January 2015 Students of the Month Honored by St. George Exchange Club

The January Students of the Month recipients were recently honored by the St. George Exchange Club.  The St. George Exchange Club sponsors the Student of the Month Program, which honors one student from the area high schools each month. This program recognizes the students’ accomplishments in academics, service and leadership in their respective schools. Dixie State University recently partnered with the St. George Exchange Club and will provide each of the Student of the Month recipients a one-year, full-tuition scholarship. 

The 48 students recognized each school year by the St. George Exchange Club equates to a commitment of over $175,000 from Dixie State University. The Exchange Club is honored to work with Dixie State University in recognizing and supporting the outstanding high school students of our community.

In addition, one student from the eight students honored as Student of the Month from each high school will have the opportunity to become Student of the Year for their school and receive a college scholarship to the college of their choice from the St. George Exchange Club. Last year, the Student of the Year, EmRee Moody from St. George, was selected as the National Student of the Month and received a $10,000 scholarship from the National Exchange Club.

The St. George Exchange Club meets Thursday mornings at 7:30AM at George's in Ancestor Square. For more information about the St. George Exchange Club, contact Shonie Christensen at 435-767-9000.  We congratulate the St George Exchange Club 2015 January Students of the Month.

Back Row:   Amber Diaz (Millcreek High School); Cody Fife (Pine View High School)
Front Row: Marisa Firth (Dixie High School); Rebekah Romney (Tuacahn High School); Daniella Vallejo (Desert Hills High School);  St George Exchange Club President Shonie Christensen

HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors Adds New Partner

Steven D. Palmer, CPA

Steven D. Palmer, a certified public accountant with extensive experience in audit and assurance specializing in audits of local governments and small businesses, recently became the twelfth partner of HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors, according to Phillip Peine, managing partner of the firm.

Palmer received his undergraduate degree from Southern Utah University and earned a Master of Accountancy degree from the same institution. He is licensed to practice in Utah and Arizona.

Palmer is experienced with a broad range of local government, non-profit, construction, pension plan, and forensic investigations. Palmer serves as a member of the HintonBurdick audit committee, which provides oversight for the firm’s audit department and he regularly provides instruction at annual seminars sponsored by HintonBurdick.

In announcing Palmer’s appointment, Peine noted that “the breadth of experience Steve brings to the position, including his expertise in audit and assurance, make him the perfect fit for our leadership team.”  

Palmer will work in the St. George office, alongside partners Chad Atkinson, Kris Braunberger, Dean Burdick, Todd Feltner, Morris Peacock, Philip Peine, and Mike Spilker.  Four additional partners work and manage offices outside of St. George. Mark Tichenor manages the Mesquite office, Robert Cox manages the Cedar City office, and Mark Frost and Kevin Stephens manage the Flagstaff office.

Palmer and his wife, Amy, reside in Leeds with their three children, Lindy, Kaleb, and Kolby.

About HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors

Established in 1975, HintonBurdick currently serves clients in all 50 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. For more information, go to hintonburdick.com, or call (435) 628-3663.

Fire and Ice Gala Funds Needs-Based Scholarships for Dixie State Students

This new year get ready to party for a good cause. The Dixie College Foundation will be holding their annual Fire and Ice fundraising Gala on February 27, 2015 at SunRiver St. George. This black-tie event raises funds used exclusively for need-based scholarships for Dixie State University students. The contributions donated to the Fire and Ice Gala allow students, who, because of financial constraints, may not otherwise be able to complete or pursue their college education. The annual Fire and Ice Gala brings together a variety of benefactors for a silent auction, dinner and live auction as part of the foundations fundraising efforts. 

A recent recipient of a Fire and Ice Scholarship was Stephen Selu. Because of the assistance he received from a Fire & Ice Scholarship, Stephen was able to achieve and exceed many of his life's greatest goals. He became the first in his family to graduate from college. After leaving Dixie State he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah. Stephen recently accepted a job with one of the Nation's largest engineering firms, Kimley-Horn and Associates of Las Vegas, Nevada. Stephen stated, “The generosity of the Fire & Ice Scholarship was instrumental in my pursuit of success, and for that I say thank you.”

The Stephen Selu Famiily

Randy Wilkinson, Dixie College Foundation president, said, "We've had the opportunity, over the past 10 years, to contribute $1,600,000.00 toward need-based scholarships for students who could not attend Dixie State University without financial help.  With these scholarships, they are able to continue their education and open opportunities in their lives.  This is only possible where we live in a community with such generous citizens, both individual and corporate."

The 11th Annual Fire and Ice Gala is open to everyone, and advance tickets are required.  Tickets are $150 each and are available by calling Marilyn Lamoreaux at 435-652-7502.  To learn more about the gala or the Dixie College Foundation or to make a donation, contact foundation secretary Kalynn Larson at 435-652-7535 or larson@dixie.edu or visit www.dixiefoundation.org.

All proceeds from the Fire and Ice Gala go 100% to need-based scholarships for Dixie State University students.  The Dixie College Foundation has a 501(c)3 status so individuals or entities can make this a tax deductible contribution.  We invite you to be part of this event.

MAKE ESTATE PLANNING YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION - JensenBayles

Phillip G. Gubler and Thomas J. Bayles, Attorneys at Law

New Year’s Resolutions – just about everybody sets them but not everyone reaches their goal.   The key to setting any resolution or goal is to make it specific and attainable.  This year, we want to remind you of the importance of keeping your estate plan up to date.  Estate planning goals  can change over time and for many reasons:

Marriage or divorce;
Birth or adoption of a child;
Death or disability of a child;
Birth or death of a grandchild;
Marriage of a child;
Divorce of a child;
Death of a spouse;
Increase or decrease in personal wealth;
Receipt of substantial inheritance or gift;
Sale or purchase of real estate or of a business; or
Changes in state and federal laws.

It is important that your estate planning goals are reflected in your current documents, and that you take advantage of federal and state tax laws, which may offer opportunities for significant tax savings to you through proper planning.  Any significant change in your net worth or changes in your assets due to the purchase or sale of a business or real estate may require some insightful tax planning. 

If you have an estate plan in effect, you have likely invested a significant amount of time, energy and emotion into your estate plan. Therefore, it is important to make sure your plan continues to reflect your goals.  Remember that you are the most important individual involved in your estate planning.   Estate planning professionals are available to assist you in this process and to help you develop the most efficient and manageable estate plan possible.  The advice of a competent estate planning attorney is essential in obtaining the best possible results from your planning and hard earned wealth.  Proper planning requires the involvement and thoroughness of estate planning attorneys and other advisors to look out for the well being of the client and the client’s family. 

It is recommended that you have your estate plan reviewed at least once every three years and sooner if there has been a significant change in your life. With the start of this New Year, an item on your to do list should be to review and, if necessary, update your estate plan to make sure it continues to meet your goals.

We invite you to consider investing a small amount of your time in your own estate planning.  Estate planning is an invaluable tool that provides increased financial security and peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.  Make 2015 the year you get your estate planning in order.

Call us today to schedule an appointment to review your estate planning documents.

JensenBayles, LLP provides a broad spectrum of legal services.  Thomas J. Bayles has been actively providing advice in the areas of trusts, wills, probate and tax planning in the St. George market for over 15 years. Please visit our web site www.jensenbayles.com or call 435-674-9718 and ask for Thomas J. Bayles or Phillip G. Gubler. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice.

Fire and Ice Gala Funds Needs Based Scholarships for Dixie State Students

Once a year the Dixie College Foundation holds the Fire and Ice fundraising Gala. It is a black-tie event where funds are raised and used exclusively for need-based scholarships for Dixie State University students. The contributions donated to the Fire and Ice Gala allow students, who, because of financial constraints, may not otherwise be able to complete or pursue their college education. The annual Fire and Ice Gala brings together a variety of benefactors for a silent auction, dinner and live auction as part of the foundations fundraising efforts. 

A recent recipient of a Fire and Ice Scholarship was Everton Araujo.  Everton came to play basketball at Dixie State University (DSU) in 2009.  He needed help to continue his education.  He stated that this scholarship made it possible for him to do just that.  "I've since graduated from DSU with a bachelor's degree in Integrated Studies (Business Administration and Mass Communication), said Everton, and I am finishing my master's degree in Public Administration." He is currently employed as the International Coordinator at Dixie State.  He and his family enjoy living here and being a part of the Dixie Spirit they have discovered here in St. George.  Everton and his wife Melisa have been married for nearly six years and have a 10-month-old baby girl named Livia Marie.

Everton, Livia Marie and Melisa Araujo

Randy Wilkinson, Dixie College Foundation president, said, "We've had the opportunity, over the past 10 years, to contribute to hundreds of students' educational efforts allowing them to attend Dixie State University through one of our need-based scholarships.  With these scholarships, they are able to continue their education and open opportunities in their lives."

The 11th Annual Fire and Ice Gala will be held on February 27, 2015 at SunRiver St. George.  It is open to everyone, and advance tickets are required.  Tickets are $150 each and are available by calling Marilyn Lamoreaux at 435-652-7502.  To learn more about the gala or the Dixie College Foundation or to make a donation, contact foundation secretary Kalynn Larson at 435-652-7535 or larson@dixie.edu or visit www.dixiefoundation.org.

All proceeds from the Fire and Ice Gala go 100% to need-based scholarships for Dixie State University students.  The Dixie College Foundation has a 501(c)3 status so individuals or entities can make this a tax deductible contribution.  We invite you to be part of this event.

Randy Wilkinson, Dixie College Foundation president, said, "We've had the opportunity, over the past 10 years, to contribute to hundreds of students' educational efforts allowing them to attend Dixie State University through one of our need-based scholarships.  With these scholarships, they are able to continue their education and open opportunities in their lives."

The 11th Annual Fire and Ice Gala will be held on February 27, 2015 at SunRiver St. George.  It is open to everyone, and advance tickets are required.  Tickets are $150 each and are available by calling Marilyn Lamoreaux at 435-652-7502.  To learn more about the gala or the Dixie College Foundation or to make a donation, contact foundation secretary Kalynn Larson at 435-652-7535 or larson@dixie.edu or visit www.dixiefoundation.org.

All proceeds from the Fire and Ice Gala go 100% to need-based scholarships for Dixie State University students.  The Dixie College Foundation has a 501(c)3 status so individuals or entities can make this a tax deductible contribution.  We invite you to be part of this event.