2009-04 Lydia's Style Magazine

Five dollars

Status Report: Northern Colorado Economy

Outdoor Living in Northern Colorado

First Western Trust Bank Fastest Growing Bank

2009 Northern Colorado Business & Building :: www.stylemagazinecolorado.com :: est 1984

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2

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Gift from Bella on Mother's Day~

" " Gift from Duncan when Oliver was born

I Gift from Deb on my birthday

LEADING JEWELERS The Diamond Tower 300 East Foothills Parkway • SathersJewelers.com *See store for details

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Seated: Anne Kanard, MD Regina Brown, MD Miho Toi Scott MA, MD .

Standing: Paolo Romero, Matthew Sorensen,

OPENING

SUMMER

2009

TWENTY THREE TREES MEDICAL & WELLNESS SPA

A

MEDICAL

SPA

BROUGHT

TO

YOU

BY

PVHS

Twenty Three Trees is a new medical and wellness spa owned and operated by Poudre Valley Health System.

Staffed by a physician and a licensed esthetician, nail technician and massage therapists to ensure the highest quality care and medical expertise, Twenty Three Trees will offer comprehensive services in a luxury spa setting. esthetic procedures I facials natural nail services

I

massage therapy

in-room services for Poudre Valley Hospital patients

Twenty Three Trees is located across the bridge from PVH in the new Westbridge Medical Suites building .

To be placed on our e-mail list to receive special introductory offers, e-mail

twentyth reetrees@pvhs.org .

To schedule a complimentary consultation or to make an appointment. call (970) 495-8400.

WHY

TWENTY

THREE

TREES?

During excavation for the Westbridge building, it was necessary for 23 trees to be removed, but all were relocated to the home gardens of PVHS employees. Twenty Three Trees Medical and Wellness Spa is located on the same grounds where the 23 trees once stood and carries on the same spirit of renewal. This summer, 23 new trees will be planted around the Westbridge building, bringing the story full circle.

POUDRE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM

路~路路

"Together, we're building incredible l<ids."

This year, nearly 3,000 kids in our community will have

the capital campaign . The result is a Clubhouse worthy of a

an opportunity to learn, have fun and grow in an incredible

mission this important.

environment - thanks to the Boys & Girls Clubs

of Larimer County.

If you'd like to help enrich the lives of thousands of kids every year, call the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County. But if

Each Clubhouse in Loveland, Fort Collins and Wellington

you're looking for a bank that's as strongly committed to our

is much more than just an after-school "rec center."

community as you are, call Home State Bank. 203-61 00

Professional staff members lead structured programs in the arts, sports, computers, and daily school work. Their work has already given us thousands of incredible kids who feel great about themselves, succeed in school, and contribute to our community.

When the Boys & Girls Clubs recently needed help

.,

to build a new facility in Loveland, Home State Bank

Home Stale

stepped up with special financing and a contribution to

BANK

~

LENOER

Member FDIC

www.HomeStateBank.com

style media and design, inc. | 970.226.6400 |

w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m Publisher Lydia Dody

creative director Scott Prosser Graphic Designer Lisa Gould

Contributing Editor Erica Pauly Advertising Sales EXECUTIVES Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226 Abby Bloedorn (970) 222-8406 Karen Christensen (970) 679-7593 Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400 Saundra Skrove (970) 217-9932 Office Manager Ina Szwec

Accounting Manager Karla Vigil Office Assistant Ronda Huser Contributing Writers Allie Comeau, Angeline Grenz, Connie Hein, Corey Radman, Kay Rios, Ina Szwec Photographer Warren Diggles Contributing photographers Lydia Dody, Jennifer Ivan, Ina Szwec Affiliations Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce Greeley Chamber of Commerce Windsor Chamber of Commerce 2009 Style Magazines January-Loveland/Greeley Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directory February-Building & Remodeling March-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness March-Family & Philanthropy April/May Northern Colorado Business & Building May-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness June-Business & Building July-Fort Collins Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directories August-Women In Business September-Building & Remodeling Home Interiors & Entertainment October-Women’s Health & Breast Cancer October-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness November/December Holiday/Winter Style Media and Design, Inc. magazines are free monthly publications direct-mailed to homes and businesses in Northern Colorado. Elsewhere, a one year subscription is $35/year and a two year subscription is $50/year. Free magazines are available in stands at 100 locations throughout Northern Colorado.

For ad rates, subscription information, change of address, or correspondence, contact: Style Media and Design Inc., 211 W. Myrtle St., Suite 200, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Phone (970) 226-6400. Fax (970) 226-6427 E-Mail: ronda@StyleMedia.com ©2009 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The entire contents of Style Magazine is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Style Media and Design Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photography must be accompanied by a SASE. The views and opinions of any contributing writers are not necessarily those of Style Media & Design Inc.

8

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Our Mission is to serve and provide all of our customers with the very best service experience possible.

We take pride in our superior quality craftsmanship and unbeatable levels of customer service.

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Grown and Blossomed Dear Lydia, Your article by Lynn Dean honoring the 30th birthday of Opera Fort Collins was a real treat.

Lynn’s personal approach, through the words of Elizabeth Elliott, Todd Queen, and Chuck Taylor, made the article come alive and outlined how Opera Fort Collins has grown and blossomed.

The community owes special thanks to the dreams and energy of Elizabeth Elliott – furthered by those of Dr. Todd Queen – that have produced a first-rate opera company.

Opera Fort Collins and all arts organizations must work hard to keep the high standards that enhance our city. All of us should and must support the arts with our efforts and our wallets! Thanks again, ~ John Ostheimer President, OFC Board of Directors Nancy Ostheimer Beth Hill, President, OFC Guild Richard Hill

Excellent Coverage Dear Lydia, Thank you for your excellent coverage of the Opera Fort Collins Gala, in About Town, and the upcoming opera “Il Trovatore.” Opera Fort Collins Guild members work hard to support a quality Opera program. We encourage your readers to attend our “Arias@Avo’s,” the Singers Showcase at Avogadro’s Number restaurant. The last Sunday afternoon of every month we present professional singers and a selection of the best arias from a variety of famous composers as well as excerpts from Broadway musicals. Thanks again for your support of the Arts. ~ Fini and Dick Thomas, Opera Fort Collins Guild appreciated the articles

Kittens Adopted Hi Lydia, I just wanted to drop you a note letting you know all of the shelter staff and volunteers were blown away with the beautiful article and layout in the “Signs of Spring” section of the Family & Philanthropy issue that featured some of our rescue kitties. We are also thrilled to see you mention us in your letter, and see the pictures from our fundraiser, Chat Amour, in About Town.

It turned out more fabulous than we could have imagined, and we had multiple people calling the shelter wanting to adopt the kitties!

All in all, it was a great way to recognize our organization and we are incredibly thankful to you and Style. Sincerely, ~ Sarah Swanty, Fort Collins Cat Rescue

Dear Lydia, Thank you for the wonderful articles in your Family & Philanthropy issue that draws much-deserved attention to the many generous residents of Northern Colorado. We enjoyed reading Jim Sprout’s article on Mike Demma, executive director of the Poudre School District Foundation, and on our former trustee Bill Brown, and his wife, Ruth.

We also appreciated the article on Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County, which served 2,850 kids last year, and is one of 30 local nonprofit agencies that houses their endowment fund here at the Community Foundation.

Amazing How Many People Read Style Dear Sondy and Lydia, I wanted to let everyone at Style know how surprised I have been at how many people see Style. Since being shown in a few ads of Overton Center For Dental Arts the past couple of years, I have been amazed how many people mention to me they saw me in Style. Every time my photo appears, people mention they saw me in the magazine. At the office, at the grocery store, by people I don’t even know. It has been really fun!

~ Ray Caraway, President Community Foundation of Northern Colorado

~ Russ Hunter, Broker Associate/Partner, The Group Inc.

Mike’s Heart Dear Lydia, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for the wonderful article you did on my husband, Mike Demma, in the Family & Philanthropy issue. Mike’s heart has always been to give back and not only help his children and grandchildren, but all the children in this community for their future. Our family has been truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband, dad, and grandfather in our lives.

Thank you, Lydia, for recognizing Mike and for recognizing those in this community who do make a difference. I’ve really enjoyed Style and all that you and your staff do in our community.

Thank you and God bless. ~ Joan Demma & Family saving that issue Thanks for the great summer camp article Erica! I like the picture you chose of Stella. We will be saving that issue of Style for sure. ~Bree Baretta Mountain Kids

We welcome your comments By phone: 970.226.6400 By fax: 970.226.6427 By email: info@stylemedia.com www.stylemagazinecolorado.com

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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407 Riverside : Fort Collins

Pete Weeks

on the cover

First Western Trust Bank Northern Colorado Chairman James Sprout, President Kristi Benningsdorf, and FWTB Northern Colorado Community Advisory Board Members Paula Edwards and Larry Edwards on location at First Western Trust Bank, Fort Collins.

Photography by Warren Diggles

features

spotlight

FIRST WESTERN TRUST BANK FASTEST GROWING BANK . . .16

anlance protection & learningrx . . . . . . . . . . . .

Personally connected private banking.

outdoor living in northern colorado . . . .

51

Outdoor lifestyle comes alive with a fresh design. after the storm: windsor rebuilds . . . . . .

A year later, the community rebuilds together.

16 30

Full-service team approach to managing investments.

signing up for success davinci signs . . . . . . . . . .

30

48

40

grand opening of westbridge medical Suites . . 44

48 51

Innovative sky bridge connects Westbridge to PVH.

economy status Report: The northern colorado economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

56 58 2009 :: northern colorado business & building

12

56

try estes park for your next staycation . . . . . . . .

65

Fort Collins establishes itself as a cycling mecca.

loveland museum/gallery wayne thiebaud: 70 years of painting . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

dining best business lunches . .

real estate Real estate opportunities in today’s market.

cycling! fun & easy . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Summer exhibit brings worldrenowned painter to the Rockies.

Award-winning signs span the region.

straight facts on short sales . . . . . . . . . . .

lifestyle

culture

business the team approach at ubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36 44

58

50

City leaders find positve signs in Northern Colorado’s economic outlook.

37

about town a photo tour of non-profit events . . . . . . 68 Dinner of Champions Blacktie Bingo The Taste Kitchen Kaper Home Tour MoCA Mask Gala Kappa Kappa Gamma Flowers Sale

departments readers’ letters . . . . . . . . 10 publisher’s letter . . . . . . 14

www.stylemagazinecolorado.com Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

western

resources.

Of all the exclusive financial services offered by First Western Trust Bank, perhaps a client's greatest resource is our people; people of integrity, intelligence, experience, and compassion. It's what sets us apart.

Private Banking • Investment Management • Personal Trust • Wealth Planning NORTHERN COLORADO

3003 E. HARMONY ROAD • SUITE 200 • FORT COLLINS, CO 80528 • 970.484.9222

~ =·-=

MEMBER FDIC

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Publisher’s Letter

M

14

rado outlook. Compared to many other areas in the country, our area has been spared.

Quality of life certainly includes a medical and wellness component, and our region is blessed with amazing healthcare services and facilities.

We’ve all been watching in awe as the first Sky Bridge has been built spanning Lemay Avenue.

The Westbridge Medical Suites and employee parking structure are an attractive addition to the neighborhood along with enhancing our medical care availability and the Sky Bridge will offer exceptional convenience for physicians and benefits for patients. Read Grand Opening of Westbridge Medical Suites to get all the details.

Many of us move to this area for the beautiful countryside and for the many outdoor living and recreating opportunities. One feature many enjoy is biking. Our communities are bike friendly and offer an exceptional network of bike trails for scenic enjoyment and safe biking. Read Cycling! Fun & Easy to learn how Fort Collins has established itself as a center of cycling. A friend has recently tuned up my bike, I have bought a helmet and a pair of those funny looking padded shorts, and I will soon be getting my exercise on the trails.

Spend a little time with this issue reading up on some of the best restaurants for business lunches, catch the Loveland Museum/Gallery to see a prestigious art exhibition of artist Wayne Thiebaud, and enjoy getting ideas on renovating your landscaping and adding some beautiful pieces of new outdoor patio furniture to enhance your outdoor living. These and more articles are in this issue for your enjoyment.

Meanwhile, I have several flats of annuals and perennials that are calling my name, so this weekend is going to be dedicated to getting my hands in the dirt and adding that color, I love, to my office and home.

Enjoy your summer,

lydia@stylemedia.com

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Photos courtesy Joey Ungerer and Lightsource Creative Communications.

y friends at The Group Inc. send me their very informative “Insider” newsletter which I always enjoy, and their recent one relayed several interesting things that we, living in this area, instinctively already know. A new survey reported that Colorado residents are among the most content in the country with Colorado ranking fourth among the 50 states in this Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.

They reported that only residents of Utah, Hawaii, and Wyoming were ahead of our residents. This index measures categories such as life evaluation, work quality, healthy behavior, physical health and emotional health. To view the survey, visit www.well-beingindex.com.

Additionally, Fort Collins ranks number 2 on Forbes list of best places for businesses and careers. And a study by www.bizjournals.com/edit_ special/77.html ranked Fort Collins 7th out of the top 10 mid-sized metropolitan areas in the U.S. in a quality-of-life survey.

Even though you and I are not strangers to tough times – including several wars, a few recessions, job cutbacks, high interest rates, and out of control inflation – we always come back to appreciating how very lucky we all are to live and work in this area which has some insulation to drastic economic swings. The phrase, quality of life, might be sounding trite by now, but it definitely has important meaning for all of us.

Historically this issue of Style includes articles that talk about our economy and our lifestyle in the Front Range. We are proud to be featuring Jim Sprout and Kristi Benningsdorf along with Advisors Paula Edwards and Larry Edwards from First Western Trust Bank on our cover. Not only is this a great group of folks, but business magazine Inc. 500 ranked the bank as fastest growing. Read Fastest Growing Bank to learn about this great up and coming organization.

Talking about the economy is on the tip of everyone’s tongue these days. Read our Status Report: The Northern Colorado Economy to get an overview of our real estate status, employment condition, and retail/sales tax numbers. The public and private city leaders we interviewed found positive signs for recovery in our Northern Colo-

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banking :: first western trust bank Think top-notch financial service and sophisticated wealth management advice are reserved only for East Coasters with multi-generational family wealth? Think again.

First Western Trust Bank

FWTB Northern Colorado Chairman James Sprout, center, works with clients Brown Abrams, left, and wife Melissa Abrams.

Fastest growing bank

By Corey Radman | Photos By Warren Diggles

F

irst Western Trust Bank (FWTB), founded in 2002 by CEO Scott Wylie, combines integrated wealth management solutions on a private banking platform with a more personally connected, client-centered approach that is proving very successful in Colorado, Arizona, and California.

Their vision? To be the best private bank in the western United States.

Wylie, who founded and later sold the Trust Bank of Colorado, established FWTB in Denver

16

with help from another Colorado son, Warren Olsen. Olsen serves as Chief Investment Officer in charge of investment strategy. He was formerly the president of IBJ Whitehall Asset Management Group where he increased managed assets from $3 billion to $10 billion, and before that he founded and was president of Morgan Stanley Asset Management’s global fund business in New York.

Realizing that potential clients had few private banking options west of the Mississippi, FWTB founders set the auspicious goal of dom-

inating the western market. Wylie describes the typical FWTB client: “The big companies in the eastern half of the country are used to dealing with old established wealth, and offer a paternalistic service to their clients. But Colorado wealth (especially in Northern Colorado) is first generation, and is created from intellectual capital that comes out of places like UNC and CSU. These entrepreneurs and professionals are looking for a financial partnership, not a pat on the head… someone who offers smart savvy advice that will help them be as successful financially as they are in their fields.”

When Wylie and Olsen were investigating expansion from Denver into Northern Colorado, they talked to many industry professionals about the players in this market.

“After the tenth person told us to talk to Jim Sprout, we knew we had our guy,” says Wylie. “We weren’t even really thinking about this market,” he says, “but Jim is such a great leader in Northern Colorado. It was a significant opportunity.”

Based on those recommendations, a partnership was born that will pay dividends for many years. James Sprout & Associates and Poudre River Valley Trust Company, merged with FWTB in 2004.

“I liked First Western’s philosophy that values a comprehensive and long-term relationship in working with clients. We emphasize a

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

team approach in collaborating with our clients and their other advisors to find the best solutions. Our senior management team consists of Kristi Benningsdorf, Tom Behr, Cindy Bragdon, Glory Burns, Denai Thornton, and Rich Ball,” says Sprout, now Chairman of FWTB Northern Colorado in Fort Collins. “Overall, it was a good opportunity for my clients as well as my associates.”

He continues: “The business model includes traditional banking services, a sophisticated and customized investment management platform, fiduciary and trust services and insurance consulting all integrated through a personal wealth management and advisory relationship.”

Brown Abrams, owner of FiberLok, Inc. of Fort Collins, came to Sprout through the recommendation of a trusted personal and business relationship of twenty years. “I am too busy running my business to try and understand the type of work Jim does,” says Abrams, “His type of business is about trust. He is dealing with the concentrated results of my business, which I have worked hard at for over thirty years. That is why you need someone you trust.” FiberLok is a specialty printing company and manufacturer of Lextra, a high performance heat lock transfer used most often on textiles. FiberLok is on the high development track with over 100 U.S. patents, fifteen of which they have received in the past year.

First Western moved from the Old Town Fort Collins area to its new location at 3003 East Harmony Road in September 2008.

Meriting Recognition FWTB’s impressive growth has made national and regional headlines. Business magazine, Inc. 500 tracks the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. In 2008, they ranked FWTB as the fastest growing bank, and report its growth since inception at an eye-popping 791.2 percent.

According to Wylie, last year’s loan growth was up 85 percent, exceeded only by deposit growth, which rose by 87 percent. The bank currently has $450 million in assets and manages $2.2 billion in financial assets. Approximately $250 million, including fiduciary assets, are managed in Northern Colorado.

Kristi Benningsdorf, President of FWTB Northern Colorado is a Colorado native and 25-year veteran of the banking industry. She explains the growth strategy for the institution: “We are looking for steady asset and revenue growth. We are also committed to growing our current locations from 8 to 28 locations by

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

FWTB Northern Colorado Community Advisory Board Members Paula Edwards and Larry Edwards, President Kristi Benningsdorf, and Chairman James Sprout.

2012. First Western recently opened new locations: one in Scottsdale, Arizona, and two in the Los Angeles, California area.”

Also, FWTB recently added new services in 401K consulting, cash management for nonprofits, foundations and businesses, and a fullscale mortgage department.

CIO Olsen explains how FWTB has remained very solid while other banks have found themselves on shaky ground in recent months. “Our growth has been a very considered effort.

We’ve kept our credit standards very conservative.”

Wylie reiterates the sentiment on the company website: “We have a culture built around risk management, and we focus on long term results both for our clients and for our own operations. When the markets are booming, we may seem a little boring and cautious, but in times like these, we stand out as a safe harbor.”

Competitive Edge “We focus on comprehensive wealth planning,” explains Benningsdorf. “Our portfolio managers are experienced and savvy investment professionals, and our investment committee is comprised of industry experts with years of experience.”

She continues: “We are client focused; we are a trusted advisor; we are locally based and engrained in the community; we have local decision making and loan approvals; we have a unique focus on providing ongoing education/ life planning; we are relationship based; we provide peace of mind, and most of all; we are very good at what we do.”

Generally, new clients to FWTB are referred by current clients or other professional advisors. The bank also has an active Community Advisory Board that includes: Larry Edwards, Paula Edwards, Jim McWilliams, Cliff Buchholz, Rodney Rice, Kim McDaniels, Rachel LaValley, Alistar MacDonald, and Eric Peterson.

Larry Edwards, who is also owner of The Light Center in Fort Collins, has served as an advisory board member for five years. He says, “Our function is to be a good sounding board for the bank’s leadership. We give them more fingers in the community and help expand their reach.”

Paula Edwards, also serves on the board.

“The relationship my family and I have established with the bank is so beneficial. If I’m able to repay them by making introductions of people I know to the bank, I’d love to be able to do that,” she says.

New clients might begin their relationship with a wealth management review - essential in tying up loose ends, according to Sprout.

The solutions planned in the review process might result in the development of a family fiduciary plan for loved ones, a succession plan for one’s business (very often overlooked, he says), contingency planning in case of a life changing event, an investment plan for the management of financial assets, and possibly some banking related services, he says.

“Our staff really works as a team, not separate departments,” Sprout explains. “Ours is a holistic planning approach. We only serve about 220 long-term clients in Fort Collins. So our business is not driven by volume. We really ask, how can we add value to clients?”

17

As Wylie noted, the typical First Western client is interested in being actively involved in their wealth management. As such, “much of our maketing is educational in nature,” he says.

Their educational services include seminars about wealth-life balance, family trusts, philanthropy, business succession, and even how to raise children to be good stewards.

Invitations to FWTB annual client appreciation events are highly prized. Usually each year in April, the bank hosts a nationally known speaker. Guest lecturers have included highly respected economists and political advisors like: former Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich; CNN’s senior political analyst David Gergen; but this year’s guest, Pulitzer Prize winner, George Will will appear in November.

It’s About the People Ask the leaders of FWTB about the most satisfying parts of their job, and they all invariably talk about the team and the clients.

Wylie relates the story of a job candidate who, after a day of interviews summarized his impressions of the bank. “Everybody here is on a mission: they are all passionate about creating this first private bank and trust in the West.

They all talk about trying to do a great job for the clients.”

Benningsdorf continues that thought. “I have a great group of professionals in this [Fort Collins] office that really care about each other and the clients that we serve. It’s great to work

18

for a company that has a vision to be the best it can be.”

Not only does FWTB provide excellent service to its clients through teamwork, their commitment to people stretches throughout the city.

One of their six core values is community service.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Wylie asserts. “You need to connect to local non-profits.”

“We are all actively engaged in the communities we serve to promote a greater social, cultural, and economic good. We encourage employees to volunteer on boards,” states Benningsdorf who herself is a board member of the Weld County American Cancer Society and is a Windsor Rotarian.

Sprout’s public service over the years could entirely fill another article, however he notes that the bank supports many local arts organizations like the Fort Collins Symphony and Bas Bleu Theatre. Currently, he personally volunteers through UniverCity Connections.

On its surface, the banking business seems like it should be all about money, but FWTB’s success is much more than just monetary. Because it was conceived for and remains dedicated to its clients, the bank continues to prove itself worthy of their trust.

Corey Radman is a writer and mother of two living in Fort Collins.

Savvy Market

Advice

By Corey Radman

The financial experts from First Western Trust Bank offer a bit of advice in the current market.

FWTB’s CIO Warren Olsen urges people to avoid a “Sky is Falling” reactionary approach. “It might be a good time to do or re-visit your financial plan,” he advises. “Everyone has seen the face value of their portfolios go down, but don’t panic. You want to react in an intellectual, not emotional, way.

“You may need to adjust at the margins by reducing your spending or working a year or two longer. You might need to consider changes to your business structure. You may need to reconsider your investment strategy; perhaps you can’t stomach your initial plan.

“Don’t succumb to short term difficulty (even two or three years of it). Over the long term, people who do best exhibit discipline and patience. Guessing in the short term is impossible, and the cost of being wrong outweighs the benefit of being right.

“We insist that all clients have an investment policy statement to make goals and objectives. After all, if you don’t have goals or objectives you’re always going to be disappointed,” he explains.

Chairman Jim Sprout adds that investing requires total risk assessment: “A good strategy integrates your investment plan with your total situation which includes cash flow management, liquidity needs, taxes, savings and spending plan, risk, rate of return requirements, and asset preservation and protection.”

He adds, “Risk is broader that just investment risk and takes into consideration various economic and market conditions as well as personal circumstances like the loss of income, incapacity, the sale or transfer of an illiquid asset like a business or real estate, and proper insurance coverage.”

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economy :: status report - the northern colorado region Like other cities caught up in current economic trends, Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and Windsor have tightened their belts. But, unlike many other areas, Northern Colorado seems to be holding its own and, officials say, there is good news along with the bad.

Northern Colorado Economy

T

By Kay Rios

he economic health of Northern Colorado can be evaluated in several categories. This article explores the valuable insight provided by real estate comparisons and trends, labor statistics, and sales and use taxes across Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and Windsor. In this article, each community’s mayor, along with several professionals in the private and public sectors, are interviewed. While they speak to their individual challenges, overall the outlook is optimistic for our Northern Colorado region.

R e a l E s tat e P r oj e c t i o n s Home values are holding well overall, says Chuck McNeal, chairman and chief executive officer of The Group Inc. Real Estate. “Compared with last year, and using the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) figures, quarter by quarter we actually had a positive appreciation. For one year, Fort Collins and Loveland are only down nine-tenths of one percent so values are holding pretty well.” The figures also include Windsor, since it is considered a Fort Collins market.

“If you look at the U.S. as a whole, prices dropped about eight percent, so it is truly better here. The reason for that is we didn’t have the

22

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Chuck McNeal, Chief Executive Officer for The Group, Inc.

big run up in prices in 2005 and 2006 like most places.”

Greeley, on the other hand, was hit a little harder. “Greeley was the first market to start to suffer in Northern Colorado. Some say it will be one of the first to come out, as well. For about five years, it was at almost negative 6.5 percent.”

From 1999 to 2003, Greeley was one of the fastest growing metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) in the U.S., McNeal says. “That led to an overheating of the market in terms of pricing, creating pressure for prices to come back down.”

That is not necessarily bad news. “What this is creating is tremendous affordability in our market right now, the best we’ve seen in decades, with low interest rates. So, especially for the first-time home buyer, it’s an ideal time to buy.”

The foreclosure rates have slowed somewhat locally and nationally, adds McNeal. “It’s a little deceptive because there has been a moratorium from the government on foreclosures, which has slowed the rate down. However, the moratorium is being lifted, so we can expect the numbers to come back up again.”

Of the homes sold in Fort Collins in 2008, only 12 percent were foreclosures or real estate owned (REO) and eight percent were short sales – those sales negotiated at a lower price so they would not go into foreclosure. Loveland’s 2008 numbers reflect 21 percent foreclosures or REOs and about 8 percent short sales.

“Greeley was a very different picture with 52 percent foreclosures and 7 percent short sales,” he says. “That’s the bad news. The good news is there is a very hectic market for these foreclosed homes. They sell quickly and they usually have multiple offers. For those who have patience, it’s a good time to buy.”

Mortgage loans are available, McNeal says, and interest rates are close to an all-time low.

“They’re under five percent now and our prediction is that will persist throughout this year. One of the first things you will notice as the country begins to climb out of the recession is that the rates are artificially low.”

More good news for the first-time buyer, says McNeal. “We’ve seen a big resurgence in FHA loans. They require 3.5 percent down and have looser qualifications. Our mortgage company typically gets only five percent of our business from FHA. Now it’s over 30 percent, which is common

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

across the industry.”

There is also a good inventory of higher priced homes being sold at a reduced price. “The government is also being encouraged to open up credit lines on ‘jumbo’ loans to increase the number of higher priced homes that are selling.”

New homes are at a low point, McNeal says.

“Buyers are extremely cautious and there is some inventory that needs to be absorbed. Greeley is in a better situation for new homes since they have a lower supply and good demand. Builders aren’t sitting on as much inventory in Greeley. In Fort Collins, Loveland, and particularly Windsor, builders are sitting on them. But,” he predicts, “lending to builders may loosen up. One area where builders will still feel tightness is in commercial lending. That is a tough area.”

As people look to sell, the old standby comes to play. “What we’re really seeing, more than at any time I can remember in my career, is the hyper-locality of the market. We always talk about ‘location, location, location,’ and that’s true now more than ever. You can’t really look at the market as a national whole or even at all of Fort Collins or Loveland. You have to look down at a neighborhood level to get a good picture. Some neighborhoods are holding steady and appreciating. Other neighborhoods are still seeing foreclosures and they are in the buyer’s favor.”

Understanding how to position yourself in Monday, May 18, 2009 the market can be difficult. That is why it is important to work with a Realtor who understands absorption rate, says McNeal. “That will give you bargaining power. If you understand that, you can price your home in such a way that it will sell.”

2008

Real Estate Sales Summary Fort Collins 2008 Sales Summary (Comparison of Distressed vs. Non-distressed Sales) Short Sales

REO

5% 12%

83%

Greeley 2008 Sales Summary (Comparison of Distressed vs. Non-distressed Sales) Short Sales

Non-Distressed Sales

7%

employment Job losses in Colorado have been widespread throughout the state. The past year’s cuts have been most pronounced in the professional and business services sectors, with over 27,000 jobs lost, followed by almost 22,000 jobs in the construction trades, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

There is good news for Northern Colorado, according to a report recently released by Colorado State University’s (CSU) Office of EcoMonday, May 18, 2009 nomic Development. The report, authored by CSU associate professor of economics Martin Shields and research economist David Keyser, says despite rising unemployment, the region is still adding new jobs. The report uses information from Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys which indicate, as of July 2008, Northern Colorado’s employment totals grew about 2.3 percent from the prior year, registering faster than the state’s 1.3 percent rate from the same period.

Those statistics translate to almost 5,000 new jobs created in Northern Colorado. Based on their findings, the authors project Larimer and Weld counties will add a net of 4,200 additional jobs in 2009. For 2010, they are predicting a 2.1 percent increase in total Larimer and Weld County employment.

Good news aside, Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and Windsor have Monday, all experienced May 18, 2009 some reduction in jobs and continue to look for ways to offset losses.

Non-Distressed Sales

REO

41%

52%

Loveland 2008 Sales Summary (Comparison of Distressed vs. Non-distressed Sales) Short Sales

Non-Distressed Sales

REO

8%

21% 71%

REO (Real Estate Owned properties) represent foreclosures. Fort Collins figures include the Winsor area. Figures courtesy of The Group, Inc.

23

According to Mayor Ed Clark, Greeley is focused on moving forward during this challenging economy. “We have a good city, city manager, and city employees. There are many on Council who work hard to make Greeley a better place.

We struggle like other places, but we are in a better position because we’ve worked hard to be fiscally responsible. We’re not laying people off and

Fort Collins Mayor Doug Hutchinson

Greeley Mayor Ed Clark

Fort Collins

Greeley

“Job loss is not a new phenomenon for Fort Collins since the 9/11 timeframe and the tech industry crashing. That hit Fort Collins hard for several years, the high-tech in particular. It is something we’ve tried to recover from continuously,” according to Darin Atteberry, Fort Collins City Manager.

On the other hand, Atteberry says, there has been some offset. “We’ve benefited from several successful businesses and government jobs – CSU, Poudre School District, Poudre Valley Health System, the Center for Disease Control. Although we are continuing to see layoffs, I look at how we are doing relative to our peers across the nation. My mantra is when you think it’s bad in Fort Collins, look around the rest of the country.”

Fort Collins isn’t idly standing by, says Atteberry, listing their strategies for bolstering the job market and the economy in general.

“First, how do we retain and help existing businesses expand. Second, how do we incubate and help grow businesses that spin off new ideas coming out of the University and from entrepreneurs. Third, how do we attract those who are looking to relocate.”

Mayor Doug Hutchinson adds, “The City’s role in economic health is to be proactive, creating an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs can succeed. Jobs are created when we support and encourage companies like the new Enterprise Rent-A-Car claim center, which will create 120 jobs initially and up to 240 in the next two years. That was the result of an 18-month-long effort that was a partnership between Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC), the City, and Enterprise.”

Creating that environment means looking at what barriers exist and what the City can do to help, Atteberry says. “Since Doug has been in office, he and I have visited over 100 businesses in their work sites, checking in, and learning what we can do to help them.

So when something does come up, they have that contact.”

According to Mayor Ed Clark, Greeley is focused on moving forward during this challenging economy. “We have a good city, city manager, and city employees. There are many on Council who work hard to make Greeley a better place. We struggle like other places, but we are in a better position because we’ve worked hard to be fiscally responsible. We’re not laying people off and have kept 55 jobs open. We’re trying to do more with less.”

Greeley has not experienced major job cuts, says City Manager Roy Otto. “We obviously have a large commuter population, so we’re not seeing huge losses.” But he does point to the relocation of Crop Production Services and the closing of New Frontier Bank, which left approximately 250 people unemployed.

Otto says there are some positive things in the works to offset those losses. “One of the biggest potentials is Leprino Foods and that will provide a $5 million investment in our community over a 4 to 5 year period.” The facility is expected to open in 2011 and could provide 500 jobs.

“We have a number of businesses interested in the area. One is in the energy sector with a $100 million investment and up to 250 jobs. Another, in construction building materials, is doing due diligence right now and could mean another 80 to 100 jobs.”

Bruce Biggi, Greeley’s economic development manager adds, “There are a couple of recent retention businesses that could be adding additional jobs and a couple firms with national significance thinking about expansion. We also have a firm in the animal science area that hopes to lock a major contract with a national retailer that could double their workforce.” The City is honoring confidentiality and will let those firms do the announcements, adds Biggi.

The City has partnered with Upstate Colorado Economic Development, Biggi says. “As a result of that partnership, we often do orientations with people interested in this area.”

Greeley officials are very interested in new or renewable clean energy technologies, Otto says.

“We realize our strength in agriculture and agribusiness, but also recognize the growing importance of renewable energy. We want to combine the two and we’re working on a strategic plan that includes renewable energy as a sub-element.”

24

Loveland Mayor Gene Pielin

Loveland “We are very focused on jobs. That has been our primary focus since I’ve been on Council and I didn’t see any reason to change that when I became Mayor,” says Gene Pielin, who is in his tenth year on City Council and his second year as Mayor.

Jobs translate into a healthy, happy community, Pielin says. “We feel if our citizens are earning a livable wage, they will be satisfied citizens. That is an oversimplification, but it is what we’re working toward.” His outlook for the future is positive. “We are very business-like in nature and feel we’re business friendly. We want to keep our primary employers here and we want them to grow.”

Rod Wensing, Loveland Assistant City Manager, says, “From a loss standpoint, there have been layoffs in the larger businesses, such as Agilent and Woodward Governor, and we’ve seen some in the smaller businesses. We’ve also had new employment both in 2008 and 2009 and have offered incentives in both years. Those have involved Colorado vNet, Ensign Power Systems, KL & A Engineering, and Jax Outdoor Gear. We also worked with Blue Ribbon Auto Body in town.”

Through those arrangements, 150 jobs were retained, Wensing says. “So far in 2009, we’ve worked with three specific companies – Lightening Hybrids, Tharp Cabinets, and Orthopaedic Center of the Rockies. With those in the hopper, we’ve retained 90 jobs and have the potential to add another 415 jobs.”

Incentives offered vary, Wensing says. “Each company is different so it may mean lower fees, or a sales tax rebate or sharing, or could be backfilling of some community expansion fees (CEFs).”

The community benefits in the long run, he adds.

“In 2008, the incentives for those businesses was about $1.3 million dollars in local incentives but that leveraged $13 million in private investment which is about 10 to 1. So far in 2009, about $550,000 in local incentives from the City has leveraged private investments of about $17 million. Expansion fees of about $430,000 were deferred to a later date for the Orthopaedic Center of the Rockies and, as a result, they will invest about $12.6 million.”

For the future, Wensing says Loveland is looking at existing businesses and how the City can provide business assistance with incentives. “It’s not about giving cash to the companies but about meeting their needs in different ways to assist a particular business and, at the same time, maximize the benefit to the local community.”

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Windsor Mayor John Vazquez

Windsor Shortly after John Vazquez was elected mayor, the May 22, 2008, tornado hit Windsor. Since then, the community and the Town Board have rallied. “We’ve done amazing things. In addition to recovering, we have done well with budget and reduced our projections in light of the economic downturn. We’re fortunate because we are still seeing businesses come to Windsor. We’ve seen an increase in our total assessed value. Homes in other communities lost value, so property taxes were lost. Because we’ve had new growth and new industry coming into town, even though there was a reduction in some of the property values, we had

an overall increase.”

Kelly Arnold, town manager for Windsor, says one hard hit coming is Kodak’s reduction of its workforce from 700 to 400 employees in the next six to nine months. “The flipside is that Vestas is going through their next addition phase, so that will add 150 to 200 employees. Hexcel Corporation will open its manufacturing plant by mid-June.

That will add 100 new employees as they open and another 100 later on. We will have some fallout, but on the whole, Weld County is looking pretty good.”

On the small business side, says Arnold, many struggled after the tornado but seem to be bouncing back. “We’ve had some attrition in the small service sector and lost a couple of restaurants, coffee shops, and other service oriented businesses.

But because of our location, we don’t anticipate any other significant economic hits,” he says.

“Maybe the new norm is flat and that’s okay. One of the challenges Windsor has, as does the rest of the region, is how are we going to infill what has left in this economy. How will we fill the empty storefronts?”

The 2008 tornado wasn’t all loss for Windsor.

“We almost have our own local stimulus package because of the rebuilding that’s resulted. We have several government projects, for example, rebuilding the Chimney Park ballpark facility and a $3.5 million repair and renovation to our town hall.

That will cement the current town hall in its current location and make it a more sustainable location for the future. We are starting a brand new $4 million police facility in August. We look at this as

an opportunity to get some of these needed local projects done while we have the revenue. The construction costs are favorable and that will lead to a local economic stimulus of our own.”

Sa l e s a n d U s e Ta x e s Many Colorado municipalities rely on sales taxes to support general fund items. In Northern Colorado, purchases are down and, as a result, sales and use taxes have decreased. Sales tax varies from city to city, with local governing bodies setting the pace and proposed increases going to the voters. In Fort Collins, the sales tax is three percent and 2.25 percent on food. In Greeley, the sales and use tax rate is 3.46 percent. Loveland is at three percent and Windsor at 3.2 percent.

In each case, at least 50 percent of the general fund relies on sales taxes and all of the municipalities have seen change. How are these local cities faring?

Fort Collins

“Comparing the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009, we show 3.5 percent decrease,” says Mike Freeman, chief financial officer for the City of Fort Collins says. “People are not buying large ticket items – vehicles, furniture, and new technology. Some areas are doing fine, for example, restaurants and grocery. It’s really the discretional spending that is down.”

Freeman expects to see increases later in the year. “Based on the trends we’ve seen and what we’re seeing nationally, I think we’ll have some

2008-2009 Labor Force Comparison Labor Force

Employed

Unemployed

90000 67500 45000 22500

2008 Fort Collins

2008 Greeley

2008 Loveland

2009 Fort Collins

2009 Greeley

2009 Loveland

0

March 2009 unemployment rates: Greeley 10.2%, Fort Collins 7.7%, Loveland 5.9% Figures based on March 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics. Windsor figures unavailable.

26

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

improvement in the third and fourth quarter. At some point, people will start buying the large ticket items again and there will be an improvement in retail sales in general.”

For use tax, Freeman says Fort Collins is down just under 20 percent in the first quarter compared to last year. “The big factors are use tax paid on vehicles and building materials, and use tax related to development.” Sales and use taxes make up 50 percent of the general fund, he says. Overall, “we’re projecting a down year and we don’t see anything on the horizon that will change that at this point.”

Greeley

In Greeley, just under 50 percent of the total general fund revenue is sales and use tax, says Timothy Nash, finance director for the City of Greeley. “We only have two months of results for this year and that shows total sales and use at 5.09 percent below last year at this same time.

It’s hard to tell if it will change, but I’m not seeing anything that would cause me to think it won’t continue that way.”

Nash says, however, that of the total decrease, retail sales tax collections in Greeley are only down 2.81percent. Building permit sales are down by 68.7 percent, the greatest part of the drop.

Loveland

In Loveland, sales tax represents 58 percent and use taxes around seven percent of the total general fund revenue, according to Renee Wheel-

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

er, assistant city manager and finance director for the City of Loveland.

“Sales and use tax combined last year through March came to $8.8 million. This year, the figure is $8.5 million. It’s just the state of the economy,” she says. “We’re lucky we’re only down that much. We’ve been tracking on the retail side about 5 percent below the previous year and about 11 percent below budget. By the end of the year, we’re projecting $3.8 million shortfall of what we budgeted for total sales and use tax.”

Loveland is prepared, however. “Of the 3.8 million shortfall in the general fund, we have $1.9 million we will get from cost saving reduction strategies and the other $1.9 million we expect to get from our undesignated fund balance.”

Projections for the future are very conservative, she says. “We are projecting no increase in 2010 and have actually thrown in 1.5 percent increase in 2011 over 2010. Then, we’re hoping that, in 2012, we’ll see a 3 percent increase.”

Windsor

Windsor has fared somewhat better than its counterparts, says director of finance Dean Moyer. “Sales tax revenues compared through the end of March, year over year, show a change up 4.75 percent over last year. It’s not as much of an increase as other years, but it’s still good. For March alone, we are up 1.43 percent over March of last year.”

“Use tax reports are not quite as happy,” Moyer says. “For the first quarter, we’re only behind $10,000 from last year. Industrial permits are

keeping us close. There’s a trickle of single-family homes, but not as many as in years past. “ The sales tax hasn’t changed because it is necessity based, he says. “Ours comes from grocery stores and restaurants. For a long time we were lamenting that we didn’t have a retail complex, but now the fact that we don’t means we’re not seeing the decreases and we’re not dependent on retail. We are still strong because people still need to buy groceries and eat.”

“Use tax is harder to predict,” he says. “Even when we were doing a lot of homes and a lot of permits, it was hard to forecast what we would do each year. I don’t see the housing market picking up quickly. Industrial and commercial will depend on the economy at large.”

From trends in real estate to potential new employers, Northern Colorado has the good fortune of being somewhat isolated from the worst of the slumping national economy. City officials in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor and Greeley remain decidedly optimistic as we move deeper into 2009 and hint there may just be a bit of good news in the third and fourth quarters of this year.

Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. She writes for a variety of regional and national publications and is currently at work on a collection of creative non-fiction and a mystery novel.

27

ALES TAX C RITI C AL

to Local Community Health

By Kay Rios

Julie Sather-Browne Vice-President of Sather’s Leading Jewelers in Fort Collins

B

usiness owners and government officials agree buying local supports the community in a number of ways, but the most tangible connection comes from the sales taxes collected by local municipalities.

Larry Burkhardt, president and chief executive officer for Upstate Colorado, a public/private nonprofit economic development corporation serving Weld County, says, “Sales tax provides a significant percentage of any municipality’s budget. Not having that sales tax base erodes the ability of the municipality to provide services, whether it be water, sewer, recreation centers, or trash.”

Many Colorado cities rely on sales tax revenues, says Burkhardt, while the East Coast has a greater dependency on property tax revenues. “There is a perceived fairness in the use of sales tax,” continues Burkhardt, who previously spent eleven years on the Longmont City Council and two of those as its mayor. “The argument is that sales tax is fairer because it’s not regressive and not an income tax.

Since you have control over what you purchase, you have some level of control over your taxation.”

The revenue for most municipalities range between 50 and 65 percent of the general fund, he says, and rates vary from city to city. Greeley, for example, has a 3.46 percent sales and use tax rate. The rate is set by the local governing bodies, says Timothy Nash, finance director for the City of Greeley. “But,” he adds, “because of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights any increase in the sales and use tax rate by any taxing authority requires a vote of the citizens of that taxing authority.”

Nash agrees sales taxes are important for the communities in the Front Range. “Because of the tax structure in Colorado, municipalities are highly dependent on sales and use tax revenue to fund their budgets. Sales and use tax is our largest non-enterprise fund revenue source. Counties and school districts rely mostly on property taxes, although Larimer County has a sales tax.”

The use of the revenue depends on the community, Nash says. “In Greeley, the sales tax on

28

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

food is restricted to infrastructure maintenance.

Of the 3.46 percent rate in Greeley, .30 percent is restricted to Quality of Life capital projects and .16 percent is restricted to paying back the bonds issued to fund the new Police headquarters. After subtracting the restricted revenue, the balance is available to the general fund for use on local government services such as police, fire, public works, parks, recreation, and community development.”

“Sales tax is critically important to the general fund operations since it pays for those services above the revenue cities can generate on their own, for example, police, fire, parks, library, culture, planning, streets,” says Assistant City Manager for the City of Loveland, Renee Wheeler.

Government officials are not the only ones to see the importance of sales taxes. Julie SatherBrowne, vice president of Sather’s Leading Jewelers in Fort Collins, says there is an opportunity lost when purchases are made outside of the community and the sales tax base is decreased. “When you buy locally, you are supporting a business that employees your neighbors and your friends, and it supports the sales tax that pays for the police department, the parks, the roads, and the fire department. When those jobs go away, the person who loses the job, in turn, doesn’t go out to eat and restaurants close. The sales tax base goes down and you may not have enough police to respond to a situation. I don’t think people see the bigger picture, especially the younger generation.”

Purchases made via the Internet are a good example. “The Internet took off in 1999 and 2000, and some of that was because there wasn’t any sales tax attached to those purchases. If you charged sales tax on Internet purchases, overnight you could help reverse local economy downturns.”

Sather’s has not been as affected by the Internet, Sather-Browne says. “We’re having recordbreaking months where sales are higher by 30 and 40 percent, so the Internet doesn’t really hurt us, but I think jewelry is a little different. We constantly hear horror stories about people buying on the Internet and not getting what they thought they had paid for. So we’re not as affected as businesses like bookshops and other retail stores.”

Sather-Browne adds that there are other reasons to buy locally. “These are not only the companies that provide local jobs, they also contribute to the health of the community. They donate to the Food Bank, to the Boys and Girls Club, and other non-profits. They give back in a number of ways.”

But, because her business has long been part of the community, she feels the need to speak out for others. The Sather’s history began in 1910 in Spooner, Wisconsin, when Art Sather opened the first store. That was the start of a family business that has lasted for five generations, eventually opening a store in Craig, Colorado in 1931. When Sather-Browne was a student at CSU, her family came to visit and realized a golden opportunity.

Her father opened the Fort Collins branch in 1987.

Along with those stores, the family passed on a sense of community. “My father believed that since these were the people who supported our business, it was important to also support them. He knew that, by shopping locally, we were not only supporting our neighbors and friends, we were supporting our schools, our police, and our fire protection. His vision went far beyond just the next dollar to be earned,” she says. “It’s one of the many lessons he taught me about caring for others.”

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

29

investment banking :: UBS financial Services, Inc. Managing financial assets and investments today involves a greater service than just buying and selling stocks. Today’s Financial Advisors work more like concerned friends than disinterested transaction brokers. At UBS Financial Services Inc., Financial Advisors take a team approach to handling your most important financial decisions. And with UBS, it is all about you: your family, your lifestyle and your goals.

The

UBS Fort Collins Financial Advisors: Kevin Delaney, Lance Crossett, Craig Ferris, Ron Peacock, John Raben, Branch Manager Saul Guice, John McLaurin, Wayne Jamerson, Justin Brolyer, Gary Birdsell and Mike Warne.

Team Approach at UBS T

By Angeline Grenz | Photos by Warren Diggles

he team approach is not new to the investment arena, but it is quickly becoming the norm. “We are a big believer in teams,” according to UBS Fort Collins Branch Manager Saul Guice. “It provides a better client experience and a better way to deliver financial planning services.” The team approach has become more formalized in recent years and even solo Financial Advisors are teaming up towards the end of their careers, says Guice. The trend is largely client motivated. “Our high net worth clients are smart. They know teams mean they get twice

30

the benefits for the same professional fees— two for the price of one. Instead of 15 years of experience, they get 30 years.”

In a practical way, teams provide clients with some very important assets. First of all, there is the availability factor. If your Financial Advisor is on vacation, his or her teammate picks up the slack. “There is always someone there to act on their behalf,” Guice says. Another trend in teams is partnerships with junior and senior Financial Advisors. This collaboration is particularly appealing to clients who want customized personal service for the life of their investments.

“We see clients who are more and more interested in the junior/senior teams. They like having a 35 to 40 year old junior partner so they won’t have to retrain a new person when the senior team member retires,” explains Guice.

“They can have the same person working with them, who knows them, into their 90s.”

“The team synergy means that a client has more than one set of eyes and ears on their investments. A team can approach a client’s life goals in more than one way and gather strength from around the table,” says Gary Karre, UBS Branch Manager in Greeley and Boulder. Teams

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

portant during tougher economic are often made up of complemenperiods like the current recession. tary strengths, adds Karre, with each Reviews, says Guice, help keep cliFinancial Advisor having greater ents focused on the long term. expertise in different investment UBS represents the largest marareas. “Teams have the ability to ket share and the highest producwatch each other; hold each other tivity of any financial firm, accordaccountable,” says Guice. “Together ing to UBS Market Area Manager they look out for the client.”

John Lester. They have more than Karre and Guice are unanimous 200 Financial Advisors throughout in applauding UBS’s approach to Colorado and nine separate offices the team profile. “What is different about UBS is that our firm promotes from Pueblo to Fort Collins. “Our and supports teams in our training firm has many talented people. Each and education,” says Karre. “I don’t office has a manager that leads the know of any other firm in the inway, although each office may have dustry with a more formal structure a little different focus according to for supporting and training teams.” region,” Lester explains. “In the Client contact software, calendars, last 12 months, 23 Financial Advieven floor space at UBS is designed sors have joined our firm,” he adds. to support teams. “This is an indusGuice says, “We are in this business try trend that any good firm is adcommitted to hiring experienced Fidressing. At UBS, even the way we nancial Advisors who have a shared have designed our office space is to vision of how to help clients.” enhance how the teams function.”

Guice estimates that more than 70 Investing in Today’s Economy percent of new assets are going to “In this market you have to be able teams. to take a punch and deliver a punch UBS has two offices in Northin all the right ways,” says Karre. “It ern Colorado, one in Greeley and is not for the faint of heart.” Despite another in Fort Collins. Team sizes this fact, financial planning should not range from two partners to a multibe abandoned. “More than ever, it is person team with support staff. At important to put a plan in place. Durthe Greeley office, two sets of teams ing the last six months, events have work hard for their clients. The first put people in crisis mode, but eventuteam features Financial Advisors ally that will stabilize,” says Lester. “If Robert Johnson, Tom Macgillivray, you don’t put a plan down in writing Larry Hubbard and Carolyn Gattis, and stick to it, you don’t make good with Codie Beeken as a Registered decisions,” Lester continues.

Client Service Associate. The second Because of the uncertain outlook today, it is now more important than team features Financial Advisors ever to keep a close eye on your portRichard Mollandor and Jennifer Owfolio. “No matter who you invest with, ens, with Registered Client Service UBS Greeley Financial Advisor team Richard Mollandor and Jennifer Owens your Financial Advisor should be in Associate Nicole Bandini. consistent contact with you to revisit, At UBS’s beautiful, new Fort adjust or even re-run your financial Collins office, six teams are availThe UBS Experience plan,” recommends Guice. Paying too able to provide a client with expert much attention can also backfire. Guice advises Whether part of a team or a solo unit, Fiwealth management services. The first and clients to “pay attention, but don’t obsess over nancial Advisors are charged with offering their oldest team, The Hartman Group, is made it. The press delivers multi-second sound bites. up of Financial Advisors Clayton Hartman, clients the personalized UBS experience. “EvOften, this only serves to further confuse an inBrian Sullivan and Wayne Jamerson, along ery client has a personal pie chart made up of dividual. If you have a long-term view, you don’t with several support staff. The Brolyer Team family, work, hobbies, and what is important even need to look at the monthly statements. is made up of a father and son duo, Ed and to them. The real obligation for our Financial That is why having a team in place that you trust Justin Brolyer. A third team consists of John Advisors is to understand the person and how and can listen to is so important.”

Raben and John McLaurin, referred to, Guice to achieve his or her goals and aspirations,” exWhile the economy has provided plenty of jokes, as the John Team. Craig Ferris and Ron plains Karre. “A financial plan is a road map for challenges, it also offers some unique opportuniPeacock are another team. Lance Crossett and getting you to the goals you want to reach,” ties to the savvy investor. “I believe this market Kevin Delaney work as a team side by side to Karre says. “It is about the client’s individual virepresents some really good opportunities. Look support their clients. The final team is made sion of success,” finishes Guice. at bonds, they are as attractively priced as they up of Michael Warne and Gary Birdsell.

“There is no rubber stamp. We deliver inever were,” says Lester. “These cycles are normal All teams function on much the same levdividual financial solutions for our clients,” and give us the opportunity to buy things cheapel, offering the same UBS personalized experisays Guice. To do this, UBS Financial Advisors er. Timing is the issue. You have to be there and ence. Solo Financial Advisors are also available perform an in-depth interview process to find trust your Financial Advisor,” adds Guice. at UBS. Some clients find a solo Financial Adout what is most important to clients.

Frequent Keeping a positive outlook today is a protecvisor to be a better fit, says Guice, but they communication with clients ensures that goals tion during uncertain times. “We are experiencstill have the benefit of a “virtual team” of are reviewed and adjusted as needed; someing a season. It is not pretty, but it will ultimately support from the UBS branch managers, feltimes, it just serves to help clients remember change,” says Karre. “Think about the things you low Financial Advisors, associate staff and can control and don’t get swamped with what where they are in their financial plans and why. technical as well as investment professionals you can’t control.” This involves analyzing your The regular re-evaluations are particularly imthroughout UBS.

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

31

spending habits and attitudes. Karre says for many, the idea of a recession is just as damaging as the reality. “I believe things will begin to improve when the psyche of the country begins to improve. We have to believe it can and will get better.”

Karre recommends looking at financial planning early in life. “Frequently people think ‘I don’t have enough assets and a company won’t want to work with me.’ But people underestimate the importance of financial planning.”

Guice agrees, “A person is never too young to learn about money.” From parents teaching their children how to handle money to 20-somethings with their first real jobs, trying to figure out how to allocate their 401(k)s, “it is important to learn about economic ups and downs and how to spend money.”

While it is impossible to predict when the economic downturn will begin to work its way back, Lester says historic markets often begin recovery long before people see the signs. “I do believe we are further along than most people think. I am hopeful we will see a degree of recovery next year.” In the meantime, Karre says, “this is the kind of time when you can’t lose your nerve. If you have a plan of attack, you won’t give up on your long-term plan. Sooner or later this will improve.”

Gary Karre, UBS Greeley and Boulder Branch Manager

32

Saul Guice, UBS Fort Collins Branch Manager

Angeline Grenz is a Fort Collins freelance writer.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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culture :: loveland museum/gallery Wayne Thiebaud’s (Tee-Bo) world-renowned reputation precedes him here in Northern Colorado.

It’s been nearly 35 years since the works of Wayne Thiebaud have been on display in the Rocky Mountain state. In years past, Thiebaud’s paintings have been exhibited in many respected museums: Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Chicago Art Institute, to name a few.

Wayne Thiebaud:

70 Years of Painting

on display May 30 - August 16, 2009 Loveland Museum/gallery

A

By Erica Pauly

Thiebaud painting recently sold for more than one million dollars. Wayne Thiebaud: 70 Years of Painting will appear in the Loveland Museum/Gallery in downtown Loveland from May 30 until August 16 of this year. The collection will hold many of the artist’s past works, as well as his most recently inspired pieces.

Maureen Corey, curator of art for Loveland Museum/Gallery says, “Whether visitors are art experts or are exploring the world of art for the very first time, they will delight in Thiebaud’s incredible pieces that blend realism and abstraction, featuring dazzling light, exaggerated colors, and sensuous textures.”

Even at age 88, Thiebaud continues to paint and to be inspired by new things. His most famous works are paintings of delectable pastries and treats. The vibrant colors and multiple layers of paint make the pastries almost edible.

More than 100 paintings and drawings will be included in the Two Kneeling Figures, 1961

Ocean City, 2006-2007 exhibit. Admission is free, but a donation of $5 is suggested. The Gallery is located at 503 North Lincoln Avenue in downtown Loveland, Colorado. For more information call (970) 962-2410.

As Thiebaud once said, “Painting is life for me.

It is a kind of miracle.” Head out to Loveland some time this summer and witness it.

Erica Pauly is a Contributing Editor for Style Magazine.

36

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

business lunch

•

meetings

•

conversation

•

dining

•

patios

East Moon Asian Bistro & Hibachi 2400 East Harmony Road #102 Fort Collins 80528 (970) 223-0666 | (970) 223-5311 Open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily

East Moon Asian Bistro 1624 South Lemay Avenue Fort Collins 80525 | (970) 416-8333 Open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Want a change of pace for your next business lunch? Look no further than East Moon Asian Bistro & Hibachi. From private booths for important business lunches to large tables that can accommodate any size meeting, East Moon offers an exceptional value for your next working lunch. With great service, unique flavors, and a modern, sophisticated décor, East Moon goes the extra mile to make your business lunch an enjoyable experience.

At East Moon, the service is fast, with a convenient location and great food at a reasonable price. The entire menu, including items from the sushi bar, can be prepared in a timely manner to help you refuel and go about your day. For larger groups, the hibachi room is available for the lunch crowd, but reservations are requested.

Exceptional lunch specials include two sushi rolls, soup, and salad for $7.95 or three sushi rolls, soup, and salad for $10.95.

Call to book your private company parties, group events or weddings.

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

37

business lunch

•

meetings

•

conversation

•

dining

•

patios

Rodizio Grill

200 Jefferson Street | Fort Collins 80524 Open for lunch Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m.

Open for dinner 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 11: 00 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday (970) 482-3103 | www.rodiziogrill.com With over a dozen skewered meats carved tableside and fresh salad bar, Rodizio Grill offers a mouthwatering selection to satisfy every palate. Enjoy Rodizio’s full menu at each visit, with no pre-selections needed and no waiting for orders to be taken, making it the perfect option for that busy business lunch.

At Rodizio, you are greeted with an appetizer and invited to enjoy the salad bar. Turn your cue to green to alert the Brazilian Gauchos you are ready for meat service and enjoy a rotating selection of sizzling meats. A red cue indicates you wish to slow down or take a break.

Rodizio’s party room accommodates up to 50 people, with projector, screen, sun-blocking blinds, and privacy doors available for presentations, business meetings and office parties.

Rodizio’s Salad Bar Only lunch, with unlimited appetizers, is only $10.95 per person or enjoy the Full Rodizio lunch with appetizers, salad bar, and grilled meats for $16.95 per person.

Wild Boar Coffee 1510 South College Avenue Fort Collins 80524 Open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. everyday (970) 372-2334 | www.wildboarcoffee.com The Wild Boar offers a step back in time. Located in an historic Arts and Crafts home built in 1924, they offer an upscale atmosphere with friendly service. Groups have the option of reserving a private or semi-private meeting area, and are encouraged to preorder meals so the food and drinks can be prepared and ready to begin meetings on time. They offer salads, daily homemade soups, homemade pastries, pannini sandwiches, various Mexican dishes, and Greek platters along with Gyros.

They offer flavorful meals and savory CODA coffees in a coffee house atmosphere. The boardroom/library seats ten guests, and can be reserved for groups of five or more. The basement can seat larger groups in a peaceful atmosphere.

38

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

business lunch

•

meetings

•

conversation

•

dining

•

patios

Café Columbine & Bakery 802 West Drake Road #101 Fort Collins 80526 Open 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (970) 494-6445 | www.cafecolumbine.com

Whether you bring in 20 guests for a meeting, or just stop in for a few minutes to grab a quick bite, Café Columbine can accommodate all of the above. With a central location, quiet atmosphere and free wireless internet, Café Columbine is the perfect place to take a few minutes to breathe and enjoy delicious soups and sandwiches. If you’d rather schedule a business meeting for lunch, call ahead to reserve one of the private rooms that can accommodate groups of more than 20 people. The rooms have audio and video capabilities and the staff at Café Columbine is happy to coordinate a full meal service if needed.

Daily lunch specials are $6.95, and are listed on their website: www.cafecolumbine.com.

El Monte Bar and Grill

SW Corner of Prospect and College 1611 South College Avenue, Suite 100 | Fort Collins 80525 Open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Closed on Mondays.

(970) 372-1869 | www.elmontegrill.com An alternative to the same old business lunch and Fort Collins’ newest offering: El Monte Bar and Grill-Inspired Mexican Cuisine meets American Chop House.

El Monte offers a perfect balance of delicious food and prestigious service in an urban style, attractive lounge setting. El Monte’s Chef, Scott Manning, uses fresh local ingredients to create each entrée for their custom-built lunch menu. El Monte can accommodate larger business lunches in their private party suite that comfortably seats 15 to 57 people.

El Monte’s lunch recommendations include the ‘Tres Carnes’ Hamburguesa, a steak sirloin burger made up of fresh-ground rib eye, filet and sirloin; the Mahi Torta, a healthy take on the popular Mexico City style sandwich with grilled Mahi Mahi and pineapple salsa; and the Tinga Poblana, a smoky Mexican stew with handmade chorizo and braised pork, served with handmade corn tortillas.

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

39

real estate :: residential Due to the current state of the economy, and their desire to help people, John Simmons and Brenna Strait have become Northern Colorado’s go-to team for short sales. Simmons, a broker associate and partner, joined The Group Inc. in 2006. Paired with assistant, Strait, they make a great team.

John Simmons, Broker Associate/Partner, The Group, Inc.

Straight Facts on

L

Short Sales

oosely defined, a short sale is a negotiation between a seller, a buyer, and a bank for less than the original loan value. Because of the recession, short sales are becoming more and more common in today’s real estate market.

Short sales benefit struggling homeowners by helping them avoid foreclosure and, in turn, allow buyers or investors to get property at reduced prices. Banks also fair better with short sales because a larger percentage of the loan is satisfied than would be in a foreclosure auction.

“So we don’t lose control of a file, we negotiate for a lower price with the bank instead of hiring out a short-sale negotiator,” says Simmons. “Short sales aren’t easy, but are definitely worth it if foreclosure is on the horizon - the seller avoids foreclosure and the buyer gets a great price.”

While Simmons specializes in all areas of real estate, from residential new construction and resale to relocation, he is one of very few realtors in the area who knows the ins and outs of

40

the short sale and understands the importance of this type of sale in today’s economy. He closes 90 percent of his short sale listings – a far cry from the average Realtor’s 30 percent short-sale success rate. His enthusiasm for the real estate industry is palpable and is undoubtedly what makes him and his selling-licensed personal assistant, Brenna Strait, one of the top listing teams at The Group, Inc. A lot of Realtors prefer not to handle short sales because they can be extremely difficult to close. Short sales require substantially more preliminary research and work on the Realtor’s end. “Short sales are more complex and many Realtors don’t want to deal with them,” says Simmons. “But we want to help people and in today’s market, short sales are what some sellers need to avoid foreclosure.”

Short sales have been stigmatized in the past and used to incur significant penalties and fees.

But the rules in today’s economy are changing.

Penalties are decreasing and lienholders are willing to work with sellers to avoid foreclosure.

By Allie Comeau

“Thirty percent of our business is now short sales,” says Simmons. “There are a lot of sellers in distress right now, whether due to layoffs, divorces, fatalities, or other hardships. Then there are those sellers who are upside down in their homes because of creative financing or because they recently purchased a home and don’t have enough equity or money to bring to the closing table. We want to help those people.”

Helping people avoid foreclosure is the reason Simmons has taken an active interest in short sales. There’s more work involved, and sometimes less money, but he says it’s extremely rewarding. “It’s a great feeling to help someone in need,” says Simmons. “At short sale closings, there are hugs all around the table after the deal is done because a buyer just saved a seller from a much worse situation.”

Simmons is quick to say that a short sale is not for everyone. “If you can hold on to your home by leasing it out or refinancing, that’s the best option. The market will recover over the next few years and home prices will climb,” he

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

says. “But if you can’t afford payments, are upside down in your home, and are forced to sell, a short sale can be a lifesaver.”

As far as a seller’s credit report goes, a short sale does have consequences, and may make it difficult for him or her to purchase a home within the next year. But it’s far better than a foreclosure or bankruptcy, which can take you out of the market for four to seven years. If the seller is able to continue making payments during the short sale process, his or her credit report will be less affected than if he or she was delinquent throughout the process.

For investors, a short sale can be akin to a goldmine. Most short sales average about 10 percent below home value and with today’s low interest rates, it’s a buyer’s market. “Unfortunately, people are losing their homes,” says Simmons. “But on the positive side, investors and buyers are getting great deals and inventory is decreasing which is good for the market. It’s a perfect time to buy.”

As inventory decreases, everyone benefits, including the economy as a whole. “Short sales are satisfying a huge amount of the debt,” says Simmons. “Investors are buying property and decreasing inventory and the long-term forecast is looking positive. As supply goes down, price goes up. Homes are selling quickly right now and prices will soon begin to rise.”

Whether for an investor or a homebuyer, a short sale can be a dream come true. “First time homebuyers can take advantage of an $8,000 tax credit and the lowest interest rates we’ve seen in 30 years. And, there’s still significant inventory on the market,” says Simmons.

So what’s the first step to short selling your home or buying a short sale property? “My advice would be to first and foremost, find a Realtor you can trust and who knows what they’re doing,” he says. “Short sales are do-able but it does take extra work so you need a Realtor who’s committed to the process.”

If you’re struggling with payments, Simmons advises that you act swiftly. “If you know you won’t be able to make a payment, contact a Realtor who specializes in short sales before you’re delinquent or are in active foreclosure,” he says. “You don’t have to foreclose on your home. There are options if you act early.”

Allie Comeau is a Fort Collins freelance writer.

Short Sale / Short Pay Locale

Sold

W/E

A/P

% Sold

1

1

3

20.00%

99

74

95

36.94%

GreeleyEvans Longmont

104

199

120

24.59%

86

90

86

32.82%

Loveland

98

90

82

36.30%

Wellington

27

28

29

32.14%

Windsor

23

34

23

28.75%

Boulder Fort Collins

*as of 4/4/2009

W/E represents Withdrawn or Expired sales, A/P represents Active or Pending sales. Graph courtesy of The Group, Inc.

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

41

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commercial building :: westbridge medical suites & sky bridge Northern Colorado is buzzing this spring with chatter about the long anticipated opening of the Westbridge building. And the sunny skies above Fort Collins are not only aflutter with bees and butterflies, but also gleaming with the shiny new sky bridge that connects the facility and physician and staff parking with the original Poudre Valley Hospital (PVH) building.

Grand Opening

Sky bridge spans Lemay Avenue to connect Westbridge Medical Suites to Poudre Valley Hospital.

Westbridge medical Suites & sky bridge

By Connie Hein | Photos By Warren Diggles

44

E

dmond Thompson, project manager of the Westbridge facility for Swinerton Builders, says workers used three massive cranes to place the 243-foot, 90-ton bridge across Lemay Avenue in September 2008. It was challenging to build a bridge across a street like Lemay, says Thompson. “We have built many pedestrian bridges, but they are usually on highways where there is nothing but cement walls on either side. It takes a lot more preparation to build a bridge when one end connects to a building full of patients and staff.”

The sky bridge connects the new structure

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

to the west side of the original Poudre Valley Hospital building, which was originally built in 1925 as the Larimer County Hospital. Eightyfour years ago, PVH was a 40-bed facility on the outskirts of Fort Collins with 40 acres adjacent to the hospital used to raise vegetables, hogs, sheep, and chickens to feed patients.

After World War II, with increased enrollment at what is now Colorado State University, the population of Fort Collins grew and PVH grew along with it, quickly increasing in size to more than 86 beds. In recent years, PVH has been remodeled and expanded to 271 beds.

Thompson said he is proud to be part of the rich history of PVH and enjoyed his time working in Fort Collins. “The project went great. It meant lots of long hours and hard work because it was such a complex project, but we are very pleased with the results.”

“A project of this size requires many permits, signs, and road closings. We had cooperation from everyone to make all those things happen with the right timing. We are extremely pleased not only with the quality of the structures, but also with the relationship we built with the people of Fort Collins, including staff at the city, subcontractors, and building owners and management.” Thompson says they completed the project and “handed over the keys to the building” almost exactly a year to the day from when they started and on the exact date they contracted to finish. A heavy sigh of relief accompanies his statement.

Kevin Unger, President/CEO of PVH, says as he has watched Fort Collins and Northern Colorado grow and continue to be a hub for healthcare for patients from all over Colorado and Wyoming, the need for the expansion and more healthcare services became necessary.

“We have a great staff at PVH who work as a team and have been very dedicated to finding new, innovative ways to improve our care and services.” He believes the Westbridge building and parking garage will help them do that, adding another chapter to the hospital’s long history. “This is the first phase in a long-term expansion plan for PVH. This project has been in the works for about three and a half years, so we are all excited to get this done.” The administrative offices at PVH have transferred to the fourth floor of the new building, says Unger, and they are glad to finally be moved in.

All service facilities have made the move and are seeing patients. “Moving is never fun and we are still working out technical bugs,” says Unger, “But we are all relieved to finally be in our new home.”

The four-story Westbridge building is also the new home of Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado (WCNC), who partnered with PVH to build the facility. Dr. Kevin Tool, Chairman of the Board for WCNC says, “The project went very well and PVH was a phenomenal partner.

We had a few challenges along the way, but we are very happy with the final result. There was some trepidation about the project from people in surrounding neighborhoods,” he adds, “but I think they are happy with the beautiful structure now that it is complete and they can see what it brought to the area.”

WCNC moved into Westbridge from their home of 20 years on the corner of Prospect and

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

One of the comfortable new rooms for night studies at the PVH Sleep Disorders Center.

Kevin Tool, M.D., Chairman of the Board for the Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado

45

Lemay. Dr. Tool says the building they were in was a “cornerstone of care” in the area and served them well for many years, so it was with mixed emotion that they made the change.

But, “the new facility is much more efficient and we think being physically connected with the hospital is much better for our patients.

We can get them more quickly to the hospital when there is an emergency and it is easier to be there for them after procedures and deliveries.” Even though the old building was close to PVH, says Dr. Tool, getting to and from the building and then through the hospital made it impossible to visit hospital patients in between office appointments. The new structure affords the physicians and patients that great benefit.

Dr. Tool says besides being more convenient, the design of WCNC is much improved from the old facility. “We designed it with hospitality in mind.” Checking in feels more like a hotel reception desk than a doctor’s reception desk. Also, the patient waiting area is farther away from the reception desk. “We did this for hospitality reasons as well as for patient privacy. Now patients checking in are not heard by everyone in the waiting area.” Since the move, they have also added services like new state-of-the-art mammography equipment that is digital instead of analog, requires no film or developing time, and provides radiologists with better software to aid in finding any abnormalities,” says Dr. Tool.

The Westbridge building not only houses WCNC, but also features Twenty Three Trees Medical and Wellness Spa, scheduled to open in June. Why the name Twenty Three Trees?

Because during excavation for the Westbridge building, it was necessary to remove 23 beautiful, mature trees and relocate them to the homes of PVH employees. In 2009, 23 new trees will be planted around the Westbridge building, bringing the story full circle.

Unger says the spa is an exciting addition for the staff and physicians. “This gives us the ability to have in-room massage care for our patients. It is also nice for people wanting to send something to a patient or a new mom.

Instead of sending flowers, they can send a massage.”

Early in the conception and design process, according to Dr. Tool, Dr. Ransy Jeffrey suggested the facility be similar to a women’s center.

“This is what the facility turned out to be, one stop convenience for women’s health needs.”

The building’s retail space, Twigs, will carry many items needed by nursing and pregnant mothers such as breast pumps and nursing bras, and some luxury items, says Pam Brock, Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Planning for PVHS. “Our WeeSteps program offers breastfeeding services and resources to the new mothers in our community. The Perinatology Clinic, which treats high-risk pregnancies, also moved to the new building,” she adds.

While Westbridge truly has become a onestop facility for women, it is not exclusively for them. There are many convenient services for men and children, as well, says Brock. “With WCNC, the Sleep Disorders Center, the Westbridge Laboratory for blood draws, Associates in Family Medicine, and Twenty Three Trees Medical & Wellness Spa, we have many services for everyone in one building.”

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Westbridge Medical Suites

The PVH Sleep Disorders Center was a oneroom lab started twelve years ago by supervisor, Chequita Robinson and Mark Petrun, M.D. Robinson was running the night studies herself and doing the daytime analysis, as well. The one-woman show who ran 12 sleep studies a month now leads the beautiful new six-bed sleep center capable of doing 170 studies per month. And seriously – who doesn’t need a better nights sleep?

The facility also has a 736-stall parking garage providing much-needed parking for staff and physicians. Visitor parking is available to the community on the southwest side of the building. Both the garage and office building are connected to PVH by a sky bridge. “This feature makes getting to and from a patient or procedure so much quicker and more efficient for the physicians,” says Unger.

The structure could not have been built without the parking garage, adds Dr. Tool.

“PVH already had a problem with parking congestion. The parking garage and sky bridge solved the problem safely for both buildings.”

The sky bridge itself is for physicians and staff only, explains Dr. Tool. “That was the only way we could get approval from the city because of zoning regulations. Even though patients are not allowed to use the bridge, it is a focal point for Fort Collins and a big safety factor for the area.”

Everyone involved agrees the new facility is good for Fort Collins and definitely something worth chattering about. “The facility is great for Fort Collins and surrounding areas and efficiently meets a need in our growing community. It also gives us the ability to expand in the future,” concludes Unger.

Connie Hein is a freelance writer and reporter living in Windsor.

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

Helping you climb the path to financial success • Business & Individual Tax Services & Planning • Business Start Up • Bookkeeping, Payroll & Quickbooks Consulting • Auditing & Financial Statement Preparation FORT COLLINS 301 East Olive Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 970.493.6869

www.rlrcpas.com GREELEY 4631 W. 20th St Rd, Ste. 101 Greeley, CO 80634 970.304.9420

WINDSOR 825 Main Street Windsor, CO 80550 970.493.6869

CHEYENNE PO Box 483 Cheyenne, WY 82003 370.631.5598

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Business :: davinci sign Systems, inc.

Even though Leonardo DaVinci was born 557 years ago, he is still influencing and inspiring forward thinking people with his fascinating combination of art, science, and history. One such inspired forward thinker is John (“J.J.”) Shaw the co-owner of DaVinci Sign Systems, Inc.

A DaVinci fabricator creates a custom sign.

Signing up for .J. is a proud 1982 graduate of CSU with a degree in industrial science. He has been working in the sign business in the area for over 30 years. J.J. is also very involved in volunteer work as a board member of the Education Committee for the International Sign Association, the Fort Collins, Loveland, and Denver Metro Chambers of Commerce, and a ten-year member of Rotary International, the Breakfast Club in Fort Collins.

He has three successful daughters with whom he spends free time and enjoys cycling, surfing, and snowboarding. “I am excited about doing the Ride the Rockies for the 7th time this year and the first time with my three daughters, Kali, Jeannine, and Alayna.” Even while running a very successful business J.J. says, “I still manage to get in the water and enjoy the waves about four weeks a year on the pacific coast of Mexico or California.”

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By Connie Hein

He and his partner, Mark Foster, started the DaVinci Sign Systems business five years ago, and are already one of the top rated sign companies in the area. They have grown from three employees to almost 30 including designers, fabricators, and installers in these five short years and won three International Sign Association design awards in 2008. J.J. says he believes the reason for the success of the company is they combine the craftsmanship of old world designs with the technology of today.

The process of sign making actually starts with lots of detail work that requires a fulltime employee to get licenses, pull permits, and check codes for each municipality in which they work. This includes not only many Colorado cities, but also other states across the country.

When talking with Peter Barnes, the Zoning Administrator for the City of Fort Collins, it was easy to understand the need for a full-

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Ivan

J

Success

“Gateway Sculpture” fabricated for the Centerra Motorplex entrance.

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time person to keep up with the sign rules and regulations. Barnes says the current sign code for areas of Fort Collins that are not in the residential sign code district (RSND) must follow guidelines adopted in 1970, and implemented in 1977. “This gave businesses a generous seven year amortization period in which to comply with the new regulations,” says Barnes. Major changes were then made to the codes in 1994, which downsized most sign size regulations and closed old loop-holes. The city again gave businesses a generous amount of time (15 years) in which to comply with the new regulations. That compliance time came to a close in February of this year. “At this point, all signs must be in compliance with new regulations and new signs built accordingly,” says Barnes.

J.J. says because of the February deadline for compliance, his company has been modifying as well as installing new signs in Fort Collins to comply with the new regulations.

Because of all the rules and regulations, J.J. says, “At first the sign building project is mostly code-driven. When that portion is in place, our talented team works within the client’s budget to give them the best bang for their buck.” Even with the restrictions of codes and budgets, J.J. says his team is very design focused. “We want to give every customer not just a sign, but a monument.”

J.J. says the trend they are seeing in the area is to have smaller, cost efficient, and more eye-catching signs. They are satisfying the customer trend by focusing on sustainable solutions using natural stone, recycled aluminum, LED lighting, and by recycling all of thier materials. “LED’s have made a huge impact in our lighting of signage,” says J.J., “In many cases replacing neon/mercury tubing for energy savings and ease of use, though neon is still used along with fluorescent lamps in many of our displays as well. Electronic message centers use only a small amount of energy compared to the now obsolete light bulb technology of just a few years ago. They are very reliable as well.”

He says clients have been very pleased with their unique sign designs, inspired by DaVinci’s use of art and science, and report to have had amazing results. “We have had clients tell us

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

that our signs have increased customers almost overnight.” He says “Signage is the most cost effective and least expensive form of advertising there is.” DaVinci client Todd Heenan from the Fort Collins Club agrees, “We have been tracking our advertising for the last six months and realized over 75 percent of our walk-in leads are as a result of our sign. We are amazed.”

DaVinci’s beautiful monument-style signs can be viewed all over the Northern Colorado area from the Chapungu Sculpture Park and Centerra entrance to our own beautiful Style Media Suites sign on West Myrtle in Fort Collins.

J.J. says he and his team hope to live up to the DaVinci name with their attention to the detail of art and science and their desire to bring beauty to each of their creations.

The general rules for signs are as follows: The business owner or owner representative must apply for a permit.

The sign must be built and installed by a city licensed sign contractor.

Walls signs and letters on buildings may be no taller than seven feet.

For free standing signs, the height of the sign depends on the distance the sign is set back from the front of the property.

Monument signs can have a maximum height of 12 feet and 90 square feet per side.

Pole signs can be a maximum of 18 feet and 90 square feet per side

John (“J.J.”) Shaw, co-owner of DaVinci Sign Systems

For more information on sign regulations in the Fort Collins area call the zoning office at 970-416-2745, or visit www.colocode.com/ ftcollins/landuse/article3.htm#sec3d8d7.

DaVinci Sign Systems can be reached at 970-203-9292 or at www.davincisign.com

Connie Hein is a freelance writer living in Windsor and the author of The Toliver in Time series of Children’s books.

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Business spotlight :: anlance protection

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What do Travis Tritt, Vance Johnson, Pope John Paul, and rock band “The Who” have in common? They have all been escorted, carefully guarded, and protected by Certified Protection Specialist, Barry Wilson, owner of Anlance Protection in Fort Collins.

ilson started the company in 1991 after working freelance jobs in the area and seeing the need for individualized protection services. He now has a force of 22 employees who were carefully chosen for either their military or police training and experience.

The company’s specialty is security and protection through uniformed operations and specialized plain clothes services. This combined approach services clients who prefer security staff to be undercover in plain clothes.

Wilson’s impressive, but confidential, client list includes businesses, city and county buildings and agencies, and homeowners associations. You may spot Anlance employees patrolling city parks and other public areas, checking buildings, offices, and securing special events and performances.

Anlance works with local law enforcement to help be the additional eyes and ears of the city. “The duty of the police force is to protect the entire populace and society, focusing on individual events as they occur.

Ours is to proactively protect a more specific entity or area,” says Wilson. He continues on to say how closely they patrol areas they are hired to protect as well as inform law enforcement of any suspicious activity they encounter along the way. Often, the protection of a customer’s assets involves simply discouraging individuals from being on private property when buildings or parks are closed, with the intention of moving them to areas where there might be a greater police presence. This helps deter vandalism and other mischievous behaviors.

When routinely patrolling businesses, Wilson says they get to know employee activities and watch for anything out of the ordinary. He says, “Our presence is often needed when employees are leaving and locking up businesses after dark.” The experienced Anlance staff is there to make sure everything is secure and that all employees have left without incident. They check for unlocked doors or anything else that might need attention from owners. “We might find something as simple as a broken sprinkler head that is wasting water by spraying into the street, a stranded employee who can’t get their car started, or one who does not feel safe walking out of the building alone.” Other situations could prove to be dangerous, so Anlance employees are trained to ask straightforward questions to determine what is happening and how to proceed.

“Our employees have the grit and experience to handle situations in a calm, professional manner, and to know when the situation requires police involvement.”

The name Anlance comes from the word AnLace which is a 13th-16th century two-edged short sword used for personal protection in Western and Eastern Europe. The name is appropriate, seeing that Anlance is dedicated to assist law enforcement in the personal protection of citizens of Fort Collins to make it a safe, peaceful city to live.

For more information 1800 East Lincoln Avenue #C3 Fort Collins, CO 80524 • (970) 484-8095 www.anlance.com

Business spotlight :: learningrx

T

It was 4:00 in the morning July 11, 2008, when Mike Winchell and his partner, Don Cassidy, took the big step; one that would lead them to buy a business that they both believed would positively affect the lives of hundreds of people in the Northern Colorado area.

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hat was when they left for the LearningRx Convention in Colorado Springs. They had looked at many other business and franchise opportunities, but were moved to action when they heard about the success and importance of this one.

Winchell and Cassidy opened the business in Fort Collins in January, using ground-breaking testing and training techniques to help students of all ages overcome lifelong learning struggles, including disorders such as ADHD, in as little as 12 to 32 weeks.

According to research, more than 88 percent of all learning difficulties are caused by weak cognitive skills, increased studying, tutoring, or classroom compensations have little or no effect until these cognitive skills are improved.

Winchell says, “The LearningRx program should not be used instead of tutoring, but if there are learning problems it is best to go through this program of testing and training first to make tutoring more effective.”

Otherwise, the underlying problems go undetected and unchanged.

LearningRx testing is done through the highly acclaimed Woodcock/Johnson III cognitive skills tests which help trainers to know where to begin to improve the student’s brain. The trainer also uses the client’s history, family background, and looks at the student’s difficulties, as well as goals, to make decisions about which portions of the program will be most beneficial.

Winchell says “I always wanted to have a job that would have some meaning and positively change people’s lives.” LearningRx fit that criteria. Winchell and Cassidy have education and job experience in engineering,

so they see how training the brain works from a scientific standpoint. But what really sold Winchell on the business were the testimonies of adults and children whose lives have been positively changed through this cognitive testing and training.

While going through the decision-making process of reading through many stories and testimonials, he found one that touched his heart about a soldier returning from Iraq with severe brain damage that caused almost total memory loss. Through this program the soldier was able to regain his memory and his life. The soldier’s little girl wrote to thank the LearningRx Center, “Thanks for giving me my dad back.” Winchell says he was also moved by the stories of young people who went from feeling misunderstood and ostracized, to becoming involved in school activities, making friends, and getting straight A’s. Winchell says, “This is what makes this business so rewarding.”

Winchell continues on to say that he and Cassidy are very pleased with how the business has done in the few months they have been open. “Even during this economic crisis, people understand the importance of this process for improving every aspect of the future for them or for their child.”

For more information 1100 Haxton Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525 • (970) 672-2032 www.learningrx.com Connie Hein is a freelance writer living in Windsor and the author of The Toliver in Time series of Children’s books.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Stylish

Outdoor Living

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iscover a new level of elegance in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all weather patio furniture. Greet your guests with cheerful colors, creative patterns, rich textures, and plush comfort beyond words. Eye-catching collections feature graceful lines and subtle accents, intro-

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

ducing style to your outdoor spaces.

And set the stage for your next outdoor entertaining get-together on the canvas of a creatively renewed garden oasis. Sculpted berms punctuated with lush foliage and accented with native stones create focal points, texture, and depth. The soothing sounds of trickling

water features add calm and serenity while trees add privacy and filtered shade. The continuous color of perennials and lively annuals throughout the summer and fall bring joy and positive energy to your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surroundings.

Take a look and welcome in the summer!

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Greet your guests with eye catching cheerful patterns in Bor deaux’s stylish and smart seating by Meado wcraft.

rt in Barcelona’s level of comfo Discover a new Meadowcraft. by s er ramel glid elegant, rich ca

l point with Create an outdoor conversation foca Del Rio deep of lines clean and cs fabri t smar the seating by Meadowcraft.

Give your outd oor space a bo ost of lively co seating from th lor in smart e Coventry co llection by Mea dowcraft.

(970) 484-2940 patioanddining.com

52

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

(970) 587-8858 empirelandscaping.us

Recreate a Rocky Mountain stream in your own backyard.

This Empire Landscaping water feature uses granite and moss stones, surrounded by purple coneflowers and pines. Listen to the gurgling water rolling off the rocks and enjoy the woodsy scent that fills the air.

Empire Landscaping designed this patio to provide all the amenitie s needed to mov e dining outdoors.

Empire added earthy tones to the space using pavers an d granite. These materials look stunning set against the dark , lush foliage to create a beautif ul outdoor living space.

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

53

This landscape’s native plantings and river rock water feature create an organic setting reminiscent of Colorado’s natural beauty. Bath Landscape Design provides the full spectrum of services including professional design, irrigation, water features an d lighting.

(970) 488-1707 bathlandscapede sig

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This backyard renovation took a blank canvas into and turned it ’s an entertainer dream. Every ape existing landsc element was removed with of the exception . A es tre e rg la the r beautiful pave walkway was ing installed draw your eye to r the new pave ct fe er . P patio for enjoying a et.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

(970) 223-4411 om christysports.c

ld, Capture the bo irit sp s ou adventur n ica er Am e th of West with Meadowcraft’s ht first-ever wroug r iron and leathe ion. seating collect d an ed Rugg comfortable, Durango at conversation se eaks & ottoman sp to starlit skies, & cowboy poetry wl ho ht ilig tw e th of a lonesome coyote.

(970) 222-4097 hawkeyelandscape s.com

This striking waterfall & Koi pond Surprisingly of naCaptur Bold. tive e Color ado Gr the bold, advent anitespirit urous moAmeric ss rockanincWest of the ludeswith a filtrat Meadowcraft’ ion & er s first-ev skitmm erand wrough system iton leather , re-ciron. seating collecti culat Rugge ing d &table, automDurang and comfor atic o fill puskies, speak to starlit mp d beauand cowboyanpoetry tifulthe bmerg twilighsu t howl ofeda lightingefor lonesom year coyote. round enjoyment of this rich wildlife Available at the haFort bitat.Collins Christy Sports 970-223-4411 101 E Foothills Parkway (in front of Foothills Mall) Fort Collins

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

55

recreation :: biking in northern colorado With 280-plus miles of bike lanes and 30 miles of bike trails, it’s no wonder Fort Collins has been designated as a top 10 U.S. cycling City, and continues to build interest in traveling by bike.

Cycling! Fun & Easy

Bennett Elementary parents and children at Bike to School Day.

F

ort Collins formally established itself in September 2008 as one of the nation’s most bicycle friendly communities with the League of American Bicyclists’ announcement that Fort Collins had achieved a Gold Level designation in the Bicycle Friendly Community program. The Bicycle Friendly Community program rates communities on several levels – honorable mention, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum – based on the efforts to promote bicycling and create an environment of convenience and safety for cyclists. And, with continuing work, the plan is to hit the platinum designation says Dave “DK” Kemp, bike coordinator for the City of Fort Collins Transportation Planning Department.

Fort Collins’ interest in cycling has been growing.

Kemp says that figures from the U.S. Census show that, in Fort Collins 5.2 percent of the commuting population travel by bike compared to only .4 percent of the national population. “That’s not taking into account those who bike their kids to school, grocery shop, and do basic errands on a bike. So really, the figure is much higher,” he says.

The increase in numbers relates directly to what Kemp says is an excellent bicycling infrastructure.

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The miles of bike lanes and trails make it easy. “It’s also safe,” he adds.

And, it’s good business. “The more the City brands itself as a bicycling community, the more people want to live here and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” he says. That branding is good for three things, Kemp says. It builds vibrant healthy communities, supports the idea of environmental stewardship, and encourages a strong economy. “People want to live, work, and play in a community that has bicycling as a form of transportation and a priority because it speaks to a high quality of life. People are looking to get out of commuting to work by car and want to turn their life around. The reason that some of the local businesses get their top employees is because it’s a great biking town. The great biking infrastructure we have attracts good employees and new employers – it’s a good tool for that.”

There’s definitely a growing environmental and economic awareness. “More people are beginning to realize that relying on motorized transportation is not very sustainable. It’s not healthy in terms of having to wait in traffic on a daily basis and with gas prices and the cost of owning a car – maintenance, insurance, and so on – this is a good way to simplify

By Kay Rios

one’s life.”

Cyclists are learning that commuting to work by bike can be an invigorating experience and, on the ride home, there’s time to decompress, he says.

As more cyclists join the ranks, greater opportunities also develop. “We are continuing to expand the trails. The newest is the Mason trail, which runs north to south along the Mason corridor. It now goes all the way south and under College Avenue to Fossil Creek Park. The Poudre Trail now extends from the Environmental Learning Center all the way to the town of Laporte. Spring Creek Trail goes from Prospect Ponds to Spring Canyon Park.

Next, the City will expand the Power Trail running from Epic Center parallel with Timberline south to Harmony. “And later this year, it will cross Harmony south to Trilby and on to Carpenter.”

Another and very visible change recently occurred in Old Town with the appearance of the new, highly visible, and artistic looking bike racks. The ‘On Street’ Bike Parking Project is a joint project with New Belgium Brewing Company. New Belgium provided the funding for the fabrication and installation of the bike racks. Bruce Hendee & Associates (BHA Designs) designed the bike racks and worked with

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

M&R Fabricators on the creation and installation.

Five racks have been installed in various locations around Old Town in an effort to attract more bike parking near businesses that attract a high level of cyclists. The idea is to decrease sidewalk congestion and encourage improved pedestrian flow by eliminating obstacles on the sidewalk.

Not only is bicycling an economic and healthy way to travel, it’s also fun for the whole family. “It’s easier than you think, and more and more people are doing it. Once you get on a bike and start riding, you discover back streets and find it’s an easy way to stay out of traffic. Trails connect all over the place.”

It’s addicting, Kemp believes. “Bikes become a way of life. You begin to rely more on your bike than you do your car. You can get all kinds of equipment to make bike travel easier, panniers, baskets, bike trailers. You can haul a lot of things, not just kids. It’s an interesting way to move around the community.

Car sales are going down, but bikes are still moving.”

Bikes can be found in many different forms these days. Different designs cater to different interest/need levels whether for recreation, commuting, cruising, or the more intense hardcore rides. “The popular ones right now are the commuter styles, more upright, and easy to ride,” he says.

One good way to get started is to get a bike from the Fort Collins Bicycle Library and take a tour.

The Library lends bicycles to visitors, students, and residents who want to explore Fort Collins. A variety of self-guided tours from the “Bike the Sites” collection offer riders a Brewery Tour, an Environmental Learning Tour, and the Historic Tour. The Bike Library is centrally located in the heart of downtown Fort Collins in Old Town Square.

For those ready to make the plunge, Kemp suggests visiting a local bike shop. “They have the expertise to help find a bicycle that’s right for you. You can get a good middle of the road bike for about $500 and probably even less expensive than that.”

People come up with many reasons for not riding, but Kemp has answers for those excuses. “If you don’t want to get dirty, get fenders. If you think it will be uncomfortable, get a good saddle. If you start off slowly and build yourself up, within a week, you’ll feel great on that bike.”

Kay Rios, PhD, is a freelance writer and aspiringto-be-avid cyclist based in Fort Collins.

Downtown bike rack, part of the “On Street” Bike Parking Project.

Mountain biking is plentiful in Larimer County.

Check out the website at www.fcgov.com/bicycling for information on local organizations and clubs, events, bike shops, and more.

5/30 Lory State Park Mountain Biking Spring Kickoff – at Lory State Park, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

6/1 “Got Skills” Kids Mountain Bike Camp – 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

6/13 Fossil Creek Park Bike Festival – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

6/14 Art in Public Places Bike Tour – This bike trip around Fort Collins visits several “art in public spaces” projects.

6/22 Sunset Cruiser Ride – 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

6/23 FC Bikies – 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing Company 6/24 Bike to Work Day – 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Free breakfast stations throughout Fort Collins.

6/24 Downtown Bike Show – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

6/26 Bike n’ Jazz – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Gardens on Spring Creek.

6/27 Bike Prom Night “Bicycling Under the Stars” – 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Bash at the Sunset Event Center.

6/28 FC Bike Quest – 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Treasure hunt throughout Fort Collins.

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

57

community :: Windsor tornado It has been a year since the tornado hit the town of Windsor, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.

Homes were lost, businesses destroyed, and parks desecrated. In the aftermath of the tornado, Windsor received an outpouring of support from local businesses and the rebuilding began immediately.

One of many residential homes in Windsor to be badly damaged during the 2008 tornado.

Windsor Rebuilds: After the Storm

The tornado minutes before it struck 700 Automation Drive.

Windsor was struck by baseball-sized hail.

By Allie Comeau

W

indsor Mayor John Vazquez says today the town is “99 percent rebuilt.,” thanks to the swift action of local contractors, construction companies, volunteers, and even insurance companies. Work continues on the Chimney Park baseball complex and the Town Hall roof, but the last of the commercial reconstruction is complete and only two residential properties have yet to pull building permits.

“The ability to begin reconstruction so quickly is directly the result of the thousands of volunteers that cleaned debris and the hundreds of businesses that provided essential resources, as well as the food service providers that kept the volunteers well-fed and hydrated,” says Vazquez.

Initial clean up was an essential part of the recovery process. “With the debris gone, a safe environment existed for people to begin rebuilding and the sooner they could begin, the sooner the town could return to some semblance of normal,” says Vazquez. It is not to say the tor-

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nado hasn’t left lasting emotional impacts. “The sticks and bricks are the easy part of the recovery, it is the minds and hearts that take time,” says Vazquez. Thanks to the following businesses and the thousands of volunteers that helped out, the residents of Windsor have been able to focus on this emotional recovery instead of worrying about the “sticks and bricks.”

These businesses were among those who fell victim to the tornado’s wrath, climbing out of their own disaster to lend their neighbors a hand.

Others are businesses that went beyond the call of duty to help their community with recovery, from volunteering materials and manpower to feeding the volunteers. Here are their stories:

McCauley ConSTRUCTORS

McCauley Constructors, a Windsor-based general contracting company, suffered a direct hit from the tornado. “It was surreal. There was debris everywhere and all I could think about was getting my daughters home safely from school

and getting back to the office,” says Controller Tami McCauley. “When I got to the office I didn’t recognize it – it looked like a pile of collapsed dominoes.”

Though their office was destroyed, McCauley Constructors was up and running within 24 hours, operating out of McCauley’s home garage.

“My job was to get us operational,” says McCauley. “Within two hours we were moved into our home garage and stayed there for three days. We never missed a beat. If clients called, they got the service they needed.”

McCauley’s staff got to work immediately.

They volunteered their time to help businesses and residents with demolition, haul-off, repairs, and clean up. “We brought in trailers and generators, helped with demo, and hauled trash,” says McCauley. “We also offered free advice to our local neighbors on how to avoid unscrupulous contractors and offered lists of reputable subcontractors and restoration businesses.”

Most of the rebuilding is now complete, but McCauley Constructors continues to help resi-

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BEFORE AFTER

Garden Valley Veterinary Clinic in Windsor was completely destroyed by the tornado.

Construction of their new building was completed in early 2009.

dents in need and to donate their services to the rebuilding of the Chimney Park baseball complex.

“The loss of our business seems insignificant when compared to the loss that many families faced,” says McCauley. “But watching the buildings go back up has felt almost like a triumph.

The wind can blow and knock things down, but we’re going to put them right back up.”

Park Place Interiors

Dan Stoos, of Park Place Interiors in Windsor, had a front-row view of the tornado as it came thundering into town. He recalls looking out the window of his business and seeing a big black cloud heading right toward him. “I realized it was coming right at me, so I told my guys to take cover and then ran out to my truck to check on my dog. I parked the truck in the car wash next door just as the tornado struck.”

Stoos and his yellow lab were fine, but Park Place Interiors was damaged fairly extensively. “It blew all the windows in, lifted the roof up, and filled the whole place with standing water and mud. I had a 25-foot dumpster and a 16-foot steel cargo trailer out front that both ended up about a half mile away, rolled up into balls. There was also a smaller dumpster that ended up on top of our roof.”

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Park Place Interiors, which does flooring and interior work, is all put back together now. So are the other projects Stoos helped out with, including Mark’s Funeral Home, Garden Valley Vet Clinic, and other homes and buildings. Some took a few months and others, like the vet clinic, have just recently been completed. “We tried to do the homes that were less severely damaged first so people could get back into them as soon as possible,” says Stoos.

While the storm itself was devastating to his business, Stoos remembers fondly how everyone came together right after the storm to help out in any way they could. “Right after the storm, we brought a fifth wheel out with a big barbecue and served free lunch for a few weeks to everyone who was volunteering,” he says. “Everyone was helping where they could. From out-of-towners to local businesses, we all did what we could.”

Armstead Construction

A member of the Home Builder’s Association (HBA) since 1997, Armstead Construction owner Jeff Schneider was one of the first people to donate to an HBA fund set up for the rebuilding of Windsor. “We created a fund the day after the tornado and gave $5,000 to the American Red Cross through the HBA and our ‘Building the

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

When it comes to your health care, you shouldn't have to compromise.

Fortunately, Banner Health , the leading nonprofit health care provider in northern Colorado, has several options to keep your family in top health right here in Windsor.

Medical Arts Centre of Windsor: (1300 Main Street, Windsor): The physicians and staff at this clinic are committed to meeting the needs of your family close to home with a full range of health care services. After hours walk-in care available 5 - 7 p.m., M-F. Please call (970) 686-5646 to schedule an appointment.

Banner Medical Clinic- Highland Meadows: (8201 Spinnaker Bay Dr., Windsor): The staff at Highland Meadows is very experienced in a wide range of family health care needs, including sports medicine, pediatrics and senior care. Plus they use electronic medical records which means less paperwork for you. Same day urgent care appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, please call (970) 223-2272 .

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Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

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BEFORE AFTER

The roof at 700 Automation Way, home to McCauley Constructors, Inc. and several other businesses, was completely removed by the tornado.

Future’ fund,” says Schneider. “Just recently, we gave almost $24,000 to the Town of Windsor to rebuild the Chimney Park baseball complex.”

Schneider’s involvement in the HBA was crucial to the fundraising efforts. “I helped raise money through the HBA and sat on a rebuilding committee for two months through the Red Cross and FEMA,” he says. “We raised almost $30,000 in three days,” he says. “It was remarkable. Most of the donations weren’t big, either, mainly in the $50 to $100 range. There were just a lot of them.

Our members really stepped up.”

The money raised was originally supposed to help with building repairs for homeowners, but Windsor was so well insured no one needed the money for home repairs. “No one really fell through the cracks,” says Schneider. “Everyone was taken care of by either insurance or a church group, so we decided to give the money to rebuild Chimney Park. We wanted to do something for the community.”

Champion Windows

Located across I-25 from Windsor, Champion Windows was involved in the restoration process from the very beginning. “After the tornado passed, our first thought was to get over there right away and see what kind of devastation we were dealing with,” says general manager Steve Lambert. “Immediately our phone was ringing because everyone had their windows blown out.

We had an immediate influx of appointments – we were booked out for weeks at a time almost instantaneously.”

Champion Windows received calls from people with varying degrees of damage, from Wind-

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sor all the way to Laramie, and worked hard to coordinate efforts between homeowners and insurance adjusters. “I’d say that was probably the biggest way we helped out – by taking at least that one thing off the homeowner’s enormous list of things to do,” says Lambert.

While Lambert and his reps were dealing with estimates and insurance, his construction and installation crew was helping out on the front lines.

“We had our installation guys over there in trucks hauling cases of water for volunteers, donating time, and running supplies back and forth while we were doing estimates.”

Most homeowners were covered by insurance, but there was at least one elderly woman with extensive damage to her home who was not. She needed work done but couldn’t afford it, so Champion installed brand new windows and doors for her, free of charge.

“It was our life for six months,” he said. “We worked a lot of overtime, weekends, and whatever was needed to get the job done. We hired more installers and reps to handle the reconstruction. We did whatever we could.”

Affordable Roofing and Fort Collins Restoration

Because of their background in insurance adjusting, Troy Jennings and Jim Simpson of Affordable Roofing and Fort Collins Restoration were prepared to help as soon as the storm cleared. “Jim was involved in Hurricane Katrina and other major natural disasters and we know about emergency repair,” says Jennings. “We contributed initially by going into emergency board-up mode and getting people’s homes secured as quickly as possible to prevent residual damage. We got a trailer full of plywood and headed over to the epicenter to offer free board ups and tarp ups.”

“We had one homeowner who had us knock down a couple of severely damaged walls in their home and tarp-up the floor so we could save their basement,” says Simpson.

“We completely sheeted a house (with plywood) over the weekend, and totally reframed another house. We gathered up every guy we had, every hammer and saw, and tried to help wherever we could.”

Because both Jennings and Simpson have experience in insurance adjusting, they were also able to offer homeowners invaluable help in dealing with their insurance companies. “We have good working relationships with agents and know the insurance industry,” says Jennings. “We were able to coordinate estimates and claims for our homeowners. Our insurance adjusting experience helped tremendously in this instance.”

A year after the devastating event, Windsor is building from the ground up, literally, to become a stronger, closer community. “The residents of Windsor should be proud of what has been accomplished. Hopefully, we will continue to be good neighbors to one another and work for the best quality of life in what I believe to be the best town in the great state of Colorado,” concludes Vazquez, one very proud mayor.

Allie Comeau is a Fort Collins freelance writer.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Lifestyle :: Estes Park Enjoy the perfect day in Estes Park: explore Rocky Mountain National Park, leisurely shop downtown’s many boutiques, and when evening rolls around dine at one of Estes’ excellent restaurants. After the perfect day, spend the night and enjoy another.

calendar of events June 6 – Labor Day Summer Art Walk - visit www.estesart.com for a walking tour map.

6 – Fishing Derby - competition and prizes for all ages at the Lake Estes Marina.

13 – Rocky Mountain Brewfest - Estes Park Brewery, Estes Park Marathon’s Kid’s Fun Run & Festival 13 and 14 – The 19th Annual Estes Park Wool Market

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Try for your next “staycation”

T

he “staycation” is the latest in vacationing vocabulary: traveling within your region, rather than flying out of state. While Northern Colorado has many beautiful natural amenities available for the day trip or overnight stay, not many can match the beauty, variety and convenience of vacationing in our own back yard, Estes Park.

Estes Park enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine and Trail Ridge Road is now open to welcome travelers to the highest majesty of Rocky Mountain National Park. The outdoor lover can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, uninterrupted stargazing, even bird watching.

More urban pursuits include strolling along the downtown corridor taking in specialty boutiques, art galleries, a local brewery, many fine dining restaurants, and locally made candy and other goodies. Lodging ranges from ultra-roman-

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

By Angeline Grenz

tic mountain chateaus to quaint cabins with outdoor activities aplenty. Whatever you choose to do while visiting Estes Park, you enjoy it in the farreaching embrace of the serene Rocky Mountains.

Throughout the summer: Horse Shows – every weekend except Rodeo Week, these shows kick off June 24 with the Rocky Mountain Miniature Horse Show and run till late August.

Music – Concerts, with music for every taste, will run all summer long. Bond Park will feature music every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. beginning June 14. Performance Park will feature their Thursday Night Live Summer Concert Series at 7 p.m. through August 27.

Check out the following Websites for all things Estes Park: www.estes-park.com, www.estesart.com www.nps.gov, www.estesparkcvb.com www.enjoyestes.com

14 – Estes Park Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10k and 5k 25 – 25th Annual Teddy Bear Picnic 26 – Cool Night Cruz-In - muscle cars, hot rods, trucks, and kit cars.

27 and 28 – Scandinavian Midsummer Festival - heritage festival celebrating the summer solstice at Bond Park, enjoy music, dancing, and more.

July 4 – Independence Day in Estes Park.

Festivities begin with a Holiday Pancake Breakfast and continue throughout the day with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

7 to 12 – Rooftop Rodeo Parade (July 7) and 83rd annual Rooftop Rodeo. Named the Best Small Rodeo in the country by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, this rodeo features themed rodeos, including“ Rodeo Heritage Day,” “Tough Enough to Wear Pink,” “Old Mexico Day,” and “Kids Day.” 31 to Aug. 1 – Relay for Life, walk/run benefit for the Cancer Society.

August 1 and 2 – Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Estes Park Conference Center.

20 to 23 – Dressage Equestrian Event at the Fairgrounds 28 – Auto Extravaganza at Bond Park. This year will feature British cars.

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DINNER OF CHAMPIONS April 2 Hilton :: Fort Collins More than 350 community and business leaders joined the National MS Society Colorado Chapter to honor and pay tribute to 2009 Hope Award recipients, Sonny & Carol Jo Lubick, for their extraordinary commitment to public service. Also recognized, Paul Jonas, recipient of the 2009 MS Champion, for his extraordinary volunteerism and guidance to those living with multiple sclerosis. Nearly $80,000 was raised to support local programs and medical research. The Colorado Chapter serves over 9,000 people living with MS. Photos courtesy of imagecatcherman.com.

Paul Joncas (MS Champion), Debbie Joncas, Carol Jo & Sonny Lubick (Hope Award Recipients)

Pat Stryker, Jim Smith, Joe Zimlich, Steve Fairchild, Cheryl Zimlich

Don Unger, Al Yates

Kathleen Henry, Mark Gill, Mark Driscoll

BLACKTIE BINGO April 4 Agave Room, Rio Grande :: Fort Collins Nearly 200 guests dressed to the nines enjoyed a rousing evening of bingo at this popular 7th annual event. Players enjoyed delicious hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres and cocktails, strolled through silent auction tables, and played 6 games of lively Bingo trying to win superb prizes including a trip to Las Vegas. Nearly $25,000 raised will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County, Rotary Club of Fort Collins After Work, and Idea Wild and their individual missions. Photos courtesy of Mike Charbo.

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Connie & Aaron Schneider

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T H E TA S T E April 16 Hilton :: Fort Collins Delicious food & good entertainment were the cornerstones at this 15th annual very popular event as more than 700 guests tasted creative and savory foods and libations while listening to live jazz. Spirited bidding on silent auction items and 40 Palette of Plates added to the evening of camaraderie. Proceeds from the event to be split between Food Bank of Larimer County and Neighbor to Neighbor and their missions to help end hunger and homelessness in Larimer County.

Rick Arneson, Steve Pickelnor

Bonnie & Barney Kearney, Mike & Wendie Robinson

Larry & Suzanne Pullen

Amy Pezzani

Lisa Plahuta, Rick Mata

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Back- Warren Diggles, Abby Bloedorn, Ina Szwec, Lisa Gould

K itchen kaper H O M E T O U R April 25 5 Local Residences :: Fort Collins & Timnath Over 500 community members toured an English Tudor cottage; a Scandinavian influenced lake front residence; an art-filled home inspired by global travel; a one-of-a-kind modern styled home; and a rustic cabin with incredible views. This 30th annual Fort Collins Service League signature event raised nearly $40,000 to benefit Foothills Gateway and their mission to empower and support citizens with cognitive disabilities & their families.

Cindy & Tim O’Neill, Jeanette Perich

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Julie Wertz, Susy Smith

Mary Letha O’Brien, Cricket Coleman

Leanne Windolph, Steve & Barbara Vartil

Cyndi Wilkins, Beth Murray

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Candy Wirt, Bud & Robyn Phillips, Kelsey Wirt

Jane Sullivan, Izzy, Lynn Leady, Jean McBride, Phoebe

Sara Fry, K채rin Swiek, Tricia Navarre

Northern Colorado Business & Building 2009

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M A S K S AT M O C A G A L A April 25 MoCA Museum:: Fort Collins Over 200 guests enjoyed a fabulous evening viewing 169 exquisite masks designed by wellknow local personalities. Twelve featured masks were auctioned off in a spirited evening under the big tent on Oak Street Plaza. Guests were eager to bid as the live auction got underway and helped to raise $16,000 during the enchanted evening.

The month-long signature MoCA mask event raised a grand total of $65,000 for MoCA and their cultural programs, to promote the creation and appreciation of contemporary art.

Douglas Gennetten, Mary Kay & Donn Turner

Michelle & Ken Sargent

Donna Stroh, Dean Bratz John & Jeanie Aronson, Melissa & Tom Katsimpalis

William Runyan, Myra Monfort

Andrea Koppenhofer, Beverly Donnelly, Marta Farrell

Carol Ann & Gary Hixon

Jim McGinnis, Bob Coonts

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K A P PA K A P PA G A M M A S P R I N G F L O W E R S A L E May 7 Local Home:: Fort Collins Nearly 100 eager gardeners came to pick up their premium snapdragons, petunias, zinnias, geraniums, and fuchsias at this 19th annual flower sale. Sponsored by Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association, this event provides community members & Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day gift givers a wide variety of beautiful plants for pre-order in April and pick up Thursday prior to Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Proceeds benefit Kappa Kappa Gamma and Project Self-Sufficiency Scholarship Fund.

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