Jun 20

Brainerd – The Heart of Minnesota Lake Country!

Brainerd, Minnesota is the playground at the heart of Minnesota lake country. Take advantage of truly limitless opportunities to “unplug” and enjoy outdoor offerings like birding, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, boating, horseback riding, canoeing, golf, kayaking and more! If your speed calls for more RPMs than a hike, Brainerd offers the Midwest’s largest Raceway with Top Fuel Dragsters, Nascar, Superbikes and more!

The Brainerd area is as beautiful and relaxing as one would want, but the sidewalks in this gorgeous area never get rolled up! The 27th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Show & Go is a great Independence Day tradition that offers fans a chance to see great drag racing action in the Muscle Car series with cars that can run 6-7 seconds over 200 mph. The event offers something for everyone with a classic car show, fireworks and live music.

The athlete inside won’t find more fun or a greater challenge than the Paul Bunyan Extreme 5k. July 13 test your mettle at this family friendly event on Mount Ski Gull by traversing obstacles ranging from swinging across mud pits to conquering the giant slip and slide! Individuals, teams and parent/child teams are all welcome. The course has something for everyone from couch potatoes to kids to extreme athletes, so don’t miss out on this annual summer tradition.

No trip to the Brainerd area is complete without dining with one of the special local establishments. Enjoy the waterfront charm and live music offered by Moonlite Bay, an original dance hall turned restaurant and bar that was established in 1933. With nearly 50 dock slips one can boat right up to enjoy one of their famous burgers and feast on the spectacular views. Travel back in time even further to The Last Turn Saloon. Established in 1894, this restaurant and bar has been a favorite of patrons spanning several generations. Everything visible in the saloon has been handcrafted by Minnesota artisans down to the back bar carved of solid oak in the 1870s!

SkyWest Airlines opens the door to the world-class amenities found in the region with convenient Delta Connection jet service between Minneapolis and Brainerd. Find the lowest fares and book your Brainerd Lakes Country adventure today at www.Delta.com.

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.

Mar 12

Gillette, Wyoming: Cowboys, Coal and Everything In Between

It probably sounds a little like someone describing an old western movie: beautiful blue skies stretching in every direction, rolling hills and mountains visible in the distance, long grasses waving gently in the breeze. In fact, it is so idyllic as the sun moves slowly overhead that you can almost hear the clip-clop of horse hooves or you may even catch yourself wondering where that aroma of rawhide is coming from. And while the classic icons of horse hitches on every corner are not exactly accurate anymore, Gillette, Wyo. continues to embody the lifestyle and personality that are a hallmark of The West: open space, relaxed living and plenty of things to do.

One of the most popular events in Gillette throughout the summer months is the rodeo. From May until Labor Day there is some sort of rodeo-related activity going on at the fairgrounds every week. You can actually catch a glimpse of some of the best cowboys and cowgirls from around the country showing off their skills as they compete in team roping, barrel racing, bull riding and plenty of other events.

And Gillette has even more to offer. Each year, Gillette, also known as the Energy Capital of the Nation, hosts the Energy Exposition (http://energyexposition.com/). The event attracts thousands of people who want to immerse themselves in the latest energy production technology that is available and explore the future of the industry. Believe it or not, Gillette is located in the Powder River Basin, which produces more than 140 million tons of coal each year – enough to power all of the households in New York and Texas. Visitors can even schedule a free coal mine tour through the Visitor Center (www.visitgillette-wrightwyo.org) while they are in town so they can get a first-hand account of where energy production begins.

Once you’ve had a chance to visit the mine and the rodeo has wrapped up for the day, make sure you plan a trip outside of town to see Devils Tower or Keyhole State Park. Whether you want to hike, camp, go horseback riding, or just enjoy the scenic drive, you will find yourself getting lost in the incredible views and natural environment that dominates Northeast Wyoming.

No visit to this former frontier region is complete without a stop into Elite Dining’s “Neighborhood Favorite”, Prime Rib Restaurant and Wine Cellar, where they have offered the finest hand-cut U.S.D.A. Choice steaks for over twenty years. Enjoy one of the private dining rooms, the 3500 bottle wine collection or your favorite sporting event in the Blue Martini Lounge.

Daily flights in and out of Gillette make it simple and convenient to enjoy this incredible destination. You can fly directly from Salt Lake City, Utah with Delta Air Lines or Denver, Colo. on United Airlines. Book your tickets today at www.Delta.com or www.United.com — and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

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.

Feb 22

SkyWest Introduces United Service from St. George to Denver

SkyWest Airlines will offer new United flights between St. George, Utah and Denver, Colo. beginning June 6, 2013! The once-daily Denver jet service provides excellent connectivity between the exciting and multicultural “Mile High City” and Southern Utah’s sun drenched “Gateway to Zion.”

While dramatically different in climate and size, these two cities share a kindred spirit in reveling in their natural dramatic landscapes – both of which offers limitless recreational opportunities available to both regions.

St. George passengers may also take advantage of a dazzling array of “big city” amenities in Denver – or access the more than 400 daily United departures making it easy to get virtually anywhere!

“We’re excited to continue to provide SkyWest’s hometown with access to the world’s largest airline network through United,” said Chip Childs, SkyWest Airlines President and COO. “This new service opens a new gateway for St. George travelers to Denver and the more than 120 United destinations beyond.”

Flight schedules will be ideally timed to provide travelers with maximum connection opportunities to United’s vast route network in Denver. Customers may begin booking flights today at www.United.com or by calling United reservations at 800.United.1 (800-864-8331). Of course, the best fares are always available at www.United.com.

Feb 08

SkyWest Airlines Service Takes Off in International Falls!

When SkyWest Airlines officially took over service at Falls International Airport on Dec. 15, 2012, travelers were promised “quality” and “reliable” service. And that’s exactly what they’ve gotten.

In the first month of service, every SkyWest-operated Delta Connection flight that took off from Fall International arrived at its destination: Brainerd, Minn. or Minneapolis. Not a simple undertaking when you consider the added challenges of recent winter storms and the busy holiday travel season.

How did we do it? With lots of coordination from dozens of different teams and, of course, great support from the community.

There are about 34 people involved with every flight from Falls International – from pilots and flight attendants, to customer service agents at the airport and maintenance professionals who keep the plane in top condition. So when SkyWest was notified in September 2012 that we would be able to start service in International Falls, we immediately began working with each workgroup to review potential challenges and to ensure everyone was ready for the new flights. This coordination process also extended to the airport as we began to finalize the logistics of the new flights and worked out details for launch day.

Today, that teamwork has continued to help ensure each SkyWest-operated flight remains on schedule. We look forward to even more success in the future, helping connect the International Falls community to destinations around the world. To book your next flight, make sure you visit www.Delta.com for the best fares

Jan 30

SkyWest Airlines Touches Down in Rhinelander!

SkyWest Airlines has touched down in Rhinelander, Wis., home of the mythical Hodag, Rhinelander’s legendary woodland creature! With twice-daily Delta flights between Rhinelander Oneida County Airport (RHI) and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Rhinelander passengers now have access to destinations world-wide, including exotic warmer climes of the Caribbean, Cancun and Miami.

Rhinelander visitors have access to a landscape rich in forest, lakes and trails. It is one of Wisconsin’s top winter destinations, offering outstanding snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing, as well as the best shopping and lodging in the Northwoods.

All of these activities and more are available during the exciting Lions Fisheree and Winter Festival this February 9th and 10th. This annual event is packed full of fun winter activities including ice fishing, a broomball tournament, snowshoe races and much more with events sure to please everyone in the family.

Rhinelander is also home to the legendary woodland creature, the Hodag. The mythical creature was created by Rhinelander pioneer and timber cruiser Gene Shepard in 1896. Although it originated as a hoax, the Hodag became a local legend and the symbol of the city. Many local businesses, as well as the Rhinelander High School sports teams, are named for the Hodag.

For those with discriminating pallets for upscale microbrews, the Rhinelander Brewing Company offers their original Export Lager and Craft Brews as unique as the Hodag. Stop by just about anywhere locally and try the wildly popular varieties from the Chocolate Bunny Stout to the Mystical Jack Traditional Ale.

Come join the fun in Hodag Country and make your winter travel plans by booking your flight today at www.delta.com!

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