Apr 08

Enjoy Iconic Food and Land of Oz in Aberdeen, South Dakota

Summer vacations are quickly approaching and anyone looking to enjoy some good old-fashioned family fun should check out Aberdeen, South Dakota. Aberdeen is the third largest city in South Dakota and still maintains its rural charm. Here are a few suggestions to help plan an upcoming trip!

Outdoor Fun

Wylie Park, just one mile north of town, is a great place for the entire family to spend a day or weekend. The biggest attractions are Storybook Land and the Land of Oz, which open for the season April 15th.

Here families can listen to fairy tales and fables in a medieval castle (complete with its own moat and knights in shining armor), slide down Jack and Jill’s Hill or visit Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In Oz, families can stroll down the yellow brick road and visit Munchkin Land. There’s also a miniature train, bumper boats, paddle boats, go-karts and mini golf inside the park, along with a number of summertime events. Check out the city’s website for all the latest activities.

The Dacotah Prairie Museum is a great way to spend the morning indoors. It offers many historical features of the Dakota Territory. It also provides great insight into how Aberdeen was started and how things have progressed.

For something a little more adventurous, head on over to the Brown County Speedway for some heart-pumping, adrenaline-inducing dirt track racing. It is a 3/8th mile, high-banked WISSOTA sanctioned dirt oval. The Speedway races Late Models, Mods, Supers, Streets and Pure Stock.

Recommended Dining

The best place to go for breakfast is hands down Sammy’s Restaurant & Omelet located on Main Street. They have the best omelets ever! It does get busy on Sundays but it’s easy to order the food to-go if there isn’t a place to sit.

It’s hard to top the iconic Twist Cone for a tasty meal. Enjoy the feeling of stepping back in time, along with a great BBQ sandwich and an Italian Ice Cream Cone for lunch.

Another must-eat is the Palm Garden Café and Chocolate Shoppe. The made-from-scratch pot pie and cheesy bread are a great way to end an evening. And the caramel, sea salt dark chocolate morsel is great at any time! They even have a sports museum upstairs, which is worth seeing after enjoying a great meal.

Where to Stay

Spend the night camping in the Wylie Park cabins or go with something a little more enclosed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hotel. Either way, the facilities are designed to provide travelers with a restful sleep and wake up ready to start a new adventure.

No matter how long the visit, Aberdeen does not disappoint. There is plenty to do and see for every one of all ages. Get to Aberdeen on one of two daily Delta Connection flights, operated by SkyWest, from Minneapolis. Book today at www.delta.com.

Apr 06

SkyWest Mini Indy Races to Help Those in Need

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For the 15th year, dozens of teams revved up their go-karts and raced around the twists and turns of the “Ridgetop Raceway” at the SkyWest Mini Indy. While some were lucky enough to walk away with a new trophy, the real winner is clear: thousands of people living in Southern Utah.

“SkyWest believes in supporting the communities where our more than 10,000 employees live and work, and Mini Indy has been a big part of that tradition now for 15 years,” said Mike Thompson, SkyWest Airlines COO.

Mini Indy is a unique event that brings businesses from around the world and hundreds of their employees to St. George, Utah to help those in need. Money raised from race entries and sponsorships is all donated to the United Way Dixie, which helps support 17 local charities like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah and the DOVE Center.

“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,” said Rebekah Pectol, administrator, United Way Dixie.

Since its inception, Mini Indy has raised nearly $1 million to help those living in Southern Utah. But it’s impossible to track the countless individuals who have benefited from this impressive race.

Mar 12

SkyWest Flight Attendant Brings Help to Cambodian Orphans

Having dealt with years of well-documented corruption and social unrest, Cambodia stands as one of the poorest countries in the world. Access to education, sanitation and nutrition is minimal in many locations, and non-existent for some. Many children begin working at a young age in horrendous conditions, exposing them to many risks, including disease, drug abuse and sexual violence.

That’s where Mendy Field, a SkyWest flight attendant based in Palm Springs, California comes in. For the past seven years, Mendy has organized trips to Cambodia to help children in need. She first learned about the need while working alongside a Cambodian war refugee in Irvine, California for six years. There Mendy heard stories of the extreme poverty many are facing and knew she wanted to do something to help. After a trip to an orphanage in Mexico to deliver supplies, Mendy realized she could make the same deliveries to orphans in Cambodia.

“It’s an adventure and a mission to help children learn and change that country,” said Mendy.

Mendy made her first journey to Cambodia by herself and discovered an orphanage by asking locals at a hotel lobby about where she could find children she could help. Since then her efforts have continued to expand. Recently, she started her own non-profit organization called We See Light. Their mission is to help put an end to sex trafficking through education, building safe houses for children being rescued from brothels, and providing basic necessities like food, clothes and hygiene supplies.

“My goal is to build more safe houses for children who have been rescued from brothels,” said Mendy. “It’s not going to get better unless people go help them.”

This summer, Mendy will be heading back to Cambodia to visit the orphanages and to deliver supplies that she has collected from other SkyWest employees. In fact, so much has been donated that several additional employees will likely join Mendy to help with the deliveries. Their efforts are a great example of what many SkyWest aviation professionals are doing around the world to help those in need.

Mar 06

Twin Falls, Idaho: Where Beauty and Adventure Meet

At first glance, visitors seeing these beautiful waterfalls for the first time often think of Niagara Falls or possibly C.S. Lewis’ Narnia, not South-Central Idaho. In reality, Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho stands about 45 feet higher than Niagara Falls and is much more real than Narnia. Another bonus – no passport is needed to visit either side of the falls!

To be fair, Idaho is technically considered a desert. This means that at certain times of year, the falls may be slightly more frozen than flowing. But this hidden beauty, within an otherwise desert environment, is one secret that needs to be let out and is dying to be explored. No matter the time of year, this sight is worth a visit.

For those adventure-seeking types who aren’t interested in watching bursts of water shoot off a cliff, here are two words to know: Perrine Bridge.

To add a few more words, this bridge is one of very few manmade structures in the U.S. where B.A.S.E. jumpers don’t need a permit to jump. Here, daredevils and thrill-seekers alike are able to enjoy a 486-foot drop into the crisp water of the Snake River below. On top of that, history is literally created at this Twin Falls landmark as several world records have been made and/or broken on this 1,500-foot-wide bridge.

In 2005, 21 people took the challenge to jump off Perrine Bridge at the same time. As their parachutes opened and they glided to the river below, Twin Falls caught the literal meaning of that ‘80s song, “It’s Raining Men” (and in this case, women, too).

The next year, in 2006, a man named Captain Daniel G. Schilling jumped off the Perrine 201 times in less than 24 hours, setting a Guinness World Record. He used a 60-ton crane that lifted him to the top to speed up the process.

If it’s not clear yet, this place is one-of-a-kind. Visit Twin Falls today with a short SkyWest jet flight, operating as Delta Connection, from Salt Lake City.

Five Fun Twin Falls Facts:

Residents are known as Idahoans

First settled by Bannock and Shoshone Indians

Twin Falls was the site of Evil Knievel’s unsuccessful 1974 jump of the Snake River

Seventh largest city in Idaho

Top industries include manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.

Feb 19

Customers Commend Crew for Excellent Service

SkyWest’s success is a direct result of the incredible employees who help take care of hundreds of customers on a daily basis – despite delays or other challenges. Recently, four crewmembers – Dave Dalton – CRJ captain, Jody Mack – CRJ first officer and flight attendants Peggy Maneotis and Ruby Landreth – were recognized by passengers on two separate flights thanks to their efforts to ensure everyone had a good travel experience. From each of the letters, it’s clear that this flight crew truly provided excellent service!

United Express Flight 5201

I wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that I had one of the best experiences flying in almost 40 years, and that’s even with a two-hour maintenance delay!

We flew on Flight 5201 from Chicago (ORD) to Aspen, Colorado (ASE) on Saturday, Jan. 24 and everyone from the gate agent in Chicago to the crew – specifically your flight attendants, Peggy and Ruby; captain, Dave; and first officer, Jody – was everything you could ever hope for in terms of representing the best in SkyWest! They couldn’t have been any nicer, more pleasant or accommodating. What also added to the experience was that Dave and Jody continued to keep everyone informed on the status of the maintenance –something very rare and very much appreciated!

I fly a lot, and this crew should be the ones teaching everyone on how to make sure customers have a great overall experience! Thanks again!

Julie

United Express Flight 6320

This afternoon, my wife and I flew on Flight 6320 from Aspen, Colorado (ASE) to Denver (DEN), which was about three hours late due to a mechanical problem.

I would like you to know that the captain, Dave, and cabin staff, Peggy and Ruby, went the extra mile and then some, to make sure the short journey was as hassle-free and pleasant as possible under the circumstances.

Dave, at the request of my worried wife, came to look for me – the United gate staff needed to work on my ticket, resulting in my being last on the plane, and not the usual first. He found me on the apron and escorted me to the aircraft.

Peggy and Ruby involved themselves with the passengers, helping them where they could.

Most of my flying is on European and Far Eastern airlines, which U.S. companies do not often compare to favorably. Today was the exception, and I wanted you to know that.

Tony

These letters are just a few of the many compliments received each week and are great examples of the service SkyWest’s 10,000+ aviation professionals provide every day on nearly 1,700 flights! To learn more about the SkyWest team, visit www.skywest.com.

Feb 14

SkyWest Employees Love What They Do

Wes Horrocks

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Corporate Communications Manager

What sets SkyWest employees apart and makes the airline such a great place to work? All of the people who absolutely love what they do!

“I love the attitude of the people I work with. Everyone seems to really enjoy working here and makes it enjoyable to come to work. I feel proud to be a SkyWest pilot!” – Michael Larsen, first officer

“My friends at the dental office I worked at thought I was crazy to want to change careers and be a flight attendant!!! I love my job, the schedule and good friends and professionals I encounter every work week.” – Kenna Davis, flight attendant

“I love SkyWest because of the people I get to work with throughout the system. The people are what make SkyWest so great!” – Gwen Carter, customer service

“It’s wonderful being able to say that I truly love going to ‘work’! We have such wonderful people!” – Sarah Bliesath, captain

“I love SkyWest because it has that small company feeling.” – Robert Anderson, mechanic

“I love the energy that SkyWest agents bring to the company. Everybody is always smiling and willing to help, and it makes you feel at home and part of their family. They are the greatest.” – Rosemary Pierce, customer service

And this is just a few of the more than 10,300 aviation professionals who are proud to work at SkyWest Airlines. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Feb 11

Fun and Relaxation in Butte, MT the Heart of Big Sky Country

Once the largest city west of the Mississippi River between Chicago and San Francisco, Butte, Montana not only sits in the heart of Montana’s Big Sky Country, it also holds an important part in American history. And while Butte offers a memorable past, it also provides plenty of fun and relaxation for visitors today.

Founded as a gold and silver mining camp, Butte was at the center of the copper boom that resulted from the development of electricity and industrialization of America in the early 1900s. And a visit to the World Museum of Mining is a great way to get a unique look into Butte’s storied mining heritage. They even offer one of the most realistic underground mine tours in the world. Equipped with a hard hat, cap lamp and battery belts, visitors will venture 65 feet into the mine to get a first-hand look at life as a miner.

For those that prefer adventure above ground, Butte offers incredible outdoor activities as well. Enjoy a day of scenic and man-made beauty by visiting the Our Lady of the Rockies statue. Summer tours are available for visitors to see this 90-foot marvel sitting atop the Continental Divide overlooking Butte. Second in size in the U.S. only to the Statue of Liberty, Our Lady of the Rockies is a must see when visiting Butte.

After the tour, head up to Georgetown Lake just 40 minutes outside of Butte. The lake is nestled in the shadows of the Anaconda Pintler Mountains and offers everything from recreation to relaxation. Fishermen should plan on bringing their bait and tackle as the lake is rated Montana’s most prolific and sees more fish caught per person than any other in the state. Georgetown Lake also makes for the perfect backdrop for nature hikes.

Summertime in Butte is the perfect time to enjoy a festival, the largest of which is the Montana Folk Festival. This outdoor music festival features some of the best traditional performers in the nation, ethnic and festival foods, a lively family area, and folk life demonstrations and workshops. The Folk Festival, along with the numerous other festivals in Butte, is sure to create a lifetime of memories for families visiting the area.

And what’s a trip to big game country without great food? After a day of adventure and excitement, head over to Casagranda’s Steakhouse and Guido’s Bar in the historic Bertoglio Warehouse of Uptown Butte. Diners will be treated to a seasoned, hand cut, Rocky Mountain grown steak and a wide variety of specialty wines and beer in this historic Old West building – the perfect end to a day full of fun and adventure.

Get started on an unforgettable visit to Big Sky Country by booking a convenient SkyWest flight, operating as Delta Connection, from Salt Lake City International Airport. The best fares can be found at Delta.com.

Feb 09

8 Tips to Succeed at One-Way Video Interviews

After finding the perfect job at SkyWest and nailing the initial steps of the application process, some potential new employees may be asked to complete a short, one-way video interview. These interviews are often used in place of a phone interview and can be nerve racking for someone who hasn’t done a video interview before.

To help, here are eight tips that can help first-time interviewees succeed:

Dress the part.
The one-way video interview is a part of the application process and candidates should dress professionally, just like they would for an in-person interview.
Find a place that’s free from background noises and distractions.
The goal of the one-way interview is to hear and learn about the applicant. Background noise and other distractions can make it difficult to focus on what they’re saying.
When recording an interview on a mobile device, film in landscape orientation (not portrait) and try using a tripod to keep the video steady.
Smartphones and tablets make it easy to capture video almost anywhere, but a little preparation will help improve the quality of the video.
Keep the camera at eye level.
Not only is this the best view angle but it helps eliminate distractions.
Look directly at the camera lens.
This can feel strange at first but allows the person reviewing the video interviews to feel like they are actually talking to the applicant.
Practice responding to the questions but don’t worry about memorizing every answer perfectly.
It’s important to know what to say before hitting record, but memorized responses can sound boring or robotic on video.
Speak clearly.
Speaking too quickly or quietly are common errors when recording video interviews. To be successful, the person watching the video needs to be able to easily understand what the candidate is saying.
Be natural!
SkyWest hiring managers want to see the real person who may be joining their team.

Dec 24

SkyWest Employees in Salt Lake City Spread Holiday Cheer

This month the SkyWest Airlines InFlight and Flight Operations crews in Salt Lake City joined forces with those in the Customer Service Department to help fulfill the dreams of several local families in need.

These SkyWest groups worked together to serve Safe Harbor, a crisis center in Kaysville, Utah, with a Sub 4 Santa Christmas drive. Safe Harbor helps domestic violence survivors achieve a life free of violence by providing a healthy environment. They also provide the tools needed to rebuild confidence and help these families become self-sufficient. This is the second year these crews have teamed up to help Safe Harbor and no one hesitated to jump in again this year.

To help spread the word for this year’s Sub 4 Santa, a Christmas tree was set up in the SkyWest Crew Lounge loaded with ornaments. Each ornament consisted of the needs or wants of a mother and her children from their Christmas lists. Nine families were adopted and there were more than 200 items requested, including winter coats, gloves, socks, blankets, boots and shoes. Other requested items included bikes, LEGO blocks, kitchen appliances, books, toys and games. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the SkyWest family, nearly all of the requests were fulfilled ahead of the Monday, Dec. 15 deadline. It is truly amazing to see the giving spirit of the SkyWest family as they have gone above and beyond the requests listed.

Just a few of the items loaded up for the adopted families!

A few items loaded up for the adopted families!

The ability to sacrifice and help others in a time of need is an amazing opportunity. It is a great reminder of what the holidays are truly about. And the overwhelming generosity shown by these incredible SkyWest employees every holiday season is remarkable!