The St. George Area Chapter of The BYU Management Society invites you to join us for our chapter lunch Thursday, February 21, featuring Dimon Richard McFerson retired Chairman and CEO of Nationwide.

Date: Thursday, February 21, 2013
Dixie College Gardner Center
225 South 700 East
St. George , UT
Time: 12:00 Noon

Cost $15 (now accepting cash, check or credit cards).
Please RSVP as soon as possible to: Nate McNamee at nate@twmadvisor.com or call Nate at (435) 669-9400.

The focus of the BYU Management Society is to grow moral and ethical leadership around the world. No restrictions on membership exist, except that members are expected to live by standards that will bring credit to the Management Society.  Locally, the BYU Management Society ‐ St. George Chapter has established a scholarship program available to students pursuing post‐secondary education at either Dixie State College or any of the BYU affiliated universities (BYU‐Provo, BYU‐Idaho, BYU‐Hawaii). Monies will be paid directly to the recipients’ school of choice to help defray the cost of tuition. Preference will be given to students pursuing business related education.

Upcoming Luncheons and Events:  Saturday, March 23 - BYU Management Scholarship Banquet with Pres. Cecil O. Samuelson, President of BYU. This is our annual fundraiser. Tickets are $40 per person or $300 for a table of 8. Space is filling up fast so get your reservation in soon. Sponsorships available.

Thursday, April 25 - Luncheon - Coach Dave Rose, Head Basketball Coach - BYU Cougars.

About Our Speaker:
Dimon Richard McFerson retired as Chairman and CEO of Nationwide on December 31, 2000. Nationwide is one of the Country's top ten insurance organizations based in Columbus, Ohio, with assets exceeding $150 billion. He was elected president of the Nationwide property/casualty companies in 1988, and promoted to CEO in 1992. During his eight years as CEO, Mr. McFerson repositioned Nationwide through acquisitions and divestitures into a national provider of commercial and personal lines property and casualty insurance, life insurance and retirement savings products.

Mr. McFerson joined Nationwide in 1979 as vice president of internal audits. He was named vice president of individual life and health operations in 1981, and was promoted in 1983 to senior vice president and chief financial officer. Before joining Nationwide, Mr. McFerson was with The New England Mutual Life Insurance Company, in Boston, as senior vice president and controller and Surety Life Insurance Company, in Salt Lake City, as senior vice president of finance. He began his career with Ernst & Ernst Certified Public Accountants in Los Angeles.

A Los Angeles native, Mr. McFerson is a 1959 graduate of UCLA and earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California in 1972. He is a certified public accountant (CPA), and holds the chartered life underwriter (CLU)  professional designation. He was awarded honorary doctorates from Capital University in 1996, Ohio Dominican University in 1997, Otterbein College in 2001, and Franklin University in 2002.

An industry leader, Mr. McFerson served on the boards of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Insurance Information Institute (III), and is past chairman of both boards. While he was chair of the IIHS, the Vehicle Research Crash Test Center was conceived, funded by the major property and casualty insurers, and constructed. He is past chairman (service concluding in 2001) of the International Co-operative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF), headquartered in the United Kingdom.

At the national level, Mr. McFerson served as chair of The United Way of America National Board of Governors from 1998 to 2000. He concluded his six-year term on the American Red Cross National Board of Governors in 1999 as first vice chair.

In his local community, Columbus, Ohio, in 2003, he concluded nine years as board chairman of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). He served seven years (1996-2003) on the board of trustees of The Columbus Foundation. He chaired the greater Columbus United Way campaign in 1990 and also served as a board member. He was board chairman of Ohio Dominican University for seven years, and also served as chairman of the Ohio Federation of Independent Colleges Board of Trustees. He served two years (1998-2000) as chair of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce

From May 2000 to May 2009, he served as a member of the board of trustees of The Ohio State University, having been appointed by the Governor of Ohio to a nine-year term. In April 2004, having lived in the district since 1983, he was named to fill an unexpired term on the Olentangy Local School Board. In November 2007, he was elected to a four-year term by the voters. Olentangy Schools is the fastest growing district in the State with more than 16,000 students in 2011.

Mr. McFerson is a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served for eight years as Stake President of the Columbus Ohio North Stake (1980-1988) and as a Regional Representative from 1991-1995. He currently teaches a Sunday school class.

He was honored in March 1997 with the National Jewish Fund Tree of Life award for exemplary leadership and humanitarian service; and in June 1997, the Columbus Chapter of the American Red Cross awarded him their first Humanitarian of the Year award. In April 1999, he received The Heart of Higgins award from The American Heart Association and the Columbus Chapter of the American Cancer Society presented him their top award in May 1999. In October 1999, he was inducted into the Junior Achievement of Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame. In November 2000, he received the Central Ohio United Way’s top honor, the Alexis de Tocqueville award for volunteer service. The Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce presented him with the prestigious Columbus Award in February 2003 in recognition for his many years of efforts serving and enlarging the business community.

Mr. McFerson and his wife, Darlene, have seven children, twenty five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. They alternate their time between their Powell, Ohio and St. George, Utah homes.

Dixie College Foundation hosts Fire and Ice Gala

St. George, UT, February 1, 2013 — Once a year the Dixie College Foundation holds a fundraising Gala called Fire and Ice.  It is a wonderful event, which raises money, to be used completely, for need-based scholarships.  The contributions donated to the Fire and Ice Gala will allow students, who, because of financial constraints, may not otherwise be able to complete or pursue their college education.

This is our 9th Annual Fire and Ice Gala. It will be held on Friday evening, March 1, 2013 at Sun River Clubhouse starting at 5:30PM.   Because of generous donors and volunteers, we have been able to provide many scholarships to people who would not, otherwise, have been able to go to college.  We would love to invite you to be part of this event, by donating whatever you can, and attending the Gala.

During the Gala, both a silent and live auction will be held.  Each donor or contributor will have their name displayed by the silent auction item or announced as the live auction item goes up for bid.  The donor name will also be displayed in the program booklet.

We would appreciate your consideration of being a contributor to our auction.  It could be a single item, large or small, or several items.  Or it could be a basket or container completed with all items, gift certificates etc. and ready to be put in the silent auction.  We can use everything from gift certificates, furniture, trips, use of condominiums, cabins etc, art work, golf packages...all the way to “practically anything”.  The larger items usually go in the live auction.

All proceeds go 100% to need-based scholarships, for Dixie State College students.  The Foundation has a 501(c)3 status so individuals or entities can make this a tax deductible contribution.  By joining with us, any way that you can, you will help lives change through the opportunity for an education that they might not have otherwise.

For more information and how you can get involved please contact Marcia Wade at 435-229-1008 or Dorothy Orton at 435-669-4313. Individual tickets and table sales are available.

WILLIAM J. CHRISTENSEN, Ph.D. Dean of the Udvar-Hazy School of Business speaks at BYU Management Society

The St. George Area Chapter of The BYU Management Society invites you to join us for our monthly chapter lunch featuring WILLIAM J. CHRISTENSEN, Ph.D., Dean of the Udvar-Hazy School of Business & the school of Communication at Dixie State College of Utah
Date: Thursday, January 31, 2013. Dixie College Gardner Center located at 225 South 700 East
St. George , UT at 12:00 Noon. The cost is $15.00 per person. BYU Management Society is now accepting cash, check or credit cards. You can Like us on Facebook by searching for BYU Management Society SGU. 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.


WILLIAM J. CHRISTENSEN, Ph.D., is Dean of the Udvar-Hazy School of Business, and the school of Communication at Dixie State College of Utah.  He teaches courses in supply chain and strategic management.  Dr. Christensen holds a bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies and an MBA from California State University, Hayward, and earned his doctorate in Business Administration at Oklahoma State University.  He also studied at Michigan State University.  Before embarking on an academic career, Dr. Christensen held executive positions at Mercury Marine and Clark Material Handling Company, and was an international buyer at Whirlpool Corporation.  Dr. Christensen has consulted for a number of companies including Whirlpool, Pennzoil and Dell Computers, and has published research in top-level journals including the Journal of Operations Management.  He and his wife Robin Merrill Christensen, have been married for close to 35 years and have two children and five grandchildren.  He served an LDS mission in Nagoya, Japan, from 1974-76, after attending BYU his freshman year.

Experienced Stylist Joins B Vogue Salon & Spa

St. George, UT, January 22, 2013 — B Vogue Salon & Spa, St. George’s newest full-service beauty and spa salon announced the recent signing of Gina Griffith, an experienced hair stylist, to the B Vogue team. Gina brings over 27 years of experience to St. George, having recently moved from Salt Lake City when her husband transferred here with his company.

“I love the St. George area and I am so excited to start a new chapter in my life. I have been a hair stylist in Salt Lake City for the last 27 years, so starting over in a new area is a bit daunting, however, I am up for the challenge,” stated Gina.  Her strengths as a stylist are in cutting, coloring, perming, and back comb styles. She loves to take care of peoples' needs, is reliable, and always on time. 

Gina offered that, “B Vogue Salon and Spa is an amazing salon to work at with some of the most talented professionals, and I have learned so much from them in the short time I have been here. If you are looking for an amazing experience B Vogue is the place to get it and besides it has the best view of St. George. I would love to be the one to take care of your hair care needs.”

Come in and take a tour and meet the stylists and our spa treatment team. B Vogue Salon & Spa also offers massages, facials, pedicures, hair laser and the best in hair care products.

 For an appointment call 435-275-4490, or come and see us at 301 North 200 East, St. George, UT.

THE VILLAGE BANK ANNOUNCES THE ADDITION OF TWO NEW DIRECTORS AND APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

St. George, UT, January 17, 2013 — On Wednesday January 9, 2013, The Village Bank Board of Directors welcomed two new directors, Robert C. Huddleston and Gregory A. Kemp. James Grey Larkin was also officially appointed Chairman of the Board. Grey has been fulfilling the duties of Chairman since February 2012. Louise G. Zeenati was also officially appointed Chief Financial Officer.

The Village Bank was founded in 1996, by a group of local businessmen.  The Village Bank is Washington County's oldest, locally owned full-service community bank with a reputation built on a tradition of sound banking practices and personal customer service.  The Village Bank offers a full range of personal accounts and loans. Business accounts and loans are offered to corporations, associations and small businesses.

The Village Bank is a full-service, FDIC-insured financial institution with headquarters in a facility, designed with customer convenience and comfort in mind, at 294 E. Tabernacle.  Additional information on The Village Bank is available at www.thevillagebank.com.

About Our New Directors:
James Grey Larkin was born and raised in St. George, Utah. He graduated from Dixie Junior College in 1957 with an Associate of Science Degree. Grey founded L & L Mechanical Contractors in St. George in 1967 and managed the business until 2002. Grey was a founding member of the Board of Directors of The Village Bank in 1995. He served as Chairman from 1995 to 2002 and as director since then. He holds interests in several businesses in the community including: Tierra Development; M & D Excavating; James G. Larkin, LC; Larkin & McArthur; OBW Kolob, LC and; LGO, LLC. Grey has served on the St. George City Planning Commission, City Council and as Mayor of St. George. He has also served on the Utah State Transportation Commission as well as many civic boards and other commissions. Grey is active in his church and has served in many leadership positions as well as serving several missions. He and his wife of fifty-seven years reside in St. George. They have five children and fifteen grandchildren. 

Robert C. Huddleston was born in Kankakee, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at Northern Arizona University and a Ph. D. in Higher Education Administration at Colorado State University. He is currently a Regent Professor of Business and teaches courses in accounting, business and ethics at Dixie State College. He also serves as Director for the Institute for Business Integrity and served as past president of Dixie State College. He has served as Vice President, Dean of Instruction and Division Chair at several other colleges. He is active in his church and has served in several leadership positions. He founded the Leadership Dixie Program and was the founder of the current Washington County Economic Development Council. He served on the Zion’s Bank Advisory Board and has received the following recognitions:  Innovator of the Year, Maricopa Community College District; Administrator of the Year, State of New Mexico; Outstanding Executive, Washington County St. George Chamber of Commerce and; Friend of the Medical Center, Intermountain Health Care (Dixie Regional Center). He currently resides in St. George with his wife and has seven children and twenty grandchildren.  

Gregory A. Kemp is CEO of Vantage Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisory firm.  Prior to Vantage, he was founder and managing partner of Kemp Burdick, a regional CPA firm. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), a specialty designation from the AICPA, awarded exclusively to CPAs who have proven their expertise in personal financial planning. He is an active member of the Utah Association of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). Greg previously served on the Utah State Governor's Advisory Council on Audit Standards, and was a nominee for the Small Business Administration's “Advocate of the Year.” An active member of the local community, Greg has served as Treasurer of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce and President of the St. George Exchange Club. He was a member of Wells Fargo Bank’s Community Advisory Board, and also served as Capital Campaign Chair and Trustee for The Foundation at Dixie Regional Medical Center, helping to raise $20 million for the new hospital. Greg and his wife reside in Santa Clara.

Louise G. Zeenati is a five generation resident of Washington County. She graduated from Dixie High School, attended Dixie College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University. She started her banking career in 1980 with Dixie State Bank. She was then employed at First Security Bank from 1993 to 1996. Louise has been with The Village Bank since its inception in 1996, serving as Cashier, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer. She is active in the community and has served on several boards including the Chamber of Commerce. She is currently the Chair of the Dixie State College Scholarship Associates, on the board of Dixie Development Corporation and a member of Dixie Sunshiners. She and her husband reside in St. George.

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/