ST. GEORGE — At the 100th Exchange Club National Convention held in Reno, Nevada, the St. George Exchange Club was recognized nationally for earning the “Big E Award,” a prestigious designation given to only a few clubs each year.
Exceptional community service, exemplary promotion of Americanism and membership growth are some of the rigorous requirements to earn award. Despite the difficulty in achieving the award, the club has earned the venerable status four of the last five years.
Further honoring the local chapter, last year’s president, Anthony McMullin, received the Distinguished Presidents Award, which requires the leadership of the club to reach certain goals where the data is tracked by the national headquarters.
The St. George Exchange Club held its annual installation banquet at the Pasta Factory, where members and guests were treated to a delicious meal, and individual and club achievements were noted. McMullin lauded the club’s achievements for the past year, including record membership, celebrating the 31st annual Mayor’s Walk and 30th annual Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival as just some of the year’s highlights.
The evening concluded when Mark Loosli, National Exchange Club’s volunteer field representative, installed Mindy Suttner as new club president; Clay Denos, president-elect; Neal Smith, secretary; Wayne Everett, treasurer; and the 2018-2019 board of directors of Dave Larson, Floyd Holm, Jeff Bushnell and Mark Loosli.
Smith, Everett, Holm and Bushness have been members of the Exchange Club for over 27 years.
“I am happy to be serving as this year’s Exchange President and consider it an honor that my fellow Exchange-ites have elected me to this position,” Suttner said. “The Exchange club is looking forward to an amazing year in giving back to this community!”
About the St. George Exchange Club
The St. George Exchange Club has actively served Southern Utah for over 40 years with members who are local business owners, community leaders and volunteer citizens. Complementing the club is the St. George Exchange Club Foundation. Each year, club members are elected to preside over the Foundation Board, which is currently led by Mark Loosli.
The St. George Exchange Club Foundation is a registered 501(c) 3 and manages all funds donated or raised by the club. Funds raised are returned to the community through various programs the St. George Exchange Club sponsors.
In addition to the Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival (SUPAF), the St. George Exchange Club also sponsors and hosts the St. George Mayor’s Walk, Iron Kids Fun Run, Student of the Month Recognition, Freedom Shrine installations and dedications, the Give Me Liberty program which serves area 5th graders, and Give a Kid a Flag to Wave at the annual Veterans Day Parade in Washington City.
The St. George Exchange Club, in cooperation with Dixie State University, also awards each area high school’s top graduating senior with first-year tuition grants. In 2015 the club contributed over $100,000 to help the city of St. George build the All Abilities Park, which was dedicated in the fall of 2016.
The St. George Exchange Club is a local branch of America’s oldest service club, dedicated to promoting Americanism, youth programs, community service and child abuse prevention. Exchange-ites welcome men and women in the area who want to get involved to join them Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. at George’s in Ancestor Square.
Exchange Club Contact
Mindy Suttner
St. George Exchange Club President
435-256-5550
[email protected]