Still, even with continuing growth, he said the prevailing mood within the area's business community is one of caution and concern.

"We began noting feedback about a slowdown around June or July of 2007. It seems to be almost parallel to when we started to see a real slowdown in new housing permits," Behrmann said. "But the truth is, we are still growing and have started showing up on corporate maps. We're getting retail businesses that we've never seen before."

Gardner said while he believes St. George will continue its upward trend in population, there's another No. 1 ranking he would like the city to hang onto even more.

"I'd make sure we are ranked high in quality of life and make sure we are a safe city. That's a very important feature," said Gardner, who has children and grandchildren living here. "I have a vested interest in St. George. I always have and always will."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com