Business connect Q3 2016 by The Greeley Publishing Company

2016 q3

CONNECTING POINT

All in the family PG15 Best Administrative Assistant P10

Best Community Volunteer P8

Best Place to Work P12

Business Connect I 1

WE ARE DEDICATED

to supporting and educating every company that does business in Greeley

What is Sales and Use Tax?

What is the City of Greeley’s Sales and Use Tax Rate?

When I buy something in Greeley I pay more than 4.11%, what other sales tax am I paying?

Answer: Sales tax is a tax on the sale of tangible personal property and specific taxable services as defined in the City of Greeley Municipal Code. Use tax is complementary to sales tax and is only due if a purchaser did not pay Greeley sales tax or a legally imposed sales tax as high or higher than the sales tax they would have paid had they purchased the item or service in Greeley.

Answer: The City of Greeley Sales and Use Tax rate is 4.11%. (3.46% prior to January 1, 2016). However, the City of Greeley Sales and Use Tax for Food for Home Consumption is 3.46%. The Food Tax primarily applies to grocery stores and does not include prepared foods or items that are for immediate consumption. Answer: In addition to the City of Greeley Sales and Use Tax, the State of Colorado also has a 2.9% Sales and Use Tax. The City of Greeley only administers the Greeley Sales and Use Tax. The State of Colorado Sales and Use Tax is administered by the State of Colorado Department of Revenue. The total Sales and Use tax rates in Greeley as of January 1, 2016 are as follows: Taxable Items/Service Excluding Food for Home Consumption City of Greeley 4.11% State of Colorado 2.90% Total 7.01%

What forms do I have to file?

Who has to pay Use Tax?

Food for Home Consumption City of Greeley 3.46% State of Colorado Total

0.00% 3.46%

Answer: All companies engaged in business in Greeley must file sales and use tax returns. These returns may be monthly, quarterly or annual based upon guidelines as set by the City of Greeley. These returns are used to report the sales tax you have collected as well as purchases you have made subject to use tax. Answer: Any taxpayer that makes a purchase of a taxable item or service that they are the consumer of (they are not reselling) owes Greeley Use Tax providing the following apply: -The taxpayer is not an exempt organization -The taxable item or service was used, stored or consumed in Greeley - Did not pay to the vendor they purchased the item or service from either the Greeley sales tax rate or a legally imposed sales tax as high or higher than the sales tax they would have paid had they purchased the item or service in Greeley on all taxable amounts of the purchase.

What types of items or services are subject to Sales and Use Tax?

Answer: The City of Greeley Municipal Code imposes Sales and Use Tax on the sale at retail or in the case of Use Tax the storage, use or consumption of Tangible Personal Property and Taxable Services as stated in the Municipal Code. Examples of Tangible Personal Property would be Furniture, Electronics, Cars and Clothing. If the property/item is not permanently attached to real estate then it would generally be considered Tangible Personal Property.

Visit www.Greeleygov.com/salestax for answers to all common tax questions.

UPCOMING SALES TAX SEMINARS:

August 17 Butters 2170 35th Ave. 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

September 21 City Hall 1000 10th St. 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM

October 19 Chamber of Commerce 902 7th Ave. 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

November 16 Greeley Fire Dept. (Station 7) 6623 10th St. 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

City of Greeley

970-350-9733 • Email: greeleysalestax@greeleygov.com • www.greeleygov.com/salestax State of Colorado

303-238-SERV (7378) • www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax Tax Rates of other Cities, Counties and Districts and Home Rule City Contact Info 2 I Business Connect

www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/DR1002.pdf

Features

PG 15 Greeley’s Connecting Point has spanned the decades helping businesses with their technology needs.

PG 22

See who’s making waves in the local professional scene.

PG 5

PG 10

Interruptions happen, so bring your A game to handle them well.

Celebrating generational customers over 100 years in business.

Handling interruptions at work

PG 7

Best Community Volunteer

For 10 years, Paulette Weaver has become a fixture at the Poudre Learning Center.

PUBLISHER Bryce Jacobson EDITOR Randy Bangert CREATIVE MANAGER Kyle Knoop BUSINESS MANAGER Doug Binder MANAGING EDITOR Sharon Dunn

Best Administrative Assistant

PG 28

Business Briefs

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kyra Kudick Luanne Kadlub Trevor Reid Linda Kane

BUSINESS CONNECT 501 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 P.O. Box 1690 For all editorial, advertising, subscription and circulation inquiries, call (970) 352-0211.

Sales MANAGERs Stephanie Mighell Bruce Dennis

Send editorial-related comments and story ideas to: rbangert@greeleytribune.com

Creative supervisor Amy Mayer

For display advertising inquiries, contact: bdennis@greeleytribune.com

Lead Designer Josh Aho

2016 Q3, Volume 1, Issue 1. Published by: Greeley Publishing Co., publisher of The Greeley Tribune, Windsor Now, the Fence Post, Tri-State Livestock News, and Energy Pipeline

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How to effectively handle interruptions at work By Kyra Kudick JJ Keller & Assoc

he majority of people experience some level of annoyance when a productive moment is interrupted. This natural annoyance can, at times, grow into resentment toward the people causing the interruption, especially in deadline-driven work environments. While resentment among colleagues is less than ideal for a good working relationship, it can be even more dangerous for managers who are trying to juggle leadership duties with additional projects. Employees who sense that a manager doesn’t want to be “bothered” are unlikely to interrupt him or her, even when a situation is urgent and should be addressed by management. To create an atmosphere where interruptions are welcomed but distractions are managed, business leaders should try the following tips: Accept it. Interruptions happen, and they very often cause delays. If you mentally prepare to be interrupted in the middle of a project, you are less likely to be frustrated by the interruption, and are more likely to calmly deal with it when it happens. Plan for it. This may sound counterintuitive, as interruptions are by their very nature unplanned events, but it helps to build interruptions (and the delays they cause) into the timeline of any project. For example, you know that it will take you three hours to complete a report that is due

by noon on Tuesday. You also accept that interruptions happen, so you plan to start the report on Friday, rather than waiting until Tuesday morning when you may be interrupted by other events. Communicate. The single best way to manage people-based distractions is to communicate your schedule to the work group. Need to finish a project? Let the people on your team know that you will be off-limits until a certain time. Be judicious with the use of these interruption-free blocks of time, however, so you don’t create the impression that all your time is regularly off-limits. Delegate or postpone. When you are interrupted, take a moment to understand what the interruption involves. Is it urgent? Is there someone who can address the issue faster or better than you can? Could someone else get the ball rolling? If you’re not facing an emergency, try to postpone your involvement or delegate the issue to a more appropriate resource. It is also perfectly acceptable to say, “I am sorry. I am just in the middle of something, and I want to be able to give you my full attention. Can I find you in 10 minutes when I have finished this report?” Kyra Kudick is an associate editor at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., a nationally recognized compliance resource company. Kudick specializes in employment law/HR issues such as employee relations, hiring and recruiting, and training and development. She is the author of J. J. Keller’s Employee Relations Essentials manual and SUPER adVISOR newsletter. For more information, visit www.jjkeller.com/hr. Business Connect I 5

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Best Community Volunteer Paulette Weaver, Curriculum Coordinator at the Poudre Learning Center

By Trevor Reid For Business Connect

ith 10 years of dedicated work at the Poudre Learning Center, Paulette Weaver has become a fixture in the education of countless Weld students. Volunteering four to five days a week, Weaver didn’t waltz her way to the title of Best Community Volunteer.

Executive director Ray Tschillard described her as the Learning Center’s “true compass.” “She helps us keep on our mission by reminding us of the simple things that we can do to help get kids introduced to the outdoors and experience a greater understanding of the place that they live in,” he said. The curriculum coordinator of the Learning Center, Weaver helps teachers bring science to life for their students by

Business Connect I 7

giving the students field experience at the Learning Center. Despite her official title, Weaver can often be seen doing a little bit of everything, said volunteer Cindy Keesis. “She helps with landscaping, she helps with maintenance, she teaches classes. She’s out there almost every day,” Keesis said. Though Weaver puts her time into general upkeep of the Learning Center, she didn’t hesitate to say the best part is working with the kids. Last spring, while teaching high school students how to observe water quality, one student encapsulated Weaver’s passion for volunteering. “She was fascinated by what they were doing, and then she says, ‘You mean people can get paid for jobs like this?’ You don’t know where that will go, but you can hope that it opens a kid’s eyes and says, ‘There’s a lot of possibilities in my future that I never thought about,’” Weaver explained. Weaver’s passion began after college, when she joined the Peace Corps. Working on rural community development in Colombia, Weaver learned volunteering has a two-way

value. “That was a big start to being aware of the value of volunteering for the value of the volunteer, and also the value for other people in what volunteers are able to do,” she said. Weaver continues to volunteer not only at home with the Learning Center, but across the world with Habitat for Humanity. Keesis said Weaver is always thinking of others. “She just gives to people. She’s always working to help people, and that’s just what she does,” Keesis said. With all her experience at the Learning Center, Weaver said it’s not her, but the students and families that make the Learning Center what it is. “All of those people, plus people who come by on the Poudre River trail and stop in, they all add to the sense of what the Poudre Learning Center is for.” See page 20 for the Rest of the Best! ®

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Best Administrative Assistant Ann Stewart, Transaction Coordinator at Sears Real Estate

By Trevor Reid For Business Connect

eal estate can be a daunting industry, even for experienced agents. To keep things running

10 I Business Connect

smooth, Ann Stewart helps Greeleybased Sears Real Estate agents keep track of their paperwork, marketing and customer service. Her hard work and enthusiasm secured her place as the Best Administrative Assistant in Weld County.

A transaction coordinator for Sears, Stewart works for 18 agents. One of those agents, Brad Inhulsen, said he couldn’t think of a better person to nominate. “She’s always gone above and beyond every time I’ve asked her to help with projects or needed help with my day-to-day business,” Inhulsen said. “She’s been more than happy to help and does it with a smile.” Stewart began working in real estate about 17 years ago when a friend and agent at Sears asked her to start working as an assistant for him. After a couple years, she was excited to join the staff. “Every day is different. We have a lot of people to take care of with a lot of different personalities,” Stewart said. “It’s hectic and fun and exciting. It’s an awesome job.” One of the biggest challenges of working with so many agents is making each one feel like a priority every day, Stewart said. Inhulsen didn’t know Stewart when they first started working together, but after a year or two working with her, Inhulsen said he couldn’t imagine working with anyone else.

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“Some of the pods got shuffled around a little bit and one of the things I made sure I did was talk to my managing broker and say, ‘I don’t really care what you do with the pods, but I want to stay in Ann’s pod,’” he said. When Stewart found out she was even nominated, she said she was completely surprised. “I don’t feel like I personally do anything that makes my workplace special. The thing that makes Sears such a great place to work is the other people who work here. We’re just a lot like a great big family, and I believe that we all really care about each other,” she said. With that sense of family, Stewart said her favorite time working at Sears is at the end of each year. “We can look back and see how well our real estate agents are doing, that they have a lot of business and they’re able to support their families. I think that’s the most fulfilling thing.” See page 20 for the Rest of the Best!

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Best Place to Work Otis, Bedingfield & Peters LLC

By Linda Kane For Business Connect

hey’re used to winning cases, but when the law firm of Otis, Bedingfield & Peters was awarded “The Best Place to Work in Weld County,” it was a shock. “Quite frankly we were very shocked, but pleased,” said one of the managing partners, Jennifer Peters. “I strive very hard to make sure this firm is a fun place to work, so I’m pretty proud that we’re being recognized as a great place to work.” The firm practices real estate, estate planning and environmental issues and has a staff of around 30. “I think for the most part we strive very hard to make sure we are doing the finest legal services throughout Colorado. We try to treat all our team members as partners,” Peters said. “We try to give them the best resources so they can succeed at their jobs. And we’re highly committed about the law. Teamwork is a very big thing for us.”

12 I Business Connect

And that’s exactly what it says in the firm’s mission statement: We strive to provide the finest legal services through our commitment to integrity, excellence, and building lasting relationships. Nominated by Jennifer Vannoy, a firm administrator, she said the law firm has created a joyful work environment despite the high-stress of its business. “These are the finest professionals I’ve ever worked for,” she said. “I nominated them because I truly feel like Otis, Bedingfield & Peters is the best place to work. The five partners have created a culture within the law firm that for me, makes it a joy to come into work.” She said the firm’s partners strive for high integrity and they genuinely care about their clients and their employees and the support team they’ve built throughout the firm. “It’s not every day where you can work at a place where they actually communicate to you what you’re doing and your value to the business as a whole. I think that speaks volumes to the people they are because they

think beyond themselves,” Vannoy said. “And they’re not just in this for their own personal advancement. They care about the people that are working for them.” The firm’s philosophy states: At Otis, Bedingfield & Peters, LLC, we believe every client deserves the highest quality legal services from a law firm that is part of their community. We know we can’t be everything to everyone everywhere. That’s why we focus on providing only real estate law and business law services in the northern Colorado region. Our commitment to real estate law and business law and our Northern Colorado community permeates everything we do. We value personal relationships, knowledge, integrity, trust and loyalty. Our clients know without a doubt that we will be there with them whenever they need us, be it in the boardroom, at the closing table, or in the courtroom. Our relentless commitment to quality and reputation for excellence insures that our clients receive the highest quality legal services from lawyers they know; lawyers that are prepared, persistent,

and persuasive. The firm has offices in Greeley and Loveland. Several of the partners have worked together for several years and they’ve each practiced law for at least a decade. Peters said they’ve strived to find talent particularly young talent. “We’ve found some really good, talented lawyers who have practiced one to 5 to 7 years who’ve brought great energy to our firm,” Peters said. “They’re keeping us up to date on technology. They’re very social and they’re keeping the firm up to date and fresh.” The firm sees very low turnover and that’s because of the sincere relationship among its employees, Peters and Vannoy said. “Everybody really gets along,” Peters said. “We’re a law office so we’re very stressful, but there’s no yelling in the hallways. “I think we have the best professional group of legal practitioners anywhere,” Peters said. “There’s no limit to what this group can do.” See page 20 for the Rest of the Best!

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14 I Business Connect

By Luanne Kadlub For Business Connect

When Scott Warner went to school at Purdue University on a tennis scholarship, the idea of returning to Greeley and working in the family business never crossed his mind. Denver? Yes. Greeley? No. “I never put myself at Connecting Point throughout my upbringing,” he said. When Scott was interviewing for jobs in Denver, Ted Warner sat his son down for a little chat. “It was the first time he and I had an

in-depth conversation about Connecting Point and what it did, the ins and outs, and I thought it sounded pretty cool.” Rather than being handed a job, Warner went through a rigorous interview process with the then vice president of sales and with the technical leads of the organization. “It was a great experience to go through. I never wanted a handout.” But he did get the job – an entry-level position, however. “I played so much tennis as a kid that that was my job. Working at Connecting Point was really my first full-time gig.” Business Connect I 15

He had a lot to learn – “I didn’t major in tech or engineering, I had to learn the business from the ground up” – and along the way he discovered it was actually a good fit. “This is something I didn’t ever think I would be doing. I thought I’d be teaching tennis somewhere.” Now that he’s been with Connecting Point for almost nine years, Scott says he sees parallels between playing tennis collegiately and helping to run a business. “I enjoy the coaching experience, the team-building environment. I’m passionate about setting goals and performing. Over time I’ve seen how those characteristics can be applied to running an organization. It’s working with a team, mentoring your peers and letting them teach you.”

He’s learning from one of the best. “Ted is extremely driven and passionate. He’s a creative entrepreneur and he’s always finding ways to innovate. He’s not afraid of taking risks, but he understands how to calculate risk. One of the things I learned from Ted is how to make decisions. When it’s your choice and it impacts you is one thing; but when you make a decision that impacts 20 to 30 people, it’s a very different burden to carry.” Ted, president of the company he founded, has made his share of difficult decisions while growing his tech-oriented company. In 1982, he founded Computers West in Sterling and added six additional locations, including Greeley. When the business model changed from retail focus to network integration, the business name became Connecting Point and

Scott Warner, vice president of sales, has been with Connecting Point for nine years. He thought he’d get out of college as a 16 I Business Connect tennis pro, but he learned his niche was in the family business.

along the way, Greeley became headquarters. contacts her if they see potential problems In 2003, the business model was changed or red flags. “They have monitors on my again to become a managed service provider. servers, so even on weekends if things go Ted describes it as a “fixed-fee-all-you-can- haywire, I get contacted. We don’t have too eat provider where you utilize a whole set many issues out here, but when do they can of tools and processes to deliver proactive be substantial.” According to Ted, the company’s “secret instead of reactive services to small to sauce is that we align medium business of our client networks 100 users or less.” with best practices While the and we’re proactive decision to change in doing that focus made business regularly. We also sense, it wasn’t an provide business easy one. “The consulting to help challenge has been align technology when you make a with their business business change, a initiatives. lot of times the team “We sit down you have in place on a regular basis may not have the with the business right skillsets. You owner, and we have need the right type a three-year written of people to make business plan for the shift.” The Ross Jordan, chief technology officer for Connecting Point, every one of our change to managed gets a high five during a recent management meeting. clients,” Ted said. service required almost a complete turnover of employees. “It “It’s a living, breathing document to help plan and move technology forward. This is was hard,” Ted said. Today, Connecting Point has 20 employees a fast-moving industry. What was the truth working with 100 managed clients. “We make six months ago isn’t today. Requirements and sure their computer networks are secure, that needs change very quickly.” Finding – and keeping – elite technical the networks are operating and that they are backed up. Their users can call our help desk employees has been key to Connecting Point’s success. “Our clients, because they pay a anytime there’s a problem.” The perfect client, Ted said, has between fixed-fee, expect high-quality folks when we 15 to 75 users and puts a high value on send somebody out or when they call the help technology. “Out of every 10 business we desk,” Ted said. It’s also important simply because of the nature of the business. “It’s not talk to, two to three meet that criteria.” Front Range Energy, the Windsor-based an inexpensive proposition to be a managed ethanol plant, is one of Connecting Point’s service provider. We have a lot of horsepower newer clients. For Kathy Dinkel, financial and redundancy and security because we manager, it has been a relief to have someone can’t go down (off the Internet).” Technology, he adds, has become “more else stay on top of the plant’s technology needs. “The engineer knows everything there important” for businesses. “The vendors is to know (about Front Range Energy) and if and manufacturers would like you to believe and when the engineer changes, they come technology is easier and easier, but it’s out so they know exactly what components actually more and more complex because we’re talking about, and they have diagrams of the security risks. Five or seven years ago, (at the office) so if something goes down, they it wasn’t that important. Now it’s critical to what they do. It’s how they get their business, know what to do.”’ Dinkel also said the company regularly bill their clients, figure out what to do for their Business Connect I 17

The Connecting Point team, from left: Jesse Rosales, director of managed services; Scott Warner, vice president of sales; Ted Warner, president; and Ross Jordan, chief technology officer.

jobs. Before, everything was by the seat of their pants; now it’s much more technologydriven.” In fact, technology – love it or hate it – is now a part of everything. “The next wave is the Internet of things, where we’re integrating technology into everything. Everything you touch will have processors in it.” Now in his 60s, Ted says full retirement is probably not in the cards for him. “I wouldn’t mind slowing down in a couple years. Technology truly is a young person’s game.” For him, “slowing down” means working behind the scenes of Connecting Point and its sister company, Point Capital Leasing Company, which provides lease financing and hardware to technology clients and other managed service providers. Connecting Point is a family business – in addition to son Scott, his wife, Sue, is director of fun – and he expects it to remain in the family. “My dream out of college was to be a professional golfer, but I was never quite good enough,” Ted says. And though the technology business is one where people only call when there’s a problem – “people don’t call you to say ‘my technology is working great’” – Ted says he’s enjoyed the business 18 I Business Connect

nonetheless. “What I like best is working with people and it’s great to talk with other businesses.” Part of being a successful business leader is serving on community and industry boards, and this was definitely the case for Ted. “In the early days, if somebody asked, I just did it. As time goes on, it became whatever I was interested or passionate about. United Way for instance. It’s an incredible organization.” Although Sue has encouraged him to start saying “no” to each and every request, Ted is not ready to give up all community involvement. In addition to Weld County United Way Board of Directors, he sits on the eFolder National Advisory Council, HewlettPackard National SMB Advisory Council, Northern Colorado Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board and the State of Colorado Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board of Directors. And the calls to serve that used to go to Ted are now going to Scott. “It’s exciting to me to see Scott on the Chamber Board and Northern Colorado United for Youth. Now they’re calling him up because he’s the new young blood.”

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Best Community Volunteer #2 Terri Keeney, The Resource Center Terri has been a volunteer for nine years and has NEVER ONCE called in sick and has only taken a handful of vacation days. She has a “can-do” attitude on everything. She is also a volunteer for RISE, Garden Square, and Northern Colorado Medical Center. She also started her own nonprofit called Helping Heroes Fly, which provides airfare to active duty military personal who otherwise couldn’t afford to fly home.

Best Administrative Assistant #2 Marta Wilkinson, West Ridge Animal Hospital Marta has been the Hospital Director for West Ridge Animal Hospital for 15 years. She has been loyal and dedicated to providing the team with what is needed to take care of the community’s pets and wildlife. She believes that WRAH is one big team and not a bunch of smaller teams. We work together as one, we are all here for the same purpose to provide the best, most compassionate care for all pets. Marta as well as the owners are open to all ideas from the team and make changes when changes need to be made. She is truly a leader. #3 Marilyn Brooks, Keeney Chiropractic Marilyn keeps our office running smoothly. She looks for ways to make things work better. She puts steps into place that make it so things don’t slip through the cracks. She works well with others to make sure everything is covered. She goes the extra mile and does it simply because it’s her job. We love her and couldn’t function without her!!

#4 Tarena Engel, North Colorado Medical Center Tarena is the administrative assistant for four busy C Suite members in the NCMC Administration office. She handles the busy schedules, oversees complicated contract submissions for NCMC, and handles myriad phone calls. She is always positive and has a “can-do” attitude. Tarena recently lost her father and while she was visiting him prior to his death she always checked in to see if we needed anything. She is selfless and always thinking of how she can help others. NCMC is a better place because of Tarena! #5 Laura, Dr Brad Edgren No one is more friendly than Laura. She always welcomes you with a big smile and knows everything about your chart before even pulling out your information.

Best Place to Work #2 Cranford Cove Tea Tavern Leaving corporate America, I was terrified that I would not be able to afford to support my family, my hobbies, or my sanity. Aaron has made this all possible. He has created a stress free, inviting atmosphere that inspires creativity and a family bond. From day one, I was family. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful family and close community. #3 West Ridge Animal Hospital West Ridge Animal Hospital has been serving the community for over 45 years. The team at West Ridge is caring, compassionate and dedicated to every animal that comes through the doors. West Ridge Animal Hospital is proud to be a part of the community and is committed to the health and happiness of its pets.

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N AT I V E

At Pioneer Press of Greeley, we are proud to be Colorado Strong. N

Pioneer Press of Greeley has been a proud Colorado company since we opened our doors in 1976. For 40 years, we have watched the landscape change as towns have evolved into cities. We have cried with you through every tragedy, flood and fire. We’ve celebrated every championship and gold medal with

you and have cheered for our college teams. We know E W it means to appreciate what a “Bronco Sunset.” We’ve grown through it all with you over the years and agree thatSthere is no place like home.

105 7 Street th

970.330.4800 · PioneerPressColorado.com Business Connect I 21

The Professional Movers and Shakers

22 I Business Connect

Mikaela Sandridge Mikaela Sandridge has been named Weld Food Bank’s 2016 Employee of the Year is. She was selected by her peers for always going above and beyond to serve the mission of the food bank, according to a news release. Her achievements include spearheading the Stone Soup committee, which brought in more community supporters than ever before, and organizing the most successful Corporate Food Challenge to date, the release stated. “I am very pleased with this decision,” executive director Bob O’Connor said in the release. “She has been incredibly professional and productive in her time here. Her insights from past nonprofit experience, and her overall professionalism can be seen in everything she does. I couldn’t think of a better person to represent Weld Food Bank to the community.”

Christina Wilkening Christina Wilkening has joined Pathways as the new provider relations sales representative for western Weld County. Pathways is a local nonprofit that provides medical and comfort care for individuals with an advanced medical condition. A University of Northern Colorado alumna, Wilkening has previously worked in hospitality and sales at Candlewood Suites in Loveland and Fairfield Inn & Suites in Greeley. She has been involved with chambers of commerce across northern Colorado and is also a longtime volunteer for the Greeley Stampede. Wilkening will work to strengthen Pathways’ current partner relationships and identify new opportunities to serve patients in Weld County. The addition of Wilkening aligns with Pathways’ expansion in the Greeley area. Business Connect I 23

Annie Robertson Annie Robertson will join Anderson & Whitney, P.C. full time in December, at which time she will obtain her Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in accounting. Robertson interned at Anderson & Whitney during the 2016 tax season and will continue at the firm on a part-time basis until her graduation. She will work on a variety of financial reporting and tax engagements for the firm, as well as focusing on passing the CPA exam. She is originally from Littleton and has been active in Beta Alpha Psi while at UNC.

Beth Sereff Beth Sereff has joined her parents, Jim and Suzanne Sereff, at Warm Hugs Mixes and Gifts as a manager. A recent graduate of the University of Wyoming with a degree in textiles and fashion merchandising and a minor in marketing, Beth is happy to return to Greeley to implement her skills. Having been part of the family business since a young age, she is excited to bring new ideas to Warm Hugs and to the ever-growing downtown! Say hello to Beth at the new Warm Hugs location, 809 10th Street, and find the perfect gift for someoneâ&#x20AC;Śor yourself!

24 I Business Connect

North American Title Company in Greeley announces two new members and two promotions:

Mayra Villegas Mayra Villegas has joined the North American Title Company team in Greeley. She is a lifelong resident of northern Colorado, born and raised in Greeley. She attended Greeley Central High school and is attending Aims Community College. She is fluent in Spanish.

Kristin Morrow Kristin Morrow is a life-long northern Colorado resident, born and raised in Eaton. She attended the Monfort School of Business at the University of Northern Colorado, earning her bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree and now lives in Greeley.

Morgan Caron Morgan Caron has been promoted to an escrow officer. She has been with the Greeley branch since 2013. She is a 2013 graduate of Colorado State University.

Tiffany Brazelton Tiffany Brazelton has been promoted as the vice president/ northern Colorado escrow manager. Having served in the title industry since 1993, Brazelton joined North American Title as an escrow officer in 2005. Prior to becoming vice president/northern Colorado escrow manager, she worked as the escrow manager and Weld County escrow manager at North American Title. She has lived in Greeley for 20 years, serves as Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry Leader at her church and is married and has two daughters. Business Connect I 25

Chad Kuskie Chad Kuskie has joined The Greeley Tribune as circulation manager. Kuskie, 36, previously worked at Agfinity as a petroleum accounting manager. He is a Colorado native and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in finance. At The Tribune, he is in charge of distribution of the newspaper and subscriptions. He lives in Greeley with his fiancĂŠe and three daughters.

Melissa Bigler Melissa Bigler, CPA, CFE, has been promoted to shareholder at Anderson & Whitney, P.C. A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, Melissa has provided financial and compliance audit services for a variety of clients for over thirteen years. In addition to being a CPA, Melissa is a Certified Fraud Examiner, which is specialization for performing forensic accounting. Melissa enjoys quality time with family and friends, paper crafting and taking lots of pictures.

26 I Business Connect

Sandra Owens Sandra Owens has joined Houtchens, Greenfield & Sedlak LLC, a Greeley law firm founded in 1911. Owens served as chief legal officer at Aims Community College for nearly 10 years. Her practice will include corporate, intellectual property, education, disability, employment and appellate law.

N AT I V E At Pioneer Press of Greeley, we are proud to be Colorado Strong. Pioneer Press of Greeley has been a proud Colorado company since we opened our doors in 1976. For 40 years, we have watched the landscape change as towns have evolved into cities. We have cried with you through every tragedy, flood and fire. We’ve celebrated every championship and gold medal with

you and have cheered for our college teams. We know what it means to appreciate a “Bronco Sunset.” We’ve grown through it all with you over the years and agree that there is no place like home. 970.330.4800 · PioneerPressColorado.com Business Connect I 27

business briefs Greeley-based homebuilder Journey Homes buys Windsor land for $8 million

WINDSOR — Water Valley took one step closer to becoming a beacon of world-class development a month ago, at least in the eyes of Water Valley Land Co. Owner Martin Lind. Greeley-based homebuilder Journey Homes bought 120 acres of land in the northwestern part of the Water Valley Ranch community for $8 million last month. Journey Homes purchased the land through Pelican Farm Investments, LLC from TROLLCO, Inc. TROLLCO Inc. is registered to Lind. The company plans to build 200 singlefamily homes in area at the intersection of Crossroads Boulevard and 7th Street. The project originally belonged to developers out of California before Lind took possession of it before the 2008 recession. “It kind of sat idle to the recession,” Lind said. “But we’ve platted it into what we think is a world class agriculturally sustainable project.” The first phase of development, including street paving in Pelican Farms, is nearly finished with the second phase of building is slated to start soon. Home construction should begin within the month. “This project is probably one of the nicest plats we’ve ever filed,” Lind said. “We’re just super excited about it.” The development will set the tone for the RainDance community to the west, which will add approximately 2,800 homes to Water Valley’s growing count. 28 I Business Connect

Allnut Funeral Service Acquires Howe Mortuary

Rick Allnutt and Susan Hughes, owners of Allnutt Funeral Service, are expanding the 130-year-old family-owned and operated business with the purchase of Howe Mortuary & Cremation Services in Longmont. Geoff Howe will continue in his role as funeral director to serve the community with the expanded resources and support of Allnutt Funeral Service. The mortuary will also retain the Howe name. “The decision to sell a multi-generation family business is significant. Rick Allnutt and I have known each other for more than 30 years. Our great grandfathers and fathers knew and respected each other. Coming together with Allnutt Funeral Service is like bringing family members together to see how we can increase our contributions to the community together. Choosing Allnutt was the best option to protect our family name and reputation in the Longmont area, which was paramount in our decision,” Howe said in the release. Howe has owned the mortuary since 1986 and has been involved with many local organizations and supported efforts that enhance the fabric and well being of the community. Together, Howe Mortuary & Cremation Services and Allnutt Funeral Service represent 10 generations and 250 years of continuous service to the families of Northern Colorado. Howe Mortuary & Cremation Services has been associated with funeral service since 1898, and in ownership of the Howe family since 1909. Allnutt has locations throughout northern Colorado, including Greeley.

Greeley Company Breaks Ground on Loveland Project

Greeley-based Stucco Rite, Inc./ SRI Investments in May celebrated the ground breaking of a new investment property at Crossroads Boulevard and Interstate 25 in Loveland. The office building consists of 12,500 square feet of office/retail space. Already, 70 percent is leased out. Phase 2, which consists of a 10,000-square-foot medical/ office building on the adjacent lot is already in the design phase. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are ready to spread our wings and venture out from our home base of Greeley where I was born and raised to add investments to our current real estate

portfolio, said Kurt Georgeades, CEO of Stucco Rite, Inc/ SRI Investments. He said the major expansion of the I-25 corridor has opened opportunities that allowed the company to fast-track this project. The company bought the property in 2008. The project is being built by Brinkman Partners of Fort Collins.

Greeley Homebuilder Starts New Community in Loveland

Greeley-based Baessler Homes last week announced its newest community, Dakota Glen, in Loveland. This upscale neighborhood is surrounded by more than 50 acres of open space. The new Dakota Series twin homes start

Business Connect I 29

in the low $380,000s. All homes will come standard with granite kitchen countertops and tile shower walls in the master bathroom with customizable upgrade options for designer kitchens, outdoor living areas and more. The Baessler Homes team has built new homes and communities in northern Colorado for 48 years.

Pathways Changes Name

For nearly 40 years, Pathways has provided the northern Colorado community with medical and comfort care for individuals with an advanced medical condition and

their loved ones. The locally operated nonprofit has recently changed its name from Pathways Hospice to Pathways to more accurately include its wide variety of services and programs. “Pathways provides hospice and palliative care, serious illness and grief and loss counseling, veteran services, dementia care and more,” said Evan Hyatt, President of Pathways in a news release. “We only felt it was fitting that our name better reflects our broader scope of services, rather than narrowing in on only one of our facets.” Pathways will continue to offer the same hospice care programs. The new name is not to indicate future program, service or staff changes but rather reflect organizational developments that are already in place, the release stated. Call (970) 663-3500 with questions.

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30 I Business Connect

WE TAKE TAKE PATIENT CARE PATIENT CARE

to the the to HIGHEST LEVEL. HIGHEST LEVEL.

America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award™ America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award™ (2015-2016) (2015-2016) Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ (2009-2016) (2009-2016) 1801 16th St,. Greeley • (970) 810-4121 • www.BannerHealth.com/NCMC Critical Care Excellence Award™ 1801 16th St,. Greeley • (970) 810-4121 • www.BannerHealth.com/NCMC Critical Care Excellence Award™ (2009 – 2016) (2009 – 2016) Pulmonary Care-America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ Pulmonary Care-America’s (2013-2016)100 Best Hospitals™ (2013-2016) Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ Pulmonary(2009-2016) Care Excellence Award™ (2009-2016) Neuroscience: Stroke Care Excellence Award™ (2014 –Care 2016) Neuroscience: Stroke Excellence Award™ (2014 – 2016)

North Colorado Medical Center

Business Connect I 31

1801 16th St, Greeley CO • 970-810-4121 www.BannerHealth.com/NCMC

North Colorado Medical Center

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Handyman Handyman HandymanServices: Services: Services: Paul Paul PaulMcAllister McAllister McAllister Permitting: Permitting: Permitting: City City CityofofofGreeley Greeley Greeley Financing: Financing: Financing: Western Western WesternStates States StatesBank Bank Bank Concrete: Concrete: Concrete: Solid Solid SolidConcrete Concrete Concrete Carpet Carpet CarpetCare: Care: Care: Doug’s Doug’s Doug’sCarpet Carpet CarpetCare Care Care Internet Internet InternetAccess: Access: Access: Comcast Comcast ComcastBusiness Business Business Glass: Glass: Glass: Moffat Moffat MoffatGlass Glass Glass