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Show usiness A4 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2010 Guardian of Your Community News Like father, like son: Wilson State Farm Christy Hardman STAFF WRITER After 28 years, Steve Wilson is retiring from State Farm Insurance. His son, Lance, is taking over his office and clientele. "I am really humbled," Lance said. "It's kind of hard to talk about. My dad has been a great role model for me and a great example in the community. He has some big shoes to fill," he said. Lance has been a State Farm agent for seven years in an office on Main Street in Orem. He said he's excited to start in Spanish Fork since he's lived here with his family for the last three and a half years. "It was great being raised here, and great to raise my kids here," he said. He was doing some family history this summer, and he said he found where his third great grandfather came straight to Spanish Fork from the Martin handcart company in 1856. "I found his grave in the Spanish Fork cemetery this last summer, and that was really neat. I'm a sixth generation resident of Spanish Fork. My roots are buried pretty deep here. If you're going to be a business owner, Spanish Fork is the place to be," he said. Lance said he is confident enough in his company that he feels he could be successful in any community in America. "I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I have that kind of confidence in State Farm," he said. "But it's an added blessing and a privilege to be able to do it here in Spanish Fork." Not'only is he a sixth generation resident of Spanish Fork, Lance is also a second generation State Farm agent. Lance has three other brothers and he is the only one who has gone into insurance. He said he has enjoyed being able to share ideas and exchange advice with Steve through the last seven years. "We've called each other up with questions many times in the last few years," Lance said. Lance is leaving his agency in Orem and taking over Steve's office and accounts, and is excited to get involved in the community of Spanish Fork. "I also want to publicly tell my father that I love him and I'm honored to be carrying on the legacy he's created. And if I can ever help you, whether in insurance or otherwise, I'd love to do so," he said. Dana Robinson / The Sentinel CHANGING OF THE GUARD: Lance Wilson will be taking over for his father, Steve, who is retiring after 28 years in the insurance business. Central Bank says thanks Chamber looks forward to opportunities in 2010 Central Bank would like to thank everyone who participated in the Central Bank Angels Program. Every donation was highly appreciated and Central Bank would like to announce that 58 families, totaling 177 children, were touched throughout Utah County this holiday season by the Central Bank Angel Program. In Spanish Fork alone six families and 20 children were helped. "We are always so impressed by the people in Utah County and their willingness to reach out and help those who are in need," said Matt Packard, Central Eank President and CEO. "Thank you." Central Bank feels that the program was a huge success and again would like to thank everyone who was involved in the program in anyway. With the donations, along with the $5,000 Central Bank matched, the program was able to buy clothing, winter coats, toys, hygiene supplies, blankets, shoes and groceries for the Cary Hanks CHAMBER Courtesy photo SPIRIT OF GIVING: Pictured, top row, left to right, are Haley Ainge, Ruth Shepherd and Diane Woolford; bottom row, Tyler Heaps, Glen Roach and Gayleen Jones. families. As well as helping families in need throughout Utah County, Central Bank also chose the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) to donate to. Central Bank will be spending time at the DCFS in January painting the walls in hopes to create a happier place for the children. Central Bank will also be donating new toys for the children to play with while they are there. "The program was a success because of the community and their donations," said Packard. "All of us at Central Bank would like you to know that we truly appreciate your help." Veterans Memorial . ' .. . Namon Bills / The Sentinel DONATION: The Gerald L. Hill family presented a check for $1,000 to the Veterans Memorial Fund Wednesday, Dec. 30. Pictured receiving the check from Gerald and Joy Hill is Steve Wilson. The Hills said they've had family members in the military and they're glad to support this fund. The Spanish Fork/Salem Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of those who worked so hard this year to make 2009 a banner year. As a Chamber, Board, and business community, they have grown and strengthened their focus, drive and goals. They enter a new year with enthusiasm and excitement for their businesses. They are also moving forward with many new membership benefits and programs. They support buying local and hope that the community will see the advantages of 'Thinking Local, Buying Local and Being Local". The Executive Board would like to thank all of the 2009 Chamber Board Members who worked hard and contributed so much to moving forward with the organization. They thank them for supporting all of the many community events and business events in 2009. They truly are positive leaders in the business community and the towns. The Chamber Board would also like to thank all of their sponsors for being generous supporters of this community. They could not have done it without them. Donations large and small helped them provide the community with many services, events and good fun. Highlights of the year with the Chamber were the Easter Egg Hunt, Rotary/ Chamber Golf Tournament, Scarecrow Contest and Winter Lights Parade. To the many who participated and helped sponsor these community events, the Chamber offers their gratitude. The Chamber is looking ahead to 2010 with excitement for a new program they are providing for member businesses. They have website capabilities for all members to showcase their business and use that media to promote their products. Social interaction business to business, web advertising, marketing tools and sponsorship opportunities at their fingertips will allow businesses more opportunities than ever. Small businesses will especially like the new website option. Upcoming Chamber events are listed below. "The Spanish Fork/Salem Area Chamber of Commerce wishes all in the community a happy and prosperous 2010." On Jan. 8 the Board Installation and Awards Banquet will be held at 7 p.m. at the Chillon Reception Center. On Jan. 9 the ribbon cutting for Elevate Mind and Body, owned by Shawna Henry on 683 North 920 East, Spanish Fork, will take place at 12 p.m. On Jan. 13 the Chamber Board Retreat will be held for team-building and strategic planning of 2010 activities. On Jan. 14, 2010, the ribbon cutting for Main Street Floral will be held at 12 p.m. at 283 North Main St., Spanish Fork. Elaine Corless is welcomed to the Spanish Fork/Salem business community. On Feb. 18, 2010, a silent auction will be held to benefit the Spanish Fork Rotary — Spanish Fork/Salem Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund. Auctions will be held at Spanish Fork High School, Salem Hills High School and Maple Mountain High School. The proceeds will go to fund scholarships for local high school students. Businesses who wish to donate items may call Cary at the Chamber Office at 8 0 1 798-8352. The new Chamber members are Main Street Floral, 283 North Main St., Spanish Fork; Anderson Thomas Attorneys at Law, 21 East 300 North, Spanish Fork; and Elevate Mind and Body, owned by Shawna Henry, at 683 North 920 East, Spanish Fork. Meet the Neighbors: Steve Wilson State Farm Insurance has been a Chamber Member and supporter for many years. Steve has been in business in Spanish -Fork for the past 281 years. Steve is retiring and turning over the reigns to his son Lance Wilson who will continue the family's excellent service and commitment to their customers. Congratulations go to Steve for his many years of service and Lance is welcomed. Venturers: Venture (Venturers) Scouts attended a CPR Training held at the Spanish Fork Fire Department conducted by Don Thomas. Eighteen scouts and four adults attended and received their certification in CPR. Thanks goes to Don and the Fire Department for hosting this event for the youth. The Spanish Fork/Salem Area Chamber of Commerce wishes all in the community a happy and prosperous 2010. |