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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
Gala Benefits Higher Education
Wilkinson Leads Fire & Ice Gala; Nadauld Applauds Supportive Community Spirit
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Every year for the last five years, the hottest ticket in town has been the annual Fire & Ice Gala – a night of glamour, good food, and fun – with proceeds going to needs-based scholarships for students attending Dixie State College of Utah.
The Sixth-Annual Fire & Ice Gala is sponsored by the Dixie College Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 entity, and by generous local individuals and businesses allowing those who are making contributions to this event tax deductible. This festive evening begins with Hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction with something for everyone to bid on, including vacation packages, personal pampering items (e.g. massages and facials), sports memorabilia, autographed books and collectibles, and...
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Volume 12, Issue 25, 2009-07-13
Gannett lays off 20 at `Arizona Republic`
Source: Phoenix Business Journal
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PHOENIX - At least 20 journalists were laid off last Wednesday at The Arizona Republic in the latest round of job cuts issued by the nation's largest newspaper chain, Gannett Co. Inc., sources close to the paper confirmed.
Designers, feature writers, copy editors, and business and community reporters were among the newsroom staffers cut in what insiders and fellow employees dubbed "Black Wednesday." The job cuts were part of a national initiative by Gannett.
Gannett spokeswoman Robin Pence said the company's newspaper division cut 1,400 employees nationwide. She did not provide breakdown of how many of those cuts occurred in Phoenix or other specific markets.
Republic staffers had been bracing for the bad news for a week, which created an uneasy feeling in the newsroom, according to several employees. A staff meeting is scheduled Thursday afternoon at the Republic to inform employees of the changes and to address ...
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Volume 12, Issue 5, 2009-02-09
Garage Door Dealers Make VIP
Two Local Garage Door Dealers Singled Out By Manufacturer
By Antone Clark
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Two southern Utah garage door dealers have been singled out for distinction of VIP status from a Salt Lake Manufacturing company, among a small group of dealers worldwide to be so honored.
Mehr's Garage Door, Inc. of St. George and Imperial Window and Door of Cedar City have been granted Dave Martin VIP status by Martin Door Manufacturing. By designating the local firms as VIP companies, Martin implies the companies maintain a high standard of professionalism and conduct, according to David Haslam, national director of sales for MDM. The status also allows the companies' access to special promotional status and ...
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Volume 8, Issue 3, 2005-02-14
Garcia Named to DRMC Governing Board
By Terri Draper
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Ruben R. Garcia recently accepted an appointment to serve as a member of the Dixie Regional Medical Center (DRMC) Governing Board. “Ruben's work, military service, and life experience are rich with diversity,” says T. Robert Cochran, DRMC Governing Board Chair. “We are thrilled he has accepted this appointment to serve with the volunteer board that gives oversight to Dixie Regional Medical Center.”
Garcia is currently employed as the human resources manager for Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. He is also the leading chief petty officer for the United States Naval Reserve and recently returned from his second tour of duty in Kuwait.
The great relationships he now enjoys with local business and community leaders were fostered during the 5 1/2 years he worked for the Utah Department of Workforce Services. He is an active member of the chamber of commerce and has served as a member of the Chamber's Sunshiners. Ruben and Stacy, his wife, are the parents of two children.
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Volume 12, Issue 10, 2009-03-23
Garden Cottage Bed and Breakfast featured in Cottage Style Magazine!
By Kimberly Stewart
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New York, NY/Cedar City, Utah- "At Cottage Style Magazine, we are constantly looking at residences and gardens across the country and abroad in the hopes of finding not only beautiful places, but also ones with a twinkle in their eye, so to speak. The Simkins garden stood out to us first of all because of its wonderful assortment of color, its lushness, its variety and its spectacular climbing roses" explained Janet Mowat Cottage Style's Managing Editor. It captures the essence of a casual, carefree cottage garden and we knew that our readers would value hearing tips about how to make such a garden grow, especially from real-life gardeners who, like most, have jobs to squeeze in...
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Volume 10, Issue 20, 2007-07-13
Garff Construction Moves
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ST. GEORGE - Garff Construction, known for their recent completion of the Stephen Wade Cadillac building, has moved their offices to 1240 East 100 South. They were represented by Brandon Vandermyde at NAI Utah Southern Region....
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Volume 12, Issue 7, 2009-03-02
Garfield Administrator Earns Executive Award
By Scott Monroe
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Panguitch, Utah - The Utah Healthcare Executives, a chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), has honored Garfield Memorial Hospital (GMH) administrator Alberto Vasquez with the 2008 Senior Level Healthcare Executive award.
"I am humbled and honored to receive this award," Vasquez said. "Although the award was given to me, it is really a reflection of the great people I work with at Garfield Memorial Hospital."
Vasquez received the honor during the Utah Healthcare Executives meeting at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center Feb. 18. He was selected by a group of his ACHE peers because of his years of dedicated service to the...
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Volume 12, Issue 32, 2009-10-19
Gas Prices Drop?
Eight states have prices higher than Utahβs current average
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - The calendar tells us it's fall and gas prices in Utah are providing further evidence. Prices throughout most of the state have fallen anywhere from 2 to 20 cents since last month. St. George's motorists only saw prices drop an average of 2 cents since September's report. The average price in St. George is now $2.72.
The average price in Utah is $2.62. This is 8 cents lower than last month's AAA report on September 8 and 84 cents lower than a year ago. Only eight states have prices higher than Utah's current average.
The national average price of regular self-serve is $2.48 per gallon. This is 10 cents lower than last month's report and 73 cents lower than a year ago. Alaska's average, $3.37, is the highest price in the country and California, at $3.02, has the highest price in the lower 48 states. South Carolina's average, $2.25, is the lowest average price in the country.
Even though gasoline prices have...
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Volume 9, Issue 16, 2006-12-18
Gas Prices Continue Lower
Down six cents says AAA Utah
By Michael Geeser
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SALT LAKE CITY - Gas prices have fallen again for Utah motorists. Following last month's double-digit drop, prices have fallen another six cents on average according to the latest report from AAA Utah.
The average price for a gallon of regular, self-serve gasoline in Utah is currently $2.28. Despite the drop, Utahns are paying 28 cents more than they did a year ago. The current national average price is $2.29. This price is six cents more than last month and 11 cents more than a year ago.
Despite mild weather on the East Coast, oil, wholesale and retail gasoline all went up last week when the U.S. Department of Energy reported considerable declines in ...
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Volume 10, Issue 28, 2007-09-14
Gas Prices Continue to Drop Statewide
But nation's average price creeps upward
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SALT LAKE CITY — As the nation's average gasoline price starts to increase, Utah and the Intermountain West continue to report dropping prices, according to the latest report from AAA Utah, which tracks gas prices as a service to consumers.
The current average price in Utah for regular, self-serve gasoline is $2.73. This is 14 cents lower than AAA's last survey on August 14 and 22 cents lower than a year ago. Thirty-three states have prices higher than Utah.
All of the Utah cities surveyed by AAA reported a decrease in the average price of regular, self-serve gasoline. St. George enjoyed the greatest decrease, at 22 cents. The current average price...
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Volume 12, Issue 36, 2009-11-16
Gas Prices Creeping Upward
Trend is Counter to Typical Fall Pricing
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SALT LAKE CITY, - Contrary to typical autumn pricing, gasoline prices are moving upward in the western states. Increases from 2 cents in Utah and Montana to a whopping 22 cents in Colorado confronted motorists this past month.
The average price in Utah is $2.64, which is 2 cents higher than a month ago and 25 cents higher than a year ago. Twenty three states have prices higher than Utah. On average, Utah's prices dropped slightly for two weeks following last month's report on October 13, only to start increasing after that time to today's average. Today's average price is $1.58 lower than the state's highest reported average, $4.22, hit on July 18, 2008.
Prices for gasoline usually are...
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Volume 7, Issue 21, 2004-11-22
Gas Prices Down . . . Slightly
St. George Motorists Pay the Most in Utah
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After peaking last month, the latest report from AAA Utah finds gas prices have finally started to decline. Prices remain higher than they were one month ago, but have started to come down from record high prices set in late October.
According to AAA Utah, which tracks prices as a service to consumers, the average price in Utah for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline increased nine cents to $2.02 since its last report on October 12. Utah hit an all-time record high average price of $2.04 on October 30. The average price in Utah a year ago was $1.62.
“Since hitting record highs around Halloween, gas prices have started creeping slowly downwards,” said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokeswoman. “Hopefully this trend will continue.”
The main market force driving down gas prices is the falling cost of crude oil. Although still very expensive, crude oil prices are down nearly eight dollars per barrel from their record high set in late October. Every dollar decrease in the cost of crude oil typically translates into a decline of 2.5 cents in retail gas prices. In addition, production at newly-repaired, hurricane-damaged facilities in the Southeastern United States is improving. Relatively mild weather in the Northeast has eased current demand for home heating oil.
On a month-to-month comparison, all of the Utah cities surveyed by AAA are paying more than they were a month ago. Provo's motorists saw the greatest increase, thirteen cents, for a current average price of $2.00. St. George had the next highest increase of twelve cents, for an average price of $2.09. Ogden's motorists are paying nine cents more for an average price of $1.99. Salt Lake and Logan both saw eight cent increases. The average price in Salt Lake is $1.95. The average price in Logan is $2.04. Vernal's price increased six cents to $2.02. Moab saw the smallest increase, two cents, for an average price of $2.08.
AAA warns the recent price declines could be short-lived as nationwide demand for heating oil picks up and transportation increases during the holiday season.
“Any problems which affect crude oil could trigger a change in market dynamics,” said Fairclough. “A series of East Coast blizzards that boost heating oil demand or problems in oil producing regions of the world that cut supply would likely lead to another round of prices increases.”
AAA's Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 60,000 self-serve stations surveyed everyday nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express, LLC.
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Volume 8, Issue 19, 2005-10-31
Gas Prices Falling for now
Economic Trends
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Utah motorists are finally getting a break at the gas pump if you call $2.78 per gallon a break, that is. That's the statewide average in Utah according to figures in a new report from AAA Utah, which tracks fuel prices as a service to consumers.
The statewide average price for regular, self-serve of $2.78 is down eleven cents since the last AAA survey on September 13, but it is still 81 cents higher than last year at this time. The highest recorded price in Utah was $2.91 set on September 10, 2005.
“Recovery efforts from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are opening up more of the refinery and delivery infrastructure in the Gulf Coast,” said Rolayne Fairclough, AA...
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Volume 8, Issue 16, 2005-09-19
Gas Prices Falling From Record High
Fuel Costs May Have Peaked, but
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There is a glimmer of hope for weary consumers who faced a huge increase in fuel costs over the last two weeks: Gas prices seems to have peaked and are heading downward again. That's the finding in a new report from AAA Utah.
While it is unknown to what extent Americans limited their driving and adopted other fuel conserving tips, it is clear that the country weathered one of the worst fuel supply disruptions of the last 30 years without experiencing significant fuel shortages or gas lines.
According to AAA Utah the average price in Utah of regular, self-serve gasoline is $2.89 (September 13, 2005). This is one cent lower than yesterday, 53 cents higher than a month ago, ...
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Volume 7, Issue 6, 2004-03-29
Gas Prices Increase by Double Digits Utah Price within Two Cents of Highest Recorded Price
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Gas prices grew by double digits for the second month in a row in the Intermountain West, with Utah's average price almost reaching the highest ever recorded, AAA Utah reports today. The national price for regular, unleaded, self-serve gasoline is $1.72, an eight- cent increase from last month.
The national average price last year was $1.72. Utah has the eighth highest price in the country. The current average price in Utah is $1.81, an 18-cent increase from last month. This price is within two cents of Utah's highest recorded price of $1.83 on September 4, 2003. The average price last year was $1.70. "The biggest reason for the price spike is the high cost of crude oil which hovers around $37 a barrel and low inventories," said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokeswoman.
"OPEC ministers plan to cut production by another 1 million barrels per day to 23.5 million barrels by April 1 citing the weak dollar that is cutting their purchasing power by 30 percent." Secretary Abraham of the Energy Department acknowledged that gas prices are higher than the department anticipated. Reasons he cited were thin inventories and an inability to import the boutique fuels required in the United States to meet environmental requirements.
World demand for oil is increasing faster than expected. China has rapidly increased its demand growing by 580,000 barrels per day. In January China consumed a record six million barrels a day making it the second largest oil consumer after the United States. Europe's economic recovery increases their demand and significantly cuts into the gasoline exports previously shipped to the United States.
Of the Utah cities surveyed by AAA, all reported double digit increases. Moab motorists experienced the smallest increase, eleven cents, for an average price of $1.83. St. George has the highest average price of the cities surveyed. It increased fifteen cents to an average price of $1.86. Vernal's average price is $1.84, a nineteen- cent increase from last month. Salt Lake City's average price increased seventeen cents to $1.77. Provo motorists now pay an average of 21 cents more per gallon for an (more) AAA Utah, Gasoline Prices, pg.2 March 16, 2004 average price of $1.82. Ogden had the highest increase this past month, 22 cents, for an average price of $1.79.
The United States Senate recently passed an amendment to the 2004 budget resolution to sell the 53 million barrels of crude oil that were scheduled for the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. This move would increase the supply of oil in the country. The funds from the sale are to be used to help reduce the deficit and to increase homeland security funding for states.
States in the Intermountain West experienced significant increases in the price of regular, unleaded, self-serve gasoline. Idaho's price increased sixteen cents for an average price of $1.81. Montana was the only state not to have a double digit increase. The price in Montana rose nine cents for an average of $1.69. Wyoming's motorists pay thirteen cents more for an average price of $1.67. Colorado's price jumped thirteen cents for an average of $1.69. Arizona's motorists pay an average of $1.92, a 22-cent increase from last month. Nevada experienced a 24-cent increase for an average price of $2.06. California has the highest price in the country. Motorists pay 26 cents more for an average price of $2.16.
"Despite high prices, demand is increasing," said Fairclough. "Most people do not have a great deal of flexibility in how they use their vehicles. They have to go to work, take children to school and run errands. Since gasoline prices are likely to move higher over the long term, gas prices may play an increasing role in car buying decisions."
To achieve the greatest fuel economy, AAA suggests motorists keep their vehicles well-maintained, making sure fluids are clean and full, filters are clean and belts and hoses are not worn. Keeping tires at proper pressure is the best way to save money on gasoline. If tire pressure is low, fuel economy can be affected by as much as ten percent. Other ways to increase fuel economy are to lighten the load in the vehicle, to consolidate errands, and to practice smooth driving by avoiding sudden stops and fast starts.
AAA's Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available with over 60,000 self-serve stations surveyed everyday nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Survey and Wright Express, LLC. Establishes more than 100 years ago. AAA Utah serves more than 120,000 members and has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded.
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Volume 12, Issue 26, 2009-07-20
Gas Prices on the Decline
Utahβs Price 10thΒ Highest in Nation
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah motorists may finally be getting some relief at the pump, according to the latest report from AAA Utah, which tracks gasoline prices as a service to consumers.
Despite month-to-month price increases in virtually all of the cities surveyed, statewide average gasoline prices have started slowly dropping over the past week. The average cost for a gallon of regular, self-serve gasoline in Utah is $2.65. While this price represents a 14 cent increase since last month's report on June 9, it is 2 cents lower than a week ago and $1.53 lower than a year ago.
"Demand for gasoline continues to be very weak and there are extremely robust supplies of...
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Volume 12, Issue 40, 2009-12-15
Gas Prices Slowly Decline
Strong Supply and Tepid Demand Keep Prices in Check
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - While belt buckles and waistbands may have expanded over the past month, gas prices throughout the state are experiencing a steady decline, according to the latest report from AAA Utah.
“Overall, gasoline prices have been very stable since the end of October, and now, most prices have fallen by a few cents since the start of November,” said AAA Utah spokesperson Rolayne Fairclough. “Given the rollercoaster ride Utah consumers have faced in 2009, a modest, steady decline at the gas pump is a welcome...
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Volume 8, Issue 10, 2005-05-23
Gas Prices Starting To Drop - But Inconsistently
Economic Trends
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The cost of gasoline is finally going down, but not by much. Utah's average price dropped a penny from the highest ever recorded price of $2.30 on May 4, 2005. The current average price in Utah is $2.29 a gallon for regular, self-serve. That's still five cents higher than last month's survey on April 12. A year ago the average price in Utah was $2.00 a gallon.
“As Memorial Day and the summer driving season approach, the drop in gasoline prices will give families a bit of relief as they plan their summer vacations,” said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokeswoman. “But, many will still keep gasoline prices in mind as they make their holiday plans.”
The average national gasoline price dropped eleven cents this past month to $2.16 for a gallon of regular, self-serve. The highest recorded national average price was $2.28 on April 11, 2005. A year ago the national average price was $1.97.
In the short term, there appears to be reason for consumers to be cautiously optimistic. Some of the principal market forces which drove up the price of fuel are now bringing down the cost of filling up your tank.
The cost of crude oil, the raw material from which gas is made, has fallen by nearly seven dollars a barrel since it set a record high price last month. Every dollar per barrel decrease in the cost of crude oil usually corresponds to a matching change of 2.5 cents per gallon in the retail price of gas.
While prices throughout Utah have come down since hitting record highs in early May, on a month to month comparison, every city in Utah surveyed by AAA saw prices increase since April except Moab. In Moab the average price of regular self-serve dropped three cents to $2.35. Logan motorists saw the highest increase, nine cents, for a current price of $2.32. Both Ogden and Vernal prices increased eight cents. In Ogden the current average price is $2.27. In Vernal the average price is $2.30. Provo drivers are paying a nickel more as their average price increased to $2.25. St. George's average price jumped four cents to $2.32. Salt Lake City drivers saw the smallest increase, three cents, for a current average price of $2.22.
Inconsistent prices are the watchword in the Intermountain West. Prices in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming increased while motorists in Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada welcomed decreasing costs. Idaho's price increased seven cents to $2.34. Montana's average price increased five cents to $2.30. Wyoming's average price increased two cents to $2.19. Colorado's price dropped eight cents to $2.19. Arizona's price dropped three cents to $2.33. Nevada's current price, $2.43, is eleven cents lower than last month. California's price dropped ten cents to the current average price of $2.53.
AAA's Fuel Gauge Report includes over 85,000 self-service stations surveyed everyday nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express, LLC.
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Volume 9, Issue 9, 2006-06-12
Gas Prices the Symptom of Unhealthy Oil Demands
Thomas Sowell
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One of the beauties of an economy coordinated by price movements is that nobody has to understand it in order for it to work.
If vast new iron ore deposits are discovered tomorrow in Timbuktu, 99 percent of the people on this planet may be wholly unaware of it and yet the prices of everything from paper clips to automobiles would begin to decline, from Singapore to Seattle. Moreover, people around the world would adjust their behavior in response to this event that they know nothing about.
Many people who were not sure about buying a new car might decide that they could now afford one at the new lower prices. People who were thinking of buying wooden desks could begin to rec...
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Volume 11, Issue 42, 2008-11-12
Gas Prices Tumble To Motorists Relief
AAA reports Utah's prices drop more than $1 a gallon
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Much to the relief of motorists, gasoline prices are tumbling. These price drops are due to the slowing economy, decreasing demand, falling oil prices and burgeoning inventories, according to AAA Utah, which tracks gasoline prices as a service to consumers.
The average price in Utah is $2.35 a gallon for regular, self-serve gasoline. This is $1.09 lower than last month's report, 69 cents lower than a year ago and $1.87 lower than the highest recorded price, $4.22, which was reached in July of this year. Thirteen states have prices higher than Utah's average.
"As the price of oil continues to ...
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Volume 7, Issue 8, 2004-04-26
GAS WAR?
Join the resistance
Author Unknown, but smart
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Want gasoline prices to come down? We need to take some intelligent, united action. Philip Hollsworth, offered this good idea: This makes much more sense than the "don't buy gas on a certain day" campaign that was going around last April or May!
The oil companies just laughed at that because they knew we wouldn't continue to "hurt" ourselves by refusing to buy gas.
It was more of an inconvenience to us than it was a problem for them. However, whoever thought of this idea has come up with a plan that can really work.
By now you're probably thinking gasoline priced at about $1.50 is super cheap. Me too! It is currently $1.97 for regular unleaded in my town. Now that...
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Volume 8, Issue 21, 2005-12-05
Gasoline Prices Continue Falling
State's Prices Dropped 46 Cents Since October
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Credit decreased demand, infrastructure repairs or lower barrel prices. Whatever the cause, motorists are breathing a sigh of relief as they see gasoline prices continue to drop from all time highs.
The statewide average price for regular, self-serve in Utah is currently $2.32. This is 46 cents lower than the last survey on October 19, but it is still 29 cents higher than this time a year ago. The national average price is $2.29, down 45 cents from AAA's October survey but 32 cents higher than a year ago
“The decreasing demand is an interesting development in the gasoline price story this fall,” said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. “According to the U.S. Department of Energy, gasoline consumption is flat compared to this time a year ago. This is significant because fuel consumption has increased one to three percent each year for most of the decade.”
“Motorists are either driving fewer miles or finding ways to improve gasoline mileage,” said Fairclough. “The decline in sales of large vehicles in October is another indication that motorists took the past high gasoline prices as a wake-up call and fuel economy is a major consideration when purchasing a vehicle. In fact, in a recent survey, 68% of AAA Utah members said that that their next vehicle will be more fuel-efficient.”
All of the Utah cities surveyed by AAA saw substantial drops in their average gasoline prices for regular, self-serve gasoline. Ogden motorists enjoyed the largest savings, 57 cents from last month's average. The current average price in Ogden is $2.20. Logan's average price dropped 55 cents to $2.30 per gallon. The current average price in Salt Lake City is $2.20, a 49-cent decrease from last month's price. Moab's average price dropped 46 cents to the current average price of $2.50. Provo's motorists enjoyed a 43-cent decrease in their average price of gasoline. The current average price in Provo is now $2.33. Vernal's price dropped 40 cents to the new average price of $2.46. St. George experienced a 39-cent decrease in the average price of gasoline. The current average price in St. George is $2.47.
Motor travel through the Intermountain West is improving as far as gasoline prices are concerned as prices continue to drop. Idaho's average price dropped 43 cents to the current average of $2.41. Montana's price also dropped 43 cents. The current average price in Montana is $2.29. Wyoming's price dropped 44 cents to the new average $2.34. Colorado motorists saw a 40-cent drop to the current average price of $2.39. Arizona's motorists are currently paying $2.48 a gallon, a 34-cent decrease from October's average price. Nevada's current average price for regular, self-serve is $2.51, a 34-cent decrease from last month. California's current average price $2.58 is 34 cents less than October's average.
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Volume 10, Issue 24, 2007-08-17
Gasoline Prices Continue to Drop
AAA Utah Reports 16 States Have Higher Prices
From AAA Utah
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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's motorists are breathing sighs of relief as they continue to watch gasoline prices drop throughout the state. AAA Utah, which tracks gasoline prices as a service to consumers, reports 16 states have prices higher than Utah.
The average price in Utah is $2.87 a gallon for regular, self-serve gasoline. This is 20 cents lower than last month's average and 11 cents lower than the average price last year. The highest price in Utah was $3.28 on May 31, 2007.
‘What a difference a year can make to Utah motorists,’ said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. ‘Last year, Utah's gasoline prices continued to se...
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Volume 11, Issue 6, 2008-02-12
Gasoline Prices Drop as Demand Declines
AAA Utah confirms downward trend in consumption
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SALT LAKE CITY - Strong supplies of gasoline combined with slowing consumer demand and recession fears are among the factors leading to a decline in gas prices, according to the latest report from AAA Utah.
"Typically, driving habits are not significantly altered because of high gasoline prices. It is only when combined with other factors that drivers make dramatic changes to their driving patterns," said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. "Concerns about recession and the continuing encroachment of high gasoline prices on business and family budgets appear to be causing a significant change in driving habits."
According to AAA Utah, which tracks gasoli...
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Volume 11, Issue 34, 2008-09-17
Gasoline Prices Dropping Slowly
AAA Utah reports Utah's price 4th highest in U.S.
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah motorists are finally experiencing some relief at the pump as average prices show double-digit decreases throughout the state and region.
However, Utah has the fourth highest average price for gasoline in the lower 48 states with only California, Idaho and Montana posting higher average prices.
The average cost of regular, self-serve gasoline in Utah is $3.84 a gallon. This is 26 cents lower than last month's report and 38 cents lower than the highest recorded price set on July 18 of this year. Today's average is $1.11 higher than a year ago. St. George's average dropped 23 cents to the current ...
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Volume 8, Issue 12, 2005-06-20
Gasoline Prices on the Decline Slightly
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The cost of gasoline is continuing to decline. The average price in Utah of regular, self-serve gasoline dropped eight cents this past month to the current price of $2.22. A year ago, the average price in Utah was $2.02 a gallon.
The national average price also decreased three cents to $2.13 despite the increase in the cost of oil. While a decrease from last month's average, the national average is creeping up from the lowest average, $2.11, registered this month. The average national price a year ago was $1.99.
A decrease in prices is recorded this month in all the Utah cities surveyed by AAA. Logan motorists enjoyed the largest decrease, nine cents, for a current price of $2.23. The average price in Ogden dropped seven cents to a current average of $2.20. The price in Salt Lake City is also down by seven cents since AAA's last survey on May 17. The current average for regular, self-serve in Salt Lake City is $2.15. The average price in Provo is currently $2.19, a drop of six cents. St. George motorists saw prices drop five cents to the current average of $2.27. Moab's price dropped six cents to the new average of $2.35. With a three cent decline, Vernal motorists experienced the smallest decrease of the cities surveyed. The average price is now $2.30.
Summer travelers enjoy lower prices as they journey through the Intermountain West. Idaho's current average price for regular, self-serve gasoline is $2.25, a nine cent drop from last month. Montana and Wyoming's average prices both dropped five cents. Montana's current price is $2.25. Wyoming's price is $2.14. Colorado's current average price is $2.12, seven cents lower than last month. Arizona's price dropped nine cents to the current average of $2.24. Nevada's price dropped a dime to $2.33. California's price dropped a whopping 17 cents to $2.36.
The increase in the price of crude oil to above the $50 mark helped hold prices over the $2.00 level after the Memorial Day holiday. It was hoped that increased global production and the higher reserves would allow prices to drop. OPEC is met June 15 in Vienna, Austria to determine future supplies and pricing; reports from that meeting were not available at press t
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Volume 7, Issue 8, 2004-04-26
Gasoline Prices Set Record
National and Utah Prices Never Higher
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SALT LAKE CITY, (April 13, 2004) - The average price of unleaded regular gasoline hit record highs today both in Utah and nationally, AAA Utah reports. The average price in Utah is $1.85, a four-cent increase from last month and an eighteen- cent increase from last year. The national average price is $1.78, a six-cent increase from last month and an eighteen-cent increase from last year.
"According to the Energy Information Administration gasoline prices will remain high through the summer," said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokeswoman. "Demand is expected to hit a record 9.32 million barrels per day, a 2.2% increase from a year ago."
Price records were also set in Neva...
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Volume 10, Issue 22, 2007-07-27
Gateway Industrial Park Grows
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HURRICANE - Jason Griffith and Meeja McAllister, agents with NAI Utah Southern Region, represented a developer in the purchase of 4.72 acres in the Gateway Industrial Park, listed by Wes Davis, also with NAI. The developer, from Salt Lake City, will use the site to build a new office/warehouse....
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Volume 7, Issue 13, 2004-07-26
GDC Opens Satellite Office at Coral Canyon Town Center
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Gilbert Development Corporation (GDC) has opened a satellite office in Coral Canyon Town Center to better serve their projects in the Washington County area. GDC's corporate office is (still) located in Cedar City, where it was first established in 1986, when they relocated from Las Vegas, Nevada to operate the Iron Mines near Cedar City.
Upon the closure of Geneva Steel, GDC re-entered the general construction specializing in excavation and utilities. Some of their current and past projects include the Dixie Regional Medical Center, Dixie Youth Correction Center, Orgill Distribution Center and Coral Canyon Sub-divisions.
“GDC is very excited about the opening of the Coral Canyon Office!” says Patty Gilbert. The growth of the business has continued through the fourth generation of the family:
Steve Gilbert is currently President; Dale Gilbert is Vice President; and Keith Gilbert holds down the Superintendent position. Kailey and Kaden are “future corporate officers”.
Not only is the family growing, but the equipment is growing also with the new arrival of the Komatsu 475A Dozer the largest machine in Southern Utah.
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
GDP Data Comes to St. George
By Lecia Parks Langston
Regional Economist, Utah Department of Workforce Services
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Any serious discussion of the state of the U.S. economy includes at least a side conversation about the nation’s “gross domestic product.” What is it? Gross domestic product measures value of all the goods and services produced by the U.S. economy in a given time period.
Gross domestic product or “GDP” tells us whether the economy is growing or contracting. The financial press uses the general rule that two quarters of declining GDP indicates a recession—although that’s not always true. And, the stock market rises and falls based on the release of...
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Volume 12, Issue 5, 2009-02-09
GDP Stink
By Jeff Thredgold
CSP, President, Thredgold Economic Associates
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American economic pain was widespread during 2008's final quarter, with the overall economy contracting at a 3.8% real (after inflation) annual rate. The economy's decline was the sharpest since the first quarter of 1982-a period of 26 years. GDP, or gross domestic product, is the broadest and most complete measure of the nation's overall economic activity.
On the surface, the 3.8% annual rate of shrinkage was "good" news, since the consensus view of forecasting economists was for a 5.0% - 5.5% real annual rate of decline. However, the lesser rate of decline occurred for the wrong reason, one which actually suggests that the U.S. economy will be ...
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Volume 12, Issue 31, 2009-10-12
Gender Stereotype Lawsuit Revived
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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A federal appeals court from the Eastern USA has revived an employment discrimination case brought by a gay man against his former employer. The lawsuit claims the man was targeted for harassment because he failed to conform to the gender stereotypes of how males should behave. Although the court noted that sexual orientation is not yet among the federal protected classifications, the court said the case should have been decided by the jury because it was not clear from the facts that the male employee was harassed because of to his homosexuality, his effeminacy, or both."
The court acknowledged that there is a fine line between the two circumstances. The employee asserted he was gender stereotyped because he has a high voice, does not curse, is well groomed, files his nails instead of ripping them off with a utility knife, likes art and interior design and otherwise has "pizzaz." He contrasted his behavior with that of his co-workers, whom he described as...
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Volume 9, Issue 7, 2006-05-08
Generation Gap
Kind Of Makes You Want To Run Through The House With Scissors, Doesn
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Born in the 1930's 40's, 50's, 60's and early 70's
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the g...
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Volume 8, Issue 16, 2005-09-19
Geologists Drill Into Cause of Earthquakes
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Utah State University geologists are involved in a breakthrough drilling project that lays the groundwork for the first subterranean earthquake observatory established directly within a seismically active fault. Geology professor Jim Evans, grad student Sarah Draper, undergrad Kelly Mitchell and Aggie alum John Solum, now with the U.S. Geological Survey, are among researchers working on-site with the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) project.
Drilling personnel completed the project's 13,082 foot-long curved borehole, which penetrates an active area of the San Andreas Fault and reaches a vertical depth of about 2 miles, Aug. 9. Located on a private ranch near Parkfield, ...
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Volume 11, Issue 4, 2008-01-29
Geotech Firm Expands, Relocates
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ST. GEORGE - Applied Geotechnical Engineering Consultants, Inc. has expanded its facility in St. George and relocated to 1420 S. 270 East.
The new larger facility will help accommodate the region's growing demand for AGEC's full service geotechnical engineering, environmental site assessments, laboratory testing, construction materials and inspection services.
"Our new facility will enable us to better serve the needs of our existing client base and to pursue new market opportunities," said Jim Nordquist, President and CEO for AGEC. "Washington County continues to be a great place for retaining technical expertise and servicing some of the area's leading profe...
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Volume 10, Issue 18, 2007-06-25
Geothermal Lease Sale Nets $3.6 Million
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In Utah's first competitive geothermal lease sale, the Bureau of Land Management has sold three parcels on over 6,000 acres in Beaver County for a total of $3,685,986. All three parcels are located on the Fishlake National Forest in the Cove Fort-Sulphurdale area.
This was the first sale under the new regulations of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The highest bid was from Enel Cove Fort II, LLC, located in Andover, Mass., at $850 per acre on more than 2,500 acres. Bids ranged from $20 to $850 per acre. All bonus bid, rental and royalty monies collected are shared equally with the State of Utah.
Geothermal energy accounts for 8.5 percent of renewable electrici...
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Volume 11, Issue 17, 2008-05-13
Geothermal Plant Planned for Beaver County
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PROVO – Provo-based Raser Technologies, Inc. broke ground last week in Beaver County on the first geothermal power plant to be built in Utah in 20 years.
"As one of the leading economies in the country and a progressive energy producing state, Utah is proud to be on the forefront of new cutting-edge technologies such as is being demonstrated today with this geothermal power plant," said Jason Perry, Executive Director, Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development.
The planned geothermal power plant is anticipated to produce up to 11 megawatts of clean renewable energy this year.
"Today marks a turning point in our energy future," said Sen Orrin Hatch....
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Volume 11, Issue 42, 2008-11-12
Geothermal Power Plant Dedicated
Electricity to flow to California
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Beaver County - A Provo firm Thursday launched a project that could foreshadow the next revolution in renewable energy resources for Utah and the rest of the nation, the Deseret News reports.
Raser Technologies Inc. marked the completion of a 10-megawatt geothermal power plant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Beaver County facility located in Thermo, near Milford.
It is the first commercial-scale facility to utilize a new technology that allows the plant to generate electricity using geothermal heated water that is at a much lower temperature than was previously possible, said ...
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Volume 11, Issue 26, 2008-07-23
Geothermal Power Project Expands
Utah company secures additional geothermal leases
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BEAVER, Utah - Raser Technologies, Inc. has announced that it recently signed eight additional geothermal leases totaling nearly 6,000 acres in Utah and 1,200 acres in Nevada with private landowners.
The recent signing of additional leases in southern Utah expands the holdings for the Thermo project near Beaver, Utah, to nearly 30,000 acres. Construction of the Thermo No. 1 project is expected to be complete by October.
The 10-megawatt Thermo No. 1 project, situated on approximately 640 acres in Beaver County, will be the first commercial geothermal power plant built in the state...
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Volume 8, Issue 7, 2005-04-11
Get Aggressive About Managing Your Time
The “What's an Entrepreneur?” Series
By Marvin R. Ray
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“If over the years I had been more systematic and rigorous in managing my time I bet I could have cut back on many of the longer work weeks”
Time and money are both very important in business. Yet, like me, many business people tend to give a lot more specific thought as to how to spend their money. Too often, how we spend our time is only thought of in terms of "What am I going to do today?" or "What should I do next?"
Of course, a well-run business should carefully develop a strategy to determine how to spend its money; but an effective businessperson should also develop a strategy to determine how to use his or her time. Here are 4 simple rules to follow which will improve your time management.
1. Prioritize Your Time!
The first step in effective time management is not to develop a schedule, but instead to develop a time strategy. The time strategy should be based on a short list of time priorities.
Start by identifying the number one way you can increase profits by use of your time; then the number two way; then the Number three way; etc. This short list of time priorities forms the foundation for your time planning for every week of the year.
2. Narrow Your Focus!
Focus is crucial for time management, and the fewer priorities you focus on at once, the more productive you will be.
After you have your major time priorities for the year established, you should allocate them by week or by month. Like it or not, a lot of our time each week is going to be eaten up by non strategic items that we have no control over; hence it is important to limit the number of strategic time goals we have for each week. So even if you have ten strategic time goals for the year, you may want to focus on no more than one or two of them in any given week.
3. Set Aside Uninterrupted Time
Every week you should make up a detailed time plan, which you modify each day as needed. Except in times of crisis, try to make sure day-to-day issues don't push your strategic time priorities off your schedule.
Generally your major strategic time priorities will involve such activities as planning, thinking, and developing ideas. More so than day-to-day issues, such activities require big blocks of uninterrupted time.
Constant interruption kills any hope of effective time management. One way to avoid interruption is to make it clear that when your door is closed you are not to be disturbed. Another is to have regular meetings, with the people that you interact with the most and insist on saving non-pressing issues for these meetings.
4. Avoid Time Traps!
These are some "time traps," (all of which have plagued me) that you should guard against:
Wasting too much time getting daily updates on routine activities as opposed to waiting for a more meaningful weekly summary.
Jumping too eagerly into the routine, and putting off the more complex and difficult work.
Not starting the more important work first thing in the morning.
Not bothering to make up a schedule for each day.
Scheduling each day so tightly that it is impossible to stay on track and the schedule quickly becomes meaningless.
In upcoming issues I'll take the “time” to review each of these four simple time management rules and include some examples for you to work with.
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 11, Issue 18, 2008-05-20
Get ready to groove
Cedar prepares for an influx of visitors
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CEDAR CITY - The 7th Annual Groovefest American Music Festival strikes up June 26-29, in Cedar City, and local businesses are helping out.
The Cedar City outdoor music festival is bigger and better than ever. Tim Cretsinger and his wife Lisa started the Groovefest American Music Festival in 2002 in order to create an outdoor musical festival.
Groovefest grew from its original attendance of about 200 music lovers to over 30,000 attendees arriving from all over the United States last ...
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Volume 12, Issue 14, 2009-04-20
Get The Most From Your Advertising Dollars
By Byron Theurer
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Advertising is not merely a business expense; it's an investment in building sales. The future of any business hinges on how well you plan and implement your advertising program. Yet many new small business owners confess to not being experts in ad planning. Relax. There is a lot you can do to create a sound budget for advertising your new enterprise.
It is common for a small business to base its advertising investment as a percent of estimated sales. Industry trade journals are a great source of data on the average advertising expenditures for different types of businesses. This information can help you develop a monthly or quarterly budget to plan for...
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Volume 13, Issue 10, 2010-04-08
Getting More From Your Advertising $
By Byron Theurer
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Advertising is not merely a business expense; it’s an investment in building sales. The future of any business hinges on how well you plan and implement your advertising program. Yet many new small business owners confess to not being experts in ad planning. Relax. There is a lot you can do to create a sound budget for advertising your...
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Volume 10, Issue 34, 2007-10-26
Getting Your Message Out - Without Advertising
Public Relations for Small Business
By Ken Perkins
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Small-business owners face few tasks as daunting as the challenge of marketing their businesses. Typically when anyone says the word ‘marketing,’ nearly everyone, including business owners who should know better, thinks ‘advertising.’
While advertising is an important tool for marketing products or services to your target customers, it's only one tool - and one that's best used in combination with other marketing tools.
Normally when a small business advertises, the ads are intended to provoke a specific action by customers. Usually the advertising message is that the business is offering a low sale price or some kind of special...
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Volume 10, Issue 38, 2007-11-26
Getting Your Message Out - Without Advertising
Public Relations for Small Business
By Ken Perkins
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One question a lot of small-business owners ask is some variation of this: "I already put a lot of money and effort into advertising my products and services. Why isn't that enough to get my message out to customers?"
Well, there are a number of reasons. The main ones have to do with credibility and, well, money.
You may remember I previously discussed how there are so many advertising messages assaulting our senses each day that, to keep our sanity, we simply tune many of them out. Some of the ads being tuned out by your customers are yours.
So, advertising isn't always effective simply because there is so much of it out there competing for your ...
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Volume 10, Issue 5, 2007-03-26
Giant Yard Sale for Scholarships
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ST. GEORGE - The Dixie State College Student Alumni Association will hold its first-annual Giant Yard Sale on Saturday, March 31, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Stephen and Marcia Wade Alumni House located at 684 East 500 South. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit student scholarships at Dixie State College.
The public is invited to donate saleable items for the yard sale. In addition, there will be baked goods available for purchase. For more information or to donate items, please contact DSC Alumni Director Kalynn Larson at 652-7535 or at larson@dixie.edu....
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Volume 7, Issue 5, 2004-03-15
GIFT GIVING
Business Tax Tips
By James Mitchell, EA
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If you gave any one person gifts valued at more than $11,000 in 2003, it is necessary to report the total gift to the Internal Revenue Service. You may even have to pay tax on the gift.
The person who receives your gift does not have to report the gift to the IRS or pay gift or income tax on its value.
You make a gift when you give property, including money, or the use or income from property, without expecting to receive something of equal value in return. If you sell something at less than its value or make an interest-free or reduced-interest loan, you may be making a gift.
There are some exceptions to the tax rules on gifts. The following gifts do not count aga...
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Volume 7, Issue 10, 2004-05-24
Girl Scouts CEO Addresses Exchange Club
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Girl Scouts of Utah Chief Executive Officer Elaine M. Gause will addressed the Exchange Club of St. George last Thursday, May 20 at their noon luncheon in the St. George Holiday Inn. Ms. Gause will spoke on Girl Scouts of Utah's contribution to the improvement of society and how the organization helps today's girls become tomorrow's leaders.
Elaine M. Gause earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2000, focusing her studies on nonprofit management and dispute resolution.
A Junior and Cadette Girl Scout, Ms. Gause thrived on opportunities provided to her as a child by caring volunteers. She spends every day seeking new adult volunteers and ensuring success for Girls throughout our state because she knows it works.
Gause is proud to explain that “Girl Scouts is the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls, where in an accepting, nurturing and safe environment; girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, such as strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential self worth. Through many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, girls discover fun, friendship, and the power of girls together.”
For more information, visit the website at www.gsutah.org
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Volume 7, Issue 8, 2004-04-26
Girls Scouts Of Utah Welcomes Former Business Development Director From Olympic Oval.
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Salt Lake City, UT - April 8, 2004 -- Girl Scouts of Utah recently announced that Cheri Beck has joined the organization as their Director of Communications.
Beck, who directed the marketing and advertising efforts for public skating and corporate programs at the Utah Olympic Oval, will oversee external and internal communications along with managing a marketing and membership plan to position Girl Scouts of Utah as the preeminent organization for girls.
“Cheri is a communicator of the highest caliber,” said Elaine Gause, Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts of Utah.
Beck who joined Girl Scouts of Utah on April 5 holds a Bachelor of Arts in Econo...
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Volume 12, Issue 36, 2009-11-16
Glass Doctor of St. George Awarded
New Allstate Program Recognizes Top Quality Auto Glass Shops
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Glass Doctor of St. George is listed as a Tier 1 auto glass shop by for the Allstate Insurance Company's new nationwide Distinguished Performers Program.
The program categorizes auto glass repair and replacement shops into two tiers. Tier 1 shops meet best-in-class criteria for customer satisfaction, warranty frequency and performance, and other Key Performance Indicators. Tier 2 shops fall below the standards and are encouraged to improve their performance to achieve quality recognition.
"We're proud to be listed as...
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Volume 10, Issue 37, 2007-11-16
Glass Technician Competes in Olympics
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ST. GEORGE - Kent Gines, a glass services technician for Glass Doctor of St. George, was one of only two Glass Doctor technicians nationwide to compete at the Auto Glass Technician Olympics (AGTO) recently held in Las Vegas.
During the AGTO, technicians are judged on how well and how quickly they remove a damaged windshield from a vehicle and install a new windshield according to strict national standards. Three "heats" are judged and the technician with the highest combined score wins. While Gines did not make it to the medal stand, he did represent Glass Doctor in a professional manner.
The AGTO competition is co-sponsored by AGRR magazine and the Independent ...
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Volume 13, Issue 13, 2010-04-29
Global
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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The overall global economy has returned to a reasonable level of economic growth, led by Asia. Such renewed growth follows the first global recession since just after World War II.
Even as overall global growth has returned, it is uneven at best. Asia has returned to robust performance, led by China, India, and Singapore. The U.S. has returned to moderate growth, with numerous growth forecasts revised higher in recent weeks. Latin America and Africa are also performing better, while Europe deals with a myriad of issues, leading growth to actually...
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Volume 9, Issue 14, 2006-10-30
Global Growth Helps Local Business
Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah
By Jeff Thredgold
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The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah was 114.2 during September 2006, down from a revised 115.8 during August 2006. The Index measures business conditions from the viewpoint of the Utah small business owner or manager.
A lower Index number is associated with less favorable business "conditions" for Utah's small businesses. The Index uses 100.0 for calendar year 1997 as its base year. The Index includes revisions to various historical or forecast components as they become available.
Local Performance
Washington County payrolls expanded by 3,700 jobs (7.7%) in the past year. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the latest month, down from 3.5% one year...
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Volume 13, Issue 21, 2010-06-24
Global ABC`s
... a companion piece to Domestic ABCs of May 26, 2010
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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Anxiety—we’ve been through a lot during the past 24 months, with corporate and individual anxiety levels remaining high. Many investors still take a “shoot first, ask questions later” approach to their investments (meaning sell on any sign of trouble)
Budget Deficits—unprecedented government spending around the world to offset financial chaos during the past two years has led budget deficits in too many countries to astronomical levels. Excessive government spending must be...
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Volume 11, Issue 45, 2008-12-10
Global ABC's N-Z
Of News and Quagmires ...
Jeff Thredgold
Economic Consultant to Zions Bank
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News (as in Bad)-see M. "Bad news sells newspapers" has been pushed to a new art form during the past year. If your only source of info was The New York Times, you would never get out of bed in the morning
Oil-A moment of silence please for oil producers such as Venezuela and Iran, dealing with severe financial stress tied to the plunge in oil revenues. Then again, maybe not
Poverty (Global)-one in three global citizens lived on the equivalent of $1 a day in 1993. Today, it is one in five. Progress, yes...acceptable, no
Quagmires-as before, there never seems to...
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Volume 8, Issue 21, 2005-12-05
Global ABCs
By Jeff Thredgold, Thredgold Eco
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AMERICAΓ’β¬’being the world's only superpower ain't what it's cracked up to be. Ongoing solid U.S. economic growth helps the global economy.
BUDGET DEFICITSΓ’β¬’a serious issue in the U.S. and around the world. The French, the Germans, the Italians, the Japanese, and many others have similar challenges.
CHINAΓ’β¬’powerful economic growth continues, with leaders still trying to slow the economy down. China could challenge Japan's position as “top dog” in the Pacific Rim within a decade.
DOLLAR (the)Γ’β¬’talk of the dollar's eventual demise has been widespread. Surprise! The dollar recently reached 27-month HIGHS versus the yen and the euro. The dollar remains the global community's preferred currency.
EUROPEΓ’β¬’sluggish growth has been the norm during the past three years, hurt by rigid labor markets that limit hiring and render Europe non-competitive in various industries. Another challenge? Most European governments simply cannot afford prior promises to their citizens of early retirement and extensive social programs.
FRANCEΓ’β¬’recent countrywide riots by immigrants refuted the French notion that its approach to separation of cultures is successful. National unemployment near 10.0% limits opportunities for all
GERMANYΓ’β¬’the “Grand Coalition” between the two major political parties leading to the rise of Angela Merkel to Chancellor will do little to help Germany's struggling economy. However, improving relations with the U.S. appear likely.
HUNGERΓ’β¬’an estimated 40,000 people around the world starve to death every daya major travesty. Can't we work together better to deal with this reality show?
INDIAΓ’β¬’which country features the longest-standing democracy, the largest middle-class, the largest English-speaking population on the planet, and one of two nations dealing with the most severe crisis with AIDS? that's right.
JAPANΓ’β¬’this island nation is finally showing clearer signs of moderate economic growth, primarily tied to stronger consumer spending and rising exports to China. However, issues of deflation, sick investment portfolios, and an enormous national debt remain.
KOREA (North)Γ’β¬’political “leaders” in this nation ignore the massive starvation of their people and a failed economic system. Meanwhile, Korea (South) enjoys solid economic growth.
LATIN (and South) AmericaΓ’β¬’economic growth is improving, especially in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Venezuela remains a political powder keg, with declining oil output. Impressive flows of capital returning to smaller countries are a vote of confidence in the future.
MEXICOΓ’β¬’our Southern neighbor's economy is stable. Why? The destination of 90% of Mexico's exports (the U.S.) is performing well. The second largest component of Mexican GDP?money transfers from the U.S. to relatives at home.
NEIGHBOR to the NorthΓ’β¬’Canada's economic performance has been solid in recent years, although it has now slowed. The destination of 85% of Canadian exports?...the U.S. Canadian dollar strength of recent years has hurt exports and tourism.
OIL & OPECΓ’β¬’a handful of factors led prices to $55-$71 per barrel this year. We expect greater oil price stability in coming years near $45-$55 per barrela price that consuming and producing nations can live with. Much higher prices would provide consuming nations stronger incentives to develop non-oil energy alternatives...exactly what the Saudis (among others) DON'T want.
PROTECTIONISMΓ’β¬’the other major threat, besides terrorism, to global economic growth and rising global standards of living.
QUAGMIRESΓ’β¬’there never seems to be a shortage. Today's list still includes Afghanistan, the Middle East, Chechnya, Iraq, the Sudan, and other parts of Africa. Who's next?
RUSSIAΓ’β¬’solid economic growth has occurred in this hotbed of political corruption, tied primarily to higher oil production and higher oil prices. Even as Russia's economy improves, however, its annual economic output of goods and services is less than that of Texas.
SOCIAL Safety NetΓ’β¬’we have concerns in this country about the future affordability of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The challenges are much greater in Japan and “old” Europe.
TERRORISMΓ’β¬’easily the most serious threat to the U.S. and the global community. Any significant terrorist “successes” in major Western nations (especially the U.S.) could temporarily derail the global economy.
U.N.Γ’β¬’a largely ineffective institution that must step forward and assume more responsibility around the world. Wouldn't it be nice if the U.S. could just be one member of a more relevant and viable United Nations?
VOLATILITYΓ’β¬’pick any descriptorpoliticaleconomicfinancial market.
WORLD WIDE WEBΓ’β¬’the powerful explosion in U.S. Internet activity has been followed by solid expansion around the world. One estimate has global companies saving $1.25 trillion in operating costs during the next three years alone by using the Internet. Another estimate suggests we have tapped roughly 10% of the Internet's potential.
XPORTSΓ’β¬’one of the “keys” to success for global companiesproduct quality is crucialprice is secondary in select cases. Despite all we hear about China as a major exporter, its appetite for goods from around the world is enormous. U.S. exports need to accelerate, while our appetite for global goods needs to slow.
YOUNG PEOPLE (around the world)Γ’β¬’facing a rising tax burden in coming decades to finance the retirement years of Baby Boomers (and Boomers' parents) if minor changes are not soon made
ZONESΓ’β¬’three major trading zonesΓ’β¬’North America, Europe, and the Pacific RimΓ’β¬’still define the planet's future. Most expect two-thirds of the incremental growth during the next 20 years to take place within the Pacific Rim.
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Volume 12, Issue 23, 2009-06-29
Global ABCs
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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America-this nation's eventual demise?Β The U.S. share of global economic output has averaged 25% for the past 125 years, and is likely to continue
Bailouts-and stimulus programs.Β Commonplace across the U.S., Europe, Asia and many other locations within the global community
China-less robust, but solid economic growth continues. Still, the nation's leaders would much prefer stronger growth to meets the needs of hundreds of thousands of people leaving the farms monthly to work in the factories
Dollar-the Chinese and the Russians have been vocal about favoring another currency to take the...
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Volume 13, Issue 1, 2010-01-12
Global ABCs
Written by Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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This is the companion piece to Domestic ABCs of December 16, 2009
Anxiety—even as economic performance around the globe continues to improve, a high level of individual and corporate anxiety remains. We have all been through the “ringer” during the past 24 months
Budget Deficits—unprecedented government spending around the globe to offset financial chaos 12 to 18 months ago has led deficits in too many countries to astronomical levels. Excessive government spending must be curtailed sooner rather than later
China—robust economic growth has...
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Volume 11, Issue 44, 2008-12-03
Global ABCs, A through M
From Europe, to Japan, and Back ...
By Jeff Thredgold
Economic Consultant to Zions Bank
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Anxiety-in great abundance across the global community.
Budget Deficits-at record levels as the U.S., the English, the Europeans, and governments around the world spend $$ like there's no tomorrow seeking to stabilize their respective economies and financial systems.
China-don't look now, but the Chinese just announced their own $586,000,000,000 economic stimulus package.
Dollar-rising against the euro, the British pound, and various other currencies in recent months as their problems rival our own.
Europeans-no doubt laughing at the U.S. earlier this year for the enormous ...
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Volume 12, Issue 26, 2009-07-20
Go Daddy Recruiting Spanish Speakers
Source: Phoenix Business Journal
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TEMPE, AZ - Officials at the Go Daddy Group Inc. are expected to announce a hiring initiative geared at recruiting technically skilled Spanish speakers at a press conference last Tuesday in Tempe.
Go Daddy Vice President of Customer Care Miguel Lopez, a Mexico native, is expected to announce that the Scottsdale domain registrar is seeking to fill 20 open positions in its Spanish language unit. The newly formed team services Spanish-speaking customers who want to establish an online presence with domain names, Web sites, e-commerce tools, blogs, photo albums or any of the other 52 products Go Daddy offers.
The company has reported a spike in business from Mexico and Spain since...
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Volume 11, Issue 18, 2008-05-20
GOED leads Utah trade mission
Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur slated for visits from Utah businesses
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CEDAR CITY - The Governor’s Office of Economic Development is leading a trade mission to Japan-Malaysia in Sept to help Utah companies expand into those markets. Companies are welcome to visit either one or both cities on our schedule and we will arrange your itinerary accordingly (costs will depend upon which cities you participate in...some companies will go to both cities, and others only to one).
The purpose of this 'mission' is to foster business-to-business matchmaking in each country based on the specific ...
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Volume 7, Issue 3, 2004-02-09
Going once, going twiceDSC rolls out online auction site
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Rather than “do it eBay” Dixie State College will hold its own online auctions began Monday, Feb. 2, to sell college surplus items. The new online surplus auction site, available on the Internet at http://auction.dixie.edu, will be a permanent fixture at DSC in order to prolong the life of items the college no longer uses, but that may be of value to the community.
Surplus items for sale at the inaugural auction will include computers, laptops, printers, copiers, and other computer component and technical items. At a later date, there may be other, non-technology items auctioned as well.
The auction will be open to any individual who wants to participate. T...
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Volume 12, Issue 34, 2009-11-02
Gold Cross Transportation Service Expands
Specially equipped vans provide private transportation in Washington, Kane, Iron, Garfield & Beaver Counties
ByΒ Mike Dale
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Gold Cross Transportation, a Utah based wheelchair service provider, began assisted, non-medical transportation to and in southern Utah starting on November 1, 2009.
With a fleet of specially equipped vans, Gold Cross Transportation will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays and weekends to provide private residential transportation, transfer between health care facilities, rehab centers, skilled nursing and convalescent facilities. The Gold Cross staff is trained and certified to meet the...
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Volume 10, Issue 4, 2007-03-19
Gold Medalist to Direct Skiing
Ligety to oversee ski operations at former Elk Meadows site
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BEAVER, Utah - Mt. Holly Club has announced that Ted Ligety, Olympic gold medal skier and World Cup champion, will serve as the club's director of skiing operations. Ligety will oversee growth of the unique ski-in/ski-out private resort -- the mirror image of the golf-in/golf-out capability members enjoy in the summer playing the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Golf Club golf course.
A Park City native, Ligety earned a spot on the U.S. Ski Team in 2005, and won an Olympic gold medal the following year in Turin, Italy in the combined event. The Mt. Holly Club ski area, which incorporates the former Elk Meadows resort, is to be the centerpiece of an innovative ski-in/ski-out, golf-in/...
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Volume 11, Issue 32, 2008-09-03
Golden Key Awards Nominations Requested
Recognizing those who promote opportunities for the disabled
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Nominations are being sought for the 2008 Golden Key Awards, which recognize those employers and others in Utah who promote employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The Golden Key Awards ceremony will be held at the Salt Lake Hilton on Oct. 3. Nominations are due by Sept. 12. Nomination forms are available on the www.goodworkutah.com website.
Nominations are sought in the following categories:
Employers of the Year - outstanding contributions and practices that improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Some of the practices include...
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Volume 10, Issue 34, 2007-10-26
Golf Charity Event Saturday - Oct. 27
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HURRICANE - A special golf charity event is scheduled to take place this weekend at the new Sand Hollow Golf Course in Hurricane.
Golfers this Saturday, Oct. 27 will be the first ones to play the course and will be playing to benefit the Staples family whose homes were devastated by the flash floods last August.
The nine-hole event will have a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Entry fee per four-person team is $400.
The event will be full of friendly competition, prizes for the longest drive and closest to the hole, and much more. The Outback Steakhouse will be providing lunch.
For more information or to make donation, please contact Mayor To...
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Volume 11, Issue 41, 2008-11-05
Golf Classic Nets More Than $80k for SUU
Money Will Benefit University's Scholarship Fund
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Southern Utah University's first annual Thor's Thunder Classic, held at Entrada Country Club, raked in more than $82,000 benefitting the University's Scholarship Fund as well as providing monies to fund alumni chapter scholarships and chapters.
The event, filled at a 30-team capacity, had participants taking to the nationally-recognized Johnny Miller signature course in St. George. State Bank of Southern Utah and Wells Fargo Bank were major sponsors for the event, joined by title sponsors, The Leavitt Group, Zions Bank and Entrada Country Club.
Event organizer and SUU Director of Alumni Relations Mindy Benson said, "We were very excited about the total money we raised and ...
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Volume 7, Issue 19, 2004-10-25
Golf Tournament to benefit Building Fund
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The second annual St. George Catholic Church Golf Tournament building fund benefit will be held on Saturday October 30, 2004 at the Sun River Golf Course. Check in time is 8:30 a.m. Shotgun start is set for 9:30 a.m.
The entry fee is $85.00 per person; $340 for a team of four. Entries may be made as a team or individually and a team will be assigned. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded. Entry fee includes green fees, cart, tee prizes closest-to-pin and hole -in-one contest, plus Awards luncheon at the Sun River Club house following golf.
The proceeds from this event will benefit the new building at St. George Catholic Church to house classrooms for our CCD classes and a new Thrift Store. For more information or to sign up contact: Nat Silvestri at 652-2048, Don McNabb: 673-6371 or the St. George Catholic Church: 673-2604.
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Volume 10, Issue 1, 2007-01-22
Good Morning America Features Local Firm
CyberKey Enjoys Breakthrough Year
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ST. GEORGE - CyberKey Solutions, Inc. has announced the company has achieved numerous milestones in what many consider a breakthrough year for the company. Over the past year, CyberKey Solutions has reported record earnings, advertised its products through national publications and television commercials, raised product awareness in Europe, and has continued to generate revenues from online sales.
CyberKey Solutions realized significant financial gains in the first two quarters of 2006, when the company reported a total net income of $12,152,060. This was followed by CyberKey Solutions' receipt of a supplemental order of biometric CyberKeys from the U.S. Government. The Compa...
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Volume 7, Issue 13, 2004-07-26
Good Wages - Bad Wages
By Voin R Campbell
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Ins & Outs of Business
There seems to be an endless debate about the “bad wages” in Southern Utah. Statistics are gathered from “who knows were” and massaged to prove “who knows what.” But, when one is determined to better him/her self financially, and when the dust settles, it usually comes down to “bad wages” are here to stay. Why? The economic forces of supply and demand are here to stay. The two basic options for many are to “get'm” or “pay'm”.
How many people do you know, who have worked in a particular trade or profession for years, only to conclude that the business owner is...
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Volume 13, Issue 14, 2010-05-06
Google `Tools for Online Success` Launched
Google and SBA Launch ``Tools for Online Success`` Partnership to Boost Small Businesses
By Christopher J. Chavez
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MAIN STREET, USA - Today the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Google announced a new partnership and unveiled "Tools for Online Success," an array of online resources and training designed to help small business owners harness technology to grow their businesses. The "Tools for Online Success" site ( http://www.google.com/help/sba) features tutorials, video testimonials, and tips from savvy small business people who have leveraged the web to become more efficient, more cost-effective, and more...
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Volume 12, Issue 37, 2009-11-23
GOP Senators Take Napolitano to Task
Hatch, 11 Colleagues Send Letter to Homeland Security Secretary due Immigration Remarks
By Mark Eddington
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WASHINGTON - Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and 11 Republican colleagues took issue today with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano's recent remarks on immigration.
Speaking to the Center for American Progress on Nov. 13, Napolitano touted the Obama administration's desire to enact a program to legalize millions of undocumented individuals, adding it would be a "boon" to the nation's economy.
In their Nov. 20 letter to Napolitano, the senators expressed dismay with her...
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Volume 12, Issue 40, 2009-12-15
GOP Vice-Chair Speaks on 'Liberty & Political Activism'
By Larry Meyers
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Former state representative Morgan Philpot, will be speaking on "Liberty and Political Activism" at the Washington County Commission Chambers on Thursday, Dec. 17th, at 7 pm.
While in the Legislature, Morgan earned a reputation as a strong conservative, fighting hard for the right to life, parental choice in education, and tax relief. He's recently continued that fight as vice-chair of the...
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Volume 10, Issue 17, 2007-06-18
Got Wages?
Utah Dept. of Workforce Services
By Lecia Parks Langston, Regional Economist,
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When it comes to wages, everyone seems to care. Is your own wage high enough? Are you paying your employees appropriately?
You want to make sure you pay enough to attract and keep quality workers, while still keeping an eye on the bottom-line. In reality, the economist's old friends supply and demand determine what wage a particular occupation is paid.
But, just how do you determine what that ‘equilibrium’ wage is? In a rapidly expanding labor market, this may prove no easy task.
We've Got Wages
Fortunately, the Utah Department of Workforce Services is part of joint effort to survey and report wages by occupation. And, now that...
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Volume 11, Issue 22, 2008-06-25
Gov's Office to Lead Asia Trade Mission
Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur on the itinerary
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The Governor’s Office of Economic Development will be leading a trade mission to Japan and Malaysia in September to help Utah companies expand into those markets. Southern Utah companies are invited to accompany the trade mission to one or both cities. Cost of the trip...
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Volume 11, Issue 22, 2008-06-25
Gov's Office to Lead Asia Trade Mission
Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur on the itinerary
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The Governor's Office of Economic Development will be leading a trade mission to Japan and Malaysia in September to help Utah companies expand into those markets. Southern Utah companies are invited to accompany the trade mission to one or both cities. Cost of the trip will depend on which city or cities a company visits.
The purpose of this mission is to foster business-to-business matchmaking in both countries based on the specific objectives of each participating Utah company. There will also be receptions and informative briefings with government officials and other U.S. companies already doing business in those countries.
The trade mission will visi...
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Volume 11, Issue 23, 2008-07-02
Gov's Office to Lead Asia Trade Mission
Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur on the itinerary
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The Governor's Office of Economic Development will be leading a trade mission to Japan and Malaysia in September to help Utah companies expand into those markets. Southern Utah companies are invited to accompany the trade mission to one or both cities. Cost of the trip will depend on which city or cities a company visits.
The purpose of this mission is to foster business-to-business matchmaking in both countries based on the specific objectives of each participating Utah company. There will also be receptions and informative briefings with government officials and other U.S. companies already doing business in those countries.
The trade mission will visit Tokyo on Sep....
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Volume 10, Issue 39, 2007-12-11
Governance, Merit and Transparency
The Family Business Mix
By Dana Telford
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It was the last day of a weeklong family business seminar at Harvard Business School. The 54 international participants had come with parents, spouses and siblings to learn the best practices and principles of successful family companies. During the last session, they were sharing their secrets of success with each other.
Vic, the second-generation leader of a restaurant chain in the Philippines, raised his hand to speak. The chatter in the room quickly subsided.
Vic hadn't said anything all week, so participants sat forward in their chairs, anticipating true wisdom. He stood and turned toward his two sisters, brother, brother-in-law and mother. With a slow, swe...
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Volume 10, Issue 40, 2007-12-18
Governance, Merit and Transparency - Part 2
The Family Business Mix
By Dana Telford
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Last time we discussed how overwhelmed families can get by the complexities of owning and/or managing a family business.
We asked the question: How can a family business leader best manage and mix the ingredients of a family business to create something delicious rather than noxious?
To find the answer, we need to go back to a quiet beach in Southeast Asia on the morning of Dec. 26, 2004.
Mary and her family are the fourth generation owners of a large construction company in the western U.S. Every year during the Christmas holidays they go to a private resort on Phuket Island, Thailand. It was 9:30 a.m. Mary and her sister sat on beach chairs near...
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Volume 11, Issue 1, 2008-01-01
Governance, Merit and Transparency - Part 3
The Family Business Mix
By Dana Telford
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We've been discussing how overwhelmed families can get by the complexities of owning and/or managing a family business.
By coincidence, Mary, whose family is fourth generation owner of a large construction company, had met Steve, whose family business had recently suffered through a well-publicized multi-hundred million-dollar shareholder lawsuit brought by two cousins against their father and uncle.
Mary asked Steve what he would do differently in the family business realm if he could turn back the clock.
Steve had clearly thought through the question. With little hesitation he said, "I would do three things. First I would start a governance proc...
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Volume 10, Issue 16, 2007-06-11
Government Living Large in Utah
By the Utah Taxpayers Assoc.
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By nearly every measure, state and local government revenues and tax burdens in Utah are higher than the national average, according to an analysis by the Utah Taxpayers Association based on Census Bureau data. The accompanying charts illustrate Utah's tax burdens and government revenues from 1995 to 2005.
What about so-called "voluntary" fees?
Attempts have been made by some to minimize Utah's state/local tax and fee burdens by excluding "voluntary" or "non-mandatory" fees such as higher education tuition and charges. In an Op-Ed published in the Provo Daily Herald on Dec. 30, 2006, the Association identified several flaws with this approach.
Eve...
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Volume 12, Issue 33, 2009-10-26
Government Plan Only First Step ...
... to a Costly Government Takeover of our Health Care System
By Andrea Saul
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WASHINGTON, DC - Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), member of the Senate Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committees, recently made the following statement regarding a government run health care plan:
"I am disappointed that the Democratic Leadership continues to push forward with a big government, more spending and higher taxes approach as their solution for reforming our health care system. Simply putting new window dressing on the failed idea of a government plan is absolutely the wrong way to address a critical national issue that affects every American life and every American business.
"At a time when major government programs like Medicare and Medicaid are already on a path to financial collapse, creating a brand new government program will not only worsen our long term financial outlook but also negatively impact American families who enjoy the private coverage of their choice. A recent study estimated the cost-shifting from government-run programs like Medicare already costs...
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Volume 12, Issue 21, 2009-06-15
Government Program Funnels 6.4M to Southwest Utah
Interior Secretary Announces Millions in 2009 PILT Payments to Local Governments with Federal Lands
By Matt Lee-Ashley
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that approximately 1,850 local governments with federal land in their jurisdictions will receive $381.6 million this year under the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program to help offset forgone tax revenue.
The $381.6 million for the 2009 represents almost four percent more for the PILT program, as authorized last year by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. (See editor's notes below for details on Local figures)
"Each year, counties with federal lands rely on the PILT program to help offset lost tax revenues and to pay for essential services such as firefighters, first responders, schools, water systems, and roads," said ...
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Volume 12, Issue 18, 2009-05-25
Government to Step Up Wage/Immigration Enforcement
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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Recent announcements by the U.S. Departments of Labor (DOL) and Homeland Security (DHS) indicate the government is preparing to step up its wage and immigration law enforcement activities directed at employers. DHS has a renewed mandate to target employers who hire illegal workers.
DOL is hiring 250 new investigators to help enforce the laws requiring payment of overtime and a minimum wage. It might be a good time to audit your employment policies and practices in both areas to make sure you are not the target of the new enforcement efforts.
...
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Volume 7, Issue 12, 2004-06-28
Governor and Legislative Leadership Address Streamlined Sales-Tax Legislation in Special Session
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Gov. Olene S. Walker and legislative leadership have bipartisan support to consider delay of implementation of the streamlined sales-tax legislation during a special session on June 28.
"We agree on the concept of allowing small businesses to receive more training on the provisions and to allow more time for software development to aid in implementation of streamlined sales tax," said Walker. "Once we see a detailed plan from the Legislature and get agreement on that plan, we'll move forward and I'll issue the formal call."
The State of Utah adopted the "Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement" in the 2003 General Legislative Session (SB 147). Utah entered into the SST agreement with other states to establish uniform standards and to modernize sales and use tax laws so that the burden of compliance is the same for all sellers and all types of commerce.
The measure was set to go into effect July 1 but could now be delayed for up to one year pending the outcome of the session.
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Volume 12, Issue 30, 2009-10-05
Governor appoints 2009-2010 Student Regent
SUU student snags honors as student regent for Utah
By Spencer Jenkins
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UTAH! - Governor Gary R. Herbert has appointed Jeff Kinsel, a senior at Southern Utah University (SUU), to serve as the 33rd student representative on the Utah State Board of Regents. Jeff was one of three finalists recommended by the Utah Council of Student Body Presidents for appointment on the board, and will serve a one-year term as the Student Regent.
"Jeff was selected from among a highly-qualified field of candidates," remarked Governor Herbert. "His leadership experience among students will be a great asset on the Board of Regents."
Board of Regents Chairman Jed H. Pitcher said, "A student voice is vital to effectively addressing the challenges faced by students across our campuses. We look forward to working with Mr. Kinsel."
Jeff has held several leadership positions in the SUU Student Association, and currently serves as the...
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Volume 8, Issue 5, 2005-03-14
Governor Appoints McKeachnie to Trust Lands' Board
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The State Senate has confirmed Governor Jon Huntsman's appointment of Gayle F. McKeachnie as the Governor's representative on the seven-member Board of Trustees of the State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration. McKeachnie replaces John A. Harja who served as Governor's representative for more than 10 years.
Mr. McKeachnie is no stranger to Trust Lands. He served on the Board of the predecessor agency to the Trust Lands Administration - the Division of State Lands and Forestry. Since then, he has represented the Trust Lands Administration in various legal matters.
Mr. McKeachnie is an attorney with offices in Vernal and Roosevelt, Utah. McKeachnie received his law degree from the University of Utah in 1970. In addition to his law practice, he has been an adjunct professor of law at Brigham Young University and adjunct professor at Utah State University in the areas of political science, business, and business law.
He is admitted to practice law before the courts of Utah and Colorado, the Utah and Colorado Federal District Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, the U.S. Tax Court, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
McKeachnie's public service record includes four terms in the Utah House of Representatives and Lt. Governor of the State of Utah in the Walker administration.
"Gayle has a deep understanding of the Trust's guiding principles," says current Trust Lands' Board Chairman, John Creer. "Additionally, he brings an exceptional background of public service, law, and business experience to the Board. He is well-suited for the challenges we face."
Creer adds, "As John Harja leaves the Board, we thank him for the superb work and excellent guidance he gave the Board and the Trust Lands Administration during the last 10 years."
The School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration is an independent state agency which manages 3.4 million acres of Utah trust lands exclusively for the benefit of Utah=s schools and other public institutions.
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Volume 8, Issue 16, 2005-09-19
Governor Appoints Washington County Realtor to Utah Real Estate Commission
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After about 25 years in the real estate industry, Realtor Sam Sampson is now one of five people with a unique opportunity to influence his profession.
A couple of weeks ago, Sampson attended his first meeting as a Utah real estate commissioner, a four-year position that came after an appointment by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and a confirmation by the Utah State Senate.
“It is a great honor to be appointed to this position,” Sampson, a Realtor from St. George, said. “I am excited to serve Utah real estate professionals, protect the interests of the public and raise the bar for entry into our profession.”
The Utah Real Estate Commission is dedicated to providing consumer protection in the real estate industry and is in charge of creating administrative rules regarding the practice of real estate and fine-tuning the requirements for a Utah real estate licensee. Five people with staggered four-year terms serve on the commission. Four are real estate licensees and the fifth is a member of the public.
“One goal I have during my term is to upgrade the licensing requirements for real estate professionals,” Sampson said. “We need to do all we can to protect consumers of real estate.”
Sampson has been a Realtor and real estate licensee for over 25 years. During that time, he has served as president of the Washington County Board of Realtors as well as president of the Utah Association of Realtors in 2001. His resume includes a long list of service in Realtor organizations, including a position on the board of directors of the National Association of Realtors. He currently is serving as committee chair of the Utah Association of Realtors Housing Opportunity Fund, a charity which helps promote affordable housing in Utah.
He also holds real estate designations from the Graduate Realtor Institute and the Council of Residential Specialists.
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Volume 12, Issue 13, 2009-04-13
Governor Approves New Utah Employment Laws
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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Governor Jon M. Huntsman has signed several new items of employment legislation into law.
The Legislature has rejected an effort to delay the implementation of employer/immigration rules passed last year. Last year’s bill, which now will take effect on July 31, 2009, attempts to address a broad range of issues related to illegal immigration, including some employment issues.
A new law prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from collecting a date of birth or Social Security number before hiring. Specifically, the law prohibits an employer from collecting an applicant’s date of...
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Volume 7, Issue 21, 2004-11-22
Governor Creates Task Force to Address State
Water Delivery Financing Task Force to Evaluate Financing for ProposedLake Powell Pipeline
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Gov. Olene S. Walker, through executive order, has created a task force to evaluate financing options for future state water projects. The Water Delivery Financing Task Force is specifically charged with evaluating proposals for the Lake Powell Pipeline and a water delivery system for the Bear River. The task force will report its findings to the governor by July 1, 2005.
"The future of Utah will depend on its water supply," said Walker. "The reality is that the demand for water in some growing areas of the state could exceed the supply within the next 20 to 25 years. Because projects of this nature take substantial planning and time, we must begin the process now."
The task force will consider financing options that:
a. take into account all reasonable revenue sources and financing, including bonding;
b. specify responsibility for payment, with users bearing the ultimate responsibility for payment;
c. provide for repayment to the state of any funds loaned or otherwise fronted for the projects; and
d. maintain the state's AAA bond rating.
Members of the task force include: State Treasurer Ed Alter, Chair; Richard Ellis; Larry Anderson; Sen. Tom Hatch; Sen. Bill Hickman; Rep. Stuart Adams; Rep. LaWanna "Lou" Shurtliff; Rep. Ron Bigelow; Rep. David Clark; Rep. Mike Noel; Tage Flint, Weber Basin Water District; Dave Ovard, Jordan Valley Water District; Ron Thompson, Washington County Water District; Carl Empey; and Ivan Flint.
The task force will hold its first meeting at 1 p.m. on Nov. 22, 2004 in the Governor's Boardroom, 2nd Floor, East Building, Utah State Capitol Complex.
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Volume 7, Issue 16, 2004-09-13
Governor Declares $52.8 Million Surplus for FY 2004
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On September 1, 2004, Governor Olene Walker announced the state of Utah closed the 2004 fiscal year, which ended June 30, with a preliminary surplus of $52.8 million*. The surplus represents 1.48 percent of the combined General Fund and Uniform School Fund budgets. The surplus is the result of higher than expected sales tax and income tax revenues.
"This is good news and a sign the economy is recovering," said Walker from the Republican National Convention in New York City. "I'll consider this one-time surplus when I make my final budget recommendations to the Legislature in December."
In addition to the surplus noted above, $22.8 million was transferred to the General Fund Rainy Day Fund, bringing its balance to $54.0 million. Twelve million dollars were transferred to the Uniform School Fund Rainy Day Fund bringing its balance to $12.6 million. Also, state law required $4.4 million be set aside for the Industrial Assistance Fund, and $1.6 million be set aside for bond payments.
The state auditor will review the surplus and the total is subject to change.
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Volume 7, Issue 2, 2004-01-26
Governor Designates 21st Century Community and Dedicates Smart Site in Sanpete County
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Sanpete County - Gov. Olene Walker visited local officials and attended two community events in Sanpete County recently. First, in Manti Walker designated the city as a 21st Century Community.
"I am pleased with the efforts and community spirit of the citizens of Manti," said Walker. "They have worked diligently to develop and adopt a new general plan for their community, which is outstanding. With the help of the Association of Governments and with financial commitment from the mayor and city council, this forward-looking plan will guide Manti well into the future."
As part of the 21st Century Community Program, a group of Manti citizens also worked with the city council ...
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Volume 8, Issue 10, 2005-05-23
Governor Huntsman Names New Tourism Director
Tourism Conference Attracts 200 in Cedar City
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Cedar City, Utah - Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. today appointed Leigh von der Esch, director of the Utah Film Commission, as the state's new director of the Office of Tourism. The announcement was made during the Second Annual Utah Tourism Conference in Cedar City, which attracted more than 200 people from all over the state.
“Leigh is a dedicated and well respected public servant who has helped promote Utah's film industry for the past two decades,” said Governor Huntsman. “We are excited about the synergy that she will bring to the state's film and tourism industries.”
In her new role, von der Esch will continue to overs...
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Volume 8, Issue 5, 2005-03-14
Governor Huntsman Signs Declaration for Agriculture Disaster
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Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., today signed a Declaration of Agricultural Disaster for Washington and Iron Counties. The declaration sets in motion an official request for assistance from the United States Secretary of Agriculture for appropriate funding to be made available to each impacted landowner in each county.
This is a situation where irrigation systems have been washed out and farm areas are now covered with debris and sediment," said Governor Huntsman. "Without assistance soon, there will be a loss of valuable crops this year."
According to the Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, damage estimates are approximately $5 million. The extremely high water levels on the Virgin River, Santa Clara River, Ash Creek and Shoal Creek left more than 5,000 acres of land covered with debris and sediment. The flooding waters also damaged earthen and concrete ditches, concrete and metal pipelines, wheel lines, and other irrigation water delivery systems. A small number of farms had their soils eroded away and now the farmlands are part of a new river channel.
"We are pleased that Governor Huntsman has signed the declaration," said Utah Agriculture Commissioner Leonard Blackham. "We hope this will help expedite the financial aid and other assistance from the Federal Government."
A response from the Secretary of Agriculture is anticipated within the next 30 days. Most of the aid would be in the form of low interest loans from the USDA.
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Volume 12, Issue 14, 2009-04-20
Governor Huntsman Tours Milford Wind Project
By Aaron Lindenbaum
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Governor Huntsman attended and spoke at the Renewable Energy Fair at Milford High School, then toured First Wind's Milford Wind Corridor Project.
As an exhibitor, First Wind was on hand to highlight the benefits of wind energy and to give background on the company's 203 MW Milford Wind Corridor project.
During the afternoon, First Wind officials provided guided tours of the project site to interested...
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Volume 7, Issue 5, 2004-03-15
Governor Launches New Online Recruiting System for State Jobs
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Recently Governor Walker officially launched "Utah Job Match," the state's new online recruiting system designed to provide greater access and ease of use to those applying for state jobs.
"With Utah Job Match, employment seekers can maximize their job search efforts through technology," said Walker. "This new innovation demonstrates the state's commitment to working smarter, a key initiative in the Walker Work Plan. Utah Job Match officially makes job hunting in our state a 21st Century process."
The Utah Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) developed the system in an effort to more effectively serve the public's needs.
"This new system will allow ap...
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Volume 13, Issue 26, 2010-08-25
Governor Names Student Regent for 2010-11
By Travis Clemens
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SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert has named David Smith as the 2010-11 student member of the Utah State Board of Regents.
Gov. Herbert selected Smith from three finalists chosen by the Utah Student Association.
Smith graduated from Utah Valley University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in...
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Volume 13, Issue 26, 2010-08-25
Governor to Address 3rd Annual DSC Convocation
Utah Governor Gary Herbert to Address Third Annual Dixie State College Convocation August 29th
By Steve Johnson
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Dixie State College of Utah President Dr. Stephen D. Nadauld is formally inviting all DSC students, faculty and staff, and the community to attend the Third-Annual College Convocation on Sunday, August 29, at 7 p.m., in the Cox Auditorium on the DSC campus. The convocation is free to attend and refreshments will be served at a reception following the event.
The convocation, a non-denominational event, will feature an...
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Volume 6, Issue 22, 2003-12-08
Governor Unveils Walker Work Plan Flagship Initiative
Walker Focuses on the Importance of Reading with a Child
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Recently Governor Walker unveiled her flagship early literacy initiative titled "Read With A Child" and signed an executive order announcing the formation of the Governor's Commission On Literacy. The purpose of the initiative, which falls under the Walker Work Plan, is to ensure that by early 2005, 90 percent of Utah's children can read on or above grade level by the third grade. The initiative also prompts Utahns to read to a child at least 20 minutes everyday.
"If there is one thing we can do to change the face of education in Utah, it is to read with a child for at least 20 minutes a day," said Walker. "Reading is the basic tool for success in school, work and life. I have set a high standard to achieve by 2005 and it will take all of us to reach this goal."
"Read with a Child" encourages every Utahn to read aloud and tell stories to their children to help them develop a larger vocabulary, a longer attention span, better listening skills, and a good reading foundation.
Under the initiative, Walker also plans to announce a "book of the month"; initiate a summer reading program; create community "story buses"; hold grassroots, community book festivals; and use the Governor's Commission on Literacy as her expert panel on literacy issues and research.
"We need to establish that reading is critical," said Walker. "Reading is the most powerful common denominator in education and it is vital to an individual's success. Through the third grade, children learn to read; after the third grade they read to learn."
Research shows the foundation for reading must be laid early in childhood, because the third grade is a critical juncture. Students who are not reading on grade level by the end of the third grade quickly fall behind their classmates and 70 percent of them do not catch up. Without the ability to read, excellence in high school and beyond is unattainable.
Walker reported that currently in Utah there are 21,000 children who read below grade level in the third grade. That means that approximately one out of four Utah children are lagging behind in their reading skills.
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Volume 6, Issue 21, 2003-11-24
Governor Walker Announces Transition to Adult Living Program
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Governor Olene Walker recently announced the Transition to Adult Living Program, another key element in the Walker Work Plan under the priority: Maximizing Human Potential.
"Becoming an adult can be trying for anyone. But children aging out of foster care face unique challenges. Many don't succeed because they don't have the typical support systems as they prepare for adult life," Walker said. "These young people are in situations where they may not return home, may not want to be adopted and need help planning their personal futures."
Walker's program will provide young people assistance in transitioning from foster care to adult living through a public/private network of support in order to promote their success. Assistance includes assessment, mentoring, self-esteem building, personal future planning, caregiver and family networking, education and training in basic life-skills.
The program will also help young adults find housing, employment, on-the-job training, crisis support and medical and mental health care.
National studies on youth aging out of foster care indicate:
* 60 percent of females had given birth
* 90 percent have no health-care coverage
* Are more likely to be homeless
* Have lower math and reading skills and only half complete high school
* Are more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system with about 19 percent incarcerated.
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Volume 7, Issue 15, 2004-08-30
Governor Walker Declares Drought Disaster
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Governor Olene Walker has issued an Agricultural Drought Disaster Declaration for the state of Utah. The declaration follows six consecutive years of below average rain fall and a projected $133 million negative impact on Utah's agricultural economy this year. The governor is also calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare a national "Agricultural Disaster" for qualifying counties in the state.
"Utah remains one of the hardest hit states by this prolonged drought, and I am asking for immediate assistance from our federal government," said Walker. "Utah's farmers and ranchers are experiencing some of the driest conditions on record, and help is desperately needed."
In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman, Walker seeks assistance to provide relief for the hundreds of farmers and ranchers who face substantial crop loss due to drought and record cricket and grasshopper infestation.
The estimated financial loss of crop and forage value to Utah farmers and ranchers totals $133 million. This represents about 30 percent of the historic value of these commodities.
Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food, Cary G. Peterson, reports that extreme drought conditions exist in 21 of the state's 29 counties and that irrigation reservoir levels statewide are well below normal; some are experiencing levels that are virtually non-existent. Such conditions have qualified the state for special livestock feed assistance in the form of the Non-fat Dry Milk Program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The 21 counties that qualify for primary drought disaster designation are: Beaver, Box Elder, Cache, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, Rich, Salt Lake, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Summit, Tooele, Washington, and Wayne. The remaining eight counties also suffer from drought conditions and are worthy of inclusion in a disaster declaration.
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Volume 7, Issue 7, 2004-04-12
Governor Walker Wraps Up Vancouver Trade Mission
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Vancouver, British Columbia - Thursday, Utah Gov. Olene Walker concluded a Utah! Trade Mission to Canada whose mission was to grow quality jobs in the state and promote Olympic good will. The trade mission included a delegation of eight Utah businesses and state economic development officials.
As a result of the trade mission, business exchanges are planned between government leaders in Utah and organizers of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. The delegation participated in an environmental trade show and met with Canadian business leaders as well.
"Hosting the 2002 Olympic Winter Games was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Utah that will leave a lasting econom...
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Volume 11, Issue 17, 2008-05-13
Governor Wants More Competitive Workforce
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Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has established a committee to look at how to improve Utah's workforce in order to better compete in the global economy, the Deseret News reports.
Huntsman said during a news conference last week that the 17-member committee - consisting of leaders in government, business, education and labor - will report in early autumn about "future work force needs" and how to address them.
While Huntsman acknowledged that he has no idea what the recommendations will be, much of the discussion Wednesday focused on education improvements that would give graduating Utah high school and college students the skills needed to help the United States compete economica...
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Volume 8, Issue 1, 2005-01-17
Governor's Announcement Draws Praise From Utah Small-Business Group
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NFIB/Utah, the representative group for the state's small-business owners, was pleasantly surprised by an idea Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. offered at a recent meeting of the Utah Taxpayers' Association.
The state's chief executive said he would set up a panel of business owners and taxpayers to review all the regulations and rules Main Street business owners must operate under for the purpose of eliminating unnecessary burdens and duplications. He also invited NFIB/Utah to serve on his panel!
"I don't think I've ever attended a more pleasantly surprising Monday morning meeting in my entire working life," said Ron Casper, NFIB/Utah state director. "More than any other of his predecessors, this Governor is going out of his way to be of help to the small-business owners of the state by giving us a hand, not a pat on the head. He made an effort to attend one of our Area Action Councils last year, and after today's announcement it shows he is sincerely committed to Main Street, mom-and-pop firms, and not just using them for political gain."
American small businesses employ nearly 60 percent of all workers and generate almost all net new jobs, but they have distinctly different difficulties from bigger businesses in remaining solvent, and one of them is effect of regulations on them.
In its 2004 The Small Business Economy, A Report to the President, the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy noted, "Much of this year's report focuses on regulations. That is no accident small firms with fewer than 20 employees pay nearly 60 percent more to comply with federal regulations than their larger counterparts with more than 500 employees Second, we know that home-based businesses are a sizable portion of the U.S. economy, and yet regulations at all levels of government hamper them."
Casper said NFIB/Utah is also working with State Rep. Greg Hughes in promoting his amendment to the state's rule-making laws that would allow for greater small-business input. Casper is available for further comment at 801 485-9005.
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Volume 7, Issue 1, 2004-01-12
Governor's Council of Economic Advisors Releases its 2004 Economic Report to the Governor
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The Governor's Council of Economic Advisors will released the2004 Economic Report to the Governor at the annual meeting of the Wasatch Front Economic Forum last Thursday, January 8th. Governor Olene Walker accepted the report.
Published annually, this report is the principal source for data, research and analysis regarding Utah's economy. It includes a national and state economic outlook and a summary of state government economic development activities. It also presents an analysis of economic activity based on the standard indicators and a more detailed review of industries and issues of particular interest.
The report is also available on the web atwww.governor.utah.gov/dea.
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Volume 8, Issue 13, 2005-07-18
Governor's Rural Partnership Board Endorses Economic Clusters
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Members of the Governor's Rural Partnership Board are expressing support for Utah's economic cluster initiative announced today by Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. Many of the targeted industries in the state have rural impacts. The Governor's Office of Economic Development will initially focus on seven economic clusters: Life Sciences, Software Development, Aerospace, Defense and Homeland Security, Financial Services, Energy and Natural Resources, and Competitive Accelerators such as nanotechnology, outdoor recreation, and logistics and distribution centers.
The Governor's Rural Partnership Board has been examining cluster-based economic development over the past year," said Jeff Packer, co-chairman of the board (GRPB). "We believe that clusters offer a key opportunity to capitalize on the competitive advantages in rural and urban Utah to benefit the entire state.
The GRPB will continue to work closely with the Governor's Office of Economic Development to bring rural perspective to this exciting initiative." The Governor's Rural Partnership Board will convene a series of community meetings in rural Utah beginning later this summer to discuss the potential value of cluster-based economic development to rural businesses in the state. For more information on the cluster initiative in rural Utah, contact Ed Meyer of the Governor's Office of Economic Development at (801) 538-8781 or emeyer@utah.gov.
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Volume 11, Issue 8, 2008-03-04
Governor's Utah Economic Summit Scheduled - March 20
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SALT LAKE CITY - The annual Governor's Utah Economic Summit for 2008 will be held Thursday, March 20 at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.
This summit is designed to unite leaders and executives of business, labor, academia and government in a common goal to collaborate, innovate and lead Utah and their organizations to greater prosperity.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of events:
- Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., will present the keynote speech and set forth his vision of state economic development, and opportunities for businesses to prosper in this thriving economy.
- Discuss issues of their...
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Volume 11, Issue 9, 2008-03-11
Governor's Utah Economic Summit Scheduled - March 20
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SALT LAKE CITY - The annual Governor's Utah Economic Summit for 2008 will be held Thursday, March 20 at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.
This summit is designed to unite leaders and executives of business, labor, academia and government in a common goal to collaborate, innovate and lead Utah and their organizations to greater prosperity.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of events:
- Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., will present the keynote speech and set forth his vision of state economic development, and opportunities for businesses to prosper in this thriving economy.
- Discuss issues of their...
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Volume 11, Issue 10, 2008-03-18
Governor's Utah Economic Summit Scheduled Thursday
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SALT LAKE CITY - The annual Governor's Utah Economic Summit for 2008 will be held Thursday, March 20, at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.
This summit is designed to unite leaders and executives of business, labor, academia and government in a common goal to collaborate, innovate and lead Utah and their organizations to greater prosperity.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of events:
- Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., will present the keynote speech and set forth his vision of state economic development, and opportunities for businesses to prosper in this thriving economy.
- Discuss issues of thei...
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Volume 7, Issue 17, 2004-09-27
Governors Plan RMATS Conference
By Amanda Covington
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The Rocky Mountain Area Transmission Study (RMATS), initiated by the governors of Utah and Wyoming one year ago, will release its recommendations for expanding transmission lines and next steps for moving forward when it meets Sept. 29 in Salt Lake City.
Governors Dave Freudenthal (Wyo.), Olene Walker (Utah) and Judy Martz (Mont.) will attend and have invited all interested stakeholders to participate. Nora Brownell, Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, is also expected to attend.
"The RMATS group has identified the actual projects which appear likely to be the most cost-effective additions to transmission and generation in the Rocky Mountain West," the governors said in a letter announcing the meeting.
"We endorse the process and its results, and continue to believe that the collaboration sponsored by RMATS will provide the framework for the increased success of the Western interconnection and provide economic and environmental benefits to our states. This report is just a beginning; the group is identifying next steps to having the needed projects actually built."
The year-long study involved a broad range of stakeholders drawn from utilities, industry, federal and state regulators, customers, environmental groups, project developers and consumer advocates.
Sub-regional transmission planning is supported by the Western Governors' Association as part of its overall energy policy and clean-energy initiative. A primary goal of the RMATS effort is to make greater use of the region's coal and wind resources, reduce the volatility of electricity prices and lower power costs to consumers.
The RMATS meeting will be held at the Downtown Marriott in Salt Lake City, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Attendees will hear reports on the study results, recommendations and next steps. The modeling team also will discuss its inputs and assumptions and will be available to answer questions. Copies of the final reports will be provided.
The RMATS Web site can be accessed from the Wyoming Energy Commission's home page, at http://psc.state.wy.us.
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Volume 8, Issue 10, 2005-05-23
Graduating Class Sets Record - Masters Outnumber Bachelors
Six Master's Graduates from Washington County
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Commencement this year saw the largest graduating class ever for the University of Phoenix Utah campus. Master's degrees outnumbered bachelor's degrees awarded. University of Phoenix is Utah's second-largest private university specializing in high-quality education for working adults. (There are four Utah locations: Murray, Taylorsville, Provo and Ogden - and a learning center in St. George.)
There were a total of 1,229 Graduates in 2005 and of those 625 were Master's Degrees and 604 were Bachelor's Degrees.
A high number of graduate elementary teaching degrees were awarded. The second most popular graduate degree (the MBA is #1) was a Master of Education with an emphasis in teaching in the elementary grades - 98 degrees awarded.
The average age of graduates is 34. The age ranges are from 24-61 years! Most of the graduates were older and work full time. At this ceremony, the parents were often in the spotlight and their children were cheering from the audience - a bit of a role reversal when compared to traditional commencement ceremonies.
The commencement address was given by Nadine Wimmer, (KSL-TV). She is shown in the photo with two Washington County master's graduates Clint Beck and Wade Beatty.
In addition to Beck and Beatty, Washington County proudly boasts four more Master's Degrees by July of 2005. These four will be the first to graduate from the school's new St. George learning center. Congratulations are in order for Jill Ellis, Mark Leany, Mark Hoss, and Kirk Lovell.
Editor's note: University of Phoenix claims to be the largest private accredited university in North America. The University's focus is on small interactive classes, highly personalized teaching and comprehensive academic accountability systems. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
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Volume 12, Issue 25, 2009-07-13
Graduation Day Arrives for 2009 Leadership Utah
23rd class ends year of community learning
By Marty Carpenter
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SALT LAKE CITY - More than 50 business leaders became the 23rd graduating class of the Salt Lake Chamber Leadership Utah program today. Leadership Utah is an educational program for high-level executives who are interested in assuming leadership roles in the community.
"Leadership Utah is one of the most valuable programs the Chamber offers," said Michael Perlman, corporate education liaison with the University of Phoenix. "This program gives leaders in our community a broader perspective. We get a better sense of how the community prospers when we all work together."
Participants are introduced to the crucial issues and top leaders in the community. Experts explore issues affecting the community and discuss potential solutions with class members. Topics include local government, arts and education, law enforcement, religion and more. The schedule features ten monthly, day-long sessions.
"There was so much about Utah that I never would have known about had I not gone through the program-and I've lived here a long time," said...
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Volume 9, Issue 13, 2006-10-02
Graff Joins Law Firm
By Timo Saarelainen
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ST. GEORGE - Matthew T. Graff, owner of Matthew T. Graff & Associates, a southern Utah law firm specializing in personal injury law, announced today that Mark Graff was accepted by the Utah State Bar in May and has joined the practice.
At age 16, Mark Graff was a National Merit Scholar from Brigham Young University. He later earned a Bachelors Degree from BYU and subsequently achieved a Juris Doctor from Willamette University, Salem, Oregon in 2005.
"We are excited to welcome Mark to our firm following his successful quest in passing the Utah Bar exam," said Matthew Graff. "His outstanding academic background, his love for the law, together with his desire to pr...
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Volume 10, Issue 18, 2007-06-25
Graff Joins Local Law Firm
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ST. GEORGE - The law firm of Hughes, Thompson, Randall and Mellen, P.C., has announced that P. Rowland Graff has joined the firm.
Graff graduated in 1989 from Cedar High School and in 1996 from Southern Utah University with a bachelor's in political science. He graduated cum laude and received his Juris Doctor from the Thomas J. Cooley Law School. He graduated from Wayne State University Law School and is working towards his master's.
As an undergraduate, Rowland served in the capacity of legal intern for Sixty Plus, Inc., and Elderlaw Clinic and later as a law clerk in 56th Circuit Court in Charlotte, Mich. After graduating from law school he took a position ...
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Volume 10, Issue 27, 2007-09-07
Grand Opening Fundraiser for ICCS Food Pantry — Sept. 25
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CEDAR CITY - The Iron County Care and Share is pleased to announce the completion of the new Food Bank located at 200 W. 900 N. A grand opening has been scheduled for September 25 and 26 to celebrate.
The public is welcome to attend the celebratory soiree and fundraiser Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. There will be food, dancing and a VIP tour of the new facility. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at the Care and Share office, 140 E. 400 S., or by calling 435-586-5142.
A public open house will held be Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:45 p.m., the building will be dedicated by the clergy of the five original chu...
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Volume 10, Issue 21, 2007-07-20
Grandee's Ice Cream For Sale
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CEDAR CITY - The owners of GranDee's Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Bake Shoppe, 1166 S. Sage Drive, have announced the business is for sale.
Liz and Les Brower say they're selling reluctantly, but health concerns are forcing them to return to California.
The Browers, who have owned the 1950s style ice cream shop for about 18 months, say GranDee's doors will remain open until the business sells, which could take a year or longer. They say they have no intention to close before a new owner takes over....
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Volume 7, Issue 3, 2004-02-09
Grant Me One Wish
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A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer. All of a sudden, he said out loud, “Lord grant me one wish."
Suddenly the sky clouded above his head and in a booming voice the Lord said, "Because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish."
The man said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I want."
The Lord said, "Your request is very materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking. The supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific! The concrete and steel it would take! I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of another wish, a wish you think would honor and glorify me."
The man thought about it for a long time. Finally he said, "Lord, I wish that I could understand women. I want to know how they feel inside, what they are thinking when they give me the silent treatment, why they cry, what they mean when they say 'nothing', and how I can make a woman truly happy."
The Lord replied, "You want two lanes or four lanes on that bridge?"
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Volume 8, Issue 21, 2005-12-05
Grants Issued to Incubate Rural Entrepreneurs
$250,000 Investment Made in Six County Programs
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Six rural counties will be working to "incubate" entrepreneurs thanks to an investment by the Governor's Office of Economic Development Board. Grants totaling $250,000 were awarded for projects in Grand, Carbon, Sanpete, Iron, Box Elder and Tooele Counties. Funding for the grants was provided through legislation sponsored by Senator Pete Knudson from Box Elder County during the 2005 legislative session.
Board Member Bill Boyle from Monticello noted that 12 applications for funding were received requesting $847,000 in total. Each project approached supporting local entrepreneurship in different ways. Representatives from the Governor's Rural Partnership Board, the Utah Alliance, Utah Small Cities, Inc., the Governor's Office of Economic Development Board and GOED staff, reviewed the grant applications.
Grand County will focus on developing a cluster of early stage businesses involved in digital media. Box Elder County wants to focus on the composites industry while Sanpete County wants to help agribusinesses. Tooele County wants to create an outreach center in Grantsville while Iron County hopes to develop an angel capital network and involve professors in helping manufacturers develop prototypes.
Martin Frye, Managing Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development said, "We are excited that these rural communities are collaborating to support entrepreneurs, especially in areas of emerging economic clusters. It's gratifying to see how our efforts at the State and those in rural Utah are coming into alignment."
In other business, Dr. Greg Jones, State Science Advisor and Economic Clusters Director, gave a presentation on the Economic Clusters Initiative and its effort to align research and industry into a productive and harmonized working relationship. He demonstrated how the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) is in the process of reviewing each target industry for "Gaps" in the economic development process.
When a gap is identified the GOED staff work to develop solutions for the potential stumbling block. Dr. Jack Brittain, Dean of David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah, indicated that he has noticed, as researchers become more of the Cluster Initiative, which they are considering a move to Utah to gather around the targeted industry cluster. "Research teams are really like recruiting small businesses," one team they have worked with has 75 individuals and their families. "So moving such a team to Utah includes issues like housing, schools, spouse employment and all of the larger associated issues." Brittain went on to say, "when these research teams move to Utah they often bring significant research dollars and ramp up very quickly, having a very positive impact upon the community."
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Volume 11, Issue 43, 2008-11-19
Gratitude as a Business Tool?
Better Attitudes in the Workplace
By Matt Eschler, LMFT
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Today is all yours to use. Your day will have exactly the same amount of seconds, minutes, hours as every one else. What you do with those seconds, minutes, and hours is completely up to you. During the last several months we have all read the news and listened to the pundits report on our economy. Most of us felt the economic crunch long before we were told about it. Most of us have already begun preparations for the future. How we are going to use our precious time and other resources are all in question.
We have crunched our numbers and created new policies for everything from pay scales to year end bonuses. We have looked at Christmas party expenses and travel-for-business plans. I even heard of ...
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Volume 10, Issue 2, 2007-02-19
Green Building Seminars Offered
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ST. GEORGE - The City of St. George and the Southern Utah Home Builders Association are teaming up to offer a series of seminars to inform and educate those interested in green building. Green Building practices improve the efficiency of buildings as well as incorporating environmental considerations in the all phases of the home building process.
The first in the series will be held at the Water and Energy Administration Building, 811 E Red Hills Parkway on Feb, 27 at noon. It is free to homeowners, building contractors, and anyone else interested in learning about creating more energy efficient and environmentally responsible homes.
The first seminar will c...
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Volume 8, Issue 7, 2005-04-11
Green Garden Grass Snakes Can Be Dangerous
Funny Business
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Yes, grass snakes, not rattlesnakes. A couple in Sweetwater, Texas had a lot of potted plants, and during a recent cold spell, the wife was bringing a lot of them indoors to protect them from a possible freeze. It turned out that a little green garden grass snake was hidden in one of the plants and when it had warmed up, it slithered out and the wife saw it go under the sofa. She let out a very loud scream.
The husband, who was taking a shower, ran out into the living room naked to see what the problem was. She told him there was a snake under the sofa. He got down on the floor on his hands and knees to look for it. About that time the family dog came and cold nosed him on the rear. He thought the snake had bitten him and he fainted. His wife thought he had a heart attack, so she called an ambulance.
The attendants rushed in and loaded him on the stretcher and started carrying him out. About that time the snake came out from under the sofa and one of the Emergency Medical Technicians saw it and dropped his end of the stretcher. That's when the man broke his leg and why he is still in the hospital.
The wife still had the problem of the snake in the house, so she called on a neighbor man. He volunteered to capture the snake. He armed himself with a rolled-up newspaper and began poking under the couch. Soon he decided it was gone and told the woman, who sat down on the sofa in relief. But in relaxing, her hand dangled in between the cushion where she felt the snake wriggling around. She screamed and fainted, the snake rushed back under the sofa, and the neighbor man, seeing her laying there passed out tried to use CPR to revive her. The neighbor's wife, who had just returned from shopping at the grocery store, saw her husband's mouth on the woman's mouth and slammed her husband on the back of the head with a bag of canned goods, knocking him out and cutting his scalp to a point where it needed stitches. An ambulance was again called when it was determined that the injury required hospitalization.
The noise woke the woman from her dead faint and she saw her neighbor lying on the floor with his wife bending over him, so she assumed he had been bitten by the snake. She went to the kitchen, brought back a small bottle of whiskey, and began pouring it down the man's throat. By now the police had arrived. They saw the unconscious man, smelled the whiskey, and assumed that a drunken fight had occurred. They were about to arrest them all, when the two women tried to explain how it all happened over a little green snake.
The ambulance arrived and took away the neighbor and his sobbing wife. Just then the little snake crawled out from under the couch. One of the policemen drew his gun and fired at it. He missed the snake and hit the leg of the end table that was on one side of the sofa. The table fell over and the lamp on it shattered and as the bulb broke, it started a fire in the drapes. The other policeman tried to beat out the flames and fell through the window into the yard on top of the family dog, who startled, jumped up and raced out into the street, where an oncoming car swerved to avoid it and smashed into the parked police car and set it on fire. Meanwhile, the burning drapes had spread to the walls and the entire house was blazing.
Neighbors had called the fire department and the arriving fire truck had started raising his ladder when they were halfway down the street. The rising ladder tore out the overhead wires and pulled out the electricity and disconnected telephones in a ten-square city block area. Time passed.
Both men were discharged from the hospital. The house was re-built. The police acquired a new car, and all was right with the world. About a year later the original couple was watching TV and the weatherman announced a cold snap for that night. The husband asked his wife if she thought they should bring in their plants for the night. She shot him.
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Volume 11, Issue 40, 2008-10-29
Green Power Project to Cut Ribbon
First commercial geothermal plant in Utah in over 20 years
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PROVO, Utah - Raser Technologies, Inc. has announced that it will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the first commercial geothermal power plant to be built in Utah in more than 20 years.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, along with other national, state and county government officials, has accepted Raser's invitation to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony and press conference. The event is scheduled for Nov. 6, at the Thermo power plant project site in Beaver County at 3 p.m. local time.
Raser previously announced the discovery of one of the largest geothermal resources in the ...
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Volume 12, Issue 13, 2009-04-13
Green Technology Firm on a Mission
By J. David Nichols
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - SlopeGrowth President and CEO, Mark Marine, is on an informational tour of soil and water conservation districts across Utah. His mission: To inform the conservation districts of the immediate and permanent solutions to erosion problems that his patented, green, instant erosion control and vegetation technology provides. According to Mr. Marine, "Any soil or water conservationist knows that one of their biggest problems is keeping soil where it is supposed to be, on the hillside, not in our rivers, streams, and lakes."
The patented SlopeGrowth soil is a "true green technology, from end to end", said Mr. Marine. "It's green because it stops...
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Volume 8, Issue 15, 2005-09-05
Green Valley Resort Amongst Best - Again!
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Travel & Leisure Magazine announce in July this year that Green Valley Resort & Spa was selected as their choice for the 3rd Best Destination Spa in the World via CNBC July 22, 2005.
The Criteria and Methodology for determining the World's Best starts with a questionnaire developed by the Travel + Leisure editors and in association with Harris Interactive. This questionnaire was made available to the subscribers of Travel + Leisure during the first quarter of this year through www.tlworldsbest.com. The subscribers reported where they traveled and how. Only the destinations, properties, and companies that were relevant to their recent travel experiences were rated.
The ...
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Volume 13, Issue 2, 2010-01-19
Green Valley Spa Awarded Four Diamond
Fifteen Utah Lodgings and Eleven Restaurants on Exclusive List
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SALT LAKE CITY – AAA announces fifteen Utah lodgings and eleven restaurants were awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for 2010, with Riverhorse on Main in Park City receiving the honor for the first time.
Four Diamond Award winners are a select group. Just 3.5 percent of the 58,000 AAA Diamond Rated lodgings and restaurants receive this prestigious distinction. To receive a Four Diamond rating means these properties consistently deliver a high level of personal comfort and attention to...
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Volume 7, Issue 16, 2004-09-13
Green Valley Spa hosts L'Oreal Conference
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The L'Oreal/Matrix Regional Educational Conference was held September 1-3, 2004 at the Green Valley spa. Matrix is the largest hair care company in the world with products worldwide to include the widely known L'Oreal. There were 163 hairstylists representing the five neighboring states. The purpose of the gathering was to introduce Human Art, a native Utah product.
Human Art, a revolutionary new design system created by Matrix Artistic Director Brook Thornley and developed in part by Green Valley co-owner Carol Coombs was introduced to the group.
This new design system measures the unique attributes, physical characteristics and personality of style of a salon client. The hairstylist uses the profile to match a cutting and coloring style that harmonizes and illuminates the individual's inherent beauty.
Coombs has acted as a consultant to Thornley throughout the development and creative direction of the innovative design program. Coombs was elated about such an event being coming to St. George, commenting that “The Green Valley Spa was happy to host such a renowned group”.
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Volume 7, Issue 21, 2004-11-22
Green Valley Spa Takes Home 2004 Spa Finder Readers Choice Award
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Green Valley Spa has been honored with a Spa Finder Readers Choice Award as one of the top-10 spas in the nation for Best Fitness Program, Best Hiking, Best Spa Cuisine, Best for Weight Loss, Best Yoga and Most Romantic Spa.
The Awards are based on a poll of Spa Finder readers and web visitors, among the most sophisticated, active spa-goers in the world. By measuring consumer's favorite spas across a range of specific spa services and features, The Spa Finder Readers Choice Awards represent the most complete annual consumer assessment of the spa market.
"Spa-goers have spoken, and placed Green Valley Spa at the top of their lists," said Spa Finder, Inc. Chairman and CEO Pete Ellis. "This is a tremendous accomplishment given the diversity and quality of stay spas nationwide- a truly meaningful validation of the superb spa experience offered by Green Valley Spa."
Thousands of readers of Spa Finder publications and visitors to www.spafinder.com cast ballots for nearly 800 premier spa properties nation and worldwide to determine the Awards winners. Voters were asked to only cast ballots for spas they've visited in the last three years.
Spa Finder formally presented Green Valley spa with its Readers choice Award at the Champagne Reception on Novemeber 8th at The Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.
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Volume 11, Issue 2, 2008-01-15
Greyhound Returns to Cedar City
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CEDAR CITY - After an absence of several years, Cedar City will have Greyhound bus service beginning Jan. 22.
Between 8 and 10 north- and south-bound Greyhound connections will stop daily at the Sinclair station and convenience store just off I-15 exit 59, on 200 North. Passengers can purchase tickets at the store or on the Greyhound web site.
A service schedule will be available at the station starting Jan. 22. Other Greyhound stops in Utah include St. George, Salt Lake City, Provo, Richfield, Tremonton, Ogden, Logan, Brigham City and Green River.
Greyhound also offers freight service between the company's more than 2,400 service locations in Nor...
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Volume 9, Issue 9, 2006-06-12
Griffin Joins the Mainstreet Business Journal
Maddison Delaney
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ST GEORGE, UT - The Mainstreet Business Journal recently announced that Michael Griffin has joined the Journal as Vice President of Marketing.
“I am excited to join the MSBJ team and utilize the foundations that Mr. Denning has created,” comments Michael Griffin, “It is my desire to maximize on the tradition of the Journal being a quality business news source and reintroduce it as a necessary tool to the businesses of Southwest Utah.”
Michael brings unique qualities and experiences to the Journal. He attended Utah State University and the University of Utah to begin training for a career in law enforcement in the field of behavioral sciences....
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Volume 10, Issue 35, 2007-11-02
Groovacious Celebrates 15th Anniversary
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CEDAR CITY - Nov. 9, 2007 marks the 15th anniversary of record store Groovacious and as a special thanks to those who have kept them going for the last fifteen years, Groovacious will offer a 15 percent discount all that day.
A special concert performance by Steven Swift will take place at 7 p.m. with Katherine Moure opening the show. There will be prizes and food by Café Orleans. All is free to the public.
Groovacious is located at 173 N. 100 W. in Cedar City. For information, call Tim or Lisa at 435-867-9800.
On Nov. 9, 1992, Groovacious opened its doors for the first time. Tim and Lisa Cretsinger, with many years of collective experience...
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Volume 11, Issue 9, 2008-03-11
Ground Broken at Fort Cedar
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CEDAR CITY - Cedar City broke ground last week on a new commercial center, a project expected to contribute to the city's growing reputation for technology infrastructure and central location between.
The Fort Cedar Commercial Center seeks high-tech tenants while acknowledging Cedar City's history and heritage.
No tenants have committed to the project, but the city's high-tech infrastructure, especially a new fiber-optic network, are expected to make it attractive.
The build-out plan for the project calls for 18 buildings with 180,000 square feet of commercial space. The project will begin with two buildings - one 10,000 square feet and the other ...
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Volume 8, Issue 2, 2005-01-31
Groundbreaking Ceremonies for Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Set
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Washington, UT- Groundbreaking ceremonies for Washington County's newest hotel will be held on February 18th at 11:30am. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, which will be located in SunCor's Coral Canyon development, just north and west of the Coral Canyon (Commercial) Towncenter near the intersection of Interstate 15 and State Road 9, is being developed by Byrd Enterprises of AZ, Inc.
David Byrd of Byrd Enterprises said "We are so excited to be finally coming to Washington and the St. George area. This has been a long time coming for our company. It's very exciting to have the opportunity to do business in what is one of the most naturally beautiful areas of our country. ...
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Volume 11, Issue 21, 2008-06-11
Groundbreaking Ceremony Takes Place in Beaver
Geothermal power plant to produce 11 megawatts each year
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BEAVER - Raser Technologies, Inc. recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for beginning the construction phase of the first geothermal power plant built in Utah in 20 years. Senator Orrin Hatch and other state and county officials participated in the ceremony in Beaver County, Utah.. The planned geothermal power plant is anticipated to produce up to 11 megawatts of clean renewable energy each year. A megawatt is equal to one million watts.
Commenting at the groundbreaking ceremony, Senator Hatch said,...
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Volume 12, Issue 13, 2009-04-13
Groundbreaking News For Puppies
By Cathy Scott
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Kanab, Utah - Adolescent pups, alongside two-legged dignitaries, participated in a milestone groundbreaking ceremony for a new Puppy Care Center at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
Attending the April 3 event, with animal care director Patty Hegwood, was Miss Madge, a shy Chihuahua. "Miss Madge was one of [Best Friends'] first puppy mill rescues," Hegwood said during the groundbreaking. "She was very scared and undersocialized." For dogs like Madge, Hegwood says, the new center will "bridge the gap between the uncertainty of a puppy mill to the security of that wonderful forever home."
The center will be able to accommodate up to 240 puppies, including former...
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Volume 11, Issue 6, 2008-02-12
Group Urges Voters to Remember Small Business
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SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah leader of the National Federation for Independent Business, a small-business advocacy group, is urging voters to consider job creation and small business issues when reviewing presidential candidates.
"Small businesses are the drivers of our state's economy, accounting for more than 97 percent of all employers in Utah," said Candace Daly, state director of National Federation of Independent Business/Utah. "Small business also creates about two-thirds of all net new jobs. It's vital that we have a thriving small-business community for our state and the nation to continue to grow and prosper."
For that reason, voters should take a hard lo...
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Volume 12, Issue 12, 2009-04-06
Growing Green?
Compelling business reasons to look at environmentally friendly operations
By Neil Walter
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No there wasn't a typo in the title. The press, politicians, and now businesses (GE and NBC commercials for example) are regularly promoting a higher level of environmental consciousness. While "Going Green" has become a popular mantra over the past two years, "Growing Green" is a little different spin on the movement. Some of the "Green" promotion is dependent on an emotional appeal to do the right thing, but there may be compelling business reasons to look at environmentally friendly real estate and...
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Volume 11, Issue 17, 2008-05-13
Growing Local Demand Drives State's Liquor Store Plans
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HURRICANE - State alcohol regulators are working to keep up with a growing taste in southwest Utah for beverages with a kick.
The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is set this week to brief the Hurricane City Council on the division’s plans to build a new state liquor store in Coral Canyon, just north of State Route 9 and east of I-15.
Another new liquor store opened earlier this year on the east side of St. George to take the pressure off an older west side store that, as the only outlet in Utah’s Dixie, has struggled to keep up with growing customer demand for adult beverages.
The division also building a new store in Cedar City. The new so...
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Volume 13, Issue 16, 2010-05-20
Growth & Stronger U.S. Job Gains Forthcoming
The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah was 97.8 during April 2010, up from 95.9 during March 2010.
By Jeff Thredgold
Economic Consultant to Zions Bank
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HIGHLIGHTS
- The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah was 97.8 in April 2010, up from 95.9 in March 2010
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- Utah’s unemployment rate was estimated at 7.2% in the latest month, up from the 7.1% rate of the prior month. Total Utah employment fell an estimated 22,500 jobs during the past 12 months
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- Washington County payrolls declined by 1,600 jobs (-3.3%) in the past year. The unemployment rate was 9.7% in the latest month, up from 9.1% one year ago
- Ongoing U.S. economic growth and the strongest American job gains in four years are positive developments for Utah’s small businesses
The U.S. economy gained an estimated...
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Volume 7, Issue 15, 2004-08-30
Growth at Fort Pierce Industrial Park
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Within the last 18 months, the Fort Pierce Industrial park has developed relationships with a number of new businesses that have acquired acreage in the St. George Fort Pierce Industrial park area. Ray Rosenthal, of Commerce CRG (formally Colliers Commerce CRG) in conjunction with Gilbert Jennings, Fort Pierce Industrial Park Manager, Scott Hirschi, Washington County's Economic Development Director and Royce Jones from Dixie Escalante Electric Company is targeting industrial businesses in both the local area and out of state to relocate to the Fort Pierce Industrial Park.
With the latest addition of acreage by the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, Fort Pierce consists of 1000 acres of M-1 zoned industrial land. The next improvement phase will consist of approximately 190 acres.
Chart accompanying this article show lists of 1) the existing companies within the Fort Pierce Industrial Park and also 2) a list of the new companies who have either acquired, or are in the process of acquiring land within the park
Fort Pierce Industrial Park's overall package of low power rates (DEREA), relatively affordable land, the region's competitive wages and quick access to key western population centers is unmatched in the southwestern states. The combined economic package of job creation by the industrial park and the ongoing population increase adds fuel to the residential market and supplies the workers. “With these factors in place and the proven growth history of the area, continued upward movement to our local economy is anticipated”, said Rosenthal.
Editor's note: Commerce CRG, is an independently owned and operated member of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance specializing in Commercial Real Estate Services. Their St. George Branch Office is located at 335 E. St. George Blvd, Suite 301 St George UT 84770 (435) 673-7111 www.commercecrg.com
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Volume 11, Issue 17, 2008-05-13
Growth in Q1 Benefits Small Business
Economic Consultant to Zions Ban
By Jeff Thredgold,
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The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah was 92.1 during April 2008, down from a revised 92.5 during March 2008. The Index measures business conditions from the viewpoint of the Utah small business owner or manager.
A lower Index number is associated with less favorable business “conditions” for Utah’s small businesses. The Index uses 100.0 for calendar year 1997 as its base year. The Index includes revisions to various historical and new forecast components as they become available.
Local Performance
Washington County payrolls expanded by 1,100 jobs (2.1 percent) in the past year. The unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in the latest month, up ...
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Volume 11, Issue 7, 2008-02-19
Growth Slowdown Started Earlier Than Reported
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah's number of nonfarm wage and salaried jobs for January shows the state's employment trend continues moving downward. Job growth for the month is projected at 2.8 percent.
This number is down markedly from last month's employment estimation, due to once-a-year readjustments, or "benchmarking," mandated by the federal government.
Additionally, December's growth rate has been revised down from 3.6 percent to 2.9 percent. November has been revised to 3.0 percent, and October to 3.2 percent.
With these adjustments, Utah's employment growth has now dropped below the state's long-term average of 3.3 percent per year since 1950. Ap...
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Volume 7, Issue 19, 2004-10-25
Gubernatorial Candidates to Visit SUU Campus
By Tasha Williams
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On October 27, just six days before the General Election, candidates from the Utah gubernatorial race and other races statewide will meet at Southern Utah University to promote their platforms and answer questions relevant to the upcoming election. The event is being brought to the community by SUU's Center for Politics and Public Service and the Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Scheduled to appear are gubernatorial candidates Jon Huntsman, Jr., and Scott Matheson, Jr., or their lieutenant governor candidates Gary Herbert and Karen Hale, respectively. Tentatively scheduled are 2nd Congressional District candidates Jim Matheson and John Swallow.
Because of its specialized needs as a mostly rural area, and one still haunted by the effects of nearby nuclear testing, southern Utah continues to be a vital region in the battle for public office. Area residents, SUU and Dixie State College students, and local dignitaries will have the unique opportunity to visit one-on-one with the candidates and to hear policy discourse between them.
In an open house style, candidates will present their platforms and visit with citizens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Rotunda of the Sharwan Smith Center. An open forum for the gubernatorial, congressional, and possibly other candidates will commence from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Ballroom in the Sharwan Smith Center. The forum's first hour will focus on the gubernatorial race.
Press interviews are welcomed from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with available candidates. Please contact Jen Desmond at (801) 870-1141 or (435) 586-7898 to arrange interviews with specific candidates and for further updates on the forum's schedule.
This is one of the few joint appearances of the candidates planned on any Utah campus, or in southern Utah. The students of SUU's Center for Politics and Public Service encourage their fellow southern Utah citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to be informed about the issues and the candidates in this peak of the election season.
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Volume 11, Issue 18, 2008-05-20
Guess who's swinging into Springdale
Hoping to blow their welcome
Gail Bunker
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SPRINGDALE - Melodious sounds of the saxophone will weave through the canyon as the Utah Saxophone Quartet performs in concert at the Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah Saturday, May 31, 8:00 p.m.
The Utah Saxophone Quartet is a versatile group of Utah's finest saxophonists and doubling musicians-Ray Smith, Daron Bradford, David Feller, and Gaylen Smith. The group performs on saxophones as well as clarinets and flutes.
The energetic repertoire ranges from classical to jazz. The group has performed with high critical acclaim throughout the state and their new double CD, "Playing Tribute" has been well-received throughout...
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Volume 12, Issue 16, 2009-05-04
Gun Owners Should Not be Demonized or Marginalized
By Senator Orrin G. Hatch
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In recent weeks, there have been countless statements made by politicians, pundits, and even the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that gun ownership or support for the Second Amendment is connected to, if not synonymous with, violent behavior. Unfortunately, this false assumption has permeated its way into the Utah media's editorials, political cartoons and news stories.
Short on facts, those making these accusations have decided to disparage and marginalize those who support the rights of law-abiding gun owners. We saw this in the recent DHS report that equated opposition to gun control legislation with right-wing extremism. I suppose we'd better keep an eye on the ...
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