Category Archives: Making a Difference

Apr 26

SkyWest Airlines’ Annual Mini Indy is Once Again a Success

Checkered flags, pit crews, competitive drivers, fierce turns and racing speeds up to 23.5 miles per hour were just a few of the exciting elements at SkyWest Airlines’ thirteenth annual Mini Indy!

This March, teams from around the world met at the airline’s hometown of St. George, Utah to race head-to-head in fierce go-cart competitions, raising money for United Way Dixie and the SkyWest Scholarship Fund. To date, this fiercely popular event has raised nearly one million dollars for United Way Dixie charities.

Of the 35 teams that competed in the race, four were composed of SkyWest employees. Known throughout the company as RAVE (Recognizing A Valuable Employee) Team racers, these twenty employees were nominated by their leaders and peers to represent SkyWest in the Mini Indy based on their dedication to the airline, our passengers and fellow employees.

“I was ecstatic to find out I was selected to represent SkyWest in the Mini Indy,” said Kari Tate, RAVE Team #00 member and SkyWest benefits manager. “This opportunity was something that goes far beyond a pat on the back or ‘atta-girl.’ I was noticed, selected and appreciated! And being able to put my competitive nature into action through this competition was simply awesome!”

The SkyWest RAVE Teams held their own against 13-year veteran teams; RAVE team #94 competed in the finals for the Pit Stop Competition and placed third in both the Best Theme and Best-Looking Car categories, and RAVE Team #00 competed in the championship heat of the race!

After the final checkered flag was waved, Team Wencor Group/Trelleborg took home the title of Grand Champion – for the second year in a row!

And though many of the teams may already be looking ahead and strategizing for Mini Indy 2014, the funds raised through this year’s event will be continue to aid those in need for quite some time, as United Way Dixie utilizes the money to help those in need.

“The annual Mini Indy event allows SkyWest to contribute to local charities through United Way Dixie, an organization that helps offer a better life for children and families in poverty, abuse victims and many others in the community in need of support,” said SkyWest President and COO, Chip Childs.

For more about Mini Indy or details on the 2013 race, visit www.miniindy.org.

Feb 26

SkyWest Airlines’ Mini Indy Gives a “Turbo Boost” to Local Charities

SkyWest Airlines will once again “put the pedal to the metal” in 2013 in a race to benefit local charities. The 13th annual Mini Indy event, sponsored by SkyWest and the City of St. George, will bring in nearly 40 teams from around the world to SkyWest’s hometown of St. George, Utah. There, the teams will golf the world’s best courses and race go-carts head to head – with all proceeds benefiting United Way Dixie and the SkyWest Scholarship Fund.

“Mini Indy is part of SkyWest’s tradition of giving back to our hometown,” said Chip Childs, SkyWest Airlines President and COO. “Year after year, the industry’s elite bring their golf game and go-carts – and we look forward to passing the $1 million mark in donations benefiting local charity in 2013.”

In the last thirteen years, this unique event has raised nearly $1 million to help charities in Washington County. In 2012 alone, Mini Indy raised more than $65,000 for United Way Dixie, providing enough funding for the organization to fund four additional non-profit agencies for 2012 and 2013 – bringing the total of charities served to 17. This includes agencies such as the Dove Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Utah and Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah.

Melissa Ann Santora, Director of Community Engagement for habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah, has volunteered at Mini Indy for several years.

“Our community is blessed by the continued success of Mini Indy,” she said.

“Without the generosity of our sponsors involved in Mini Indy, we would not be able to fund the agencies that provide important human services to our neighbors in need,” continued Rebekah Pectol, administrator, United Way Dixie.

The checkered flag will fly on Friday, March 22 at the “RidgeTop Raceway,” formerly the SGU airport. There, go-cart enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies will compete in a series of heats throughout the day. With fierce turns, obstacles and speeds up to 23.5 miles per hour, this year’s Mini Indy is sure to live up to the excitement that the race is known to deliver!

For more about Mini Indy, visit www.miniindy.org.

Dec 26

One Canadian “Thanksgiving,” In November

Thanksgiving does not always equal a day spent with family gathered around a food-filled table in the airline industry. In fact, many SkyWest employees spend Thanksgiving working hard to take care of the thousands of people who are flying around the country to see friends and loved ones. This includes David Miller, a SkyWest pilot based in Denver, Colo.

When David first saw his November schedule, he immediately saw that he would not have Thanksgiving off. However, in light of the holiday season, David emailed several shelters in the Winnipeg area to see if they were in need of volunteers. Siloam Mission answered: “Dear David, it is great you and your crew would like to volunteer over Thanksgiving on your layover. We have a few spaces for you, but please bring all the holiday cheer as Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October :-) Warm Regards, Victoria.” Though the holiday didn’t quite match up, David was excited for the chance to help.

On Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day in the states, David awoke to low clouds, blowing snow and a wind chill of just 1° F. Undeterred, he met up with a fellow SkyWest crewmember and the two walked, as quickly as possible, to Siloam Mission. When they arrived, Victoria gave them a tour of the facilities, including its mini-hospital staffed by doctors, nurses, dentists and even chiropractors; a fully-equipped gym on the top floor; a resource room with computers; an apartment building for transitioning qualified individuals from the streets; a bedroom for emergency family shelter; separate female quarters; and a pile of donated clothes stacked so high, well, you could lose just about anything!

“It didn’t take long to realize how special this shelter is,” said David. “And the thing that really blew me away is their approach to clothing.”

At Siloam Mission, that approach is a clothing “store,” with one-on-one personal assistants to help guests find what they both need and want; all free of charge of course. No one walks out of Siloam with pants too big or shoes too small. With this methodology, Siloam bypasses the hurdle of self-consciousness and enhances the opportunity for an individual to focus on improving their lives in other more important areas.

Three hours after arriving, David and the other volunteers had served more than 350 meals to men, woman and children. David was in charge of placing three or four pickles on each plate. Of course, Corrie, the service leader, occasionally had to step in when he would try to give out a few more.

“We can’t be running out because David likes pickles and thinks everyone should get a fist full!” said Corrie.

The meals were complete with soup, sandwich, pie, bottomless coffee and a small battalion of helpful volunteers filling cups and taking plates. Many “Thank you’s,” and “Mmm, that looks great,” were spoken. The volunteers also had a chance to get to know some of the patrons.

“While waiting in line, an elderly gentleman spoke about his childhood in Russia, another stated he had a grandmother with dishes like those being used,” said David. “One gentleman, who looked about 45 years old, spoke about the apartment he was moving into that week; it would be the first place he ever had of his own.

“Taking a moment to look out over a sea of faces eating a warm meal is gratifying. Looking beyond to the windows and the 1° wind chill brings pause, knowing these folks would be out in the weather in less than an hour. It brings pause and thanks.”

The volunteers ate last and were happily surprised with a special treat from Chris, the head chef. He had prepared a Thanksgiving meal from scratch: handmade stuffing, smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry and a healthy slice of Pecan pie.

While it wasn’t a typical layover, David said it can only be described as “a wonderful experience.”

David’s willingness to serve is just one example of the incredible things SkyWest employees are doing on a daily basis, as they look for ways to help and give back whenever possible.

Aug 21

Results Are In! SkyWest Mini Indy Raised More Than $100,000.

The donation totals are in for SkyWest Airlines’ annual Mini Indy! Once again, the charity event was a success as it raised more than $100,000 for United Way Dixie and the SkyWest Scholarship Program.

This year, 37 teams from around the world met in St. George to race go-carts and contend for the title of Mini Indy Champion. Since its inception in 2000, Mini Indy has raised nearly one million dollars for local charities through the race itself, golf tournament, dinner, pit crew competition and more.

Sponsored by SkyWest Airlines and the City of St. George, Mini Indy is the largest event benefiting United Way Dixie. In turn, United Way Dixie provides support for a number of charitable organizations and programs in Washington County including The ARC of Washington County, a non-profit organization that promotes the human rights of people with intellectual disabilities and actively supports their inclusion through interactive activities and social events throughout their lifetimes.

“We have always appreciated our partnership with United Way Dixie and SkyWest,” said Terry Hawks, director of Washington County ARC. “We wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do without the funds generated from Mini Indy.”

The Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah provides low income housing and exterior home repair projects through the Brush with Kindness Program for low-income families in Washington County.

“Our partnership with United Way Dixie affords us the opportunity to offer effective and impactful home preservation services for low-income homeowners in Washington County. United Way Dixie funding literally provides the tools we use to build homes, communities and hope,” said Melissa Ann Santora, Director of Community Engagement, Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah.

Additionally, funds raised through Mini Indy assist with the SkyWest Scholarship Fund, helping SkyWest employees and their families achieve their educational goals.

For more information on Mini Indy 2012, including race results and statistics, visit www.miniindy.org

Jun 29

Pilots, Upgrade Your Career to First Class with SkyWest Airlines!

SkyWest Pilot Job Fair June 30th!

Imagine a job you love that also gives you access to over 150 cities across the US, Canada and Mexico! Each day SkyWest moves more than 60,000 travelers to destinations across North America. And although our system spans from coast to coast, our workforce is even more diverse than our route map. It’s obvious to those both inside and outside our team, something’s different at SkyWest. Those on our team have a chance to work with some of the best professionals in the airline industry.

Our Guiding Principles

• Health and Safety First

• Excellent Service and Quality

• Personal and Operational Reliability

• Fairness and Consistency

• Respect and Teamwork

• Personal and Corporate Integrity

• Superior Profitability & Efficient Use of All Resources

Visit us at our job fair Saturday, June 30th at the Hyatt Regency in Rosemont, Il. And discover how you can upgrade to a first-class career at SkyWest Airlines!

Click HERE for more information.

Jun 22

SkyWest Airlines: 40 Years & Flying!

On June 19, 1972, SkyWest Airlines’ six-seat aircraft took to the skies for the first official flight to Salt Lake City. At the time, we had three part-time pilots and our fleet consisted of just four aircraft. Forty years later, SkyWest operates more than 1,800 daily flights on 315 aircraft, all thanks to the help of our more than 11,000 aviation professionals.

Tuesday morning, in honor of our accomplishments and to commemorate those humble beginnings, SkyWest employees, leaders and dignitaries gathered outside our first headquarters (the old hangar at the former St. George Airport) to celebrate our history! President and COO, Russel “Chip” Childs, kicked off the event with some opening remarks and was followed by Jerry Atkin, Chairman and CEO who entertained the crowd with a variety of stories about SkyWest’s early struggles and subsequent successes thanks to the people of SkyWest. He also took a few minutes to recognize several key players in our history who helped make 40 years possible. Jerry was followed by Ralph Atkin, founder of SkyWest Airlines. Everyone at the hangar also had a chance to be a part of a historic 40-year photo!

All the speakers had very powerful things to say, but the common message was that the airline was founded on a commitment to quality and hard work. And thanks to the extraordinary people of SkyWest, that dedication has continued to keep us moving forward for 40 years.

Later, SkyWest leaders and dozens of others had an up-close view as Flight 7769 departed from the new St. George Airport, accompanied by a water cannon salute. The salute helped to recognize everything that SkyWest has been able to accomplish in the last 40 years, and serves as a starting point for the success we’ll continue to see in the years to come!

Jun 07

Underprivileged First Graders Explore Aviation at Our Salt Lake City SkyWest Training Center!

What’s it like to introduce first graders to the world of aviation? Just ask SkyWest flight attendant and first grade teacher Christina Hathaway.

In addition to being a flight attendant, Christina also teaches underprivileged students at Salt Lake City’s inter-city Franklin Elementary School. She recently organized a field trip for 80 students to visit SkyWest’s Salt Lake City training facility where they were introduced to the world of aviation.

The kids were awestruck. When they first walked into the multimedia room to start their tour, one young boy asked if they were already in an airplane. Sonya Wolford, SkyWest Airlines’ VP of InFlight explained that they would have a chance to see the plane soon and the boy literally jumped for joy.

During their visit, the kids were able to walk through various cabin trainers that simulate the inside of a CRJ200. They learned about important safety tasks that SkyWest flight attendants are required to know and had a chance to see some of the emergency equipment that is stored on board every SkyWest flight.

Of course, no trip to the InFlight training facility would be complete without getting a package of Biscoff cookies and some pretzels.

The kids left after the field trip dreaming about one day joining the aviation industry; one student even told a friend, “I’m going to be a flight attendant and save people.” Of course, the friend was quick to remind them that, “You have to feed them too!”

May 22

SkyWest Employees Team Up to Fight Cancer!

Millions of people and their families are affected by cancer every day, including many at SkyWest Airlines. To show support in the fight against this devastating disease, several SkyWest team members recently gathered to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in St. George, Utah.

This year, SkyWest had two teams made up of 12 employees and their families in the St. George event. They walked and ran for 24 hours, raising money for the fight against cancer. The event also provided everyone a chance to honor those who have faced or are facing this devastating disease.

Along with the money raised during the actual walk, the teams put in a lot of work to secure donations to fund the fight against cancer ahead of time. Thanks to the generosity of fellow SkyWest employees, the teams were able to raise more than $2,400 during special lunches at corporate headquarters. Along with a donation from SkyWest the teams raised an impressive $6,300, more than doubling their original goal.

Congratulations to the SkyWest Relay for Life teams on achieving great success in their fundraising and for their inspiring efforts

For more information about Relay for Life, to make a donation or to find out how you can start a team in your area visit www.relayforlife.org

May 03

SkyWest Airlines’ New Website Takes Off!

As a leading air service provider offering global access to millions of people each month, SkyWest is known for its industry leading workforce, exceptional leadership team, and continued solid operational and economic performance! SkyWest’s people are proudly celebrating “40 Years & Flying” in 2012 and a redesigned www.skywest.com is just one of the ways we’re marking the milestone.
The new site is a tribute to SkyWest’s exceptional components that make us the airline, investment and employer of choice.
New features on www.skywest.com include:

Interactive route maps
Detailed career guides and benefit information
SkyBlog – a blog about SkyWest Airlines
Expanded media room with images, videos and story ideas
Destination highlights
An interactive history spanning the airline’s luminous four decades
Philanthropic involvement
Large, high-resolution photos
Intuitive navigation
And much more!

Jet on over to www.skywest.com and experience our fresh new look firsthand!