Greeley Unexpected Magazine 2014

2014

E X P E R I E N C E

G R E E L E Y

WWW.GREELEYUNEXPECTED.COM

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Experience Greeley Unexpected Greeley Unexpected tells the city’s story with people who exemplify what is unique and interesting about Greeley—in fact, what is surprising and unexpected. The campaign springs, in part, from research that shows when people visit Greeley, they’re pleasantly surprised. They find that the community is much bigger, more diverse and more appealing than what they ever imagined.

Connect with the campaign at www.greeleyunexpected.com.

TRIUMPHANTLY UNEXPECTED

Becca Ries straight shooter

“I wake up every morning with one job to do,” says Greeley police officer Becca Ries. “Protect my community.” The way she sees it, it’s more than a duty or responsibility; it’s a chance to serve the town she loves.

And when Becca says she loves Greeley, she means it. The friendly people, the small-town atmosphere, the college vibe, “all the little surprises”—they make for a comfortable place to raise a family.

There’s also a sense of opportunity that, she thinks, is unique.

“Anything you want to do,” says Becca, “you can do in Greeley.”

At the 2013 World Police & Fire Games, held in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Becca proved her point.

A biennial competition for serving and retired police, fire, prison, and border security officers, the games drew 7,000 competitors from 67 countries last year, making it the third largest international multisport event in the world. Almost on a whim, Becca and her husband Lane arrived in Belfast to compete in archery. Becca entered two events. She won two gold medals.

Nobody expected a petite blonde shooting pink arrows to top the score sheets. But then, they didn’t realize Becca was from Greeley.

WELCOME TO

LEADING EDGE

HEART CARE

COUNTRY.

The experts at the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses know a thing or two about hearts and recently recognized the CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado for excellence in heart care. Our team of leading edge specialists is capable of treating everything from the most common to the most complicated cardiovascular issues. With our advanced technology, our specialists get the clearest possible picture of your heart, to get the most accurate diagnosis. The CardioVascular Institute at North Colorado Medical Center—the right care for your heart is right here at home.

Find out your heart age at www.BannerHealth.com/Heart.

Find a CardioVascular Institute physician at BannerHealth.com/CVI or (970) 392-0900.

Successful Learning at All Levels Boettcher Scholars Greeley’s public schools produced three more Boettcher Scholars this year. This maintains School District 6’s ranking as all-time 4th highest school district and Greeley Central High as all-time 2nd highest out of the 178 districts in Colorado.

Something to Brag About • For the second year in a row, U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Northern Colorado’s online graduate education program among the nation’s best.

• Seventy-three School District 6 students earned the prestigious Advanced Placement Scholar Awards from the national College Board. The Board’s Advanced Placement program offers students challenging college-level courses and exams while in high school. In the last seven years, 389 District 6 students have been named AP Scholars.

• All Greeley Evans School District 6 teachers are rated as highly qualified, and 48% have master’s degrees.

• The Dayspring Christian football team took home the Class 1A 8-man State Football Championship and Frontier Academy won the Colorado 3A boys Cross Country title.

• Five students at the University of Northern Colorado captured awards at the American Marketing Association PEAK Awards competition. This is the second year that students from the Monfort College of Business have swept the student competition.

• Aims Community College has received the annual merit award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting for achieving a 100 percent pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist examination.

• Monfort College business students at the University of Northern Colorado scored in the 95th percentile among 32,000 students from 600 business schools nationwide. This is the 10th straight year graduating seniors at the College have scored in the top 10 percent of business students across the nation.

Share Greeley Unexpected Tell the world about Greeley Unexpected! We’ve got great Greeley Unexpected freebies created especially for business owners and managers, and they’re available for you too.

Sticker Shock These 2” stickers are available for free in 500 count rolls. Stick ’em on your windows, doors, outgoing orders, and anywhere else where they’ll get noticed. People will be shocked (you know, pleasantly surprised) when you tell them about the Greeley Unexpected message.

We have plenty. Contact Natalie at natalie.stevens@greeleygov.com or 970-350-9204 to order yours.

ACTUAL SIZE!

2014

Free Magazines The magazine you’re reading right now is a great way to tell Greeley’s story: employee recruitment, business prospects, customer waiting room, or share with local or distant family members and friends.

Available in limited quantities for free. Contact Natalie at natalie.stevens@greeleygov.com or 970-350-9204 to order yours.

E X P E R I E N C E

WWW.GREELE

G R E E L E Y

YUNEXPECTE

D.COM

NOT ACTUAL SIZE!

And Greeley Unexpected Pens Keep the Greeley Unexpected web site url handy as a helpful reminder of how to learn more about our city and what’s happening.

Available in limited quantities for free. Contact Natalie at natalie.stevens@greeleygov.com or 970-350-9204 to order yours.

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Greeley’s Top 20 Randomly picked from a much bigger list of bragging points!

University of Northern Colorado’s graduate education program is ranked highest in Colorado, and eighth in the nation

We’re sure you’ve noticed: the Northern Colorado economy is doing very well. However, there’s something else happening. People are beginning to see that Greeley’s more than an economic engine. Our city is much larger, more interesting and diverse than what many think. What does this say about our city? It says that Greeley has grown up. We’re not the small agricultural colony we once were. Don’t get us wrong. Agriculture in Northern Colorado is still an economic powerhouse. But Greeley offers more now, than it ever has.

The Greeley Philharmonic just celebrated its 103rd anniversary

Greeley’s 2014 population estimate: 99,687

It’s ok to Brag •

A recent Gallup poll showed that Greeley area residents’ satisfaction with where they live increased by 20 percent since 2010

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This year the Greeley Chorale celebrates 50 years of national and international performances

The Colorado Model Railroad museum in Greeley is the largest of its kind in North America

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Greeley is home to major musical events, including the Blues Jam, Jazz Festival and Greeley Stampede

Greeley has several public art programs and a continually growing public art collection

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Greeley has over 40 parks, dog parks, skate parks and conservation and open space areas with more on the way

The Poudre River and Sheep Draw trails offer over 21 miles of running, walking, biking as well as fishing, canoeing and educational opportunities

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North Colorado Medical Center (Greeley’s hospital) is ranked in the top 100 in the nation

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Greeley’s MSA (Weld County) is ranked as the 10th best performing city in the nation by the Milken Institute

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Greeley ranks 12th among US cities for tolerance (Martin Prosperity Institute)

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Aims Community College is ranked among the nation’s best Fire Science colleges for the greatest value for the tuition paid

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Our state of the art Union Colony Civic Center performing and visual arts center has 1,690 and 214 seat theaters

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Greeley’s Creative District is officially recognized by the state of Colorado as a prospective and emerging district

There are numerous new businesses and restaurants throughout the city including over 40 new businesses downtown

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Greeley-Evans School District 6 graduation rates exceed the state average

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Greeley schools rank 4th all time for the number of Boettcher scholars among all Colorado school districts and Greeley Central High ranks 2nd all time

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Greeley is home to the largest solar farm in Weld County and now there’s a new one at the Family FunPlex plus one at each of the city’s water treatment plants

Learn more at www.greeleyunexpected.com.

See stories of the people who make Greeley interesting; read blogs from local folks; learn about local events; and connect to stay up-to-date on what’s happening.

INSPIRINGLY UNEXPECTED

Jessica Cooney

a difference-maker

When Jessica Cooney began her education career, she says she never dreamed it would turn out the way it has. As an English language acquisition teacher back in 1999, her students were primarily Spanish-speaking.

These days, Jessica is part of the team running the Newcomer Program at Greeley West High School. She helps to not only educate, but also assimilate a much more diverse group of students new to the United States—many of whom were refugees, have never been to school, and speak no English. Jessica also directs El Teatro, a student-led theater troupe in which, she says, 13 different languages are spoken.

Tutoring before and after school,

assisting families—it’s all part of the job as she sees it. For students like Adiam Tesfaselassie and Ifra Osman, though, it’s a lifeline: an opportunity where none had previously existed. Their linguistic, social, and academic achievements—and Jessica’s dedication to ensuring their success—led to the Colorado Department of Education’s Office of Language, Culture and Equity naming Jessica the 2014 Colorado Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Educator of the Year.

ACADEMICALLY UNEXPECTED

Chloe Young girl genius

She’s an accomplished musician— on piano, flute, and violin—who prefers Beethoven over other composers because “he broke rules.” She’s a true bibliophile who actually means it when she says she reads everything, including the list of ingredients in her favorite breakfast cereal. She’s a top student in her high school geometry class who probably spends more time helping her fellow students than she does working on her own assignments. And math isn’t even her favorite subject.

She’s also a fifth-grader at McAuliffe Elementary; a 10-year-old who’s equally at home discussing allegory in science fiction novels as she is in front of a pile of Legos.

To say that Chloe Young is gifted is an exercise in understatement; to talk to her about her achievements, though, is a lesson in humility. In fact, despite the fact that it seems as if she’s always been ahead of the curve, she won’t hesitate to point out what she believes is, at least in part, behind her remarkable success: Greeley public schools.

“My teachers have been really supportive,” Chloe says. “They’re always pushing me; they’re always challenging me to be my best.”

United Way of Weld County Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.

Last year, United Way of Weld County funded or provided dozens of programs and services helping thousands of people in Weld county in the areas of education, income and health. We do this through collective impact, which means we work together. We fund and provide programs and services as well as collaborate and partner on community-wide projects. While progress is being made, we can’t do this alone. Be the ONE to make a difference in your community.

EDUCATION

43 programs helping 19,764

Helping ensure children are prepared to succeed in school and youth graduate

people in Weld County

INCOME

45 programs helping 35,824

Helping families become financially stable and independent

people in Weld County

HEALTH

22 programs helping 24,253

Supporting the promotion of wellness, to improve the health of people of all ages

WE FUND

WE PROVIDE

Funds and supports a robust partner agency network

Provides and manages direct service programs and access to services

people in Weld County

WE COLLABORATE

Collaborates on county-wide solutions

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

WE PARTNER

Catalyzes innovative responsive resource-maximizing partnerships

WE INVITE YOU

TO BE A PART

OF THE CHANGE

GIVE TODAY!

CORNERSTONE PARTNERS: Monfort Family Foundation, NCMC, Inc, State Farm Insurance Companies, The Tribune, City of Greeley, JBS USA, Townsquare Media, Xcel Energy, Advanced Direct Marketing, Inc, Banner Health, Flood and Peterson, Kaiser Permanente, KUNC, Noble Energy, Phelps-Tointon, Inc, Roche Constructors, Inc, Wells Fargo Foundation, Atmos Energy, Big R Bridge, Colorado Premium Foods, Connecting Point, Ehrlich Family of Dealerships, Farmers Bank – Ault, First National Bank, Ghent Chevrolet Cadillac, John Elway Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Mirage Productions, Pepsi Beverages Company, Professional Finance Company, Inc, Spradley Barr Ford Greeley, University of Colorado Health, Vestas Blades America, Inc, Weld County Garage Buick GMC.

United Way of Weld County UnitedWay-Weld.org | 970-353-4300

®

JUST WE’RE

SAYIN’...

People are talking about Greeley Unexpected We asked our Chamber of Commerce and City Officials what they think about Greeley Unexpected. Here’s what they said:

Greeley City Council “People are hearing about Greeley through the campaign and that’s translating into more calls than I’ve ever received.

They’re asking me what’s going on in Greeley because they want to come and visit.”

Tom Norton, Greeley Mayor It’s really something to see the Greeley TV spots on 9News, billboards on I-25, and ads at DIA. This type of high profile campaign definitely shines a positive light on our city and all that it offers.

John Gates, Ward III “I believe the Greeley Unexpected campaign has been going very well. I’ve heard great things about it, especially what it’s done to energize the art community. People tell me that the campaign has helped rejuvenate businesses around the city especially in the downtown area.”

Charles Archibeque, Ward I “The campaign really shows Greeley’s character. After all, where can you feel free to dance to live music on a downtown plaza, drink a beer, go for a scenic bike ride, and talk to a real cowboy? Where

can you hear a world class philharmonic, watch a college sporting event, eat the best steak ever and taste authentic Mexican food? Where can you borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor and open a successful business, or shop for fresh produce, then go to a train museum or take your kids to over three dozen parks? Greeley, of course!

The campaign is enlightening people about our city, its amenities and its character!”

Sandi Elder, At-Large “For me, Greeley represents the high value and the tremendous quality of life residents experience here, not to mention our spectacular views of the Front Range.

Greeley is a generous and caring community. I’m a fan of the Greeley Unexpected campaign.”

Mike Finn, Ward IV “The campaign is great at highlighting the people who make Greeley an awesome place to live, work, play and learn. It’s nice to hear that the message is getting out, not just to residents, but to people all along the Front Range.”

Randy Sleight, Ward II

“Greeley Unexpected is one way we’re letting everyone know how much the city has to offer. Highlighting Greeley’s best attributes through people who are making a difference in the community seems to resonate with people when I talk about the campaign. I’m absolutely looking forward to the 2014 campaign.”

Robb Casseday, At-Large

Greeley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors “I love returning from a trip and seeing these great Greeley Unexpected displays in the airport. They always remind me of what a great place I’m coming home to.”

Mike Bond, Guaranty Bank “This has been a great campaign for the City of Greeley. People see the wonderful diversity we have in our community.”

Steve LaForest, First California Mortgage, Greeley

“The Greeley Unexpected Campaign is reintroducing our great city to individuals who need to know about the opportunities surrounding them. The campaign is doing an excellent job of highlighting all Greeley has to offer.”

Steve Moreno, Weld County Clerk & Recorder “I think the Greeley Unexpected Campaign has been great! It demonstrates the individuality, uniqueness, diversity, and quality of the wonderful people that make Greeley what it is!”

Steve Baker, Sears Real Estate, The Baker Team “I love the Greeley Unexpected campaign because it brings to the surface the faces, the spirit and the energy of the people who live here and love it.”

Dr. Ranelle Lang, School District 6 Superintendent

JOIN THE CONVERSATION AT

We’re Not Finished...

We actually haven’t even started.

We’re on a mission to give our community the shopping experience they deserve, right here at home.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 970-356-4255 OR VISIT WWW.SHOPGREELEYMALL.COM/VISITORS 2050 GREELEY MALL • GREELEY, CO 80631 NEW YORK

n

LAS VEGAS

n

ATLANTA

Bill Barrett Corporation is a Colorado company and a proud partner of the Greeley Community.

New Greeley DJ Headquarters

Producing Energy Providing Jobs Protecting the Environment Promoting Community

www.billbarrettcorp.com

|

NYSE: BBG

NATURALLY UNEXPECTED

Ronna Rice and Julie Lordemann the bee’s knees

Back in 1924, when L. R. Rice decided to turn his hobby into a money-making venture, it was a family affair. Everyone had a role, whether it was working in the bee

FACT:

yards, extracting the honey, filling the glass jars and labeling them by hand, or selling the product door to door right here in Greeley.

Even when they expanded to grocery stores throughout northern Colorado, there was a Rice family member responsible for stocking the shelves.

Ninety years (and five generations) later, not much has changed. Though the original bee yards are long gone, the Rices are still at it, purchasing honey from respected beekeepers located in Colorado and around

the country, creating proprietary blends, and packaging it just as the company’s founder—and the bees themselves—had always intended it: raw, unfiltered, and all natural.

“It was always hard work,” says Ronna Rice, whose husband Jim, L. R. Rice’s grandson, collected his first Rice’s Honey paycheck when he was still a kid. “But then, this is a hard-working town. That’s how Rice’s Honey has become a success, and that’s how Greeley will continue to prosper.”

There are over 70 Fortune 500 Companies and international headquarters located in Greeley.

Economic Prosperity Greeley Ranked as 10th Best Performing City

The Greeley MSA (basically all of Weld County) was ranked as the 10th best performing region in the nation. An amazing accomplishment given the criteria and the competition presented by the much larger cities and counties in this national ranking. Weld County and all its cities and towns deserve credit for this awesome accomplishment. The Milken researchers examined 379 metropolitan areas for economic vitality based primarily on job creation and retention taking into account such things as stable and expanding wages and business growth.

Something to Brag About • The Milken Institute ranked the Greeley MSA #3 for wage and salary growth and #8 for job growth.

• Wiley Roots Brewing in downtown Greeley took home a bronze medal for its Super 77 Wheat American Style Wheat Beer at the Great American Beer Festival.

• Leprino Foods is one of 12 top energy-saving companies honored by Excel Energy. Leprino won the award for their Greeley facility which had the highest energy savings by a single location, with 5.4 million kilowatt hours saved.

• Greeley’s DVM Systems’ Temp Track Plus software was selected as one of the Top 10 New Products of the Year at the 2013 World Ag Expo. The software predicts ovulation for dairy cows and continuously monitors each cow’s temperature alerting producers to key health or breeding events.

• A study by IHS Global Insight for the U.S. Conference of Mayors forecasts that of the metro areas examined, only 68 are expected to record annual growth exceeding 2 percent. The Greeley area is ranked #8 out of 336 Metropolitan Statistical areas on the list—our projected growth rate is 4 percent in 2014.

• The Greeley area has been ranked #2 by Nerd Wallet as one of the metropolitan areas with the fastest growing incomes. The Greeley MSA is the only Colorado city in the top 20 out of the 483 areas analyzed.

• Sears Real Estate received a member achievement award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a global network of more than 500 real estate firms. They were presented the Highest Average Agent Production Award.

• Fleet Owner magazine and WIX Filters named Greeley-based JBS Carriers as the Green Fleet of the Year recipient for its fuel savings.

Your HOMETOWN COMMUNITY Bank

To better serve our customers we are undergoing a face-lift with exciting changes inside and out. We have started construction to create a more open, efficient and convenient banking experience for our customers and will be occupying the entire first-floor of our building. This remodel will allow us to have Banking, Mortgage and Investment Services all under one roof, to better serve our customers.

At Bank of Colorado, we believe our job is more than banking – it’s being a friend, a neighbor, and a link in the community. From businesses to farms to families, it’s the communities we’re a part of that make us who we are. Stop by and experience the difference.

GREELEY 3459 West 20th Street, 970.378.1800 • bankofcolorado.com

T H E

W AY

B A N K I N G

S H O U L D

B E

FESTIVELY UNEXPECTED

Al and Pam Bricker

ain’t nothin’ but a party

“Whatever they set their mind to,” Al Bricker likes to say about his fellow Greeleyites, “somehow, it happens.”

Al and his wife Pam ought to know.

Ten years ago, they had a dream—and with a group of friends and a lot of

community support, realized that dream when they started the Greeley Blues Jam. The event attracts top national acts, from John Mayall to Marcia Ball, making it one of the best blues festivals in Colorado.

And with the 2014 addition of Israel’s Ori Naftaly Blues Band, it can now lay claim to international status.

But there’s more to the Jam than just great music by world-famous headliners.

Each year, a portion of the event’s proceeds—amounting to thousands of

dollars—goes to a different local charity.

But in 2014, every dollar of profit will go to help victims of last year’s devastating northern Colorado floods.

Leave it to the Brickers and their team of Blues Jam volunteers and sponsors to create a family-friendly party that’s both educational and entertaining— and that taps into their community’s legendary generosity. “That’s the thing about Greeley,” says Pam. “It’s the people who make it special.”

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Something Unexpected Signature Events for 2014 Hopefully you didn’t miss Blarney on the Block in March, the UNC/Greeley Jazz Fest in April, or the Cinco de Mayo celebration in May, but if you did, don’t worry, there’s plenty more . . .

Friday Fests/Go-Cup Concert Series, May-September Downtown Greeley www.greeleydowntown.com

Greeley Stampede June 26-July 6 Island Grove Regional Park www.greeleystampede.org

Greeley Arts Picnic July 26-27 9th Street Plaza & Downtown Lincoln Park www.artspicnic.com Neighborhood Nights July-August Various City Parks www.greeleygov.com

Civic Center Season September-March Union Colony Civic Center – Downtown Greeley www.ucstars.com

Greeley Lights the Nights starts November 29 Downtown Greeley www.greeleychamber.com

Potato Day, September Centennial Village Museum www.greeleymuseums.com

Festival of Trees November 28-December 6 Union Colony Civic Center www.greeleyfestivaloftrees.com

My Favorite Bands September 20 Downtown Lincoln Park www.greeleydowntown.com

Colorado Farm Show January 27-29, 2015 Island Grove Regional Park www.coloradofarmshow.com

Community Fest at UNC Homecoming October 4 www.unco.edu

OTHER ATTRACTIONS Colorado Model Railroad Museum 680 10th Street www.gfsm.org

Oktobrewfest September 26-27 Downtown Lincoln Park www.greeleydowntown.com

Weld County Fair, July 23-28 Island Grove Regional Park www.weldcountyfair.com First Friday Art Walk Monthly Downtown Greeley www.greeleydowntown.com Greeley Blues Jam June 13-14 Downtown Greeley & Island Grove Regional Park www.greeleybluesjam.com

High Plains Chautauqua August 5-9 Aims Community College www.highplainschautauqua.org Greeley Kennel Club Dog Show August 16-17 Island Grove Regional Park www.greeleykc.org

Centennial Village Museum 1475 A Street www.greeleymuseums.com

Trick or Treat Street October 31 Downtown Greeley, 9th Street Plaza www.greeleydowntown.com

Greeley History Museum 714 8th Street www.greeleymuseums.com Poudre River Trail 21 mile trail Greeley-Windsor www.poudretrail.org

Get Connected

We’re using social media to celebrate Greeley Unexpected! The best way to get to know more about Greeley is to talk with people who know it best—residents who know the latest and greatest places to eat, sleep, work, and play. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to share and discover the unexpected about our city.

#greeleyunexpected www.facebook.com / greeleyunexpected www.twitter.com / greeleyunxpectd www.youtube.com / greeleyunexpected www.flickr.com / greeleygov

WE HAVE

5,000 REASONS TO CELEBRATE

100 BEST

BEING NAMED ONE OF AMERICA’S

HOSPITALS.

Congratulations to all 5,000 employees, physicians, and volunteers at North Colorado Medical Center and McKee Medical Center, for being the only two hospitals in the North Colorado front range recognized among America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ by Healthgrades ®. This award is a reflection of the dedication of our employees and your community support. Thank you for trusting us with your health care.

McKee Medical Center North Colorado Medical Center North Colorado Medical Center 1801 16th St,. Greeley • (970) 352-4121 www.BannerHealth.com/NCMC

McKee Medical Center 2000 Boise Ave, Loveland • (970) 669-4640 www.BannerHealth.com/McKee

IMAGINATIVELY UNEXPECTED

Ron and Linde Thompson cinephiles welcome

When the vacant Kress building on 8th Avenue reopened its doors in 2008, it was no longer a neighborhood five-anddime. It was now the Kress Cinema & Lounge—and it was the brainchild of Ron and Linde Thompson.

No strangers to historic preservation, the Thompsons’ vision was twofold: to restore an iconic downtown building, and to bring Greeley its first independent art-house theater. The result is a breathtaking example of Art Deco architecture and urban design; a gathering place where people can enjoy food and drink while watching a wide range of classic, cult, alternative, and first-run mainstream films.

That unique combination, it turns out, is a winning one. In fact, people love the place. When Hollywood mandated

a new digital cinema standard for 2013, the Thompsons turned to the online crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to raise the funds necessary to upgrade their system and keep the films running. The response was overwhelming: just three weeks after the campaign was launched, the $80,000 project was fully funded.

“We were completely surprised,” recalls Linde. “It just goes to show how generous—and supportive—this community is.”

NCMC 2nd Century Hospital Expansion Greeley, CO

Guadalupe Community Shelter Greeley, CO

NCMC Summit View Plaza Medical Office Building Greeley, CO

Denver Justice Center Denver, CO

Colorado Convention Center Denver, CO

History Colorado Center Denver, CO

Corporate Office/Headquarters

420 Sixth Avenue, Greeley, Colorado, 80632 Phone: (970) 352-6565

Denver Office

501 Lincoln Street, Denver, Colorado 80203 Phone: (720) 398-5700

...there’s more to being

UNEXPECTED:

We’re getting bigger all the time:

Educational success is contagious:

Greeley’s population is now estimated at 99,687. But so far there’s no traffic jams and rarely a need to wait at the same red light more than once. Getting from one side of town to the other is a piece of cake. There are definitely people in other cities who are jealous. And that’s ok.

The success of Greeley’s K-12 students, including our refugee population, is incredible. That success is spreading across the city—the high school graduation rate exceeds the state average and Greeley schools continue to produce gifted and talented kids. Every year we keep adding to the number of prestigious Boettcher Scholars produced by our local public schools.

Greeley’s schools rank among the top 5 in the state for the number of Boettcher Scholars among all 178 school districts.

And over the last seven years 389 District 6 students have earned Advanced Placement Scholar Awards from the national College Board. Students and teachers have no plans to do anything but improve upon those already impressive numbers.

You won’t go hungry: Greeley’s economy is still booming and with the population growth we’re seeing, new businesses are opening all the time.

It’s hard to keep track of the new restaurants, the new micro brews and the new special events, but it’s fun trying. What we’re saying is you won’t go hungry for things to experience in Greeley.

Heads up, crime is down (again): Greeley’s crime rate continues to decrease. Every city has crime, but not all cities can make the claim that they’re making progress decreasing crime. Greeley’s trending in the right direction even as the population increases. Our downtown is proof. There are more people enjoying the night life, more than ever. It’s a safe bet that you’ll feel comfortable enjoying the city, its new shops and restaurants.

Where to go, what to do, who to see: Where do we start? The events just keep multiplying—there’s the list of signature events like the Greeley Stampede, Arts Picnic, Blues Jam, Weld County Fair and Oktobrewfest.

But then you can’t forget the High Plains Chautauqua, Neighborhood Nights, University of Northern Colorado and the Union Colony Civic Center season of performances. Top that off with the Greeley Chorale, Greeley Children’s Chorale, Friday Fests, First Fridays and UNC Homecoming week, and a full schedule of events at the Moxi Theater, and the calendar starts getting very full very fast. In fact, the list is so long, we’re only mentioning a few in this magazine and giving you links to other resources so you can plan your day, week, month and season around all the great things going on in Greeley.

Greeley and Weld County feed the world...

That said, there are no feedlots in Greeley and there haven’t been for many years—it’s simply a part of our historical past.

Do you have a burning desire to improve your skills and education? Arrive at Aims Community College to fuel that pursuit.

Aims’ is based in Greeley and has four locations in Northern Colorado as well as classes online. Aims is the destination for a customized education with over 160 degrees and certificates in cutting edge industry and service fields like the nationally recognized Fire Science and Wild land Fire training programs. Ignite your career by discovering what fuels your passion here at Aims, where the quality of education and quantity of programs and most affordable tuition in Colorado are truly unexpected.

Find yourself at our beautiful campus learning how to take flight, save lives, design the future, build your dreams and lead your peers. Take the unexpected path, save money, time and spark your imagination. Aims Community College can help you light your potential on Fire.

For info on Fire-Science and Wild land fire certificates and degrees visit: www.aims.edu/fire For general course information go to: www.aims.edu/arrive

Greeley | Fort Lupton | Loveland | Windsor | Online 970.330.8008 | facebook.com/aimsfan For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at, http://www.aims.edu/academics/ge-disclosures.pdf.

VOLUNTARILY UNEXPECTED

Tom Leyba on the go

“I don’t say no.” That’s Tom Leyba’s reason for seeming busier as a retiree than he was in his 24 years as a band director in the GreeleyEvans school district. But there’s a barely perceptible smile when he says it. Because for Tom, saying ‘Yes’ just comes naturally when you love Greeley the way he does.

Though he maintains close connections with the area music community as a private trumpet instructor, as a judge and guest clinician at high school band competitions, and, starting next year, as director of the UNC basketball pep band, it’s the Poudre River Trail that satisfies much of Tom’s need to give back to his community.

From Greeley to Windsor, the paved recreation trail meanders for 21 miles along the Cache la Poudre River. Tom is part of a crew of volunteers responsible for 11 of those miles. Together, they’re tasked with everything from mowing to repair and maintenance to clearing debris after last year’s flooding.

Asked to explain the trail’s allure, Tom doesn’t hesitate: whether you want to fish, hike, bicycle, or simply enjoy the resident bald eagles, he says, “there’s literally something for everyone—and it’s right here in our back yard.”

FACT:

In May 2013, the League of American Cyclists named Greeley a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community. Greeley has over 85 miles of in-town bike lanes, paths and trails.

A Thriving City Relay for Life earns National Award

Relay for Life of Weld County has been selected by the American Cancer Society as the winner of the 2013 Nation-Wide Per Capita Award. The event, which is held in Greeley every year, also ranked 2nd overall in the 12-state Great West Division and number one in overall dollars raised in Colorado. There are over 5,200 Relay events held across the nation.

Something to Brag About • By the end of summer 2014, the Sheep Draw trail will be extended to connect with the Poudre River Trail. That will connect the Family FunPlex with over 22 miles of off-road trails.

• North Colorado Medical Center’s Spirit of Women team received the Community Impact National Award for the team’s Day of Dance event held at Greeley’s Family FunPlex.

• The annual Cattle Barons Ball raised over $500,000 for the American Cancer Society.

• The Wellness Council of America has given a gold level award to the Greeley-Evans School District 6 Worksite Wellness program. District 6 is the only organization or business in Colorado to receive the gold rating this year, and is one of 33 gold winners nationwide.

• JBS USA’s annual campaign for United Way of Weld County raised more than a half-million dollars. Their most recent annual drive totaled $518,511.

• For the second consecutive year, North Colorado Medical Center has been named among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Truven Health Analytics and one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals from Healthgrades. Both organizations are respected resources for information on physicians and hospitals.

• The CardioVascular Institute at North Colorado Medical Center has received the 2013 Heart of the Community Award from the Larry King Cardiac Foundation and HeartCaring for the hospital’s work attaining the national Heart Safe City status.

• With help of JBS USA, Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its 100th home in Greeley.

HONORED TO CALL

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CLASSICALLY UNEXPECTED

Glen Cortese the maestro

Ask Maestro Glen Cortese why he regularly travels from New York to northern Colorado to conduct the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, and he’ll tell you about the three reasons that convinced him to accept the music director position back in 2007.

The first, he says, is tradition.

Currently in its 103rd season, the GPO is the country’s oldest symphony

orchestra west of the Mississippi. That longevity, he suggests, is attributable to the quality of the musicians the orchestra attracts. Second is Greeley’s premier performance venue—the 1,690-seat Union Colony Civic Center—that Glen simply calls “special.” Third? The opportunity to collaborate with a host of talented University of Northern Colorado students and faculty.

Once you know how he got here, he’ll tell you why he returns each season: the enthusiastic support from both Greeley and the surrounding communities. “In Greeley,” Glen explains, “the first answer is never ‘No.’ That’s rare in this business.” And the recent downtown renaissance—or, as he calls it, “a widening of the cultural base”—means he has more opportunities than ever to combine business with pleasure. “It’s just fun here,” he says.

“Greeley is a terrific town.”

FACT: The Greeley Philharmonic is the oldest symphony orchestra in the West. Their 104th season starts September, 2014.

Create & Play Today Greeley’s Creative District Earns State Recognition Greeley’s Creative District is a dynamic, diverse, active and arts-rich area where people live, work, create, innovate, learn, shop, dine, gather and play. The district moved up a notch in the Colorado Creative Industries designations—moving from an emerging district to a prospective district.

In 2014, application was made for full state designation and along with that a modest grant to assist the district.

Something to Brag About • The University of Northern Colorado’s Little Theatre of the Rockies, the oldest continually operating professional theater company in Colorado and one of the oldest in the nation celebrates its 80th season in 2014.

• The University of Northern Colorado School of Theatre Arts and Dance received full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre. It is one of only two undergraduate theater programs in Colorado to earn the designation.

• Greeley has a brand new park. Homestead Park at 3699 29th Street features lakes, native grasses, a playground, amphitheater, shelters, public art and a 1-mile path offering a unique urban wildlife experience on 32 acres of open space.

• North Colorado Medical Center’s 16th annual Turkey Trot run attracted 3,000 runners and walkers who raised more than $50,000 for needy cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patients.

• University of Northern Colorado assistant professor of cello Gal Faganel and University of Colorado graduate violin student Jenny Shea summited Longs Peak with their instruments and staged what could be a record-breaking concert at an elevation of 14,259 feet.

• The country’s leading jazz publication, DownBeat magazine, named the University of Northern Colorado’s Jazz I Lab Band as the Best College Big Band and the University Symphony Orchestra as the Best College Classical Ensemble in the 36th Annual Student Music Awards.

• Colorado State Parks and Recreation Association honored Greeley’s Art Commission and Rodarte Center. Commissioners received the Community Champion Award and the Rodarte Center staff earned the Columbine Award for a collaborative artwork project.

• History Colorado chose the City of Greeley and Historic Greeley, Inc. to receive the 2014 Stephen H. Hart Award for collaborative efforts for Comprehensive Outreach and Education for historic preservation.

Plaza Paver Project Even though it’s something you can just walk right over, hopefully it isn’t something you can miss.

Here’s Looking at You

Aerial cinematography for Greeley Unexpected TV spots

We’re talking about the new Greeley Unexpected paver mural on the 9th Street Plaza. This creation was commissioned by Greeley Unexpected as part of the five TV spots that are being used in the 2014 campaign. Local artist Armando Silva agreed to paint this for more than the TV spots; it will also stay in place as long as the Greeley Unexpected campaign theme is used.

Reaction has been great. It’s a fun addition to the feel of the plaza for the campaign launch event on May 23 and as a colorful addition to the look and feel of our favorite plaza that hosts the Friday Fests and Go-Cup events all summer.

Enjoy!

Survey Shows Campaign Impact The survey results are in and perceptions of our city have definitely improved. That can be attributed, in part, to the Greeley Unexpected campaign.

Resident and non-resident survey results from late 2013 show there’s been a positive impact.

For example, 39 percent of Greeley residents who responded to the survey said that their opinion of the city improved as a result of seeing the Greeley Unexpected ads or announcements and 35 percent said that they learned something new about their community.

Residents in Metro Denver, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins also got the message with 39 percent saying their opinion of Greeley improved as a result of the campaign and 39 percent reporting that they learned something new about our city.

Greeley Unexpected News Coming soon...

UNEXPECTEDLY CREATIVE Greeley’s Creative District Designation

Progress! With Greeley’s Creative District earning an upgrade from an “Emerging” to a “Prospective” district in 2013, district organizers are now working on an application for full designation in 2014. As evidence of the District’s progress, it was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Boettcher Foundation through Colorado Creative Industries, the State’s ‘parent organization’ for Creative Districts. When representatives from the Colorado Creative Industries return to Greeley in May 2014 to review accomplishments, they will also get to experience firsthand the latest way-finding signage to help folks get connected to everything creative in the District . . . from galleries, museums, and events to dining and nightlife. Check out this easy map tool at www.discovergreeleycreativedistrict.com. See more at www.greeleycreativedistrict.org.

ONE OF A KIND Colorado Model Railroad Museum Anticipates Expansion

The Colorado Model Railroad Museum, the largest of its kind in North America, is located right here in Greeley. The museum is a major attraction in Northern Colorado, entertaining thousands of visitors including tourists from 45 countries. In fact, Trip Advisor ratings place the museum as the top Greeley destination for local, regional and international visitors. The museum has outgrown its current space where it houses 1,000 railroad related artifacts, a full size caboose and a 5,500 square foot operating model railroad. Expansion plans are just getting underway. To learn more about the museum, go to www.cmrm.org.

UNIVERSITY-COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS University District-Creative District-Downtown Development Authority

What makes the areas covered by these districts distinctly ripe for development is the significant and interesting overlap among them. The University District and the Downtown Development Authority work to connect the city with the university to make Greeley’s core an even more dynamic area. The Creative District explores ways to support creatives and creative businesses within its boundaries which overlap the other districts.

As part of the effort to strengthen those connections, there are exciting plans for the 8th Avenue corridor from 16th Street to Downtown. The idea is to improve the experience for motorists and pedestrians. The first phase was the rebuild of the 8th Avenue and 16th Street intersection with new sidewalks, benches, pedestrian areas, lighting, trees and landscaping. Over the next five years, the remainder of the corridor is scheduled to benefit from similar improvements as well as a public art initiative (See Uptown Trees below).

UPTOWN TREES Public Art to Enhance 8th Avenue

One way to create an appealing city entryway and add an interesting feel to a major thoroughfare is to add public art. Plans are to add ten “art trees” to 8th Avenue from 14th Street to 16th Street in 2014. The Uptown Trees, each up to 20’ tall, will be designed by artists and installed to give one of the city’s entryways as well as a connection between the University campus and downtown a visually interesting look and feel. Greeley Art Commission members are working with several artists to have the artwork installed this year.

Chamber of Commerce Visit Greeley

Greeley Unexpected!

Chamber of Commerce Visit Greeley

www.greeleydowntown.com

A partnership that began 125 years ago with a community of pioneers and a cadre of educators continues to grow, charged with energy, art and service. Wherever UNC and Greeley intersect, there is a spark of creativity and synergy, whether it’s at one of 250 UNC performances each year, or in the cheers that inspire our athletic teams.

We’re proud to be in Greeley, part of a community that’s something to write home about.

University of Northern Colorado | 501 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80639 | 970-351-2097 | Toll-free 888-700-4UNC | www.unco.edu