A Vision For Tomorrow

Today's Speaker was Scott Hirshi with the Washington County Economic Development Council. He presented Washington County economics 101, which Bill Hudson FAILED miserably. He explained how the past few decades has reshaped the economic climate of St George/Washington County and explained why this is important to our community. He shared the strategic plan, which includes:















































visit their website here

Business Meeting

Today was a business meeting at the Main Street Plaza. We recapped Iron Man Kids Fun Run. There was an estimated 700 kids that participated. This is a good fund raiser for the club and should be bigger and better next year. Our goal is to have 1,500 participants and next year we will likely reach that. We will need to have a better outreach to the elementary schools and order more T-shirts. Our registration booth next year will need to start earlier and be better organized to handle it, but it is realistic.

We also discussed the need to raise dues to cover our expenses and change our venue to accommodate larger groups and a meal. It was motioned and approved to change our dues to $40 a month and continue at the Main Street Plaza through the end of May.

Give Me Liberty

"Just a quick note regarding the Give Me Liberty winners from Snow Canyon Elementary. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with these twelve fifth-graders! I would challenge almost anyone in the club to name every state and its capitol city or the continents and oceans, or repeat the preamble to the Constitution or to sign the Pledge of Allegiance! It was truly inspiring! And, they were also just ding-dang cute!!" - Trish

Student of the Year

Today we had our Student of the Year presentation at the Abbey Inn.
Left to right -
Club President: Tim Floyd
ACE Student of the Year: April Curtis (MHS)
Student of the Year: Megan Nielsen (SCHS)
District Representative: Mark Loosli
Student of the Month Committee Chairman: Neal Smith

Why should I shop at Deseret Industries?

Today's speaker was Randy Patterson. Randy is a five year resident of St.George. He was transferred here from Southern California. (Wasn’t everyone?) With 23 years experience in welfare services for the LDS Church, Randy’s job is to help individuals become economically self reliant thru employment, education, and self employment. Randy holds a MA in Career and Technical Education. He is a Sunshiner with the St George Area Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Dixie Tub Thumpers (Toastmasters.) Randy’s hobbies are scouting, camp cooking, woodworking, and visiting thrift stores and yard sales.

April Students of the Month and More...

Today's meeting was a remarkable presentation by Neal Smith. He mixed it up this time with his mysterious disappearing man in the closet trick. Way to go Neal! Never a dull moment when he takes over.


Left to right:
Megan Nielson, Snow Canyon High School, daughter of Perry & Michelle Nielson
Dr. Ryan Robinson, immediate Past President of St. George Exchange Club
Tanner Sherman, Millcreek High School, son of Monica Garrick
Jordan Ellsworth, Pine View High School, son of Jeff & Jenny Ellsworth
Jaimee Clark, Dixie High School, daughter of Bruce & Beverly Clark
Chad Call, Desert Hills High School, son of Brooke & Jan Call

Child Abuse Prevention and the Children's Justice Center

A display representing victims of child abuse in Washington County will be unveiled on Thursday, April 1st at 463 East 500 South. Early that morning, members of the St. George Exchange Club will erect the display and a banner of explanation will be hung by volunteer Al Ayling.

275 silhouettes of children, painted blue and purple, represent the number of children interviewed through the WCCJC in 2009.

These silhouettes will become an annual visual demonstration to the community of the need for child abuse prevention. It is hoped that this display will serve as a reminder that the children of Washington County need the support and protection of all adults.

Following creation by local artist and Friend’s Board member Smilla Miller, the silhouettes were brought to life and edges smoothed by volunteers Doyle Ohlwiler, Doug Shaerrer and Kathy Howard under the direction of volunteer and “master craftsman” Al Ayling. Painting was then completed by Dixie College 1st Stake Service Council members headed up by Benjamin Moss along with Craig Broadhead and Bruce Bailey.

The Washington County Children’s Justice Center was established in 1997 to provide a safe, neutral, child-friendly environment where professionals from law enforcement and child protective services can interview children between the ages of 2 and 18 when allegations of sexual abuse, physical abuse or other crimes against children are made. Since opening in February, 1997, over 3,000 children have been interviewed at the Center and their family members and guardians have received services.

To help raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Washington County Children’s Justice Center invites all community members to drive by this powerful new display at 463 East 500 South beginning April 1st and continuing through April 30.

March Students of the Month

Today's meeting was the March Student of the Month program. We met at the Abbey Inn and had a great turn out.

Left to right -

*Jake Kasner, Millcreek High School, son of Donna & James Kasner
Jake King, Snow Canyon High School, son of Michael King
*Morgan Campbell, Tuacahn High School, daughter of Tami & Jeff Campbell
Caleb Snarr, Tuachan High School, son of Jeff Snarr
Elise Bowen, Dixie High School, daughter of Douglas Bowen
Kyle Boice, Desert Hills High School, son of Chris Boice & Kristina Benson
Micci Hafen, Pine View High School, daughter of Kim & Becky Hafen
Tim Floyd, St. George Exchange Club President

*February Student of the Month