Michael Anaya, New York Life

In 2011, Michael Anaya became a Registered Representative for New York Life, the number one largest mutual insurer in the United States. The opportunity to work with people and have personal interactions is what inspired Michael to become a Registered Representative. “There are not many things as personal as finances,” said Michael. “To be able to help people understand and work out these important parts of life is crucial.”

There is not a better or more versatile financial tool than life insurance. Growing up in a family that was self-employed, Michael saw the need for a strong financial plan. He wanted to become the go-to person for helping people get a plan in place while also providing tools that would help them protect their families. After looking into several insurance companies, Michael decided that New York Life was simply the best fit.

Michael specializes in advising clients on retirement and legacy planning, “I help clients obtain investments and life insurance,” says Michael. “I also help businesses with group benefits such as IRA’s, 401K, and Group Life.” Clients can call Michael directly and he will take care of them – many financial institutions can be impersonal and difficult to get a hold of, not providing clients with personalized service.

One of the biggest “wins” for Michael has been qualifying for the Executive Council at New York Life nearly ever year. His ability to help clients fulfill their needs contributes to the continuation of his position on the council. He has also qualified for an industry award called the MDRT, which is a world wide recognition that is quite prestigious.

In addition to prestigious awards, Michael also shares an experience from one of his most memorable clients. “I once delivered a death benefit to a new widow,” says Michael. She was so grateful for his service as outlined in her testimony, “I don’t know what I would have done without this. I don’t know why everyone doesn’t do this, and you are the only one who has showed up with money,” said a client of Michael’s. People don’t realize that when someone dies, there are bills to be paid and support is needed – Michael feels grateful to be that support.

Michael is excited to keep doing what he has been doing – working with people and improving his knowledge to better help people get the plans that will be the best fit for their lives. “Laws change, rules change, taxes change, and life is always changing,” says Michael. “I am always seeking to improve so that I can better help my clients.”

To learn more about Michael or inquire about his services please visit his website here. Call or email him at: (505) 252 0213 or manaya@ft.nyl.com

Dominion Energy Environmental Grant Applications Now Open to Nonprofit, Educational Organizations

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Dominion Energy is encouraging nonprofit and educational organizations to apply for a total of $1 million in environmental grants to be distributed this year through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. This competitive grant process is designed to support work to improve the environment and provide educational experiences in communities served by Dominion Energy.

“As a company we strive to be good stewards of our environment and natural resources. We’re proud to support local organizations leading exciting and impactful programs to protect and conserve our environment,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, President of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “These grants make the outdoor spaces in our communities more accessible and sustainable.”

Since 2003, nearly $39 million has been donated to projects that protect and improve the environment. Last year, one grant helped the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro treat and research wild animals, while training other veterinary professionals to heal and rehabilitate injured wildlife.

“We have collected valuable information on the causes of our patients’ injuries, then used the actual case histories of real patients to educate the public, inform policy makers, and address the root causes of the real threats to wildlife,” said Edward E. Clark, Jr., President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia. “Dominion Energy’s generous support of our general operations has been an important factor in our success and enabled us to achieve goals that serve both wildlife and humans, in Virginia and around the world.”

In Chesapeake, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads put Dominion grant dollars to work teaching kids to swim so they can better appreciate the outdoors.

“We are grateful to have Dominion Energy expand our impact and elevate access to water safely through the Y’s All Kids Swim program,” said Jean Adler Stean, Director of Grants Management for the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. “Our local neighborhoods are surrounded by water and we want every child to experience the fun, recreation, and joy that comes with swimming but we want it to be done safely.”

Another grant to Four Mile Run Park in Alexandria is helping educate young people in an urban setting about the importance of environmental stewardship.

“We much appreciate Dominion Energy’s ongoing partnership in support of our Nature Explorers and Restorers program and youth internships,” said Kurt Moser, President of the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation. “To date this year, these dollars have enabled us to provide free outdoor learning experiences to 71 Arlandria-Chirilagua youth, and conservation internship opportunities for 12 high-school students.”

Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for grants up to $50,000 to support specific projects that promise measurable results to improve the environment. Also, public and private K-12 schools in eligible regions can apply for classroom grants up to $5,000 for environmental education programs.

Eligible organizations in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Utah, Connecticut, Idaho, Wyoming and other areas in Dominion Energy’s footprint are encouraged to apply.

Dominion Energy will consider grant requests that focus on one or more of the following priorities:

Educating K-12 students and the public about environmental science
Protecting and preserving natural habitats
Improving open spaces and making nature accessible

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.dominionenergy.com/envirogrants

About the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
About 7 million customers in 15 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed nearly $50 million in 2021 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education, and encourage community vitality. Please visit www.dominionenergy.com to learn more.

SOURCE Dominion Energy
For further information: Craig Carper, (804) 771-6115, Howell.C.Carper@dominionenergy.com

Exciting Changes Coming to YCC – We’re Building Homes and Futures!

As we all know, the affordable housing shortage is a significant issue in our community and country. Finding a safe and accessible housing option is even more difficult for survivors of domestic violence. In addition to physical abuse, many victims have experienced financial abuse as well. This may include limited or no access to bank accounts, destroyed credit, and a compromised tenant rental history due to the actions of abusive partners.

Among YCC clients, we have seen firsthand the challenges, and unfortunately, we also see many returning to their abusive relationships due to financial constraints and a lack of housing options. Therefore, YCC is embarking on an exciting new project to create a transitional housing option right on our current site.

YCC will break ground in January 2023 on a 14-unit apartment building located on the southwest corner of our property just off 23rd Street. We will be demolishing the 85-year-old apartment building, thrift store, and warehouse in order to make room for the apartments. Wadman Corp. will lead the development of the project, designed by Bellgique Architects, with a projected open date of early 2024. Tenants in the building will be able to live there for up to two years as they prepare to become fully self-sufficient. YCC will provide ongoing case management, and tenants will have access to classes, therapy, support groups, child care, and parenting classes. Along with healing from domestic violence, tenants will experience a rental structure that supports them based on need. They will build a rental history, work to restore credit, eliminate debt, and prepare to live independently.

To find out how you can support this transformational project, contact:
Margaret Rose, Executive Director – (801) 689-1703
Sara Mejeur, Development Director – (801) 689-1740

Changes to the Donation Center and Thrift Store

Due to the construction project, we will no longer be able to accept used donations. We simply will not have the space to manage the volume of donations. The last day to bring in your used donations will be August 31st. Starting September 1st, please reach out to one of these fantastic community partners to see if they can accept your donation:

Boys & Girls Club
Deseret Industries
Lantern House
Ogden Rescue Mission
Salvation Army

As always, we will continue to welcome and appreciate new donations at our main office. These donations help our clients, children, and our organization in many ways, and we are incredibly grateful for past and future giving from our generous community.

The thrift store, Threads of Hope, will remain open until the end of October. Please come and shop and help us raise our critical funds before we close!

Bank of Utah Announces Leadership Succession

President and CEO Douglas L. DeFries to retire; Branden P. Hansen named president, Benjamin F. Browning named CEO.

Bank of Utah’s board of directors announced that Douglas L. DeFries will retire as CEO and president at the end of 2022, after a distinguished 37-year career with the bank. Company veteran Branden P. Hansen will replace DeFries as president, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

“We have benefitted from Doug’s leadership for many years. He worked diligently to continue Bank of Utah’s 70-year tradition of caring for the community while also setting the stage for tremendous growth,” said board chair Frank W. Browning. “We are confident that Branden, with his vast industry knowledge and deep commitment to customer and shareholder value, will effectively lead Bank of Utah into our next phase of growth.”

In addition, the board appointed Benjamin F. Browning as CEO, also effective Jan. 1, 2023.

“Ben’s background is deeply rooted in Bank of Utah, and he is passionate about building strong relationships, teams and workplace cultures,” Frank Browning said. “We believe that, together, Branden and Ben, along with our dedicated employees, will continue to build Bank of Utah and enhance services and experiences for our customers.”

About Bank of Utah
Whatever your Utah is, Bank of Utah provides all the financial tools and guidance you need to achieve your business and personal financial goals. Celebrating its 70th year in 2022, Bank of Utah was established in 1952 in Ogden, Utah, by the Frank M. Browning family. Bank of Utah has since grown to 400 employees and over $2 billion in assets. Bank of Utah is one of the top banks in the U.S., ranking in the top 11% for total assets, the top 7% for net income, and the top 2% for Return on Assets (RoA). With the personal touch of a community bank, Bank of Utah answers your calls, greets you in person and offers the most up-to-date online and mobile banking innovations. The Bank has 18 full-service branches throughout Utah, trust teams in Ogden and Salt Lake City, and mortgage offices in Logan, Price and St. George. Offering business and personal banking, mortgage and commercial lending, and trust services, Bank of Utah is dedicated to helping our neighbors and local businesses thrive, now and for years to come. Together, we are Utah.
For more information call 801-409-5000 or visit bankofutah.com

JD Cleary, LegUp Health

“We believe buying your own health insurance should be a benefit; not a burden.”

JD Cleary is the General Manager of LegUp Health, a year-round health insurance concierge service that helps Utahns find, use, and manage their own plans. LegUp Health provides formal benefits programs to help business owners recruit and retain top talent – employees receive 1-on-1 year-round health insurance support from LegUp’s team of non-commissioned coaches.

The defining moment that was the inspiration for LegUp Health happened nearly a decade ago, JD describes, “At our previous company, we witnessed first-hand the challenges American workers and their families faced when their profession required them to purchase their own health insurance.” JD and his business partner, Rick Lindquist, started LegUp Health to provide a new type of health insurance service that is focused on the consumer experience.

While LegUp Health is located outside of the Ogden-Weber area, their services are adopted by and have been well-received by all Utahns with marketplace coverage. They felt they could make a difference for the consumers in the Ogden-Weber area. JD explains the reasoning behind joining the Chamber, “We chose to join due to its robust member benefits and alignment with our business objectives,” said JD.

LegUp Health has many factors that make it unique to other health insurance providers including:

Customer service. LegUp Health’s team members are salaried “coaches” who prioritize customer service over sales.

Focus on the consumer. They are focused on helping Utah consumers navigate their own health insurance, which allows us to build our service and software from the ground up with this in mind.

Talent. They hire top talent. When you talk to someone at LegUp Health, we guarantee they are knowledgeable, well-educated, reliable, and kind.

Technology. They’re not just a health insurance agency. They are also a software company, leveraging technology to empower clients.

The biggest rewards or “wins” are when they are able to empower clients, helping them feel more confident in their health insurance and care decisions. One client testimonial reads, “I’ve always had coverage through my employer until this year. Navigating individual health insurance alone was a nightmare. LegUp Health makes it less frustrating.”

JD and Rick are excited for the future of their organization due to the continued growth of the individual health insurance market in Utah. Individual coverage is portable, maximizes consumerism, and ultimately frees employers to focus their time and money on their core business.

Learn more about LegUp Health by visiting their website, or contacting JD Cleary at (385) 200-1033 or jd@leguphealth.com

Take 5 Oil Change – Friendly People & Fast Oil Changes!

Founded in 2021, Take 5 Oil Change takes pride in its fast, friendly and simplified oil changes and emissions tests. In just 10 short minutes, while you enjoy a bottle of water in your car, the team at Take 5 Oil Change will change your engine oil along with the filter – checking and replenishing vital under-hood fluids so that you can go about your day.

Taber Cope, Managing Director, recalls the moment that defined the beginning of Take 5 Oil Change, “I wanted others to experience how quick and convenient and oil change should be,” he said. “When I heard about Take 5 Oil Change, I knew it was a concept that would work well here in Utah and I was excited to sign up as a franchise!”

The South Ogden location was the first shop in Utah and one of the very first shops in the Western United States. Today, there are nearly 700 Take 5 Oil Change locations around the United States and Canada. They will be opening three locations in the Ogden area to make sure everyone has access to a quick and friendly oil change.

“Our focus on customer service is second to none. People actually enjoy coming in and getting an oil change with us!”

-Taber Cope, Managing Director, Take 5 Oil Change

The great support of the local community is considered one of Take 5 Oil Change’s biggest wins by the team at Take 5 Oil Change. They are providing a need that the community has been missing – The Stay In Your Car, 10 Minute Oil Change.

One customer had such a great experience at Take 5, they gave one of the nicest reviews the team at Take 5 Oil Change has ever seen, “Benson helped get me registered and was very helpful. I can’t believe how fast they are at providing service! I had waited over 2 hours at the dealership just prior to my scheduled appointment to get an oil change. I was so frustrated with waiting so I came to Take 5 and they took care of me right away. The best part of my visit is how they took care of me when my battery died right in the bay. The manager pulled up his own truck to give me a jump after they tried to charge it a couple of times. I am so impressed with Take 5 and will be coming back every 3 months.”

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

– Winston Churchill

https://www.take5oilchange.com/locations/ut/south-ogden-1321/

For this week’s Business Spotlight, we’ll be featuring Don Hickman, Financial Coach and Owner of A Helping Hand Financial Coaching.

Initially launched in 2020, A Helping Hand Financial Coaching is an organization that help individuals and couples turn their personal financial failures into success, nightmares into dreams and stress into peace.

As a financial coach, Don Hickman teaches and trains several necessary skills including:

- successfully communicating as a couple
- creating and following a monthly spending plan
- getting out of suffocating personal debt
- saving for emergencies and investing for retirement
- saving for the kids’ education
- buying and eventually paying off a house

Clients eliminate their financial stress and in doing so, they focus their money and attention on living their life’s purpose.

The defining moment for Don in starting A Helping Hand Financial Coaching was when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the economy in the spring of 2020. Hickman Group, LLC’s business consulting work had dried up because of the economic disaster that followed the pandemic. Don saw a community need and knew it was imperative to make his financial coaching services available to a wider audience.

“Folks were losing their income, small businesses were closing their doors, and there was an enormous amount of financial stress in our community,” says Don. “We registered A Helping Hand Financial Coaching under Hickman Group, and the rest is history.”

As a 24-year Air Force veteran retiring off Hill Air Force Base in 2012, Don and his wife, Stacey, have lived in 14 different locations throughout their military career. They decided that Ogden Valley and the greater Ogden area was the perfect place to settle down to start their family and eight years later, A Helping Hand Financial Coaching.

“We love helping people, and there are tens of thousands of people who could use our help here in Weber County alone,” says Don. “Every day we help individuals and couples overcome their personal struggles with financial stress.”

Several of Don’s client have completely paid off all their personal debt – they are using a monthly family spending and for the first time in their lives, they have money leftover at the end of the month. A couple under extreme financial stress once had over $240,000 of personal loans and with Don’s help, were able to negotiate with their creditors and eliminate almost $100,000 in personal debt for a settlement at just over $25,000. Another recently divorced client went from desperation to her best year ever as a small business owner.

“Coach Don is an absolute life saver. I had never budgeted before. My financial situation had collapsed several times and I chose not to do anything about it. I just felt it would get better on its own and of course, it never did. I finally wanted to change my situation after my second divorce. Don took me through the systematic process. I was so thrilled with the excitement and passion he had in helping others achieve success and truly succeed.“

– Michelle C., Single Mom & Small Business Owner

When asked what makes his organization unique, Don says, “We focus on a person’s behaviors and emotions related to their money, not just the mechanics and math of investment rates of return and credit scores,” and, “Experience matters, and we have it.” He has coached hundreds of individuals and couples over the years and is one of just a handful of Dave Ramsey certified Master Financial Coaches in northern Utah.

Don and Stacey started at the bottom and worked their way to the top – now having zero debt of any kind, money in the bank, and are living the life they planned to live years ago. When they aren’t working, they ski in the winter and enjoy their horses, fly fishing, camping, and gardening in the summer. Don also enjoys being active in the community as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports and a past Chair of the Board of Ogden Nature Center.

Menchie’s makes you smile!

This is the mission that Rory Rich and his team set out to accomplish from the day they opened the franchise in May 2017. Rory says, “While most people think that we sell frozen yogurt, the real goal is to make them smile by providing them with an exceptional experience and amazing frozen desserts.” Everything is about quality – starting with the best ingredients, but more importantly Rory says their first priority is creating an awesome experience for their guests.

We had a chance to ask Rory some questions about Menchie’s and how he got started with the franchise.

Was there a defining moment that inspired you to open a Menchie’s?

“My daughters and I have always wanted a restaurant. During our introduction with Menchie’s, we quickly realized the franchise’s focus on quality, guest care and people who were aligned with the ideals we hold important. The fantastic froyo was the ‘cherry on top’ to what has become an experience we’ll never forget.”

What drew you to the Ogden-Weber area?

“We wanted to bring the Menchie’s experience to the northern part of Utah and we knew without any doubt that downtown Ogden was our target. Despite the area ‘not fitting’ with the Menchie’s expected footprint, we convinced them that Ogden’s downtown vibe was indeed the place to be.”

“Nowhere in Weber county can you find a place with so much to do packed into such a small area. We knew we could make the Menchie’s experience fit right in with the incredible energy found in downtown Ogden.”

Tell us about the internal culture at Menchie’s. What makes it so unique?

“We don’t have ’employees,’ we have team members. It is not just a twist on language… We want our folks to feel cared for as best we can. We are supportive and we recognize that for much of our team, it is their first job in the labor market. We feel a responsibility to set them up for success.”

You’ve mentioned creating exceptional experiences for your guests. What has been your biggest moment with Menchie’s?

“Our acceptance by Ogden and surrounding communities has been incredible. The connection to our fans and our community has been so much fun and so very humbling. We’re not here just to make a buck – we want to connect with the community and we think we’ve done a good job at that.”

We’ve seen many positive reviews about your business. Are there any comments that have stuck out to you?

“We get many compliments on how well our guests are treated by our team members. This is the number one thing that I am told more than anything else.”

What excites you the most about owning and operating a business in Ogden?

“We see the resilience of our guests and Utah residents coming out of the chaos that COVID-19 has created. We see Ogden and the downtown area becoming more vibrant and exciting – entertainment, arts, businesses and a myriad of other aspects. We can see ourselves being a part of that growth and vibrance.”

Do you have any quotes or words of wisdom that you can share with us?

“I will always remember this quote by Buckaroo Banzai, ‘No matter where you go… There you are. It sums up the fact that it is important to embrace where and who you are no matter where you find yourself in life.”

Envirometrics was founded in September of 2009 by Mike Hall. Mike established Envirometrics after seeing the harmful impacts of modern life on nature and the environment.

Mike has made it his mission to be an excellent steward of our wonderful world resources and to help industrial leaders in their stewardship.

With Mike’s education and experience, he was naturally attracted to environmental consulting. Mike’s knowledge of chemistry, biology, and toxicology combined with his 30 years of experience help him to work with industrial leaders, reduce waste cost, minimize risk and make their business life more sustainable. Envirometrics provides a unique perspective on our natural resources, how they can be utilized, and the importance of understanding from a macro viewpoint the impact our choices have on the environment and does so in a way that benefits both the environment and the business. This perspective helps their customers to be well informed and to have engineered environmental solutions that will save them time, save them money and reduce environmental risk.

As our population continues to grow, Mike looks forward to helping his clients and our community continue to be good stewards of the land. To pull from Mike’s favorite quote “Do the right thing and it will return to you in ways you cannot predict.

For more information on Mike and Envirometrics see the flyer attached below:

Envirometrics-Information Download

For over a decade, Give Me a Chance/DeMarillac Formal Attire has changed lives. Founder Maria Nguyen, Daughter of Charity, rented a historic building in downtown Ogden with the dream to improve our community by teaching women how to sew.

Manager Susan Thompson loves that the seamstress program provides more than just sewing skills to countless women. Not only do participating women have opportunities to earn a living, but they also gain self-confidence and improve their self-esteem along the way.

Women who graduate from the sewing programs can hone their customer service, retail, and alteration skills while working in DeMarillac Formal Attire–part of Give Me a Chance. Customers to the formal wear boutique will find gorgeous attire at affordable pricing, one-on-one service, and professional alteration.

Give Me A Chance helps improve the livelihood of entire families by offering after-school tutoring to children in the community. During the after-school programs, children have the opportunity to get direct help with their homework, practice art, do science experiments, and be kids.

For Susan, her biggest reward has been to see the community come together to help Give Me A Chance deliver life-altering services to families in need.

You can learn more about Give Me a Chance/DeMarillac Formal Wear Attire at http://demarillacformal.com/