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production
table of contents welcome to fort collins
recreation
Sharing the Secret..............................................4
Riding the Rapids............................................. 22 Relax and Regroup.......................................... 23 CSU Football................................................... 24
business and the economy As Green As It Gets............................................6 Clean Energy Cluster..........................................7 Business Is Buzzing in Fort Collins.......................8 The State of Business....................................... 10
education Poudre School District...................................... 12 Building a Legacy............................................. 14
health care and senior living Healthy Horizons............................................. 15 Sampling Senior Services................................. 19 Young at Heart................................................ 19
arts and entertainment A Passion for Cuisine....................................... 25 See a Show..................................................... 25 Other Popular Dining Choices.......................... 26 Fort Collins Cultural Venues............................. 28 Old Town Treats............................................... 29
transportation Transportation Collaboration........................... 30 Travel the Town............................................... 31
closing
production manager MATT PRICE director of publication design Amanda White managing editor Laura Wilcoxen copywriting Juliette Fardulis kerrie flanagan katherine fortune tiana nelson mickie ortiz linda osmundson kathy strickland proofreader christina reese director of photography Lisa LEHR photography heidi muller photography lead design Kelly Friederich cover design Joseph Goetting web site creation & support JOSH CHANDLER director of media purchasing DIANA VAUGHN
business development director of business development George Prudhomme director of outside sales debbie moss director of inside sales NANCY ODOM marketing specialist shawna moyers regional director of publications sharry henk business development manager Bonnie Ebers customer service director kathy Risley customer service representative Jamie Thomson
advertising director of ad development ad research ad traffic ad design
administrative support administrative support account support human resources assistant mailroom technician
Community Profile........................................... 32 Resources for Relocators.................................. 32
housing
kacey wolters Mary kopshever MILLY MASON Amy SchwartzkoPf Carol Smith JOSh Mueller
Kathy Hagene carol Smith Terri Ahner Tricia Cannedy Meredith Moyers Teresa craig melinda bowlin
information technology
A “Choice City� and a City of Choices............ 20
publishing systems specialist
ARTISTS ASSOCIATION
of NORTHERN COLORADO
chairman and founder chief financial officer
christopher miller
executive leadership
Since 1955
Our mission is to advance public awareness and appreciation of the arts as well as recognize and support local visual artists of all abilities in the promotional and artistic aspects of their careers.
Colorado’s Health Insurance Specialists
“Let Us Shop For You�
We are located in Old Town Fort Collins 102 W. Mountain Ave.
1UICK 0HONE 1UOTES s ,OW -ONTHLY 0AYMENTS
Information about joining our organization is online at:
'ROUP (EALTH s ,IFE s $ISABILITY s + 0LANS -EDICARE 3UPPLEMENT 0LANS s ,ONG 4ERM #ARE
www.artistsassoc.org www.artonmountain.com
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL $ENTAL 6ISION s 'UARANTEED ,OW 0REMIUMS ON 4ERM ,IFE ,IFE $ISABILITY )NSURANCE s !NNUITIES
Craig Williams Rhonda Harsy
ABOUT   This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at (800) 455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com. FOR INFORMATION   Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, 225 South Meldrum Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521, Telephone (970) 482-3746, Fax (970) 482-3774, www.fortcollinschamber.com
Š 2009 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, (618) 357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Since 1985 s visit us online: www.ameriquote.biz We are a 501c3 non-profit organization
970-221-1141
#ANYON !VE 3TE s &ORT #OLLINS #/
www.fortcollinschamber.com 3
welcome to fort collins
Sharing the Secret
Mayor Hutchinson Applauds the West’s Best City
By Juliette Fardulis
L
iving in Fort Collins was once the nation’s best-kept secret. But not anymore — the secret is out, and Fort Collins has landed in the spotlight. “The nationwide reputation as the best place to live, ranked by Money Magazine in 2006, was a major award,” said Doug Hutchinson, longtime Fort Collins resident and city mayor since 2005. “We were voted as the best place to retire and best place to reinvent yourself. We have a superb group of citizenry in Fort Collins.”
4 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
In 2008, the city was again recognized by Money Magazine, this time as the No. 2 place to live in the country. Hutchinson believes three factors contribute strongly to the city’s appeal. “We have Colorado State University, one of two large research universities in the state,” Hutchinson said. “Our historic downtown district designation is another reason; in fact, in the 1960s, Walt Disney used our downtown as a model for Main Street in Disneyland. “The third feather in the city’s hat is the gold standard: location, location, location,” he
continued. “We’re right on the Poudre River. And there’s more to our location than that. The Denver International Airport or a trip to see a professional ball game in Denver is only about an hour away.” When it comes to location, Hutchinson would know a good town from a great one. He gave 23 years of active duty to the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He and his wife Cathy, also raised in Fort Collins, have lived all over the world, including Europe and Asia. After serving for 10 years as a civilian for the Department of Defense, Hutchinson
retired in 1999. When it came time to choose where to settle, they came to Fort Collins. “The climate change is what I missed most,” Hutchinson said. “All four seasons are present, and even when it’s hot, there’s barely any humidity. Early fall is delightful, and winter is beautiful here.” Hutchinson’s childhood years in Fort Collins were characterized by quiet, small community living. “My family moved to Fort Collins when I was 4 years old,” he said. “We had two stoplights and only 12,000 people in 1946.” However, the town the Hutchinsons came home to in 1999 had seen its share of changes during Hutchinson’s 33 years in the service. They found a community that had transformed from the sleepy town it was when Hutchinson was a CSU student into a modern, growing city with a keen instinct for anticipating and meeting 21st-century needs and developments. Despite the significant changes, Hutchinson likes the way Fort Collins has developed. “No growth means fewer opportunities, and I had to leave Fort Collins for a job. Now, people are retiring and choosing to return,” he said. Hutchinson did not deliberately seek out his role as mayor, but when he returned to Fort
Collins, he was concerned to learn that only 30 percent of active registered voters turned in their mail-in ballots for the City Council election. He began attending Council meetings and was asked by the local daily newspaper to author a community column on political issues. “My wife and I put the light of day on issues, to help people become engaged and to encourage voting,” he said. When the 2005 elections approached, Hutchinson stepped up his efforts on behalf of the city, leading the effort to find a mayoral candidate. “No one tried harder than me to find someone to run,” Hutchinson said. “I found 14 great candidates, but they all refused.” So Hutchinson stepped into the breach himself. He didn’t do it for money. “Remember, I was retired,” he noted. “The city gives the mayor a stipend of $1,000 a month, making the mayor practically a volunteer role. “I was reluctant, but I wanted to give back to the city.” Hutchinson has achieved much since his election and has used his educational background to modify the city’s budget, implementing a Budgeting for Outcomes program, which runs the city more like a business than a government.
“We want a healthy economy that reflects the values of our unique corner in our changing world,” he said. “Businesses flourish in Fort Collins because the city plays the right role in not over-regulating. The role of government is to create a climate where business can succeed, attracting great people to live here. “It’s not just a good job that draws someone to a new city. It’s a balance of the economy and the environment.”
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business and the economy
As GreeN As It Gets CSU-Solix Partnership Explores Algae-Based Biofuel By Kathy Strickland
I
n a community where clean energy is a priority, it doesn’t get any greener than this. Commonly known as a simple organism that paints bodies of water green and resides at the bottom of the food chain, algae may be the next biofuel solution. Student and faculty researchers at Colorado State University’s Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory in Fort Collins, Colo., are working with private company Solix Biofuels to “harness photosynthesis” and produce the highest yield of oil from one of the fastest-growing organisms on the planet. “If you grew soybeans on an acre of land, you would get about 150 gallons of oil compared with somewhere between 7,000 and 10,000 gallons from algae,” explained Morgan DeFoort, assistant director of the laboratory. “The traditional ways of growing biofuels can also compete with food and drive up food prices.” Interest in the technology is growing almost as quickly as the algae itself. When Solix Biofuels was founded in April 2006, it was one of just a few companies exploring algae-based biofuels. Today there are approximately 40 companies in the field. Through his consulting work in renewable energy and carbon mitigation strategies, Solix CEO Doug Henston met Bryan Willson, a professor of mechanical engineering at CSU and
6 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
research director of the Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory. Willson agreed to put university resources toward the development of the technology and Solix has since hired some of the graduate students involved in the research. The algae growth system will be tested at New Belgium Brewing, a Fort Collins company that’s well-known for its innovative uses of solar, wind and other sustainable energy solutions. The process involves extracting carbon dioxide produced during fermentation at the brewery and using it to feed the algae. In this way, even the process itself is green, capturing energy from the sun and preventing excess CO2, a greenhouse gas, from escaping into the atmosphere. “New Belgium’s partnership with Solix is a perfect example of how local companies can be early adapters of technology or partners in technology commercialization,” said Judy Dorsey, a CSU College of Engineering alumna and founding president/principle engineer of The Brendle Group, an engineering consulting firm. Around the same time Solix was formed, Dorsey helped establish the Northern Colorado Clean Energy Cluster, a regional network of businesses and scientists collaborating to grow the regional economy around clean energy technologies.
New Belgium’s test site is a small-scale version of the algae growth technology’s ultimate application. Solix envisions growing the algae on unused, agriculturally poor land near power plants in locations with year-round sun, including some 100 coal-fired plants and 200 natural gas plants in the southwestern United States. Growing algae would require 50 to 100 times less land than other crops currently used for biofuel production. The goal of the project is to provide a renewable resource that will compete commercially with wholesale crude petroleum, reducing negative environmental impacts and dependence on fossil fuels. “We’re consuming CO2, but once the fuels that we produce are burned, that CO2 is put back into the atmosphere,” Henston explained. “The difference comes from the fact that you’re now getting two uses of utility, as opposed to emitting CO2 from power generation and also burning a fossil fuel that emits CO2.” This process of continually recycling CO2 could raise algae’s status in the food chain. From CO2 to algae, algae to oil and oil to CO2, this small green organism may become the link to sustainability in a rapidly changing global ecosystem.
Clean
Energy
Cluster
Woodward Part of Fort Collins’ Campaign to Be the Country’s Green Leader By Katherine Fortune
W
oodward’s decision to relocate its corporate headquarters to Fort Collins in January 2007 was not only important to the local economy, it was central to the health of the clean energy industry in Northern Colorado. Several years before Woodward announced the relocation, the City of Fort Collins, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, Colorado State University, the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation and several other public and private organizations launched the Northern Colorado Clean Energy Cluster. The Clean Energy Cluster’s goal is to enhance the clean energy industry in the region with the hopes of positioning Northern Colorado as the foremost area in the United States for smart grid technologies, renewable energy, energy efficiency and cleaner, more efficient engines. Woodward, already a worldwide leader in clean energy manufacturing and production, has benefited the cluster enormously, providing financial support as well as leadership and expertise to the cluster. “Woodward has really stepped up in a leadership role,” said Judy Dorsey, president of The Brendle Group, the company responsible for the cluster’s strategic plan. Woodward has also contributed much to Fort Collins’ economy in the short time it had its corporated headquarters in Fort Collins. The company already had 1,100 employees in the area at the time of its headquarters relocation, and they have since added almost 100 more positions. In March 2008, Woodward announced it would be adding up to 100 new jobs in the region when it expands its wind turbine inverter business to include a new production line. Wind turbine inverters are used to convert a wind turbine’s variable output into grid-compatible electrical power. “This is excellent news for our region as we collectively work to expand our existing companies in the clean energy cluster,” said Maury Dobbie, president and CEO of Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation.
Craig C. Campbell Agency
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Business
Is Buzzing in Fort Collins The “Best City in America” Fosters Community Entrepreneurs By Juliette Fardulis
B
eing crowned “Best Place to Live” and the “Best Place to Retire” has landed Fort Collins in the spotlight. Like other towns along the Front Range, Fort Collins offers fabulous views and a close proximity to the Rockies, an outdoor adventurer’s playground. Yet Fort Collins is distinct from its neighbors: there’s the Poudre River, designated a “wild and scenic river” by the National Park Service; the cultural charm of Old Town; and the thriving buzz of intellectualism in the air. The mix is just right for business in Fort Collins to flourish, benefiting from the city’s blooming reputation. It’s a place where local companies offer their finest products and services and residents who recognize quality respond with generous support.
FRII www.FRII.com
Bill Ward, president and CEO of Front Range Internet Inc. (FRII), said locating in Fort Collins has a lot to do with FRII’s success. The company of 50 employees is among the largest privately held Internet service providers in Colorado. Opening in 1995, the company now services the entire state with Internet and communications services. “Access to skilled labor, from both the colleges and the local area, has helped provide a good pool of technical talent,” Ward said. “Students graduate and they want to stay here and raise their families.” Being active in the community is a priority for FRII. The company has supported the Larimer County Food Bank, Poudre Valley Hospital and Health System Foundation and a number of smaller nonprofits. FRII has experienced steady growth, competing with various Internet providers by staying innovative and “nimble-footed. They see us out 8 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
in the community and are more attuned to use a local service provider,” Ward said.
All Occasions Catering www.NitaCrisp.com
All Occasions Catering is known not only for its catering, but also for a product that has hit stores across the country. Nita Crisp Crackers is a story of homespun goodness gone mainstream. Seven years ago, Nenita Pellegrino, co-owner of All Occasions Catering and currently one of three principals of Nita Crisp Crackers, found a butter cracker recipe in a local newspaper. She experimented with the ingredients, eliminated the butter, and began offering crispier, healthier crackers on her catering menu. Customers couldn’t get enough of them, leading Pellegrino to sell the crackers at farmers markets in Northern Colorado and in Cheyenne, Wyo. “From there we found our clientele and have since landed accounts with Whole Foods Markets and most grocery and health food stores,” said Steve Landry, co-owner of Nita Crisp. The flatbread crackers made of wheat, sesame or spelt are available in resorts, cheese shops, restaurants and natural grocers from coast to coast. A handful of employees produce the crackers in Fort Collins, but the packaging has a special story.
“Foothills Gateway in Fort Collins does our packaging,” Landry said. “People with developmental disabilities do the work. In that way we support the local community in Fort Collins. Each package bears an emblem that tells people that buying the crackers has helped provide jobs for the disabled.”
Exodus Moving and Storage www.ExodusMoving.com
Exodus Moving and Storage owners chose to begin their business in Fort Collins because of the trustworthy, family-oriented community. “Fort Collins is about excellence,” said Exodus CEO Kris Boech. “I am so impressed with the business community — it’s supportive and quick to offer quality referrals.” Boech and her husband, Ilan Levy, had experience owning a moving company in upstate New York, but chose to sell that business, reopening it in Fort Collins in 1996. The couple was especially intrigued with Fort Collins’ Grey Rock co-housing community, where they now live. Exodus has established a reputation for excellence in part because of the rigorous background checks and drug screenings performed as part of the interview process. This strict attention to high standards has paid dividends for customers and for Exodus, which enjoys a stellar reputation in the business community.
Austin’s American Grill www.AustinsAmericanGrill.com
For Scott McCarthy and Steve Taylor, owners of Fort Collins’ Austin’s American Grill, communicating and caring for the staff creates loyalty — and that leads to satisfied customers. The business partners met through restaurant work in Dallas. But McCarthy, born and raised
in Boulder and a grad of UNC, left his heart in Northern Colorado. “We’ve also enjoyed much success — luckily and thankfully — at our first restaurant we opened in 1988, The Moot House,” said McCarthy, referring to the upscale restaurant on College Ave. McCarthy and Taylor saw downtown begin to thrive in the mid-’90s, prompting them to open the first of three Austin’s Grills between Fort Collins and Windsor.
“Our staff is well-trained, and promotions are first offered from within and are performancebased, not seniority-based,” said Mark Culloton, general manager and an employee at the downtown Austin’s for six years. “The owners are not the Hollywood type — they are very down to earth. They are very caring guys, building on relationships and communicating.” “We feel handling issues proactively is key,” said McCarthy. “We have great people who work with us, who have an attention to detail and commit to it. We are dependent on our people to deliver wonderful food through great service.” Serving consistently stellar food starts with top-notch ingredients. “Fresh is key. We are dedicated to buying and creating quality products; we won’t pay less for an inferior product,” said Culloton. McCarthy said the menu’s made-fromscratch, comfort-type foods draw the people of Fort Collins to the restaurant. And its people are well-suited to the restaurant’s vibe. Yet food and gas prices are up, and that affects restaurants in an unsavory way. “It’s a tough economy, but we’ve maintained well — and we believe the economy is going to turn around,” said McCarthy. “There are lots of entrepreneurs and independent people in this town, McCarthy said. “There is a rare quality about the wonderful old downtown building and our made-from-scratch foods. “We absolutely love Fort Collins.” www.fortcollinschamber.com 9
The State
of Business Fort Collins Economy By the Numbers
Compiled by Katherine Fortune
10 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
COMPOSITE GROCERIES HOUSING
Fort Collins/Loveland MSA 79.2 Denver CO 109.3 Phoenix AZ 100.9 Atlanta GA 91.8 Boston MA 164.0
UTILITIES
Each quarter, the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) conducts a survey of the after-tax cost of living of 302 urban areas and publishes their findings in the American Chamber of Commerce Research Association (ACCRA) Cost of Living Index. The index is based on more than 50,000 prices covering almost 60 different items in the areas of housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services. A composite index is then calculated based on the average of the six individual components. If an area’s index is below 100, the cost of living in that area is below the national average.
Fort Collins/Loveland MSA 99.2 Denver CO 102.9 Phoenix AZ 100.5 Atlanta GA 98.7 Boston MA 120.0
Fort Collins/Loveland MSA 94.8 Denver CO 102.4 Phoenix AZ 93.6 Atlanta GA 84.9 Boston MA 129.2
TRANSPORT
ACCRA Cost of Living Index: Third Quarter 2007
Fort Collins/Loveland MSA 93.9 Denver CO 103.4 Phoenix AZ 100.6 Atlanta GA 96.1 Boston MA 134.7
Fort Collins/Loveland MSA 100.6 Denver CO 95.4 Phoenix AZ 100.7 Atlanta GA 103.5 Boston MA 104.7
HEALTH CARE
Name.............................# of Employees.....Location.............Industry/Service Colorado State University................7,945......Fort Collins.............Higher Education Poudre Valley Health Systems........3,488......Fort Collins......................Health Care Poudre School District.....................3,325......Fort Collins...............K–12 Education Hewlett-Packard.............................3,250......Fort Collins..... Computer Technology Agilent Technologies.......................2,800........Loveland....... Computer Technology City of Fort Collins...........................1,884......Fort Collins.....................Government Larimer County................................1,500......Fort Collins.....................Government Woodward.......................................1,200......Fort Collins.................Manufacturing McKee Medical Center.....................950..........Loveland........................Health Care Source: Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
ACCRA Composite Cost of Living Index, 4Q 2007
Fort Collins/Loveland MSA 99.4 Denver CO 108.5 Phoenix AZ 101.0 Atlanta GA 103.4 Boston MA 136.0
MISC.
Northern Colorado’s Top 10 Employers
Fort Collins/Loveland MSA 100.9 Denver CO 100.8 Phoenix AZ 102.4 Atlanta GA 98.7 Boston MA 126.8
0
50
100
U.S. AVERAGE FOR ALL INDICES IS 100
150
American Chamber of Commerce Research Association (ACCRA), “Cost of Living Index,” 4Q2007. Published February 2008.
200
Taxes State of Colorado Sales and Use Tax.................................. 2.9% C orporate Income Tax ................... 4.63% of Colorado net income Individual Income Tax...... 4.63% of federally adjusted taxable income Larimer County Sales Tax................................................ 0.8% City of Fort Collins Sales Tax................................................ 3.0% Food Tax..............................................2.25%
Transportation Air
Workforce Area Workforce Total...................... 175,000+ Percentage of Workforce Holding Bachelor’s Degree or Higher............................... 50%
Wages and Income Average Hourly Wage.......................... $19.36 Annual Per Capita Income United States.................................. $25,267 Fort Collins.................................... $26,357 Median Annual Household Income United States.................................. $48,451 Fort Collins.................................... $45,846 Median Annual Family Income United States.................................. $58,526 Fort Collins.................................... $72,248 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 American Community Survey
Local Business Support Organizations City of Fort Collins (www.fcgov.com) Building and Zoning..........(970) 221-6760 Planning, Development and Transportation.........(970) 221-6750 Sales Tax Office..................(970) 221-6780 F ort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce (www.fortcollinschamber.com)................... ..........................................(970) 482-3746 Larimer County Small Business Development Center (www.sbdc-larimer.com)....(970) 498-9295 Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation (www.ncedc.com)..............(970) 667-0905 Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative (www.rmi2.org).................(970) 221-1301 State of Colorado Business Assistance/Incentive Programs (www.Colorado.gov)..........(303) 892-3840
ort Collins-Loveland F Municipal Airport (FNL) 970-667-2574 • www.fortloveair.com • 1,100 acres • 8,500-foot runway • Parallel taxiway • Instrument landing system • 225 based aircraft • Commercial air service • Aviation businesses Highway Major Thoroughfares • Interstate 25 • State Highway 1 • State Highway 14 • U.S. Route 287 Services • Transfort Bus System • fcTrip: Online service showing up-to-date traffic conditions (www.fcgov.com/fctrip/) Bicycling • Fort Collins is renowned for being friendly to bicyclists and even features the FC Bike Library, a free service allowing residents, students and visitors to borrow a variety of bicycles and equipment at no charge. For more information on bikeways and city programs supporting safe bicycling, visit www.fcgov.com/bicycling/. Rail • Fort Collins is served by Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads. Many local industrial sites have rail freight spur service.
Your Medical Home Serving Northeastern & North Central Colorado
1635 Blue Spruce Dr. Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 494-4040 (800) 388-4325 www.saludclinic.org www.fortcollinschamber.com 11
education
Poudre
School District By Mickie Ortiz
E
llen Laubhan, communications coordinator for the Poudre School District, is proud to work for one of the top school districts in the state of Colorado and cites the district’s mission statement: “Educate … Every Child, Every Day” as a core philosophy that drives excellence. “This is a community that believes in and supports education with high expectations,” Laubhan said. Although PSD does not seek awards, the accolades speak for themselves: • PSD ranks among the top five districts in Colorado for ACT, SAT and CSAP scores. • In 2007–08, PSD received state, national and/or international recognition in the Science Bowl, Olympiad and Ocean Science Bowl, science/engineering fairs, debate, Future Business Leaders, Odyssey of the Mind, Lego Robotics, Math Counts, History Competition, geography and spelling bees, International Thespian Festival, Pre-Olympic musical performances, 12 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
Education Comes First Honor Orchestra Band and Choir and National Scholastic Art. • PSD garnered state titles in gymnastics, tennis, baseball, swimming, wrestling and track in 2007–08. PSD offers Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. The AP and IB programs had participation from 36 percent of students grades 10 through 12 during the 2006–2007 school year. “These are phenomenal programs,” Laubhan said. “More than 25,000 students have benefited from AP and IB classes offered at various schools, from elementary to high school, throughout the district.” PSD also works with trade and technical programs at Front Range Community College and with the Colorado State University engineering, math and science departments to offer advanced classes for 11th and 12th grade students. “It’s not unusual for 400 to 500 high school seniors to have a year of college credit at the time of graduation,” Laubhan said. “That number varies every year, but it’s exciting to know that, with proper planning,
a student can begin their pathway to college or a career while still in high school.” Additional “Points of Distinction” that set PSD apart from other districts include a variety of outstanding educational choices. PSD provides a “comprehensive” menu of choices for every style of learning. Although more than 70 percent of families choose to enroll their children in neighborhood schools, school choice options such as International Baccalaureate, Core Knowledge, Bilingual Immersion, Expeditionary Learning and schools that focus on arts/technology, gifted/talented and science have a strong presence in PSD. “As a family-oriented community we have outstanding schools with a variety of choices,” Laubhan said. “Families are thrilled with our schools!” One such family is the Bagleys. Pat and Calvin Bagley enrolled their children at Traut Core Knowledge School (TCKS) soon after it was founded in 1993. Pat cited the “excellent educational opportunities and well-rounded curriculum” as the primary reason for their decision.
A public school of choice for kindergarten through 6th grade, TCKS utilizes the Core Knowledge Sequence curriculum, which is based on the idea that there is a specific core of knowledge that all children should acquire in elementary school. This concept allows students to build on the knowledge and skills they gain from year to year. “Our children have excelled in junior and senior high school because of what they have learned at TCKS,� Pat Bagley said. “In
a ddition to the excellent book-learning, TCKS also emphasizes character education.� Pat Bagley also cited the “sense of ownership� she feels in her children’s education because of the parent involvement in decision-making and operation of the school. “TCKS recognizes that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers and that school is a supplemental support to learning that begins at home,� she said. As with all the schools of choice, transportation becomes the responsibility of the parents, but it was the right choice for the Bagleys. “It’s worth it to be able to provide our children with the type of education and curriculum that we choose,� Pat Bagley said. “We love the committed staff, and in the 14 years of attending TCKS we have a great sense of community, much like a family!� That could be said of all PSD schools. The 2006–2007 Annual Accountability Report states: “PSD hires the best of the best and is dedicated to hiring only highly qualified and motivated teachers and staff.� The same report cites that 57 percent of PSD’s teaching staff hold master’s or doctoral degrees, and faculty as a whole average 11 years of teaching experience, which allows them to maintain their “high expectations and strong commitment to excellence.� More information about PSD schools, programs, and achievements is online at www.psdschools.org. For full information on school boundaries, options and enrollment, click on “School Registration� on the district’s home page. Or, to request an information packet or ask questions, call (970) 490-3543.
Regional Higher
Education Aims Community College 5401 W. 20th St., Greeley (970) 330-8008 • www.aims.edu Colorado Christian University 1750 Foxtrail Drive, Suite 100, Loveland (970) 669-8700 • www.ccu.edu Colorado State University Fort Collins (970) 491-6444 • www.colostate.edu Front Range Community College 4616 S Shields St., Fort Collins (970) 226-2500 • www.frontrange.edu Institute of Business and Medical Careers 1609 Oakridge Drive #2, Fort Collins (970) 223-2669 • www.ibmc.edu Regis University College for Professional Studies 2101 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 104, Longmont (303) 458-4978 • www.regis.edu
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Private School Options Beebe Christian School Seventh-Day Adventist; K–Gr. 8 821 W. Lake St., Fort Collins (970) 482-4409 • www.beebechristianschool.org Children’s House Montessori 113 N. Shields St., Fort Collins (970) 484-3623 Cornerstone Christian School Gr. 2–12 413 Starling St., Fort Collins (970) 691-5210 • www.cornerstone-fortcollins.org Front Range Baptist Academy Gr. K4–12 625 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins (970) 223-2173 • www.frontrangebaptist.org/school Heritage Christian Academy Non-Denominational; PreK–Gr. 12 2506 Zurich Drive, Fort Collins (970) 494-1022 • www.heritagechristian.info Mountain View Montessori Child Center PreK–Gr. 6 225 E. Skyway Drive, Fort Collins (970) 223-2445 • www.discoverymontessori.net Oakwood School PreK–Gr. 6 1401 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins (970) 221-0566 • www.oakwoodabc.com Rivendell School PreK–Gr. 6 1800 E. Prospect Road, Fort Collins (970) 493-9052 • www.rivendell-school.org River Song Waldorf School Ages 2 1/2–5 906 E. Stuart St., Fort Collins (970) 482-5848 • http://riversongwaldorf.com Seven Oaks Academy 1600 Specht Point Road, Fort Collins (970) 484-4700 Spring Creek Country Day School PreK–K 1900 Remington St., Fort Collins (970) 224-4240 • www.springcreekschool.com St. Joseph School Catholic; K–Gr. 9 127 N. Howes St., Fort Collins (970) 484-1171 • www.stjosephchurchfc.org/school St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Little Lambs Preschool 4610 Hogan Drive, Fort Collins (970) 420-4753 • www.stpeterwels.com
14 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
Building a Legacy CSU Impacts the World Through Innovative Energy Research By Mickie Ortiz
T
ucked away in the stately Power Plant building on North College Avenue, Colorado State University’s Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory (EECL) is one of the largest university-based energy programs in the nation and is a hub of activity throughout the 7-acre facility. Dr. Bryan Willson, professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at CSU, is also the director of the CSU Clean Energy Supercluster, an innovative model that speeds up the process of taking cutting-edge technology from the research phase to the retail market. “This program benefits our state and local economy and helps developing countries throughout the world, where the research impacts life well-beyond this lab,” Willson said. The Supercluster utilizes 100 faculty members from all eight colleges at CSU who have joined forces to develop alternative energy solutions through varying technologies, including wind energy, solar energy, biofuels and cleanburning engines. Chemical and mechanical engineers — along with faculty members with other areas of expertise such as economics, political science and business — work closely together to guide the vision and to implement the ideas of the CSU Clean Energy Supercluster. Willson recognizes the elite circumstance CSU is in. “We are fortunate to have such a vibrant program,” Willson said. “We do this on a larger scale than any other university in the world.” Historically, EECL is a world leader in designing energy-efficient, low-emissions engines. In 2000 they began working on several other areas of focus, including environmental health. Their research led them to create a retrofit kit for twostroke engines used on most modes of transportation in India, Asia and the Philippines. In late 2003 Envirofit, a nonprofit company co-founded by Willson, took the research done through EECL and, with substantial funding
from the Bohemian Foundation, brought this pollution-buster to the retail market. Through continued donations and support from CSU, Envirofit uses operating income to develop and expand its business to reduce pollution throughout the world. The next project for the EECL focuses on cook stoves. Wood, dung and other combustibles are used as the primary source of heat for cooking in most developing nations, but smoke from these fires pollutes the air, causing up to 2 million deaths a year from smoke inhalation. Envirofit began exploring the impact cook stoves have on individuals and the environment, and with a $25 million grant from the Shell Foundation, developed a clean-burn cook stove now being marketed throughout India, Asia and other developing countries. These new cook stoves cut emissions by up to 75 percent and reduce the amount of wood needed for an efficient fire, which also cuts down on the amount of time spent gathering wood and the environmental impact of cutting down the forests. Not surprisingly, relieving the world’s dependence on fossil fuels is also a focus at EECL. Solix Biofuels Inc. is working with engineers from EECL to commercialize the technology of turning oil from algae into biodiesel fuel. In Fort Collins, Solix plans to construct a photobioreactor near New Belgium Brewery that will use CO2 waste produced during the brewing process to feed the algae. Protected from evaporation by plastic, shallow pools for growing algae can be cultivated anywhere — including on thousands of acres of land in the desert and other areas where crops will not grow, preserving rich soils for food production. “This is a very promising solution to one of our most complex problems,” said Willson. “Ultimately we can produce fuel for under $100 a barrel.”
Horizons
Expansion at Poudre Valley Health Systems By Mickie Ortiz
A
241-bed regional medical center, Poudre Valley Hospital (PVH) offers a wide variety of treatments, surgeries and diagnostic tests in more than three dozen medical areas, including orthopedics, neurosciences, oncology, bariatric weight loss surgery and women and family services. For six years, Poudre Valley Hospital has earned the distinction of being one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation. It is one of only seven hospitals to receive this honor five years in a row. In addition, PVH has been designated as the top nursing hospital in the nation, receiving the American Nurses’ Association’s National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators award. Pam Brock, vice president of marketing and strategic planning for Poudre Valley Health System (PVHS), acknowledges these distinctions as “great honors. They typify the culture we strive to achieve at PVHS as a caring, compassionate environment, providing world-class health care.”
Although PVHS has proven quality, the formula that causes them to earn these awards is also the basis of wanting to continually move forward. “We never rest on our laurels!” Brock said. “In order to maintain this high level of care, we are always striving to improve the culture as a community and regional health care organization.”
New Developments for PVHS PVH Crisis Assessment Center One of Poudre Valley Health Systems’ hallmark advances in caring for patients is the Crisis Assessment Center. A needs assessment is performed upon a patient’s admission into the PVH Emergency Room to identify patients or families needing additional assistance from outside agencies. A system is in place to contact multiple organizations throughout the city and county, which are networked to quickly respond. Agencies, including the police and fire departments,
are networked into one location and are able to pull patients into the system if additional help is needed. Once a problem is identified, proper follow-up can be administered through the appropriate agency without overlap and confusion. “These organizations have come together and worked out a system that reduces duplicative services, facilitates and speeds up the response from service agencies, and ensures that people in need don’t fall through the cracks,” Brock said.
Health Care and Senior Living
Healthy
PVH Women’s Clinic Slated to open in 2009 is the Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado. PVH will lease space in this medical facility for administrative offices and to provide programs for women and families, including gynecology and urology. Additional services at this location will be “Wee Steps” for newborns and their moms; a medical spa to include massage therapy, acupuncture, laser treatments, manicures, www.fortcollinschamber.com 15
pedicures and health-related skin care products; breast pumps and supplies for nursing mothers; yoga equipment and other services specifically designed for women. PVH Construction Projects Current developments include:
• The expansion of operating rooms and surgical services at PVH • Interior renovations in the emergency department to create better flow for patient intake • Renovations to the cafeteria • A new four-story, 700-space parking garage for hospital employees, freeing up parking spaces for visitors to the hospital Harmony Campus Cancer Center Currently in the fundraising phase, the highly anticipated Cancer Center is projected to open on the Harmony Campus in 2010. Harmony Campus comprises physician offices, urgent care, outpatient services and various aspects of oncology care, including imaging, diagnostics and treatment facilities.
16 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
The concept of the Cancer Center is to consolidate most outpatient oncology care in one location. “Although there are currently outstanding cancer treatment facilities throughout Fort Collins and from building to building on the Harmony Campus, this is a cohesive effort to provide services in as few locations as possible,” Brock said. Additionally, plans are under way to enhance and extend the already high-quality cancer care that now exists. Until the Cancer Center is built, PVHS will provide a shuttle service to transport patients from building to building on the Harmony Campus.
Additional PVHS Facilities Family Medicine Center A service of Poudre Valley Hospital, the Family Medicine Center offers general medical care for all ages, including obstetrics, pediatrics and geriatrics. The center accepts most private and government insurances and also provides care for the uninsured.
Medical Center of the Rockies The newest member of the PVHS group, Loveland’s Medical Center of the Rockies, is a regional hospital specializing in heart and trauma care. Featuring all-private rooms with family-friendly amenities, Medical Center of the Rockies also utilizes the latest in medical technology, including robotic-assisted surgery, electronic health records and award-winning architectural design that focuses on patient privacy and healing. Mountain Crest Behavioral Healthcare Center This inpatient, 50-bed facility is devoted to helping individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues and also provides outpatient treatment for all ages. The adolescent programs are highly sought after for treatment of substance abuse, self-depreciating behaviors and depression. A team of psychiatrists, psychologists and the nursing staff are trained to teach families and teens how to cope with alcohol and drug abuse and mental illness of all kinds. Referrals for this program come from across Colorado. Windsor Medical Center Specialties at the Windsor Medical Center include family practice, ophthalmology, radiology and physical therapy. Other PVHS also offers occupational medical services at three locations and offers primary and specialized medical services for the community at several clinics. For more information on PVHS services, visit www.pvhs.org.
Fort Collins 3702 TIMBERLINE RD. FORT COLLINS, CO 80525
(970) 207-9773 Hugh P. McElwee, MD Robert A. Simmons, MD Joseph X. Jenkins, MD Rod R. Holland, MD Rand R. Compton, MD Mark N. Durkan, MD Rebecca C. Dunphy, MD Daniel A. Langer, MD Michael J. Nosler, MD
Loveland SKYLINE CENTER FOR HEALTH 2555 E. 13TH STREET LOVELAND, CO 80537
(970) 669-5432 Lewis R. Strong, MD Stephen R. Sears, MD Geoffrey S. Jensen, MD Stephen L. Burgert, MD
We are board certified physicians specializing in colon cancer screening, and the treatment of digestive disorders and liver disease. Our organization is committed to the delivery of quality healthcare, serving Northern Colorado for the past twenty years.
Greeley 7251 W. 20TH STREET, BLDG. 1 GREELEY, CO 80634
(970) 207-9773 Thomas A. Dowgin, MD
Sampling Senior Service Abundant Programs and Facilities Ensure Seniors Enjoy Pleasant Living and Peace of Mind By Juliette Fardulis
Fort Collins Senior Center The Fort Collins Senior Center provides activities galore for seniors — or any adult over age 18 — to participate in. “It’s a hidden secret we aren’t trying to hide,” said Katie Stiber, recreation supervisor with the City of Fort Collins Recreation Department. “Parents bring their children to visit grandparents, and all are able to enjoy the facility.” Activities provide a venue for seniors to meet others with shared interests. Seniors can try self-directed exercise, do weight and cardio equipment work, or enjoy the walk/jog track or swimming pool. Organized classes in arts, games, dance, aerobics, Tai Chi, strength training and more are plentiful. “We attempt to reach out to allow able-bodied people to socialize,” said Stiber. “We also cater to people with less discretionary income and encourage Dial-A-Ride or taxi services. All this is done to help seniors avoid isolation and potential depression and to get their mind off health challenges by becoming active both physically and mentally.”
Columbine Health Systems Columbine Health Systems offers independent and assisted living, nursing homes and home care in Fort Collins and Loveland. They are fully staffed with activity staff members, with events occurring seven days a week at all times of the day. Fourteen vans provide transportation to residents, who make appointments to do personal errands such as visit their favorite hairdresser in town. Lincoln Center events, Rockies games and trips to Blackhawk, Estes Park and the Budweiser Event Center are frequent.
Rocky Mountain High School has partnered with Columbine Health in numerous ways, including exchanging art shows, performing school plays for residents to critique and interviewing seniors for a computer-designed scrapbook. “Seniors are so wise and wonderful,” said Yvonne Myers, health systems coordinator at Columbine for more than 18 years. “It really breaks down stereotypes for the youth of what it is like to be here. They learn that seniors are fun — just like them.” Residents are also given a free membership to a nearby health club. “We have a 92-year-old lady who takes Pilates,” said Myers. Another resident moved from Texas at age 92, her husband having died two years earlier. “She thought playing bridge once a week was keeping her busy before she moved here,” said Myers. “But here, she had to buy a PDA to keep up with all her friends and activities. She realized she had been ‘dying slowly’ at home alone.” Myers has seen many new residents blossom in the environment and learn to smile again. The simple pleasure of enjoying meals again is one of the basic joys residents are able to rediscover here. “Eating is a very social event, but if done alone it is a chore and a bore,” Myers said. “It’s nice to have a chef cook a variety of good food for you to enjoy with friends.” For others, knowing that someone is there if they wake up in the night is comforting. “This is their house,” Myers said. “We just work in their house and make sure it feels like home.”
Young at Heart Activities Focus on Maintaining Healthy Minds and Bodies at MacKenzie Place Senior Living By Juliette Fardulis
T
ake a peek at the activities for seniors at MacKenzie Place Senior Living, and if you aren’t yet 55, you just might wish you were. That’s because Leisure Care, the Seattle-based firm that manages the campus, leads with the motto “Five-Star Fun.” “We strive to cater toward the active person,” said Christy Stiger, activities director at MacKenzie Place. MacKenzie Place opened their main building in March 2008. Apartment-dwellers live in the building, where most of the activities occur, but separate cottages are available for ownership, as long as one owner is 55 or older. The list of activities on the agenda at the new facility includes hiking at Horsetooth, flapper parties, piano trios, silent film festivals, a ski club, gardening, wine tastings, date nights and Fine Hats at High Tea. A Prime Fit fitness organization also offers a full-time trainer, balance machines, yoga and more. Since an active body requires a sharp mind, Brain Fitness, a lifelong learning system course, is also open to residents. “The eight-week class focuses on hearing, listening and reacting,” said Jennifer Davidson, community sales officer at MacKenzie Place. “The social options at MacKenzie Place are unbelievable,” Davidson said. “A movie theater is on site, and bridge, computer classes and murder mysteries keeps residents engaged. A bistro and a pub for happy hour is also a hot spot for residents.” “During our activities, residents make new relationships that often turn into lasting friendships,” Stiger added. Ken Stafford has lived at MacKenzie Place in a two-bedroom cottage home with a loft for nine months. He considered patio homes, but is pleased he chose MacKenzie Place. “My wife and I are pretty darn happy here,” Stafford said. “All the staff is happy and friendly and residents are open and welcome visits.”
www.fortcollinschamber.com 19
housing By Linda L. Osmundson
A “Choice City” and a City of Choices
S
From Grand to Green, Fort Collins Has a Home for Everyone
omewhere — in the street or on the deck near any home in Fort Collins — you can view the dazzling sun as it sets in the west, drops behind the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and casts its orange glow against the scattered clouds. Residents of the “Choice City,” deemed one of the “Best Places to Live” by national magazines, settle in for the evening in their small Victorian homes, $2 million modern mansions and everything in between. Everywhere you look in Fort Collins you’ll find new home construction. There are small and large single-family homes. There are million-dollar homes on abundant acreage and new multi-family properties, especially in the downtown area known as Old Town. Cutting-edge developers are in the midst of increasing the number of lofts and adding green home building concepts to many new home constructions.
20 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
Scott Beasley, agent/owner of Beasley Real Estate and agent for The Group, believes the Old Town price range is more flexible than many people realize. According to Beasley, after two quarters of 2008, downtown sales prices ranged from a low of $100,000 to a high of $674,000. More than 470 houses were sold in Fort Collins during the first quarter of 2008, with prices ranging from $28,000 to $2 million. A range that assures no matter what your price range, you’ll find something in Fort Collins to suit you. Mike Jensen, broker/owner of Fort Collins Real Estate, works with many Old Town multi-family loft properties and has seen a swell of enthusiasm for downtown living — especially homes that feature “green” construction. Solar Village’s stacked condominiumstyle residential units combine “luxury living with eco-friendly construction.” They are
powered by clean solar and wind energy. Units surrounding the three-sided courtyard also receive more natural light. Plans include modern photovoltaic panels to supply electricity, radiant floor heat for warmth and fan-coil cooling systems to provide air conditioning. Solar Village’s environmental friendliness is enhanced by its location in the heart of town. Residents can leave their cars at home and bike or walk tree-lined streets to Fort Collins shopping, restaurants and downtown activities. “Solar Village has 12 of the 26 units already spoken for and in pre-construction,” Jensen said. “They’re priced from the neighborhood of $180,000 to $475,000, so it’s an affordable choice, too.” These lofts are only a small part of the number of downtown possibilities.
tips for First-time
home Buyers
N
o matter what kind of home, single-family or multi-family, you desire as a first-time or experienced buyer, it is important to do your homework — contemplate and compare before you commit. Consider these tips. • Create a detailed wish list. How many bedrooms, baths? Two-story, ranch, or split-level? Is it turnkey ready? Prioritize the wish list so that must-haves are at the top, while desirable, but not dealbreaking, details are at the bottom. • Remember — location, location, location, especially if a resale is eminent. • Decide what you can afford. If possible, get a pre-approved loan with a local provider so that you know what you can spend before you start your search. Keep your house payments at no more than 25 to 33 percent of your gross income, and remember that additional closing costs amount to something between two and seven percent. • Find a professional agent to guide you in your search. He or she can track down properties that meet your criteria, fill out paperwork and guide you through negotiations. • Look around — a lot. Locate favorite neighborhoods. Attend open houses. For comparisons, look at a few lowercost houses and maybe one higher-cost home. However, avoid the trap of seeing and wanting a more-than-you-canafford property.
215 W. Oak Street Fort Collins, CO Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated
Cell: (970) 40-ALOHA (402-5642) Office: (970) 482-1781 Email: sean@rmfa.com Your Best Fort Collins Real Estate Resource Is:
www.HawaiianShirtGuy.com Search All Listings by Map Area!
Save Your Favorites!
Whether your search is for new or older homes, Scott Beasley said, “Go for it! Investing in a home builds wealth, security and helps establish you in your community.” AND Fort Collins welcomes you. To help you find a Fort Collins home, check out the online Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory at www.fortcollinschamber.com
2601 S. LEMAY, SUITE 7-103 FORT COLLINS, CO 80525
PH: 970.482.8877 FAX: 970.482.0254 www.zcorprealestate.com www.fortcollinschamber.com 21
recreation
Riding the Rapids F
A Family History of Enjoying Colorado’s Great Outdoors Leads Local Man to Create Rafting Business
or Brad Modesitt, owner of Mountain Whitewater Descents, a typical day at the office includes surging down the Cache La Poudre River under the clear blue sky with pines, firs and spruces lining the river banks and the fresh mountain air surrounding him. The river, called the Poudre by locals, starts high in the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide before heading through Fort Collins on its journey to the Platte River. Congress designated this river as the only wild and scenic river in the state because of its exceptional beauty, recreational activities and scenery. This designation protects the river from dams and other changes. While growing up, Modesitt’s family taught him to appreciate and enjoy the outdoors. His adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors is apparently genetic, as his grandfather climbed all the “Fourteeners” in Colorado (54 peaks that are more than 14,000 feet high) twice and skied 105 days when he was 88. Modesitt eventually made his way to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University, where he got a degree in wildlife biology. The turning point in his life came when he canoed 2,400 miles from Fort Collins to New Orleans with his brother, continuing his adventure by biking 10,000 miles and sailing 3,000 miles in Chile. Following his trip, friends encouraged Modesitt to become a river outfitter, saying it would be the perfect job for him. He got a job with a company along the Poudre and knew he had found his calling.
22 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
“It’s partly the adrenaline, but you also get to meet people from all around the country and world,” he said. “I love that!” Modesitt went on to manage a company in Idaho before coming back to Fort Collins. He bought a property on 5 acres of land that was originally built in 1854 as a dairy farm, fixed it up and started Mountain Whitewater Descents. Modesitt feels at home on the water, so unlike other outfitters, he spends most of his time out on the river, guiding trips as much as possible. “To me, once I get on the river, that’s when everything is nice and calm,” he said. Besides indulging his love for the outdoors, Modesitt guides many rafting trips himself so that he knows what is happening on trips and can ensure that everyone has a good experience. He believes rafting is one of the few recreational activities that people of all ages can enjoy together. “A couple of years ago I had a 7-year-old and a 92-year-old in the same boat,” he said. “It’s pretty neat when you can have that wide of a spectrum of people having fun.” Modesitt’s goal is for people to have a good time and a memorable experience on their rafting trip, but safety is always at the forefront of his mind. His highly trained staff has an average of six years experience, and they are all Swiftwater Rescue certified through an intense three-day course in whitewater rescue techniques. Ten of his staff members are also certified EMTs. Modesitt values his staff highly, putting effort into keeping the atmosphere fun. He plans barbecues, volleyball games and other
special events to keep them all connected and in tune with each other. “It is massively important to me that we all get along very well, because when we are on the river, we all have to have each other’s back,” he said. “We might not all be in the same boat, but we are always trying to travel together and watch out for each other.” Additional safety precautions include topquality equipment. Modesitt understands that people come to him for rafting, not swimming. He has invested in higher-quality boats that include foot cones for rafters to place their feet in. This helps people stay steadier in the boat and keep their seats, cutting down tremendously on the number of accidental swimmers. The river does have a mind of its own, though, and occasionally tosses some folks into the water. Modesitt and his team go into action immediately to get them out as quickly as possible. Extra staff travels on each trip to ensure the safety of all involved, and a full complement of safety equipment for each rafter includes life vests, splash jackets, helmets and fleece vests for warmth. Modesitt enjoys interacting with the many different people from all over the country each rafting season. For some it is their first experience; others keep coming back because they enjoy it so much. For him, the most rewarding part is after the trip when everyone is smiling and happy and talking about their great time on the river. “Bringing that kind of joy to people makes it all worth it.” To learn more about Mountain Whitewater Descents, visit www.raftmwd.com or call (888) 855-8974.
Relax and Regroup • Across the drive from Fossil Creek’s Tar Hills playground in the southeast quadrant of the city, let your dog romp in the dog park.
n a crisp winter day, snow may sparkle. However, unknown to most, snow seldom lingers in Fort Collins’ almost 300 days of sun. So, all year long, 46 city parks welcome walks, picnics or play on a lighted court. And all around, you’ll find people relaxing with their four-legged friends — Fort Collins is a dog-loving city. Matt Gauthier, owner of WAGZ of Colorado, estimates that 70 percent of people in Fort Collins own dogs, so it’s no wonder that several Fort Collins parks cater to dogs (www.fcgov.com/parks/dog-park.php):
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• Along with football, the community also supports and cheers on all the CSU teams, including volleyball, basketball and cross-country. To learn more about CSU Athletics, visit http://csurams.com. • The Colorado Foxes are a collegiate baseball club. For more information, visit www.fortcollinsfoxes.com.
Professional: Denver
Colorado Avalanche: NHL hockey Denver Broncos: NFL football Colorado Crush: AFL arena football Colorado Mammoth: NLL lacrosse Denver Nuggets: NBA basketball Colorado Rapids: MLS soccer Colorado Rockies: MLB baseball
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• Colorado Eagles Ice Hockey: www.coloradoeagles.com • Colorado Ice Indoor Football: www.thecoloradoice.com
More Regional Sports Action
Professional: Fort Collins/Larimer County
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Art in Public Places Ball Fields Barbeque Grills Basketball Courts BMX Course Disc Golf Course Dog Park
PARK NAME "MUB 7JTUB 1BSL "WFSZ 1BSL #FBUUJF 1BSL #MFWJOT 1BSL #VDLJOHIBN 1BSL $JUZ 1BSL $PUUPOXPPE (MFO 1BSL $SFFLTJEF 1BSL %PXOUPXO 0ME 5PXO 4RVBSF &BTUTJEF 1BSL &EPSB 1BSL &OHMJTI 3BODI 1BSL 'PTTJM $SFFL 1BSL 'SFFEPN 4RVBSF 1BSL (PMEFO .FBEPXT 1BSL (SFFOCSJBS 1BSL )BSNPOZ 1BSL )PNFTUFBE 1BSL *OEJBO )JMMT 1BSL +FGGFSTPO 4USFFU 1BSL -BOEJOHT 1BSL -FF .BSUJOF[ 1BSL -FHBDZ 1BSL
Horseshoe Pits Indoor Pool Outdoor Pool
221-6660 http://fcgov.com/parks/
Horseshoe Pits Indoor Pool Outdoor Pool
Fort Collins Public Parks
Art in Public Places Ball Fields Barbeque Grills Basketball Courts BMX Course Disc Golf Course Dog Park
• On the western edge of the city, Spring Canyon includes several fenced acres for dogs.
Fitness Stations Fountains Hockey (Street/Outdoor)
For an added treat, after a romp in the park take your best friend to WAGZ for a unique gift. On July 30, 2008, Gauthier and his wife Cristin opened WAGZ, a pet “Bowtique and Barkery.� They offer unique pet gifts like dog clothing, a personal fire hydrant and bakedonsite treats, as well as everyday requirements like leashes and beds. Select from novelties that include ring-bearer tuxedoes and hooded winter coats. WAGZ even delivers, for free, their high-end dog food.
Fitness Stations Fountains Hockey (Street/Outdoor)
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Parks Welcome People and Pooches
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Youth/Adult Sports
• The Fort Collins Recreation Department provides many opportunities for children of all ages and abilities to get involved in sports and has leagues for adults in basketball, volleyball, softball and kickball. www.fcgov.com/sports Other Sport Clubs
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• Buckaroos Fast Pitch Softball: www.buckaroos.org • Fort Collins Baseball Club: www.fortcollinsbaseballclub.org • Fort Collins Lacrosse: www.fclax.com/youth_lacrosse.htm • Fort Collins Soccer Club: www.soccerfortcollins.org
www.fortcollinschamber.com 23
other Ways to enJoy Fort Collins’ Great outdoorS
F
ort Collins is known for its outdoor activities. Along with rafting there are many recreational activities to keep residents and visitors busy.
Hiking Because Fort Collins is located next to the foothills, there are some excellent hiking opportunities close to home. Horsetooth Mountain Park and Lory State Park, combined, provide 5,000 acres of outdoor recreation. Each park has about 25 miles of hiking trails that provide great hiking year-round. For more information visit www.fortcollinschamber.com/parksRecreation.asp. Biking Trails There are more than 30 miles of paved biking trails throughout the city. These well-maintained paths are accessible year-round. The beautiful scenery along the routes makes any trip on a bike trail worth the effort. For more information visit www.fcgov.com/parks/trails.php. Rock Climbing Horsetooth Reservoir (www.horsetoothreservoir.com) has some of the best rock climbing in the area. It is most well-known for its bouldering (climbing large boulders without the use of ropes). The famous Mental Block and Eliminator bring in people from all over the country. Fishing The Cache La Poudre River has more than 60 miles of fishable water. Fly and reel fisherman have plenty of opportunities to catch cutthroats, rainbows, browns, brooks and mountain whitefish. Horsetooth Reservoir is 6.5 miles long and is home to walleyes and smallmouth and largemouth bass. Golf Fort Collins has 11 private and public golf courses to choose from, so you’re bound to find a course that meets your needs. There is an active golfing community with a variety of leagues. For information about the courses, visit the Chamber Web site at www.FortCollinsChamber.com.
24 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
CSU FootBaLL A New Era Begins
By Kerrie FlanaGan
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reen and gold Ram Pride courses through the veins of the Fort Collins community. With a long history of Colorado State University football, the team saw big changes in 2008, as Steve Fairchild was hired as the new head football coach for the CSU Rams. The college and its athletic program are a cornerstone of Fort Collins. The city was officially established in 1864, and 15 years later, Colorado Agricultural College was formed. Before the turn of the century, the football program began, and the Aggies were born. Although the name of the school eventually changed to Colorado State University and the Aggies became the Rams, the original school and teams are still honored with the big “A” painted on the foothills overlooking the city. From 1993–2007, Sonny Lubick reigned as head coach for the CSU Rams football team. During his tenure, Lubick ran his program with integrity and earned the respect of his players, coaches and the community. Through many bowl games and winning seasons, he proved that CSU could be a national contender. For the first time in 15 years, a new head coach took the field to lead the Rams in 2008, as Fairchild stepped in to the head coaching position. For Fairchild, his title may be new, but the setting was all too familiar. As a CSU graduate, quarterback for the Rams and previous offensive coordinator, Fairchild feels right at home at CSU. Fairchild grew up in San Diego and dreamed of playing in the NFL. Although he was the star quarterback in high school and for a few years at CSU, Fairchild said he wasn’t good enough to make it in the pros. For him, coaching was the logical next step. For 10 years he worked as offensive coordinator for various colleges. In 1993, Fairchild returned to CSU, first as the quarterback coach and eventually as offensive coordinator. Fairchild did make it to the NFL, but not as a player. He became the running backs coach for the Buffalo Bills and later the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams. Fairchild
returned for a stint with the Bills before accepting the head coaching job at CSU. Although he enjoyed his time in the NFL, there were aspects of coaching college football he missed. “The NFL is a business, and that’s how it’s approached,” Fairchild said. “But in college, coaches do more than just prepare players for the next game; they’re preparing them for life. I take this part of the job as seriously as I do the football.” Drawing on his years of coaching experiences, Fairchild feels communication is key to building good relationships with the players. “I’ve found that, whether you’re dealing with the young kids in college or the NFL guys, you just need to communicate and be sincere,” Fairchild said. “They appreciate it, and people respond to that.” His primary goal now is simple: win every game. “I hate the thought of ever stepping out on the football field thinking we can’t win,” Fairchild said. “For me, games are won because of the preparation, the training and hard work from January through August. It takes commitment and dedication from the players, and I believe I have that from this team.” Above the practice field hangs the phrase, “Championships are won on a daily basis.” Fairchild strongly believes this is true and tries to instill that in his players. “I’d like to build on what has been done and do the best I can to make this program better every day,” he said. “I have a lot of fond memories of not only going to school here, but also living here and raising our kids here. I hope we do well, because I want to stay for a long time.” Ram fans are a loyal group and are looking forward to this next stage of CSU football under the leadership of Fairchild. The community is ready to don their green and gold shirts, fire up the mini-grills for tailgating and cheer on their favorite team. To learn more about CSU sports, visit www.csurams.com. Go Rams!
ShoW
Beet Street Brings Renewed Arts Focus to Town By linda l. osmundson
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PaSSion for Cuisine Jay’s Bistro Offers Contemporary Cuisine, Choice Wines and Smooth Jazz
By linda l. osmundson
Jay’s Bistro 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins (970) 482-1876 • www.jaysbistro.net
I
t is rumored that Fort Collins hosts more restaurants per capita than any other Colorado city. Whether true or not, it certainly feels that way. Take a stroll downtown and a variety of tantalizing aromas tickle your nose from restaurant patios, windows and doors — pizza, enchiladas, seafood, steaks, spaghetti and stir fry. For a relaxing meal away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag, choose Jay’s Bistro, located at the dead end of Oak Street just about 50 yards from College Avenue. Sitting on the outside patio, patrons can watch children romp across the inground fountain’s sprouting water in Oak Street Plaza and take in a quiet and elegant evening in Fort Collins. “Being a restaurateur is my passion, my journey, my legend,” said Jay Witlen, owner of Jay’s Bistro in Old Town. “We get tremendous satisfaction creating memories and memorable meals for our guests.” Creativity is definitely on the menu at Jay’s. Gourmet twists on familiar comfort food include macaroni and cheese with lobster, smoked salmon cheesecake and a seafood Caesar with grilled shrimp, crabmeat and lobster. Indeed, seafood is a favored ingredient, appearing solo in unique entrées as well as in salads, pasta, soups and sushi. Dishes also feature game and exotic seafood, including venison and sea bass. With your selection from Jay’s contemporary American specialties, enjoy a choice of one of 300 bottles of wine or 35 wines by-the-glass. Jay’s proudly claims awards from Wine Spectator (Award of Excellence yearly since 2003) and Wine Enthusiast (The Distinction of Honor in 2005 and 2006). Started in 1980, the restaurant also provides off-premise catering, from appetizers to a fully-staffed dinner or larger party. In their 30–50-seat capacity banquet room, there is room to celebrate a family gathering or a special dinner and wine tasting. In addition to food, Jay’s hosts “the finest in jazz sounds around in the swankiest lounge in town” Wednesday through Saturday, as the music director plays piano and invites other talented musicians to accompany him.
arts and entertainment
See a
s you stroll through Old Town Square among all kinds of shops, sculptures, trees and flowers, grab an ice cream cone or beer and sit awhile on a bench. Watch people dine at outside patios and enjoy the nuances of downtown Fort Collins. The city of 130,000 has won more than 30 awards and garnered national recognition, including mention as one of the “Enriching Towns for Art and Music Lovers” (Where to Retire Magazine, 2008). Known for safe neighborhoods, family lifestyle, high education levels and excellent health facilities, Fort Collins also supports the arts. Carol Bennis is executive director of Beet Street, a nonprofit organization bringing renewed arts focus and cultural awareness to Fort Collins. She believes arts are beginning to thrive in the city. “Every day, somewhere in the world, people are talking about the power of the arts,” Bennis said. “That power stimulates economies, revitalizes communities and advances the intellectual capacity of future generations.” The Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority is incubating Beet Street, because it realizes a steady program of arts activities contributes to the attractiveness of the downtown area and to economic development. By providing an umbrella structure to organize and promote arts and sciences facilities, programs and participation, Beet Street helps to increase the number of visitors — both local and national — in downtown Fort Collins, thereby increasing the clientele of downtown businesses. Beet Street programs and achievements include Science Café, a monthly, informal discussion of issues in contemporary science; the development of the new Fort Collins Jazz Experience festival; and the production of the weekly Re:Beet e-newsletter, an inside source on Fort Collins arts and culture news. Beet Street’s eventual goal is to become financially self-sufficient and to construct a dedicated home for Beet Street programs. To learn more about Beet Street, go to www.beetstreet.org
www.fortcollinschamber.com 25
Other Popular Dining Choices The following are members of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce.
C B & Potts Restaurant 1415 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins (970) 221-1139 • www.cbpotts.com Carino’s Italian Grill 4235 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 223-9455 Carrabba’s Italian Grill 1212 Oakridge Drive, Fort Collins (970) 225-6800 • www.carrabbas.com Chili’s Grill & Bar 3524 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 223-2307 The Chocolate Cafe 102 W. Olive St., Fort Collins (970) 482-2725 www.chocolatecafeftcollins.com
Austin’s American Grill 100 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins (970) 224-9691
Bisetti’s Ristorante 120 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 493-0086 • www.bisettis.com
2815 E. Harmony Road, Suite 110, Fort Collins (970) 267-6532 www.austinsamericangrill.com
Brother Mel’s BBQ, Inc. 111 W. Prospect Road, Unit C, Fort Collins (970) 224-2833
Backcountry Provisions 140 N. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 482-6913 www.backcountryprovisions.com
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 150 E. Harmony Road, Unit 2A, Fort Collins (970) 266-9464
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano 5929 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland (970) 663-0100 • www.biaggis.com
26 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
4711 W. 29th St., Unit A, Greeley (970) 330-9988 www.buffalowildwings.com
CiCi’s Pizza 2721 S. College Ave., #2, Fort Collins (970) 484-4443 • www.cicispizza.net Culver’s of Fort Collins 918 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins (970) 493-3639 • www.culvers.com Dempsey’s Restaurant 160 W. Oak St., Fort Collins (970) 472-1552 • www.dempseysoldtown.com Denny’s Restaurant 420 Centro Way, Fort Collins (970) 221-1493
Domenic’s 931 E. Harmony Road, Suite 3, Fort Collins (970) 207-0411 • www.domenicsrestaurant.com The Egg & I Restaurant 2809 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 223-5271 1112 Oakridge Drive, #101, Fort Collins (970) 223-8022 www.theeggandirestaurants.com Eliot’s Mess Sandwiches 210 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 484-6377 • www.eliotsmess.com Five Guys Burgers and Fries 1335 W. Elizabeth St., #100, Fort Collins (970) 797-2428 • www.fiveguys.com Golden Corral #591 901 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins (970) 204-0395 • www.goldencorral.net Island Grill 2601 S. Lemay Ave., #12, Fort Collins (970) 266-0124 Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches 133 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 494-1234 • www.jimmyjohns.com Las 3 Margaritas 3400 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 225-3811 McAlister’s Deli 1120 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 493-5700 • www.mcalistersdeli.com 2550 E. Harmony Rd., Ste. 102, Fort Collins (970) 282-3733 The Moot House Restaurant 2626 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 226-2121 • www.themoothouse.com Mystiq Martini 23 Old Town Square, Fort Collins (970) 224-0888 • www.mystiqmartini.com Old Chicago 147 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 482-8599
Orange Julius Foothills Mall, 215 E. Foothills Parkway, Fort Collins (970) 225-1471 • www.orangejulius.com
Spoons, Soups & Salads The Northern Hotel, 172 N. College Ave., Suite C, Fort Collins (970) 493-6800
Outback Steakhouse 807 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins (970) -229-0889 • www.outback.com
1118 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins (970) 493-8808 www.espoons.com
Pappy’s Corner Pub 1027 W. Horsetooth Road, Suite 111, Fort Collins (970) 377-1232 • www.pappyscornerpub.com
SportsCaster Grill & Tavern 165 E. Boardwalk, Fort Collins (970) 223-3553 • www.sportscasterbar.com
Pizza Hut 4643 S. Mason St., Fort Collins (970) 223-6656 • www.pizzahut.com Pulcinella Pizzeria 1119 W. Drake Road, Suite C12, Fort Collins (970) 206-0065 • pulcinellaristorante.com Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers 2108 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 482-1812 • www.raisingcanes.com Red Lobster 3301 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 223-3952 • redlobster.com Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant 143 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins (970) 224-5428 • www.riograndemexican.com Rubio’s - Fresh Mexican Grill 4709 S. Timberline Road, Fort Collins (970) 204-9923 • www.rubios.com The Rustic Oven 123 N. College Ave., Suite 100, Fort Collins (970) 482-6500 • www.therusticoven.com
Star of India 2900 Harvard St., Unit B, Fort Collins (970) 225-1740 • www.starofindiaftcollins.com Stonehouse Grille 125 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 498-0873 • www.stonehousegrille.com Super Suppers 2580 E. Harmony Road, Suite 102, Fort Collins (970) 472-9999 • www.ssfortcollinsco.com Taco Del Mar 1823 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins (970) 372-5876 • www.etacodelmar.com Taipan 144 N. Mason St., #8, Fort Collins (970) 472-1167 Texas Land and Cattle Steakhouse 100 W. Troutman Parkway, Fort Collins (970) 225-6284 • www.txlc.com Texas Roadhouse 4633 S. Timberline Road, Fort Collins (970) 207-0006
Silver Grill Cafe 218 Walnut St., Fort Collins (970) 484-4656 • www.silvergrill.com
Wendy’s 109 Coronado Court, Bldg. 7, Suite B, Fort Collins (970) 377-9204 • wendys.com
Silver Mine Subs 925 E. Harmony Road, Suite 500, Fort Collins (970) 690-3201 • www.silverminesubs.com
Young’s Cafe Vietnamese Cuisine 3307 S. College Ave., Suite 114, Fort Collins (970) 223-8000
Spicy Pickle 123 N. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 484-2333 • www.spicypickle.com
4709 S. Timberline Road, Fort Collins (970) 207-9456 www.oldchicago.com www.fortcollinschamber.com 27
Fort Collins cuLturaL Venues Bas Bleu Theatre Company 401 Pine St., Fort Collins (970) 498-8949 • www.basbleu.org Located on the site of the original fort, Bas Bleu presents plays, poetry, music and art in an intimate salon setting. Carousel Dinner Theatre 155 W. Harvard, Fort Collins (970) 225-2555 • www.adinnertheatre.com Presenting Broadway shows in relaxed, social setting featuring a gourmet dinner menu. Center for Fine Art Photography 400 n College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 224-1024 • www.c4fap.org The Center for Fine Art Photography promotes the Art of Photography by supporting the growth of creative artists through exhibitions, educational programs and by educating the public to the collectable value of photography.
Colorado State University www.colostate.edu Cultural venues and programs at CSU include the Clara Hutton Gallery, the Curfman Gallery, the Environmental Learning Center and performances by the CSU Department of Music, Theatre & Dance. Discovery Science Center 703 E. Prospect Road, Fort Collins (970) 472-3990 • www.dcsm.org Discovery Science Center is loaded with more than 120 incredible hands-on exhibits guaranteed to thrill your imagination and ignite your curiosity. Fort Collins Museum 200 Mathews St., Fort Collins (970) 221-6738 • www.fcgov.com/museum The Fort Collins Museum features two changing exhibit galleries, one local history gallery and the Heritage Courtyard with four historic cabins. Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra 214 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 482-4823 • www.fcsymphony.org The Fort Collins Symphony performs orchestral music of the highest artistic standard.
28 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
Lincoln Center 417 W. Magnolia, Fort Collins (970) 221-6735 • www.lctix.com The Lincoln Center is Fort Collins’ cultural arts center. It contains two indoor performing arts spaces, three indoor galleries, conference facilities, and an outdoor sculpture and performance garden. OpenStage Theatre & Company 400 N. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 484-5237 • www.openstage.com The Denver Post says that “OpenStage … can easily take its place among Colorado’s best companies.” This live theatre company is a winner of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. Swetsville Zoo 4801 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins A sculpture park containing more than 170 animals, plants and objects fashioned from recycled farm machinery, auto parts and assorted metal.
Monthly First Friday Gallery Walk Self-guided tour of galleries and museums featuring local, regional and national artists.
old toWn treats Annual Activities in Downtown Fort Collins
Winter Events Ice Skating in Old Town Outdoor ice skating on the north end of the square, November–January. Horse & Carriage Rides Evenings, November–December. Santa Claus & His Workshop Santa welcomes visitors to his workshop Wednesday through Sunday afternoons. A professional photographer is on hand.
Summer Events Noontime Notes Concert Series Tuesday noon concerts in downtown Fort Collins, June–August.
July
October CSU Homecoming Parade
Thursday Night Music and More! Free summer concert series featuring live local bands, food and activities, June–August.
Fourth of July Celebration Music, food, activities, crafts, beer garden and more. Fireworks begin at dusk in City Park, with accompaniment provided by the Fort Collins Symphony.
Ben & Jerry’s FAC Friday Music Nighttime music series featuring local musicians, June–August.
Downtown Days Great deals at downtown stores, along with fun family activities and entertainment.
Tiny Tot Halloween Parade
Whitebird Productions Sunday Concerts Sunday concerts featuring local bands, June–September.
Fort Collins Jazz Experience New in 2008, this event brings high-quality jazz to downtown Fort Collins.
Lighting of Downtown Ceremony Gallery walk and lighting of the trees for the holidays downtown
August
December
NewWestFest Attractions include Bohemian Nights, featuring Colorado musicians and performers on seven stages; arts, crafts and food booths; Kids’ World; a carnival; and beer gardens.
Carolfest & Community Tree Lighting Gathering features caroling, Christmas tree lighting and other entertainment.
Downtown Farmers Market Quality, fresh local produce
March Great Plates of Downtown Downtown restaurants offer evening dining specials for $18.68 to celebrate the founding of Fort Collins. Lucky Joe’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
May Girls Night Out Shopping Event Shop for great deals at participating downtown stores and restaurants.
June Silver Grill Café Old Town Car Show Hundreds of hot rods, vintage cars and classic trucks on display in downtown Fort Collins.
Fort Collins Irish Festival Local and international Irish bands; Irish cuisine; beer garden; Irish whiskey; family activities; Irish and Celtic arts, crafts and merchandise; and more, all at Civic Center Park.
September Girls Night Out Shopping Event Shop for great deals at participating downtown stores and restaurants. Oktoberfest Traditional German-style celebration with beer, food, lederhosen and polka.
Terror Tours Downtown Learn about the region’s paranormal legends and documented ghostly encounters at Fort Collins Museum. Costumes are encouraged!
November
Girls Night Out Shopping Event Shop for great deals at participating downtown stores and restaurants. Kids Kristmas Kids’ celebration downtown. A Family Holiday Holiday family fun downtown. First Night Fort Collins New Year’s Eve celebration for the whole family. This non-alcoholic event features live entertainment, storytelling, crafts, dancing and more.
Colorado Brewers Festival Great beer, food, music and fun, with more than 400 kegs of beer poured. www.fortcollinschamber.com 29
transportation Transportation Collaboration By Tiana Nelson
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Building an Easy-to-Navigate Fort Collins
n Fort Collins, transportation is about choice. “There’s a lot that’s special about how we approach transportation in Fort Collins,” said Mark Jackson, transportation group director for the City of Fort Collins. “We don’t just focus on building a pretty place that people can’t get around … we don’t just focus on only getting people through, so it’s not a nice place to be … what we do is integrate and respect those very key elements.” The city focuses on creating a road system that accommodates automobiles, buses, bicycles and pedestrians. “In this community people have a lot of choices of how they can get around,” Jackson said. “In a lot of communities, if you don’t have a car, you simply can’t get around because there is no linkage between modes of transportation.” Challenges in the Fort Collins transportation system mimic those of other communities and include finding financing for projects, keeping up with inflation and getting ahead of existing deficiencies in the current system. Still, Fort Collins has taken an innovative approach to its transportation planning, using techniques such as privatepublic partnerships to leverage funds. Fort
30 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
Collins has also made an effort to work with neighboring communities to collaborate on transportation projects. “What happens in surrounding areas affects us,” Jackson said. “Fort Collins doesn’t exist in a bubble. We try to be more regional as a neighbor and still maintain what is unique about our city.” Future transportation projects in Fort Collins will include improving the western portion of Harmony Road on the south side of town into four lanes, improving several major intersections and adding streetscapes to other areas of Fort Collins. Mason Corridor, potentially the largest capital construction project in Fort Collins history, is anticipated to come online in 2011. The bus rapid transit system, which Jackson likens to a “rubber-tired light-rail without tracks and wires,” will be the first such project in the state of Colorado and will be flexible enough to drive on pre-existing roads or ride on the protected guide ways. The five-mile transportation corridor will connect south Fort Collins to the north side of town, including Colorado State University, Old Town Fort Collins and the river district, allowing the project to go beyond a bus system and become a community infill project.
“What’s really been gratifying is that it’s not just a transportation project anymore; people are really acknowledging this as an economic development opportunity along the corridor,” he said. Jackson, who regularly rides the Transfort public transportation system, boasts about the bus system, of which the number of riders increased by 17 percent in 2008 alone. The city is currently updating the Transfort plan and hopes to add more routes in the coming years. “The service is very clean, very consistent and the drivers are extraordinary,” Jackson said. “It’s getting better and better all the time. That being said, there is still a lot of room for improvement and expansion of service to better meet the community’s needs now and into the future.” Public transportation and biking are important and highly accommodated in Fort Collins; however, the overall approach to transportation in the city is about balance, Jackson said. “It’s not about getting people out of cars — what it’s about is choice,” he said. “We provide choices that work for people, and in many, many ways, I think we’re doing a good job.”
Travel the Town
By Kathy Strickland
Front Range Village Brings New Shopping and Dining to Fort Collins, and Harmony Road Improvements Make It Easy to Get There
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ort Collins is consistently rated one of the best places to live, raise children and retire. It’s also a great place to work with a hot bed of high-tech companies, including HewlettPackard (HP), Avago Technologies, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel Corporation, totaling nearly 8,000 employees in the booming area known as the Harmony Corridor. With the grand opening of Front Range Village shopping center in March 2008, these employees — along with the nearly 3,500 employees of Poudre Valley Health Systems, located just west on Harmony Road, and the remaining 100,000 people making up the area’s daytime population — have many choices for shopping and dining. Front Range Village was developed by Bayer Properties, which has built lifestyle centers in Louisville, Ky.; Birmingham, Ala.; Reno/Lake Tahoe, Nev. and Cleveland, Ohio. The 110-acre LEED-certified Front Range Village development at Harmony and Ziegler roads — an intersection that approximately 60,000 cars drive through each day — is Bayer’s first project in Colorado. “Fort Collins really does need more quality retail,” said Melissa Moran, general manager for Front Range Village. “A lot of times people drive to Denver for their shopping, and the idea here is to try to keep as much shopping local as possible. Fort Collins residents want to shop here not only for the convenience, but also for the plain fact that this supports the jobs in our community and our city services.” The city worked hard to ensure that road improvements were in sync with the development, which boasts 900,000 square feet of retail space. The Harmony-Ziegler Improvement Project — including expanded lanes, entrances, a roundabout and other roadwork — was completed in time for the openings of a Lowe’s and a Super Target in July 2008. These large-scale retailers, along with Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us, Staples, Sports Authority, Sprouts Farmers Market and Ulta Cosmetics, to name a few, line the perimeter of Front Range Village. “It’s unique in that the perimeter of the property is a power center,” explained Moran, who calls
the concept a hybrid center. “In the middle is the ‘downtown area,’ or ‘Main Street,’ where we have specialty retailers that really complement some of those larger retailers.” Bayer Properties named this particular “Main Street” Gray’s Hamlet after the Front Range summit of Gray’s Peak. “Hamlet” is another word for “village,” which ties back to the full development’s name. Gray’s Hamlet boasts more than 175,000 square feet of specialty shops and restaurants, including DSW Shoes, Lane Bryant, Bath & Body Works, Runner’s Roost, Juice It Up, Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Fusion 8, a new restaurant from the owners of LuLu Asian Bistro in downtown Fort Collins. The area is also home to the new southeast branch of Fort Collins Public Library. Reflective of Fort Collins’ highly educated population — more than 40 percent of residents hold bachelor’s
degrees, and 14 percent have master’s degrees or higher — the two existing branches of the library each serve more than 500,000 people a year. The new Library Branch will have a lawn that can be used for concerts, movies, poetry readings and other community events. Visitors will also be able to relax with a good book and a bite to eat in Front Range Village public areas, which include a small stage, fire pit and trail. Fort Collins has also made sure that Front Range Village’s convenience is enhanced by the city’s trademark “green” transport options. Two new Transfort bus routes start at the entrance to Front Range Village and stop at surrounding companies and the PVHS Harmony campus. Additionally, there is a bike lane on Corbett Drive, and there will be about 100 bike parking spaces at Front Range Village.
www.fortcollinschamber.com 31
closing
By Katherine Fortune
Resources for Relocators
Numbers You Need to Know
B
elow is a list of need-to-know numbers to help answer the many questions you may have about living in lovely Fort Collins.
All phone numbers are area code 970 unless otherwise specified.
Emergency....................................................... 911 AmeriGas (propane)...............................484-8140 City of Fort Collins..................................221-6500 Affordable Housing Program...............221-6758 Building Services.................................221-6760 Recycling.............................................221-6600 Transfort Bus Service...........................221-6620 Utilities................................................221-2900 C olorado Department of Revenue (drivers licenses)...................................494-9804 C omcast (internet and cable)......................800-266-2278 F ort Collins Housing Authority.................................416-2910 F ort Collins Police Department................................221-6540 Fort Collins Public Library.......................221-6740 Fort Collins-Loveland Airport..................962-2852 Front Range Internet Inc. ......................212-0700 G allegos Sanitation Inc. (trash removal and recycling)...............484-5556 H ageman Earth Cycle (composting)........................................221-7173 L arimer County Motor Vehicle Department..............................498-7878 Larimer Humane Society.........................226-3647 Platte River Power Authority...................226-4000 P oudre Fire Authority (non-emergency)..................................221-6570 Poudre School District.............................482-7420 P oudre Valley Rural Electric (Residents outside city limits)...............226-1234 Q west (phone, Internet and cable).................679-7000 R am Waste Systems Inc. (trash removal and recycling)...............226-3396 Thompson School District.......................613-5000 United States Post Office 301 Boardwalk Drive..........................225-4120 301 S. Howes St..................................472-4022 W aste Management (trash removal and recycling)..............482-6319 Xcel Energy (natural gas)................800-895-4999
32 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
Community Profile People and Place
T
urning through the pages of this publication it’s easy to see why Money Magazine routinely places Fort Collins on its list of “Best Places to Live.” Fort Collins offers great schools, diverse cultural attractions, fantastic outdoor recreation, a vibrant nightlife, a growing economy and much, much more in a setting of incredible beauty, nestled alongside the Cache La Poudre River at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. But what makes Fort Collins even more attractive is the people who live here. Friendly, well-educated and hardworking, the people of Fort Collins are the kind who will hold the door open for you. So please come on in and enjoy the quality lifestyle that Fort Collins has to offer.
Climate* Elevation 5,003 feet Average Temperatures
Summer (June–August) High.................................................. 83.3°F Low................................................... 54.7°F Warmest month.....................................July Winter (December–February) High.................................................. 44.0°F Low.....................................................17.3F Coolest month.................................January Precipitation Annual average.........................15.84 inches Wettest month...................................... May Driest month.................................February
Fort Collins experiences an average of 106 clear days per year with approximately 300 days of sunshine.
People** Population Percent.............................................. Total Male..............................67,494.............49.8 Female..........................67,987.............50.1 Under 5 years.................8,544...............6.3 5–9 years........................7,605...............5.6 10–14 years....................7,231...............5.3 15–19 years..................10,438...............7.7 20–24 years..................21,381.............15.8 25–34 years..................23,653.............17.6 35–44 years..................16,938.............12.5 45–54 years..................18,995.............14.0 55–59 years....................6,412...............4.7 60–64 years....................3,498...............2.6 65–74 years....................5,452...............4.0 75–84 years....................3,398...............2.5 85+ years........................1,936...............1.4 Education Level Completed.............Percent of Population Less than high school diploma...............7.0 High school graduate............................19.0 Some college, no degree........................21.0 Associate degree......................................6.0 Bachelor’s degree...................................28.0 Graduate or professional degree............20.0 Income (By Household) Income.....................Percent of Population Less than $15,000................................15.8 $15,000–$24,999.................................13.5 $25,000–$34,999.................................12.0 $35,000–$49,999.................................11.0 $50,000–$74,999.................................15.8 $75,000–$99,999.................................14.3 $100,000–$149,999.............................11.8 $150,000–$199,999...............................2.8 $200,000 or more...................................3.0 Sources *weather.com **U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 American Community Survey for Fort Collins