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MATT PRICE DIANA VAUGHN CAROL CUMMINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LISA LEHR COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY FORT COLLINS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HUDSON PHOTOGRAPHY INTUITIVE SURGICAL CLINT EILERTS KELLY FRIEDERICH JOSH CHANDLER

At a

Glance

business development director of business development director of outside sales director of inside sales assistant director of sales regional director of publications business development manager marketing consultant customer service director customer service representative mailroom technician

GEORGE PRUDHOMME STEVE GRAFF NANCY ODOM DEBBIE MOSS SHARRY HENK BONNIE EBERS JIM BARROWS KATHY RISLEY JULIA JOHNSON MELINDA BOWLIN

advertising ad research

ad traffic director of advertising ad design

MARY KOPSHEVER MILLY MASON AMY SCHWARTZKOPF KATHY SCOTT CAROL SMITH KACEY WOLTERS MARK EDMONDSON JOSEPH GOETTING JOSH MUELLER

administrative support administrative support account support human resources assistant customer service advocate

KATHY HAGENE CAROL SMITH TERRI AHNER TRICIA CANNEDY TERESA CRAIG JULIE VORDTRIEDE

information technology publishing systems specialist

CHRISTOPHER MILLER

executive leadership chairman and founder chief financial officer

Come home to Fort Collins! It is simply a wonderful place to live, raise a family or retire.

CRAIG WILLIAMS RHONDA HARSY

ON THE COVER (From top left) Outdoor dining at a patio in downtown Fort Collins; an aerial view of the city from atop the First National Bank tower; historic Old Town Fort Collins; and a fly fisherman in the Poudre Canyon just outside Fort Collins.

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.

ABOUT

FOR INFORMATION Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, 225 South Meldrum Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521, 970-482-3746, Fax 970-482-3774, www.fortcollinschamber.com

© 2008 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.

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

In 2006, Money Magazine named Fort Collins the “No. 1 Place to Live in America.”

Table of Contents

What’s

Inside! Welcome to Fort Collins!

The No. 1 Place to Live in America ......................................6

Location

In the Center of it All .........................................................8

Homes

Dynamic Neighborhoods ......................................................9

Commerce

Strength in Innovation ......................................................11

Education

“Educate ... Every Child, Every Day” ................................14

Government

Here to Serve .....................................................................17

Health Care

Poudre Valley Health System: Exceeding Expectations .....................................................18

Recreation

Adventures in the Great Outdoors ...................................20

Culture and Entertainment

Dinner and a Show .............................................................22

Transportation

A Bike-Friendly Community ................................................26

Sports

Get Into the Action ............................................................27

Index of Advertisers

Please support the advertisers who helped to make this publication possible .....................................28

Closing

Fort Collins Is the Place to Be .........................................30 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce 225 S. Meldrum St. Fort Collins, CO 80521 970-482-3746

www.fortcollinschamber.com 4

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to Fort Collins!

The No. 1 place to Live in

America

he community of Fort Collins, Colorado, stands at the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, an hour north of Denver. With a population of nearly 130,000, the community offers unspoiled beauty and neighborhood living alongside big-city amenities. In 2006, Money Magazine named Fort Collins the “No. 1 Place to Live in America.”

well in Fort Collins, where people imagine, create and excel,” Hutchinson explained. Fort Collins was also named “The Fastest City in Research and Development” in July 2007 by Fast Company magazine. Fort Collins is a highly educated community, which makes it an interesting place to live. “The education attainment level of community residents is one of the highest in the country. That brainpower means innovation and entrepreneurWhether you are visiting or living ship, a high quality of public discourse on in our beautiful community, we civic issues, a demand for arts and cultural hope you enjoy your time here! offerings and high expectations for our According to Fort Collins Mayor Doug public schools,” said David May, president Hutchinson, the city received this honor and CEO of the Fort Collins Area Chamber because it is focused around a highly respected of Commerce. research university, a healthy and historic Residents are passionate about preservbusiness district and a beautiful river cor- ing the area’s natural beauty and are inspired ridor. “The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and by the outdoors and the many ways in

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

which to experience it, such as hiking, biking and rafting. “The vitality of our residents is evident in the many nonprofit groups that are here, citizen involvement in city initiatives and community support of our world-class educational system,” Hutchinson noted. “Additionally, cultural opportunities abound, from local breweries, to festivals in Old Town, to a vivacious arts and music scene. Our Old Town area combines businesses, parks, shopping, dining and housing to create a robust atmosphere unlike any other.” As you explore the following pages, we hope you’ll come to see why our community offers you the perfect fit for living, working, raising your family or retiring. We know you will enjoy reading about what Fort Collins and Larimer County have to offer. Whether you are visiting or living in our beautiful community, we hope you enjoy your time here! Visit www.fortcollinschamber.com for more information.

Welcome to Fort Collins! DEMOGRAPHICS POPULATION

Fort Collins 2007 .................................................126,967* 2011 (projected) ..........................168,227*** Larimer County .................................276,253** Median age ................................................28.2* Households ...........................................56,783* Sources: *State of Colorado, **census.gov, 2006; ***ESRI, 2006

SALES AND USE TAXES, FORT COLLINS

City sales tax...............................................3.0% State sales tax..............................................2.9% Larimer County sales tax............................0.8% Total sales and use tax ................................6.7%

EDUCATION Poudre R-1 School District enrollment ...24,000 Colorado State University enrollment .....24,670 *Source: City of Fort Collins

MARKET PROFILE

Median household income....................$56,059 Median home value.............................$229,805 Per capita income ..................................$29,088 Employment by industry Services .................................................50.8% Retail trade ............................................13.2% Manufacturing.......................................10.3% Construction ...........................................8.5% Financial/insurance/real estate ................5.4% Public administration..............................3.6% Transportation/utilities ............................3.1% Wholesale trade ......................................2.7% Information .............................................1.6% Agriculture/mining ..................................1.0% Source: ESRI, 2006

MAJOR EMPLOYERS IN NORTHERN COLORADO Colorado State University .........................6,948 Hewlett-Packard ........................................3,182 Poudre Valley Health System ....................3,020 Poudre R-1 School District........................3,014 Agilent Technologies .................................2,800 Thompson School District ........................1,888 City of Fort Collins ...................................1,864 Kodak Colorado ........................................1,700 Larimer County .........................................1,467 McKee Medical Center .................................950 Wal-Mart ......................................................909 City of Loveland ...........................................890 Advanced Energy .........................................825 Anheuser-Busch............................................760 Woodward Governor ...................................650 Waterpik Technologies .................................585 Hach Chemical Company ............................550 Front Range Community College ................481 U.S. Postal Service ........................................412 First National Bank ......................................367 LSI Logic Corporation ..................................341 Source: Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation, August 2007

CITY-OWNED RECREATIONAL RESOURCES • 36,000 acres of city-owned natural areas for conservation and recreation • 44 park sites constituting more than 800 acres • 3 city-owned and operated golf courses • 25 miles of off-road trails • 25 miles of paved multi-use trails, maintained year-round • 280 miles of bike lanes and routes Source: City of Fort Collins

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Location

IN THE

CENTER OF IT ALL

ort Collins is nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in the north-central region of Colorado. It is located adjacent to the Cache la Poudre River, is the county seat of Larimer County and is the fifth-largest city in the state of Colorado.

attractions, a vibrant nightlife scene and countless opportunities for family fun. The Cache La Poudre River and Poudre Canyon offer adventures such as whitewater rafting, hiking and camping. The county encompasses 2,640 square miles that include some of the finest irrigated farmland in the state, as well as vast stretches of scenic ranch lands, forests and high mountain peaks. More The county offers an ideal than 50 percent of Larimer central location, as it is less County is publicly owned, and most of the public lands are located within than an hour’s drive from Roosevelt National Forest downtown Denver, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. With 300and Cheyenne, Wyoming. plus days of sunshine each year, the beautiful climate Larimer County extends from the western makes it an ideal location. edge of the Great Plains and the Interstate 25 Fort Collins was founded as a military corridor on the eastern slope or “Front Range” outpost of the United States Army in 1864. In of the Rocky Mountains, all the way west to 1867, the camp was dismantled and the Army the Continental Divide. The county offers left the area. Although the military was gone, an ideal central location, as it is less than an a settlement remained, and in 1873, the city hour’s drive from downtown Denver, Estes of Fort Collins was founded. It was named in Park and Cheyenne, Wyoming. honor of Col. William O. Collins, who first Fort Collins is home to fabulous rec- suggested the location as a good site for the reational opportunities, diverse cultural military fort.

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

DISTANCE TO OTHER CITIES DESTINATIONS (MILES)

Loveland, Colo................................ 23 Greeley, Colo................................... 31 Estes Park, Colo. ............................. 42 Cheyenne, Wyo. ............................. 46 Boulder, Colo. ................................. 54 Denver, Colo. .................................. 64 Laramie, Wyo.................................. 65 Denver International Airport .......... 68 Colorado Springs, Colo................. 132 Pueblo, Colo. ................................176

MONTH AVERAGE SNOWFALL AVERAGE

TEMPERATURES

Month .................Inches ..... High .......Low January.................... 8.0” ......42°F .......14°F February ................. 7.7” ......47°F .......19°F March .................... 13.0” ......54°F .......26°F April ........................ 9.3” ......61°F .......33°F May ......................... 1.8” ......71°F .......43°F June.............................— ......81°F .......51°F July .............................— ......86°F .......57°F August.........................— .....84°F .......55°F September ............... 1.6” ......77°F .......46°F October ................... 3.7” ......65°F .......35°F November ............... 7.9” ......51°F .......23°F December ................ 6.5” ......44°F .......16°F Source: U.S. Department of Commerce

Homes

DYNAMIC NEIGHBORHOODS

ome home to Fort Collins. It is a wonderful place to live, raise a family or retire. Voted the “No. 1 Place to Live in America” by Money Magazine in 2006, Fort Collins has long been recognized as the place to be. The city was also recognized as the “No. 9 Best Place to Invest in Real Estate” in October 2006 by Business 2.0. Diverse housing includes single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses. The average three- to four-bedroom home

costs approximately $240,000 in Northern Colorado and $270,000 in Fort Collins. The area offers a variety of housing options, from Old Town bungalows and historic homes to lofts, apartments, condominiums and suburban neighborhoods.

“No. 1 Place to Live in America” “There is something for everyone,” said Mike Hazlett, associate broker with RE/MAX Action Brokers. “Exciting areas are dotted all

over Fort Collins, Loveland and Windsor. It is amazing to see how many small subdivisions are under construction. West Vine Bungalows in North Fort Collins, for example, offers affordable single-family housing for less than $250,000.” Fort Collins also continues to receive national recognition as an attractive retirement destination. Over the last decade, it has been noted as the best, or one of the best, places to retire in the United States by AARP, MSN, USA Today, The New Retirement, Where to Retire magazine and Money Magazine.

HOUSING STATISTICS • The average selling price of a home in Northern Colorado is $240,019. • Average sale price, 2,000-square-foot new home: $308,400. • The average rent is $740. Vacancy rates are around 7 percent in Fort Collins. • Property taxes: To determine your household property tax bill, multiply the assessed value by the local tax rate. Source: State of Colorado/ Larimer Compass www.fortcollinschamber.com

Homes

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Housing choices are numerous, as are educational, employment and volunteer opportunities. The City of Fort Collins offers activities through its Senior Center; programs include arts and crafts, fitness, computer training and outdoor recreation. The facility itself features a 25-yard, twolane lap pool; a jogging/walking track; classrooms; and a gymnasium, spa and media center. According to Hazlett, Fort Collins and Northern Colorado in general are wonderful places to live, no matter who or what age you are. “There are NO bad areas to live, whether you purchase a small home or a luxury home,” he explained. “All homeowners keep their property in nice shape. Also, all walks of life are represented, from families with young children to seniors. Health care is exceptional. We have excellent doctors, nurses and facilities for all ages.” Independent researchers agree that the city is a great place for people of all ages. In May 2006, Frommer’s Publishing named Fort Collins the “Sixth Best Place to Raise Your Family” in the nation, and in 2005, America’s Promise Alliance called Fort Collins “One of the 100 Best Communities for Young People.” Outside Magazine named Fort Collins one of 18 “Perfect Towns” in its “Where to Live Now” feature in 2005. Fort Collins offers a variety of housing options from urban lofts to comfortable suburbs to accommodating senior living. Regardless of what fits you, you can find it in one of the various Fort Collins neighborhoods or housing options.

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Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Commerce

Strength in

INNOVATION W

hether you’re starting a company or looking for a great job, fort collins is the perfect choice for you. There’s a reason more than half of Larimer County’s current population relocated here from outside the state. Northern Colorado is one of the most attractive, temperate and pristine places to live and work in the United States. An educated workforce, vibrant economy and enviable quality of life make it an ideal business location.

ECONOMY AND WORKFORCE Fort Collins has built its economy on the pillars of technology and science. In 2007, Expansion Management Magazine ranked the Fort Collins-Loveland area among “FiveStar Knowledge Worker Metros.” In 2005, the magazine included Fort Collins on its lists of the “Top 10 Metros for Scientists and Engineers Per Capita” and “Top 15 Best-Educated Metros.” Northern Colorado commands one of the largest labor markets

in Colorado, just behind that of the Denver Metropolitan Area to the south. Studies of the regional labor market describe a diverse workforce powered by a strong work ethic. Major business sectors in the area include software/technology, business services and value-added agriculture. Fort Collins is on

TAX STRUCTURE

Colorado ranks 44th in per capita state government spending and 48th among the 50 states for state-level taxes when looking at tax revenues relative to personal income. The State of Colorado collects a 2.9 percent sales and use tax on goods purchased or used in Colorado that are not intended for resale. Colorado’s state sales tax rate is Whether you’re the lowest among the 45 states that collect sales tax. To learn more about sales tax, starting a company visit www.fcgov.com/salestax. Colorado’s corporate income tax is a or looking for a flat 4.63 percent of Colorado net income, great job, Fort defined as the corporation’s federal taxable income with some modifications. Individual Collins is the perfect income taxes are a flat rate of 4.63 percent of federally adjusted taxable income, with choice for you. some modifications. Local governments in Colorado do not assess income taxes. the move with many cutting-edge technoloThe state does not levy a property gies, such as those in the emerging clean tax. Depending on the location within energy and bioscience sectors. To learn Larimer County, property taxes range more about the economy and workforce, from approximately 1.0 percent to visit www.fcgov.com/business. 2.5 percent of the actual value of real www.fortcollinschamber.com

Commerce in green technology in the state, the region and the nation. While a number of cities and regions throughout the country are beginning to embrace green building, certain places, such as Portland, Chicago, cities throughout California, Pittsburgh, Boulder and Fort Collins, are recognized as early adopters of green building strategies and policies.” Dunbar said synergies created from innovative organizations such as the Poudre School District, Fort Collins Utilities, New Belgium Brewing and Colorado State University are the main reasons the community has taken such a leadership role.

POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Fort Collins was among the first cities in the United States to require that all new and major city governmental buildings be constructed as “green buildings.”

estate. Industrial property is assessed for tax purposes at 29 percent of actual value. To learn more about property taxes, visit www.larimer.org/assessor.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES: GOING GREEN Northern Colorado is a national leader in clean and renewable energy technologies. Local leaders in the clean energy field are working around the world to meet global challenges and to identify opportunities for Northern Colorado. The City of Fort Collins was among the first cities in the United States to require that all new

and major city governmental buildings be constructed as “green buildings.” According to Brian Dunbar, executive director of Colorado State University’s Institute for the Built Environment, a green building is a facility that is designed, constructed and operated to effectively use energy, materials, water and other resources to enhance environmental quality. “Homes, schools, offices, churches, industrial buildings, neighborhoods, existing buildings, parks and other landscapes can all benefit from employing green design strategies,” he explained. “Fort Collins and Northern Colorado are recognized leaders

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Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

The Poudre School District (PSD) has received national awards for energy techniques at several of its schools. In addition, the district has hosted a regional conference explaining and promoting those strategies. Through water irrigation management and education, PSD has reduced water use from approximately 200 million gallons per year to 127 million gallons per year. These reductions remain constant even with the addition of schools and sites over the past several years. During 2006, PSD received an EPA grant for more than $253,000 to retrofit mechanical equipment on buses to significantly reduce overall diesel and greenhouse gas emissions. Efficient bus routing through the use of global positioning system technology has reduced the gallons of fuel used each year, even though the district is adding schools and bus routes each year. PSD is a leader in utilizing wind power, promoting energy efficiency

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Commerce and employing solid waste and recycling efforts. To learn more about the Poudre School District, visit www.psdschools.org.

CITY OF FORT COLLINS The City of Fort Collins is recognized as one of the front-runners in the nation in promoting clean and renewable energy technologies. The Platte River Power Authority and the Fort Collins Utilities are national leaders in clean energy policies, including wind energy, hydrogen power fuel implementation and Climate Wise. Climate Wise is a voluntary, city-run program that is dedicated to helping local business and the environment. Through environmental assessments and creative solutions, the City of Fort Collins Climate Wise Team helps businesses tackle modern-day business challenges that impact bottom lines and the quality of life in Fort Collins. The goal of the program is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting waste reduction, energy savings, alternative transportation, water conservation and pollution prevention. Businesses that join the program are provided with free technical assessments, public recognition and networking opportunities. Visit www.fcgov.com/climatewise to learn more about Climate Wise.

In 1998, New Belgium took an employee vote and became the country’s first brewery to subscribe to wind energy. New Belgium also recaptures and reuses water, utilizing fewer than four barrels of water to produce one barrel of beer — a figure that is significantly less than the industry average. New Belgium also utilizes green building techniques to conserve resources. To learn more about New Belgium Brewery, visit www.newbelgium.com.

OTHER GREEN COMPANIES “New Belgium has certainly taken a leadership role in green building, and many Northern Colorado companies have followed suit,” Dunbar said. “Leading companies that consult and assist with green building are becoming more numerous each

year and include the Brendle Group, RB+B Architects, BHA Landscape Architecture and Dohn Construction. Businesses that have integrated green technologies and building include the above list as well as Porter Industries, Austin’s Restaurants, Neenan Company and many of the members of the city’s excellent Climate Wise program.” Finally, Dunbar said the CSU Institute for the Built Environment is a leader in Green Building design and construction. “Professionals from the leading construction companies enroll in CSU’s Green Building Certificate Program, allowing them to obtain valuable information about Green Homes, Green Buildings, Healthy Buildings and the LEED (Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System.”

NEW BELGIUM BREWERY New Belgium Brewery strives to embrace new technologies, seek out alternative forms of energy, reduce its waste stream, make smart business decisions and do well by the environment.

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Fort Collins is home to Odell Brewing Company, along with two other microbreweries, five award-winning craft breweries and one the best-known large breweries in the world, Anheuser Busch.

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Back Row: Richard Sledge, Jim Miller, Dan Byers, Megan Malleck, Gary Butler, Steve Young Front Row: Adrienne Butler, Jessica Thompson, Bev Ziemer, Pat Gallegos, Elaine Birt

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Education

“Educate… Every Child, Every Day”

POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT With a mission to “Educate ... Every Child, Every Day,” Poudre School District (PSD) has a vision to “support and inspire every child to think, to learn, to care and to graduate prepared to be successful in a changing world.” PSD is the ninth-largest school district in Colorado. More than 10,000 parents and community members directly support student education by serving on School Improvement Teams, the District Advisory Board, or by volunteering in other ways. The district has 49 schools and nearly 24,000 students. Educational choices in Poudre School District include: • Twenty-eight neighborhood elementary schools. • Eight neighborhood junior high schools. • Four comprehensive neighborhood high schools. • International Baccalaureate (IB) schools. • Core Knowledge schools. • Bilingual Immersion and Focus schools (Spanish/English).

• Science Focus school. • Arts & Technology Focus school. • Expeditionary Learning schools. • Advanced-Placement and Pre-Advanced-Placement curricula. • Charter schools. • Multiple alternative secondary programs. • Head Start and Early Childhood programs. More than 70 percent of PSD families choose to send their children to a neighborhood school, the school located in the attendance area in which they live. From kindergarten through high school graduation, students at neighborhood schools grow up together in a culture of academic excellence, community and character development. Neighborhood schools teach PSD’s rigorous standards-driven curriculum, along with gifted, enrichment and accelerated options. PSD’s gifted and talented education programs promote early identification of gifted learners and match programming options such as acceleration, enrichment, differentiation

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

and accommodations for varying learning styles and student needs. Space permitting, families may choose to send their child to a neighborhood school located outside their attendance area. PSD’s School Choice program allows families to select the school that best meets their child’s educational needs. Several PSD neighborhood schools offer a special focus such as arts and technology, science, gifted and talented, Core Knowledge or International Baccalaureate. Specialized schools offer a different curriculum, focus area or method of instructional delivery. Specialized schools do not have a neighborhood attendance area; instead, through School Choice, students from across the district can apply to attend. While specialized schools may not follow the PSD curriculum, they meet PSD’s academic standards in all grade levels. Specialized school options include Core Knowledge, charter schools, bilingual immersion, non-traditional/nongraded and expeditionary learning. B.A.S.E. Camp, a before- and after-school enrichment program, is available at 23 of the elementary schools.

Education PSD POINTS OF DISTINCTION No matter which school your child attends in PSD, they will attend a school rooted in a tradition of excellence. Below are a few of our many recent achievements. • PSD students continue to perform better than students statewide — from 8 percent to 19 percent higher — in all subjects at all grade levels on the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) tests. • PSD 11th and 12th graders consistently perform higher than students statewide and nationwide on ACT and SAT college entrance exams. In 2007, two PSD students earned perfect composite scores on the ACT. • In 2007, graduates earned $25.5 million in scholarships to attend post-secondary schools and universities. • Multiple PSD students have earned National Merit Scholarships and Boettcher Scholarships. • Academic team awards: • High School Science Bowl, National Championship. • Ocean Science Bowl, State Title (high school, six years in a row). • Science Olympiad, State Title (junior high), State Title (high school). • Odyssey of the Mind, State Title (elementary).

• National Forensics League District Sweepstakes, 1st Place (high school, four years in a row). • Colorado Mathematical Olympiad, Gold Medal (high school). • International Science & Engineering Fair, two Regional Titles (junior high). • Lego Robotics Competition, State Title (junior high). • Future Problem-Solving Bowl, State Title (elementary). For more information about Poudre School District, visit www.psdschools.org.

FRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Front Range is the largest community college in Colorado and is a comprehensive, two-year, state-supported community college. The student body is composed of recent high school graduates intending to earn technical certificates or Associate of Applied Science degrees, young adults intending to earn associate degrees and transfer to four-year schools and adult learners with career changes in mind. Students can take advantage of more than 100 degree, occupational and technical programs, and they can choose from a full complement of transfer courses.

LARIMER CAMPUS Front Range’s Larimer Campus offers classes on campus at Harmony Road and Shields Street in southwest Fort Collins, at Stargazer Observatory in southeast Fort Collins, at the Community Gardens on Spring Creek in central Fort Collins, at the Regis University campus in north Fort Collins, at the Thompson School District Community Learning Center in Loveland and at other sites. As a comprehensive campus, more than 25 percent of the credits taken are in career/ technical areas. The Larimer Campus has strong partnerships with Colorado State University, not only for the State Guaranteed General Education Transfer Program, but also in specific programs such as Electrical Engineering, Veterinary Technology and Forestry, Wildlife and Natural Resources. Partnerships also extend to three public school districts for career/technical education; to Poudre Valley Hospital, McKee Medical Center and Columbine Health Systems for preparing health care professionals; to the City of Fort Collins for Harmony Library; to Microsoft and Oracle for technical certifications; to Village Homes’ Observatory Village, where Stargazer Observatory is located; and to the University of Northern Colorado for Elementary Education and Criminal Justice Studies. To learn more about Front Range Community College, visit www.frontrange.edu/larimer.

Students receive a top-notch education through Poudre School District, which has received both statewide and national acclaim.

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Education

The beautiful and historic Colorado State University campus dates back to 1870.

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY Colorado State University (CSU), located in Fort Collins, is a land-grant institution and a Carnegie Doctoral/Research UniversityExtensive. Founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, its doors opened to a freshman class of 19 students in 1879. In 1935, the school became the Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, or Colorado A&M. The college was renamed Colorado State University in 1957. Today, it is home to almost 25,000 students from every state and from 85 foreign countries. Colorado residents comprise 80 percent of all students.

One of the nation’s leading research universities, Colorado State awarded degrees to more than 5,000 graduates and attracted more than $220 million in research funding in 2006. Colorado State is a world leader in such areas as infectious disease research, atmospheric science and environmental science. Its faculty members are tackling issues such as the re-emergence of tuberculosis, the brown cloud of air pollution in Asian cities, severe weather forecasting, nutrition and wellness and bioterrorism. Colorado State University is the “university of choice” for Colorado residents, as 30 percent of all of Colorado’s science, math, engineering and technology majors study at

CSU. In addition to its excellent programs in those areas, Colorado State offers among the very best professional programs in the United States in areas like veterinary medicine, occupational therapy, journalism, agriculture and construction management. Its programs in the arts, humanities and social sciences are also outstanding. The Professional Veterinary Medicine program is ranked second in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and is ranked first in the country in federal research dollars. Colorado State continues the land-grant philosophy by coupling the intellectual experience of the classroom with the practical experience of the field and laboratory. Colorado State’s Office of Service Learning and Volunteer Programs hosts some of the strongest community-service programs in the country, allowing more than 6,000 students to participate in the university’s proud tradition of public outreach. Colorado State faculty played a significant role in the founding of the Peace Corps, and Colorado State remains one of the primary sources of Peace Corps volunteers today. Colorado State is ranked in the top tier of universities in U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of “America’s Best Colleges and Universities,” while Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine named Colorado State one of the top public universities in the United States in terms of educational quality and affordability. The Templeton Foundation named Colorado State among the nation’s leading highereducation institutions that encourage student character development. To learn more about Colorado State University, visit www.colostate.edu.

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Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Government

CONTACT INFORMATION All area codes are 970.

Police, Fire or Medical Emergencies ................ 911

Here to Serve

he City of Fort Collins operates within a council-manager form of government. The city manager is the chief executive officer of the City and is responsible for the overall management of City operations. The council-manager form of government is the most common organization in the western United States and is used in more than 3,000 communities throughout the country. The philosophy behind the council-manager form of government is to create an administrative organization that is separate from the political process and that is run by professional staff members who are trained in municipal government administration. This places the city manager in the role of being responsible to the City Council for the actions of staff in each of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s departments.

The City has a seven-person City Council, composed of a mayor, who is elected at-large for a two-year term, and six Council members, who are elected within their respective districts for four-year terms. The mayor may serve three terms, and Council members may serve two. Fort Collins Police Services is the law enforcement branch of the City government. It consists of 161 sworn personnel and 87 civilian personnel. The Poudre Fire Authority is a consolidated full-service fire prevention, fire protection and emergency service agency serving the City of Fort Collins and the Poudre Valley Fire Protection District. Its 168 full-time employees staff 10 fire stations and operate 10 engine companies and two trucks. It additionally operates three volunteer fire stations with 40 volunteers. To learn more about the City of Fort Collins, visit www.fcgov.com.

Cable 14 ...............................221-6510 City Attorney ........................221-6520 City Clerk .............................221-6520 City Council..........................221-6878 City Manager ........................221-6505 City Planning and Community Development ...221-6376 Climate Protection ................221-6600 Communications and Public Involvement.............416-2738 Community Planning ............221-6750 Engineering ...........................221-6605 Finance .................................221-6788 Forestry and Horticulture .....221-6360 Fort Collins/ Loveland Airport .................962-2852 Geographic Information Services...........416-2483 Housing Authority ................416-2910 Human Resources .................221-6535 Jobline...................................416-2489 Library ..................................221-6740 Lincoln Center ......................221-6735 Municipal Court....................221-6800 Museum (Fort Collins Museum) ......221-6738 Natural Resources .................221-6600 Neighborhood Building and Zoning Services ...........221-6760 Neighborhood Services .........224-6046 Office of Emergency Management.......................416-2878 Operation Services ................221-6611 Park Planning........................221-6360 Parking..................................221-6608 Parks and Cemeteries ............221-6660 Planning and Zoning.............221-6750 Police Services/Dispatch ........221-6540 Purchasing ............................221-6775 Recreation .............................221-6640 Sales Tax ...............................221-6780 Streets ...................................221-6615 Traffic Operations .................221-6630 Transportation .......................221-6608 Transportation Planning ........224-6058 Utilities .................................221-6700

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Health Care

Poudre Valley

Health System: Exceeding Expectations

ort Collins residents have access to the best in medical care, right here at home. The Poudre Valley Health System is a regional network of health care services for people of Northern Colorado, Southern Wyoming, Western Nebraska and Kansas. Its mission is “to provide innovative,

receiving the Magnet Award for Nursing Excellence. With a desire to improve its care and services, Poudre Valley Hospital is one of 11 hospitals nationwide that were awarded a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to study and identify the best ways to retain experienced nurses. A state-of-the-art da Vinci Surgical Robotic

Poudre Valley Health System has received a number of awards for the care and services it provides to patients and families. high-quality, comprehensive care that exceeds customer expectations.” Poudre Valley Health System has received a number of awards for the care and services it provides to patients and families. Those include Poudre Valley Hospital being named a “Top 100 Hospital” (2004–2007) and

System helps surgeons perform operations with greatly reduced pain, blood loss, scarring and recovery time for patients. Robot-assisted surgery is defined as any use of computers to improve the performance and result of a surgical procedure or instrument. Poudre Valley Health System has utilized robotic

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

surgery technology at Poudre Valley Hospital since fall 2004 and at the Medical Center of the Rockies since spring 2007. The robotic system features a computer-controlled device that moves, positions and manipulates surgical tools based on the surgeon’s actions. This technology allows surgeons to perform select types of surgery through very tiny incisions. The advantages are a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and less pain. The major Poudre Valley Health System facilities include: • Poudre Valley Hospital, Fort Collins. • Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland. • Harmony Campus, Fort Collins. • Mountain Crest Behavioral Healthcare Center, Fort Collins. To learn more about Poudre Valley Health System, visit www.pvhs.org.

Health Care

Quality care is close to home in Fort Collins.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH CARE RESOURCES The Fort Collins area also offers a number of additional health care resources: • McKee Medical Center is located in Loveland, about 16 miles south of Fort Collins. McKee has been dedicated to the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of patients since 1976. All patient rooms are private to create a peaceful healing environment. McKee offers a variety of inpatient

and outpatient care, including medical, obstetrical, pediatric, orthopedic, surgical and critical care. For more information, visit www.bannerhealth.com. • Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Center serves as the region’s only freestanding acute rehabilitation hospital and focuses on specialized rehabilitation care. The hospital provides rehabilitation services in a facility that fosters a comfortable and responsive environment for patients suffering from debilitating illnesses or injuries. Visit www.ernesthealth.com for more information. • Columbine Health Systems is a locally owned and operated health care system that has provided medical care for Northern Colorado since 1971. With two campuses in Loveland and Fort Collins, Columbine Health focuses on senior citizens and includes nursing facilities, independent and assisted living, home care, pharmacy services, medical equipment and supplies, rehabilitation and therapy services. Visit www.columbinehealth.com for more information.

A SNAPSHOT OF PVHS, CALENDAR YEAR 2006 • 417 total licensed beds (241 at Poudre Valley Hospital, 136 at Medical Center of the Rockies, and 40 at Mountain Crest). • 40 mental health beds (Mountain Crest). • 25 operating rooms. • 55 critical care patient rooms. • 18,077 inpatient discharges. • 72,746 patient days. • 2,786 births. • 7,868 inpatient surgeries. • 4,485 outpatient surgeries (PVH only). • 35,996 Emergency Department outpatient visits. • 9,283 ambulance patient transports.

www.fortcollinschamber.com

Recreation

ADVENTURES IN THE

GREAT OUTDOORS

ort Collins is home to fabulous recreational opportunities, diverse cultural attractions, vibrant nightlife and family fun galore. By far, the most exciting experiences can be found in the region’s beautiful outdoors. Nicknamed “Fort Fun,” Fort Collins offers endless outdoor opportunities, such as whitewater river rafting on the Cache la Poudre River; hiking, climbing or biking in Rocky Mountain National Park; a leisurely stroll along the more than 20 miles of trails embedded within Fort Collins; or a game of golf on one of the city’s numerous public or private golf courses. More than 3,500 acres of natural

canyon west of Fort Collins. A heavy snow fell, forcing them to reduce their load, so they buried their gunpowder, or “cache la poudre,” along the river’s banks. In 1879, settlers built a rough road along the river, soon leading to the steady building of more cabins. With water rushing east from Rocky Mountain National Park, the crashing Poudre River runs along Highway 14 and has brown and rainbow trout. Where there are rapids, there are whitewater rafting trips. The river is a hot spot for both rafters and kayakers. Accessible from the canyon, the Cache la Poudre Wilderness Area ranges in altitude from 6,000 feet to 8,600 feet and its steep, rugged terrain is seldom traveled. Hiking is popular in the More than 3,500 acres of Comanche Peak Wilderness, the Rawah Wilderness, the Neota Flat natural areas are available Tops Wilderness and in Roosevelt National Forest. While fishing is for your enjoyment. the primary draw, hiking comes areas are available for your enjoyment, and 44 in a close second. In winter, try one of the public parks beckon families and children. To many snowshoe or cross-country ski trails in learn more about recreational activities in Fort the breathtakingly high peaks (10,276 feet) of Collins, visit www.fortcollinschamber.com or the Cameron Pass area. www.ftcollins.com.

CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER

HORSETOOTH MOUNTAIN PARK

Designated as Colorado’s first National Wild and Scenic River in 1986, the Poudre River Canyon, also known as Cache la Poudre, is located in Roosevelt National Forest just 20 minutes outside of Fort Collins. In 1840, French trappers camped at the mouth of the

Horsetooth Mountain Park, along with Horsetooth Open Space, is a scenic 2,711-acre park on the west side of Horsetooth Reservoir. It is located four miles from Fort Collins. Elevations vary from 5,430 feet at Horsetooth Reservoir to 7,255 feet at the top of Horsetooth

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Rock. Horsetooth Rock is one of the most outstanding features in the park and is a very familiar landmark in Fort Collins and Larimer County. According to Native American legend, Horsetooth Rock is what remains of the heart of the Great Red Warrior slain by the Great Black Warrior in a long, ferocious battle. The park is also known for waterfalls and tremendous views of the Front Range. Horsetooth Mountain Park offers more than 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. The mild foothills climate offers year-round opportunities. To learn more about Horsetooth Mountain Park, visit www.larimer.org/parks/Horsetooth.htm.

LORY STATE PARK From rolling valleys to mountainous hillsides, Lory State Park’s 20 miles of trails rarely exceed a 12 percent grade. The variety of trails is great for short or long hikes, mountain bike rides, horseback rides and jogs. Backcountry camping is also available for visitors looking for a quiet getaway close to suburban Fort Collins. The trails on the east side of Lory provide access to some of Horsetooth Reservoir’s bays and coves. Canoeists, kayakers and rafters can hand-launch their crafts within a short walk from the North Eltuck Bay parking lot. Power boaters can launch their boats at the Horsetooth Dam boat ramp, two miles away in Horsetooth Reservoir.

Recreation

The most exciting experiences can be found in the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful outdoors.

To learn more about Lory State Park, visit http://parks.state.co.us.Parks/lory.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK This living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, with elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, provides visitors with opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. The are more than 100 named peaks in the park that are higher than 10,000 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park covers 266,960 acres, including Longâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peak and the highest continuous road in the United States, Trail Ridge Road (12,183 feet). More than 3 million people visit the park each year, and it is popular for cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain climbing and fishing. Visitors can view wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, mountain goats, big horn sheep and moose. To learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park, visit www.nps.gov/romo. www.fortcollinschamber.com

Culture and Entertainment All the world’s a stage in Fort Collins, as arts and theatre opportunities abound.

Dinner and a Show

ort Collins is the cultural capital of Northern Colorado, a title that is richly deserved. The community is home to a half-dozen live theatre stages in production throughout the year, as well as a symphony orchestra, ballet troupe and opera company. All the world’s a stage in Fort Collins, as arts and theatre opportunities abound.

Arts Alive believes that artists’ work is essential to the creative vitality of Fort Collins. The 501(c)(3) organization builds awareness and support of the arts through sponsorships and active promotion of programs, projects, performances and exhibits. Arts Alive also works closely with the Poudre School District, Colorado State University and other organizations to sponsor and develop educational programs in the performing arts and visual arts. To learn more about Arts Alive, visit www.artsalivefc.org.

ARTS ALIVE

BAS BLEU THEATRE

The Arts Alive organization has a mission to “promote excellence in the arts by advancing community arts and cultural activities and striving to maximize the artistic, educational and economic growth of the local arts community.” Arts contribute significantly to the fabric of the Fort Collins community. More than 60 performance groups, organizations and galleries provide a rich and stimulating menu of music, dance, theatre and visual arts exhibits. The arts also make a significant economic contribution to the city, bringing in an estimated $10 million each year.

Bas Bleu Theatre Company is a “salon” theatre in an historic Old Town Fort Collins building. Modeled after the great 18th-century European literary salons that fostered animated conversations about politics, art, theatre, music and works of literature, Bas Bleu uses an intimate format of a small theatre, where the audience becomes enveloped in the center of the action. Since its inception Bas Bleu has produced, performed, exhibited or hosted more than 900 performances serving more than 25,000 patrons and involving more than 2,000 artists, performers, writers,

THEATRE AND THE ARTS

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

designers and technicians. To learn more, visit www.basbleu.org.

BEET STREET Beet Street presents thematic arts, cultural and scientific programming in cooperation with local organizations to raise cultural awareness. Beet Street exists to distinguish Fort Collins as an intellectually vital community that fosters, celebrates and inspires human creativity through diverse cultural experiences and programming. The objective of Beet Street is to create a collaborative learning community in Fort Collins, where everyone of every age is welcome to share in discussion, reflection and creative expression. To learn more about Beet Street, visit www.beetstreet.org.

CAROUSEL DINNER THEATRE In Fort Collins, you can enjoy Broadway up close and close to home. Recently celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Carousel Dinner Theatre has presented more than 100 shows and served more than 300,000 guests. Offering six shows each year, the theatre features a variety of musicals. Presentations in 2008 will include Joseph and the Amazing

Culture and Entertainment Technicolor Dreamcoat, Carousel and Cats. To learn more about Carousel Dinner Theatre, visit www.adinnertheatre.com.

LINCOLN CENTER The Lincoln Center is one of Colorado’s largest and most diverse presenters of professional theatre, dance, music, visual arts and children’s programs. It features two performing arts spaces (a 1,180-seat performance hall and a 220-seat theatre), three galleries and an outdoor sculpture/terrace/performance garden. It also has three conference/special events rooms available for rent. It is owned and operated by the City of Fort Collins and is 75 percent self-sustaining through ticket sales, space rentals, grants, sponsorships and donations. The Lincoln Center presents more than 70 shows each year, bringing top-quality entertainment and national touring productions to Northern Colorado. These include classic and contemporary music and dance, Broadway

Easy access to I-25 exit 269B 601 SW Frontage Road Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 407-0100 phone (970) 407-0101 fax

gmcomfortinnfc@lpbroadband.net www.comfortinn.com/hotel/co109 Money Magazine just named Fort Collins “Best Place to Live” in America.... Outside Magazine named Fort Collins one of “America’s Dream Towns”... The Sierra Club named us one of the 4 Most Sustainable Cities in America...

• 100% Non-Smoking Facility • Complimentary hot sunshine breakfest • Complimentary 24-hour business center • Complimentary wired & wireless high speed internet • 62 guestrooms(20 suites) • Suites Available • Heated Indoor Pool & Whirlpool • Fitness Center • Meeting Space For Groups Up To 20 People • 24-hour guest laundry facilities

Canyon Concert Ballet offers both classes and performance opportunities. www.fortcollinschamber.com

Culture and Entertainment

CONTACT INFORMATION ARTIST’S ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN COLORADO 970-223-8297 www.artistsassoc.org

ARTS ALIVE 970-482-2232 www.artsalivefc.org

BAS BLEU THEATRE 970-498-8949 www.basbleu.org

BEET STREET 970)-419-8240 www.beetstreet.org

CANYON CONCERT BALLET 970-472-4156 www.ccballet.org

CAROUSEL DINNER THEATRE 970-225-2555 www.adinnertheatre.com

CENTER FOR FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY 970-224-1010 www.c4fap.org

DOWNTOWN FORT COLLINS (Information on Old Town, breweries and festivals) 970-484-6500 www.downtownfortcollins.com

FORT COLLINS SYMPHONY 970-482-4823 www.fcsymphony.org

LINCOLN CENTER 970-221-6735 www.fcgov.com/lctix

OPENSTAGE THEATRE 970-484-5237 www.openstagetheatre.org

THE RANCH 970-619-4058 www.larimer.org/theranch

On any given day, you can enjoy the sounds of live music drifting through the Old Town square.

musicals, professional theatre, independent films, comedy acts, variety shows and children’s productions. The Lincoln Center is also home to many other regional and community groups presenting their own productions, including OpenStage Theatre, Canyon Concert Ballet, Fort Collins Symphony, Opera Fort Collins and Debut Theatre. The Lincoln Center Galleries bring in up to 15 visual arts exhibits each year, featuring hundreds of internationally, nationally and regionally acclaimed and emerging artists. Many of the art pieces are available for sale. The Lincoln Center hosts more than 275,000 patrons annually, including more than 35,000 children. To learn more about Lincoln Center, visit www.lctix.com.

Recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, commendation by the Colorado State Legislature and the City of Fort Collins and the CCTC Distinguished Merit Award, OpenStage Theatre is a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group, the national association of professional notfor-profit theatres. Excellence, discipline and artistic integrity are the principles that continue to guide OpenStage. OpenStage Theatre presents a season of six productions, each performing for five weeks. Productions in 2008 will include Dirty Blonde, The Harvey Project, Nickel and Dimed, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Boy Gets Girl and Man of la Mancha. To learn more about OpenStage Theatre, visit www.openstagetheatre.org.

OPENSTAGE THEATRE

OLD TOWN

Since its inception in 1973, OpenStage has actively produced and promoted live performing arts in Northern Colorado, making it one of the longest-practicing and most renowned theatrical producers in the state. In addition to being the foremost local producer at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center, OpenStage is a major figure in the statewide arts-producing community. Citing productions that consistently garner critical and public acclaim, The Denver Post applauded OpenStage’s work as ranking “among Colorado’s best companies.”

Old Town Fort Collins is a well-preserved district of Downtown Fort Collins. Old Town is made up of 23 historical buildings that are part of both national and local designated historic districts. Included is the Armstrong Hotel, a Fort Collins landmark that was restored in 2004 to its former Art Deco elegance. You’re likely to notice a strong resemblance to Disneyland’s Main Street USA: We’re proud to say that it is modeled after our own downtown Fort Collins.

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Culture and Entertainment Old Town abounds with shops and galleries featuring the work of local artists, craftsmen and photographers. Step into the Center for Fine Art Photography to see new displays throughout the year, or join a First Friday Gallery Walk and have the opportunity to meet local artists and view the city’s finest art pieces. Beet Street, a cultural entertainment organization, also offers a variety of events to expand arts and culture experiences in the community. Downtown Fort Collins is lined with an amazing variety of retailers, including nature, tourist, antique, gift, clothing, coffee, home and garden, jewelry, book, music and candy/ confectionery shops. Dozens of restaurants provide a taste for any craving and charming places to dine outdoors. Ride the only original trolley car west of the Mississippi through a beautiful historic Old Town neighborhood. And on any given day, you can enjoy the sounds of live music drifting through the square. To learn more about Old Town Fort Collins, visit www.downtownfortcollins.com.

and Super Target, as well as other neighborhood shopping centers.

HOME TO LOCAL AND NATIONAL BEERS A thriving beer culture is alive in Fort Collins. From the King of Beers to Fat Tire, Fort Collins is home to five award-winning craft breweries and one of the best-known large breweries in the world: Anheuser Busch. Visit Anheuser Busch to learn how Budweiser is made, see the Clydesdales and dive into the history of one of the longest-running brewing companies in the country.

Three additional microbreweries — New Belgium Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Company and Fort Collins Brewery — make their home in Fort Collins. New Belgium is the largest of the local microbreweries, with regional distribution west of the Mississippi. Colorado produces more beer per capita than any other state, and the Colorado Brewers’ Festival is held each June in Old Town Fort Collins, featuring beers from as many as 45 brewers from across the state. The outdoor event averages around 30,000 attendees.

OTHER RETAIL The city of Fort Collins is also home to a variety of retail and restaurant choices outside of Downtown Fort Collins. The Foothills Mall offers such anchor stores as Macy’s and Sears and many well-known stores including Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor Loft, Finish Line and Gymboree. To learn more about Foothills Mall, visit www.shopfoothills.com. Other retail offerings include the Front Range Village, a shopping center slated to open in fall 2008 that will house stores such as Lowe’s Three microbreweries, including Odell Brewing Company, call Fort Collins home.

Old Town abounds with shops, galleries, retailers and restaurants. www.fortcollinschamber.com

Transportation

The bicycle is a key

TRANSPORTATION

means of transportation

INFORMATION

for thousands of Fort

AIR Fort Collins/Loveland Airport 970-667-2574 • www.fcgov.com/airport/ The Fort Collins/Loveland Airport (FNL) is an FAA-certified general aviation airport. The airport currently has commercial airline service through Allegiant Air and also serves corporate and general aviation needs.

Collins residents.

Denver International Airport 303-342-2000 • www.flydenver.com Denver International Airport, located 70 miles south of Fort Collins, is served by nearly 20 airlines. It can be reached via Interstate 25.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Transfort 970-221-6620 • www.fcgov.com/transfort/ Transfort is the City of Fort Collins’ commitment to public transportation. It’s safe, reliable transportation for seniors, kids, persons with disabilities and the general public. Transfort routes take commuters, students, shoppers and tourists to the mall, work, school, parks and downtown. Dial-A-Ride Reservations and General Information: 970-224-6066 Eligibility Applications: 970-224-6161 http://fcgov.com/transfort/dialaride.php Dial-A-Ride is a door-to-door paratransit service for individuals who, because of a disability, are prevented from using Transfort. SAINT Program 970-223-8645 www.saintvolunteertransportation.org Volunteer rides for seniors. Carpool Information 800-332-0950 City Biking Information 970-416-3443 www.fcgov.com/bicycling/ VanGo VanPool Program 970-416-5259 www.smarttrips.org/vanpool

A Bike-Friendly

Community

icycling is a popular and viable means of transportation in Fort Collins. In 1995, the Fort Collins Bicycle Plan and Program was developed by a group of citizens in conjunction with City staff and outside consultants. The overall goal was to offer recommendations to help build a city where bicycling for transportation is an easy choice. The plan was updated in 2007. The bicycle is a key means of transportation for thousands of Fort Collins residents and a desired means of transportation for many more. The bicycle share of work-related trips in Fort Collins is about 4.4 percent. Many aspects of Fort Collins encourage bicycle use. The current bikeway network consists of approximately 160 miles of bicycle lanes, 65 miles of off-street paths and 25 miles of signed bicycle routes. Transfort, the city bus system, has an entire bus fleet equipped with bicycle racks. Cyclists can park at numerous racks throughout the

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

city. The energy and commitment of many organizations and businesses also improve the bicycling environment. Fort Collins’ Transportation Planning and Park Planning and Development departments continue to develop off-street paths such as the Spring Creek Trail, the Poudre River Trail, the “Power Trail” in east Fort Collins and Mason Trail. More than 10 bicycle shops provide crucial services to Fort Collins’ cyclists, as well as numerous advocacy, education and riding organizations, including the Friends of the Fort Collins Bicycle Plan and Program, North Front Range Bicyclists Coalition, Fort Collins Velodrome Association, the Community Bicycle Co-op, Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike Patrol, the Fort Collins Cycling Club, Cycling Friends of Fort Collins and Bicycle Colorado, to name just a few. Fort Collins Police Services uses bicycles, as do some of the Neighborhood Services inspectors. To learn more about bicycling in Fort Collins, visit www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

Sports

CONTACT INFORMATION

Get Into the

Action

COLORADO EAGLES 970-686-SHOT www.coloradoeagles.com

COLORADO ICE 970-472-0128 www.thecoloradoice.com

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS 970-491-2109 www.csurams.com

THE EDGE SPORTS CENTER 970-472-0048 www.edgesportscenter.com

FORT COLLINS FOXES 970-225-9564 www.fortcollinsfoxes.com

ports fans unite! Whether you enjoy intercollegiate athletics, indoor football, hockey or baseball, Fort Collins has everything you need for old-fashioned spectator fun.

COLORADO ICE The Colorado Ice are an arena football team. The team is a 2007 expansion member of the United Indoor Football League. Home games are played at the Budweiser Events Center. United Indoor Football is an indoor American football league that began in 2005.

COLORADO EAGLES The Colorado Eagles are a professional ice hockey team that’s a member of the Central Hockey League. They play home games at the Budweiser Events Center. The Eagles advanced to the playoffs in their first season and won the CHL championship in 2005. They won the division title in 2006, but lost in the second round of the playoffs. They again won the CHL Championship in 2007, defeating the Laredo Bucks four games to two.

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS Colorado State University Athletics is a Fort Collins tradition. The Ram was named the official mascot of Colorado State University in 1947, and CAM the Ram is a frequent sideline guest. Colorado State’s athletic teams compete in the Mountain West Conference, a NCAA Division I conference. The Rams football teams won or shared the Mountain West title in 1999, 2000 and 2002. Since Sonny Lubick took control of the Rams as head coach in 1992, the Rams have made seven bowl appearances. In 2005, the Rams women’s volleyball team, under coach Tom Hilbert, made it to the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA tournament. In 2006, they won the Mountain West Conference tournament to make the first round of the NCAA tournament, their 16th consecutive appearance. Colorado State is also home to highly competitive sports teams in lacrosse, hockey, polo and archery. The Rams men’s lacrosse team was the USL-MDIA national

champion in 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2006. The Colorado State club baseball team won three consecutive National Club Baseball Association National Championships in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the 2006 National Collegiate archery champion was a Colorado State student. Men’s and women’s basketball, played at Moby Arena, round out the other major sports at Colorado State.

FORT COLLINS FOXES Fort Collins Foxes Baseball Club is a member team of the Mountain Collegiate Baseball League, a wooden bat summer collegiate league. The Foxes feature top collegiate baseball players from around the country, and they provide fun and affordable family entertainment for everyone in Fort Collins and the surrounding areas from June through early August. The Foxes celebrated their first season in 2005 and will enter the next season as defending league champions, having earned two out of three league championships. www.fortcollinschamber.com

Index of Advertisers

INDEX OF

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO HELPED TO MAKE THIS PUBLICATION POSSIBLE. ADVERTISER ................................................................................................................. PAGE NUMBER BREEZE THRU CAR WASH ................................................................................................................ 12 CASTORENA MARBLE & GRANITE ................................................................................................... 16 CENTURY 21 HUMPAL, INC. ............................................................................................................. 10 CLASSIC HEARTH & HOME ............................................................................................................... 10 COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY ........................................................................ INSIDE BACK COVER COLUMBINE HEALTH SYSTEMS ....................................................................................................... 19 COMFORT INN.................................................................................................................................... 23 EYE CENTER OF NORTHERN COLORADO, P.C. ............................................................................... 25 FARMERS BANK................................................................................................................................. 13 FOOTHILLS MALL ................................................................................................................................ 7 FORT COLLINS MARRIOTT HOTELS ................................................................ INSIDE FRONT COVER GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY – FORT COLLINS VILLAGE................................................................. 23 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS..................................................................................................................... 16 HOMEWOOD SUITES – HILTON ............................................................................................................ 5 LINCOLN CENTER ............................................................................................................................... 7 MARIA REED REALTY, LLC................................................................................................................ 16 MR. ELECTRIC ................................................................................................................................... 12 NEW COLONY GARDEN APARTMENTS / SOMERSET APARTMENTS / SAV-MOR SELF STORAGE..... 1 NORLARCO CREDIT UNION ................................................................................................................ 3 OPEN STAGE THEATRE & COMPANY................................................................................................ 21 POUDRE AVIATION ............................................................................................................................ 13 POUDRE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEMS................................................................................................ 29 RE/MAX ACTION BROKERS ............................................................................ OUTSIDE BACK COVER RE/MAX ACTION BROKERS – KATHRYN BONDIOLI / ARCHETYPE DESIGNS .................................... 9 SHAMROCK AIRPORT EXPRESS ....................................................................................................... 21 SPANJER HOMES ............................................................................................................................... 10 STEWART & ASSOCIATES CIVIL ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS .................................................... 12 WATER VALLEY .................................................................................................................................. 32

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Closing RELOCATION

INFORMATION All area codes are 970 unless otherwise noted.

CITY OF FORT COLLINS Human Resources ............................416-2489 Parks and Recreation........................221-6640 Sales Tax Office ................................221-6780

UTILITIES Fort Collins Loveland Water District .................226-3104 Fort Collins Water and Electric ........212-2900 www.fcgov.com/utilities Xcel Energy Company.............. 303-245-2285 www.xcelenergy.com

Fort Collins Is the Place to Be

TELEPHONE/CABLE/INTERNET American Satellite ............................461-4860 Comcast ................................... 888-824-4010 www.comcast.com Front Range Internet Inc. (FRII) ........................212-0700 www.frii.com Indra’s Net Inc.......................... 866-546-9151 www.indra.com Qwest Communications ...................206-1538 www.qwest.com LP Broadband ..................................372-2824 www.lpbroadband.net

WASTE DISPOSAL Gallegos Sanitation Inc.....................498-4086 www.gallegossanitation.com Waste Management ..........................674-2551 www.wm.com

EDUCATION Goddard School for Early Childhood Development ...............482-1003 Heritage Christian School ................482-0868 Learning House Foundation for Early Childhood Development.......266-0844 Liberty Common School ..................482-9800 Poudre School District .....................490-3601 Sylvan Learning Center ....................226-2669

CONTINUING EDUCATION Aims Community College ................667-4611 Colorado Christian University .........669-8700 Colorado State University ................491-1101 Front Range Community College/ Larimer Campus ............................226-2500 Institute of Business & Medical Careers .............................223-2669 Regis University College for Professional Studies ..................472-2202

ort Collins offers the convenience of a large city with the charm of a small town. A community in the truest sense of the word, local residents can live, work and play in Fort Collins. Historic Old Town offers unique boutiques and familyowned restaurants, while the city’s large retail offerings allow residents to stay in their community for all of their shopping needs. Less than an hour’s drive will get residents to the capital city of Denver, to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park or to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and nearby surrounding communities offer much to the region. In addition, Fort Collins is an adventurer’s paradise, as rafting, kayaking, hiking, camping and boating are all located right outside the city. “Fort Collins is a place where we’re constantly striving to enhance our position as a world-class community,” said City Manager Darin Atteberry. “People here are engaged and passionate about their city. We value the

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

environment and business; young families, college students and seniors; the arts and the outdoors.” Top-notch medical facilities, schools and job opportunities are all part of Fort Collins. Community leadership is ready and waiting to help businesses expand or relocate here, and industry leaders know the local workforce is unmatched for training and commitment. The Fort Collins region is a surprise to many people, according to David May, president and CEO of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. “We tend to be understated,” May said. “When people take a close look at us they realize that Fort Collins is one of the most livable places in the country.” Visitors are always welcome in our community, but so too are new neighbors. If you’re thinking of retiring, reinventing yourself or looking to enhance your family’s quality of life, we invite you to take a serious look at Fort Collins and Northern Colorado.

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Chapter

CommunityLink.com

1 800-455-5600

production production manager director of media & content copywriting copy editor director of photography photography

creative director lead design web site creation & support

At a

Glance

GEORGE PRUDHOMME STEVE GRAFF NANCY ODOM DEBBIE MOSS SHARRY HENK BONNIE EBERS JIM BARROWS KATHY RISLEY JULIA JOHNSON MELINDA BOWLIN

advertising ad research

ad traffic director of advertising ad design

MARY KOPSHEVER MILLY MASON AMY SCHWARTZKOPF KATHY SCOTT CAROL SMITH KACEY WOLTERS MARK EDMONDSON JOSEPH GOETTING JOSH MUELLER

administrative support administrative support account support human resources assistant customer service advocate

KATHY HAGENE CAROL SMITH TERRI AHNER TRICIA CANNEDY TERESA CRAIG JULIE VORDTRIEDE

information technology publishing systems specialist

CHRISTOPHER MILLER

executive leadership chairman and founder chief financial officer

Come home to Fort Collins! It is simply a wonderful place to live, raise a family or retire.

CRAIG WILLIAMS RHONDA HARSY

ABOUT

FOR INFORMATION Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, 225 South Meldrum Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521, 970-482-3746, Fax 970-482-3774, www.fortcollinschamber.com

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

In 2006, Money Magazine named Fort Collins the “No. 1 Place to Live in America.”

Table of Contents

What’s

Inside! Welcome to Fort Collins!

The No. 1 Place to Live in America ......................................6

Location

In the Center of it All .........................................................8

Homes

Dynamic Neighborhoods ......................................................9

Commerce

Strength in Innovation ......................................................11

Education

“Educate ... Every Child, Every Day” ................................14

Government

Here to Serve .....................................................................17

Health Care

Poudre Valley Health System: Exceeding Expectations .....................................................18

Recreation

Adventures in the Great Outdoors ...................................20

Culture and Entertainment

Dinner and a Show .............................................................22

Transportation

A Bike-Friendly Community ................................................26

Sports

Get Into the Action ............................................................27

Index of Advertisers

Please support the advertisers who helped to make this publication possible .....................................28

Closing

Fort Collins Is the Place to Be .........................................30 Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce 225 S. Meldrum St. Fort Collins, CO 80521 970-482-3746

www.fortcollinschamber.com 4

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to Fort Collins!

The No. 1 place to Live in

America

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to Fort Collins! DEMOGRAPHICS POPULATION

SALES AND USE TAXES, FORT COLLINS

EDUCATION Poudre R-1 School District enrollment ...24,000 Colorado State University enrollment .....24,670 *Source: City of Fort Collins

MARKET PROFILE

www.fortcollinschamber.com

Location

IN THE

CENTER OF IT ALL

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

DISTANCE TO OTHER CITIES DESTINATIONS (MILES)

MONTH AVERAGE SNOWFALL AVERAGE

TEMPERATURES

Homes

DYNAMIC NEIGHBORHOODS

“No. 1 Place to Live in America” “There is something for everyone,” said Mike Hazlett, associate broker with RE/MAX Action Brokers. “Exciting areas are dotted all

Homes

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Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Commerce

Strength in

INNOVATION W

TAX STRUCTURE

POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Fort Collins was among the first cities in the United States to require that all new and major city governmental buildings be constructed as “green buildings.”

estate. Industrial property is assessed for tax purposes at 29 percent of actual value. To learn more about property taxes, visit www.larimer.org/assessor.

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Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

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Commerce and employing solid waste and recycling efforts. To learn more about the Poudre School District, visit www.psdschools.org.

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Fort Collins is home to Odell Brewing Company, along with two other microbreweries, five award-winning craft breweries and one the best-known large breweries in the world, Anheuser Busch.

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Back Row: Richard Sledge, Jim Miller, Dan Byers, Megan Malleck, Gary Butler, Steve Young Front Row: Adrienne Butler, Jessica Thompson, Bev Ziemer, Pat Gallegos, Elaine Birt

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www.fortcollinschamber.com

Education

“Educate… Every Child, Every Day”

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Students receive a top-notch education through Poudre School District, which has received both statewide and national acclaim.

www.fortcollinschamber.com

Education

The beautiful and historic Colorado State University campus dates back to 1870.

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Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Government

CONTACT INFORMATION All area codes are 970.

Police, Fire or Medical Emergencies ................ 911

Here to Serve

www.fortcollinschamber.com

Health Care

Poudre Valley

Health System: Exceeding Expectations

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Health Care

Quality care is close to home in Fort Collins.

www.fortcollinschamber.com

Recreation

ADVENTURES IN THE

GREAT OUTDOORS

CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER

HORSETOOTH MOUNTAIN PARK

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Recreation

The most exciting experiences can be found in the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful outdoors.

To learn more about Lory State Park, visit http://parks.state.co.us.Parks/lory.

Culture and Entertainment All the world’s a stage in Fort Collins, as arts and theatre opportunities abound.

Dinner and a Show

ARTS ALIVE

BAS BLEU THEATRE

THEATRE AND THE ARTS

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

designers and technicians. To learn more, visit www.basbleu.org.

Culture and Entertainment Technicolor Dreamcoat, Carousel and Cats. To learn more about Carousel Dinner Theatre, visit www.adinnertheatre.com.

Easy access to I-25 exit 269B 601 SW Frontage Road Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 407-0100 phone (970) 407-0101 fax

Canyon Concert Ballet offers both classes and performance opportunities. www.fortcollinschamber.com

Culture and Entertainment

CONTACT INFORMATION ARTIST’S ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN COLORADO 970-223-8297 www.artistsassoc.org

ARTS ALIVE 970-482-2232 www.artsalivefc.org

BAS BLEU THEATRE 970-498-8949 www.basbleu.org

BEET STREET 970)-419-8240 www.beetstreet.org

CANYON CONCERT BALLET 970-472-4156 www.ccballet.org

CAROUSEL DINNER THEATRE 970-225-2555 www.adinnertheatre.com

CENTER FOR FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY 970-224-1010 www.c4fap.org

DOWNTOWN FORT COLLINS (Information on Old Town, breweries and festivals) 970-484-6500 www.downtownfortcollins.com

FORT COLLINS SYMPHONY 970-482-4823 www.fcsymphony.org

LINCOLN CENTER 970-221-6735 www.fcgov.com/lctix

OPENSTAGE THEATRE 970-484-5237 www.openstagetheatre.org

THE RANCH 970-619-4058 www.larimer.org/theranch

On any given day, you can enjoy the sounds of live music drifting through the Old Town square.

OPENSTAGE THEATRE

OLD TOWN

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

and Super Target, as well as other neighborhood shopping centers.

Old Town abounds with shops, galleries, retailers and restaurants. www.fortcollinschamber.com

Transportation

The bicycle is a key

TRANSPORTATION

means of transportation

INFORMATION

for thousands of Fort

Collins residents.

A Bike-Friendly

Community

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Sports

CONTACT INFORMATION

Get Into the

Action

COLORADO EAGLES 970-686-SHOT www.coloradoeagles.com

COLORADO ICE 970-472-0128 www.thecoloradoice.com

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS 970-491-2109 www.csurams.com

THE EDGE SPORTS CENTER 970-472-0048 www.edgesportscenter.com

FORT COLLINS FOXES 970-225-9564 www.fortcollinsfoxes.com

ports fans unite! Whether you enjoy intercollegiate athletics, indoor football, hockey or baseball, Fort Collins has everything you need for old-fashioned spectator fun.

Index of Advertisers

INDEX OF

ADVERTISERS

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Closing RELOCATION

INFORMATION All area codes are 970 unless otherwise noted.

CITY OF FORT COLLINS Human Resources ............................416-2489 Parks and Recreation........................221-6640 Sales Tax Office ................................221-6780

Fort Collins Is the Place to Be

WASTE DISPOSAL Gallegos Sanitation Inc.....................498-4086 www.gallegossanitation.com Waste Management ..........................674-2551 www.wm.com

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

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