rate will, more likely than not, vary from a quasi-random selection.
Most commercial leases tie the annual rent increase to the national Consumer Price Index compiled and maintained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the Department of Labor. The advantage to using the CPI is that it will be around forever and that it is readily accessible.
The potential inequity in using the national CPI is that markets are regional and even local in nature. A local market, for any number of anomalies, can vary significantly from a broad average. However, there is not a regional index that would be useful in Washington County transactions. We are in the western region which includes California, therefore we are better off using the national verses the regional CPI index.
Editor's Note: Mark Walter, CCIM, CRS, has been active in real estate in Southern Utah for the past twenty-five years. He is an associate broker with ERA Brokers Consolidated and is a specialist in commercial real estate transactions
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Volume 10, Issue 4, 2007-03-19
Adjusting a Lease for Inflation
by Mark Walter, CCIM
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It is standard practice for the commercial lease to provide for inflation. However, what is less standard is the mechanism to track inflation.
One simple solution I've seen is to tie the rent increase to the past. That's fine, if history could be counted on to repeat itself. But it doesn't. We live in a world of cycles. Invariably, in a lease of even intermediate term duration - say five years - one of the parties will lose and the other will have a windfall.
Another is to simply negotiate an arbitrary fixed percentage increase. Again, very likely someone will win and someone will lose. The annual inflation rate will, more likely than not, vary from ...
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Volume 9, Issue 10, 2006-07-03
Administratrium a Newly Discovered Element
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AMES, IA--The heaviest element known to science was recently discovered by materials researchers at IPRT/ISU. The new element, tentatively named Administratium, has no protons or electrons, and thus has an atomic weight of 0.
However, it does have one neuron, 125 assistant neutrons, 75 vice neutrons, and 111 assistant vice neutrons. This gives it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together in a nucleus by a force that involves the continuous exchange of particles called morons.
Since it has no electrons, Administratium is totally inert. However, it can be detected chemically, since it impedes every reaction it comes into contact with. According to its discove...
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Volume 10, Issue 25, 2007-08-24
Advanced Restoration Opens Local Office
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ST. GEORGE - Advanced Restoration is now open for business in St. George. The full-service property repair company specializes in helping its clients recover from damages caused by fire, wind, water, vandalism, mold, sewage and more.
Advanced Restoration has been in business for over 14 years in the Salt Lake City area. Together, its two owners have over three decades of experience in the industry and share the rare title of Certified Restorer with only about 400 people in the world.
The company works with both insurance agencies and individual homeowners to efficiently restore damaged commercial and residential properties.
For more information pl...
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Volume 11, Issue 36, 2008-10-01
Advanced Window Films Adds to Team
Payne brings 15 years experience
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ST. GEORGE - Advanced Window Films, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Gary Payne to their team. Payne brings over 15 years experience in window tinting to the company and has been a long time resident of southern Utah.
Many in the community may know Payne from his past business enterprises, most recently as owner of Quality Window Tint.
Advanced Window Films is a family owned company specializing in energy efficient window films for residential and commercial applications. The company also specializes in security and anti-graffiti films to protect against theft, would-be vandals and ...
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Volume 12, Issue 37, 2009-11-23
Advertising - How To Say It Well
The Marketing Minute
By Jon Bingham
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Jim Rohn said it best in his lecture about communication. He was talking about personal communication but in advertising the principle still holds true. He said, to be a master communicator all you've got to do is follow this simple three-step process: first, have something good to say; second, say it well; third, say it often.
In terms of advertising, having something good to say means you've innovated your business sufficiently so you have something unique that's worth advertising. Saying it well has to do with taking what you do well and saying it in your advertising in such a way that it gets people to notice and take...
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Volume 11, Issue 12, 2008-04-08
Advertising Agency Researches Phone Directories
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ST. GEORGE - TenneyClemonsSaarelainen Advertising & Public Relations has announced an ongoing telephone directory research project designed to help advertisers determine which telephone directories deliver the biggest bang for the buck.
“There are five main telephone directories, as well as many outlining smaller books coming into our communities,” said Brian Tenney, president of TCS Advertising & Public Relations.
“Most businesses can’t afford to place advertisements in all these books. We want to know which ones are the most popular and most used.”
TCS has partnered with VER-A-FAST, a Cleveland based national research c...
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Volume 8, Issue 20, 2005-11-14
Advertising Is Salesmanship Multiplied
By Christopher M. Chandler
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Your ads, direct mail, and email should act like an army of tiny, tireless salespeople carrying your message to prospective buyers. For example: if you play a radio ad that is heard by 50,000 people, that's 50,000 chances to give a sales presentation. It's not some big nebulous blob of people, it's 50,000 separate individuals all hearing your ad in a "1 on 1" communication.
Now think about this: if you had a chance to make a 60 second sales presentation 50,000 times to 50,000 individuals, what would you say to them during that one minute to give the most information, build the most confidence, the best case, and lower the risk of finding out more? What would you say? If you were there in person would you just say, "come buy from us because we want you to"?
I've said it before - most advertising you see is really pretty weak. Not one advertisement in a hundred presents any kind of a case for a product; instead, most ads mindlessly rattle off features and benefits that serve more to proclaim "WE EXIST!" than to give a justifiable, rational reason why someone would want to do business with that company. A good example of this sort of HERE-WE-ARE-SO-BUY-FROM- US advertising is the yellow pages.
Here's a quick exercise for you...and pay particular attention if you're in the yellow pages. Flip the book open to any given classification. Take moving companies for instance. Here's what they all say in my book: "free estimates, packaging available, guaranteed pick up and delivery dates, local & long distance." Every single ad says, plus or minus 10%, exactly - and I mean exactly - the same thing. It's impossible for a prospect to make an intelligent decision about who to call based on any criteria other than who's got the prettiest or biggest or most colorful ad. Remember the "credibility" gap? The prospect doesn't have the ability to determine if any of the products or any of the services are trustworthy or any better or any worse - or any different - than any of the competitors.
This situation generally is true for any medium. But realize this presents a tremendous opportunity for you...that is, if you're the only one who knows how to exploit this opportunity. Advertising should be salesmanship multiplied. All that means is that your advertisements should make a case for your product or service just the same as a salesman would in a face-to-face selling situation. The only difference is that your ads can cover more territory...a lot more.
Think of your advertisements as an army of tiny salesmen. You personally couldn't give a sales presentation to 50,000 individuals, but you can let your army of tiny salesmen - the advertisements - present the same compelling message that you would in person.
So here's the acid test: If you were talking live to a hot prospect, would you say the same thing your current advertisements say to convince him to buy from you? Or would you say something else instead? If you'd say something else, then you need to rethink your advertising strategy.
Think about it. When somebody is considering buying something, the one thing they want is information - useful, helpful, no- bull information. That's why people are so resistant to the sales process. They expect the salesman to say 'whatever it takes' to get the sale. In today's marketplace, People are more hands-off. They want to gather information themselves. So the more information you can give them in your advertisements, the better your chance to generate action. Make your advertisements work on straight commission, just like you would a regular salesman. If the ads can't justify their own cost, then fire them!
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Volume 13, Issue 2, 2010-01-19
Advertising Is Salesmanship Multiplied
By Jon Bingham
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Your advertisement should act like an army of tiny salesmen. For example: if you play a radio ad that is heard by 50,000 people, that's 50,000 chances to give a sales presentation. It's not some big nebulous blob of people, it's 50,000 separate individuals all hearing your ad in a "1 on 1" communication.
Now think about this: if you had a chance to make a 60 second sales presentation 50,000 times to 50,000 individuals, what would you say to them during that one minute to give the most information, build the most confidence and the best case, and lower the risk of finding out more? What would you say? If you were there in person would you just say, "we exist...come buy from us for no justifiable, rational reason"?
I've said it before - most advertising you see is really pretty weak. Not one advertisement in a hundred presents any kind of a case for a product; instead, most ads mindlessly rattle off features and benefits that serve more to proclaim "WE EXIST!" than to give a justifiable, rational reason why someone would want to do business with that company. A good example of this sort of HERE-WE-ARE-SO-BUY-FROM-US advertising is the yellow pages.
Here's a quick exercise for you...and pay particular attention if you're in the...
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Volume 10, Issue 23, 2007-08-03
Advertising Law Workshop - Aug. 9
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ST. GEORGE — The law firm of Jones Waldo will conduct a workshop Thursday, Aug. 9, on promotions, marketing, and advertising law. The workshop is open to the first 15 persons to register. Please register by calling Sheila Berger at 986-2101.
The series will be held in the Calvin L. Rampton Conference Room at the Jones Waldo offices, 301 North 200 East, Suite 3-A. A continental breakfast will be served. The session will begin at 8 a.m. and run for approximately one hour.
Marianne G. Sorenson, of the Jones Waldo General Counsel Services Group, will address the sponsoring of legally compliant sweepstakes and contests for your business....
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Volume 6, Issue 22, 2003-12-08
Advertising vs. Research
The Marketing Minute
By Kevin Fry
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The most consistent question I am asked is: How do I know where to advertise given my limited budget? The answer becomes obvious when there is a clear understanding of who the target market is. When there isn't a clear understanding of the customer then advertising becomes research instead of a smart investment.
When a new business opens the proprietors are often so driven to get going they overlook the importance of creating immediate cash flow. Creating an immediate customer base comes from knowing exactly who buys a product or service and why.
The big box stores do tremendous research before opening. They know the demographics of the area they will serve and they know how to steal market share by advertising to specific people using targeted campaigns.
To compete with the big boys, the small business must understand that “everyone” is not a realistic target audience. If you can't spend money on research to determine your market then use your experience, intellect and your gut to make your best educated guess.
Investigate other businesses like yours located in markets of a similar population and ethnic composition. Comparing a market like Salt Lake City to St. George is reasonable in some ways but ridiculous in others.
Marketing is not a game of follow the leader. It's a game of leapfrog. You must look for opportunities to get in front of your competitor. Find the places that you can lead, look for ways to serve your market better than the other guy, and then advertise those precise things to specific people - people who can be identified as belonging to your target market. When those elements start to come together advertising becomes an asset not a costly exercise in research.
Pull Quote: Marketing is not a game of follow the leader. It's a game of leapfrog. You must look for opportunities to get in front of your competitor.
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Volume 12, Issue 40, 2009-12-15
Advertising Will Boost Retail Sales
Tell Them About It!
By Byron Theurer
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For retailers, the decision whether to advertise is easy, for the answer is always yes. Advertising is a great way to attract new customers who will, in turn, spread the word about your business to others. It also reminds previous customers that your business is still there to serve them.
However, which medium to use is only part of the decision-making process. Designing and implementing an advertising strategy requires...
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Volume 7, Issue 12, 2004-06-28
Advice from a Billionaire
By Kevin Fry
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The Marketing Minute
I just received a book titled “Ted Turner Speaks” by author Janet Lowe. In it there is a famous quote by Ted Turner: “Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell, and advertise.” I find that many good people in this wonderful region have the first three parts of this quote down solid, (except they work like heaven). The last part “and advertise” is too often overlooked in hopes that the first parts will make up for it.
There was a time in Southern Utah and Southern Nevada when many local businesses had market share due to lack of competition. The good-ole-days are gone. Instead of reflecting on the past...
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Volume 10, Issue 20, 2007-07-13
Advisor Gets Excellence Award
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ST. GEORGE - Brent Shakespeare, a financial advisor with the local office of Edward Jones Investments, recently received the Jack Phelan Blue Blazer Award for his outstanding performance over the past year.
The award was named for Phelan, the firm's former national sales manager.
Shakespeare was awarded a blue blazer with Edward Jones insignia buttons, similar to the one worn by Phelan, who is a legend at the company.
"When you work for a firm that is known for its outstanding service, it's quite an honor to be singled out for your service record," Shakespeare said....
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Volume 10, Issue 36, 2007-11-09
Advisor Picks Up New Client
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ST. GEORGE - Soltis Investment Advisors, an independent investment advisory firm in St. George, has been retained by US Synthetic to manage the company's 401(k) program. US Synthetic, headquartered in Orem, Utah, develops and produces polycrystalline diamond cutters for oil and gas exploration.
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Volume 7, Issue 8, 2004-04-26
Adware and Spyware on Your Computer?
Technically Twisted Commentaries
By Jason Eyre
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Do you use the internet? Have you noticed the large number of advertising that occurs on the internet? A few years ago advertising was just limited to banner ads on specific websites. Today internet advertisers are finding ways to invite their advertising software packages onto your computer. This unwelcome software has led to a new term in the industry: AdWare.
AdWare describes the software programs that install on your computer and deliver unwanted advertisements, pop-up ads, or special toolbars. This type of software includes packages such as GAIM, Bonzai Buddy, and many of the search toolbars that show up when you visit a website.
(There are legitimate toolbars from Google, Yahoo, and other search companies) The file sharing program KaZaa introduced AdWare to many computers. Some other AdWare software includes software that tracks which sites you visit and what your web viewing habits.
How do you protect your computer against AdWare? I personally feel that a good anti-virus package should protect my computer from unwanted and unwelcome software packages. Lawsuits have been filed by the AdWare companies to keep them from being legally defined as viruses. This has let the Anti-Virus companies to take a slow stance to protect you against AdWare.
The good news is you can now either download or purchase software specifically designed to remove AdWare from your computer. The package I like to use is called Ad-Aware by Lavasoft.. Lavasoft Software offers a free download of this package for personal use at http://www.lavasoftusa.com.
Be careful. Examine the above url and make sure that If you decide to use this package, please do not go to lavasoft.com or adaware.com instead. Doing so may draw you into downloading programs designed to fool you and end up installing more AdWare on your computer. I recommend that you take a stance and get rid of annoying AdWare on your PC today.
Editor's Note: The lavasoftusa site offers a free download, which the Journal endorses. It works very well. Read before executing, though. Jason Eyre is a Southern Utah Native who has worked in Government, Agricultural, Aerospace, Financial, and Service Industries; each position focusing on Information Technology. His considerable experience brings meaningful advice to those wishing to navigate effectively in today's technology world. You may email Jason your comments to journal@infowest.com
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Volume 12, Issue 22, 2009-06-22
After 20 Years, the Zephyr Goes 'Cyber'
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MOAB, UTAH - For 20 years, Moab, Utah's Canyon Country Zephyr distinguished itself as one of the most controversial, irreverent and unpredictable independent publications in the Rocky Mountain West. Now, the familiar print version, with its outrageous "cartoon ads" and button-pusher topics has ended and "The Zephyr: Planet Earth Edition" has moved exclusively to the world wide web.
According to publisher Jim Stiles, it was a difficult but necessary decision. "These are hard economic times for newspapers and we had very few options. But as the wise man once said, ‘We'd rather be read than dead.' However, we're still pushing buttons."
With two online issues under its belt and a growing internet readership, Stiles hopes the cyber Zephyr can continue to expand its audience. Since its inception in...
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Volume 10, Issue 25, 2007-08-24
After 30 Years, Dixie Springs Unveils Model Homes
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HURRICANE — After nearly three decades of planning and false starts, model homes soon will be soon be open at the Dixie Springs development north of Sand Hollow Reservoir. Almega Homes, Inc. will unveil two models Sept. 8 that will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The "Gateway to Adventure" event will also feature live music and food....
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Volume 13, Issue 5, 2010-02-10
AG Conference Scheduled
By By Julene Reese
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VERNAL, UTAH -- The seventh annual Diversified Agriculture Conference is held Feb. 24 to 26 in Vernal. The conference is designed to benefit agricultural producers who would like additional tools to help manage their businesses. It focuses on more than traditional agriculture, including recreation, tourism, direct marketing, farmers' markets and further processing.
Conference highlights include information on using...
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
AG Kicks In 14% of State Economy!
Utah State University Study Says Utah Agriculture Contributes Nearly 14% to State Economy
By Larry Lewis
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LOGAN, UTAH - A USU study by authors Ruby Ward and Paul Jakus will discuss findings of their comprehensive study of Utah agriculture’s contribution to the State of Utah’s overall economy. Utah agriculture contributes jobs, income, fiscal revenue, and quality of life to both rural and urban Utahns. In fact Utah county, part of the highly urbanized Wasatch Front, has the greatest value of agriculture receipts of any...
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
AG says: 'No can do' ...
... UEG says: 'Expect A Challenge
By Bill Keshlear
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utahns for Ethical Government (UEG) will continue its on-line and print signature-gathering at full speed. The citizen's group will challenge the Utah attorney general's opinion that says electronic signatures for initiative petitions will not be accepted as legal. UEG believes that valid signatures can be collected both on line and on paper.
UEG and Fair Boundaries are discussing various options and plan to...
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Volume 8, Issue 16, 2005-09-19
AGC Hosts Construction Registry Seminar
Other Focal Points include Mechanics Lien and Payment Bond Laws
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Participants at this seminar will discuss the most current issues and filing methods relating to the Utah State Construction Registry (SCR). While non-residential construction has been subject to the SCR since May 1, 2005, all residential construction must meet the requirements of the SCR as of November 1, 2005.
The seminar will be lead by Darrel Bostwick of: Bostwick & Price, P.C. and Deanna Leahy, of: Sunroc Products Inc. AGC has invited member and non-members alike to attend. An opportunity will be offered for participants to discuss their experiences with the SCR. The presentation will talk about upcoming changes expected during the 2006 General Legislative Session.
...
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Volume 8, Issue 5, 2005-03-14
AGC Plans Spring Golf Tournament
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Associated General Contractors (AGC) has set the date for their annual spring golf tournament. On Friday April 22 there will be a “shotgun” start at 8:00 am. At the Sky Mountain Golf Course in Hurricane, Utah.
The AGC's Golf Council (we should all have one) has chosen to play a 4 person scramble for both the men and women at this year's tournament. Each team will be vying for the 1st Place Prize (to be announced).
Those wishing to register must submit their names, company name, handicap, and preference as to whether the entrant wants the Golf Council to assign them to a four-some or a that they are part one already formed.
All registration forms and payment must be received by Friday, April 15th, 2005. Contact Rusty Richards at 435-628-1346 or by e-mail rrichards@infowest.com for fee structures, prize details and other questions.
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Volume 13, Issue 4, 2010-02-02
Age is Just a Number ...
... for This 75-Year-Old University of Phoenix Student
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH – If Claudette Larsen owns a rocking chair, she doesn’t spend much time sitting in it. This busy senior, who just celebrated her 75th birthday, is more likely to be teaching Tai Chi or helping out at the Ivins police station or serving an internship at a local residential treatment center as part of her requirement for a Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix.
Larsen spent most of her life in...
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Volume 10, Issue 20, 2007-07-13
Agency Receives Quality Care Award
Intermountain Homecare named for third straight year
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ST. GEORGE -- HealthInsight, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Nevada and Utah, has announced that Intermountain Homecare in Dixie has been awarded the HealthInsight Quality Award for the third year in a row.
Intermountain Homecare was selected for demonstrating high quality health care and excellence in performance on publicly reported quality of care measures. These measures come from clinical and administrative data that is collected from home health agencies across the nation.
‘An award of this nature is an outward demonstration of the commitment to quality patient care delivered by the staff in our home health office in St. George,&r...
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Volume 11, Issue 45, 2008-12-10
Agency Recognizes Top Performers
November a Good Month for Some Agents
Source: Jenna Sandall
Media Manager, Coldwell Banker Premier
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ST GEORGE - Coldwell Banker Premier recently announced their November leaders in listings, closings, and sales.
Out of over 80 agents in both the St. George and Hurricane Branch, coming in first for the most listings was the Livingston/Miner and Associates team, which consists of Boyd Livingston, Brent Miner, and Liz Dutton. They were followed by Brian Blackham in second, and Mike Baker in third. For sales, Meri Crandall took the top spot. Boyd, Brent, and Liz assumed...
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Volume 11, Issue 33, 2008-09-10
Agency Recognizes Top Producers
ERA Brokers names top agents
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ST. GEORGE - Leading local realtors from ERA Brokers Consolidated have been recognized for their outstanding sales performance during August.
Top Listing Agents are John Houston, St. George Blvd. office, and Lemmon Team, Hurricane Office.
Top Closing Agents are Nate Shaw, St. George Blvd. office, and Porter Team, Hurricane office.
"This outstanding achievement is really a testimony to the quality of our team at ERA Brokers Consolidated," said H. Thayne Houston, principal broker. "With a commitment to ...
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Volume 12, Issue 35, 2009-11-09
Agenda-November 2009 Trust Lands Board Meeting
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NOTICE OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
State of Utah School & Institutional Trust Lands Administration
Suite 600
675 East 500 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102...
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Volume 11, Issue 29, 2008-08-13
Agent Earns Certification
Kubat-Nerdin attains e-PRO designation
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ST. GEORGE - Wanda Kubat-Nerdin of Windermere Real Estate Southland has successfully completed the Realtor e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of Realtors.
The Realtor e-PRO certification course is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.
With more than 70 percent of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO® certified agents have the experience and...
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Volume 11, Issue 11, 2008-04-01
Agent Gains AARP Authorization
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ST. GEORGE - Insurance agent Cynthia Stewart, CLTC, is now authorized to sell AARP-endorsed long term care insurance policies issued by Genworth Life Insurance Company.
The retirement organization announced a relationship with Genworth Life in 2007 to provide long-term care planning solutions designed to meet the needs of AARP members.
Stewart, who specializes in long term care policies, is now authorized to offer AARP endorsed long term care insurance policies in Utah and Nevada.
She has been providing information and analysis on long term care planning through Genworth Life for more than three years. AARP chose Genworth Life for its experience and credibility in the long-term care insurance market.
For more information call 435-862-7153 or visit www.castewart.com.
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Volume 11, Issue 36, 2008-10-01
Agent Joins Brokerage
Windermere welcomes Kubat-Nerdin
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ST. GEORGE - Windermere Real Estate/St. George, LLC Inc., has hired sales associate Wanda Kubat-Nerdin in its Southland office. She was previously employed with Split Rock Realty as a sales agent. ...
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Volume 12, Issue 12, 2009-04-06
Agents Attend International Business Conference
By Linda Johnson
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St. George, UT -- Real Estate Agents with ERA Brokers Consolidated recently attended the 2009 ERA® International Business Conference held March 5-9 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. They joined ERA® professionals from around the world to attend leading-edge training courses and learn about the latest product and service offerings from ERA Real Estate. The conference also celebrated ERA Real Estate's 30-plus year participation in supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Convention attendees from ERA Brokers included H. Thayne Houston, Principal Broker, Theron Jensen, Partner and Business Manager for the...
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Volume 11, Issue 42, 2008-11-12
Agents Complete Training
ERA Brokers Sales Associates
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ST. GEORGE - Sixteen sales associates from local real estate company ERA Brokers Consolidated recently completed the ERA Advanced AccelERAtion training course offered by ERA Franchise Systems LLC.
Graduates include Ryan Andersen, Phil Bradbury, Craig Barr, Cindy Campbell, Lisa Frei, Tamara Foster, April Gates, Kirsten Hansen, Rand Lemmon, Stephany Llewellyn, Jenny Lundwall, Steve Malmgren, Sariah Mortensen, Kathryn Page, Susanne Pugh and Maria Serbina.
AccelERAtion's five-day facilitated training program educates ERA sales associates on how to better assist buyers and sellers, pricing and ...
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Volume 10, Issue 24, 2007-08-17
Agents Get Coldwell Banker Award
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ST. GEORGE - Bob Teel and Tom Callister, agents with Coldwell Banker Commercial KGA, have been welcomed by the Coldwell Banker Commercial Network of Brokers into the Silver Level Circle of Distinction.
The Silver Level Circle of Distinction Award is presented to Coldwell Banker Commercial agents who are top sales producers throughout the company's network. Teel and Callister were honored last year as top producing agents for the St. George office of Coldwell Banker Commercial KGA. ...
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Volume 10, Issue 39, 2007-12-11
Agents Join Century 21 1st Choice Realty
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CEDAR CITY - Century 21 1st Choice Realty has announced that Mike and Karen Lopez have joined the firm as sales associates. They will specialize in residential and property sales in the Iron County area.
"We are thrilled to have Mike and Karen join our team," said Stormy Bulloch. "It's an exciting time to be with the Century 21 System as we increase our market presence in the Iron County area."
They just successfully completed extensive training and licensing through St. George Real Estate School. In addition, they will continue their quest for higher learning by attending additional training through Century 21 Certified Learning Systems.
...
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Volume 11, Issue 32, 2008-09-03
Agents Receive PaceSetter Status
Stocks, Jenkins of Certified Insurance
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COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ryan Stocks and Matt Jenkins, of Certified Insurance Services in Cedar City, recently became members of a select group of State Auto independent agents, considered PaceSetter agents.
"The goal of our year-long PaceSetter program is to form a sales/marketing partnership with each agent to improve service to all our customers," said chairman, CEO Robert Restrepo. "This group is truly our 'cream of the crop,' and we're proud to have members of Ryan Stocks and Matt Jenkins' caliber in the group, representing State Auto in Utah."
In the coming months, State Auto sales personnel will work closely with...
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Volume 12, Issue 31, 2009-10-12
Aging Boomers Want More Modest Homes and Easy Living
Source: Nation's Building News
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The current housing downturn has taken some steam out of housing demand from the 55+ population, but a "55+ Housing: Builders, Buyers and Beyond" survey conducted in February by NAHB and the MetLife Mature Market Institute identifies significant opportunities in this market for both builders and remodelers at a time when a weak economy has forced households across the age spectrum to reassess how much housing they can afford.
The research was conducted largely to determine how well builders were meeting the preferences of this age demographic, and the results found that the industry was largely on the same wavelength as its potential customers.
The 1,500 consumers participating in the survey showed a strong preference for single-family detached homes in a suburban setting. Despite recent housing price declines, members of this group have retained considerable amounts of...
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Volume 7, Issue 16, 2004-09-13
Aguiar Opens Medical Billing Business
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To many, this would not appear as any great economic event: a small business begins. However, you may recall a report in the Journal which ran in issue 11 of 2004 titled “Stunning new data show ” wherein it was reported that “New data released by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy confirms just how important small businesses are to the American economy. While corporations cowered, small business rose to the challenge, generating 100 percent of all net new jobs over the previous year (2001 recovery)”, and “For at least the past two decades, small businesses (the mom & pop operations) have generated two-thirds to three-quarters of all net new jobs!!”. So it is a big deal. Let's give Darlene Aguiar a big hand.
Her company name is “DTA Claims & Consulting Service” and is a new business with offices in Washington City and serving the whole of Washington County. Darlene boasts several years working experiences and success with clients, and has consulted with them regarding their Insurance Benefits and claims.
She says that “For Residential Treatment Facilities 80% of the Insurance is collectible, for many parents this service is of great help.”
Darlene's business is a member of the American Medical Association. Her company offers services such as medical billing for both inpatient & outpatient. She specializes in behavioral health billing; and claims consulting.
Darlene also has a service called "Claims Paid By Me", which to explain will require direct contact with Darlene , which you may do by calling (435)628-7287 or 680-5121.
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Volume 11, Issue 17, 2008-05-13
Airline Promotes Development Director
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ST. GEORGE - SkyWest Airlines, a subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc., has announced the promotion of Spencer N. Hyde as director of the company’s enhanced multimedia and business development group.
In the new position, Hyde will provide artistic and creative vision to support SkyWest’s internal and external marketing and communication efforts, assist the company’s operational divisions in the development and deployment of multi-media training materials for classroom and online learning, and provide support and development of SkyWest Airlines and ASA web projects.
Additionally, Hyde will oversee the development, integration and support of various business techn...
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Volume 11, Issue 29, 2008-08-13
Airline Reports Decreased July Traffic
Passenger miles down almost 5 percent
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ST. GEORGE - SkyWest, Inc. reported a 3.3 percent decrease in available seat miles (ASMs) for July, while revenue passenger miles (RPMs) decreased by 4.7 percent compared to the same period last year.
The combined airlines generated 2.0 billion ASMs and 1.6 billion RPMs for the month. Load factor was down 1.2 percentage points to 80.1 percent compared to 81.3 percent for the same period last year. Passenger boardings for July totaled 3,146,758, a 0.9 percent decrease over July 2007.
SkyWest Airlines, based in St. George, and Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Inc., based in Atlanta, Ga., are wholly...
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Volume 12, Issue 20, 2009-06-08
Airport Creates New Boost to Local Economy
By Marc Mortensen
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St. George, Utah - Despite declining local sales tax revenues and depreciating property values, the City of St. George has discovered the silver lining in this period of economic downturn with construction material and labor costs on the replacement airport project coming in much lower than original estimates. This summer seven projects will be under construction at the airport site. On average, these projects are coming in 45% below 2007 estimates which means significant savings on construction costs as a whole.
In the grading and drainage project just completed in May, 4 million cubic yards of earth were moved at a cost of $11.6 million.
The magnitude of the effort to ...
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Volume 12, Issue 14, 2009-04-20
Airport Gears Up For Next Phase Of Construction
By Marc Mortensen
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St. George, UT- Work on the St. George replacement airport continues to move rapidly ahead as work on the first phase of construction which includes rough grading and drainage winds down. This summer there will be seven construction projects associated with the airport under way at the same time. The next phase of construction which involves finish grading is scheduled for a bid opening on May 5th. A main waterline that will provide water to the airport and surrounding areas will be installed concurrently. The new airport terminal building bid will be opened on April 28th and construction is expected to begin this summer. Proposals for fixed base operations, fueling facilities and...
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Volume 11, Issue 36, 2008-10-01
Airport Ground Breaking Scheduled
St. George to officially launch project
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ST. GEORGE - After years of planning, environmental studies, land disputes and financial challenges, the new St. George regional airport is scheduled to break ground on Friday, Oct. 17 at noon at the airport site.
"This groundbreaking represents progress, not only for the city and those individuals involved in the new airport itself, but real progress for the entire community." said St. George Mayor Daniel D. McArthur, "After years of persistence, we finally have a project!"
Construction of the new airport represents the largest capital project ever undertaken by the city at a cost of approximately ...
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Volume 7, Issue 9, 2004-05-10
Airport Manager Elected to Regional Leadership Position
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At its annual conference held April 5-7, 2004 in Victoria, British Columbia, the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives elected St. George Municipal Airport Manager David Ulane, A.A.E. President for 2004/2005.
Founded in 1927, the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is one of the largest professional associations in the nation, representing over 4,800 airport professionals and their airports. As President of the Northwest Chapter of AAAE, Ulane represents AAAE members in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. In this role, Ulane will be responsible for overseeing the Chapter's business affairs, and compiling regional input on critical legislative, regulatory and policy issues affecting the nation's airports.
Ulane, a professionally Accredited Airport Executive, has managed the St. George, Utah Airport since June of 2002. He also serves as the Vice President of the Utah Airport Operators Association, and is a past President of the Wyoming Airport Operators Association.
Other Chapter officers elected for 2004/2005 are First Vice President Dan Mann, Casper, Wyoming; Second Vice President John Seymour, Missoula, Montana; and Secretary/Treasurer Al Stuart, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Volume 12, Issue 3, 2009-01-26
Airport still on target for 2010 Opening
St. George Plans November Celebration
By Marc C. Mortensen
Assistant to City Manager
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St. George, UT. - After weeks of delays due to exceptionally heavy rainfall in December, construction on the St. George Replacement Airport is back on schedule. On any given day, from afar, a large plume of dust billows up into the azure southern Utah sky as blasting crews turn rocky hills into rubble while hundreds of large earth-haulers work in unison like ants moving debris from one area to another.
To date, excavation contractor, R.E. Monks Construction, has moved more than two-million cubic yards of earth, half of the specified work as outlined in the first phase of...
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Volume 12, Issue 41, 2009-12-22
Airport Terminal Building Emerges from Landscape
By Marc Mortensen
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ST. GEORGE, Utah - 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...
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Volume 13, Issue 11, 2010-04-15
Aldred Wins Term Limits Endorsement
By Larry Meyers
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Conservative Republican Greg Aldred has been endorsed by the Washington County Term Limits Committee in the race for County Commission seat A. “We appreciate the service that Commissioner Eardley has given over the years, but it’s time for someone new to step forward and serve,” stated Larry Meyers, committee chairman. “Greg Aldred has been a leader in the movement for State’s Rights and against illegal immigration. He will make an...
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Volume 8, Issue 9, 2005-05-09
All the Right Moves in Time Management
The “What's an Entrepreneur?” Series
By Marvin R. Ray
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Probably the most important step in avoiding time traps should be a given‒but many business owners fail to take it. You need to draw up your company's mission and define the goals, with individual deadlines, that will enable you to fulfill that mission. Any time you spend that doesn't help you realize those goals sets you off course..
Tony Mandola, a Houston, Texas, restaurateur, knows firsthand the importance of establishing a mission and sticking to the game plan. Mandola, who owns three New Orleans- style bistros and a catering firm, admits that before he got time-saving religion and adopted a set of principles and ideas for better organizing his day, “I was so busy, I'd wake up behind.” Now, he says, “I get more done in a shorter span because I've learned to prioritize my time.”
He's also learned the importance of focusing on meeting business objectives. “The key is clarity,” Mandola says. “Stating and reviewing your goals helps with everything else. Having clarity helps eliminate things that might tend to slow you down.” Mandola makes sure his goals are front and center by frequently reviewing them. “I set them down on tape and listen to them or read them. That way, every decision I make, I ask, ‘Does this help me achieve my goal?'”
Being proactive, rather than reactive‒and looking out for number one‒also can help. This isn't being “selfish”. We often set up meetings around other people's schedules, not our own.
The solution: Schedule time for yourself so that you can focus on a task without interruption. That means no phone calls and no email. These should be dealt with much the same way managers used to deal with snail mail. You spend a half-hour when you come in going through your email, and maybe another half-hour at the end of the day‒and that's it.
In the seven hours in between, ignore the computer messages, and don't be afraid not to answer the phone occasionally. That's why messaging services were invented‒so you don't have to respond to every caller when you're working on something that's vital to your business.
Learning to set priorities also is a proven time-management tool. However, this doesn't mean simply drawing up “to do” lists, which often exercises futility. Unless you actually put the activity on your schedule and set a deadline for completing it, it's probably not going to get done.
Of course, none of this is going to do you a bit of good unless you stick with the program. Follow-through and consistency are the only ways to change behavioral patterns. Real change is going to take some work and the necessary time. This is not a change you can make overnight. There is no miracle or little exercise that you can do, but suddenly you will find that you have all the time you need to accomplish your business and personal tasks.
Editor's note: Marvin works with businesses throughout Utah to help them better owner personal self-esteem and the bottom line of their business. Comments about Marvin's writings may be directed to Marvin at yorktown@infowest.com
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Volume 8, Issue 1, 2005-01-17
Allconnect Opens Doors at Tonaquint Business Park
Mary Loshak
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The 2005 Washington County Economic Summit was held at the Dixie Center last week. This is the eighth year that Dixie has held this event. Although the southland had torrential rains this week, the Economic Summit was completely sold out with a backup waiting list.
The keynote speaker this year was Governor elect Jon Huntsman Jr. Governor Huntsman spoke about how he will facilitate an economic revitalization for the State of Utah. He discussed the need for our state to be more competitive with surrounding states like Arizona, Nevada and Idaho and his desire to create a thriving, competitive economy where entrepreneurial ventures are encouraged. Some additional points he touched on for his four year plan of economic revitalization for Utah include 1) a fair and competitive regulatory environment, and 2) make Utah a business friendly state.
Although many larger businesses sponsored this summit, much of the focus and discussion in the breakout sessions was geared towards the small business owners. The real estate market, the patent market, and establishing your small business through marketing were just some of the topics covered in the breakout sessions.
By Summit reports, 2004 was an excellent year for Washington County. Population growth was up by 7% and that figure makes Washington County the fastest growing county in Utah. In addition, Washington County is one of the top growing counties in the United States. Unemployment rates were on the decline with a jobless rate of 3.5% by the end of the year. Job growth here in Washington County is strong and has not been this strong since 1995. Due to the broad based growth throughout Washington County the demand for workers will exceed the supply leading to wage increases.
Next let's talk about the real estate market, both for residential and business. First the industrial sector - as businesses continue to migrate here for the great quality of life and excellent workforce, land sales are up in addition to new construction beginnings for the many new businesses and current businesses wishing to expand.
The residential sector is even more exciting. With the 15 and 30-year fixed interest rate still under 6%, home sales remain strong. The influx of people from California and Nevada where housing prices remain exceptionally high continues to push our housing market into overdrive as sales of affordably priced existing homes and new housing starts continue to reach all time highs for Washington County.
Real estate will continue to remain a viable part of our economy here in St. George. In addition to the great value of owing a home in Utah's Dixie many speakers stressed our great climate, world class health care and great quality of life here.
At the end of the summit, a new company Allconnect, introduced themselves to the business community. Allconnect provides an efficient service to people who are moving. With one call to your electric company, they will connect you with a representative from Allconnect who can facilitate all your other connections i.e., telephone, gas, internet, cable, all at no cost to the person who is moving in. Allconnect is moving into a 25,000 foot facility in the Tonaquint Center and will be hiring up to 50 people in the near future.
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Volume 9, Issue 6, 2006-04-10
Allen Chiropractic Opens in Washington City
By Robert Merrick
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St. George, UT - “True health is more than just feeling good. True health is the body's ability to function well. If all the body's systems are functioning optimally, then we truly have health.” Troy Allen believes so deeply in this, he decided to get a doctorate in an area that would help him practice what he preached‒Chiropractic Medicine.
Dr. Troy Allen comes from Dayton, a small town just three miles west of Preston, Idaho. “I grew up in a small town, so I like the small town mentality. People are a lot friendlier” Allen graduated from Westside High School and then served an LDS mission in Little Rock, Ark. He completed his u...
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Volume 11, Issue 28, 2008-08-06
Allstate Agent Honored for Volunteerism
Award brings fire department cash grant
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CEDAR CITY - Allstate insurance agent Jerry Bybee has been honored for his volunteerism with the Agency Hands in the Community Award from The Allstate Foundation.
The foundation also donated $500 to the Cedar City Fire Department, for which Bybee volunteers. He also volunteers with the fire departments in Newcastle and Brian Head.
The Allstate Agency Hands in the Community grant program recognizes Allstate agents and personal financial representatives for their commitment to community service and provides a donation to the charitable organization where they volunteer.
To qualify for the grant, agents must demonstrate ...
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Volume 8, Issue 18, 2005-10-17
Alltel Expands Coverage in St. George with New Rate Plans
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ST. GEORGE, Utah - Alltel, owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network, will expand local coverage here starting Monday as the company rolls out new rate plans. Alltel is offering the new plans following its $6.5 billion merger Aug. 1 with Western Wireless Corporation, which operates as Cellular One in St. George.
"Alltel Freedom plans offer more value, coverage and options for wireless customers in St. George," said Gigi Flory, vice president of wireless retail services for Alltel. "Customers can look for even more great offers and products in the coming months."
Alltel Total Freedom plans offer customers nationwide coverage with no roaming or long-distance c...
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Volume 12, Issue 20, 2009-06-08
Alpine Home Medical Equipment Receives Awards
By Shana Soelberg
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St. George - Alpine Home Medical Equipment recently received several industry related performance awards. These honors included the HME Excellence award, 2nd Runner-up in the Best HME Provider category and Best of State Winner in the Medical Supplies category.
The HME Excellence Award recognizes the country's top providers of home medical equipment who excel in within the medical equipment industry. One of the judges commented on how impressed he was with Alpine's ability to "think outside the box", and added that "The HME Excellence Awards program has become the most coveted form of recognition in the home health industry."
The Best of State Award recognizes ...
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Volume 7, Issue 2, 2004-01-26
Alternatives to Microsoft?
Technically Twisted Commentaries
By Jason Eyre
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When I first started using computers, I learned about public domain software. This free software ranged from simple games to learning applications. I played many of these games and used many public domain programs in Elementary and High School. The public domain concept has expanded and a whole new software design movement has come forth called Open Source Software. These programs use one of several licenses and are available for free download.
The biggest difference between the public domain games and learning programs and Open Source Software is the type of programs available. I recall playing simple games and learning programs that would equate to video games on an Atari 26...
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Volume 10, Issue 10, 2007-04-30
Amending Your Tax Return
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE ‒ You've discovered an error in your tax return after you've filed your taxes. What should you do? Brent Hall, a partner with HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors, suggests you may need to amend your return.
The IRS usually corrects math errors or requests missing forms -- such as W-2s or schedules. In these instances, do not amend your return. However, you should file an amended return if any of the following were reported incorrectly:
” Your filing status
” Your total income
” Your deductions or credits
Use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct a previously filed Form 104...
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Volume 12, Issue 25, 2009-07-13
Amendment Helping Religious Workers Passes
Amendment Extends the Special Immigrant Non-Minister Religious Worker Visa Program and the Conrad 30 Program By Three Years
By Andrea Saul
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WASHINGTON - Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) today announced the bipartisan amendment he offered (Senate Amendment No. 1428) to the Homeland Security Appropriations Act (H.R. 2892) that will extend, for three years, the Special Immigrant Non-Minister Religious Worker Visa Program, the Conrad 30 Program, and a provision to address the immigration-related hardships caused by the death of a sponsoring relative, passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
"Congress' current practice of extending the Special Immigrant Non-Minister Religious Worker Visa program in six-month spurts has made it extremely difficult for agency officials to administer the program and for religious groups to make long-term plans for their critical staffing needs," said Hatch. "I am proud to help our country's religious denominations to continue uninterrupted in their call to serve and provide support to those who are in the greatest need."
The Special Immigrant Non-Minister portion of the Religious Worker Visa program provides for up to 5,000 foreign-born non-minister religious workers, both religious and lay persons, to enter into the United States to perform pastoral and social services on behalf of...
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Volume 12, Issue 22, 2009-06-22
Amendment Reduces Malpractice and Control Costs
Senator Says Democrats More Interested in Spending Another $1 Trillion of Taxpayer Money
By Andrea Saul
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WASHINGTON - In the second day of the Senate HELP Committee Hearing on the President's and Democrats' Affordable Health Choices Act, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) continues to point out flaws in the liberal's plan, specifically in controlling costs and reducing medical malpractice.
Hatch offered an amendment today that would prohibit the use of comparative effectiveness research information from defining the standard of care in federal and state courts; acknowledging that medicine is not an exact science and patients will respond differently to the same treatment.
"What works for one patient, may not work for...
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Volume 12, Issue 10, 2009-03-23
America First Credit Union Opens 87th Branch
by Nicole Cypers
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Hurricane, UT - March, 2009 - America First Credit Union (AFCU), has announced the grand opening of its 87th branch in Hurricane, 180 North 3400 West, located inside the Wal-Mart store.
America First has named Suzann Farnsworth as manager of the new Hurricane branch. At America First, our members come first, said AFCU Executive Vice President John Lund. This new branch - the credit unions 87th - allows us to better provide one-on-one service to all of our members, and represents the stability theyve come to expect from America First.
A grand opening celebration will be held from March 18 - 28 at the new...
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Volume 12, Issue 11, 2009-03-30
America First Credit Union Opens 87th Branch
by Nicole Cypers
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Hurricane, UT - March, 2009 - America First Credit Union (AFCU), has announced the grand opening of its 87th branch in Hurricane, 180 North 3400 West, located inside the Wal-Mart store.
America First has named Suzann Farnsworth as manager of the new Hurricane branch. At America First, our members come first, said AFCU Executive Vice President John Lund. This new branch - the credit unions 87th - allows us to better provide one-on-one service to all of our members, and represents the stability theyve come to expect from America First.
A grand opening celebration will be held from March 18 - 28 at the new...
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Volume 12, Issue 23, 2009-06-29
America's small businesses are the key
By Stan Nakano, District Directo
Utah District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration
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It's been a little more than 100 days since the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). In that time the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has implemented new programs to get credit flowing again and has several more on the way that will help small businesses weather this economic storm, and ultimately continue to grow and create jobs.
First and foremost, we enhanced our top two loan programs - 7(a) and 504 - which have so far resulted in $4.3 billion in new loans for small businesses. The SBA temporarily eliminated fees for borrowers on its 7(a) loans and for both borrowers and lenders on its 504 loans. The SBA also temporarily raised the guarantee on most of its 7(a) loans to as much as 90 percent, up from 75-85 percent. In this short time, there has been a 30 percent increase in average weekly loan dollar volume compared to the weekly average before the passage of the Recovery Act.
Last week, SBA launched the America's Recovery Capital - ARC - loan program. The ARC loans will provide a "bridge" for many small businesses to the better economic times ahead. T...
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Volume 6, Issue 22, 2003-12-08
America's Walk for Diabetes Seeks Corporate Sponsors
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It's not too late to join America's Walk for Diabetes in St. George on Saturday, May 1, 2004 as a corporate partner with the American Diabetes Association. Gain media exposure for your company while building employee morale, contributing to your community, and making an important contribution to the fight against diabetes. For as little as $2,500 (some in kind sponsorships will be considered), you will gain local television and/or radio media exposure.
With over 18.2 million Americans with diabetes, including 100,000 in Utah, you will find that a number of your employees have diabetes or most likely, know someone who does. Complications from diabetes can include increased incidence of stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, amputation and, even, death.
The annual costs of medical care for diabetes and its complications are conservatively estimated to be $92 billion. The American Diabetes Association is the authoritative source for information, research and advocacy leading the way to a better tomorrow for those who have diabetes and striving to find a cure for this devastating disease.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities or building a corporate Walk Team, call Laura More at 1.888.DIABETES, extension 7075, or email, lmore@diabetes.org.
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Volume 11, Issue 43, 2008-11-19
American Association of University Women To Meet
Membership Meeting To Be Held in St. George
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ST GEORGE - The American Association of University Women (AAUW) membership meeting will be held at the Dixie State College Gardner Center on December 1st at 11:30 am.
Kara Coop, Director of Care and Share in St. George, will share her experience with members and guests. Please call Chris Wheeler at 674-9887 for reservations by Tuesday, November 25th. The luncheon costs $17.00. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Bobbie Sylvester at...
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Volume 7, Issue 18, 2004-10-11
American Cancer Society names new Community Relations Manager
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The American Cancer Society has recently named Janie Peterson as the new Community Relations Manger for the Southern Utah region. Peterson most recently held the position of Special events coordinator.
With her new position, Peterson hopes to create more community awareness of cancer and the resources that are available to those whose lives are being affected by cancer. Being a cancer survivor herself, Peterson is determined to help the community, “pull together to make a difference.”
Peterson's time at the American Cancer Society has been both rewarding and difficult. She sees people overcome cancer while at the same time have close friends find out they have cancer. Despite the challenges Peterson knows that there is hope for everyone.
Through events like the masquerade ball held in November and the relay for life held annually in April, Peterson feels a difference is being made in the lives of those in Southern Utah.
Though life may become more hectic with her new position, Peterson is excited about the challenges that lie ahead
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Volume 7, Issue 5, 2004-03-15
American Diabetes Association honors St. Georges's Holly Glore
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The American Diabetes Association has selected Holly Glore, Diabetes Educator, to receive a 2004 Cure Care Commitment Award. Holly and two others were presented with their awards last Friday at a luncheon at Thanksgiving Point.
“The Cure Care Commitment Awards are an opportunity for people to recognize the women who have touched their lives and to honor them for their contributions in the community, workplace or home,” said Katie Croskrey, Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association. The three “Cure Care Commitment” honorees were selected for their outstanding contributions in the areas of health and healing, compassionate service and longstanding civic involvement.
Of the three award categories, Holly represents “Cure.” Holly has been instrumental in the development of high quality diabetes care for Utahns. She started the Diabetes Management Clinic at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in 1995 and spent several years as the coordinator of IHC 's Adult Diabetes Education Programs before moving to Dixie to expand IHC 's diabetes care in Southern Utah. She is known throughout Utah for her tenacity, dedication and is well loved by all of her patients.
Pearl Rex-Hartzell of Orem represents “Care” and Kathy D. Pullins of Provo represents “Commitment.” The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy.
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Volume 11, Issue 23, 2008-07-02
American Economy in the Twilight Zone
The Summertime Outlook
By Jeff Thredgold, President
Thredgold Economic Associates
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The U.S. economy seems stuck in that spooky area between minimal growth and mild recession. First quarter real (inflation adjusted) economic growth was revised higher to a 0.9 percent annual rate, with another revision to come.
Many second quarter growth estimates are near zero, with most forecasters expecting somewhat better performance in the year's second half and into 2009.
Why? The combination of aggressive Federal Reserve ease, impressive U.S. export growth to a solid global economy, and the $168 billion fiscal stimulus program will help.
It is entirely possible that the econo...
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Volume 11, Issue 14, 2008-04-22
American Entrepreneurial Drive Stays Solid
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Even with the economy moving toward a recession, Americans' desire to start their own business remains strong.
In a national poll commissioned by Yahoo Small Business, nearly two-thirds of the adults surveyed have thought about owning their own business in the past year. The 65 percent reading was down from 70 percent last year, but virtually the same as in 2006.
A number of reasons were cited for wanting to start a company. The most popular was individuals' desire to be passionate about what they're doing. Slightly less popular reasons were work/home flexibility and to earn more money.
Harris Interactive fielded the study March 10-12 on behalf of Yahoo. The ...
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Volume 12, Issue 32, 2009-10-19
American Fork Resident Wins “Challenge” at USF
By Amanda Caraway
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CEDAR CITY, UT-Teena Rasmussen of American Fork, Utah has been chosen as the winner of the Utah Shakespearean Festival's "Scenery Sleuth Challenge." Festival patrons were challenged to identify ten props/scenery pieces featured in "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" that had been used in previous Festival productions. A grand prize drawing was held from the correct entries for two tickets to a 2010 summer season production, an autographed 2009 fall Festival souvenir program, and a commemorative plaque.
Rasmussen attended the October 15 performance of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" to receive her prize and be crowned the "Master Scenery Sleuth." As a surprise bonus, she became part of the production when she was pulled on stage to receive her winnings and was referred to by the actors throughout the...
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Volume 11, Issue 8, 2008-03-04
American Workers Getting Fatter, Study Says
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We probably could have guessed, but now a study has confirmed all suspicions. U.S. workers are getting fatter.
In a nationwide analysis of 9,900 employee health screenings, Kronos Optimal Health Co. found that 65 percent of employees are overweight or obese.
More specifically, more than 77 percent of men and 65 percent of women age 40 and older are overweight or obese. For those employees younger than 40, nearly 68 percent of men and 52 percent of women are in the overweight or obese range.
These statistics point the work force toward a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, said Dr. Susan Kaib, medical director of Phoenix-based Krono...
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Volume 11, Issue 31, 2008-08-27
Americans' Trust Businesses Less
Survey says trust down in 13 of 15 industries
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Americans say their trust in businesses slid in 13 of 15 industries, according to the latest Better Business Bureau/Gallup Trust survey.
Nearly half of those polled said they have "some, very little or no trust at all" in companies they do business with in everyday life, according to the survey, which measured changes over a seven-month period.
From September 2007 to April 2008, nine industries had a 10 percent or more drop in the combined "a great deal of trust" and "quite a lot a lot of trust" grouping, including auto dealers, down 19 percent; real estate brokers, off 19 percent; department stores,...
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Volume 11, Issue 14, 2008-04-22
An Accident Waiting to Happen
Thredgold Economic Assoc.
By Jeff Thredgold, Pres.,
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No shortage of ink has been used during the past year to dissect the root cause of the housing crisis that grips too many American communities.
Some focus on the idea that home prices simply went too far too fast in too many markets during 2002 to 2006, thus requiring the inevitable and painful downward move in home values.
Others focus on the fact that numerous Wall Street firms got too involved in slicing and dicing mortgage-backed securities into tranches (pieces) to be bought by aggressive investors around the nation and around the world.
Others take Wall Street firms to task for cre...
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Volume 12, Issue 25, 2009-07-13
An Antidote to Stress
By Wendy Rapaport, LSCW, Psy.D.
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Here's a paradigm shift: Welcome stress. It's a life force to be handled with optimism and planning. The antidote to stress often begins with the mind, but for now, let's begin with the body.
Exercise should not be a "four letter" word. There are so many benefits to exercise: physical and psychological stress relief, raising metabolism, lowering blood sugar, enhancing mood and improving body image. Besides, if you move, you LOSE (weight) and WIN!
During nice weather, you'll be inspired to get out and get active. Now is a great time to make a commitment to yourself that lasts for years to come. If the famous saying "just do it" doesn't work for you, here are some additional ideas to get the good habits started. It only takes 21 days to get into a habit, so if you start today, the countdown to less stress begins today!
1. Do something physical at the same time every day, or every day that you exercise. Making it a ritual or a routine activity makes it easier to...
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Volume 10, Issue 29, 2007-09-21
An Autumn View of the Economy
President, Thredgold Economic As
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP,
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The American Economy
The critical question to be addressed in coming months is whether or not the U.S. economy will dip into recession. We suggest about a 40 percent chance of recession during the next 12 months, with a stronger expectation that a ‘growth recession’ or sluggish growth is more likely.
Real (inflation adjusted) economic growth could slow to a 0.5 - 2.0 percent annual growth pace during the next six months, versus the already sluggish 2.3 percent real annual growth pace during 2007's first half. Housing weakness and credit market anxiety, combined with a constantly negative view from the national media, could make it ‘feel’ li...
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Volume 11, Issue 35, 2008-09-24
An Autumn View of the Economy
Expect rising unemployment, moderating inflation
By Jeff Thredgold, Pres.
Thredgold Economic Assoc.
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The current period of U.S. economic volatility seems likely to continue in coming quarters. The official "scorekeeper" of the U.S. economy, the National Bureau of Economic Research, has remained silent to this point in regard to recession. In our view, an announcement that a recession likely started around the end of 2007 could come at any time.
Budget Deficits - too much spending
A menu of weak U.S. economic growth (or likely recession), enormous war spending, one financial bailout after another, and Congressional economic stimulus could see the fiscal year (FY) 2008 deficit, which ends on Sept. 30, exceed $400 billion. The budget deficit for FY2009 will ...
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Volume 13, Issue 24, 2010-08-05
An Economic Chat
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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During the past 35 years of writing a weekly economic, financial, and (sometimes) political newsletter, I have periodically tried to present information in an unusual format so as to make “the dismal science” less intimidating and more interesting. Over the years, we have occasionally run a discussion between two old friends—Mrs. Smith and Mr. Jones—regarding a variety of...
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Volume 9, Issue 1, 2006-01-23
An Economic Commercial Summary for Washington County - 2005
By Ray Rosenthal
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Washington County continues to be one of Utah's fastest growing counties. With St. George leading the way, the county is seeing rapid growth in most cities. Washington, Hurricane, and Ivins have all made impressive gains and it doesn't appear there will be much, if any, slowdown in these cities.
2005 will be a record setting year in home sales. This is the fifth consecutive year of solid growth. The area is experiencing a shortage in affordable workforce housing that has cost Washington County several opportunities to attract substantial job-intensive manufacturing companies. There are various committees working diligently to come up with creative ideas to address the shortfa...
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Volume 12, Issue 10, 2009-03-23
An Economic Rollercoaster
By Jon Walter
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The news is full of opinions about where our economy is headed. Although many forecast events with confidence, the fact is, most get it wrong. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said it well in referring to his own prediction of events "My forecasting record on this recession is about the same as the win-loss record of the Washington Nationals" (WSJ Mar 11, 2009). In context, the Washington Nationals record was the worst in Major League baseball last year. Best advice, don't count on Ben Bernanke, Barack Obama, or other government officials to stimulate or predict a recovery.
Generally speaking, buyers are still hedging their bet against further downturn in the ...
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Volume 10, Issue 19, 2007-07-03
An Economist's Summertime View
Thredgold Economic Associates
Jeff Thredgold, President,
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The U.S. economy's pathetic first quarter 0.6 percent real (inflation adjusted) annual growth pace should be followed by a 2.2 percent - 3.2 percent growth rate over the next 12 months, more in line with the 3.2 percent real growth pace of 2005 and 2006.
Both the broad services sector and the manufacturing sector have shown recent signs of improvement. Financial market players are less concerned about the chance of recession-and more concerned about solid economic growth aggravating inflation. It's always somethin'!
The Bottom Line?
In addition, we expect a declining budget deficit, tighter labor availability, modest inflation pressures, rel...
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Volume 8, Issue 19, 2005-10-31
An inflation & interest rate chat
By Jeff Thredgold, Thredgold Eco
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During the past 30 years of writing a weekly economic & financial newsletter, I have regularly tried to present information in an unusual format so as to make “the dismal science” less intimidating and more interesting. Over the years we have periodically run a discussion between two old friends‒Mrs. Smith and Mr. Jones‒regarding a variety of topics. Their topic of discussion today is inflation, interest rates, and the Fed
While sitting on a park bench
“I am really confused by all the stuff I hear on TV about inflation moving up and down, interest rates moving up and down, etc.” stated Mr. Jones. “How do you keep all ...
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Volume 7, Issue 17, 2004-09-27
An Interview with Ben Winslow‒KSL Radio Personality
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Ben Winslow, alumnus communication student of Southern Utah University, has recently been named the recipient of the national, prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award,
The Murrow Award, named after the famous and accomplished broadcast journalist, is the equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize in the world of radio and television. According to Radio-Television News Directors Association and Foundation, “Murrow Award recipients demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.”
“This is wonderful news for Ben; he's a talented broadcaster,” Dean O'Driscoll, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, and fellow SUU communication alum, declares. And it's certainly a statement about the quality of the education Ben received at SUU.”
Tasha Williams, current communication SUU student spent some time visiting with Ben
about his education at SUU, his career since then, and the details on the particular project
that brought him the honor of receiving the Murrow Award.
What got you interested in broadcast news?
It was really one of those things I fell into. I started doing news for SUU because they paid $60 a month. As a college student you do anything for money. I really liked instructors, Dr. Grady and Art Challis. I started doing more of it. I was interested in doing newspaper, so I worked for the University Journal. As part of the communication major, I started doing broadcasting as well. I got offered a job at KBRE radio in Cedar City (B 94.9 now). It played heavy metal. I started out changing reels of music on weekends, and then I eventually started doing news for them.
Ben wrote for his high school newspaper, too, at American Fork High School.
How long have you been at KSL? What is your current title, etc?
I have been a reporter/producer at KSL for five years. I've learned a lot. I'm still learning. A lot of times it's a school of hard knocks; there's not quite a teacher like the street. You just go out there and do the best you can. You never know what story you're going to be doing from one day to the next. You've got to be able to adopt to anything from crime to politics to feature stories and sometimes you do all of those stories in one day.
Elaborate as to how your award-winning piece was based on your experiences in Cedar City?
Actually, that was where I went when I did the story. It was kind of amusing because I had heard about this trend of people camping at WalMart. Google searches cover a whole culture of camping at WalMart. I'd heard about it anecdotally and just thought I'd go down and check it out. I went down last fall. I ran into people from all over the country; it's this whole subculture that goes on. They go from town to town to town because just about every town has a WalMart. You have people who basically pull in and spend the night for free. They shop at WalMart. It's ‘camping on the cheap.' WalMart doesn't encourage it but doesn't object to it. I met very fascinating people; one woman just moves around, and hasn't seen a winter in years.
How prestigious is the Edward R. Murrow Award?
It's national. We're talking competition in Washington, D.C., New York, L.A., Seattle, Boston, and Denver. It's pretty big. I'm kind of stoked about it! I found about it a couple of months ago. I go next month to New York to accept the Award; it's a ceremony just to hand out these awards. Brian Williams, and Barbara Walters will likely show up.
It's one of the biggest awards you can receive. This is like the Oscar of broadcast news. I'm thrilled! It's not something I expected; they felt this piece was really worth it. It's quite flattering to be considered and win for that.
With this award under your belt, what are some of your goals for the future?
I'm 26--I don't know. I'm very happy at KSL right now; it's one of best stations in the nation to work for. I freelance for CBS Network, which is fun and exciting. We just kind of have to see.
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Volume 8, Issue 14, 2005-08-22
An Invitation to help us Plan
From the St. George Area CVB
By Pam Hilton
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Putting together a five-year plan sometimes takes the use of a crystal ball to see what might be - but with the unprecedented growth we are experiencing in Washington County and projected population of over 165,000 by 2010 it is safe to say that the tourism industry also will see substantial growth over the next five years.
The growth of many of our major events such as the St. George Marathon, Senior Games, softball tournaments, etc. are limited in numbers not by lack of those wanting to come but by our infrastructure and venues currently available.
We are now seeing the St. George, Ivins (& Kayenta), Washington, Hurricane and Springdale areas growing and producing many ...
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Volume 8, Issue 9, 2005-05-09
Analyzing your Risk
Technically Twisted Commentaries
By Jason Eyre
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A recent trend in today's corporate world is to do risk analysis. Risk analysis takes a critical look at your business and finds the possible points of failure in your systems. This often does not have to be computer related.
Hackers often employ a method called social engineering. Social Engineering entails calling or approaching an employee and impersonating a trusted source. You then use that source to receive information pertaining to the company. Often one can get passwords, cellular numbers, and even personal information.
The best way to protect your business from social engineering is to teach your employees and have a policy in place to protect the employees. I recently called a business and asked for the cellular number of one of the finance employees. Instead of giving me the number, the employee very professionally offered to call the individual and then have them call me back. I received the call and was impressed with the politeness and professionalism.
Part of being a business owner is obtaining business credit. Often that involves sending a fax sheet of references and in some extreme cases of small business, that sheet may also contain Social Security Numbers or other critical information about the Principals in the business. I suggest that in today's world of identity theft and fraud that you watch these sheets very closely.
Implement a policy of documenting where these sheets are sent and the intended receiver. Always have the same trusted employee send that information and then shred the documents if they are proprietary after the receipt of the document has been verified.
These are just a couple of areas where this analysis could benefit both you and your business. Make sure that everything possible is done to prevent your identity getting into the hands of the un-trusted and reduce your risk of exposure.
Editor's Note: Jason Eyre is a Southern Utah Native who has worked in Government, Agricultural, Aerospace, Financial, and Service Industries; each position focusing on Information Technology. His considerable experience brings meaningful advice to those wishing to navigate effectively in today's technology world. You may email Jason your comments to journal@infowest.com
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Volume 8, Issue 17, 2005-10-03
ANB Financial to Break Ground
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ANB Financial opened its doors in St. George January of 2005. In less than a year, ANB St. George has seen its asset size grow to over $150 million‒with loan commitments already exceeding $375 million.
The Bank's structure emphasizes responsiveness and local decision-making. “Relationships take priority here!” says Tom Cover, Sr. Vice President. Currently located in Sunset Plaza at 1812 West Sunset Boulevard, the Bank plans to construct a new financial center near I-15 and Exit 6 on Convention Center Drive.
The new 9,000 square foot facility is expected to be completed in spring of 2006. ANB financial St. George is managed by Russ Scott, E...
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Volume 10, Issue 29, 2007-09-21
And Justice For All Golf Tournament - Sept. 28
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HURRICANE - The Southern Utah Bar Association is sponsoring the First Annual "And Justice For All" Golf Tournament fundraiser to be held on Sept. 28 at the Sky Mountain Golf Course.
There will be a shotgun scramble starting at 8 a.m. The cost is $100 per player, or $300 per four-man team. Long Drive, Closest to Pin, and other prizes. Sponsorships still available for $250 per hole.
All proceeds go to benefit the Southern Utah Community Legal Center, to open Sept. 28. For more information please contact Lydia Thompson of Hughes, Thompson, Randall & Mellen at 435-673-4892....
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Volume 8, Issue 21, 2005-12-05
And the Rest is History
By Clark Ivory
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In 1965, my Grandpa, E. Clark Ivory took a phone call one afternoon from Daniel Heaton, who had found the Ivory number in the yellow pages where it was one of only two “Land Developers ”listed. It was a chance phone call from which our company got its start and Southern Utah began its modern transformation.
Heaton explained that he owned seven hundred acres of farmland two miles south of St. George, which he had been attempting unsuccessfully to develop as a resort. My Grandpa and my Dad, Ellis R. Ivory thought that the resort concept was too risky but did believe that the land had potential. My Dad arranged a sale to his friends at the Johnson Land Company who thought that they might run cattle on the property.
After the sale, my Grandpa moved to St. George and set about trying to make the farm productive. He even went so far as to get tentative contracts from vegetable processors in Provo if the farm could produce carrots and peas for canning. Wells were drilled, but the water was too salty for irrigation.
My Dad started to look at other alternatives. He drove to St. George, where he and my Grandpa could figure out what to do with the property. While there, Ellis stopped at one of only two real estate brokers in town. He asked if the of office ever took inquiries from people who wanted to buy a building lot in the area. The realtor took a notebook from her desk which was filled with the names of those who were committed to purchase lots when, and if, they became available.
That was enough market research for Ellis. His next stop was at the city of offices. After lengthy and difficult negotiations over a period of months, city of officials agreed that if Ellis would install the necessary two-and-a-half miles of pipe and a holding tank, St. George could provide all the water the proposed project would need.
So after obtaining the necessary .financing, Ivory installed the pipe, built a million-gallon storage tank, and opened the first phase of the project. They named it Bloomington, after the original pioneer settlement on the site which had long since dried up to nothing. A unique sales team, coupled with an effective marketing campaign, sold the first 58 lots in a week; by year 's end the total was 1,200.
The rest, as they say, is history.
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Volume 8, Issue 16, 2005-09-19
And What “State” Are You In?
Better Attitudes in the Workplace
By Matt Eschler, LMFT
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While counseling individuals I have noticed that one of the reasons behind the lack of happiness is because people have not yet mastered the art of being. While we are home our thoughts are still absorbed with solving the challenges we face at the office. And when we are at the office we find ourselves worrying about problems at home.
We go through the day without really listening to what others are saying to us. We may be hearing the words, but we aren't absorbing the message. As we go through the day we find ourselves focusing on past experiences or future possibilities. We are so involved in yesterday and tomorrow that we never even notice that today is slipping by.
Days slipping by can become years and then decades have come and gone and looking back you may find some amount of disappointment for not having experienced life to the fullest. It is an odd comparison to make, but Maxwell Maltz a well known plastic surgeon made this point when doing his landmark study on self image and imaging issues with his clientele.
He describes two types of individuals that would seek plastic surgery. Some wanted alterations or enhancements because they hated their body, or hated how a part of their physical body looked. Others had no sense of loathing, they simply wanted more physically or different because they simply liked the idea of the change.
Maltz documented that in nearly all instances of those seeking his services because of self hatred were not satisfied and did not make any progress in their self image. He also noted that those that simply wanted a change or something different were almost always satisfied and content with his work and they referred others to him.
What can we learn from this? The group of “haters” spent their time dissatisfied with what they accumulated for the past. I believe that if we spend our time fantasizing positively or negatively about our past and not enjoying our current condition we are out of touch with happiness.
We become day dreamers instead of active doers of life or we become negative and hopeless about what is really our potential. I do believe in planning future events, but like the second group it is necessary to appreciate what you currently have in order to fully enjoy what is already in front of you.
When you enjoy current conditions or what is in front of you and really sink your teeth into the present state you are in you are free to plan for future that will enhance your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual self.
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Volume 9, Issue 12, 2006-09-04
Anderson Lumber Site Sold
Redevelopment slated for 6.6 acres
By Marie Madsen
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ST. GEORGE - The old Anderson Lumber facility on Bluff Street has sold, as the St. George market continues to draw attention from developers.
With a lot of creative engineering and a division of the property, two owners will now share the 6.6 acres that used to be Anderson Lumber. Southern Utah Federal Credit Union purchased 2 acres with frontage on Main Street, and HM Investment Corp., of Salt Lake City, purchased the additional 4.6 acres including the 42,390 sq. ft. retail building.
The purchase is part of HM Investment's plan to develop the property into a super retail center. There are negotiations under way to sell off the excess acreage to developer Co...
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Volume 12, Issue 23, 2009-06-29
Anderson Named Credit Union Vice President
By Toby Hayes
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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.
"We are very excited to have Curtis as part of our management team. He has an excellent record as a credit union executive, and a personal connection with members," said Muriel Blake, president and CEO. "We look forward to the innovative ideas and expertise he brings to our credit union and how he can help our member businesses succeed."
Curtis previously worked as a Vice President at...
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
Andrus Opens Practice
First prosthodonist in southern Utah
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE - Andrus Prosthodontics, L.C., is pleased to announce that Rodney L. Andrus, DDS, MS, becomes the first practicing prosthodontist (specialist in replacement and restoration of teeth) in southern Utah after setting up shop this month in St George.
Prior to the opening of Andrus Prosthodontics, one had to drive as far as Provo or Las Vegas to receive the specialized tooth restoration services of a prosthodontist.
Andrus treats dental patients with complex needs or high esthetic expectations. His expertise is in diagnosis, esthetics, replacing missing teeth or parts of teeth using implants, bridges, crowns, veneers, and dentures.
Andrus is...
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
Annie's Christmas Ride
Startin' Out in Dixie
By Sara Atkin
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As told by her husband Wes Atkin
Editors Note: The Mainstreet Business Journal is serializing Startin' Out in Dixie, tales told by Wes Atkin about growing up in St. George during the early years of the 20th century. In this installment, Wes begins the tale of Annie Sullivan Hall, school teacher at a remote ranch settlement whose only way home for Christmas was a 35-mile horseback ride in the dark along an unmarked trail.
My oldest sister Mary, and her good friend Annie Sullivan planned to attend Dixie College in the fall of 1921, but instead Annie went off to teach school. The Superintendent of Schools contacted her when he needed a teacher for a short term of f...
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Volume 9, Issue 16, 2006-12-18
Annie's Christmas Ride
Startin' Out in Dixie
As told by her husband Wes Atkin
By Sara Atkin
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Editors Note: The Mainstreet Business Journal is serializing Startin' Out in Dixie, tales told by Wes Atkin about growing up in St. George during the early years of the 20th century. In this installment, Wes continues the tale of Annie Sullivan Hall, school teacher at the remote ranch settlement of Motaqua, whose only way home to spend Christmas with her family was a 35-mile horseback ride in the dark along an unmarked trail she had only ridden once before.
In the last installment, Annie took a teaching job to school the children of a few families living at Motaqua. With no phone service and no mail delivery to the community, she has no way to contact her family in St. George...
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
Anniversary of the Stimulus Bill
Utah Senator Calls Trillion-Dollar Spending Bill “A Profound Disappointment”
By Mark Eddington
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) issued the following statement today on the one-year anniversary of the President signing the “stimulus” bill that Hatch opposed into law:
“In its first year, the trillion-dollar stimulus has been nothing less than a...
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Volume 10, Issue 38, 2007-11-26
Annual Christmas Parade Slated - Dec. 8
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CEDAR CITY - Women in Business, Rocky Mountain Power and Cedar City Corp. invite you to the annual Electric Light Parade "Timeless Christmas: Past, Present & Future." The parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m., on Cedar City Main Street.
For more information visit http://cedarcitychamber.com/getPage.php?page=2007electriclighparade.
...
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Volume 8, Issue 6, 2005-03-28
Annual Cost of Driving Remains Steady
Latest AAA Report Finds Cost per Mile Nearly Unchanged From Previous Year
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The newest annual report on the cost of driving a vehicle offers a glimmer of good news for motorists. Despite higher gas prices, a drop in other automotive-related expenses means the average cost of driving a passenger vehicle in the United States is nearly unchanged from one year ago.
This year, AAA estimates it will cost an average of 56.1 cents per mile or $8,410 per year to own and operate a new passenger car, compared to $56.2 cents per mile or $8,431 annually in 2004.
Offsetting higher gasoline costs are overall reductions in the annual average cost of insurance, licensing, registration, taxes, tires and maintenance for the vehicles used in this study. The cost of gasoline in 2005 is estimated to average 8.5 cents per mile or $1,285 per year in the study, compared to 6.5 cents per mile or $975 last year.
The company calculates the average costs of all expenses associated with owning and operating a vehicle over five years and 75,000 miles of driving using a compact, mid-size and large vehicle. Covered expenses include vehicle depreciation, insurance, fuel, tires, license, registration and taxes, vehicle financing, routine maintenance and repair.
Vehicle depreciation, insurance and routine maintenance top the list as the three most expensive costs attributed to driving an automobile. AAA estimates the average new car will depreciate $3,879 per year of ownership, compared to $3,782 in 2004. The second largest expense is full insurance coverage estimated to average $1,288 per year compared to $1,603 in 2004. Routine maintenance - including the manufacturer's recommended maintenance operations and tire expense -- is estimated to cost 5.9 cents per mile or $885, compared to 6.1 cents per mile or $915 last year.
The study calculated typical finance charges for 2005 at $739 per year based on a 5-year loan at 6 percent interest with a 10 percent down payment. In 2004, the finance charges were estimated $741 per year.
The study's estimated average driving costs are higher than the Internal Revenue Service's allowance for business mileage of 40.5 cents per mile. The IRS has never allowed full reimbursement of all expenses associated with automobile ownership and use.
To conduct its study, AAA uses three domestically built 2005 cars - a subcompact Chevrolet Cavalier LS, a mid-size Ford Taurus SEL and a full-size Mercury Grand Marquis LS.
These similarly equipped vehicles include air conditioning, automatic transmission, power steering, AM/FM stereo, dual air bags, antilock brakes, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass and a rear-window defogger.
Annual Driving Cost Estimates
Year Cost Per Year Cost Per Mile
2005 $8,410 56.1 cents
2004* $8,431 56.2 cents
2003 $7,754 51.7 cents
2002 $7,533 50.2 cents
2001 $7,654 51.0 cents
2000 $7,363 49.1 cents
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Volume 10, Issue 27, 2007-09-07
Annual Marathon Mayors' Walk — Oct. 6
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ST. GEORGE - Mayor Dan McArthur will host the 20th Annual Mayors Walk on Oct. 6 in conjunction with the St. George Marathon. The 2.1 mile walk from Bluff Street Park to the marathon finish line at Worthen Park starts at 7 a.m., and finishes in time to enjoy a scone breakfast before the arrival of the Marathon Wheelchair Division participants and the runners.
Walk founder Bart Anderson will be at the prize giveaway to recount his memories of the walk over the past two decades. This year there will be a special ‘Business to Business Challenge.’ The company registering the most walkers will receive an employee lunch sponsored by the Business Services Division of Mou...
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Volume 10, Issue 30, 2007-09-28
Annual Marathon Mayors' Walk — Oct. 6
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ST. GEORGE - Mayor Dan McArthur will host the 20th Annual Mayors Walk on October 6 in conjunction with the St. George Marathon. The 2.1 mile walk from Bluff Street Park to the marathon finish line at Worthen Park starts at 7 a.m., and finishes in time to enjoy a scone breakfast before the arrival of the Marathon Wheelchair Division participants and the runners.
Walk founder Bart Anderson will be at the prize giveaway to recount his memories of the walk over the past two decades. This year there will be a special ‘Business to Business Challenge.’ The company registering the most walkers will receive an employee lunch sponsored by the Business Services Division of ...
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Volume 7, Issue 6, 2004-03-29
Answers from Tom Kennedy
Tom Kennedy
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Question: I understand that you have consulted with over 200 different companies. In your observations have you seen areas of commonality as to why many of these companies were not as profitable as they should have been?
Excellent question. In fact a majority of the companies that I have worked with had similar problems or difficulties. The main problem that these companies had was lack of information, particularly financial information. My premise is that companies run on numbers. If a company does not have “numbers,” how do they make verifiable decisions for their company. Many time these companies make incorrect decisions, because they are guessing. They do not have t...
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Volume 7, Issue 7, 2004-04-12
Answers from Tom Kennedy
Tom Kennedy
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Question: Welcome back. In your last column, you stated that you would teach us how to calculate a company's Overhead Rate.
That is correct. Calculating a company's Overhead Rate is simple. It is sixth grade mathematics. The formula is:
Overhead Rate=Fixed Costs /Cost of Goods Sold
Question: What is Fixed Cost? Could you define what you mean by fixed cost?
Good question. Fixed costs are those costs that are not directly related to a company's sales. These are generally such accounts as rent-unless a company has a percentage rent clause in its lease or rental agreement. Percentage rent is generally is found in retail sales company lease, not cons...
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Volume 7, Issue 10, 2004-05-24
Answers from Tom Kennedy
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Question: In your last several articles, you discussed calculating a company's overhead rate, bidding, a pricing formula, and the cost of goods sold. Let me ask you a different type of question, not related to a company's financial situation. In your experience why do people go into business?
Good question. I have thought about your question many times as I worked and talked with business owners. In fact, I have asked the majority of my clients that exact question. I would classify owners who I have worked with in the following categories.
The Expert: The most common reason that business owners gave was they were outstanding at what they did. The majority of ...
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Volume 10, Issue 30, 2007-09-28
Anticipate Trends to Capture New Business
From SCORE
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Owners of new and growing small businesses today know one thing for sure: conditions on the business playing field can change rapidly. The technology that seemed cutting edge last year is now outdated or worse, obsolete. Buyer moods can swing dramatically, and marketing strategies are in constant flux.
Anticipating trends can be extremely valuable to keep you current on everything from sales strategies and customer desires to technology tools and the general economy. As your business grows, change will be inevitable and small business owners should constantly look ahead and seek out ways to shake things up. The more you test the winds of change, the better your chances of suc...
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Volume 12, Issue 35, 2009-11-09
Anticipate Trends to Capture New Business
SCORE offers Small Business Advice
By Byron Theurer
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Owners of new and growing small businesses today know one thing for sure: conditions on the business playing field can change rapidly. The technology that seemed cutting edge last year is now outdated or worse, obsolete. Buyer moods can swing dramatically, and marketing strategies are in constant flux.
Anticipating trends can be extremely valuable to keep you current on everything from sales strategies and customer desires to technology tools and the general economy. As your business grows, change will be inevitable and small business owners should constantly look ahead and seek out ways to shake things up. The more you test the winds of change, the better your chances of success down the road.
But how can you tell the difference between a fleeting fad and a...
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
AOPC Gives $6,000 to DSC Scholarships
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Dixie State College of Utah recently received a $6,000 scholarship donation from the Association of PUD’s and Condominiums of Washington (AOPC).
AOPC President Bob Frost, on behalf of the company, Jerry Campbell and D’Arcy Grisier, presented a...
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Volume 11, Issue 10, 2008-03-18
Apparel Maker Named Top Business
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HURRICANE - The Hurricane Valley Chamber of Commerce has named BackStreet Design and Apparel the Chamber's 2008 "Business of the Year." Founded as Backstreet Tees in the late 1980's, the print shop and retail outlet at 111 Main have been transformed by owners Met Johnson and Ben Hill, who acquired the business in 2005.
The company focuses on logo apparel for school sports teams. Among their clients are local high schools and Southern Utah University. The partners also have a retail sporting goods store in Cedar City. They say their plans for the future are to keep the production facility in Hurricane and to continue to grow their business. In honoring B...
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Volume 9, Issue 14, 2006-10-30
Applebee's Installs Local Company's Software
Steton provides food quality software to world
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ST. GEORGE - Proactive minds combined when Applebee's International, Inc. teamed up with St. George-based Steton, the leading provider of mobile data collection and reporting software, to effectively track and manage food quality.
"Steton realizes that data collection is more than just processing audits and reporting on retrieved data," said Sam Rothschild, Vice-President of Franchise & Beverage Operations for Applebee's International. "Audits conducted with Steton's data management system provide Applebee's corporate decision-makers with the ability to assess restaurant performance with real-time information."
Steton has revolutionized the way foodservice profe...
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Volume 7, Issue 13, 2004-07-26
Application Deadline Approaching for MountainWest Venture Group's 10th Annual Utah 100 Awards
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The application deadline for MountainWest Venture Group's 10th annual Utah 100 Awards is quickly approaching. With just four weeks to go before the August 9 application deadline, MountainWest Venture Group encourages all qualified Utah companies to apply.
Each year, MountainWest Venture Group recognizes the state's 100 fastest growing companies for their considerable involvement in helping Utah and its economy. To qualify for consideration as a potential member of the Utah 100, applicants must be Utah-based corporations or partnerships that have been in business at least five full years with a minimum sales revenue of $50,000 in fiscal 1999. Winners will be selected based upon their overall sales growth from 1999 through 2003.
In addition to honoring the state's top 100 companies, MountainWest Venture Group will also recognize the 15 largest revenue growth companies as well as 15 "Emerging Elite" companies who show great promise for continued commercial success. "Emerging Elite" honorees must be in business for at least two years and have a minimum sales revenue of $50,000.
Applications are available online at www.mwvgutah100.org, or by contacting MountainWest Venture Group at (801) 966-1430 or info@mwvg.org. Applications can be submitted online at www.mwvgutah100.org, by fax to (801) 966-1705, or by mail to P.O. Box 701928, West Valley City, Utah, 84170. All mailed applications must be post-marked no later than August 9, 2004. All financial information submitted will remain confidential.
Companies selected for the Utah 100 Awards will be notified by September 26, 2004. The awards will be presented at the "10 Years of Celebrating Achievements" awards ceremony on October 21, 2004, at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.
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Volume 10, Issue 6, 2007-04-02
April Pennies Bring May Dollars
Utah Jump$tart Coalition for Per
By Jodi Jones, Chairperson
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April is Financial Literacy Month and the Utah Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy would like to share some important money savings tips.
Spend Less Than You Earn
It seems like such a basic concept, but the majority of us haven't yet grasped it. America's savings rate is the lowest it's been since the Great Depression. During the last 30 years the national savings rate has been declining steadily, from 10 percent in 1974 to minus 0.7 percent in 2006. But, it's not too late for us to learn some important saving strategies.
Pay Yourself First
Before you pay any bills or buy any groceries, put a little of each paychec...
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Volume 8, Issue 11, 2005-06-06
April School Trust Lands Auction Nets $6.7 Million
NormLee McMichael
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The State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration held a competitive sealed bid auction for oil and gas and associated hydrocarbon leases, netting $6.7 million. The average price per acre was $65.49. More than 102,800 acres were leased. The lands leased were located primarily in Uintah, Sanpete, Grand, and Duchesne Counties. Of the 182 parcels offered, 156 were leased.
There were about 3,400 acres of tar sand in Asphalt Ridge that were offered and leased. Asphalt Ridge is located in Uintah County, south of Vernal.
The successful bidders are required to pay annual rentals to the trust to hold the properties and royalties on the sale of any minerals produced. Auctions for oil and gas and other mineral commodities are held quarterly in January, April, July and October.
The next sale will be July 2005. Check the Trust Lands website for more information - www.trustlands.com. The money raised by these auctions goes to the permanent fund of Utah's public schools and to the beneficiaries of the other trusts as provided by law.
Editor's note: The School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration manages 3.4 million acres of Utah trust lands for the benefit of Utah's schools and other public institutions.
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Volume 11, Issue 40, 2008-10-29
Are Utah Businesses Prepared for Disasters?
Probably not, survey shows
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A recent Dan Jones poll showed Utah businesses might be short on supplies and may not realize how their workplaces would be used during emergencies, the Deseret News reports.
"We're finding that Utahns feel like they're really prepared. They have their 72-hour kits and they're proud to hold up their hands," Renee Murphy, manager of the private sector and "Be Ready Utah" program for the state Division of Homeland Security, told the Business and Labor Interim Committee.
"But when we ask if they have any kind of emergency-essential items in the workplace, a lot of hands go down. And we're discovering that folks have not considered ...
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Volume 10, Issue 4, 2007-03-19
Are We Really That Old?
Utah Dept of Workforce Services
By Lecia Parks Langston,
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Recently, a friend from my youth asked, “How did we get to be so old?” I personally don't think of myself as all that old, and 65 looks younger every day. Just like my friend, here in Washington County, we often have the perception of ourselves as “old.”
After all, Washington County is just one great big haven for retirees, isn't it? Many retired individuals have certainly made Washington County their home. However, how significantly does this impact our overall demographics? The answers might surprise you.
First, remember that when the Census Bureau collects data on the population, it does so by place of primary residence. In ...
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Volume 11, Issue 18, 2008-05-20
Are you banking on technology?
Part 1 of a series
Bruce T. Jensen
President Town and Country Bank
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If you read through any bank trade journal, you'd think the entire future of banking rests upon the use of microchip embedded smart cards, thumbprint recognition biometrics, mobile telephone transfer and other technology breakthroughs.
Indeed, just over a month ago Bank of America and MIT Media Lab announced the creation of their Center for Future Banking, billed as "collaboration to create an innovation engine" for banking solutions. A major question their researchers will address is, "How will banking interactions evolve as...
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Volume 11, Issue 19, 2008-05-28
Are You Banking on Technology?
Part 2 of a series
By Bruce Jensen
Pres., Town & Country Bank
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Last time I asked the question, what should business owners be seeking and even demanding from their bank? And, is your bank still providing the same “cookie cutter” delivery methods of the last century?
Let's take a look at the Pacific Coast Bankers Bank survey I talked about last time and discuss how the needs of business banking might be addressed in today’s world....
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Volume 11, Issue 20, 2008-06-04
Are You Banking on Technology?
Conclusion of a series
Bruce T. Jensen,
Pres., Town and Country Bank
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The past couple of weeks in this space we’ve been discussing this question - what should business owners be seeking, and even demanding, from their bank? And, is your bank still providing the same “cookie cutter” delivery methods of the last century?
I’ve referred to the Pacific Coast Bankers Bank survey and how the needs of business banking might be addressed in today’s world,
Help with personal banking
The innovative bank of today will find no distinction between accommodating the business and accommodating the individual business owner....
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Volume 12, Issue 19, 2009-06-01
Are You Committed or Just `Associating` with Success
Better Attitudes in the Workplace!
By Matt Eschler, LMFT
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At our places of employment and in our homes we can hear people describe their dissatisfaction. At work we can hear these same folks complain while standing around the office water cooler. They loudly proclaim their disappointment about life, work, home etc. They talk about how awful the neighborhood is or how they hate their home and community.
You may even have been one of these chronic complainers that hoped to find joy in expressing your utter lack of joy. It seems that the complainers of the world really believe that if they complain enough they will find some amount of joy. In reality complaining doesn't work because the very things they complain about are exactly what the complainer is most ...
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Volume 10, Issue 6, 2007-04-02
Area Executives Honored by SBA
Named among Utah 2007 small business leaders of the year
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SALT LAKE CITY - Executives of two southwest Utah businesses have been honored with awards by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Travis Neil Parashonts, president and chief executive officer of Cedar City-based Suh'dutsing Technologies LLC, has been selected as the 2007 Small Business Person of the Year for the Utah District Office of the SBA.
In addition, Randy W. Wilkinson, Scott P. (Buck) Wilkinson and Travis Wilkinson of Wilkinson Electric Inc., St. George, have been honored with the Jeffrey Butland Family Business of the Year award.
Suh'dutsing Technologies was founded in September 2002 by the Cedar Band of Paiutes and is located on a r...
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Volume 10, Issue 8, 2007-04-16
Area Manufacturers Earn Safety Awards
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CEDAR CITY - Two southern Utah companies have been honored with workplace safety awards by the Utah Manufacturer's Association and the Utah Labor Commission.
Skyline Forest Resources of Escalante and Metalcraft Technologies, Inc. of Cedar City were recognized for their outstanding worker safety records and safety training.
Skyline Forest Resources operates a saw mill in Escalante employing 40-50 throughout the year. The company is one of the few industries in this part of the state, as well as Escalante's largest employer and one of Utah's largest remaining sawmills.
Skyline has implemented a safety program featuring a 4-hour orientation, on-the-j...
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Volume 11, Issue 32, 2008-09-03
Area Rep Marks 25 Years With Company
Newton Manufacturing honors George Cannon III
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ST. GEORGE - George Cannon, III, area representative for the Newton Manufacturing Company of Newton, Iowa, has marked his 25th anniversary in southern Utah representing the promotional products company.
The Newton Manufacturing Company is a leading national distributor of promotional products, wearables, calendars and business gifts.
Cannon can be reached at 673-2519 or 632-6529. ...
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Volume 7, Issue 21, 2004-11-22
Area Watershed Dams Reeling from Heavy Storms
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Engineers from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service are expressing concern that recent heavy rain may compromise the long term integrity of the Baker Reservoir fed by Santa Clara Creek and several debris basins above Ivins. The potential for dam failure and flooding of downstream property increases with the age of these structures, according to John Huntamer, a civil engineer with USDA.
“The Baker Reservoir was built in 1950 and designed for a 50-year life span by our agency,” said Huntamer. “While the structures in the St. George area are still working and no flooding has occurred yet, local sponsors should now be looking at rehabilitation needs for these deteriorating structures,” he added.
Thousands of watershed structures have been built across the nation through USDA watershed programs. Local units of government, serving as project sponsors, assume operation and maintenance responsibility for the dams after they are built. The dams provide multiple benefits such as flood control, sediment reduction, recreation, wildlife habitat, and sources for irrigation.
Federal legislation and a national coalition have been established to seek funding and advance watershed structure rehabilitation nationwide. In Utah there are several aging structures that should be examined for rehabilitation needs. Rehabilitation of the dams would mean continued benefits for many more years, according to state and local NRCS leaders.
Local contacts and information: NRCS Engineer: John Huntamer, Richfield; 435-979-0499 (cell); 435-896-6441 x131 (office)
Baker Reservoir Sponsor: Edward Bowler, St. Geo., Baker Reservoir Company; 435-673-4554
Baker Dam Facts:
Built in 1950 (Dam number: UT00618)
Located off Highway 18 northwest of St. George
51 surface acres at spillway crest
1160 acre-feet at spillway crest
1500 acre-feet at dam crest
109 square miles of drainage basin area
Outlet construction is reinforced concrete pipe
Maximum outlet discharge is 81 cubic feet per second
Last modified in 1967
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Volume 8, Issue 2, 2005-01-31
Area Watershed Dams Reeling from Recent Heavy Storms
By Vane Campbell
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Officials from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are expressing concern that recent heavy rain and flooding in Washington and Iron Counties may compromise the long term integrity of some of the watershed containment structures originally designed by the agency for flood protection.
“While the Baker Reservoir and other debris basins fed by Santa Clara Creek have handled the extreme pressure, as they were designed, their maintenance and monitoring should be an important concern to the sponsors of those structures and everyone in the downstream community,“ said Vane Campbell, NRCS area conservationist, responsible for federal private land conservation efforts in southwestern Utah.
Campbell said the potential for dam failure and flooding of downstream property increases with the age of these structures. For example, the Baker Reservoir on Santa Clara Creek was built in 1950 and was designed for a 50-year life span by the agency. While NRCS is not inferring any imminent public danger from any of these structures, officials are working with state dam safety engineers and other partners to bring greater public attention to any rehabilitation needs for these ageing structures. Congress, under the Watershed Rehabilitation Amendments of 2000, has funded some work nationwide, but more is needed.
NRCS is working with the state congressional delegation to obtain funds under the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program for the emergency-designated areas in southwestern Utah. This federal program provides technical assistance to landowners and communities to help protect lives, land and property from future flooding.
EWP funds are issued on a case by case basis and can include such activity as removing debris from stream channels, road culverts, and bridges; reshaping and protecting eroded banks; correcting damaged drainage facilities; and reseeding damaged areas. NRCS is also working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other conservation partners to bring assistance to the disaster victims.
Over the years, 91 watershed structures have been built across the state through USDA watershed programs. Local units of government, serving as project sponsors, assume operation and maintenance responsibility for the dams after they are built. While the dams provide multiple benefits such as sediment reduction, recreation, wildlife habitat, and sources for irrigation, they are primarily designed for flood protection of private land and property in the watershed.
“With drought fresh on our minds, the temptation is to allow these reservoirs to fill up,” said Campbell. “However, the most prudent action may be to gradually lower the water level following a flooding event, allowing opportunity for future emergency watershed protection.”
With increased snow packs, an early warming trend could result in other flooding events across the state. NRCS, which manages a network of Snotel monitoring stations, said all of the basins in the state have much above average snow water equivalent ranging from 137 percent of normal on the Price-San Rafael drainage to 322 percent of normal on the Virgin River.
The flooding, mainly driven by precipitation in southwestern Utah, is indicative of the saturated state of the soil and record rainfall. The high elevation snowpack is still on the mountains with greater-than-ever measurements for this time of year‒which portends of heavy runoff when snowmelt commences in the spring. Less than half way into our snow season, the snowpack on the Virgin and Escalante River is already in excess of the normal peak for the year.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership and technical assistance in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve natural resources and the environment on private working lands.
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Volume 7, Issue 16, 2004-09-13
Aren't Signs Just Advertising?
By Ray Draper
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The Power of Visual Reference
Although an “on premise” sign has business value in attracting and welcoming new customers, these advertising devices also act to mold the image of the community as a whole. For example, look at a failing commercial zone with un-maintained signs and fading economic stability. What does that say about the community as a whole?
On the other hand, effectively communicating the needs, supplies, and capabilities of a commercial zone will increase revenue and reflect positively on the community. The image portrayed is a unified and tight-knit community working to increase their already stable economy.
Some signs can hel...
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Volume 10, Issue 20, 2007-07-13
Arizona Enacts Employer Sanctions Law
Business groups denounce penalties for hiring illegal immigrants
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PHOENIX - Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano has signed into law a bill imposing strict sanctions on employers that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
Local business groups quickly denounced the governor's decision, saying the law will depress the Arizona business climate.
House Bill 2779, also called the Legal Arizona Workers Act, will become law Jan 1.
Arizona businesses that "knowingly" or "intentionally" hire illegal immigrants face a temporary license suspension. A judge could order the employer to immediately terminate all undocumented workers and impose a three- to five-year probationary period.
A second violation during the p...
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Volume 10, Issue 25, 2007-08-24
Arizona Gives $25,000 for Page-Lake Powell Area
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PHOENIX - The Arizona Office of Tourism has given a $25,000 grant to the Page-Lake Powell Tourism Board to develop and promote the region as a tourist destination.
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano presented the Northern Arizona tourism group with the check earlier this month.
Called a Teamwork for Effective Arizona Marketing grant, the money comes from a match program designed to help communities pay for advertising, public relations campaigns, research and planning, and other tourism-related marketing efforts.
Page and Lake Powell leaders plan to use the money to support ongoing marketing projects including nationwide ad placements to boost touri...
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Volume 11, Issue 12, 2008-04-08
Arizona House Votes to Strengthen Employer Sanctions
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PHOENIX - The Arizona House of Representatives last week approved additions to the state's employer sanctions law, already one of the nation’s toughest, which punishes businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
The House voted 41 to 16 to approve the measure targeting companies that pay illegal immigrant workers off the books and forgery rings that supply illegal immigrants with fraudulent work documents.
The bill also allows complaints to made anonymously and requires businesses that receive economic development incentives or government contracts to participate in the federal E-Verify worker verification system.
Most votes against the measure came from D...
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Volume 10, Issue 36, 2007-11-09
Arizona Official Recommends No Water Transfer to Mesquite
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PHOENIX - A state official says Arizona should refuse to permit groundwater to be pumped from a region of extreme northwestern Arizona to serve a growing area of neighboring Nevada, the Arizona Republic reports.
An Arizona administrative law judge recommended that the Department of Water Resources director deny the application by Wind River Resources, an Arizona limited liability corporation.
Wind River wants permission to pump water from the Muddy Creek aquifer in the Mormon Wells area north of Beaver Dam and transport it to the Virgin Valley Water District in nearby Mesquite, Nev.
The application, which has drawn opposition from area residents, ...
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Volume 10, Issue 40, 2007-12-18
Arizona Says No to Mesquite Water Transfer
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PHOENIX - A Nevada company can't take water that Arizona needs and pipe it across the state line.
That's the decision of Herb Guenther, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources. The department denied Wind River Resource's application to export up to 4.5 billion gallons of groundwater a year to Mesquite, Nev.
The company wanted to sink three wells north of Beaver Dam in the northwestern corner of Arizona so it could pump high-quality groundwater. The volume would start at 260 million gallons a year and ratchet up over time. ...
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Volume 11, Issue 15, 2008-04-29
Arizona Senate Approves Change to Employer Sanctions Law
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PHOENIX - The Arizona Senate has approved a bill that would adjust the state's controversial law punishing employers that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
Business groups have challenged the Arizona Legal Workers Act (which took effect in January) in federal court, but so far have been unsuccessful.
The new bill takes aim at under-the-table businesses and contractors that avoid taxes while paying illegal immigrants in cash. It also would bar state and local government contracts from going to businesses that do not use the federal E-Verify system to check workers' legal status in the U.S., and looks to expand the ability to go after fake identification rings that suppl...
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Volume 11, Issue 16, 2008-05-06
Arizona Tightens Employer Sanctions
Tougher penalties for firms caught hiring illegals
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PHOENIX - Gov. Janet Napolitano signed a bill last week to adjust the state law that punishes employers that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
The measure looks to expand the state's ability to go after under-the-table businesses that hire illegals, and fake document rings that provide them with work papers.
The new law adds to the state's employer sanctions law, which allows the state to revoke the operating licenses of businesses caught hiring illegal immigrants.
The existing sanctions law went into effect in January and is being challenged in federal court by business groups. Napolitano signed off on that law, but has vetoed several other immigration bills in the past few years pushed by those seeking tougher controls and enforcement.
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Volume 13, Issue 1, 2010-01-12
Arizona to share $4.8 million green jobs grant ...
... with four other states for a program that will be administered out of Texas
Source: Phoenix Business Journal
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The U.S. Department of Labor announced the $100 million in grants last Tuesday, each ranging from $1.4 million to $5 million.
The program is expected to train at least 672 workers for jobs working on utility-scale solar systems. The grant is being administered by the Austin Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee and also involves Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis said...
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Volume 6, Issue 21, 2003-11-24
Army Band Performs at Dixie Rotary Bowl
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A Dixie Rotary Bowl tradition for a decade, the Friday evening 23rd Army
Band Concert on December 5 is always a favorite for locals, with the Cox
Auditorium being filled to overflow by those lucky enough to claim one of
the free tickets.
The 23rd Army Band was organized in 1924 to provide music for military
ceremonies. Today, the band travels throughout Utah performing for official
military
functions and community events. The band is engaged for a wide variety of
performances from parades and concerts to school assemblies and music
clinics.
The band supports ceremonial events for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and
...
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Volume 13, Issue 3, 2010-01-26
ARRA Loans Help Utah's Small Businesses
By Georgia Yoshida
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UTAH – The SBA’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) loan programs continue to play an important role in stimulating small business growth in Utah. Since February 2009 when the Recovery Act was signed, the SBA has approved 1,574 ARRA loans worth $389 million. The SBA’s Utah office has seen its average weekly loan activity increase by 18 percent since the act was enacted. Since October 1, 2009 (the beginning of FY 2010) SBA’s Utah District Office guaranteed 511 loans for over $78 million.
SBA as a federal agency has...
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
Arts Council Presents Workshops
Workshop to Discuss “Knowledge Is The Key” and is Presented by Utah Arts Council and the WCAC
By Tonya Jocelyn
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - This workshop will provide valuable information on where to find funding, opportunities, partnerships, and other valuable information in regards to Utah performing arts and other disciplines. Specifically we will address the new Utah Arts Council website, NowPlayingUtah.com, Utah Presenters and block booking, the OnStage in Utah funding opportunity, WESTAF’s TourWest Grant and additional opportunities. There will be time to network, ask questions, and...
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Volume 7, Issue 7, 2004-04-12
Arts Festival Closes Roads Easter Weekend
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In order to accommodate requests from artists and art enthusiasts from around the region, the St. George Art Festival will expand its boarders to the north at this year's event. On Thursday, April 8 at 5:00 pm city crews will begin closing roads along Main Street and Tabernacle Street in preparation for the festivities.
Road closures include Main Street from St. George Boulevard to 100 South. The Tabernacle Street Closure will run from 100 East to 100 West.
It is anticipated that all businesses along and Main Street and Tabernacle Street will maintain their normal hours of operation. Festival goers should keep in mind that parking in the Zion's Bank and Wells Fargo Bank parking lots is a no-no during regular business hours.
Main and Tabernacle Streets will reopen on Saturday, April 10 at 9:00 pm, after all festival participants and artists have cleared the area. For further detail contact Kent Perkins or a staff member at Leisure Services: - 634-5850.
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Volume 10, Issue 40, 2007-12-18
Arts Pump $22 Million into Economy
Cedar City Arts Council
By Raymond Inkel,
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CEDAR CITY - Arts and cultural organizations bring an economic impact of over $22 million dollars annually to Iron County, according to a recent study by a national arts advocacy group.
The study by Americans for the Arts focusing on the economic impact of arts and cultural organizations in Iron County was presented at a recent Arts Summit sponsored by the Cedar City Arts Council, Cedar City Corporation, and Cedar City Brian Head Tourism Bureau.
Direct economic impact of organizations and audiences totaled over $22.4 million dollars. The arts and culture areas support 538 full-time equivalent jobs in Iron County. In 2006 the arts contributed a little over 3 perc...
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Volume 9, Issue 1, 2006-01-23
As Senator Robert F. Bennett Sees It
Summit Reports - “Demographic Challenges of the Global Economy”
By Kevin Fry
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Small business has enough to contend with in today's competitive marketplace, but Senator Bennett in his Keynote address at the Economic Summit in St. George, suggested it now has the same challenges as big business: International competition.
The Senator explained how he had visited a small town in Southern Utah and spoke with a few small business owners. A piano storeowner he questioned said he depended on China to keep his store stocked and that most people in town had a piano in their home that was manufactured by the Chinese.
A printing company owner just down the street from the piano store said it was cheaper for them to send large print jobs over seas (to China) and have them shipped back to the U.S. Other small businesses from that community had similar stories. He stressed even our local economy has become heavily influenced by outside competition including direct contention from our neighbors in the Far East.
The Senator then went on to unveil a theory that suggests how “Demographics are Destiny.” A colorful display of charts and graphs clarified his point. The overwhelming theme was that in order for any economy to remain healthy it has to have a growing working age population. While China today is enjoying some competitive advantages because of its enormous number of inexpensive laborers; the trend towards limiting birthrates may have a crippling effect in the future.
In China married couples are limited to having just one child. China's communistic regime mandates this by law. Male babies are preferred to female ones because of their expectancy to ultimately care for elderly members of the family. In China one male child may end up supporting his parents and four grandparents. At the present time there are 106 Chinese men to every 100 Chinese women (at birth).
The Senator suggested if the trend continues there will be 20% more men in China than there are women. The eventual result is a declining population due to a condition called “bare branches” or men who can't find a wife. This obviously will have catastrophic implications for a country that presently enjoys many competitive advantages in the worldwide economy.
In the United States the average birthrate per woman is 2.0. In order for a country to increase in population the birthrate must be 2.1 for every woman. Since the U.S. is not meeting this statistic immigrants from everywhere (not the least of which is Mexico) are arriving here at a quick enough pace to supersede the 2.1 benchmark. The Senator suggested although much controversy surrounds the issue of immigration he stressed it may make the difference between a growing population (and economy) and perhaps the decline of both.
Today the three most populous countries are China, India and the United States. By the year 2050 the Senator explained (based on his theory) India would be the most populous country followed by China and the United States. He forecasts growing populations in India and the U.S. by mid century, and declines in every other major power across the globe.
While growth according to the Senator is a good thing he also revealed the tender underbelly of our countries' continued success; the aging population and the crippling effect of a growing National deficit fueled by mandatory spending for such government programs as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. This tends to be the growing problem that government must face today and increasingly in the future.
Currently there are 15,000 people over the age of 100 in our country. In twenty years there will be over five million people exceeding the century mark. While China and the rest of the world may face the challenge of a declining population; the U.S. is facing a trend that could sneak up on us while we're in our rocking chairs.
Another challenge that was not factored into the Senator's research is the effect a worldwide epidemic could have on demographics. It seems to be the only factor that could tip the scales in a different direction than what the Senator Suggests. He admitted an epidemic could impact his research significantly but noted that such a calamity was not considered for this argument.
Senator Bennett expressed excitement and appreciation for an opportunity to serve his third term as a United States Senator. He stated his gratitude for being invited to the Summit and mentioned that despite having success politically his greatest achievement was that of being a father and a grandfather.
Pull Quote: Currently there are 15,000 people over the age of 100 in our country. In twenty years there will be over five million people exceeding the century mark.
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Volume 11, Issue 41, 2008-11-05
Ask A Specialist ...
How Can I Prevent My Own Mortgage Crisis?
Carolyn Washburn
Utah State University Extension Family and Consumer Science Agent, Washington County
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In today's economy, making ends meet is becoming more difficult. For some, it is impossible. If you are struggling financially and concerned about keeping your home, consider these suggestions.
- Prioritize your spending. After healthcare, housing should be your first priority. Review your finances and see where spending can be cut. Areas such as cable TV, memberships, entertainment and eating out are good places to start. Delay payments on credit cards and other "unsecured" debt until you have first paid your mortgage.
- Use your assets. Look for assets such as a second car, jewelry or whole life insurance policy that co...
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Volume 10, Issue 17, 2007-06-18
Ask SCORE for Sound Small Business Advice
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ST. GEORGE - If you have dreams of someday owning your own business, or if you're already an entrepreneur and want to sharpen your management skills, keep an eye on this space.
Here, you'll find concise answers to common small business questions, tips on finding new customers and keeping old ones happy, and insights into business-related issues you may never have thought of, but should.
This space is where you will find ‘Ask SCORE,’ a series of informative columns provided by SCORE, ‘Counselors to America's Small Business.’ SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to the success of small business in America.
...
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Volume 12, Issue 6, 2009-02-23
Ask SCORE for Sound Small Business Advice
Ask Score!
By Byron Theurer
Chair, Southern Utah Chapter
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If you have dreams of someday owning your own business, or if you're already an entrepreneur and want to sharpen your management skills, keep an eye on this space. Here, you'll find concise answers to common small business questions, tips on finding new customers and keeping old ones happy, and insights into business-related issues you may never have thought of, but should.
This space is where you will find "Ask SCORE," a series of informative columns provided by SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business." SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to the success of small business in America. The "Ask SCORE" columns address a wide range of business topics and provide...
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Volume 12, Issue 24, 2009-07-06
Associates Complete Specialized Training
By Linda Johnson
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - 15 Sales Associates from local real estate company, ERA Brokers Consolidated, recently completed the newly revised ERA AccelERAtion training course offered by ERA Franchise Systems. Graduates included: Tamara Foster, Bonnie Rutledge, Don Leavitt, Amy Osness, Kurt Wilson, KimBurningham, Jim Golden, Megan Giolito, Cathy Mcdonald, Roger McDonald, Thida Roberton, Theron Jensen, Maggie Ileland, Natalie Hafen and Debbie Peters-Wilde.
AccelERAtion's five-day facilitated training program educates ERA Sales Associates on how to better assist buyers and sellers, pricing and preparing a home to sell, prospecting, hosting open houses, and negotiating. Other topics include goal setting, time management and implementing ERA products and services. The course utilizes...
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Volume 7, Issue 22, 2004-12-13
Astronaut Teaches Management Skills at SUU
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If asked where to find the best management consultant for your business, it's not likely that most of us would ask an astronaut, even if we knew one well enough to find the phone number. It just wouldn't be “top of mind”. How ever that's what many organizations and companies have been doing in recent years. Rick Searfoss, former astronaut for NASA has been marketing his skills in that direction. Though the connection initially struggles when attempting to “connect the dots”, look at the companies who've taken advantage of his services: (note that this is a partial list)
Lockheed Martin, Discovery Channel, BBC, America's Freedom Festival, Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives, The Associates, Disney Cruise Lines, General Services Administration, U.S. Postal Service, Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, Siemens-Westinghouse, UUNet, Shell Oil, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, International Aerospace Festival, Motor Trend Magazine, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and on and on .
Oh, and don't forget SUU! - yes our own Southern Utah University.
This list is impressive by itself, but comments by attendees consistently sounded like this one from Dave Sorensen, Vice President of Purchasing, General Mills, Inc. He said speaking of Colonel Rick Searfoss, "Your message and ability to connect with various members of our team were right on target a meaningful learning experience for our team and fun at the same time.”
Terry Keyes, SBDC director on SUU's campus said "Rick Searfoss was as instructive as he was entertaining - a positive message about leadership and taking control of your life; leadership in its purest form."
What does he “present”? Searfoss's presentations are custom built for the client, but they tend to center around a specific set of principles gleaned from his NASA experience.
He proposes that “true leaders balance all these elements of - purpose, program, people and perspective - to get the job done, build their organization, and uplift their followers. Every organization needs solid, principle-centered leaders.”
His presentation brings home crucial leadership lessons from a technically driven yet supremely human endeavor. He suggests that “These same lessons apply for any leader. No matter how technical or process-driven your business, people make it happen. And people need leaders of integrity, competence, and courage to move them forward.”
Searfoss deals with the factors leading to competitive success and the crucial need for constant, dedicated pursuit of individual outstanding performance.
Searfoss speaks of dreaming. He has been heard to say that “In a short 100 years humankind has gone from earthbound to living in space. What challenges and opportunities await us in the next 100 years? Who is to say what is impossible, for the dreams of yesterday are the hopes of today and the realities of tomorrow”.
And he definitely likes to “explore”. On one occasion he commented that “The six billion people on this jewel of a planet collectively share a very human need to explore. Yet at the same time, we all too often limit ourselves as we ponder fears and not hopes, fears usually revolving around the need for change. Change is real, it's upon us. It's ever-accelerating. Exploration, research, innovation, and charting the unknown as pioneered on the last frontier of space give startling examples of adaptability. We must learn to embrace the opportunities change offers.”
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Volume 12, Issue 18, 2009-05-25
At Mokiac
Startin' Out in Dixie
By Sara Atkin
as told by her husband Wes Atkin,
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Editors Note: The Mainstreet Business Journal is serializing Startin' Out in Dixie, tales told by Wes Atkin about growing up in St. George during the early years of the 20th century. In this installment, five-year-old Wes is making his first trip to sheep camp on the Arizona Strip with his father Hy Atkin, about 1919.
At Mokiac, Poppa always unhooked the team and led them by saddle horse to a spring for water. This was a learning experience for me, for it would become my job later on.
From Mokiac we went up a dugway past the "Hay Rocks" where Poppa stopped to cache hay for his team on the return trip. Then we went up a steeper dugway to Quail where we watered the mul...
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Volume 12, Issue 19, 2009-06-01
At Mokiac ... continued
Startin' Out in Dixie
As told by her husband Wes Atkin
By Sara Atkin
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Editors Note: The Mainstreet Business Journal is serializing Startin' Out in Dixie, tales told by Wes Atkin about growing up in St. George during the early years of the 20th century. In this installment, Wes continues the tale of his first trip to sheep camp, at age 5, on the Arizona Strip with his father Hy Atkin, about 1919.
Poppa kept three large steel barrels filled with water for cooking, washing and drinking. When we arrived at camp, the barrels were near empty. He loaded them onto the back of the commissary wagon and backed into the reservoir beyond the animals and birds.
He brushed debris from the water and proceeded to fill his buckets. I held a ...
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Volume 10, Issue 33, 2007-10-19
Athletic Events Deliver Positive Economic Impact
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ST. GEORGE — Each October, the St. George Marathon welcomes nearly 7,000 runners to town for what is billed as the "15th Largest Marathon in the U.S.A."
Organizers estimate the marathon contributes $1.5 million to the local economy over a three-day period, the Deseret Morning News reports.
Right on the heels of the marathon, another 10,000 athletes age 50 and over begin arriving for the Huntsman World Senior Games.
Most of those athletes bring at least one or two people with them and everybody spends money, said Dan Needy, director of marketing for the Huntsman World Senior Games.
"The economic impact is huge," said Needy. "L...
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Volume 11, Issue 13, 2008-04-15
Athletic Tournaments Boost Economy
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CEDAR CITY – The city's economic development office says a recent volleyball tournament provided a boost to the local economy.
Figures released last week estimate that more than 300 top high school athletes and estimated 500 spectators at the Cedar City Volleyball Festival spent $123,000.
The figures are derived from a basic economic formula used by the Utah Office of Tourism, which assumes $151 spent per person per day.
Sporting events bring visitors to Cedar City to stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, and shop in stores, and further the city’s standing as a host for athletic tournaments, economic development officials said.
The Cedar City Economic Development office along with Southern Utah University, Cedar High School, Canyon View High School, and two local motels jointly hosted the tournament. All proceeds from ticket sales went to support local volleyball programs.
The volleyball tournament gave local businesses an important boost during this traditionally slow tourism season that lacks major tourist draws like the Utah Summer Games and the Utah Shakespearean Festival, officials said.
Another tournament is scheduled later this month for club volleyball teams of 15-17 year-olds, including at least five teams from Southern Utah.
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Volume 10, Issue 27, 2007-09-07
Atkin to Serve on Board
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ST. GEORGE - New Earth Systems, Inc., an environmental technologies company based here, has announced the appointment of J. Ralph Atkin to the company's board of directors.
Atkin is a founder of SkyWest Airlines and continues to serve on the board of directors of SkyWest Inc., where he is a member the audit and finance and nominating and corporate governance committees. He also played a key role in taking SkyWest, Inc. public in 1986. Atkin has also founded airlines in Europe and Africa.
He is a member of the Utah State Bar, and a member of the Bar's business law and probate/trust law sections. Atkin is also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorn...
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Volume 9, Issue 3, 2006-02-20
Attorney General Concludes Tuition Statute is Valid
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Salt Lake City, Ut - Last Wednesday, the Attorney General's Office issued an opinion confirming its prior stance that H.B. 144 (2002), which exempts Utah high school graduates (including undocumented immigrants) from having to pay the non-resident portion of college tuition, is valid and effective.
Last summer, questions were raised during an Education Interim Committee meeting regarding the state's potential liability in relation to this bill. Commissioner for Higher Education Richard E. Kendell asked the attorney general for an opinion.
The opinion, authored by Assistant Attorney General William T. Evans states: "H.B. 144, passed in 2002, affirmatively provides fo...
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Volume 13, Issue 17, 2010-05-27
Attorney joins Snow Jensen & Reece
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - V. Lowry Snow, President of the law firm of Snow Jensen & Reece recently announced that Tyson C Horrocks has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Tyson’s practice is primarily focused in commercial litigation, real estate and municipal law. “Tyson’s outstanding academic record coupled with his leadership experience makes him well suited to our firm," Snow said. "We are pleased that he has decided to make St. George his home and to practice law with...
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Volume 13, Issue 18, 2010-06-03
Attorney joins Snow Jensen & Reece
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - V. Lowry Snow, President of the law firm of Snow Jensen & Reece has announced that Tyson C Horrocks has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Tyson’s practice is primarily focused in commercial litigation, real estate and municipal law. “Tyson’s outstanding academic record coupled with his leadership experience makes him well suited to our firm," Snow said. "We are pleased that he has decided to make St. George his home and to practice law with our firm."
Prior to joining SJ&R, Horrocks clerked for a firm in Arlington, VA (Bean, Kinney & Korman, PC) that specialized in commercial litigation and real estate law. He also interned for a lobbyist firm in Washington, DC called American Continental Group.
Tyson earned his law degree in 2009 at The George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC where he graduated With Honors. Tyson is licensed to practice in Utah state courts as well as the United States Federal Court of Utah.
Tyson Horrocks is a native of Salt Lake City and he and his wife Laura are the parents of one child.
About Snow Jensen & Reece
The law firm of Snow Jensen & Reece (SJ&R) has...
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Volume 11, Issue 19, 2008-05-28
Attorney Takes Helm at SUU's Leavitt Center
Will help students become engaged in public service
By Jennifer Burt
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Attorney Douglas R. Larson has recently joined SUU as the Executive Director of the Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service.
Larson comes to SUU from the Salt Lake law firm of Manning Curtis Bradshaw & Bednar, where his practice has focused on education law, labor and employment law, administrative law and commercial litigation.
At SUU, Larson will assist students from all disciplines across the campus to become engaged in politics and public service. He will also educate students about, and expand student interest in, our democratic system....
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Volume 11, Issue 11, 2008-04-01
Attorney Voted Top
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ST. GEORGE - St. George resident Marianne Sorensen, an attorney for Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough, was voted one of the “30 Women to Watch” by Utah Business Magazine in the April issue. The award will be presented on April 17 in Salt Lake City.
Sorensen, a graduate of the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law, specializes in real estate law and is a member of The Women Lawyers Group at Jones Waldo. The women’s lawyer group is the first of its kind to be formally established within a Utah law firm.
“I am honored to be one of Utah”s top 30 women to watch,” said Sorensen. “I make it my business to know...
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Volume 11, Issue 10, 2008-03-18
Attorneys Move to New Office
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ST. GEORGE - The southern Utah offices of Salt Lake City-based law firm Snow, Christensen & Martineau have moved to new and more spacious quarters at 555 South Bluff Street, Suite 301.
“Southern Utah is growing, and so are we,” said Steve Urquhart, a St. George-based attorney with the firm.
The new location is close to the St. George central business district, including a planned new Fifth District courthouse four blocks away.
Urquhart, Scott Awerkamp, and Jordan Garn will be full time attorneys in the office, and other Snow, Christensen & Martineau attorneys from Salt Lake City will be using the expanded space when in St. George.
...
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Volume 11, Issue 11, 2008-04-01
Attorneys Move to New Office
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ST. GEORGE - The southern Utah offices of Salt Lake City-based law firm Snow, Christensen & Martineau have moved to new and more spacious quarters at 555 South Bluff Street, Suite 301.
"Southern Utah is growing, and so are we," said Steve Urquhart, a St. George-based attorney with the firm.
The new location is close to the St. George central business district, including a planned new Fifth District courthouse four blocks away.
Urquhart, Scott Awerkamp, and Jordan Garn will be full time attorneys in the office, and other Snow, Christensen & Martineau attorneys from Salt Lake City will be using the expanded space when in St. George.
...
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Volume 8, Issue 1, 2005-01-17
Auction Nets $2.2 Million
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The State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration held a competitive sealed bid auction, for oil and gas, and mineral leases, netting $2,214,828.86. The largest bid was $511 per acre for a460 acre lease in Sevier County by Geo Scout Land & Title Company. The average price per acre was $25.99 and 85,222 acres were leased. The lands leased were located primarily in Grand, Summit, Daggett, Wayne, Sanpete, Garfield, Juab, Millard and Sevier counties. Of the 140 total lands offered, 106 were leased.
Higher oil and gas pricing has called for companies to drill deeper and expand into more regions of the state. A Michigan-based company made anew oil discovery in central Utah earlier this year. This discovery has refocused interest on areas such as Sevier County that have not seen any exploration for decades.
The successful bidders are required to pay annual rentals to the trust to hold the properties and royalties on the sale of any minerals produced. Oil and gas, and other mineral commodities auction sales are held quarterly in January, April, July and October. The next sale will be January 2005. Check the Trust Lands website for more information -www.trustlands.com. The money raised by these auctions goes to the permanent funds of Utah's public schools and other trust beneficiaries.
The School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration is an independent state agency which manages 3.4 million acres of Utah trust lands for the benefit of Utah's schools and other public institutions.
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Volume 10, Issue 33, 2007-10-19
Author to Address Chamber - Oct. 25
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CEDAR CITY - New York Times best selling author and television personality Dian Thomas will tell Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce members "How to Get a Million Dollars Worth of Free Publicity," at the Chamber's Oct. 25 breakfast, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Crystal Inn.
This event is brought to chamber members in part by the Cedar City Livestock and Heritage Festival. Dian will also teach two classes during the festival on "Dutch Oven Magic" and "Roughing It Easy."
Dian has written 13 books and was featured on NBC's Today Show for eight years. She was also a regular feature on ABC's Home Show and has made appearances on Good Morning America and The Tonight...
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Volume 8, Issue 7, 2005-04-11
Author Unknown but Very Wise
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To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing our true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams, before the crowd is to risk loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try at all is to risk failure.
But to risk we must,
Because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The man, the woman, who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.
...
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Volume 9, Issue 14, 2006-10-30
Auto Dealer Opens
Mesquite Ford Lincoln-Mercury
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MESQUITE, Nev - Mesquite Ford Lincoln-Mercury introduced its stress-free car buying experience to the growing city of Mesquite with a grand opening October 10.
"Mesquite Ford Lincoln-Mercury looks forward to becoming part of the city of Mesquite and catering to the surrounding areas," said Daniel Leavitt, sales manager.
The 4.2-acre, nearly 20,000-square-foot Mesquite Ford sales and service facility employs approximately 30.The Auto Mall location has the capacity for 250 new and used vehicles, including light and full-size trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, compact and luxury cars.
Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to approxim...
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Volume 11, Issue 27, 2008-07-30
Auto Service Shop Has New Location
No appointment needed
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ST. GEORGE - Hambleton Auto Service is now open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at 528 W. 300 North.
This new location is owned and operated by the father and son team of Tom Hambleton and TJ Hambleton. They are available for alignments, tune-ups, diagnostics, clutches, motor work, air conditioning and more.
This business has been owner-operated for more than 20 years. No appointments are needed, and company fleets welcome. Work can be done on...
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
Avis Car Sales Reorganizes; Moves
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Joe Christopher, formerly of Newby Buick and Stephen Wade Auto Group has partnered with several local businessmen and has opened a new sales lot on Blackridge Drive in St. George. The new location is also will take on the name of Avis Car Sales. This effectively relocates the former St. George Boulevard sales operation.
The new Avis Car Sales features...
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Volume 12, Issue 36, 2009-11-16
Avoiding Business Owner Burnout
SCORE offers Small Business Advice
By Byron Theurer
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Choosing to go into business for yourself is a major decision that usually means a commitment to hard work and long hours. As you struggle to build your business, however, you also must be careful not to overdo it and succumb to business owner burnout. It's vital to take some time off to recharge your personal batteries.
But there's a problem. Many business owners are afraid to leave, even for a short period. They fear that something will go wrong or they'll miss out on that next big opportunity. With so much to do, how can an entrepreneur ever relax?
According to a survey conducted by American Express, 40 percent of the smallest business owners...
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Volume 12, Issue 17, 2009-05-18
Avoiding Caregiver Discrimination
By Michael Patrick O`Brien, Esq
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a guidance on how employers can avoid discrimination against workers with care-giving responsibilities. In releasing the new guidance, the EEOC tried to emphasize the care-giving is not a new protected class. Rather, the law may be implicated when workers with care-giving responsibilities are treated based on a characteristic (such as gender or race). The new guidance can be found at:...
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Volume 11, Issue 15, 2008-04-29
Avoiding Scams Topic of Chamber Lunch
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CEDAR CITY - The Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce and Zions Bank will present Mark Kohler, a local attorney, Certified Public Accountant, entrepreneur, instructor and published author at the chamber’s May 8 luncheon. The luncheon will be held at noon at Holiday Inn Express, 1555 South Old Highway 91 in Cedar City.
Kohler will discuss “How to Avoid Legal and Tax Scams – Saving Time, Money, and Taxes!”
Kohler recently published “Lawyers are Liars: The Truth About Protecting Our Assets.” He has owned many businesses since high school. Currently, Mark’s principal career is as a partner in the law firm Kyler, Kohler & Ostermil...
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Volume 11, Issue 14, 2008-04-22
Avoiding Scams Topic of Chamber Lunch - May 8
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CEDAR CITY - The Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce and Zions Bank will present Mark Kohler, a local attorney, Certified Public Accountant, entrepreneur, instructor and published author at the chamber’s May 8 luncheon. The luncheon will be held at noon at Holiday Inn Express, 1555 South Old Highway 91 in Cedar City.
Kohler will discuss “How to Avoid Legal and Tax Scams – Saving Time, Money, and Taxes!”
Kohler recently published “Lawyers are Liars: The Truth About Protecting Our Assets.” He has owned many businesses since high school. Currently, Mark’s principal career is as a partner in the law firm Kyler, Kohler & Ostermil...
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Volume 11, Issue 16, 2008-05-06
Avoiding Scams Topic of Chamber Lunch Thursday
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CEDAR CITY - The Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce and Zions Bank will present Mark Kohler, a local attorney, Certified Public Accountant, entrepreneur, instructor and published author at the chamber’s May 8 luncheon. The luncheon will be held at noon at Holiday Inn Express, 1555 South Old Highway 91 in Cedar City.
Kohler will discuss “How to Avoid Legal and Tax Scams – Saving Time, Money, and Taxes!”
Kohler recently published “Lawyers are Liars: The Truth About Protecting Our Assets.” He has owned many businesses since high school. Currently, Mark’s principal career is as a partner in the law firm Kyler, Kohler & Ostermil...
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Volume 8, Issue 6, 2005-03-28
Award Nominations Sought to Recognize Outstanding Volunteers
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The Utah Commission on Volunteers recognizes Utah's outstanding volunteers and is currently accepting nominations for the 2005 Volunteer Achievement Awards that will be presented May 5, 2005. Through community nominations, Utah leaders will offer special thanks to Utah residents.
The awards will be presented at an awards luncheon during the 2005 Utah Conference on Service. Lt. Governor Gary Herbert will present the 2005 Volunteer Achievement Awards, including the first Utah AmeriCorps Member of the Year Award. This new award is an exciting way to honor the exceptional achievements of someone who has served beyond the standard expectations of an AmeriCorps member.
The Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award honors a volunteer or a manager of volunteers who, over the course of his or her lifetime, has made significant contributions to Utah through volunteer efforts.
The Lieutenant Governor's Civic Volunteer of the Year Award focuses on civic engagement, honoring a citizen who has improved his or her community. Minimum qualifications require five years of continuous or near continuous service in at least three different areas of the community such as library, school or city government.
The Corporate Volunteer Program Award recognizes volunteerism in an organization. Corporate philanthropic commitments are considered, but the award is intended to recognize a for-profit organization that runs a particularly effective employee volunteer program.
Likewise, the Nonprofit Volunteer Program of the Year Award honors a not-for-profit organization that exemplifies excellent volunteer management practices.
Finally, the Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award recognizes a paid or volunteer manager with solid volunteer managerial skills and the Youth Service Utah Awards honors youth individuals and groups who have performed outstanding service in their communities.
Nomination forms may be found on the web at www.volunteers.utah.gov. The deadline for submitting nominations is April 4, 2005. To request a hard copy of a nomination form, contact Summer Beers at (801) 377-6600, ex.104.
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Volume 7, Issue 8, 2004-04-26
Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist to Speak At Utah State University Commencement
Merlin Olsen to Receive Doctorate
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LOGAN --- Award-winning broadcast journalist Jane Clayson Johnson is the commencement speaker for Utah State University's 111th annual commencement beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 1, in the Dee Glen Smith spectrum on campus.
Johnson also will receive an honorary degree as part of the ceremony. Other honorary degree recipients include Ruth L. Novak (Doctor of Science and Engineering), Merlin Olsen (Doctor of Business) and C. Booth Wallentine (Doctor of Agriculture).
Johnson has become one of America's most versatile and accomplished young broadcasters. She began her broadcast news career as an anchor and reporter with KSL-TV in Salt Lake City and has risen to nation...
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