Students of the Month Honored by St. George Exchange Club

Back Row: Keira Smith (THS), Spencer Whitehead (SCHS), Anthony Requa (DHS), Alexia Adams (DHHS), Danny Wittwer Exchange Club President

Front Row: Talore Miller (PVHS), Brittney Kasner (MHS)

St. George, UT, December 14, 2012 — The St. George Exchange Club honored six high school seniors this week at its regular breakfast meeting Thursday at Corporate Alliance.

The high school se­niors represent Millcreek, Dixie, Pine View, Desert Hills, Tuacahn and Snow Canyon high schools.

The students are se­lected by the counseling departments at their re­spective schools based on community volunteer ser­vice, scholastic achieve­ments, leadership skills and academic participa­tion throughout their high school years. Students, along with their parents, were in­vited to the club’s break­fast meeting and were presented with a certifi­cate. Each of these stu­dents are now eligible to compete for a college scholarship at the end of the school year.

To learn about the St. George Exchange Club, call 674-9718 or email dannyw@abbeyinnhotels.com.

St. George Exchange Club Student of the Month

The following students were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their schools and selected as the October 2012 Student of the Month by the St. George Exchange Club.  Left to right - Jessica Peterson (PVHS), Kaleb Caplin DHHS, Shalynne Seegmiller (DHS), Madeline Berger (SCHS), Kadan Holt (MHS), St. George Exchange Club President Danny Wittwer.

Students of the Month Honored by St. George Exchange Club

St. George, UT, October 29, 2012 — All the students that are honored throughout the year are seniors and are recognized for their scholastic achievements, community involvement, and leadership at their respective school. One student from the eight students honored from each high school throughout the school year as a Student of the Month will have the opportunity to become Student of the Year from their school and receive a college scholarship to the college of their choice from the St. George Exchange Club.

This short release generated a larger article from St. George News about Exchange.

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2012/10/29/st-george-exchange-club-raising-leaders-with-spirit-to-serve/

Chamber Luncheon MC

Steve Wilson, Max Rose, and Curtis Jensen

http://voddov.com/video/view/Chamber-of-Commerce-Meeting-2012-10-03

For the past 3 years I have been a member of the Board of Directors for the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce. This past Wednesday was my last official duty to MC the weekly luncheon. Our guest speaker was Max Rose, Superintendent of the Washington County School District. The WCSD Foundation is doing a Haunted House to help raise money so some of the WCSD Foundation board members came in costumes.  I snapped a photo of Curtis Jensen and Steve Wilson with Max Rose.

http://business.stgeorgechamber.com/events/details/a-taste-of-dixie-1638

This weekend is the biggest fund raiser for the Chamber with Taste of Dixie. I was the Chairman for organizing this event this year. I am looking forward to great things and big successes.  We initiated a Local Bites portion for the event which has 6 local chefs preparing a special dish and up to 300 patrons can come by and sample the goods.

http://business.stgeorgechamber.com/events/details/local-bites-2219

BYU Management Luncheon with Lynn Blake, PhD

The St. George Area Chapter of The BYU Management Society invites you to join us for our chapter lunch this Friday featuring Lynn Holt Blake, PhD, Retired Vice President of Research at the Sorenson Companies, Former NASA Apollo Employee, and Former Mission & Temple President.  Thursday, October 25, 2012 at the Dixie College Gardner Center in St. George , UT at Noon.

Cost is $15. Please RSVP as soon as possible to:  Nate McNamee at  nate@twmadvisor.com or
call Nate at (435) 669-9400 or at www.byusg.com under the Calendar tab.
 
Lynn Holt Blake is a retired Vice President of Research at the Sorenson Companies. Dr. Blake was born in Ogden, Utah. He received his PhD in Engineering from the University of Michigan. Dr. Blake worked on the Apollo Program for NASA. He also worked at the National Institute of Health on Biomedical problems, and was the VP of Research at the Medical University of South Carolina. He later served as the Associate Director of Economic Development for the State of Utah under Gov. Bangerter. Brother Blake has served as the Halifax Nova Scotia Temple President from 2007 to 2010. Dr. Blake has served as the president of the Canada Halifax Mission, stake president's counselor, bishop and senior couple missionary in the Europe Central Area Office. Dr. Blake is the father of 7 children and 33 grand children.

Retina Specialist Rachael S. Jacoby, MD, joins Richens Eye Center

St. George, UT, October 19, 2012 – Dr. Sharon Richens, director of the Richens Eye Center in St. George, announced recently that Rachael S. Jacoby, MD, a retina specialist, has joined Richens Eye Center, where she will provide treatment for retina and vitreous diseases, including retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Jacoby received her bachelors degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Arizona in 1999 and earned her MD from Creighton University Medical School in Omaha, Nebraska.  She completed an internship and residency in ophthalmology at the Moran Eye Center University of Utah School of Medicine.  She then completed a retina fellowship in 2009 at the Moran Eye Center.


Dr. Jacoby’s experience, prior to joining the Richens Eye Center, includes working as a member of the clinical faculty at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City and serving as Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin.  She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists, and the Wisconsin Ophthalmology Society. Presently, she is an associate professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine Moran Eye Center.

Commenting on Dr. Jacoby’s appointment, Dr. Sharon Richens, director of the Richens Eye Center, stated, “Dr. Jacoby’s expertise in medical and surgical care of the retina has been a wonderful addition to the practice. We feel very fortunate to have her skills readily available to patients in southern Utah. Her scholastic record, research experience, and outreach efforts as a volunteer and mentor convinced us that she would be an outstanding addition to our staff and an active member of our community.  We offer her an enthusiastic welcome to our staff.”

Richens Eye Center, located at 161 W 200 N, Suite 200, is a comprehensive ophthalmologic practice offering services ranging from routine eye examinations to specialized surgery.  Its staff physicians are highly trained in subspecialties, including corneal diseases and treatments, glaucoma, pediatric eye care as well as age-related problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Richens Eye Center is committed to preserving and restoring sight by providing the most comprehensive and highest quality eye care for the people of southern Utah.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacoby or any of the dedicated practitioners at Richens Eye Center, call the Center at 435-986-2020.

Phone Directories

I have come to the conclusion that phone directory companies all think they are the best form of advertising.  Some are even coming up with figures to dispute internet searches as a passing fancy and to not be taken seriously.  I believe in an integrated marketing plan that includes enough of each media to reach the clients target market. However, some industries need more of one media over another.  New technology has changed the landscape for many marketers, and when used properly will help increase brand awareness, as well as increase sales. There are so many variables to marketing though.  Price, product, promotion, and distribution all play an important part in the success of your marketing mix. So if you want me to become endeared to your marketing media industry, don't come into my office and slam the other guys. I know better.  Just give me your stats and I'll assess them and assign a portion of our marketing budget relative to the success of what you bring to the table and how it helps promote my clients products and services.  Reach, frequency, and ROI versus cost.

Dixie's Got Talent

 It is time once again for Dixie's Got Talent - the fundraiser for needs based scholarships to Dixie State College.  This year we are adding a few twists such as a Battle of the Bands, promoted by Canyon Media where local bands can upload a 2 minute music video of their band to the DGT facebook page and then have friends and others vote for their favorite band.

Bands may upload their video, but must be registered and paid their $10 entry fee by Nov 10th in order to be entered or their votes will be null and void. They will upload their 2 minute video to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dixies-Got-Talent/220759184653053?ref=ts&fref=ts

Go to http://dixiesgottalent.blogspot.com/ to download an application, fill it out, then take it with their entry fee to The Village Bank located at 294 East Tabernacle. The website will have all the instructions for entry and the process.

The top 5 bands with the most Facebook likes will be invited to the "call back auditions" with judges on November 17th. The judges will decide if they will go on to the finals on January 24th.
 

Chamber's NEW Website

The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce went live today with their new website.  It looks great and has tons of wonderful information.  Still trying to figure out all the back end analytics to update my personal business site...but I'll get it.  https://www.stgeorgechamber.com/

DocUtah Media Exposure by the Numbers!

DocUtah Media Report

9/12/12

DSC Campus:

Dixieall email

The Educational Opportunity of DOCUTAH
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 1:20 PM
IT IS COMING—DOCUTAH – September 5th through the 9th.  DOCUTAH offers unique educational opportunities for you and for your students!  Visit the website, and consider the opportunities these films may offer to students in your classes!  http://www.docutah.com.   All students with valid student ID’s all films free of charge.   Seminars have been designed to foster discussion about films and filmmaking. Tickets for the General Public will be on sale at the Dixie State College Box Office starting Wednesday, August 22nd.  A one day pass is $5.00; An all festival pass is $20.00. The website provides schedules, complete film information, and even selected trailers. Do explore the festival opportunities for yourself—and for your students! Festival Guides are available in the library and at other locations across the campus.

Campus posters and signage

Saw many hung in and around the Udvar Hazey Building

Campus Announcements

Faculty Meetings

Faculty Class Assignments

Marketing 3500 – 16 students assigned to attend DocUtah and do a report on at least one film more than 1 hour long.  Their reports are amazing. Some of the students had heard about DocUtah but did not know what it was about. I received some very telling feedback from the students in my class. Each had a good experience and plan to attend again next year.

Handed out Opening Event Rack Card to students.

Signage

60 DocUtah.com signs are hanging on the light poles along Bluff and St. George Blvd.  Approximately 32,000 vehicles travel along this route daily.

20 signs are also placed on the corner of 100 South and 700 East around the Eccles parking lot. Large Building sign on the West side of the Eccles Building.

DSCtv 

Promotional Ad ran on the screens around campus

DSC Storm Radio

Mentions and on-air radio interviews with DocUtah staff and film producers.

Radio Advertising:

Cherry Creek

Qualitative data from media audit from March of 2012.  A cume audience of 69,841 between these stations. ST. GEORGE-CEDAR CITY, UT, Target: ADULTS AGE 18+

Canyon Media

Using Eastlan 2011 research we are reaching approximately 37,000 listeners 18+ an average of 3.9 times.  Canyon Media sponsored the Go Green Event about Recycling.

Morris Murdock Radio show

Free mentions from Gary Sorensen on his weekly radio travel show.

Ticket giveaways on the air.

Mayor McArthur Radio Show

Mentions and discussions on his weekly Mayors Talk Show – Various stations. Ticket giveaways on the air.

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/DOCUTAH

DocUtah Facebook Marketing Report

POSTS:

Before August Promotion

DocUtah was reaching about 150 people per week.

Since DocUtah FB promotion began:

DocUtah has increased its facebook reach to 29,532 people per week.

People who like the page:

Female: 47.4%

Male: 51.4%

Total Likes: 1,449

Friends of Fans: 573,136

People Talking about DocUtah: 1,001

(Number of unique people who have created a story about DocUtah within the last 3 weeks)

Reach:

Total number of people who saw any Facebook content about DocUtah from:

9/2 - 9/8         29,532 people reached

8/27 - 9/2       19,826 people reached

8/21 - 8/27     20,295 people reached

8/15 - 8/21       6,597 people reached

8/9 - 8/15         5,577 people reached

Total unique people reached since 8/9/12

81,827 people

Cities - (The number of people who saw any content about the page from 8/19/12 - 8/25/12) broken down by city:

6,406	Saint George, UT
970	Hurricane, UT
594	Salt Lake City, UT
421	Washington, UT
309	Cedar City, UT
243	Kanab, UT
232	Santa Clara, UT
196	La Verkin, UT
174	Ivins, UT
173	Las Vegas, NV
164	Provo, UT
126	Los Angeles, CA
113	Orem, UT
103	San Francisco, CA
79	Ogden, UT
66	New York, NY
63	Phoenix, AZ
61	West Jordan, UT
56	Logan, UT
49	Chicago, IL

eBlast hits 100,000+ opt in emails each week for 4 weeks. Links to docutah.com.

Print Advertising:

The Spectrum advertising campaign included Impact ads, Where its @ ads and ROP ads.  Distribution was multiple times to their subscriber and online readers.

The St. George Magazine September issue included the DocUtah Media Guide. It was delivered to 21,000+ households in the southern Utah and northern Nevada market.

Senior Saver Guide

½ page ad

Mailed to 15,000 households in Washington County 55 years or older demo

4000 delivered to rack locations throughout Washington County.

Senior Sampler

4 weeks of ads with rack distribution of 8000+ copies throughout Washington County.

The Independent

Cover story article featuring Andrew Bird Documentary with rack distribution of 20,000+ throughout Washington County.

Slug Magazine

http://www.slugmag.com/

SLUG (an acronym for SaltLakeUnderGround) Magazine delivers uncompromising coverage of music, art, action sports and subculture to its readers 12 times a year. Distributing 30,000 issues monthly, SLUG is a regional, free publication based in Salt Lake City and remains one of the oldest independent zines in the nation. Unfiltered, responsible, witty and irreverent, SLUG has earned its particular and sought-after demographic, the trendsetters. Between the average ages of 19 and 34, SLUG readers are freethinking and opinionated consumers with loyal customer spending habits.

Television Promos:

EuroChannel – based in Florida

Eurochannel offered the following:

- Logo on their website.  Eurochannel.com

- Leaderboard ad on their website

- Banner in their Newsletter

- Mentions on their Social networks.

UEN

Promo running state wide on UEN

Hotel Channel/Hotel Front Desks

Showing DocUtah Promo Trailer on In-room channel

Showing a variety of last years documentaries several nights a week on in-room channel at the La Quinta hotel.  Front desk offered guest free popcorn for their viewing pleasure.

MegaPlex

Movie screen impressions:

DocUtah promo started its advertising run the week of 8/20/12 in all 32 Washington County screens.  Reach was 1280 promos ran per week on 32 screens reaching 20,000+ movie ticket buyers per week.

CEC – Community Education Channel. Promotional ad ran.

Public Relations – Print, Radio, Television:

The Spectrum

Front page cover story 9/6/12

Articles and mentions have included an editorial piece in the September 4, 2012 edition.

Mainstreet Business Journal.

http://mainstreetbusinessjournal.com/articleview.php?articlesid=6420&volume=15&issue=30

SGNews.com stories -http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2012/08/16/docutah-returns-to-southern-utah-for-3rd-year/

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2012/08/27/docutah-film-festival-opening-night-and-highlights/

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2012/09/05/we-got-the-beat-double-g-and-producer-on-hip-hop-maestro-docutah-screening-tonight/

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2012/09/07/unpacking-pieces-of-the-soul-with-sculptor-matt-clark-and-docutah-filmmaker/

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2012/09/09/docutah-andrew-bird-fever-year-a-cut-above-other-films/

The Independent - http://www.suindependent.com/article/EventsHappenings/3702/

SLTribune - http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/54790148-80/docutah-festival-com-documentaries.html.csp

DesNews - http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865561428/Dixie-presents-DOCUtah-once-again.html

KUNF Radio interview with Devin Dixon. Interviewed Carlos Avia producer of The Tales of Masked Men. 9/5/12.

KUTV's Ladd Egan interviewed Bible Storyland director, Lani and Christina, DocUtah Leaders, and Matt Clark, the subject of the documentary Pieces of the Soul in the Eccles lobby at DocUtah backdrop.

http://www.kutv.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_2021.shtml

KSL ran a story on Matt Clark, the subject of the documentary Pieces of the Soul on Thursday and also did a festival preview from The Encampment Mall.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=22091397

DocUtah and Bible Storyland interview with Lee Hernandez, KSGU Nevada

Public Radio (So Utah Affiliate 90.3 FM).

KNPR did a fabulous interview with Bible Storyland with an introduction to DOCUTAH on September 5. It was a long, chewy interview with great previews to the festival.

Community Relations:

DocUtah presentations were made at the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on August 29.

Other community presentations were made to civic groups including Rotary Clubs, The Exchange Club, Lions Club, Washington City Chamber of Commerce, St. George City Council meeting and others.

Kanab

Southern Utah News

http://www.sunews.net/article.cfm?articleID=1175

DOCUTAH Returns to Southern Utah .... .... Touting PBS Recognition and record number of submissions

ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Touted one of the nation’s best “Small-Town Documentary Film Festivals for 2012” by the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), this year’s festival will showcase the best of a record 348 submissions from 46 world countries.

During the five-day event, theaters throughout southern Utah will screen top-rated documentary films with special events and screening parties daily. A unique feature of the DOCUTAH festival is its dedication to education. Following many film premiers, viewers will have the opportunity to engage in question and answer sessions with movie producers, directors, field experts and academicians.
"The mission of DOCUTAH is to inspire a global connection through documentary films and intellectual discussion,” said Lani Pururi, DOCUTAH operations manager. “We invite the community to review Festival Guide for films of individual interest, and then join us for open discussion on the many topics that will be presented during the festival."

Wednesday, Sept. 5, will feature opening night festivities commencing at 7:45 p.m. at the DSC Encampment Mall. Following an outdoor performance by Calamity Dance Company, DOCUTAH will kick off with a free starlight screening of “Hip Hop Maestro,” a 40-minute film celebrating music and dance. Following the film will be a presentation by Dixie STORM Radio and an outdoor Zumba dance party. “Dixie State College is pleased to present the third year of DOCUTAH,” said Christina Schultz, Festival executive director. “We are excited to bring the Festival home and to invite the community to our campus for this opening event of film, dance and fun."

Following opening night will be five days of documentary film screenings with feature events highlighting artists, humanitarians, athletes, musicians, and various social issues. Thurday, Sept. 5 will highlight local artist Matt Clark, sculptor of “Painted Pony.” Clark’s works will be on display at the Eccles Fine Arts Center at Dixie State College throughout the festival. On Friday, Sept. 7, the films “Awaken the Dragon” and “Running Through” will feature athletes who have overcome extraordinary odds to achieve success and happiness. Canyon Media will host a recycling carnival Saturday, Sept. 8, in conjunction with a series of eco-friendly films including “Terra Blight” and “Pad Yatra.” And Sunday, Sept. 9 will feature historical event films including “Raid of the Rainbow Lounge,” “Life is Strange,” and “Biblestoryland.”

The Festival will close Sunday, Sept. 9 with a celebration of filmmakers and Raven Awards ceremony at 7 p.m., MegaPlex Red Cliffs Theatres. DOCUTAH Artistic Director Phil Tuckett said the organizing committee is expecting some outstanding award winners this year. “With more entries than ever before, the 2012 festival presents the best selection yet of production value, subject matter and international flavor for our Southern Utah community to enjoy,” he said.

The DOCUTAH International Film Festival originated at Dixie State College in 2010. The Festival has since put southern Utah on the map for hosting this event that attracts professional, amateur and student filmmakers each fall. Festival-goers enjoy coming for the films, staying for the scenery and departing having experienced documentary film inspiration.
As part of the festival’s ongoing commitment to provide quality exposure to meaningful documentary films. DOCUTAH now offers year-round screening events to southern Utah communities. The September Festival serves as the organizations culminating annual event.

Participating screening venues include Eccles Main Stage Theatre, Sears Museum & Art Gallery, Red Mountain Resort, Jazzy Java, 13th & Park, Megaplex Red Cliffs Theatres. Tickets can be purchased at screening venues or at the Dixie State College Ticket Office. Cost is $5 for a day-pass or $20 for an all-event pass. For more information, call (435) 879-4273 or visitwww.docutah.com.

Mayor Proclaims September 27, Southwest Utah Recovery Day

St. George, UT, August 22, 2012 — At the City Council meeting on August 16, 2012, St. George City Mayor Dan McArthur presented Angi Graff, Washington County Adult Substance Abuse Program Manager at Southwest Behavioral Health Center, a signed proclamation declaring September 27, 2012 “Southwest Utah Recovery Day”.

The Recovery Day event celebrates individual, family and community recovery from the effects of addiction, thereby strengthening this community in which we live.

This event will be held from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Town Square Park in St. George and will include FREE music, food, activities for children, display booths and special speakers.

The community is invited to attend and enjoy the festivities!

10 Simple Ways to Change Your Life in 2 Minutes a Day

10 Simple Ways to Change Your Life in 2 Minutes a Day

by Henrik Edberg

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” --Lao Tzu

“The distance is nothing; it is only the first step that is difficult.” --Madame Marie du Deffand

Making a positive change in your life does not have to be about making a huge leap. But I believe that belief is one of those things that hold people back from improving their life and world.

A simpler way that more often results in actual action being taken and new habits being established – in my life at least – is to take smaller steps but many of them. So here are 10 ways to change your life in just 2 minutes or so a day. Through these small steps you can start to build habits that become stronger and over time can change your life in ways you perhaps can’t imagine now.

To remember to actually do one of the things below each day write down a simple reminder. Put it on your night table so that you see it when you wake up each morning. Or put the note in your workspace so you see it early in your day. If you like and if possible, expand on the small habit after a week or two and do it for just a few more minutes a day.

1. Just start working for 2 minutes on your most important task.

I use this one at least one day every week. On some days I simply don’t feel like getting started with work. I’d much rather stay lazily on the sofa. So on such days I just start to work for 2 minutes on my most important task. That is the deal.

The thing is: getting started is pretty much always the hardest part. After I have started moving and been at work for those 2 minutes it is usually pretty easy or simple to just continue working on that task.

2. Review and appreciate your day at the end of it.

If you do good things during the day and get things done then that can raise your self-esteem. If you reflect upon that you have done so that is.

So take two minutes of the end of your workday. Appreciate what you did and what you thought.

That is what I will do when I am done with this article and workday.

3. Set a low bar for happiness for the day.

Lately I have been telling myself this when I wake up in the morning: “Have a low bar for happiness today.”

As I tell myself this and try to keep it in mind during the day I appreciate things more. The food, my work, the weather, the small events of the day becomes not everyday stuff but something I feel happy to have. The small or what may be something one takes for granted becomes something I now often pause for a moment or two to take in and appreciate.

But if I become happier in my everyday life for the smaller things does that mean that I become unmotivated to keep working towards the bigger things?

Nope.

This way of looking at my life actually fuels me with more energy and inspiration and fun, life becomes lighter and I feel less inner resistance as I explore and work towards both small and bigger things.

4. Breathe when stressed.

When stress catches up with you, when you start to feel anxious, irritated and or fearful because of it then take 2 minutes. Sit down. Breathe rather deeply with your belly. Focus on just for your breathing for those 2 minutes. This will calm your mind and body down and you can resume your work in a calmer mood after that.

5. Open up your senses to what is here now.

Pull yourself out of the past where you relive an old conflict and drag yourself further down a depressing spiral. Pull yourself out of the the future where you imagine a catastrophe at your next meeting, date or presentation. Place yourself and your attention on where you really are. Here now.

Do so by sitting down for 2 minutes. See what is right in front of you. Listen to the birds and cars outside. Feel the spring sun shining in through the window onto your clothes and skin. Sense the small draft from one of the windows. Smell the flowers and trees that have started to bloom.

Be here fully with all your senses for those 2 minutes. This will calm your mind and body down. Thinking will become easier and an optimistic viewpoint will feel more natural.

6. When you feel the need to judge someone tap into understanding instead.

When you feel the need to judge someone you know or may not know then take 2 minutes. Ask yourself these two questions: What parts of this person can I see in myself? How is he or she like me?

Why do that instead of judging?

Because no one wants to be judged in a negative way and doing so to the people in your life doesn’t help to build good relationships. Plus, the amount you tend to judge others often is a similar amount that you judge yourself. So help yourself to live a more positive life in those two ways by pausing when feeling the need to judge and then choose something better.

7. Think for a minute and give someone a genuine compliment.

Spend one minute coming up with something you really and genuinely appreciate about someone in your life and that is in the same room as you at some point during the day. Spend the other minute or less on telling him or her the compliment.

She or he will be happy. You’ll feel good about yourself and probably get some positive feelings too from the now happy and complimented person. It’s a good and small way to build more positive relationships.

8. Hug.

It’s a small thing but physical intimacy can reduce stress and make us feel good. So spend 2 minutes of your day on hugging. Like compliments it can be a simple way to build warmer and more positive relationships with all kinds of people in your life. Just use your common sense before you start hugging.

9. Be interested instead of interesting.

At the start of a conversation or to break the ice spend two minutes on asking one or a couple of questions about someone you are talking to and his or her life.

Pay attention and don’t just wait for your turn to talk again. The interest you give will most likely be returned and you can start to build not only a good conversation but also a giving and fulfilling relationship for the two of you no matter what kind of relationship it may be.

10. Mix things up.

Try the opposite. Have the vegetarian dish if you always go for the meat. Walk away from a stupid conflict instead of making it worse. Let one thing go if you often cling to things. Say yes to something spontaneous if you often say no and stick within your daily routine.

Take 2 minutes or less in one common or negative situation in your life today, pause for a brief reflection and then make a decision that is uncommon for you.

Make a habit of mixing things up to have more fun. To grow your life in small or bigger ways. To add unexpected experiences. To make it easier and simpler to step out of your comfort zone in general when you really need to.

And to feel alive.

HintonBurdick Aquires Nick Lang & Associates

 St. George, UT, July 18, 2012 — Morris Peacock, managing partner of HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors announced today the acquisition of St. George-based accounting firm Nick Lang & Associates.

Established in 1982, Nick Lang & Associates served an expansive client base of individuals and small businesses in the St. George area.  According to Lang, the decision to join HintonBurdick was motivated by a desire to provide clients with a broader range of services and the opportunity to tap into the specialized expertise of a larger staff.  “HintonBurdick is one of the top accounting firms in the state” he said.  “Merging our two firms will give my clients access to expertise across the entire spectrum of accounting practices and tax law.”

Peacock added that, “Nick Lang’s dedication to his clients mirrors our own.  He believes, as we do, that every client is unique and deserves to be treated as a valued neighbor and friend. Our shared values, as well as our shared experience serving the St. George business community, make this merger a win-win situation for our clients, as well as for our firms.”

Lang received an MBA from Utah State University and has practiced as a CPA in public accounting for over 30 years. Lang has been teaching accounting courses as an adjunct professor at Dixie State College for the past 17 years, teaching business, marketing, personal finance, and entrepreneurship classes. His leadership and community service includes serving on the Governing Board of Directors for Dixie Regional Medical Center and Ensign Credit Union. Lang has served as the Rotary Club President and is the incorporating member and president for the Heritage Choir.


HintonBurdick currently serves clients in 47 states and some foreign countries with accounting and audit services, litigation support, computer training and systems management, payroll services, tax planning and consulting services.  Offices are located in St. George, Cedar City, Hurricane, and Richfield, Utah, and in Mesquite, Nevada, and Flagstaff, Arizona.

Interview with NBC The Voice Star - Dia Frampton

Interview with NBC The Voice Star - Dia Frampton:

St. George Art Festival Media

St. George Art Festival spot by DMG Films. 

32nd Annual St. George Art Festival

St. George, UT April 13, 2011 — The 32nd Annual St. George Art Festival will be held Easter weekend, April 22-23 at the Town Square in St. George, Utah.  According to Kent Perkins, Leisure Services Director, “The St. George Art Festival is celebrating 32 years of incredible art, music, dance, food and fun, and is recognized as one of the finest festivals in the west.”  One hundred and ten nationally known painters, potters, jewelers, photographers, and sculptors in glass, bronze, steel, and fabric have been selected to exhibit.  There will be food for all tastes, three performing stages, and a children's art creation area to round out the festival. This truly great St. George tradition returns to the beautiful town square in historic downtown St. George.

THE INFO

Easter Weekend – Friday April 22 and Saturday April 23, 2011

THE FESTIVAL

The St. George Art Festival began 32 years ago showcasing the many artists who call St. George their home. Over the years it has expanded to include over 110 artists juried from hundreds of entries from throughout the United States. This festival has regional appeal for both artists and festival goers. Displaying thousands of original works of art, the festival is punctuated with pageantry, music and food. Townsfolk and visitors from around the West converge in the beautiful town of St. George on Easter weekend, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The festival takes place in the beautiful Town Square, the centerpiece of the Historic District. The Art Festival is known for consistently outstanding artwork, and does all it can to send the message to artists that they are appreciated and valued guests.

THE SHOW

The mild, sunny climate of St. George is particularly suited for this outdoor event. Artwork is displayed in booths designed individually by each artist. The many categories of art accepted include watercolor, oils, pottery, sculpture, photography, woodwork, and other creations. The show offers cash awards for Best of Show, Best 2D and 3D and ribbons for all categories. In addition, an artist’s work is selected each year to grace the following year’s poster. This Featured Artist receives a complementary entry into the festival.

ENTERTAINMENT

The festival also celebrates the performing arts with continuous entertainment performed on three separate stages. In addition a children’s area provides hands on creative opportunities for budding artists.

FOOD

The aroma and distinctive flavors of ethnic food can be found throughout the show (including Native American, Greek, Mexican, Italian, Polynesian, American, BBQ and many others).

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY AREA

A platform of craft projects, homemade musical instruments, games, puppetry, wild hair dos, face painting and entertainment will tackle the creative fancy of the younger attendees.

HISTORY

The St. George Art Festival started 32 years ago to showcase the many artists who call St. George their home. Over the years it has expanded to include over 110 artists selected from hundreds of entries from throughout the western United States. The Festival weekend has also become the biggest travel weekend of the year. Participants have commented on the festive atmosphere and the sense of excitement which the festival generates.

 LODGING

Artists and visitors are urged to make reservations well in advance. The accommodations throughout the county fill quickly. The local Chamber of Commerce provides a motel hotline number to assist visitors in locating rooms. The number is (800) 765-7710.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The St. George Art Festival is produced by the City of St. George Leisure Services Department. Contact them at (435) 627-4500 or email leisure@sgcity.org.  For detailed information, maps, and  2009 artist lineup go to www.sgcity.org/artfestival.

YAMAHA Piano Dealer “The Piano Guys” in St. George, Utah Outscores The Harlem Globetrotters to Take Top Spot in YouTube Contest

Musical Artists Jon Schmidt, Jarrod Radnich, and Steven Sharp Nelson Lead the Team to Victory

As sales and marketing gurus continue to explore ways to utilize the new media, it appears that The Piano Guys have struck just the right chord.  Up against big names like The Harlem Globetrotters, The Piano Guys took home well over half the votes to determine that it was the most deserving of the “Most Up-And-Coming” You-Tube Channel among the top four chosen by YouTube to compete in its June contest.  The world-wide contest took place over the course of a week-long voting period, ending just last Wednesday, with the winner’s channel being posted on You-Tube’s home page today and expected to be seen by over 40 million viewers.

“We were extremely excited to even be chosen by YouTube to be part of this contest, and to win the entire thing is hard to grasp,” explains Paul Anderson, the owner of The Piano Guys.  “We started producing our videos as a way to market our Yamaha piano business and show the public and our potential customers how special these instruments are and how fun music-making can and should be. What ended up happening was that people from around the world were drawn to our channel’s music videos where we bring to light the amazing talent of the artists we work with – Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson, Spencer Schmidt, and Jarrod Radnich -- and these artists’ work also highlights the fun and entertainment value people can have playing and listening to live music,” continued Anderson.

The Piano Guys videography team includes Paul Anderson, Tel Stewart, and Shaye Scott, who were joined by Devin Graham for the Michael Meets Mozart video featuring Jon Schmidt on piano and Steven Sharp Nelson on cello that is one of two videos headed toward one-million views on The Piano Guys channel. The other video headed for the million-view mark is Jarrod Radnich performing his copyrighted arrangement of a piano medley from Pirates of the Caribbean, which is the same arrangement he “virtually” performs “live” on a Yamaha Disklavier each day at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.

The Piano Guys team has a goal of introducing one amazing music video each week.  “We are producing ‘cool’ music videos of talented musicians performing their best work, and it takes a lot of work and creativity to be true to the artist’s music and performance while keeping the YouTube audience’s eyes glued to the video,” explained Tel Stewart.   Anderson added, “But it’s well worth it.  We’ve had many people tell us that they are returning to their piano lessons or have decided to start playing – all because of seeing performances of our artists and the kind of music that they make and share.  It’s a good feeling and good for business at the same time.”

For more information on the artists or The Piano Guys visit www.ThePianoGuys.com; www.JonSchmidt.com; www.JarrodRadnich.com; and www.StevenSharpNelson.com.

Holiday Resort Realty Makes Leadership Transition Easy

St. George, UT, August 17, 2011 — Holiday Resort Realty & Development announced that real estate veteran and Principal Broker for the past 27 years, C. Jeffery Morby has taken a leave of absence from the business of real estate and development beginning June 10th to serve a mission for his church.  According to Morby, “When I arrived some 39 years ago, St. George was small town living at its best, with 7500 people and one stop light at Main Street and St. George Boulevard.

Morby has been instrumental in many developments in the St. George area including Bloomington Lane, Country Lane in Santa Clara, Sienna Canyon and The Reserve at Webb Hill, the Silverstone communities in Green Springs, and Desert Canyons, a brand new master planned community south of the new St. George Airport. Holiday Resort Realty & Development has also managed local water companies for the past 30 years.

Morby’s son, Yale Morby, will be taking over as Principal Broker of the company during Jeff’s absence.  Morby said of the transition, “Yale has been an agent with Holiday Resort Realty for the past 13 years and has served as the President of the Washington County Board of Realtors. He will do an excellent job.”

Holiday Resort Realty is looking to continue its tradition of assisting buyers and sellers in all of their real estate needs.”  Jeff is confident that “under the direction of Yale’s leadership, Holiday Resort Realty will continue to be a leader in St. George real estate transactions.”

Holiday Resort Realty is a general real estate company with 20 licensed agents.  It is independently owned and operated and is located in the Bloomington Courtyard at 144 West Brigham Road.  Holiday Resort Realty has a property management division that manages and rents single family homes, townhomes, and condominiums in the greater St. George area.  They also manage several commercial buildings.  

InfoWest Brings National Recognition to Orem Student Housing Complex

St. George, UT, August 19, 2011 — Village on the Parkway, a student-housing community in Orem, Utah, was wallowing in the cyberspace doldrums until St. George-based InfoWest stepped in and engineered a turnaround that led to national recognition.  As a result, Village on the Parkway was selected as July’s Broadband Community of the Month by Broadband Communities, a journal for professionals involved with technologies in multifamily residential units throughout the country.

Owned and managed by Edge Creek LLC, Village on the Parkway provides off-campus housing for students at Brigham Young and Utah Valley Universities.  According to Edge Creek partner, David Pestana, the company inherited an internet provider that simply wasn’t delivering the quality of service needed to support the community’s student residents.

Although the community is linked to UTOPIA, a 16-city municipal fiber optic network, connections speeds were so slow that students were complaining—vocally.   As Pestana points out, “If you don’t give them good, fast wireless, they’ll let you know about it right away.  It’s something that is extremely important to our students.”

Enter InfoWest, a provider of internet and other communications services headquartered in St. George.

Working closely with UTOPIA, InfoWest technicians homed in on the problem--the single, congested wireless access point that served the property. Because students used wireless access much of the time, the dedicated 10 Mbps wired connections to their individual units were largely unused. “We weren’t utilizing more than 80 percent of our bandwidth,” Pestana says. “UTOPIA and InfoWest helped us understand that.”

After InfoWest installed a dedicated wireless access point for each of the property’s 72 six-bed suites in a single day, Pestana stopped getting 3 a.m. calls whenever his residents pulled all-nighters. As a bonus for his predominantly Latter-day Saints residents, InfoWest provided a safe-surfing filter to weed out malware and adult-content sites, an extra much appreciated by his residents’ parents.

InfoWest’s service has been smooth, reliable and--most important-- fast since it started serving Village on the Parkway late last year. “Even when we compare it with our other properties throughout the state, InfoWest and the UTOPIA network are delivering the goods more reliably, more quickly, and more efficiently,” Pestana says. “There’s just no comparison.”

Kelly Nyberg, president of Infowest, commented that working with UTOPIA and Edge Creek to provide students with cutting-edge fiber optic services was a rewarding experience and an example of what InfoWest can do for homes, offices, apartment complexes, and other facilities.  He added that “although UTOPIA isn’t available everywhere, we can get high speed internet service into places where you might not expect it to be possible.”

InfoWest’s offices are located at 148 East Tabernacle St. in St. George, Utah.  Website:  www.infowest.com.

Richens Eye Center Celebrates 10 Years in St. George

St. George, UT, August 22, 2011 — Richens Eye Center is celebrating their 10th Anniversary in St. George by holding an Open House, Saturday, September 10 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.  The Open House will offer a Health Fair with refreshments and entertainment at the Richens Eye Center located at 161 West 200 North.

Richens commented about her past 10 years in St. George saying, “I’m happy and proud to call St. George home.  The floor plan for my first office was drawn on the back of a napkin; on September 10, 2001 the office opened its doors.  On my first day, I had 3 employees and I treated 4 patients.  Now with over 20 employees and many wonderful patients, we’ve moved to a new beautiful office. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years. I love my profession. Thank you to all the patients who have trusted me with their sight, and to the community that has made me feel so welcome.”

Dr. Sharon Richens, FACS, FAAO, who recently relocated her ophthalmology practice to a new “green” facility in the historic downtown area of St. George commented that the new building was designed to harmonize with the classic architecture of the historic district while, at the same time, incorporating state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient care.

Dr. Richens, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and her associates treat all types of eye diseases and conditions ranging from routine exams to the need for specialized surgery. Reed Gibb, OD, Joshua Terry, OD, and Kristin Tarbet, MD, FACS, FAAO join her in the practice.  For further information, visit the Richens Eye Center website:  www.richenseyecenter.com.

HintonBurdick Scores High in Peer Ratings

St. George, UT, September 9, 2011 — A poll of full-time CPAs conducted by Utah Business magazine placed the southern Utah accounting firm of HintonBurdick CPAs and Advisors near the top of all accounting firms in Utah.  HintonBurdick’s fifth place ranking put it directly behind four national firms and in first place when compared to other Utah firms. 

Results of the poll were recently posted on utahbusiness.com.

Commenting on the survey, HintonBurdick tax partner Dean Burdick noted that the company has been moving up in the annual poll over the past several years.  “We’re pleased with our growth.  Our size allows us to specialize in niche markets and provide expanded services to our clients.  For example, we are one of the few firms in the state with an audit department staffed with employees solely dedicated to auditing.  Our quality and broad scope of services has been the catalyst to attract other firms wanting to merge their practices with us.” Burdick said.  “This has allowed us to expand to Mesquite, Nevada, Cedar City, Hurricane and Richfield, Utah, merge with a firm in Flagstaff Arizona, and increase the size of our St. George office.  We are a full service firm and will continue to focus on our mission to proactively provide our community with the highest quality service at reasonable rates and in a timely manner.  We believe this is the basis for our success.”

Established in 1975 HintonBurdick has grown to become one of the largest accounting firms in the state of Utah.  The company provides accounting and audit services, litigation support, computer training and systems management, payroll services, tax planning and consulting services to clients in 47 states and some foreign countries.  Offices are located in St. George, Cedar City, Hurricane, and Richfield, Utah, Flagstaff, Arizona and Mesquite, Nevada.

Huntsman World Senior Games Offers Variety of Events to Locals

Shannon Miller, Olympic Gold Medalist

The Huntsman World Senior Games is celebrating 25 years of fostering worldwide peace, health and friendship.  In October, more than 10,000 athletes will converge on St. George, filling up hotels, restaurants and main thoroughfares throughout the city as they enjoy the competition and camaraderie of what has become an annual tradition for many.  All 50 of the United States will be represented as well as athletes from a variety of countries.

Part of the success of the Games is attributed to the philosophy founded in the early years of providing much more than just a sporting event.

“The Games is a total experience for the athletes,” says Case.  “And many of the social and entertainment events the athletes love are open to the public.”

Case encourages the community to come out and celebrate the 25th year of the Games at any or all of these various events.

Following the pattern of the Olympics, the Games kicks off with a grand Opening Ceremonies, produced by Diamond Talent, where admission is free and the public is invited.  The Ceremonies include a parade of athletes, entertainment, fireworks and the traditional lighting of the Huntsman World Senior Games Cauldron.  The Opening Ceremonies takes place on Tuesday, October 4 at 7:00 p.m. at Hansen Stadium on the campus of Dixie State College.  Attendees should bring blankets and lawn chairs.

“The Opening Ceremonies is a chance for the athletes and the local residents to come together and celebrate,” Case says.  The show will feature professional entertainers, special guests and local school children presenting a Flag Extravaganza, highlighting each of the 63 countries that have participated in the Games.

Shannon Miller, the Most Decorated American Gymnast, male or female, in history will be on hand to inspire and encourage the community and the athletes to be the best they can be.  Miller is the only American to rank among the Top 10 All-Time gymnasts and is the only female athlete to be inducted into the US Olympics Hall of Fame – Twice! (Individual in 2006 and Team in 2008).  Over her career she has won an astounding 59 International and 49 National competition medals.  Over half of these have been gold. She is the only US gymnast to win 2 World All-Around Titles. Her tally of five medals (2 silver, 3 bronze) at the 1992 Olympics was the most medals won by a US athlete. At the ’96 Games, she led the “Magnificent Seven” to the US Women’s first ever Team Gold and for the first time for any American gymnast, she captured Gold on the Balance Beam.


Not to be outdone by the first week’s Opening Ceremonies, the second week of the Games kicks off with the Huntsman World Senior Games Concert & Celebration which takes place on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:00 pm at Burns Arena, Dixie State College.  Headlining act at the Concert & Celebration this year is the Bellamy Brothers.  For more than 35 years, the Bellamy Brothers have been an unassuming picture of consistency in Country music, crafting honest, heartfelt songs that connect with millions of listeners around the world including their mega-hit “Let Your Love Flow.”

Admission to the Concert & Celebration for Games’ participants and a guest is free of charge.  The community is encouraged to attend.  The ticket price for non-athletes is only $12.00 in advance and $15.00 the day of the show.  Tickets can be purchased at the Dixie State College Ticket Office or by calling 435-652-7800.

Anyone wanting to attend a World Championship event will be impressed with The Global Cup – World Senior Volleyball Championship.  The Global Cup is an invitation only tournament that features the best 50 and over players on the planet.

“The Global Cup is really unique,” says Merrill Barney, Sports Director for the Games.  “There really isn’t anything like it in the world.  Teams come and are playing for national pride.”

The teams alternate each year between men and women.  This year, women’s teams from Brazil, Canada, Germany, Russia, USA and Venezuela will take the court. International Volleyball Rules govern play throughout the tournament, which will begin on Monday, October 10 and will culminate in the medal matches being played on Thursday, October 13. Pool play is free to watch and will take place in the Dixie Center. The finals will be held at the Desert Hills High School Main Gym with the Bronze Medal games starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for the finals are available for just $7.00.  Huntsman World Senior Games athletes and volunteers will be able to attend the finals free of charge with their athlete identification. 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the public is invited to attend any of the regular sporting events free of charge.  Schedules are available on the Games web site at www.seniorgames.net.

“These athletes come from all over the world to participate in the sporting events they love,” said Case.  “I’ve never met anyone who attended these events who did not leave inspired.”

For additional information on the Games or any of its events, visit the web at www.seniorgames.org or call the office at 800-562-1268.