Business

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!

Mel Witharana, Janadhi & Company

In 2006, Mel saw that one of the needs for small businesses was assistance with technology and cooperation – to provide the same quality assistance that you’d find from enterprise-class businesses with dedicated IT teams. He believed that with the right help, small businesses could compete and be successful in the marketplace. This defining moment is what sparked the inspiration for Janadhi & Company.

Janadhi & Company helps businesses cross the bridge of technology. As an IT solution for businesses, they offer A-Z technological needs. When asked what makes his organization unique, Mel said, “Even though we provide services to over 2000+ customers, we have a close relationship with each client. We like to build long-term relationships and we have always stood by our clients.”

Mel and his team are also very knowledgeable about their products and services. Every year, they allocate a large amount of their revenue to properly train their staff. They also look after the community by volunteering, donating to non-profits, or working on projects that help build better communities.

“I feel I have grown stronger by hearing and seeing others smile when they succeed. Knowing that I have contributed to the growth of a client’s business and helped them in accomplishing their dreams of success… This is why I do what I do,” said Mel, referring to his purpose at Janadhi & Company.

One of Mel’s favorite quotes is, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” from Gandhi. This quote is one that him and his team live by. Mel loves to see the smiles on people’s faces after they get the help they need – this is the biggest win for his company.

Mel is excited for the future of Janadhi & Company as technology continues to advance!

To learn more about Mel, his staff, or Janadhi & Company please visit their website here, call or email: (801) 529 4182 or mel@janadhi.com

Target River Earns Award as Best Target Marketing Company of 2022

Target River, a marketing agency headquartered out of Salt Lake City, has recently been recognized as the “Best Target Marketing Company” of 2022. Target River has spearheaded several successful campaigns in many states due to its innovative marketing strategy to assist clients nationwide, including businesses, non-profit organizations, school districts, and government departments. Target River was previously honored with this title for 2020 and has been once again recognized.

This award was received from Global Business Insight Magazine. The magazine describes itself as a “knowledge sharing platform designed for and committed to sharing the latest business news.” The magazine awards successful businesses each year across various categories based on in-depth studies, analysis, and a voting system to determine which companies should be awarded for their innovative efforts in the business industry. More information on the Global Business Insight Award Program can be found at https://www.gbimagazine.com/gbi-awards.

In addition to being named as Best Target Marketing Company of 2022 by Global Business Insight Magazine, Target River has been recently recognized as a Top 10 Google Advertising and Marketing Partner in 2022.

The State of Utah recently recognized Target River as the top full-service advertising agency for government work. When working with the Utah State Government departments, Target River was approved to do work in 14 unique marketing categories. Of the 45 agencies that submitted for consideration with the State, only 18 received approval. The agency with the second-most marketing categories accepted, behind Target River, was only approved for 5.

Target River Founder and CEO Brian Epperson has completed work for many clients in California, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, and Utah. Brian developed a unique marketing strategy titled the “Who, What, How” method to increase targeted outreach in campaigns. As a Salt-Lake based firm, Target River is seeking opportunities to work with more clients in Utah. Brian is available for meetings, interviews, and other discourse to discuss the methods that led Target River to receive this award.

For more information and scheduling, please email elizabeth@targetriver.com or go to targetriver.com

Grand Opening Planned for Dumke Arts Plaza in Ogden

Construction is near completion on the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Arts Plaza, located in Ogden, Utah. The Dumke Arts Plaza will be an arts-focused community space, a dynamic outdoor gallery, and an intimate performance venue. The plaza is designed to inspire creativity, elevate diverse perspectives, and anchor Ogden as a hub for contemporary art. The plaza will feature major art installations as well as community-led arts programming ranging from small concerts, to dance performances, to video art. It will be a space to engage with art in all its forms, but also a place for everyday gatherings — sharing lunch with a friend or enjoying a family visit.

The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the Dumke Arts Plaza on Friday, Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. at 445 25th Street, at the corner of 25^th Street and Ogden Avenue. The event will serve as the premiere of the plaza’s inaugural exhibition, a selection of work by internationally renowned American sculptor Chakaia Booker, curated by Weber State University. Also on display will be the Beacon, a permanent sculptural piece that extends from the plaza over 25^th Street. Invited speakers will make brief remarks at 6:15 pm and performances will take place throughout the evening. All are encouraged to attend and celebrate the Dumke Arts Plaza as a new arts-focused space for the community.

A unique collaboration among project partners and community members has shaped the Dumke Arts Plaza. The Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation is the lead funder for the project. The Foundation’s gift of more than $2.2 million to support the Dumke Arts Plaza is intended to honor the legacy of its founders and their commitment to Ogden. Ogden City and Weber County RAMP also contributed major funding to the project. The Foundation, Ogden City, RAMP, Weber State University, and Ogden Contemporary Arts, along with community stakeholders, collaborated closely to develop the vision for the Dumke Arts Plaza. The plaza design was led by renowned firm, Sasaki Associates, working with Ogden-based firms IO LandArch and Union Creative Agency. Hogan Construction is now building the plaza.

The Dumke Arts Plaza represents the transformation of a blighted motel property into an innovative civic space that will bring the community together around art in Ogden’s dynamic Nine Rails Creative District. The plaza’s design, inspired by the region’s dynamic landscape, has the flexibility to support many types of art, from large-scale installations to small performances, and includes an LED screen for displaying film and video art. An elevated platform known as the plinth provides more space for arts programming, as well as a new perspective on the plaza and its surroundings. The Dumke Arts Plaza is a welcoming public space, with interactive play elements, unique lighting, benches, and waterwise landscaping. A major feature of the Dumke Arts Plaza is the Beacon, a new sculpture that extends over 25th Street, inviting visitors to explore the plaza.

The Dumke Arts Plaza creates an exciting opportunity to share world-class art exhibitions with the community in an outdoor civic space. Weber State University’s Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery and the Department of Visual Art & Design are proud to curate the inaugural exhibition at the Dumke Arts Plaza, featuring a selection of work by the internationally renowned American sculptor Chakaia Booker. The exhibition includes three major recent pieces by Booker. Booker’s distinctive approach to form and materiality, utilizing repurposed automotive tire rubber to construct complex and monumental abstract objects, speaks eloquently to themes of transformation, reimagining, and recontextualization. As such, her work is a uniquely fitting focal point for the public’s first opportunity to experience world-class public art at the Dumke Arts Plaza, itself a major initiative in the revitalization and reclamation of civic space for Ogden, the state, and the region.

For more information about the Dumke Arts Plaza, please visit ogdencity.com/DumkeArtsPlaza. Ogden City encourages community members and organizations interested in hosting arts programming and events at the Dumke Arts Plaza to visit the website for more information.

For more information about the Chakaia Booker exhibition presented by Weber State University, please visit https://weber.edu/shawgallery/upcoming.html. The exhibition will be on view to the public from Dec. 3, 2021, through May 15, 2022. The exhibition is presented in partnership with Ogden City and Ogden Contemporary Arts and is made possible by the generous support of the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation, the Matthew S. Browning Center for Design, and the Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities.

November 17, 2021

Petersen Inc. awarded Global Supplier by Bechtel

Bechtel awards Petersen Inc. 2020-2021 Supply Chain Excellence for their contributions to the Hanford Vit Plant project

Ogden, Utah – November 17, 2021 – Petersen Inc. announced today that Bechtel has recognized them with a Global Supplier Award for 2020-2021. Companies were evaluated on multiple factors including overall performance, ability to deliver quality services, and meeting or exceeding expectations of safety, performance, technical expertise, and environmental compliance.

“This is a tremendous recognition by Bechtel, and we are humbled and grateful to be acknowledged as a key supplier,” stated Rob Despain, VP Business Development for Petersen Inc. “We have a 20+ year partnership with Bechtel and look forward to continually strengthening that relationship and future opportunities in the years to come,” added Despain.

Petersen Inc. of Ogden, Utah and Pocatello, Idaho built two 300-ton melters to be used at the Department of Energy’s Hanford Vit Plant (Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant). The melters will safely process a portion of the 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste generated during the Manhattan Project and Cold War. The process involves mixing silica and other glass-forming materials, heating to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, then pouring into stainless steel containers for disposal.

Designing and manufacturing the two melters included 1,200 engineering drawings and took nearly three years to fabricate, with a third melter in fabrication as a spare. Petersen Inc. is also currently manufacturing the stainless-steel containers used to dispose of the waste.

“The partnerships we have with our subcontractors and suppliers are fundamental in delivering projects to our customers,” said Tarek Amine, Bechtel’s Manager of Procurement & Contracts. “Collaboration with subcontractors and suppliers enhances our ability to align to our customers’ goals, achieve their objectives, and deliver a lasting positive impact in the communities where we live and work.”

Click for more info

November 11, 2021

The Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate became public under an Emergency Temporary Standard OSHA regulation on Friday, November 5, 2021. As a result, businesses must be in full compliance with the rule by January 4, 2022. However, as was expected, within 24 hours of the public filing, a federal appeals court issued a stay on the regulation citing ‘grave statutory and constitutional issues with the Mandate.’

Employers have compliance requirements within 30 days of rule publication and testing requirements within 60 days of publication marking the January 4 final deadline unless a court ruling overturns the regulation.

The COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) issued by OSHA sets in motion these requirements for companies with over 100 employees. The rule requires businesses to set up an assessment process to determine who is vaccinated and who is not, set guidelines on receiving proof of vaccination, and establish a record-keeping system containing this information. Important dates and information to consider include:

By December 5, 2021 (30 days from publication), workplace assessment must be completed, and unvaccinated employees are required to wear masks until vaccinated.
By January 4, 2022 (60 days from publication), vaccinations must be completed for employees. Booster shots are not required.
Companies must provide 4 hours of paid leave to receive vaccination and 2 days paid for potential vaccine recovery if needed.
Natural immunity does not count and those with exemptions must test in a clinic (Home tests are not acceptable, and employees must pay for tests.)
Businesses should determine how they will handle religious exemptions in terms of attestation, ecclesiastical statement, or strong moral objection.

Required Documents to Share with Employees:

As part of the emergency regulation, it is required that employers distribute the following four documents to their staff by December 5, 2021, which explain the rights and responsibilities of each party.

OSHA Rules for Submitting Comments:

OSHA has initiated a 30-day comment period for employers/business feedback on the ETS as it could become the permanent standard. Now is the time to voice your concern, opinion, or experience with this matter.

You may submit comments and attachments, identified by Docket No. OSHA-2021-0007, labeled “COVID 19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard Rulemaking” electronically at regulations.gov. Follow the instructions online for making electronic submissions. All submissions must include the agency’s name and the docket number for the ETS (Docket No. OSHA-2021-0007.) When submitting comments or recommendations, commenters should explain rationale and, if possible, provide supporting data and information. Wherever possible, commenters should indicate the title of the person providing the comments and, when appropriate, include information about the type and number of employees at their worksites.

All comments, including any personal information you provide, will be placed in the public docket without change and, with the exception of copyrighted materials, will be publicly available online at regulations.gov. Therefore, OSHA cautions commenters about submitting information they do not want to be made available to the public or submitting materials that contain personal information (either about themselves or others) such as Social Security Numbers and birthdates.

All comments and submissions are listed in the regulations.gov index; however, some information (e.g., copyrighted material) is not publicly available to read or download through that website. All submissions, including copyrighted material, are available for inspection at the OSHA Docket Office. Contact the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-2350 (TTY number: 877-889-5627) for assistance in locating docket submissions.

Utah Chamber Coalition

On November 10, 2021 the Ogden-Weber Chamber met with representatives from the Utah Chamber Coalition to address this issue to help ensure a greater collective voice of business within the state. The Salt Lake Chamber provided the information contained in this fact sheet for distribution.

Weber State alumna, businesswoman and civic leader Kearston Cutrubus was elected as chair of the university’s Board of Trustees at its monthly meeting on Aug. 9.

Karla Bergeson, a retired corporate legal counsel for Citigroup, was elected as vice chair. It’s the first time two women have served together in the leadership positions of the board, which advocates for the university and advises the president on issues such as budget, programs, personnel and planning.

Cutrubus, who was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2016, and has served as vice chair since 2017, thanked the board for its confidence in her leadership.

“I’m honored and humbled to serve as chair of the Weber State University Board of Trustees,” Cutrubus said. “I look forward to working with an incredible team of trustees, WSU leadership, faculty and staff who endeavor to collaborate with the community, businesses, Hill Air Force Base, and each other, to ensure that the students and their education are the top priority.”

Cutrubus is the customer and community relations director for her family’s multiple automotive dealerships in northern Utah. She serves on various boards and committees for community organizations, including the Top of Utah Military Affairs Executive Committee, YCC (Your Community Connection), the WSU Wildcat Club Executive Board and many others.

Cutrubus succeeds Nolan Karras, who has led the board as chair since 2016.

Ogden native, Karla Bergeson, was appointed to the board in 2017. She is the former executive vice president and deputy general counsel for Citigroup’s credit card business in the U.S., where she worked for 23 years before retiring. Throughout her career, Bergeson supported higher education in northern Utah. In 2017, she received an honorary degree from Weber State and delivered the commencement address.

Eight of the university’s 10 trustees are appointed by Utah’s governor and approved by the Utah Senate before being sworn in. Appointees are eligible to serve two four-year terms.

Two new members are expected to join the board officially at its next meeting in September: Keith Titus, president and CEO of MarketStar, an Ogden-based global sales organization, is also a member of Weber State’s National Advisory Council. Brent Bishop is the founder of Greenbacks All-a-Dollar and co-founder of Franklin Covey.

Other appointed members of the board include Amanda Covington, Louenda Downs, Karen Fairbanks and Donald Salazar.

Weber State student body president, Ben Ferney, and Alumni Association president Curtis Funk, which are not appointed positions, serve one- and two-year terms respectively.

Visit weber.edu/PresidentsOffice/Trustees for more information about the Board of Trustees.

This Mural will be representing inclusivity and a sense of belonging during special community ceremony. MarketStar, one of Ogden’s largest private employers, has partnered with the Ogden Downtown Alliance and local artist Cole Eisenhour to present “You Belong,” a new painted mural celebrating diversity and inclusivity in downtown Ogden.

A community ceremony will be held on August 6 at 6:00 p.m. to introduce the mural and celebrate the vibrancy and diversity within Ogden. Keith Titus, MarketStar Chief Executive Officer, Kim Bowsher, Ogden Downtown Alliance Executive Director, and local artist Cole Eisenhour will give remarks during the event. Community members will have the opportunity to create art, enjoy local food trucks, and listen to live music from Ogden’s own Cherry Thomas. This community celebration is also part of the Ogden City First Friday Art Stroll, which happens the first Friday of every month throughout the year

The mural, painted on the south side of the company’s parking structure, is representative of MarketStar’s dedication to building and maintaining an inclusive culture within the communities in which the 33-year-old company does business. The theme of the mural, “You Belong,” is taken from one of the company’s six core values.

The mural will now become a prominent part of Ogden’s downtown art scene thanks to collaborative funding from the MarketStar Foundation, RAMP and the Ogden Downtown Alliance.

The mural kicks off the first of many community-oriented projects MarketStar has in store for their communities this summer. It is significant because of the partnership it represents with the company’s home city of Ogden.

Weber State University’s Center for Community Education (CEC) invites the community to the Food FUNding & Your Future Carnival at 2605 Monroe Blvd., Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.

This event will give students and their families the opportunity to learn about scholarship and financial aid options available to them at Weber State. Experts will be on hand to help students with applications on the spot. Applicants will need to bring identification and estimated gross annual income information. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students are encouraged to attend.

“You can also explore educational programs from badges and certificates to degrees to secure a better future in just a few months,” said Niki Tonks, marketing manager for the John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics.

Spanish and English speakers will be on hand to answer questions.

The carnival will have a number of activities to entertain family and friends, including lawn games. Hokulia, a local food vendor, will hand out free shaved ice as long as supplies last. Participants may visit various booths from Weber State organizations and learn about different activities and services.

Along with financial information and assistance, the CEC offers a variety of services including English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for non-native speakers. The Weber-Morgan Health Department is also offering COVID vaccine clinics on Mondays and Wednesdays in August from 1-8 p.m.

This carnival is free and open to the public. For more information, visit fb.me/e/159yqLVPN.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Contact:

Niki Tonks, Goddard School of Business & Economics marketing manager
801-626-7397 • nikitonks@weber.edu

Author:

Melissa Smith, Marketing & Communications
801-626-6348 • melissasmith9@weber.edu

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

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

Changes to the Donation Center and Thrift Store

Mel Witharana, Janadhi & Company

Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce

Contact

Follow Us