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Volume 8, Issue 20, 2005-11-14
I argue well filler
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“I argue well. Ask any of my remaining friends. I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me.” -- Dave Barry |
Volume 6, Issue 22, 2003-12-08
I think Santa Claus is a woman
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Think about it. Christmas is a big, organized, warm, fuzzy, nurturing social deal, and I have a tough time believing a guy could possibly pull it all off!
For starters, the vast majority of men don't even think about selecting gifts until Christmas Eve. It's as if they are all frozen in some kind of Ebenezerian Time Warp until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24th, when they - with amazing calm - call other errant men and plan for a last-minute shopping spree.
Once at the mall, they always seem surprised to find only Ronco products, socket wrench sets, and mood rings left on the shelves. (You might think this would send them into a fit of panic and guilt, but my husband tells me ...
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Volume 7, Issue 22, 2004-12-13
I think Santa Claus is a woman
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Think about it. Christmas is a big, organized, warm, fuzzy, nurturing social deal, and I have a tough time believing a guy could possibly pull it all off!
For starters, the vast majority of men don't even think about selecting gifts until Christmas Eve. It's as if they are all frozen in some kind of Ebenezerian Time Warp until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24th, when they - with amazing calm - call other errant men and plan for a last-minute shopping spree.
Once at the mall, they always seem surprised to find only Ronco products, socket wrench sets, and mood rings left on the shelves. (You might think this would send them into a fit of panic and guilt, but my husband tells me it's an enormous relief because it lessens the 11th hour decision-making burden.)
On this count alone, I'm convinced Santa is a woman. Surely, if he were a man, everyone in the universe would wake up Christmas morning to find a rotating musical Chia Pet under the tree, still in the bag.
Another problem for a he-Santa would be getting there. First of all, there would be no reindeer because they would all be dead, gutted and strapped on to the rear bumper of the sleigh amid wide-eyed, desperate claims that buck season had been extended. Blitzen's rack would already be on the way to the taxidermist.
Even if the male Santa did have reindeer, he'd still have transportation problems because he would inevitably get lost up there in the snow and clouds and then refuse to stop and ask for directions. Add to this the fact that there would be unavoidable delays in the chimney, where the Bob Vila-like Santa would stop to inspect and re-point bricks in the flue. He would also need to check or carbon monoxide fumes in every gas fireplace, and get under every Christmas tree that is crooked to straighten it to a perfectly upright 90-degree angle.
Other reasons why Santa can't possibly be a man:
- Men can't pack a bag.
- Men would rather be dead than caught wearing red velvet.
- Men would feel their masculinity is threatened having to be seen with all those elves.
- Men don't answer their mail.
- Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described even in jest as anything remotely resembling a "bowlful of jelly."
- Men aren't interested in stockings unless somebody's wearing them.
However, as long as we have each other, good will, peace on earth, faith and Nat King Cole's version of "The Christmas Song," it probably makes little difference what gender Santa is. Merry Christmas!
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Volume 13, Issue 9, 2010-03-25
I wish I had a dog.....
Author Unknown
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I went down this morning to sign up my dog for welfare. At first the lady said dogs are not eligible to draw welfare. So I explained to her that my dog is unemployed, lazy, can't speak English, and a few other things. So she looked in her policy book to see what it takes to qualify. My dog gets his first check Friday. Wow, this is...
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Volume 12, Issue 4, 2009-02-02
I-9 Form to be Revised?
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
Utah State SHRM legal director
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The Department of Homeland Security has revised the I-9 form. Employees must use the new form beginning April 3, 2009 unless the Obama Administration changes it during a pending review. The current edition of the form (dated "06/05/2007") will no longer be valid and its use will subject an employer to civil penalties. The new rule requires that unexpired documents be provided by employees and revises the list of acceptable documents for identification and employment authorization purposes. You can see the proposed new form here: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-9_IFR_02-02-09.pdf and the government has promised to release a ...
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Volume 8, Issue 3, 2005-02-14
I.T. Reform Bill Unveiled
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Representative David Clark, R-Santa Clara, and Senator Beverly Evans, R-Altamont, released draft legislation that will provide the executive branch with tools necessary to organize a new, centralized I.T. department for the State of Utah. This proposal follows a two-year legislative study of information technology resources by the Utah Technology Commission, co-chaired by Sen. Evans and Rep. Clark.
House Bill 109 will do the following:
Create a new department of technology services to replace what has previously been a division within the Department of Administrative Services;
Authorize the governor to carry out a transition of personnel, funding, and technology assets to the new department, over an 18 month period;
Eliminate redundancy;
Increase security;
Facilitate a more functional state I.T. community;
Provide greater benefit and services to state agencies;
Ensure fair treatment of state employees; and
Potentially save millions of taxpayer dollars.
The 18-month transition period will allow the governor to review all information technology classifications and personnel to determine what combinations of technology and staff will best meet state agencies' needs, now and in the future.
State officials have characterized this transition as a "natural restructuring" akin to other transformations nationwide, as demands on the public I.T. sector have evolved.
Richard Nelson, President of the Utah Information Technology Association, stated, "This industry-driven, best-practices restructuring will increase productivity in all state agencies."
Governor Huntsman has expressed support for HB 109. The Utah Technology Commission will continue to work with the Governor's Office to ensure the end result complies with the intent of HB 109.
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Volume 8, Issue 8, 2005-04-25
I'll Use My Seeing Eye Dog
Funny Business!
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A blind man with a Seeing Eye dog at his side walks into a grocery store. The man walks to the middle of the store, picks his dog up by the tail, and starts swinging the dog around in circles over his head!
The store manager, who has seen all this, thinks this is quite strange. So, he decides to find out what's going on. The store manager approaches the blind man swinging the dog and says, "Pardon me. May I help you with something?"
To which the blind man replied, "No thanks. I'm just looking around."
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Volume 10, Issue 29, 2007-09-21
I've Been Framed to Cut Ribbon
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ST. GEORGE - I've Been Framed will have a ribbon cutting Sept. 25 at 11:30 a.m.. The location is 946 W Sunset Blvd #K. For more information, contact Lana Jones at 435-673-4452....
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Volume 10, Issue 22, 2007-07-27
Ideal Financial Announces Joint Venture
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ST. GEORGE - Ideal Financial Solutions, Inc. has announced a joint venture with The Views at Stone Mountain housing development.
The Views at Stone Mountain is a high-end, exclusive development , located in St. George, one of the fastest growing housing markets in the nation, and positioned next to the elite Stone Cliff gated community.
Home prices will range from $1.4 million to over $5 million and include stunning views of Washington County, Zion National Park, and the 10,000-foot peak of Pine Valley Mountain.
"The Views at Stone Mountain is an amazing development with some of the most spectacular view lots in St. George," said Steven Sunyich, ...
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Volume 10, Issue 12, 2007-05-14
Ideal Financial Launches Marketing Campaign
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ST. GEORGE - Ideal Financial Solutions, Inc. has announced the launch of a direct marketing campaign with 24/7 Real Media, Inc., a leading global digital marketing company.
Ideal will be offering a free 15-day Membership into the Ideal Wealth Builder Club with a $19.95 per month subscription fee following the free 15-day trial period.
"24/7 Real Media is one of the leaders in direct online marketing and we are excited to be working with the best," said Chad Sunyich, IFSL EVP. "Online marketing has been one of our main objectives for 2007 and this is the first in several direct marketing campaigns with 24/7 Real Media.”
Based in St. Georg...
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Volume 10, Issue 19, 2007-07-03
Ideal Financial Reports Q1 Sales
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ST. GEORGE - Ideal Financial Solutions, Inc. has announced that real state sales and loan pre-approvals exceeded $10 million in the first quarter of 2007.
"Real estate sales and pre-approved loans have continued to grow through the end of the first quarter," said Steven Sunyich, IFS CEO. "We expect loans to begin closing on a regular basis soon and to steadily increase as our pipeline continues to build."
The company also announced recently the signing of an exclusive marketing contract with Pinecrest Homes, Inc. of South Jordan. Under the terms of the agreement, IFS will offer its clients an opportunity to purchase single family homes in Pinecrest's Sunset R...
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Volume 10, Issue 11, 2007-05-07
Ideal Financial Solutions Launches Credit to Wealth System
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ST. GEORGE - Ideal Financial Solutions, Inc. has announced the launch of its new Credit to Wealth System.
Ideal's Credit to Wealth System empowers consumers with the education, tools and support for converting credit into wealth through secure Real Estate investments. With the Credit to Wealth System, consumers are trained in our simple 4-step process.
The Credit to Wealth System will be offered as part of Ideal's Wealth Builder Club where consumers will be exposed to a diverse group of like-minded individuals who have come together to buy, sell, and trade Real Estate.
The Credit to Wealth concept is for consumers who want a one stop, "hands on...
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Volume 10, Issue 4, 2007-03-19
Ideal Reports Growth
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ST. GEORGE - Ideal Financial Solutions, Inc. has announced that real estate sales and pre-approved loan approvals climbed by over 150 percent to more than $3 million in February.
"Real estate sales and pre-approved loans continue to come in, and construction has begun on the first few homes in Phase I of our Ashland Park development, with more to follow in the next few weeks," said Steven Sunyich, IFSL CEO.
The company provides education, support and automated tools to create additional cash resources to rapidly eliminate all non-asset building debt and build financial independence. Using its automated proprietary systems, Ideal assists individuals, families...
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Volume 10, Issue 28, 2007-09-14
If Not Multipliers, Then What?
How to Manage Your Business for Highest Value
By Michael Dean Denning
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Last week we talked about various general rules of thumb pointed at approximating business value. Again, there are many. We mentioned the ‘asset’� method - just add up all your chattel property value at market value and you're there.
Another method is we discussed is the ‘basic’� or ‘basic value factoring’� which very simply adds one year's net cash flow to the current market value of its assets. The basic method has another variation which begins with the current market value of the assets and adds a multiple of the monthly net income based upon the number of months required to start a similar business and bring it to a break even cash...
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Volume 8, Issue 13, 2005-07-18
If She Can Save One Life it's Worth It
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Dr. Robin Berger is no stranger to cancer. As a dermatologist, she treats scores of cases of skin cancer every year. But last fall, the tables were turned. Dr. Berger became the patient, and breast cancer the enemy.
“I had a friend whose mom got breast cancer. That got me thinking, ‘I'm over forty, I should probably get a mammogram.' I even checked into it and found that I could go get a screening mammogram without a referral from a doctor. But I was in no hurry, and before I actually made it in, the unthinkable happened, and I found a lump.”
According to the National Healthcare Quality Report, Utah ranks 49th in the number of women over age 40 who have had a mammogram in the past two years. The numbers in southern Utah are worse than the rest of the state.
What keeps women from getting mammograms? The reasons are as individual as the women. Some may be embarrassed. Others lack time or money. Still others may be afraid of what might be found. Many women prioritize caring for others ahead of taking care of themselves.
“Because not enough women are getting regular mammograms, we are seeing a higher incidence of women being diagnosed in the later stages of cancer, when the cure rates aren't nearly as good,” said Gail Fulde, chair of the Breast Cancer Education Committee at Dixie Regional Medical Center.
According to Jeannette Frei, committee member and mammography imaging coordinator at DRMC, many women are surprised at how quick and easy mammograms are. “It only lasts a few seconds, and leaves many women asking what the big deal is. Is a mammogram uncomfortable? Probably a little, but not nearly as uncomfortable as breast cancer.”
Dr. Berger also encourages women to take charge of their bodies and health. “Screening mammograms are quick and easy, and if they find something, especially if they can find it early, it's not the end of the world. I've been there. For me, remodeling was worse than chemotherapy.”
Despite her good attitude and unflagging good humor, Berger wishes she'd had a mammogram sooner. Breast cancer is divided into stages. Stage I indicates a small and treatable tumor and stage IV means the cancer has spread to other, distant parts of the body. “By the time I was diagnosed, I was late stage III,” she said. “Five-year cure rates at my stage are about 35%.” With that seeming bad news, she smiles broadly. “Somebody's surviving it. I intend to be that patient.”
Dr. Berger's current prognosis is good. In the meantime, “I'm happy to be a poster child for breast cancer. If I can help convince one woman to have a mammogram, if I can help save just one life, then it's all worth it.”
To schedule a mammogram, call (435) 688-6499 in the St. George area and (435) 868-5584 in the Cedar City area. Those living in further removed rural areas, may contact the mobile mammography unit at Garfield Memorial Hospital by calling (435) 676-1267. In some cases, your health insurance carrier or local medical facility may require a doctor's order.
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Volume 7, Issue 17, 2004-09-27
IF YOU BUILD IT
Technically Twisted Commentaries
By Jason Eyre
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Technically Twisted Commentaries
The last year I have seen a common term used by almost every telephone and Internet company that serves our area: “The Business Case”.
Over and over I have pondered what exactly the business case means. The most direct example was shown by Qwest when they illustrated that the current state of our telecomm infrastructure is based on the business case. In my opinion that means that they will not invest significant money to upgrade our current infrastructure unless there is a quick profit or at least a quick return on their money.
The definition of the Business Case really seems to relate to how quickly they get t...
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Volume 6, Issue 21, 2003-11-24
If You Build It Will They Come?
The Marketing Minute
By Kevin Fry
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"In the words of the ever-famous Kevin Costner, "If you build it, they will come." Beautiful sentiment isn't it?" Costner's character had a dream to build a baseball diamond in the middle of nowhere. People thought he was crazy because they assumed none would come. It was pure movie magic when the closing credits revealed a line of car headlights riding off into the cornfields to see the game that none thought would come to pass.
When I was a kid in western Canada, a friend and I would pull out a map from the Forrest Service and look for the most remote lake possible. Then we would wander off, looking for it (often getting lost in the process). Wouldn't it be great if business had the simplicity of childhood, or the imagination of movies? People would, for no apparent reason, venture off toward places they've never been before!
In the real world people do things because they are compelled to do them. Many of the products and services we purchase are the result of someone's efforts to propel us in their direction. We respond to offers, images and feelings. If it saves the consumer time and money, and/or if it makes them look good or feel good, they're interested.
Some business people have the Kevin Costner approach to marketing. They believe the simple fact of being in business should steer people to them. This works for the local utilities, but fails almost everywhere else.
The dominant businesses of our day are constantly preaching to us. They are embedded in our conscious and subconscious minds. They want to be the first thing we think of when their product is being considered for purchase.
Let's try something: think of fast food. What's the first restaurant that comes to mind? More than likely, McDonald's popped up first. They have worked hard to be first and they work hard to stay first. Regardless if you like the food or not, McDonald's is ever present.
Like every other business, McDonald's started out with only one store. Today there are thousands around the world. "If you build it they will come" works in the movies, but in the real world, "if you pound it into their brains then they might consider it" is probably more accurate.
Editor's Note: Kevin Fry is the Director of Sales for Simmons Media Group in St. George. He is a graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Radio and Television. His experience includes sales, management and "on air" work in radio and television. He has created community events such as "The Drive to Immunize" our local "Kids Fair" and the "Antiques Fair." Kevin has served as president of the Southern Utah Advertising Federation and is a member of the Dixie Sunrise Rotary Club.
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Volume 8, Issue 13, 2005-07-18
If You Hadn't Noticed, Land Is In Demand!
By Robert Merrick
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Locally, NAI Utah Southern Region has closed over $16,000,000 in land transactions the past 5 months and has another $22,000,000 under contract scheduled to close by years end. The following information highlights some of the most recent land transactions represented by NAI Utah Southern Region.
Wes Davis closed on 80 acres near the new airport, 28 acres in the Little Valley area and 60 acres in Warner Valley. Mark and Jon Walter closed a 38 acre parcel and a 4.3 acre parcel near Sunriver plus a 1 acre parcel at 3D development near the Flying J at the Bloomington Interchange. Joseph Iwanski sold 15 acres at the Toquerville Interchange and 22 development acres in LaVerkin. Jason sold 2.45 commercial acres on Sunset Blvd. and participated in the sale of 1.62 acres on Convention Center Drive
Several other parcels are under contract and scheduled to close in the next several months including 28 acres near Brentwood, 160 acres near Sand Hollow Reservoir, 50 acres in Hurricane, 37 acres in Ivins, several parcels in Gateway Industrial Park, and .89 industrial acres in Cedar City.
Editor's note: This feature is intended to be a regular feature in the Journal. All commercial activity from local real estate brokers is invited. Contact the journal offices at 435-656-1525 or email journal@infowest.com to have your transaction information included - no charge for this.
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Volume 9, Issue 4, 2006-03-06
If You're Safe and You Know it - Use Your Hands
By Linda Baker
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Regardless of the job, we use our hands for something practically every minute of every working hour. Among other things our hands can be cut, bruised, punctured, fractured and burned. This can occur during the course of work, at home, and during recreation. By recognizing hazards, using personal protective wear and following established safety rules and procedures, you can save your hands from injury and yourself from an unnecessary disability.
Consider the following items in your daily activities to help prevent and minimize the extent of hand injuries.
There are times when it can be unsafe to wear gloves, such as when working with machinery with exposed moving parts. However, there are many activities where using a proper glove will prevent an injury or at least minimize the severity of the injury.
When involved in material handling activities, take the time to put on a good pair of leather gloves. Rough or sharp edges, burrs, protruding bolts, and wood splinters can all cause minor to severe lacerations and punctures without the use of gloves.
Prior to handling chemicals, read the material safety data sheet (MSDS) to know what, if any protection is needed, and follow the instructions. For example, if a butyl rubber glove is recommended, then a butyl glove should be used. Substituting a regular rubber glove, unless recommended, could prove disastrous. If unsure as to the proper protection, ask your supervisor.
When handling hot or extremely cold materials, a proper thermally protected glove should be used to prevent burns. If handling glass or metal with very sharp edges or if involved in cutting materials, perhaps a cut resistant glove would be best.
Editor's Note: Linda Baker is the Vice President of Workers Compensation Fund's St. George branch. The information in this article was obtained from one of WCF's sixty safety topics found at www.wcfgroup.com.
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Volume 8, Issue 4, 2005-02-28
If Your Workplace Involves Driving
Safety in the Workplace
By Linda Baker
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Did you know that more than 50% of deaths on the job result from motor vehicle accidents? Driving fatalities affect everyone from truck drivers to office workers on their way to appointments.
Most auto fatalities and injuries could have been prevented with the use of a seat belt. In fact, unbelted occupants are 14 times more likely to die than belted occupants. In addition, if a driver is unbelted, the risk for child passengers goes up, because the odds of young passengers being belted drop from 96% to 50%.
If you are on the job while driving without a seat belt, you may also be in danger of company discipline if your employer has a seat belt policy. If you are an employer, implement a seat belt policy to help inform employees of the importance of on the job safety.
Remember, seat belts can save lives - including your own!
Editor's Note: Linda Baker is the Vice President of Workers Compensation Fund's St. George branch. The information in this article was obtained from one of WCF's sixty safety topics found at www.wcfgroup.com
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Volume 8, Issue 2, 2005-01-31
IHC & Huntsman Cancer Institute Team Up To Fight Cancer
By Julie Leydelmeyer
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Two of Utah's leading medical institutions - IHC and Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah - announced a new alliance to fight cancer at a press conference on January 18, 2005.
The new alliance combines the laboratory, population sciences, and clinical research capabilities of Huntsman Cancer Institute, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the Intermountain West, with IHC's nationally recognized expertise in clinical quality improvement, clinical program development, and excellence in patient care.
By teaming up and focusing on research, education, prevention, early diagnosis, and consistently excellent treatment, these institutions intend to take cancer care in Utah to a higher level.
The alliance is the latest in a series of collaborative efforts between IHC and the medical institutions of the University of Utah. It specifically builds upon the work begun by the Huntsman Cancer Care Program, which began in 1998 and which involved IHC, the University, and Huntsman Cancer Institute.
“This alliance is the fruit of at least six years of discussions,” says IHC President and CEO Bill Nelson. “In working together, we all recognized that the potential existed to take the collaboration to a higher level.”
“We're all tremendously excited by the positive impact this will have, not just on cancer care for Utahns and their families, but also on the worldwide fight against this terrible disease,” says Nelson. “We hope this new alliance will develop into a national model for the care of cancer patients.”
“This research partnership will allow studies into improving cancer care that cannot be done anywhere else in the world,” says Stephen Prescott, MD, executive director of Huntsman Cancer Institute. “HCI's commitment to studying the molecular and genetic beginnings of cancer, coupled with our unique resources like the Utah population database, will be enhanced by this alliance.”
While the two health care systems remain competitors in the delivery of care and will continue to provide clinical services independently, they will work together to identify and implement best clinical care processes, and will measure their performance in achieving these care standards.
“This new alliance is exciting for Utah on several fronts,” says Utah Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. “It will significantly improve the quality of care and expand the treatment options for Utah cancer patients and their families. It will enhance our state's national reputation as a leader in medical innovation and sound health care policy. It will position Utah as one of the leading states in the nation for cancer care and research. And, it will create quality, high paying jobs.”
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Volume 13, Issue 22, 2010-07-15
IHC Among 100 Best Places to Work in IT
By Jason Burgess
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH – For the third consecutive year, Intermountain Healthcare has been selected by IDG’s Computerworld magazine as one of the top workplaces for information technology (IT) professionals. This honor is part of the IT publication’s annual Best Places to Work in IT survey, which was published in a recent issue of Computerworld and is available online at www.computerworld.com/2010bestplaces.
Intermountain, the only organization in Utah named in the survey, is a recognized national leader in creating and using medical information technology to improve patient care. Overall, Intermountain ranks 51st, up from its first ranking of 86 in 2008. Compared to the top IT workplaces, Intermountain ranks...
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Volume 11, Issue 23, 2008-07-02
IHC Among the 100 Best Places to Work in IT
According to magazine survey of IT workers
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SALT LAKE CITY - Intermountain Healthcare has been selected by IDG's Computerworld magazine as one of the top workplaces for information technology professionals.
This honor is part of the weekly IT publication's 15th annual "Best Places to Work in IT" survey, which was published in the June 30 issue of Computerworld and online at Computerworld.com.
IHC is the only company in Utah to be placed in the top 100 listing. Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George and Valley View Medical Center in Cedar City are Intermountain facilities.
Since 1994, Computerworld's annual Best Places to Work in IT feature...
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Volume 9, Issue 12, 2006-09-04
IHC Breaks Ground on Clinic
InstaCare to serve Hurricane
By Terri Draper
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HURRICANE - Intermountain Health Care has broken ground on a new clinic and InstaCare facility here, a development that thrills local health care providers.
“We've looked forward to this all year,” said G. Gregory Last, MD.
The 20,000-square-foot facility is located on a 20-acre site at the northwest corner of 2260 West and Highway 9.
“One of the main reasons I became an Intermountain physician was so I could help bring new services to Hurricane,” said Last, senior partner at the existing Intermountain Health Center. “It feels wonderful to have the ground-breaking and know we'll be underway this fall.&...
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Volume 10, Issue 2, 2007-02-19
IHC Donates to Health Programs
By Steve Johnson
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ST. GEORGE - As part of its ongoing support of Dixie State College, Intermountain Healthcare has committed an investment of $720,000 in the college's health education programs over the next three years.
The financial commitment was announced at a recent St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon , where local Intermountain administrator Terri Kane presented Dixie State College President Dr. Lee Caldwell with a ceremonial check for the first $240,000 installment.
The purpose of the financial assistance is to support hiring program directors for Dixie State's medical career programs, specifically respiratory therapy, medical technology and physical therapy ass...
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Volume 11, Issue 37, 2008-10-08
IHC Forms New Outreach Wellness Program
Making Ourselves Better - Body, Mind, and Spirit
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The public is invited to participate in a new outreach wellness program sponsored by Intermountain Healthcare titled: Making Ourselves Better – Body, Mind, and Spirit. The monthly programs begin on Wednesday, October 8, and continue through the end of 2009 each second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Hurricane Val...
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Volume 12, Issue 26, 2009-07-20
IHC Named One of Nation's Best
... in the Use of Computer Technology
By Daron Cowley
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ST. GEORGE - For the tenth time in 11 years, Intermountain Healthcare has been named one of the nation's most technologically savvy hospital systems. Intermountain is the only Utah healthcare provider to be named to this year's 100 Most Wired hospital list by Hospitals & Health Networks, the journal of the American Hospital Association.
The study of more than 1,300 hospitals found that the nation's 100 Most Wired hospitals show better outcomes in several key areas, including lower mortality rates and inadopting patient safety measures that lead to higher quality care. A complete listing of the rankings is at hhnmag.com.
Intermountain has been developing and using...
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Volume 12, Issue 22, 2009-06-22
IHC Named One of Nation's 100 Best ...
By Daron Cowley
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Intermountain Healthcare has been selected by Computerworld magazine, a weekly information technology publication, as one of the top workplaces in the nation for IT professionals. This honor is part of the 16th annual "Best Places to Work in IT" survey, which was published in this week's issue of Computerworld and is available online at: computerworld.com/2009bestplaces.
Intermountain is a recognized national leader in creating and using medical information technology to improve patient care. It is the only company in based in Utah to be placed in the ...
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Volume 11, Issue 18, 2008-05-20
IHC Offers Health Lecture Series
Presentation focused on preventing dizziness & imbalance
Teri Koenig
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ST GEORGE - Intermountain Healthcare's PRIME Senior Lecture series presents "Your Ears May Be Causing Dizziness and Imbalance!" with Scott Gillespie, balance specialist at Dixie Regional Medical Center's Outpatient Rehabilitation Services and Dr. Richard Luekenga, audiologist, as the featured speakers on Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m. in the Knight Education Center, 600 S. 300 East. This event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Luekenga earned his audiology degree at the University of Louisville in Kentucky before locating in southern Utah and opening his hearing center. The ear plays a vital role in...
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Volume 11, Issue 6, 2008-02-12
IHC One Of Nation's Top Health Systems
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SALT LAKE CITY - Intermountain Healthcare has again been ranked as the one of the nation's top integrated health systems, receiving the second highest score in an annual study of healthcare organizations.
The ranking was announced in last week's issue of Modern Healthcare magazine. The study was conducted by Verispan, a Pennsylvania-based health information company, and examined nearly 600 health systems around the nation.
The annual list, now in its tenth year, rates local and regional healthcare systems on factors such as clinical quality, operations, efficiency, and breadth of services.
Intermountain has rated first in five of the last nine y...
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Volume 11, Issue 5, 2008-02-05
IHC Opens New Clinic in Hurricane
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HURRICANE - Local dignitaries and residents joined Intermountain Healthcare officials recently for the grand opening of the Hurricane Valley Clinic and InstaCare.
The new, 20,000-square-foot facility is located on a 20-acre site at state Route 9 and 2260 West. Services in the facility include the InstaCare and the family practice group of Dr. Greg Last, Dr. Danny Worwood, and Penny Emett, CFNP.
Patients with urgent needs may see a physician at the InstaCare from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday without scheduling an appointment.
The clinic also features sophisticated imaging equipment including computed tomography (CT scanning) and a mobil...
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Volume 11, Issue 44, 2008-12-03
IHC Ranked in Modern HealthCare Magazine
Nation's Best Places to Work Recognized
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ST GEORGE - Intermountain Healthcare, which owns 19 of Utah's 57 hospitals, has been named one of the 100 "Best Places to Work in Healthcare" by Modern Healthcare magazine. The Best Places to Work in Healthcare award identifies and recognizes healthcare organizations around the nation that have successfully built workplace excellence and helped employees to perform at their optimal level.
Recipients of the award were selected based on company policies, practices, benefits, and demographics data, as well as online questionnaires completed by a random sample of employees. Surveyed employees were asked in-depth questions about Intermountain's leadership and planning, culture and...
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Volume 8, Issue 4, 2005-02-28
IHC Recognized For Commitment to Employee Health
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IHC is one of 43 companies in Utah - out of more than 65,500 total businesses in the state - to receive the 2004 Healthy Worksite Award from the Utah Department of Health's Council for Worksite Health Promotion. Winning organizations were selected for outstanding efforts in supporting healthy lifestyles among their employees, providing a positive workplace environment, and adopting policies that support healthy lifestyles.
Nineteen of the 43 winning companies, including IHC, received the award's highest rank ‒ the gold plus level, which requires companies to document healthy behavior changes (losing weight, exercising, etc.), environmental changes (healthy choices in vending machines, walking paths), policy development, a wellness committee, a mission statement on employee health and wellness, and a health promotion program budget.
“Winning the gold plus level exemplifies IHC's commitment to maintaining or improving the health and well-being of our employees,” says Meg Danielson, IHC's health and wellness manager.
“The gold plus level is what we hope all companies strive for,” says Lynne Nilson of the Department of Health. Besides IHC, winners of the gold-plus level of Utah's Healthy Worksite award include American Express, BD Medical, BYU's wellness program, Davis County, Fairchild Semiconductor, Healthy Utah, Honeywell, ICON Health & Fitness, Intermountain Power Service Corporation, Novell, Nu Skin, Pepperidge Farm, Provo City, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, Salt Lake County, Schreiber Foods, Ultradent Products, and the Utah Transit Authority.
For more information about Healthy Balance or the Healthy Worksite award, call Meg Danielson at (801) 442-5851.
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Volume 11, Issue 42, 2008-11-12
IHC Schedules Open House
Public to see clinics Nov. 12
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ST. GEORGE - An open house for three new outpatient clinics at 900 East will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 6-8 p.m. at 736 S. 900 E, Suite 107 in St. George. The new location is home to the Dixie Regional Medical Center's Diabetes Clinic, Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program Clinic, and the Children with Special Health Care Needs Clinic.
Dixie Regional donated the office space for the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN). The CSHCN clinic is a part of the Utah Department of Health, Di...
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Volume 8, Issue 7, 2005-04-11
IHC to Help Dixie State College Graduate 223 Additional Nurses
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Intermountain Health Care donated $600,000 to Dixie State College last Wednesday, April 6, specifically directed at supporting training for 223 additional registered nurses. The donation will be spread out over the next five years and will increase the number of nurse graduates by 25 percent.
Nationally there is a shortage of nurses, and the trend is expected to continue. Some estimates project that by 2020 the U.S. will have a 20 percent shortage in the number of nurses needed. While Utah has not yet experienced the shortage to the degree other places in the country have, more nurses are needed to care for the sick and elderly.
“One of the major challenges in Utah is that many qualified applicants for nursing school are turned down because the programs don't have the capacity for more students,” said Nancy Nowak, RN, IHC's chief nursing officer. “These donations will help address that problem by allowing more teaching staff to be added to the programs. Rather than wait until the nursing shortage becomes a crisis in Utah, we've taken steps to be proactive,” she said.
“The gift from IHC is a very generous one that will give the Dixie State College nursing program the opportunity to significantly expand its nursing program to meet community needs,” said Carole Grady, interim director of the school's nursing program. “We have a successful program with a high RN licensure pass rate as well as dedicated faculty and motivated students. Our partnership with IHC and Dixie Regional Medical Center is essential to the achievement of our goal to educate competent nurses. With this donation, we will be able to accommodate more nursing students, hire additional faculty, and make better use of our facilities. The nursing faculty, staff, and students are deeply appreciative of this gift.”
Other institutions will also receive grants from IHC to increase the number of graduates from their nursing programs: College of Eastern Utah, BYU, Salt Lake Community College, Southern Utah University, Weber State University, Westminster College, and Utah Valley State College. It is expected that the grants will allow more than 600 additional nursing graduates to be produced by Utah colleges and universities over the next five years.
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Volume 13, Issue 26, 2010-08-25
IHC; DSC Partner in Sports Medicine
By Terri Draper
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - The team of physicians, therapists, and trainers who make up Intermountain Sports Medicine – Southwest recently announced a partnership with Dixie State College. The move marks a significant step forward in providing comprehensive healthcare for...
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Volume 9, Issue 7, 2006-05-08
ILLEGAL WORKER ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS STEPPED UP
Michael Patrcik O
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Even as Congress considers immigration reform and proponents/opponents of the same take to the streets in protest, the government seems to have stepped up its efforts to enforce existing laws regarding illegal workers.
The news media reports that Federal immigration officials recently stormed manufacturing facilities in Atlanta and forty one other locations and arrested more than one thousand suspected illegal workers and persons who allegedly hired them.
What should you do? Remember that you cannot hire someone you know if not eligible to work here, but you also cannot discriminate against persons based on citizenship.
The primary role employers play in this effo...
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Volume 10, Issue 27, 2007-09-07
Immigration Employment Updates
Utah SHRM Legal Director
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq,
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The Department of Homeland Security recently issued new regulations impacting all employers. The new regulations impose stricter burdens on employers to deal with employees who give them incorrect Social Security Numbers resulting in ‘no-match’ letters sent to employers.
Under the new regulations, an employer can avoid trouble after receiving a no-match letter by fixing the problem if it is a clerical one or discharging the employee if he/she can't fix the problem after having a reasonable chance to do so (i.e. 90 days).
These final no-match rules were set to go into effect on Sept. 14, however a federal court in California has issued an order t...
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Volume 12, Issue 27, 2009-09-07
Immigration enforcement strategy emerges
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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A clearer picture is now emerging of the government's current immigration enforcement strategy against employers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently sent out 652 notices (more than the total sent out all of last year) to employers that they soon will be subject to inspection regarding their compliance with I-9 form requirements.
It might be a good time to do your own I-9 audit (the current I-9 form is still valid despite an expiration date on it of 2/02/09). Instead of raids with gun toting federal officers, employers with known undocumented workers have received notices warning them to fix the problem or face enforcement actions.
Although DHS has indicated it will drop its "no-match" regulations (now blocked by court order), which are rules issued during the Bush years regarding how employers should deal ...
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Volume 9, Issue 9, 2006-06-12
Immigration Laws May Change
Michael Patrick O
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Immigration Debate Update: The last few weeks the pace of the immigration reform update has quickened.
Hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in dozens of cities across the country. President Bush gave a nationwide address outlining his proposals. And Congress is again trying to hammer out legislation.
What does this mean for employers? Nothing yet. But, once Congress acts, you are likely to see the following developments:
(1) a temporary worker program allowing employees to sponsor employees for certain hard-to-fill jobs;
(2) a program to allow undocumented workers already here for five years to apply for citizenship after payment of a penalty;
(...
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Volume 7, Issue 4, 2004-02-23
Important Tax Law Changes for Businesses
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Taxpayers should make sure that they are aware of important changes to the tax law before they complete their 2003 federal income tax forms, advises the IRS. Some of these changes were part of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.Here are the major changes that affect tax years beginning in 2003:
All Businesses, Including Self-Employed
The standard mileage rate for 2003 for business use of a vehicle is 36cents per mile.
There is a special first-year depreciation allowance of 50% for qualified property acquired after May 5, 2003 (except for property acquired under a binding written contract in effect before May 6, 2003).Instead of claiming the 50% a...
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Volume 7, Issue 6, 2004-03-29
In Memoriam
Sharon L. Isom
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Sharon was born on August 31, 1936, in Hurricane, Utah to Arnold DeGray Lemmon and Sarah Worthen Lemmon.
Sharon Lemmon Isom passed away at home following a long illness on March 10, 2004.
Sharon would want us to say she was a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Surely those were the most important roles she played while she tarried here.
Sharon was also a friend and a neighbor to many, many individuals in the community. She would place her role as a friend as secondary to her family.
Third, Sharon was currently serving on the St. George City Council, a position she held for 23 years.
She was currently serving as the Council Representative to the St. George Housing Authority and several other housing committees and task forces. Sharon also served as the Water & Power Board Council Representative, where she made her feelings known regarding the impact decisions could have on the "little guy".
Many people have commented this past week that "Sharon was always there for the little guy." Indeed she was. She was also a strong supporter of our industry -- knowing as I do -- that our industry strives to serve the little guy, whether they are a small contracting company or a family attempting to acquire the American Dream -- availability to shelter and housing.
We will miss her listening ear and her wisdom. Sharon's shoes will not be soon filled as she was, indeed, a pioneer in our time. Her tenacity and willingness to look at all sides of the issues set her apart as a leader and we will miss her influence in our community. Sharon was a mentor to many of us in the community.
We sincerely express our condolences to her family. We want them to know how much she meant to us. We feel fortunate in having known her and experiencing her presence and example while she was here.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband Richard; son Richard Michael (Amy) Isom; daughters Patricia (Geno Garcia) Isom; and Deborah (Tom) Calegory; 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Carl L. Isom and brother Merle Lemmons.
Memorial Services were held Monday, March 15, 2004. Interment was in the St. George City Cemetery.
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Volume 11, Issue 4, 2008-01-29
In N Out Burger to Open in Spring
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WASHINGTON, Utah - The rumors are finally true. California-based fast food chain In-N-Out Burger has confirmed plans to open the company's first Utah restaurant this spring on the northeast corner of Telegraph Road and Green Springs Drive.
The restaurant is now under construction, but no opening date has been set. The Washington site has been the subject of local rumors since In-N-Out acquired the property several years ago.
In-N-Out Burger, founded in Baldwin Park, Calif., in 1948, has inspired a ultra-loyal customer following for the company's more than 150 restaurants in California, Arizona, and Nevada. The privately held company does not franchise, and is s...
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Volume 10, Issue 4, 2007-03-19
In or out of control?
Better Attitudes in the Workplace
By Matt Eschler, LMFT
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Live your life on purpose!
- Matt Eschler
Many of us have worked for, or have ourselves been labeled, a control freak. We see controlling people as intrusive, hard to get along with and as bullies. Conversely those labeled control freaks see their role as necessary or “nothing would get done,” or as a way of managing people and events.
Or they simply believe that they know the best way and those that give the labels are just lazy and unmotivated. What ever side of the issue you're on, it is evident that cooperation will require both groups to communicate and collaborate together for the common good.
Control in the dictiona...
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Volume 10, Issue 21, 2007-07-20
In-N-Out Burger Here By 2008?
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California-based fast food chain In-N-Out Burger says it could have the company's first Utah restaurant open by early next year in the city of Washington.
In-N-Out Burger has acquired the rights to a site on the northeast corner of Telegraph Road and Pineview Blvd. In-N-Out spokeswoman Stephanie Hagerman told the Salt Lake Tribune earlier this month that an opening date for that location in early 2008 is possible, though not definite.
In-N-Out Burger, founded in 1948, has inspired a loyal (some might say fanatical) customer following for its more than 150 restaurants in California, Arizona, and Nevada. The privately held company does not franchise, and is still ...
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Volume 11, Issue 14, 2008-04-22
In-N-Out Burger Opens
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WASHINGTON, Utah – The wishes of all Double-Double fans have finally come true - In-N-Out Burger is now open in Washington.
The California-based fast food chain outlet located at 832 West Telegraph, the northeast corner of Telegraph Road and Green Springs Drive, is open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and stays open until 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The restaurant is the company's first in Utah, joining more than 150 other outlets in Nevada, Arizona and California. In-N-Out Burger, founded in Baldwin Park, Calif., in 1948, has inspired a ultra-loyal customer following, and is known for its strict quality control, fresh ingredients, and the simplicity of its menu.
The privately held company does not franchise its restaurants, and is still owned by the founding Snyder family. The chain's careful growth is part of management's business strategy. |
Volume 8, Issue 17, 2005-10-03
Incentives Approved by State Business Board to Bolster Manufacturing, Film Industries
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Members of the Utah Board of Business Development recently approved incentives to attract more manufacturing jobs to the state and enhance Utah's film industry. Several companies could benefit from the state's new Economic Development Tax Increment Financing incentive and the board authorized film production incentive rebates for several film companies.
The board has approved a maximum incentive of $3.2 million in tax rebates for KraftMaid Cabinetry. The company plans to build a 640,000 square foot manufacturing facility in West Jordan and expand its operations in Utah, creating more than 1,300 new jobs. The state had originally approved an incentive for KraftMaid from the Industrial Assistance Fund, but the company submitted a new application for the new incentive. It's also expected that suppliers will create an additional 200 jobs in Utah.
Board approval was also granted for a tax rebate not to exceed $1.5 million over a ten year period for an unnamed company dubbed "Project Paperweight" that wants to expand its manufacturing operations in southern Utah and add 105 new full-time employees to its workforce. The expansion would create about 400 construction trade jobs in St. George for a period of 12-14 months. The company plans to manufacture and sell recycled tissue, toweling, and napkin parent rolls in the southwest region of the United States.
Meantime, the board approved a tax rebate not to exceed $1 million in new incremental state revenues on a post-performance basis over 10 years for a company referred to as "Project Elvis." Project Elvis is one of the leading broad line foodservice distributors in the United States. If the unnamed decides to expand its operations in Utah, up to 225 new full-time positions would be created.
Utah's film industry will get a boost with board authorization of rebate incentives of 10% of dollars left in the state for four film production companies:
* GO Films, American Fork, The Boy Scout * up to $90,000
* Summer Films Inc., I'll Always Know * up to $149,029
* Black Beauty LLC, Last of the Mustangs/Black Stallion * up to $54,000
* Freshwater Entertainment, Stan Lee's Light Speed * up to $70,000
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Volume 9, Issue 8, 2006-05-22
Income Gains
Jeff Thredgold
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The American job market was a bit of a mixed bag in April, with lower-than-expected net job creation.
Other factors, howeverincluding rising wages and a longer average work weektold a story of solid economic growth, with rising wages being both good news (for workers) and bad news (for the Fed).
Employment gains in April came in at 138,000 net new jobs, below Wall Street's consensus view of a gain closer to 200,000. In addition, employment gains of the two prior months were revised lower by 36,000 jobs, collectively.
Both February and March now show 200,000 net new jobs created (at least until the Bureau of Labor Statistics revises the data again). The nation&...
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Volume 12, Issue 41, 2009-12-22
Increased OSHA Enforcement Likely
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a new director who promises to implement the Obama Administration’s promise that OSHA will be “back in the enforcement business.”
OSHA recently published its list of top ten workplace safety violations:...
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Volume 11, Issue 23, 2008-07-02
Independent Book Store Doubles in Size
The Book Cellar also offers new services
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ST. GEORGE - Independent bookstore The Book Cellar has doubled its square footage and added many additional services to accommodate customers.
In addition to offering a wide variety of books, The Book Cellar has added a unique and colorful children's room with books and games, postcards, collectibles, eco-friendly locally restored antiques, a spacious sitting area inside to read and relax and more.
Also added were free wi-fi , an all new hardcover trade policy, two new and unique book clubs, a children's reading hour and "locals day" discounts.
"We love being in the historic district," said owner Margi La Porte. "We feel an independent bookstore can help c...
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Volume 13, Issue 21, 2010-06-24
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR ALERT
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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More so than at any time during my 25 years of practicing employment law, businesses today are getting hit hard with audits by state unemployment compensation agencies and by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding misclassification of workers as independent contractors instead of as employees.
If you classify your workers as independent contractors, you need to make darn sure your classification is appropriate under the applicable law.
IRS guidelines on the employee/contractor distinction...
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Volume 11, Issue 32, 2008-09-03
Independent Contractor or Employee
The answer has big impact on your business
From the IRS
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Are your workers independent contractors or employees? The answer can have a profound impact on how much tax you pay as a small business owner. Knowing whether your workers are or are not employees will affect the amount of taxes you must withhold from their pay. It will affect how much additional cost your business must bear, what documents and information they must provide to you, and what tax documents you must give to them.
Employers who misclassify workers as independent contractors can end up with substantial tax bills as well as penalties for failing to pay employment taxes and failing to...
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Volume 12, Issue 4, 2009-02-02
Independent Contractors in Focus
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
Utah State SHRM legal director
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Congress is said to be considering legislation to enhance the Internal Revenue Service's ability to enforce rules on employee/independent contractor classifications. Meanwhile, a recent legal update article from national SHRM indicates litigation is increasing over misclassified workers. States seem to be interested in such classifications because misclassified workers may be a source of untapped tax revenue. If you have independent contractors, you should verify you know what IRS factors allow for a legitimate classification (see http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=179115,00.html ) and consider having the agreement in a writing that ...
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Volume 12, Issue 29, 2009-09-28
Independent Contractors May Be Scrutinized!
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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The Taxpayer Responsibility, Accountability and Consistency Act of 2009 (H.R. 3408), now pending before the United States House of Representatives, will make it harder to classify workers as independent contractors. The bill would allow persons deemed to be independent contractors to petition the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for a determination of the propriety of the classification.
Employers would only be able to avoid tax liability for such a worker if they show they reasonably believed the worker was not an employee and if they did not have similar workers classified as employees. The bill would also increase the penalties imposed on employers for...
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Volume 11, Issue 27, 2008-07-30
Independent Living Closes Retail Outlet
Product still available by catalog and Web
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ST. GEORGE - Independent Living Service, Inc. has announced the company will no longer have a retail store in southern Utah, but instead will supply clients and customers with Living aids such as stair lifts, walk-in baths, mobility devises, hygiene items, etc. via Internet and catalog order.
By reducing overhead, Independent Living can offer customers better prices on many products. For more information or to get a catalog call 435-652-9397. This change in retail operations will not affect the company's Companion and Personal Assisting Services. ...
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Volume 8, Issue 20, 2005-11-14
Inflation Fears Suggest Higher Short-Term Interest Rates
By Jeff Thredgold
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Highlights
The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah rose to 113.1 in October 2005, up from a revised 111.9 in September 2005
Washington County payrolls expanded by 3,600 jobs (8.1%) in the past year. The unemployment rate was 3.7% in the latest month, down from 4.5% one year ago
Utah's unemployment rate was estimated at 4.6% in the latest month, up from the prior month's 4.4% rate. Total Utah employment is up an estimated 40,000 jobs during the past 12 months
Inflation pressures in the U.S. economy will lead the Federal Reserve to boost short-term interest rates higher, following a 12th monetary tightening move on November 1
The U.S. economy adde...
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Volume 11, Issue 31, 2008-08-27
Inflation Peak
July's rate alarming, but likely to trend lower
By Jeff Thredgold, Pres.
Thredgold Economic Assoc.
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U.S. inflation data for the month of July can only be described one way - alarming, worrisome, ugly, and disturbing (maybe that was more than one). The good news is that inflation pressures are close to peaking.
Why? The sharp decline in commodity prices, including oil (should it continue), will have a major impact on unwinding inflation pressures later this year and early next year. While August and possibly September inflation data could actually be worse when viewed over a 12-month time horizon, better inflation news is on the way.
Consumer Prices
The Consumer Price Index (the CPI, released on August 14) rose...
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Volume 11, Issue 15, 2008-04-29
Inflation Ugly
Thredgold Economic Assoc.
By Jeff Thredgold,
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Recent readings of U.S. inflation pressures provide little in the way of comfort for consumers or for the Federal Reserve. However, a reasonably clear message from the Fed that its current primary objective is supporting (or returning to) U.S. economic growth makes it clear that the Fed will need to face the inflation demon later on.
Consumer Prices
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3 percent in March, matching economists’ consensus forecast. Consumer prices were unchanged in the prior month.
The CPI has risen 4.0 percent during the most recent 12 months. The o...
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Volume 11, Issue 10, 2008-03-18
Inflation Worries Small Business Owners
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Most small business owners surveyed in February say their credit needs were being met, but many weren't ready to invest in new equipment, despite the stimulus package passed by Congress Feb. 7.
The National Federation of Independent Business's index of small business indicators rose by 1.1 points in February to 92.9 after hitting its lowest level since 1991 in January.
More business owners cited inflation as a problem rather than availability of credit. More than one-third reported regular borrowing activity, and only 4 percent reported problems obtaining loans.
More than 25 percent of small business owners plan to make capital expenditures over t...
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Volume 12, Issue 31, 2009-10-12
Informal FMLA Administration Popular but Illegal
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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The new FMLA regulations that took effect in January of 2009 outline a new, more formal procedure for administering FMLA leave. An employer must post the FMLA poster and give general notice of FMLA rights in its handbook or by other means. Within five days of a request for leave (or when the employer has information that the employee may need FMLA), the employer must notify the employee whether he/she is eligible for leave using the correct form and advise of other rights and responsibilities.
If medical certification is required, the employer must provide the employee with the appropriate form for the employee's own serious health condition or that of a family member. There also are forms for certification of a qualifying military exigency allowing leave or for a military health condition. Once certification forms are provided back to the employer, and after any necessary clarifications, the employer is supposed to formally...
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Volume 8, Issue 1, 2005-01-17
InfoWest Activates Southern Utah's first Redundant Fiber Optic Connection to the Internet
New high speed fiber optic connection to improve speeds
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In mid-December last month, St. George based InfoWest, Inc. announced the completion of Southern Utah's first redundant fiber optic connection to the Internet. Using the new Utah InterLinx fiber optic cables, InfoWest has turned up a secondary Internet backbone connection that will both increase Internet access speeds and protect against outages on the Qwest fiber path to northern Utah. InfoWest plans to integrate the new connection into their services later this week. InfoWest is the first and only local Internet Provider with redundant fiber optic connections in Southern Utah.
The need for redundant fiber optics became clear earlier this year when construction crews cut through a Qwest fiber optic line in central Utah. The fiber cut shut off Internet service, as well as long distance and 911 services to the southern part of Utah for more than 10 hours. Because there was only one fiber optic line to the Internet backbone in Salt Lake City, local residents and businesses had to wait until the fiber was repaired before they could again use the Internet. The new line InfoWest installed will protect most of their customers against similar Internet outages in the future.
“The Qwest fiber optic services have worked very well for years,” said InfoWest Vice President, Randy Cosby, “but we have long recognized the need for a secondary fiber path out of this area. Any cut in the Qwest line can put us out of service. Our customers cannot afford to be down for extended periods of time. We eagerly made the investment in the redundant connection.”
InfoWest network routing equipment will automatically use the Qwest and Interlinx-provided fiber optic lines simultaneously and will send data on the most efficient path to any site on the Internet. In case of an outage on either line, traffic will automatically be routed to the other line, so InfoWest customers can stay connected to the Internet. Additionally, InfoWest will be able to use the local Interlinx fiber to provide local businesses with higher speed Internet connections in the near future.
“The new redundant connection is just one of many improvements we're making to our network,” said Cosby. “We're also bringing our new secure data center online, along with tens of thousands of dollars of newer, faster, more reliable network equipment.” InfoWest expects to complete the upgrades before Christmas. The upgrade plans have already attracted the attention of regional business customers who need to maintain critical connections between offices in Southern and Northern Utah.
“We anticipate that both Qwest and Utah InterLinx will continue to make improvements in their networks as this area grows,” said Cosby. “We will continue to take advantage of any upgrades they make to offer area homes and businesses reliable, fast Internet connections.”
Editor's Note: InfoWest has been serving Southern Utah with cutting edge Internet access for 10 years. They offer a full complement of Internet services including high speed DSL, wireless, dialup, web hosting and server collocation services. InfoWest is a privately owned company and has 25 employees in Southern Utah. To learn more, visit http://www.infowest.com/
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Volume 12, Issue 8, 2009-03-09
InfoWest Adds Redundancy To Operations
By Brian Tenney
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St. George, UT, March, 2009 - InfoWest, Inc. - Southern Utah's first Internet Service Provider recently expanded its operations in St. George by adding multiple layers of redundancy. Enhancements have been made to its fiber network, datacenter and key network locations.
Redundant Fiber Network
From day one, InfoWest has been driven in expanding its Internet footprint throughout Southern Utah and has recently invested significantly in adding additional redundancy to critical and core network services.
InfoWest has leased an abundant number of private fiber-optic lines from Utah InterLinx in order to build a Gigabit-speed ring throughout...
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Volume 8, Issue 10, 2005-05-23
Infowest adds Wireless Burst Speed
Economic Trends
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Local ISP Infowest recently announced their new enhanced capacity for Washington County wireless Internet service. All Washington County InfoWest wireless Internet users (with a capable modem) can now download from the web at speeds burstable to 2 megabits per second. This new web burstable speed has been made available immediately to its customers at no extra charge. The higher burstable web download speeds will be made available to Iron county wireless Internet users in the near future.
Only web downloads will get up to 2 megabit speeds. Other applications like email, games, etc. will continue to be available at subscription speeds
Another market offering from Infowest that may peak your interest is that of a T1 (T -one). Once the envy of all those seeking greater band width and priced in years past as high as $5,000 per month and at $700 to $1000 per month only a few years back - Infowest has priced this product at a new low of $450. There are some restrictions, so call them for details, but this does mark another trend in the bandwidth market.
Another benchmark to be aware of is the increase in Infowest DSL connection speed moving up to 5 megabits (not megabytes!) per second for business and “SOHO” customers.
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Volume 13, Issue 13, 2010-04-29
InfoWest Announces Network Capacity Upgrades
Third Fiber Path Improves Redundancy and Speed. New business VPN services available
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH – InfoWest recently announced the completion of a number of major upgrades to its network capacity. The upgrades more than double InfoWest’s bandwidth to the internet and provide a third redundant fiber path out of the area. Additionally, InfoWest core network upgrades will now allow InfoWest to offer carrier-class virtual private networking services to area businesses.
Over five years ago, InfoWest became the...
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Volume 10, Issue 32, 2007-10-12
InfoWest Announces New Service Areas
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ST. GEORGE - Internet service provider InfoWest has announced the company's fixed wireless services are now available in several new areas, including:
- Enoch West: Service is now available in Enoch, Fiddlers Canyon and many other areas on the north side of Cedar City that were previously unserviceable with fixed wireless Internet service.
- Leeds and Silver Valley: Infowest's first solar-powered wireless access point is now live, serving customers in most of the central Leeds area as well as all of Silver Valley.
- Gateway Industrial Park: High-speed wireless service with speeds up to six megabit is now available in the area near the ...
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Volume 11, Issue 40, 2008-10-29
InfoWest Announces Service Expansion
Wireless Available in New Harmony
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ST. GEORGE - Internet service provider InfoWest has announced that high speed wireless Internet service is available in New Harmony and Kanarraville.
The company's new solar and wind-powered tower overlooking the valley is online and ready for service. To see if coverage is available for your home or business, go to http://www.infowest.com/Residential/Wireless/maps.
InfoWest also now offers a hosting and co-location services at the Tonaquint Data Center in St. George. Companies small and large can take advantage of state-...
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Volume 12, Issue 9, 2009-03-16
InfoWest Email Goes `BIG`
By Brian Tenney
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St. George, UT - InfoWest recently announced two new improvements to the InfoWest email services - and they are BIG in terms of capacity. InfoWest customers now have larger Email storage capacity that rivals other Internet provider in the United States. According to InfoWest president Kelly Nyberg, "All current InfoWest email customers will now have email box storage limits of ONE GIGABYTE.
Previously, mailbox size limits were 128 megabytes." A gigabyte in general use means 1,000,000,000 bytes according to most computer storage manufacturers (such as hard disks and ...
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Volume 10, Issue 18, 2007-06-25
InfoWest Expands Business Wireless Areas
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ST. GEORGE - Internet service provider Infowest has announced expanded business wireless coverage to two local industrial parks, with upload and download speeds as high as six megabits per second.
This service is now available in St. George at the Fort Pierce Industrial Park near Blue Bunny, and in Hurricane at the Gateway Industrial Park near the Wal-Mart Distribution Center.
The service is optimized for business-level speeds and voice over IP service....
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Volume 11, Issue 31, 2008-08-27
InfoWest Expands Into Tonaquint Data Center
Site adds additional reliability
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ST. GEORGE - InfoWest has announced the Internet service provider is one of the first companies to purchase space in the newly built Tonaquint Data Center.
According to the company, this will create an additional level of redundancy and reliability for InfoWest and it's customers.
InfoWest can now host and/or manage servers of client companies at the Tonaquint Data Center. For more information on hosting, server co-location, and management services, please contact InfoWest at sales@infowest.com. ...
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Volume 12, Issue 19, 2009-06-01
InfoWest Expands Service to Nevada & Arizona
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St. George, Utah June, 2009 - InfoWest, Inc., Southern Utah's first Internet service provider recently launched high-speed wireless service to Mesquite, Nevada. InfoWest brought the Internet to southern Utah over 15 years ago and has a long-standing reputation for quality, speed and reliability.
According to Randy Cosby, vice president of InfoWest, "InfoWest High Speed Wireless Services offer local Mesquite residents the ability to bring high-speed Internet services to their home or offices without the need of expensive phone or cable lines. The wireless service is extremely fast and secure with speeds up to 6 megabit per second." Mesquite residents can now get...
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Volume 11, Issue 4, 2008-01-29
Infowest Expands Wireless Service Area
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ST. GEORGE - InfoWest has announce high speed licensed wireless service is now available along much of state Route 8 including Veyo, Central, and Dammeron Valley. The tower that provides this service also covers expanded areas of Ivins, Santa Clara and St. George.
The newly expanded service is broadcast from high atop West Mountain Peak, also known as Utah Hill, near the Arizona-Utah border. With download speeds up to 3 megabits per second, Bandwidth on Demand for VOIP, and highly reliable licensed frequencies, InfoWest is continuing to provide service to under-served areas of Southern Utah.
Plans for further expansion are underway, and existing networks are be...
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Volume 12, Issue 7, 2009-03-02
InfoWest Names Larson Chief Technical Officer
By Brian Tenney
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St. George, UT, March, 2009 - InfoWest, Inc. Southern Utah's first Internet Service provider recently named Cassidy Larson its new Chief Technical Officer or CTO.
The title Chief Technical Officer is an executive position whose holder is focused on technical issues within an organization. Essentially, a CTO is responsible for the transformation of capital, be it monetary or intellectual, into technology in furtherance of the company's objectives. The title is most typically found in organizations such as InfoWest, which is constantly making significant developments in technology.
Larson began working for InfoWest over ten years ago in the...
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Volume 11, Issue 36, 2008-10-01
InfoWest Opens Customer Sign Up Center
New facility on St. George Boulevard
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ST. GEORGE - InfoWest, Inc. Southern Utah's first Internet Service Provider recently expanded it operations by opening up a New Sign Up Center on St. George Boulevard.
The new Sign Up Center is designed for the person looking for a quick place to stop in and sign up for Internet services.
"This new location provides a convenient location where we can get new customers in and out quickly when signing up for InfoWest's Internet services," said Ryon Bowler, InfoWest Sales Manager. "At our new Sign Up Center our goal is to have new customers in and out in less than ...
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Volume 6, Issue 21, 2003-11-24
Infowest Partners with Steamroller
Company Continues System Upgrades
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Extensive improvements to high speed wireless Internet services have been made in recent weeks. Most customers' wireless modems have been automatically upgraded to the latest firmware. This upgrade improves quality for services like voice or video over the Internet; it has enhanced security features; it's easier for Infowest to manage and troubleshoot; and it is more stable.
While most of these changes are not immediately noticeable to wireless users, overall stability has improved dramatically, and based on the new firmware, speed improvements are next on the agenda.
In Washington County, wireless bandwidth availability has been expanded by over 60%. Wireless users sho...
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Volume 12, Issue 33, 2009-10-26
InfoWest Powers Rural Internet ...
... with Wind and Solar
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - InfoWest recently announced the expansion of wireless broadband service to the Minersville and Beaver, Utah areas. Their newest "Green" tower, located on a remote peak above Minersville, is powered by a combination of solar and wind power backed up by high capacity batteries. They plan to begin offering high-speed wireless Internet in the area by November 2009.
This is not the first "green" wireless Internet tower for InfoWest. "We rely on solar power at four towers between Leeds and New Harmony," said Randy Cosby, InfoWest Vice President. This summer InfoWest enhanced one very remote solar site above Kanarraville with wind generation to keep their batteries topped-off in bad weather. "At a site like Kanarraville, snow will be on the ground until April or May. We need to be sure the power is up and running year-round so we can avoid traveling to the site in...
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Volume 10, Issue 33, 2007-10-19
InfoWest Provides Free Wi-Fi Hot Spot
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ST. GEORGE — Internet service provider InfoWest recently completed another high speed Internet hot spot at St. George City's New Town Square project.
The newly installed wireless equipment makes the Town Square St. George's newest wi-fi hotspot for residents and guests. ‘We have a desire to make our community a better place to live,’ said InfoWest president Kelly Nyberg. ‘Adding free high speed wireless Internet at the City's Town Square is certainly something that shows the city's desire to build our community with the future and technology in mind.’
The wireless hotspot works with any laptop with wireless capa...
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Volume 11, Issue 8, 2008-03-04
Initiative Aims to Recruit Workers
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The Governor's Office of Economic Development at the request of Gov. Jon Huntsman has formed an action group made up of key representatives from the private sector, government and education to develop and implement a national talent recruitment effort to help companies find the skilled workers they need to continue to grow.
With Utah's economy still outperforming the rest of the nation, Utah companies are finding a unique challenge in recruiting and locating the essential talent necessary for Utah's economy to become more competitive both nationally and internationally.
The Utah Recruitment Initiative is committed to working with Utah companies to assure they ha...
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Volume 7, Issue 19, 2004-10-25
Initiative One
A Letter to the Editor
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Initiative 1 authorizes the state of Utah to borrow 150 million dollars for community and conservation projects, such as protection of open space and habitat enhancement, to be repaid by increasing the state sales tax. This increase is called a small tax because it isn't very much for each tax payer, but believe me these so called small taxes add up!
The tax payer's burden now is in the neighborhood of 50% of our earned income. Whether they are direct taxes such as sales, income, fuel and property taxes, or they are indirect taxes passed on to the consumer by manufacturers and service companies.
Initiative 1 is the latest effort by the spending lobby to continually increase our tax burden. Utahans currently bear the nations third highest state and local tax, and federal tax burdens. Instead of numerous small tax increases like initiative 1 Utahans should be insisting on tax cuts, since higher tax burdens reduce economic growth. These nickels and dimes add up. Most families pay 70% more state and local sales taxes than they do property taxes. If tax payers received an annual billing for sales tax like they do for property taxes most tax payers would reject sales tax increases like initiative 1.
Utahans have a hard time funding our education, transportation, law enforcement, and other critical needs. On the other hand, Utah has millions of acres of national parks, state parks, wilderness areas, BLM and other forms of undeveloped lands. Almost all of these lands are to be managed as such indefinitely. In spite of this, initiative 1 supporters are telling us that we need to raise our already high taxes to fund more open space. It sounds like some have their priorities misdirected.
Initiative 1 has several flaws and that is why the legislature rejected it in the 2004 session. Our founding fathers created our republican form of government, where we elect representatives to determine public policy. It works because they have the opportunity to study issues and make informed decisions. The initiative process is dominated by high powered public relations firms, who use 30 second sound bites to pitch their message. This is a poor way to establish policy, but this is how initiative 1 is being promoted. It needs to be rejected.
Dennis Iverson
President, Washington Coutny Farm Bureau
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Volume 13, Issue 5, 2010-02-10
Innovators Sought ...
... Southern Utah “Concept to Company” contest focuses on technology innovations and includes much larger prizes
By Jake T. Hardman
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Grow Utah Ventures, Zions Bank, USTAR, Workman Nydegger, Ballard Spahr, SEED Dixie, and CFO Solutions are bringing its “Concept to Company” Contest back to Southern Utah.
This years contest will focus on new technology innovations. Applicants from the Five County and Six Country regions of southern and south central Utah will have a judging preference in the contest, according to event organizers. “We really want to nurture technology development in the Southern Utah Region,” said Jill Elliss, Director of Southern Region USTAR.
The "Concept to Company" contests are...
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Volume 13, Issue 21, 2010-06-24
Inside Secrets to Building More Will Power
More ... As Found While Surfing on the Internet
By Dr. Houston Vetter
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As you sit there reading these words, letting your eyes move from word to word, thinking your next thought you may be wondering is my 'will' strong enough or how can I build more 'will power'?
I guess the first place to start is why would I want to build my will power? What would be important about building my will power?
Like me, you've probably thought or heard, "I can't do that, I just don't have the will power." I find it interesting when working with clients who want to stop smoking or losing weight or changing a bad habit or making more money or have more control over themselves, one of the main complaints are, "I don't have enough will power".
I've even had people say they don't have any will power. Of course this comes out of much frustration of attempting to do or have something and not getting it.
Temporarily, people may lose sight of the fact that we all use will power all the time. 'Will Power' is the moving force behind our intention or the force that carries us to our outcome or destination.
Getting up, going to work, going to the store all involve the use of the power of...
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Volume 7, Issue 14, 2004-08-16
Insource or Outsource?
By Jason Eyre
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Technically Twisted Commentaries
One of the biggest challenges facing managers today is the decision to hire full time Information Technology Staff or outsource those functions. The information age has made computing resources a must for many small businesses.
The network resources that were once applied only by large corporations with extreme budgets can now be found in the internet aisle at the local discount store. Competitive pressures also are pushing smaller and smaller businesses to apply the efficiencies today's technologies deliver.
What are some benefits of having permanent IT staff? The first benefit would most likely be response. Is your ...
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Volume 9, Issue 12, 2006-09-04
Inspection Firm Marks Milestone
Newcomers to Utah Surprised with Give-a-ways
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CEDAR CITY - Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection recently celebrated it's 1,000th inspection in southwest Utah. Frank and Natalie Ross, the Pillar to Post Team, met Eric Eastep and his Realtor® Steve Nelson of ERA Realty Center at a Cedar City duplex last Wednesday afternoon.
The occasion turned festive as Frank announced that the day's inspection was the 1000th for the firm. He then drew both client and Realtor® into the celebration by presenting Eric with certificates or tickets to dinner, ice cream, mini-golf, a movie and a concert.
“This is great,” said Eric, a newcomer to Cedar City. “This will give us a chance to get t...
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Volume 9, Issue 5, 2006-03-20
Inspirational Books, Gifts & Music Store Opens
By Brian Tenney
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St. George, UT, - Shiloh Books, Gifts and Music is announced this month their opening of its new inspirational retail store in the Phoenix Plaza of St. George, at the corner of Valley View and Sunset Blvd. Offering a blend of books, greeting cards, gifts and music, this new store provides a welcoming ambiance for browsers and shoppers looking for the unique and the uplifting for all ages.
Children and teens will find everything from VeggieTales DVD's to message T-Shirts and the latest releases in Christian rock, gospel and praise music. A state-of-the-art audio listening system enables music lovers to preview any CD prior to purchase.
Adults can choose from a wide variety o...
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Volume 12, Issue 16, 2009-05-04
Institute Introduces New LASIK Option
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St. George, UT, April, 2009 - The Zion Eye Institute is offering patients a new "bladeless" technology for performing LASIK surgery, according to founding medical director David B. Cohen, MD. "The new technology, known as IntraLase, relies completely on ultrafast laser energy, thereby eliminating the need for a blade and blade-related complications, such as the rare, but dreaded flap button hole. Although microkeratome design and engineering has improved and thereby decreased the incidence of button holes, a surgeon cannot guarantee there won't be a buttonhole with a microkeratome, but can make that guarantee with...
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Volume 11, Issue 1, 2008-01-01
Institute Welcomes New OB/Gyn
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CEDAR CITY - Dr. Stephen Sanders and the staff at the Cedar City Institute of Women's Health are pleased to welcome Dr. Terence Heath as a new Obstetrician/Gynecologist to their clinic.
Dr. Heath received his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md., and completed his residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va., followed by a career in the military from which he has recently retired.
He has practiced women's health care at various settings around the world while caring for active-duty service members and their families. He is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricia...
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
Instructor Has Lots of Experience
Smith joins UOP faculty
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE - Kevin Paul Smith, practitioner faculty teaching in the areas of organizational behavior, communications, and psychology at the St. George campus of the University of Phoenix, might look to some students like the "new man on campus," but he actually became part of the university's adjunct faculty in 1994. Smith has been teaching at the San Diego and Southern California campus until his recent move to Cedar City.
Smith, whose academic and corporate careers have both focused on human resources management, organizational development, and public affairs,earned a bachelor's degree in organizational communications from Brigham Young University and a master's in human res...
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Volume 11, Issue 43, 2008-11-19
Instructor Inducted into Utah Sports Hall of Fame
Jolley Boasts Long History of Sports Successes
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ST. GEORGE - Long-time Dixie State College of Utah mathematics instructor and retired assistant football coach Gordon Jolley was among the five new members inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame in a dinner and ceremony to be held Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City.
Jolley, who is being inducted in the sport of football, spent 21 years on the Dixie sidelines as offensive line coach and offensive coordinator. In addition, he served as Dixie's baseball coach for 10 years and taught physical education along with his mathematics instruction duties.
Jolley was a three-sport, all-state performer at Salt Lake City's Granite High School and...
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Volume 11, Issue 26, 2008-07-23
Insurance Agency Moves Offices
Hunt-Leavitt in new location
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ST. GEORGE - Hunt-Leavitt Insurance Agency, Inc. has moved its offices to a new location. The address is 162 N. 400 East, in Building C, Suite 102. The agency can be contacted at 628-3833.
...
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Volume 11, Issue 35, 2008-09-24
Insurance Agency Names Rep
Talbot is welcomed at Certified Insurance
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ST. GEORGE - Kay Lynn Talbot has joined the St. George office of Certified Insurance. Talbot grew up in Beaver, Utah. She married and moved to northern Utah in the late 1960's.
In 1975 she began her insurance career as the receptionist, eventually working her way through the ranks to underwriter. For the past 20 years she has been working as a commercial customer service rep.
Talbot says she most enjoys working with clients. She has lived in St. George since 2004. She has one son, one granddaughter and one great grandson. ...
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Volume 11, Issue 29, 2008-08-13
Insurance Agency Wins Award
Hunt-Leavitt named Agency of the Year
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ST. GEORGE - The Leavitt Group has awarded Hunt-Leavitt Insurance Agency an "Agency of the Year" award. Of the network of agencies affiliated with the Leavitt Group, only three receive this honor annually according to region. Jaron Hunt is the local managing co-owner of Hunt-Leavitt.
Jaron Hunt accepted the awards during the Leavitt Group's annual conference in San Diego. The Leavitt Group noted Hunt-Leavitt's exceptional growth, profitability, and employee training when presenting the award. The Leavitt Group surveys both clients and employees when deciding on the award recipients.
Hunt-Leavitt Insurance Agency was formed as a ...
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Volume 11, Issue 31, 2008-08-27
Insurance Agent Earns Distinction
Named Distinguished Insurance Agency
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CEDAR CITY - Andrew Springer, an American Family Insurance agent, has been recognized for customer satisfaction excellence under the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Insurance Agency Program.
Springer joins other American Family agents who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to outstanding customer service. Springer has been an agent for American Family since February 2004. His office is located at 572 S. Main.
"American Family agents are instrumental in achieving the company's mission, which is ‘To be the most ...
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Volume 10, Issue 30, 2007-09-28
Insurance Company Appoints Executives
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ST. GEORGE - Colonial Supplemental Insurance has announced the appointment of two new account executives for southern Utah.
Agents Sherrie Gerry and Kam Ouellette will market and service Colonial Supplemental Insurance products in the Southern Utah district. Gerry and Ouellette come to Colonial with industry experience and exceptional sales qualities.
"Sherri and Kam are huge assets to our Colonial team,’ said district sales manager Chip Campbell. ‘They are knowledgeable and service-oriented professionals, and know the value of Colonial's products and services for both employers and employees."
In their new positions with Colonial, G...
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Volume 11, Issue 11, 2008-04-01
Insurers Won't Cover Some St. George Home Loans
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WASHINGTON - Just when consumers and the U.S. economy need banks to lend more freely, the mortgage industry is making it harder to borrow - even for those with good credit.
Mortgage insurers, whose backing is required for borrowers who can’t afford the traditional 20 percent down payment on a home, have already flagged nearly a quarter of the nation’s ZIP codes where they refuse to insure some home loans.
That encompasses a wide variety of neighborhoods: McMansions in Scottsdale, Ariz.; luxury Miami condos; 1960 ranch houses in Flint, Mich.; and early 20th century kit homes in Metuchen, N.J. - and houses in St. George.
The entire states of Califor...
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Volume 9, Issue 9, 2006-06-12
Intellectual Property Laws Drive Economy
Tom Bingham
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Patents, copyrights and trade secrets play a critical role in producing technological creativity, innovation and economic growth at home and abroad, according to a new study, Intellectual Property for the Technological Age, released in April by The Manufacturing Institute, the research and education arm of the National Association of Manufacturers.
"Innovation drives economic growth by spurring higher productivity, higher wages and a higher standard of living. Studies have shown that up to 85 percent of growth in U.S. per capita income stems from technological change.
Manufacturing lies at the center of this unique process, generating nearly 60 percent of private sector rese...
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Volume 8, Issue 15, 2005-09-05
Intelli-Bed Cuts Ribbon in Celebration
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On Tuesday, September 6th, 2005 managers and employees of the Washington City based Intelli-BED store celebrated with Washington City Chamber members in recognition of their new membership in the Washington City Chamber of commerce. Many “yellow” shirts were on hand to participate and welcome Intelli-bed into chamber ranks.
Intelli-bed opened the doors of its first retail store in September 2002. Three years later, they are on the verge of opening their 30th store. Intelli-BED credits their success and rapid growth to an amazing breakthrough technology featured in their mattresses called Intelli-Gel®. Bob Rasmussen, President of Intelli-BED, described Intelli-Ge...
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Volume 10, Issue 32, 2007-10-12
Interactive Tool Helps Employers Comply With Retirement Laws
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has announced a new interactive Web tool to serve as a resource for employers in complying with federal employee benefit laws.
The ERISA Fiduciary Advisor is designed to help employers and others who provide services to private sector retirement plans understand their responsibilities. The advisor provides an overview of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, including the most common mistakes EBSA finds in its investigations, and provides links to additional information as well as tools to assist plan officials. Strong fiduciary oversight and compliance assistance are ...
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Volume 10, Issue 28, 2007-09-14
Interest Rate Cuts Will Help Small Business
Thredgold Economic Associates
By Jeff Thredgold, Pres.,
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Highlights
♦ The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah was 107.8 in August 2007, up from a revised 106.8 in July 2007.
♦ Washington County's small business sector will benefit in coming months by expected cuts in the Federal Reserve's key short-term interest rate.
♦ Utah's unemployment rate was estimated at 2.7 percent in the latest month, up slightly from the prior month's 2.6 percent rate. Total Utah employment is up an estimated 56,800 jobs during the past 12 months.
♦ Washington County payrolls expanded by 2,700 jobs (5.2 percent) in the past year. The unemployment rate was 2.7 percent in the...
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Volume 10, Issue 28, 2007-09-14
Interest Rates - Fed Funds
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Current Fed Funds rate with projections for 2008. Source: Thredgold Economic Associates...
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Volume 13, Issue 8, 2010-03-11
Interest Rates to Remain Low
By Jeff Thredgold
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Washington County payrolls declined by 1,700 jobs (-3.5%) in the past year. The unemployment rate was 8.7% in the latest month, up from 6.1% one year ago
- The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah was 91.3 in February 2010, up from a revised 90.8 in January 2010
- Utah’s unemployment rate was estimated at 6.8% in the latest month, up from the 6.7% rate of the prior month. Total Utah employment fell an estimated 35,300 jobs during the past 12 months
- Utah’s small business financing costs are likely to remain extremely low as the Federal Reserve shows no immediate signs of an interest rate boost
- The U.S. economy lost an estimated 36,000 net jobs in February, better than the 68,000 loss expected. The data suggests a solid gain would have occurred, barring severe weather during much of February on the East Coast. The U.S. unemployment rate remained at 9.7% in February
SHORT-TERM INTEREST RATES LIKELY TO REMAIN LOW...
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Volume 12, Issue 22, 2009-06-22
Interest-Free Payment-Deferred Business Loans?
Credit Union Offers SBA ARC Program Small Business Loan Packages
By Toby Hayes
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SouthWest Federal Credit Union, as a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) delegated lender, is taking applications for a new, temporary, SBA guaranteed loan program called the ARC Loan.
It's designed to assist viable small businesses, which are experiencing a financial hardship as a result of the recession, with loans up to $35,000. ARC Loans are provided interest-free to the borrower with loan payments deferred for 12 months.
There are no fees charged by the SBA (other than direct costs of securing capital). Loan disbursements are primarily for paying debt payments. ARC Loans are available until September 30, 2010 or until funds run out. Approximately $335 million has...
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Volume 12, Issue 18, 2009-05-25
Interlinx Boosts Cedar City Economy with Redundant Fiber
By Brian Tenney
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St. George, UT, May, 2009 - Gene Morris, President of INTERLINX Communications announced recently that a Cedar City ribbon cutting ceremony is being held for InterLinx Communications' completely diverse and redundant Cedar City network. This ribbon cutting ceremony will be held in the City Council Chambers at Cedar City on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 11: 00 a.m.
According to Morris, "InterLinx Communications is providing an open access fiber optic backbone for voice, video, and data services on a completely new and diverse redundant network. This open access network will enhance Cedar City's ability to open their telecommunications to more local, national and global markets, thus ...
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Volume 7, Issue 13, 2004-07-26
Interlinx Brings Fiber Optics to Dixie Center
By Pam Hilton
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Greater Speed and Bandwidth Now Offered
In every business communication is vital. In the Convention business constant communication and instant communications in presentations, video conferencing and keeping in touch with “the office” is of the utmost importance for our convention attendees.
In order to keep up with the needs of business travelers attending conventions the Dixie Center at St. George is now able to offer wireless WiFi connectivity service so our customers can access the internet, stay in touch with their offices and access their email while attending a convention - a service we feel is necessary for our customers!
Through our...
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Volume 11, Issue 3, 2008-01-22
InterLinx to Hold Cedar City Groundbreaking
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CEDAR CITY - InterLinx Communications has announced a groundbreaking at the entrance of Port 15 for the company's redundant Cedar City network on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m.
The company will provide an open access fiber optic backbone for voice, video, and data services, said InterLinx president Gene Morris.
"This open access network will enhance Cedar City's ability to open their telecommunications to more local, national and global markets, thus potentially giving a boost to their overall economy," Morris said.
The Cedar City Chamber of Commerce will conduct the ceremony along with Cedar City officials, business owners, and InterLinx Communic...
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Volume 11, Issue 5, 2008-02-05
InterLinx, Cedar City Celebrate New Communications Network
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CEDAR CITY - InterLinx and Cedar City officials broke ground recently near the Port 15 Business Park for construction of a redundant fiber optic communications network.
Gene Morris, president of St. George-based InterLinx, said the company will build two paths of fiber optic line into Cedar City.
"This is a major step for Cedar City, plus it opens up many, many doors of opportunity that have been denied to us in the past," said Mayor Gerald R. Sherratt.
Sherratt said he expects the project to have a great impact on city's economic development efforts. Cedar City looks forward to having as local employers high tech businesses that will now be able...
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Volume 12, Issue 3, 2009-01-26
Intermittent Leave Gets an Overhaul
DOL sets new standards in time off rules
By Michael Patrick O'Brien
Utah State SHRM legal director
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The new FMLA regulations slightly change how employers can handle intermittent leave. Intermittent leave is time off taken not in large blocks but rather in short intermittent time periods (e.g. a couple of hours at a time).
An example is an employee taking a couple of hours off for physical therapy each week instead of taking larger blocks of time, such as 12 weeks off, to recover from major surgery. The new DOL regulations allow an employer to allow intermittent leave in the shortest periods allowed for other leaves, provided it is not greater than one hour.
Thus, if an employer only allows PTO in hour blocks, it can require an employee to take...
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Volume 9, Issue 14, 2006-10-30
Intermountain Exec Receives Award
Coons named Executive of the Year
By Jill Vicory
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SNOWBIRD, Utah - Chris Coons, vice president of Intermountain Healthcare's Southwest Region, was recently named the Distinguished Healthcare Executive of the Year by UHA, Utah Hospitals and Health Systems Association.
The award, presented during the association's Fall Leadership Conference at Snowbird, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Utah's healthcare community.
In his position Coons oversees all operational aspects of Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Garfield Memorial Hospital in Panguitch and Valley View Medical Center in Cedar City. He also oversees the system's home care program.
...
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Volume 12, Issue 4, 2009-02-02
Intermountain Healthcare Named Tops
IHC Gets Third Highest Score in Nation's Top Health Systems
By Daron Cowley
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St. George - Intermountain Healthcare has again been ranked as the one of the nation's top integrated health systems, receiving the third highest score in an annual study of healthcare organizations.
Dixie Regional Medical Center and Valley View Medical Center are Intermountain Healthcare facilities.
The ranking was announced in this week's issue of Modern Healthcare magazine. The study was conducted by SDI, a Pennsylvania-based health information company, and examined 570 health systems around the nation. The annual list rates local and regional healthcare systems on factors such as clinical quality, operations, efficiency, and...
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Volume 10, Issue 1, 2007-01-22
Intermountain Homecare Named Among Elite
Ranked among top 25 percent of providers in U.S.
By Terri Draper
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ST. GEORGE - Intermountain Homecare in Dixie today announced that it has been named to the 2006 HomeCare Elite, the inaugural compilation of the most successful home care providers in the country.
This ground-breaking review names the Medicare-certified agencies whose performance measures in quality, improvement and financial performance are among the top 25 percent of providers nationwide. Additionally, the 2006 HomeCare Elite indicates those providers ranked in the Top 100 and Top 500 of providers nationwide.
“We applaud the success of all the providers named to the 2006 HomeCare Elite,” said Bill Bassett, Senior Director of Market Strategy at O...
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Volume 9, Issue 10, 2006-07-03
Intermountain Homecare's Local Office Earns Award
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St. George, UT - Intermountain Homecare of St. George and Cedar City has been presented with the 2006 HealthInsight Quality Award for demonstrating high quality health care and excellence in performance on publicly reported quality of care measures.
The honor was recognized at the Utah Home Health Care Association Annual. “HealthInsight is pleased to recognize Intermountain Homecare of St. George and Cedar City for its dedication and achievements in improving patient care,” said Marc Bennett, President and CEO of HealthInsight.
The HealthInsight Quality Award acknowledges home health agencies that are actively engaged in advancing care in one or more of the follo...
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
Intermountain Hospice Chaplain Honored
Judd presented Hospice Hero Award
By Terri Draper
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ST. GEORGE -- Thomas “Randy” Judd, Hospice chaplain for Intermountain Homecare's Dixie office, was presented the 2006 Hospice Hero Award by the Utah Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
This award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate exemplary compassion and commitment to assisting patients with terminal illness, and their family members, in end of life care and planning. The award is peer nominated and winners are selected by the UHPCO board.
The key role of a hospice chaplain is to ensure the spiritual needs of hospice patients and their families are met through the chaplain's spiritual counseling or in conjunction wit...
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Volume 10, Issue 10, 2007-04-30
Intermountain Power Delivers Scholarship to Dixie State
Donates $80,000 to boost math and science education
By Steve Johnson
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ST. GEORGE - Dixie State College of Utah has received an $80,000 scholarship gift from Intermountain Power Agency. The contribution will help fund pre-engineering, mathematics/math education, science and computer science scholarships at the college.
“We would like to help support science and engineering education in the state,” IPA Pres. Reed Searle said of the donation. “We're hopeful that this money will make it possible for a few more students who perhaps could not avail themselves to that educational opportunity to do so.”
Searle noted that there is a shortage of qualified people in science and engineering, and went on the say ...
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Volume 10, Issue 22, 2007-07-27
Intermountain Staffing Opens
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CEDAR CITY - Intermountain Staffing Resources held a ribbon cutting July 19 at its new office at 583 South Main Street, Suite 4. Intermountain Staffing has been helping put people and jobs together since 1969. The company's strength is the ability to provide services when and where they are needed.
With 24-hour live response service and extended office hours, Intermountain Staffing is able to meet employer needs for swing, grave and early mornings, as well as weekends and holidays. The company specializes in light industrial staffing, entry level trades persons, and entry level clerical positions. Providing employees to a variety of organizations and industries allows Intermou...
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Volume 13, Issue 14, 2010-05-06
Internet Answers: `How search engines determine sites at the top of the results page`
How To Do Business on The Internet - Achieving Higher Ranking on the Internet
By Brad Owen
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I was watching my children through the glass at Bear Foot Gymnastics when Toby Hayes a friend of mine and a good journalist walked in, he mentioned this column, and so I asked him if he had any good questions I could answer in the column, then he asked the one above.
Answer: That is a loaded question with multiple answers.
In the days when the internet was...
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Volume 8, Issue 9, 2005-05-09
Internet Consulting Group Opens Office in Southern Utah
By Brian Tenney
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WSI Internet Consultant, Troy Atkin announced recently that businesses in the southern Utah and Nevada regions will now have a new affordable means to make the Internet work for them. Atkin, a local entrepreneur, recently opened the WSI Internet Consultant (IC) office in St. George, serving this regions needs for online business and Internet marketing. “WSI is a worldwide leader and leading-edge Internet Consulting and Education Company headquartered in Toronto, Canada”, says Atkin.
As a certified WSI Internet Consultant, Atkin says “we're equipped to provide area businesses with specialized Internet business strategies.”
Troy Atkin has been involved in technology application and management since his graduation from Brigham Young University in 1986. A member of the Atkin ranching family, he grew up with core values including hard work, integrity, accountability and team work. Atkin is an active member of his community; serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce since 2002, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Leadership Dixie.
The St. George WSI office offers a complete "partnership approach" to local businesses. As a WSI Internet Consultant, Atkin not only develops web sites, he is a dedicated business partner providing clients with an extensive product catalog for all their online business needs, post-implementation technical support, statistical reporting packages, and Internet marketing.
“Every WSI Internet Solution is designed to help a business reduce its operational costs, enhance business efficiencies and increase revenues. WSI is where traditional values and new world technology meet. The Internet is no longer just for businesses trying to reach a global market. Today, affordable, strategically planned Internet Solutions are enhancing the operations of a broader base of businesses than ever before." stated Atkin.
WSI's Internet Consultants assess clients' business needs and opportunities by using the patent-pending Lifecycle System. The first step is the Internet Business Analysis (IBA) process, during which Troy Atkin will ask direct questions to identify a business' competitive advantage, target markets, online/offline marketing initiatives and the objectives of an Internet presence. The client's Internet Solution is then customized - using services like consultation, design, development, hosting, optimization, site registration and marketing support - to reduce business overhead and increase profit.
“Currently ranked the #1 Internet Services Business in the World, WSI recognizes that as Internet technologies emerge and continue to influence the way we do business, having a website is simply not enough. WSI delivers thousands of e-Business solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses annually using systems that have been proven by over 1,000 Internet Consultants in 87 countries worldwide.” Aktin proudly added.
For more information, visit www.wsiwebit.com.
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Volume 13, Issue 13, 2010-04-29
Introducing SUU’s Class of 2010
By Jen Burt
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CEDAR CITY, UTAH - Southern Utah University will join with 1,817 soon-to-be graduates at SUU’s 111th annual Commencement festivities this Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1. The campus and local communities are invited to join in the celebration of SUU’s Class of 2010 – the largest graduating class in the University’s history.
These graduates will join together in the University commencement Ceremony on...
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Volume 12, Issue 22, 2009-06-22
Intuitive Reader Hosted at The Book Cellar
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St George's Independent Bookstore will be hosting Shelia Dial, Intuitive Reader, Palm Reader and Hypnotist on Sat. June 27th from 10am -3pm. Sheila was in Southern Utah in April for a Holistic Health Fair and met many new people here in Southern Utah and is back by popular demand.
She brings with her years of experience and education, she is the President of the Northern Utah Chapter of the National Guild of Hypnotists, on the board of directors for The Cosmic Nudge in the Cache Valley, a group that works for spiritual enlightenment for people seeking to have more fulfillment in their lives. Presently she lives in Logan and she uses Hypnosis for...
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Volume 13, Issue 16, 2010-05-20
Inventory Controls Are Part of a Sound Management Strategy
Entrepreneurs usually want to keep inventory levels as low as possible ... On the other hand ...
By Byron Theurer
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Even good businesses can run into financial problems. While often the result of a lack of capital, poor inventory management is another common reason for their troubles. For most manufacturing and trading companies, inventory is the most important current asset, as well as the least liquid one.
Excessive inventory has two drawbacks: It ties up cash and...
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Volume 12, Issue 16, 2009-05-04
Investment Bank Announces Name Change
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Utah; May, 2009 - Zions Bank today announced that its investment affiliate, Contango Capital Advisors, will now operate in Utah and Idaho under the name Zions Investment Services Group.
This change in name makes formal the close relationship between Zions Bank and the wealth management activities of Contango, both subsidiaries of Zions Bancorporation. Utah and Idaho clients will see no change in their advisor, the services offered, or the statements and other information provided.
"I'm pleased that Contango Capital Advisors is now Zions Investment Services Group in Utah and Idaho. Contango was born of the idea that clients of community banks such as Zions Bank deserve the ...
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Volume 8, Issue 22, 2005-12-19
Investment Company Contributes Real Estate Santa Clara City
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Santa Clara, UT - Moss Farm Investments, GP, one of the entities associated with the development of Entrada at Snow Canyon, recently delivered to the City of Santa Clara the deed to 7.235 acres of real estate running along the south side of Pioneer Parkway near the boundary between Santa Clara and St. George.
The deed provides that this property will be owned by Santa Clara for as long as the property remains in an open and natural state for the benefit of the public. This property is covered with unique and beautiful lava formations which fascinate and delight those traveling along the bike path or parkway. While this valuable land could have been developed into over twenty beauti...
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Volume 12, Issue 9, 2009-03-16
Investment Counselor
As Retold by Kimberly Stewart
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An investment counselor decided to go out on her own. She was shrewd and diligent, so business kept coming in, and pretty soon she realized that she needed an in-house counsel. The investment banker began to interview young lawyers.
"As I'm sure you can understand," she started off with one of the first applicants, "in a business like this, our personal integrity must be beyond question." She leaned forward. "Mr. Mayberry, are you an honest lawyer?"
"Honest?" replied the job prospect. "Let me tell you something about honest. Why, I'm so honest that my father lent me $15,000 for my education, and I paid back every...
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Volume 10, Issue 18, 2007-06-25
Investment Firm Adds Big Name Client
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ST. GEORGE - Soltis Investment Advisors, an independent investment advisory firm based in St. George, has been retained by Norwegian Cruise Line to provide investment advisory services. Soltis will consult and provide money management services for the cruise line's 401(k) assets, which total over $58 million....
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
Ipson is UCAT Trustees Chair
St. George man replaces former Gov. Bangerter
By Amanda Covington
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SALT LAKE CITY - Don L. Ipson, of St. George, has been named Chair of the Utah College of Applied Technology Board of Trustees. Ipson, President and CEO of DATS Trucking Inc. was voted board chairman by the trustees at their Nov. 1 meeting in Salt Lake City. Michael Madsen, President and CEO of Madsen Construction, Garden City, was also voted Vice Chair at the meeting.
Ipson replaces former UCAT Trustees chairman and former Utah Gov. Norman Bangerter, who resigned in September after serving as Chair since UCAT's establishment in 2001. Madsen replaces Douglas L. Holmes of Ogden who served as Vice Chair since 2001.
Ipson also serves as Chair of the Dixie Applied T...
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Volume 10, Issue 3, 2007-02-26
Iron County Attracts Exploration Interest
February oil and gas lease sale nets BLM $1.8
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SALT LAKE CITY ‒ A large majority of parcels auctioned during BLM Utah's February quarterly oil and gas lease sale were in Iron County, where significant new interest in energy exploration has developed. Of the 58 parcels sold in the Feb. 20 sale, 46 are located in Iron County.
Bids for Iron County parcels ranged from the $2 minimum to $190 per acre. Parcels were also sold in Beaver, Carbon, Grand, San Juan, Uintah Counties.
The highest bid for a parcel was $900 per acre for 40 acres in Grand County by Deer Valley Resources of Salt Lake City. The highest overall total for a parcel was $111,300 for 2,120 acres in Uintah County by Contex Energy in Denver.<...
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Volume 10, Issue 4, 2007-03-19
Iron County Attracts Exploration Interest
February oil and gas lease sale nets BLM $1.8 Million
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SALT LAKE CITY ‒ A large majority of parcels auctioned during BLM Utah's February quarterly oil and gas lease sale were in Iron County, where significant new interest in energy exploration has developed. Of the 58 parcels sold in the Feb. 20 sale, 46 are located in Iron County.
Bids for Iron County parcels ranged from the $2 minimum to $190 per acre. Parcels were also sold in Beaver, Carbon, Grand, San Juan, Uintah Counties.
The highest bid for a parcel was $900 per acre for 40 acres in Grand County by Deer Valley Resources of Salt Lake City. The highest overall total for a parcel was $111,300 for 2,120 acres in Uintah County by Contex Energy in Denver.<...
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Volume 11, Issue 37, 2008-10-08
Iron County Mine to Sell More Than $1 Billion to China
High Grade Iron-Ore Sold In Next Five Years
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CEDAR CITY - Iron County's namesake is being mined by a Utah company with plans to sell more than $1 billion worth of high-grade ore to China during the next five years.
"This is the richest ore I've ever seen," said Brad Smith, a mining engineer with Palladon Ventures Ltd., a Salt Lake City-based company that owns the 6,600-acre Iron Bull Milling and Mining operation located 16 miles west of Cedar City.
The open-pit mine, which closed in 1996 under Geneva Steel, became active again on Sept. 11 with a...
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Volume 10, Issue 27, 2007-09-07
Iron County Parade of Homes - Sept. 7
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CEDAR CITY - The 13th Annual Iron County Home Builders' 2007 Parade of Homes continues today through Sunday with 14 homes on display from New Harmony to Enoch. Parade tickets will be available at most State Bank of Southern Utah locations and at Coldwell Banker on Main Street.
Homes are open Friday and Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. All the homes in this year's parade are decorated by professional interior designers. Technology will be a special showcase in many homes. Over half the homes have state-of-the-art home theaters.
The wide varieties of styles include large homes, economical town homes and even a unit in a gated retiremen...
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Volume 12, Issue 5, 2009-02-09
Iron County to Host Ag Workshops
USU Extension Provide Resources for Small Acreage Owners
By Lisa Rose Woodworth
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Cedar City - Agriculture production ground continues to be divided into 1 to 5-plus acre parcels throughout Utah, and Utah State University Extension's Small Acreage Educational Program provides resources and hands-on training for these new land owners.
"With all of the farming acreages around more metropolitan areas within Utah being carved up into small ‘ranchette' properties, there is a real need to help these non-agrarian land owners understand their responsibilities and how to make their ‘dream property' come true," said Scott McKendrick, statewide Small Acreage Programs coordinator.
McKendrick manages the Small Acreage team that includes 18 USU ...
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Volume 10, Issue 38, 2007-11-26
Iron County Unemployment
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Iron County 2007 unemployment by month. Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services. ...
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Volume 11, Issue 40, 2008-10-29
Iron Mine Officially Opens
Hosts Officials, Press
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CEDAR CITY - With last week's official opening of the Iron Bull Mining and Milling iron mine west of Cedar City, the "iron" is back in Iron County, officials say.
About 100 local dignitaries and news media representatives gathered at the operation to watch a ceremonial rock blast in the open-pit mine.
Mining operations have actually been underway for several weeks.
Donald Foot, president and CEO of Salt Lake City-based Palladon Ventures, which owns the mine, said ore is ready to be loaded onto railcars. Ore will be shipped to Long Beach, Calif., and loaded onto barges bound for ...
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Volume 9, Issue 9, 2006-06-12
Iron Mission State Park Seeks Volunteers
Jamie Gifford
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CEDAR CITY - Iron Mission State Park Museum is anxiously looking for volunteers to help their facility see the Foundation's master plan for greater tourist attraction come to fruition.
Completed in 1997, Iron Mission State Park Museum's Master Plan calls for the development of living history exhibits, using its historic structures and grounds to tell the story of early life in Southwest Utah.
Inspired to see this vision become a reality, the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation and the Iron Mission Foundation propose to create a historic Homestead and Waystation community behind the existing museum.
The demanding plans for the Homestead and Waystation pro...
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Volume 11, Issue 26, 2008-07-23
Iron Mountain Mine Readies for Q3 Startup
Operator of S. Utah mine names contract miner
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CEDAR CITY - Palladon Iron Corporation has signed a five-year contract with Gilbert Development Corp. to be the company's contract miner on the Iron Mountain project near Cedar City.
Gilbert will perform all mining duties at the site. Palladon personnel will oversee Gilbert's operations and will conduct all operations for the mix of ores to be hauled to the stockpile, survey primary elevations of the benches, toe and crest limits for the mining pit, and percentage grade on all roads, based on permitting requirements.
Start of operations is expected in...
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Volume 8, Issue 17, 2005-10-03
IRS Increases Mileage Rate
Economic Trends
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St. George, UT, - Morris Peacock, managing partner of KempBurdick CPA's & Advisors, stated that the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department announced an increase to the optional standard mileage rates for the final four months of 2005.
The rate will increase to 48.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, 2005. This is an increase of 8 cents from the 40.5 cent rate which was in effect for the first eight months of 2005.
According to Peacock, "In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the final months of 2005. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for ...
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Volume 11, Issue 24, 2008-07-09
IRS Raises Standard Mileage Rate
Up to 58.5 cents per mile for '08
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The Internal Revenue Service has announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2008. Businesses may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business purposes.
The rate will increase to 58.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1 through Dec. 31. This is an increase of eight cents from the 50.5 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2008.
In recognition of recent gasoline price increases...
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Volume 13, Issue 24, 2010-08-05
Is a Franchise Right for You?
By Byron Theurer
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For some entrepreneurs, the appeal of a small business doesn’t lie in starting it. Any aspiring business owner who has spent more time in a large corporate environment than in a small business may not have the time, patience or experience to build an enterprise from the ground up.
For those individuals, acquiring a franchise is an option worth...
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Volume 10, Issue 21, 2007-07-20
Is It a Business or a Hobby?
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ST. GEORGE — Phillip Peine, partner with HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors suggests that, "For federal tax purposes, the determination of 'business' or 'hobby' is a matter of deduction. If your new venture is considered a business, you can deduct losses against other income.’
However, when the activity is classified as a hobby, the ‘hobby loss’ rules limit the amount you can write off. Expenses you incur might be deductible only if you itemize - or they might even be nondeductible.
The distinction affects the amount of tax you owe. So how can you prove you're trying to run a money-making business despite several years of...
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Volume 10, Issue 25, 2007-08-24
Is It a Business or Hobby?
The answer has tax implications
From the IRS
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Fishing, Gardening, Golf, Sewing, Woodworking, Horsemanship, Scrap Booking, Stamp and Coin Collecting, etc. The IRS isn't trying to spoil your fun but if your favorite activity makes a profit every year or so, there may be tax implications that surprise you.
What is a hobby? Hobbies, also called not-for-profit activities, are those activities that are not pursued for profit. What is a business? Generally, your activity is considered a business if it is carried on with the reasonable expectation of earning a profit.
If you are not sure whether you are running a business or simply enjoying a hobby, here are some of the factors you should consider:
...
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Volume 8, Issue 10, 2005-05-23
Is it time for you to delegate?
The “What's an Entrepreneur?” Series
By Marvin R. Ray
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When is it time to delegate? I just returned from working with a client who asked this very question. We had been talking about the 10,080 minutes he has weekly. He runs a business by himself and has done quite well carving out a living for himself and his family. But how well has he really done? In his 40 hours a week (2,400 minutes) is he accomplishing 100% efficiency?
Surprisingly the answer is no. The greatest dilemma single employee businesses have is Work - Life Balance - Have I got it right? We all know the standard cliches - “never enough time in a day” - trying to “get three things done at once”.
Increasingly in today's society we run around like headless chickens (is that politically correct to state in today's society?) Your life will not get any easier unless you start thinking differently. If you have to answer phones, type contracts, make calls, set appointments, organize the office, read e-mails, structure your day (and week) how effective can you really be? On average around 50%.
So if you hire a secretary, service writer or general office help who can now handle phone calls, type contracts, make appointments, organize the office and help structure your work week how effective can you be at doing the work you do best? One hundred percent or better!
We don't realize at times the knowledge we have regarding our jobs. Usually what we specialize in is not something just anyone could do, it is a specialty, and so having stated that why would want to do what you are not a specialist at? Maybe you are good at typing, that's okay but if you shine more at making sells calls or closing a deal why waste your valuable time?
Let someone else who is a specialist perform their job and you will find your business will easily exceed its current amount of efficiency and dollar value. After having done the calculations for my client the numbers were astounding. By bringing on 1 additional employee with a structured plan we found out we could easily double his business gross in the next 12 months taking his business from $150,000 to $300,000.
This move would only cost him $45,448 giving him a better increase on his time, utilizing his overhead more effectively and in the end taking home a bigger paycheck by $29,552 (69% increase in personal wages). Not only will his wages increase because of his new help, his customers will immediately notice he has more time to spend them showing that he cares even more. If you can't make a good living working Monday - Friday from 8:00 - 6:00 you are doing something wrong or your Life Balance isn't right! Is it time for you to delegate?
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 7, Issue 22, 2004-12-13
Is It Time to Combine the Wires Running Into Your Business?
Voice-Over IP and What It Means To Small Businesses in Southwest Utah
By Jason Eyre
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Technically Twisted Commentaries
Traditionally telephone service has been delivered to your business over copper lines or for lack of a better term: your phone line. Most people still use phone lines to get their Internet access either using Internet Dial-Up or DSL.
But step outside the phone box for a minute and consider the possibility of getting your phone service over your Internet connection. The technology called Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is several years old and is becoming very popular and inexpensive.
The concept behind VOIP is simple: your calls are digitized till equipment in the phone office decodes them and sends the signals over t...
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Volume 13, Issue 15, 2010-05-13
Is ROTH IRA Conversion Right for You?
Starting in 2010 some retirement rules have changed
By Morris Peacock
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Starting in 2010, some retirement rules have changes. Anyone, regardless of income level, can convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. However, until December 31, 2009, an individual who earned more than $100,000 per year could not make a Roth IRA conversion.
For 2010, when converting your IRA to a...
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Volume 11, Issue 30, 2008-08-20
Is the Residential Real Estate Market Stabilizing?
Washington County housing market report for June
From Terra Title
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ST. GEORGE - Amidst soaring oil prices, declining stock market indexes and financial institution unrest, is it possible the Washington County real estate market is stabilizing? Here are some key indicators to watch.
Total Sales
Total sales in June, which include home, lot, commercial and raw ground sales, slid ever so slightly from 359 in May, to 356 in June. Year-to-date total sales of 2,046 reflect a 35 percent slip from last year's 3,185 sales.
West St. George, Washington and Bloomington Hills Areas led the county in area sales. Bloomington, Bloomington Hills and Washington have the...
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Volume 7, Issue 6, 2004-03-29
Is there an SLA in your future?
Technically Twisted Commentaries
By Jason Eyre
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SLA is an important acronym in the internet world. It stands for service level agreement or the level of service your Internet Provider commits to provide to you. Where do you find your service level agreement? The best place to look is either the terms of service or contract you signed upon your connection through that provider to the Internet.
Commonly you find the terms of service or contracts were written by Attorneys with the focus of giving the advantage to the Internet Provider. That means that you really have no recourse when your internet goes down. My Internet goes down at home on a pretty regular basis: especially on Sunday afternoons. I am not really impacted by the...
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Volume 11, Issue 21, 2008-06-11
Is Your Business BLOWING AWAY the Competition?
Young girls want to smell like their favorite star
by Kent Douglass
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KANAB - Knowing your market is the key. Take the beauty products industry. Do you know that eight to twelve-year-old girls spend over a half a billion dollars each year on them? If your company sells cosmetics you already know that don’t you? If not you aren’t watching the marketing trends as closely as you should.
Do you know that...
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Volume 11, Issue 15, 2008-04-29
IT Services Firm Opens
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CEDAR CITY - Southern Utah Technology and Design LLC has opened its doors at 2069 N. Main Street, Suite 104, in the newly remodeled Bella Vista Plaza.
The company offers computer consulting, installation, and repair services in Cedar City, St. George, and the Hurricane Valley. Other technical services Southern Utah Technology and Design offers include website design, search engine optimization, keyword targeting, and information security.
You can contact Southern Utah Technology and Design at 435-572-4849, or visit the company’s Web site at http://www.sutechdesign.com.
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Volume 13, Issue 17, 2010-05-27
It Takes More Than Trust to Protect a Cash Drawer
The cash register is one of the most tempting targets for employee theft
By Byron Theurer
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Why do employees steal? That question has frustrated and angered business owners for decades. The act of theft violates the trust between owner and employee. And even if the theft is an isolated incident, it can poison the employer’s relationship with the vast majority of workers who are honest. Employees want to be treated with respect, not as potential criminals.
Cash shortages often result from...
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Volume 11, Issue 11, 2008-04-01
It's official - Monday, Friday Productivity Lags
Survey of top execs says Tuesdays are tops
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Accountemps, a specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals, hired an independent research firm to ask 150 senior executives at some of the country’s largest companies, “In your opinion, on which day of the week are employees generally most productive?”
Fifty-seven percent of executives said Tuesday is the most productive day of the week for their employees.
Monday was next, with 12 percent saying it was the most productive day. That’s down from 26 percent who said Monday was the most productive day in a 2002 survey.
Wednesday and Thursday tied just behind with 11 percent of executives...
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Volume 7, Issue 5, 2004-03-15
It's Eye Safety Month
Protect Your Eyes While Working
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To mark March as Workplace Eye Safety Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and eye doctors across the nation want to alert Americans to the possibility of eye injuries in the workplace.
Despite existing safety legislation and educational programs, each working day in the United States, more than 2,000 employees sustain job-related eye injuries, making workplace injury a leading cause of ocular trauma, visual loss and blindness. Of these, 10 to 20 percent will be disabling because of temporary or permanent vision loss.
Ninety percent of these injuries can be prevented with appropriate protective eyewear. Many of those injured workers reported that they didn't thi...
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
It's Looking a Lot Like Christmas
Pamela Hilton
St. George Area CVB/Dixie Center Marketing Director
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We just barely got through the summer months, reluctantly put away our shorts, flip flops and thoughts of all the things we were going to do this summer and here it is the Holiday season already!
The Christmas tree is already being put up and decorated in the Dixie Center Lobby and our windows are painted for the holidays. How did we get here so fast?
November brings us to that time of year when we begin to think about the year that is quickly passing and the upcoming holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, and all the things we have to do! It definitely is the busiest, and most stressful, two months of the year!
The Holiday Season is h...
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Volume 10, Issue 9, 2007-04-23
It's Official, Washington County Economy Slowing Down
Regional Economist, Utah Departm
By Lecia Parks Langston
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One of the most common mistakes folks make when considering the economic future is to assume that the way it is now is the way it is going to stay. For many, rapid growth has seemed the only way of life here in Utah's Dixie.
The Washington County economy has certainly been flying high during the past several years. The county's proved frequent contender for the top spot in many economic and demographic rankings of Metropolitan Statistical Areas.
In recent years, Washington County has experienced rapid growth regardless of the measure‒population, construction permits, gross taxable sales, job growth, or house price appreciation.
But as ...
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Volume 9, Issue 2, 2006-02-06
iTunes U
Click. Sync. Learn.
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Off the World Wide Web - Apple says they share common goals with education ‒ to advance teaching, learning, and research through innovation, and engage and empower students. Students expect a campus environment that accommodates their digital lifestyle, adapts to their individual learning needs, and encourages collaboration and teamwork. Apple has recently introduced a way to simplify and meet all these needs ‒ iTunes U.
This is education beyond the classroom. iTunes U is a free, hosted service for colleges and universities that provides easy access to your educational content, including lectures and interviews 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Apple s...
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Volume 10, Issue 29, 2007-09-21
Ivins Presents Harvest Moon Festival - Sept. 28
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IVINS - The Harvest Moon Festival is a gathering of artists, craftsmen, and entertainers from the Southwest on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 28-29 at Unity Park, 200 West and 400 South. Festival hours are 2 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Admission is free and there will be free door prize drawings. And for an entertaining bonus, at the other end of the park the Ivins Car Show will be taking place with over 200 classic cars and motorcycles.
The festival will feature music all day both days. Scheduled performers include the Sam Payne Project, a special performance by Native American flute player, Mac Lopez, and on Friday evening, a dance to t...
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Volume 8, Issue 3, 2005-02-14
Ivins Tri-mart Changes Hands
By Jeri Cartwright
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A Tri-Mart located in Ivins near the city of St. George, has a new owner. Mike Guisimger, an Ivins resident, purchased the property from Western United Life Assurance of Spokane, Washington.
The deal was negotiated by Commerce CRG and the Tri-Mart, located at 550 South and 200 East, includes a convenience store, carwash and shops. All current tenants will remain.
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Volume 9, Issue 11, 2006-08-07
Ivory Homes and SITLA Launch New Community
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ST. GEORGE - Ivory Homes, in conjunction with the State of Utah School & Institutional Trust Lands Administration, has broken ground on Ivory's new Southern Utah headquarters. The headquarters will be built within Ivory's new community Hidden Valley near Bloomington in St. George.
The Hidden Valley master planned community marks Ivory's return to the St. George market. Hidden Valley will include 1,072 units of mixed use housing, including town homes, single family homes and estate lots, with six planned unit development areas.
"We consider this a great opportunity to work with one of Utah's premier homebuilders in creating the community of Hidden Valley,” said Trust Lan...
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Volume 10, Issue 19, 2007-07-03
Ivory Homes Back on Track
Builder recovering after fire destroyed 3 homes
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ST. GEORGE - After a fire destroyed three houses under construction in its new Hidden Valley development, Ivory Homes says operations are back on track.
The homes were being framed when a fire broke out late June 11. Ivory officials said they had no choice but to tear out each foundation and start building the three houses from the ground up.
Ivory stands by its commitment to rebuild the homes as quickly and efficiently as possible, hoping to shorten any delays as a result of the fire, they said....
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Volume 9, Issue 1, 2006-01-23
Ivory Homes Returns to St. George Market
By Ryan Prows
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ST. GEORGE - Clark Ivory is bringing his company, Ivory Homes, back to St. George where his grandfather and father first developed the Bloomington area and started Ivory Homes.
“This is where we got our start in a big way in the Utah real estate market,” said Clark Ivory. “Now we have an opportunity to go back and do a wonderful project that will be an asset to the community.”
Ivory Homes has been selected as the developer of Hidden Valley, a 360 acre project in southern St. George, by the State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA).
“I am very happy to have a company such as Ivory Homes working with us on ...
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Volume 10, Issue 2, 2007-02-19
Ivory Opens Model at Hidden Valley
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ST GEORGE ‒ Ivory Homes has announced the opening of its first model home at Hidden Valley. This home represents Ivory Homes' return to the Southern Utah market after a 40-plus year absence since Ellis Ivory came to St. George and commenced the development of Bloomington.
The Model, called the Seville, features a two story, 2405 square foot plan that includes a master bedroom on the main floor with a total of four bedrooms and 2 ½ baths. The decorated model home is located at 3390 South Desert Hills Drive. Model home hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ivory Homes is offering full masonry and stucco home designs (Estates) priced from the ...
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