The Business Times Volume 29 Issue 16 by Thin Air Web

THE BUSINESS TIMES Business People THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994 AUGUST 25-SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 16 542 In this issue n Mixed bag The latest report of economic indicators for Colorado details a decline in business filings, but an increase in employment. n Mobility hubs A $24.2 million federal grant will fund construction of mobility hubs in Grand Junction, Rifle and Glenwood Springs. A federal grant could provide more than $100 million over the next five years to help Colorado firms access financing. n Holding steady The jobless rate held steady in Mesa County in July with increases in both payrolls and the unemployed. n Taxing trends Tax collections, a measure of sales activity, continue to climb on a year-over-year basis in Mesa County. n Cultured efforts Organizations that say their cultures are like a family might say instead their cultures are like a community. Almanac 26 Business Briefs 24 Business People 26 Contributors 17-21 News 2-14 Opinion 22 Trends 15-16 PRSRTSTD U.S.POSTAGEPAID PERMITNO.67 TheBusinessTimes 609NorthAve.,Suite5 GrandJunction,CO81501 17 15 n Business funding n Departments 15 Business Times photo by Phil Castle watchdogRegional n Executive director relishes new role with group.governmentPage2 Tiffany Pehl serves as executive director of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado. The organization advocates on behalf of county and municipal governments in the region.

See WATCHDOG page 12 T FOR YOUR

Secretary of State Jena Griswold said she’s encouraged overall.“We’re still moving in the right direction.”Griswold joined officials with the Business Research Division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder to review the latest report on business and economic indicators. The division prepares

BUSINESS TIMES BusinessBusinessContributorsNewsBriefsPeople Page 2 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022

Executive director relishes her new leadership role with government association Colorado economic report reflects mixed indicators Phil Castle The Business Times

watchdogRegional

Tiffany Pehl serves as the new executive director of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado. The organization advocates on behalf of member county and municipal governments in the region — including Mesa County as well as Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Pehl says she’s optimistic about opportunities for economic development and diversification.

the report in conjunction with the secretary of state’s office. Rich Wobbekind, senior economist and faculty director of the division, said Colorado continues to outpace the United States for employment, income and the broad measure for the production of goods and services. Some industry sectors lag behind others, though, and business owners remain cautious heading into the second half of the year, Wobbekind said. According to the report for the second quarter, a total of 39,464 new business, nonprofit corporations and other entity filings were recorded with the secretary of state’s office. That’s up a half of a percent from a year ago, but down 9.7 percent from the first quarter of 2022. A total of 157,021 new entity filings were recorded over the year ending in the second quarter of 2022. That’s down two-tenths of a percent from the same span last year. New entity filings constitute a leading indicator of subsequent business and job growth. A total of 172,106 renewals for existing businesses and entities were recorded for the second quarter of 2022 — more than 114,000 of those for domestic limited liability companies. Renewals increased 11 percent from the second quarter of 2021, but decreased nearly 10.3 percent from the first quarter of 2022. For the year ending in the second quarter of 2022, 692,647 entity renewals were filed. That’s up 10.4 percent from the same span a year ago.

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Jena Griswold Rich Wobbekind iffany Pehl once found at work a stamp with a paw print and the words “watchdog of northwest Colorado.” It’s a fitting description, Pehl says, of one role of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado. And, for that matter, her new role as executive director of the AGNC. Both roles include looking out for the interests of the county and municipal governments that belong to the organization and advocating on their behalf. It’s an effort she says requires communication, education and collaboration. Lots of collaboration. “That’s what I focus on theWhilemost.”the region faces challenges that include a changing energy industry, water shortages and the introduction of wolves, Pehl says she remains optimistic. Given an infusion of federal and state funding to help, there are opportunities to start new industries and diversify the economy. “Right now is the time to do it.”

THE

The AGNC board of directors hired Pehl in June. She succeeds her mother, Bonnie Petersen, who retired after eight years with the organization and nearly four years before that as executive director of Club 20. Pehl brings to the AGNC six years of experience in a series of roles that included program director and deputy director.She says her mother hired her in 2016 for what was supposed to be a temporary job as an administrative assistant. But as Pehl soon took on additional tasks and responsibilities, she says her mother went to the board to ask that her position be made permanent. Pehl says she was initially reluctant to apply to become executive director. But she realized the applicants who interviewed for the position offered less knowledge and experience. INFORMATION For more information about the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado and its various programs and activities, visit https://agnc.org.

STORY AND PHOTO BY PHIL CASTLE

A decline in new business filings and gains in labor are among the mixed indicators for the Colorado economy, according to the latest results of a quarterlyColoradoreport.

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The Business Times 609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) www.thebusinesstimes.com424-5133

Whidden expects to bring that same approach to his duties as administrator.

Frank Whidden

Whidden officially began working as county administrator at the beginning of the year. He succeeds Tom Fisher, who was hired as county manager in Summit County,WhiddenUtah. joined Mesa County in August 2011 as information technology director. In April 2014, he became deputy county administrator for resource management in a staffing reorganization that eliminated four director positions. Before joining Mesa County, Whidden worked for a company providing information technology services to colleges and universities. In that role, he managed IT systems and services for institutions in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois as well as New England and Canada.

Whidden said it’s his role to help county commissioners make and then implement decisions. The commissioners in turn represent the residents of the county and express their will, he said. “We work for the Whiddenpeople.”saidhealso considers himself a liaison between the commissioners and county staff, and one of the priorities is to make sure employees feel valued. Whidden said he hopes not only to improve morale, but also take steps that will make Mesa County an organization for which people want to Meanwhile,work.

Whidden expects the county to continue policies and initiatives that support local business and economic development. There are additional steps that can be taken to make it easier for local businesses to sell products and services to the county, he added. Mesa County will keep working with other government entities, organizations and institutions on fostering an environment that supports existing businesses and attracts new businesses, he said.

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Administrator brings well-rounded perspective to new Mesa County role

The Glenwood Springs component wilredevelop a park-and-ride facility into a transit center while also creating a bicycle and pedestrian underpass.

An upcoming event will offer business owners, residents and others an opportunity to discuss proposed changes to a section of U.S. Highway 6 in Palisade. The listening session is scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 25 in the event hall of the Palisade Community Center, 120 W. Eighth St. The Colorado Department of Transportation and Muller Engineering will host the session to offer information about a roadway alignment for U.S. Highway 6 and design alternatives for a section of the highway near its intersection with ElbertaMembersAvenue.of the project team will attend to discuss design alternatives and listen to comments. Officials from the Town of Palisade also will be on hand to discuss comprehensive planning. The goal of the session and other efforts is to select a recommended alternative to improve traffic, safety and multimodal operation along U.S. Highway 6. The project team will present a selected alternative at a public meeting planned for this fall. More information about the project is available online from the site at palisade-intersection-improvements/www.codot.gov/projects/us6design.

Whidden said people who work in information technology aren’t just “geeks,” but offer an important perspective because they’re familiar with nearly every aspect of operations and how work gets done. They also tend to think about new and potentially better ways of doing things in asking and answering “what if” questions. “They know how to effect change in an organization.”

Whidden has worked for large and small organizations in both the private and public sectors. Whidden expects to draw on all of his experiences in helping Mesa County commissioners make and carry out decisions. Valuing staff and making the county an employer of choice is among the priorities, Whidden said. So is planning that results in sustainable funding and balanced budgets on a long-term basis. Meanwhile, Mesa County will continue to pursue efforts that promote a friendly business environment and economic development, Whidden said.

“We are excited to use this federal support to expand transit options in Grand Junction, Rifle and Glenwood Springs; update the Alamosa pedestrian connection; fix the roundabout in Pueblo; and provide real results to Coloradans to reduce traffic and improve convenience,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.

Listening session slated for Aug. 25 on Palisade plans

The Business Times

A $24.2 million federal grant will fund construction of a mobility hub in Grand Junction as well as similar facilities in Rifle and Glenwood Springs. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the grant, one of three worth a total of $45.8 million awarded to Colorado projects. Other grants will fund projects in Alamosa and Pueblo.

Dana Brosig, director of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, said the grant constitutes the next step in making a Grand Junction mobility hub a reality. The Westward Three Project will include mobility hubs in Grand Junction, Rifle and Glenwood Springs. In Grand Junction, the project will include bicycle, pedestrian and parking improvements in addition to improvements to the Interstate 70 Business Loop. The Rifle component will expand and relocate a park-and-ride facility.

Federal grant awarded to build mobility hubs

Frank Whidden brings what he considers a well-rounded perspective to his new job as Mesa County administrator. Whidden worked in 20workeddecisionmanagementdegreeholdssystems.computeratechnologyinformationandholdsmaster’sdegreeininformationButhealsoadoctoralinappliedandmakingandformorethanyearsasaminister.

Phil Castle

Whidden said there could be a opportunities to encourage the additional development of businesses that provide services to the agricultural industry as well as promote Mesa County as a distribution center for the region. The important thing is to consider issues from a well-rounded perspective, Whidden said. “We won’t be myopic as we look at things.”

“This is a huge win for our work force, pedestrians, bicyclists and the city’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes.

The grants were awarded through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program. The funds are part of $1.5 billion in grants included in a bipartisan infrastructure law.

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado, said the infrastructure law constitutes the biggest investment in roads, bridges and transportation in the United States since the Eisenhower administration.

“Now the law is delivering $46 million in federal funding to support Colorado projects that will connect communities, reduce congestion and strengthen local economies,” Bennet said. “I urged the Department of Transportation to support these worthy projects across our state, and I look forward to welcoming additional investment in Colorado infrastructure from this historic legislation in the years ahead.”

Page 4 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022PAGE 4 THE BUSINESS TIMES JANUARY 15-28, 2015 The Business Times is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor, staff or advertisers. Copyright © 2015 — All rights reserved. The Business Times 609 North Ave.,Suite 2, Grand Junction,CO 81501 Telephone:(970) 424-5133 FAX:(970) www.thebusinesstimes.com424-5134 THE BUSINESS TIMES

The Business Times is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or advertisers. © 2022 — All rights reserved

Federal grant to bolster small business financing

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“This exciting federal grant creates and supports over 11,000 good-paying jobs for Coloradans and builds upon our work supporting small business and entrepreneurs; saving people money; and making sure Colorado remains the best place to live, work and do business,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.

Patrick Meyers, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, said the funding will benefit businesses and the people who work for them. “Our office will work diligently to efficiently and effectively deploy these funds so we can maximize this award and continuously offer capital access programs that can benefit generations to come as they grow theirColoradobusinesses.”was scheduled to receive an initial installment of $31 million in funding in August and will receive additional installments as funds are loaned and invested. Over the next five years, Colorado could receive nearly $105 million in Fundingfunding.will be distribution through three programs:

The U.S. Treasury Department awarded the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) grant. The program was created as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to fund venture capital and loan participation programs that help small businesses access capital and create jobs. In Colorado, the grant is expected to help create or retain more than 11,000 jobs over the next 10 years and add on average $423 million in wages to the state economy.

The Venture Capital Authority, which helps business startups and entrepreneurs access venture capital.

The Colorado Loans to Increase Main Street Business Economic Recovery program to provide loans to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and relatedTherestrictions.Colorado Economic Development Commission and Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade Division of Business Funding will administer the SSBCI funding in collaboration with the governor and state treasurer’s office, Venture Capital Authority and Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.

Colorado has received a federal grant that could provide more than $100 million over the next five years to help small businesses access financing.

n The Cash Collateral Support Program to provide cash deposits to lenders to supplement borrower collateral for business loans.

News, views and advice you can use Subscribe today to the journal that means business in the Grand Valley. (970)

Page 6 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022

In Mesa County, the award will include the purchase of four cutaway buses fueled by compressed natural gas.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will partly administer the grants from the Federal TransitTheAdministration.largestgrant— for $34.8 million — will help Summit County construct a transit charging and operations facility to support a zero-emissions bus fleet.

A total of 55 transit agencies operate across Colorado, providing a total of more than 134 million passenger trips a year.

The funding will help construct new facilities in Mesa and Summit counties as well as purchase 27 vehicles.

“Colorado is home to some of the best rural and mountain transit services in the country, and CDOT is proud to serve as their partner in competing for federal funds to support fleet electrification and improved service for Coloradans,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he was pleased the federal government is investing in smaller and rural transit systems in the state. “Those agencies play a critical role in providing sustainable, statewide mobility options for Coloradans, and their success competing for these grants demonstrates their national importance as well as providing some of the best rural transit in the country.”

A $3.9 million grant will help fund the construction of a bus maintenance facility and the purchase of four transit buses in MesaTheCounty.grant is part of $51 million in federal funds awarded to low- and zeroemission transit projects across Colorado.

The latest edition of the annual Colorado Hay Directory is now available, offering information to connect producers and buyers.Thedirectory offers information about hay producers and brokers as well as companies that provide related products and services. The directory offers information by region for the type and amount of hay available and bale types and sizes.

Colorado hay directory links sellers and buyers

Federal grant to help fund Mesa facility,Countybuses

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“The annual hay directory can save time for producers looking to find hay products in their part of Colorado,” said Danielle Trotta, senior marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The directory is available online at https://ag.colorado.gov/markets. To request a copy or obtain more information, call (303) 869-9175 or send an email to Loretta.Lopez@state.co.us.

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“We want to help local farmers to get to the markets first. We want to develop the local market channels to help sell to the food bank. We also help test the markets for the local farmers. We will test out certain vegetables first to see if there is a feasible market for local farmers. We always want the local farmers to get to the market first,” said Amanda McQuade, program coordinator of the Community Alliance for Education and Hunger Relief.

Organizations join in efforts to feed hungry on West Slope News, views and advice you can use Subscribe today to the journal that means business in the Grand Valley.

The Two Rivers Conservation and Recreation Roundtable is among the latest recipients of grants supporting organizations working to protect the outdoors and outdoor recreation in Colorado. The Two Rivers Conservation and Recreation Roundtable received $30,000. Located in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties, the group convenes outdoor recreation and conservation leaders, local governments and land managers across the Grand Valley. Coalitions also will collaborate with Delta and Montrose counties to define regional boundaries.

(970) www.thebusinesstimes.com424-5133

Rec roundtable among state grant recipients

Two organizations have once again joined to harvest and distribute fresh apples and peaches and help relieve hunger in western Colorado. The Community Alliance for Education and Hunger Relief works with Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope on the effort, continuing a partnership that began in 2016. The Community Alliance for Education and Hunger Relief, a program of Colorado State University in Mesa County, provides hands-on training to interns seeking experience in small scale vegetable production from seed to delivery. Interns plant peppers, tomatoes, melons, cucumbers and pumpkins. The site also includes an apple and peach orchard. During the apple and peach harvest season, the Farm-to-Food Bank program can harvest up to 25,000 pounds of apples in twoFoodweeks.Bank of the Rockies Western Slope allows the program to load bulk, reusable bins that are transported by truck to hunger relief partners served by the food bank in western Colorado. Last year, the program produced more than 70,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables for food pantries, food banks and emergency meal programs across 14 counties on the Western Slope. The partnership grew in 2020 to allow for the purchase of fresh produce at 20 cents a pound. The agreement is in place until a local farm can be found that can grow and sell the produce needed.

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F Applications sought for Kiwanis funding

Applications will be accepted through Oct. 3 for annual allocation awards from the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction. Using proceeds from its annual Kiwanis Pancake Day and Fun Fest fundraiser, the club contributes money to nonprofit organizations that serve children. For an application or additional information, visit the club website located at www.Kiwanis-gj.org. A committee will reviewTheapplications.KiwanisClub of Grand Junction is part of a worldwide service organization. In addition to clubs for adults, the organization also offers Circle K Clubs for colleges, Key Clubs for high school students, Aktion Clubs for people with disabilities and Golden K Clubs for older members.

Hats Off to Paris: Tickets available for benefit event

A free event in downtown Grand Junction will include food and fun also offer information about United Way of MesaTheCounty.Unity in Community Festival is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 25 at the intersection of Seventh and Main streets.

“Our Community in Unity Festival not only serves as our 2022-2023 fundraising campaign season kickoff, but also an opportunity for our community to come learn about our organizational and human service programs we help support through grand funding and the four new direct service programs that are now offered by United Way of Mesa County,” said Keira Clark, community impact and marketing managing for the organization. The festival will include food from Tacos Del Centenario and Hokulia Shave Ice as well as live music, a climbing wall, bouncy house and face painting. FCI Constructors will sponsor the event.

Unity Festival set for Aug. 25

Tickets are available for an upcoming benefit event featuring a wine pairing dinner and live music. The event, titled “Hats Off to Paris,” is set for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at Maison la Belle Vie winery at 3575 G Road in Palisade. Proceeds will benefit the Grand Junction Symphony Foundation, an endowment for the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra for nearly 30 years. Funds are used to underwrite a concert eachTheyear.event will feature wines paired with food, live music performed by orchestra musicians and a silent auction. Tickets sell for $150 each, $60 of which is tax deductible. Seating is limited, and reservations are due Aug. 30. For tickets or more information, call 243-6787 or visit the website located at https://bit.ly/3d3jpPL.

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“We encourage anyone and everyone to stop by, enjoy the local agencies that help thousands of our friends and neighbors each year, and learn how to get involved,” ClarkForsaid.more information about United Way of Mesa County, call 243-5364 or visit www.unitedwaymesacounty.org.

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Craig will use the grant to construct a multi-use park and river access corridor along the Yampa River to promote tourism and outdoorTherecreation.funding is expected to create 129 jobs and generate $16.3 million in private investments. Coal-fired power plants in Craig and Hayden are scheduled to close before the end of the decade, which in turn will affect the mines that supply“Whenthem.I’ve visited communities in northwest Colorado over the years, I’ve heard concerns about what coal mine and power plant closures will mean for their main streets, schools and ways of life. These federal grants will help coal communities like Craig and Hayden attract new businesses, create new jobs and diversify their local economies so they can thrive,” said U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado.

The Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado has scheduled an economic development summit focusing on transforming the energy economy. The summit is set for 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Ute Theater, 132 E. Fourth St. in Rifle. Admission is $75. For more information, log on to https://agnc.org.

Continued from page 2

The EDA has allocated $300 million in appropriations from the federal American Rescue Plan to support coal communities as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and help them promote new industry sectors and jobs. Hayden will use the grant for roadway and water infrastructure to support the development of an industrial park to attract new businesses.The funding is expected to create 79 jobs and generate $12 million in private investments.

Pehl says several options have been proposed for the power plants, including conversion to hydrogen or small modular nuclear reactors. In the meantime, a total of $8.5 million in grants have been awarded to help Craig and Hayden support economic diversification as they transition away from the coal industry. Pehl says AGNC remains committed to helping member governments — and residents — not only survive, but also thrive.

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, also a Democrat from Colorado, agreed. “When we visited Craig and Hayden this spring, we heard how important it is to diversify rural economies and create new jobs. Our northwest Colorado communities are full of entrepreneurs, and this EDA funding will help build even more resilience and create new opportunities in the region.”

Before joining AGNC, Pehl worked as a small business specialist with CenturyLink, helping businesses with their telephone and internet service. She also sold life and health insurance. She graduated from what’s now Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. A sixth-generation native of Western Colorado who grew up in Grand Junction, she also brings to her latest job a life-long familiarity with the area.

AGNC is an association of county and municipal governments that includes Mesa County as well as Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Garfield, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties are also member counties, while Delta, Grand and Montrose counties are associate members. A total of 17 municipal governments belong to the group. As executive director, Pehl oversees a staff of three and a range of programs and initiatives.AGNC is designated an Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. As such, the AGNC leads economic development planning and regionalAGNCcollaboration.alsoadministers the Northwest Enterprise Zone for a 10-county region. Enterprise zones encourage business development in areas of economic distress by offering businesses state tax credits for everything from creating new jobs and buying equipment to rehabilitating vacant buildings.AGNC recently joined in an initiative to promote remote job opportunities in rural communities in Western Colorado. Under the initiative, AGNC offers up to 300 free one-year memberships to FlexJobs, a career service specializing in remote and flexible jobs. In addition, AGNC has been involved in efforts to develop additional uses and markets for coal mined in western Colorado and eastern Utah. Besides serving as a fuel in power plants, coal also can serve as the raw material for a variety of products, including strong and lightweight carbon composites that could be used in automobiles and aircraft, Pehl says.

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ECONOMIC SUMMIT

“We just look for opportunities to help.” Collaboration among the members is key, she says. “If we all just keeping working together, we can achieve things.”

Federal forearmarkedfundseconomic diversification

Federal grants worth a total of $8.5 million have been awarded to two northwest Colorado municipalities to help them diversify their economies as they transition away from their reliance on coal mining and power generation.TheEconomic Development Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, awarded a $5.2 million grant to Hayden as well as a $3.3 million grant to Craig. More than $2 million in additional state and local funding will match the grants.

Pehl says her mother assured her she was well-equipped to take on the role as executive director and encouraged her to apply.Mike Samson, chairman of the AGNC board, says Pehl knows the operation and members well. “We are confident she will be able to move into this important role and take AGNC to the next level. AGNC is important to the members of the northwest region, and we look forward to her leadership for many years to come.”

Energy exploration and development remains a leading industry sector in northwest Colorado, along with agriculture, manufacturing and health care, she says. But the energy sector faces challenges given the growing emphasis on countering climate change and increasing use of solar and wind power. Coal-fired power plants in Craig and Hayden are scheduled to close before the end of the decade, which in turn will affect the mines that supply them.

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Page 14 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022 Mixed Continued from page 2

A state law that took effect July 1 reducing filing fees saves businesses and entrepreneurs money and makes Colorado more business friendly, Griswold said. Filers pay only $1 for initial limited liability company formations and initial trade name registrations — previously $50 and $20, respectively.“When you’re starting a small business, every dollar counts,” she said. Other economic indicators monitored in the report also were mixed.

Wobbekind said Colorado added 417,800 jobs between May 2020 and July 2022, more than offsetting the 374,500 jobs lost in the early months of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. The state is projected to add 104,000 jobs in 2022.

Gross domestic product decreased in the United States at an annual rate of 1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2022 and nine-tenths of a percent in the second quarter — two quarters of consecutive declines in GDP that by one definition constitutes a recession. The situation in Colorado is different, Wobbekind said, with a 3.9 percent increase in GDP in the second quarter. “We’re not in a recession at this particular point in time.”

Dissolution filings also increased in the second quarter of 2022, however, up 27 percent from the same quarter last year to 11,753. A total of 45,089 dissolutions were filed during the year ending in the second quarter, up 17.4 percent from the same span a year ago. A total of 868,065 businesses, nonprofit organizations and other entities were in good standing in Colorado as of the second quarter of 2022. That’s up 4.5 percent from a yearGriswoldago. said the second quarter decrease in new filings constituted a seasonal decline from the first quarter. Yearover-year gains in renewals and entities in good standing signal business health, while dissolutions signal business stress.

The pace of inflation has accelerated to its highest levels in 40 years. But the Consumer Price Index held steady between June and July even as the Producer Price Index retreated, Wobbekind said. “There’s good news out there on the inflation environment.”Still,employment remains below pre-pandemic levels in three industry sectors in Colorado, he said — education and health services, leisure and hospitality and natural resources and mining. Government payrolls are lower as well. Businesses and government agencies report difficulty filling job openings in a tight labor market, he said. Colorado business leaders who responded to the latest survey pushed the Leeds Business Confidence Index down to 41.1 heading in the third quarter. That’s the fifth-lowest reading ever for the index. Labor shortages, inflation and rising interest rates all pose concerns, Wobbekind said.

The county collected more than $2.5 million in use taxes through the first seven months of 2022. That’s a gain of more than $232,000 and 10.1 percent from the same span in 2021. Year-to-date tax collections on retail sales reached nearly $16.8 million, a gain of more than $1 million and 6.8 percent over last year. The increase reflected gains in seven retail categories, the largest for home improvements, general merchandise and automobiles.Year-to-date sales tax collections also increased for all but one industry category with the biggest gains in the hotel and restaurant, wholesale, telecommunications and manufacturing categories. Tax collections declined in the finance category.

Nonfarm payrolls increased 2,200 between June and July with gains in government employment accounting for 2,000 of thoseOverjobs.the past 27 months, nonfarm payrolls increased 417,800, more than offsetting the 374,500 jobs lost in March and April 2020 because of the pandemic and related restrictions.

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates held steady in July in three neighboring Western Colorado counties at 2.8 percent in Garfield County, 3.1 percent in Montrose County and 3.9 percent in Rio Blanco County. The jobless rate slipped a tenth of a point to 3.4 percent in Delta County. The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down a tenth of a point to 3.3 percent. That’s the lowest level since the rate stood at 2.8 percent in February 2020, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

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INDICATORS AT A GLANCE n Confidence t Consumer Confidence Index 95.7 for July, down 2.7. t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 41.1 for the third quarter, down 12.8. s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 89.9 for July, up 0.4.

The county collected more than $4.4 million in sales taxes in July, an 8.4 percent increase over what was collected during the same month last year. The county also collected nearly $340,000 in use taxes in July — nearly all of that on automobiles purchases outside the county, but used in the county. That was a 15.4 percent drop from the same month last year. July tax reports reflect June sales. Sales, use and lodging tax reports for the City of Grand Junction weren’t available as of press deadline. Mesa County tax collections on retail sales in July topped $2.5 million, a 6.5 percent increase over the same month last year.

The county divides the remaining half of collections between its general fund and what it distributes back to five cities in the county. Through the first seven months of 2022, the county has collected more than $8.6 million for its general fund and has distributed a total of more than $10.5 million to the cities.

Unemployment t Colorado — 3.3% for July, down 0.1. n Real estate t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 396 in July, down 33.4% from July 2021. t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $170 million in July, down 29.7% from July 2021. n Mesa County — 3.7% for July, unchanged. t United States — 3.5% for July, down 0.1. s New business filings in Colorado, 39,464 in the second quarter, up 0.5 percent from the second quarter of 2021. Business Times

Almanac

The monthly unemployment rate held steady in Mesa County in July with slight increases in both payrolls and the number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking forAswork.more jobs are filled and a tight labor market eases, the jobless rate should trend downward, said Celina Kirnberger, employment services supervisor at the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.7 percent in July, according to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. July matched June after the rate for that month was revised upward a tenth of a point. At this time last year, the jobless rate was higher at 6 percent. Between June and July 2022, Mesa County payrolls increased 295 to 75,469. The number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work edged up 29 to 2,892. The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, increased 324 to 78,361. The gain broke a string of declines for three straight months.Over the past year, payrolls increased 3,271 — or 4.5 percent. The ranks of the unemployed decreased 1,694. The labor force grewLabor1,577.demand as measured by the number of job orders posted at the Mesa County Workfoce Center has declined on a year-over-year basis. For July, 851 job orders were posted. That’s down from 1,032 for the same month last year. For the first seven months of 2022, 5,819 orders were posted. That’s down from 6,599 for the same period in 2021. Kirnberger said the latest numbers constitute a good thing in they indicate more employers are filling positions. “It’s still tight. But we are seeing it ease up a littleLookingbit.” ahead to the remainder of 2022, Kirnberger said she expects a traditional trend to continue with monthly unemployment rates trending downward.

n Business filings Phil Castle The

Over the past year, the average workweek for employees on pivate, nonfarm payrolls shortened nine-tenths of an hour to 33 hours.Average hourly earnings increased $2.23 to $34.60.

Collections increased on a year-over-year basis in six of eight retail categories — including a 15.1 percent gain on automobile sales, 6.6 percent gain on general merchandise and 3.6 percent gain on home improvements. For other industry categories, sales tax collections rose 5.1 percent in the hotel and restaurant category, 25.5 percent in construction, 12.7 percent in manufacturing and 12.4 percent in the wholesale category. Through the first seven months of 2022, Mesa County collected more than $27.8 million in sales taxes. That’s an increase of almost $2.7 million and 10.6 percent over the same span in 2021.Mesa County earmarks half of the collections from its 2 percent sales tax for a capital fund — more than $19 million so far in 2022.

F Mesa County sales tax collections trend upward Jobless rate holds steady As tight Mesa County market eases, unemployment likely to retreat Celina Kirnberger AREA JOBLESS RATES July June t Delta County 3.4 3.5 n Garfield County 2.8 2.8 n Mesa County 3.7 3.7 n Montrose County 3.1 3.1 n Rio Blanco County 3.9 3.9 MESA COUNTY TAX COLLECTIONS July 2022 July 2021 Change Sales tax $4,419,359 $4,075,872 8.4% Use tax $339,119 $400,776 -15.4% Total $4,758,478 $4,476,578 6.3%

Over the past year, payrolls increased 100,700 with the biggest gains in the leisure and hospitality; professional and business services; and trade, transportation and utilities sectors. No industry sectors have lost jobs since July 2021.

Indexes t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 117.53 for July, down 1.18. t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 117.1 for June, down 0.8. t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 52.8% for July, down 0.2%. n Lodging s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $527,820 for June, up 28.5% from June 2021. n Sales s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $6.3 million for June, up 8.6% from June 2021. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.8 million for July, up 6.3% from July 2021.

Foreclosures s Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 20 in July, up from 2 in July 2021. s Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 6 in July, up from 0 in July 2021.

F Tax collections, a key measure of sales activity, continue to increase on a year-over-year basis in Mesa County.

Ataman Ozilidirim, senior director of economics for the Conference Board, said the dropping index suggests the rising risk of recession. “Consumer pessimism and equity market volatility as well as slowing labor markets, housing construction and manufacturing new orders suggest that economic weakness will intensify and spread more broadly throughout the U.S. economy,” Ozilidirim said.

F Ataman Ozyildirim

An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to decline, signaling slowing conditions and the increasing possibility of a recession.TheConference Board reported its Leading Economic Index retreated four-tenths of a percent to 116.6 in July. Separate measures of current and past economic conditions both increased. With declines in each of the last five months, the Leading Economic Index dropped 1.6 percent over the first half of 2022. The index increased 1.6 percent in the second half of 2021.

Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services, decreased in the United States at an annual rate of 1.6 percent in the first quarter and nine-tenths of a percent in the second quarter — two quarters of consecutive declines in GDP that by one definition constitutes a recession. Ozildirim said the Conference projects the U.S. economy won’t expand in the third quarter and could tip into a short, but mild, recession by the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023.

The results of a survey the Conference Board conducted of more than 1,000 workers found that 41 percent of them believe the U.S. is already in recession and 33 percent expect a recession within six months. While some companies have curtailed hiring or even cut staff, 80 percent of the workers responding to the survey said they feel secure in their jobs. Workers reported, in fact, they’re more concerned about declining stock markets than layoffs.The Coincident Economic Index, a measure of current conditions, rose three-tenths of a percent to 108.6 in July. The index increased eight-tenths of a percent over the first half of 2022. The Lagging Economic Index, a measure of past conditions, rose four-tenths of a point to 114.4 in July. The index increased 3.7 percent over the first half of 2022.

Page 16 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022

Leading index signals increasing risk of recession

The Business Incubator Center has scheduled upcoming presentations on planning, social media and accounting.

Participants, including aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, will complete a business plan or strategy and test their models for financial viability. Tuition is $275. The next business startup workshop is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 1. The workshop will cover the business planning process, financing options, legal structures and licensing requirements. Admission is $55.

Almanac

We celebrate our differences. We do our best not to judge, but to accept. We value what each person brings to the organization. We support the growth of each another by providing our expertise to help. We change and we grow. We adapt to the environment in which we operate. And we rely on each another for the success we all want to achieve.

Consider nurturing a workplace community rather than a family GuptillKirstin

Kirstin Guptill works as the human resource manager for the MarillacHealth health care center in Grand Junction as well as an adjunct lecturer at Colorado Mesa University. She serves as the education director for the Colorado Society of Human Resource Management and a past president of the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For additional information about WCHRA, log on to www.wchra.org.

n An upcoming Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon will include a forum for local and state candidates.Theluncheon is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Admission is $25 for chamber members, $30 for others. For more information, call 242-3214 or visit https://gjchamber.org.

August 25-september 14, 2022 The Business Times pAge 17

We’re a community means so much more. For starters, a community includes people from diverse backgrounds with different abilities, knowledge and skills. In a community, you can seek guidance from experts in things different from your own expertise. You can expand your understanding of those with whom you work. A community allows us to be ourselves.Moreover, a community is inclusive. To become a part of a community, you have a bit of buy in — not because you must, but because you chose the community in which you want to participate. In describing culture as a community, we focus on respect. As a human resource manager in a health care setting, I respect those around me for the skills they have that I don’t possess. I know the physicians and dentists as well as the medical assistants and dental assistants I support have different outlooks on their tasks. In acknowledging these differences, I better understand what they need from me, leadership and each other. Employees might not appear diverse in terms of their physical attributes. But they are diverse and unique in their experiences. This is what builds a community — acceptance of those around us for what we as coworkers, teammates and simply people bring to the organization.

So if organizations say “we’re like a family,” do they mean they bully you and expect you to exceed expectations, but will never be proud of your accomplishments?Bossestellyou they have an open door policy, but are they more like absent parents who aren’t there to support you? Is this what your organization is really like? What if we change the conversation? What if we describe an organization’s culture as “we’re a community.”

The next session of the Leading Edge business planning and management course is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Aug. 31 to Nov. 16 at the center, 2591 Legacy Way in Grand Junction. The 12-week course will offer a combination of classroom instruction, interactive exercises and conversations with subject matter experts to teach participants how to start and grow businesses.

BusinessBusinessContributorsTrendsOpinionBriefsPeople

A presentation on using social media to grow a business is set for 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 9. Participants will learn how to set up social media pages, build an online community and convert that into sales, streamline content production and how often and exactly what to post. The next bookkeeping boot camp is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29. Participants will learn how to set up and track business accounting records and gain more control over their businesses through the preparation of cash flow projections and income statements. Tuition is $75, which will include lunch. For more information about upcoming events, programs and services at the Business Incubator Center, call 243-5242 or log on to https://gjincubator.org.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

What’s your culture?

For years it seemed the catch phrase organizations used most often to describe their culture was “we’re like a family.” But if we look deeper to identify the true goal of culture, I’d challenge that thinking. If I say “we’re like a family” what comes to your mind? Organizations use this to describe staffs that enjoy spending time together and care for and support each other. But many people think of the siblings who picked on them growing up, the parents they could never please or were absent. Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t the only family dynamics we see. But many families experience underlying issues they don’t want others to know about.

If we focus more on how we can support each other as a community, we’ll find caretakers. We’ll find the techsavvy person who doesn’t work in information technology, but helps you when you computer does that funny thing it does. We’ll find the people who keep candy in their desk drawers or listen to you after you’ve endured a hard meeting with an uncooperative customer or client. Employees will learn to rely on each another for the things we bring with us, for who we are. Not because we’re a family, but because we’ve built a strong community. I challenge organizations to stop saying “we’re a family here” and start saying “we’re a community.”

A community means so much more. A community includes people from diverse backgrounds with different abilities, knowledge and skills. In a community, you can seek guidance from experts in things different from your own expertise. A community allows us to be ourselves.

One of the biggest challenges business owners face in building a team of top performers is a lack of credible and unbiased information. What you don’t know really limits your ability to hire, place, manage and develop the team members who contribute to your success. Are you looking for a way to hire correctly the first time, reduce turnover and increase retention? Do you wish you had access to clear-cut information enabling you to place team members in positions where they would be the most effective and happiest? Do you want to enhance the engagement and productivity of your team? Would discovering specific areas for training and professional development that would deliver the greatest return on your investment appeal to you? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then accurate, non-biased, comprehensive and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)compliant assessments could be just what you need. Five key assessments can help in building a great team: n Behaviors: Behavioral assessments and effective training position individuals to better understand themselves and others. They appreciate the differences in people and adapt their communication styles for more effective communication. Team members are also exposed to their time wasters, areas to improve and how they break down under pressure. Combined with effective coaching, team members learn to manage behaviors for superior performance. Assessment results enhance the hiring process by revealing how an individual is likely to perform.

Use assessments

n Business acumen indicator: This assessment is unique in its ability to assess how astutely a person analyzes and interprets their experiences. A person’s acumen — or keenness and depth of perception or discernment — directly relates to their performance. The stronger the acumen, the more aware they are of their realities in both their external and internal worlds and the better they respond to them. This report provides insight into the thought processes of individuals that affect performance and reveals what they can do, describing their capacity for superior performance.

to build a team of top performers

Driving forces (motivators): An assessment measuring driving forces helps illuminate and amplify a person’s motivating factors. Motivators are the aspects of life people are passionate about, things they perceive as important and provide them with purpose and direction. Motivators drive behaviors and motivate actions. By combining coaching, training and the knowledge of motivators, you can position and encourage team members in ways that satisfy their inner drives right from the start. The results benefit both hiring and coaching initiatives by revealing why individuals act the way they do and what motivates their behaviors.

When used as a benchmarking tool, this component ensures the inherent skills of each individual match the personal skills required by the job. This suite of powerful assessments provides business owners and managers with high-quality, unbiased information critical in successfully hiring, placing, managing and developing team members. The assessments provide a level of understanding and clarity you and your team can’t get anywhere else. Combined with professional development and training, this powerful information fosters greater buy-in, communication and teamwork while also increasing productivity, job satisfaction and talent retention. When administered well, the positive effects of these assessments on business performance can be exceptional.

If you want to hire effectively, understand where gaps in abilities exist, manage from a better understanding of your people, train with the greatest impact, retain talent and build a team of top performers, then high-quality assessments are essential to your success.

What you don’t know really limits your ability to hire, place, manage and develop the team members who contribute to your success.

Emotional intelligence: An EQ assessment identifies how well a person manages the emotions that affect their relationships with others. Emotional intelligence is the ability to sense, understand and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions to facilitate higher levels of collaboration and productivity.

MarcusStraub

Page 18 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022

Reach Straub at 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.

n Competencies: This assessment describes an individual’s strengths in 25 research-based capacities or personal skills directly related to the business environment.

Marcus Straub owns Life is Great Coaching in Grand Junction. His personalized coaching and consulting services help individuals, business owners, executives and companies build teams, organizations and lives filled with happiness and success. Straub is winner of the International Coach of the Year Award and author of “Is It Fun Being You?” He’s available for free consultations regarding coaching, speaking and trainings.

The top skills outlined in the report highlight individuals’ well-developed capabilities and reveal the areas where they’re most effective. The results also provide a straightforward way to close gaps in competencies necessary for top performance.

n Metrics and approaches you use to measure success and growth.Thebottom line? If you plan to start and grow a business, you need both business and strategic plans. Each has a distinct purpose. Each is a living document. Understanding their differences and roles will ensure you stay on track to achieve success.

Janet Arrowood is founder and managing director of the Write Source, a Grand Junction firm offering a range of services, including grant and proposal writing, instruction and technical writing. Reach her at janet.arrowood@thewritesourceinc.com. For more information, log on to www.TheWriteSourceInc.com.

n How you provide these goods and services.

Your business plan should provide a detailed guide to how you plan to set up and manage your operations and include the who and what.

ArrowoodJanetSubscribe today to the journal that means business in the Grand Valley. (970) www.thebusinesstimes.com424-5133

August 25-september 14, 2022 The Business Times pAge 19

Companies need business and strategic plans

n What makes this person or team qualified. n Who’s the competition and what differentiates your company from them.

You perform a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to determine how to build on your strengths and manage your weaknesses. The strategic plan takes the business plan and expands on the initial roadmap to detail the how.

Your goals for the next one, two, five and 10 years.

What’s the difference between a business plan and strategic plan? A business plan constitutes an essential part of the process of starting a business. Existing businesses develop strategic plans. Every business should have, and regularly update, a business plan. Once a business is established, both strategic and business plans are needed. According to the Center for Simplified Strategic Planning, a strategic plan focuses on improving performance, exploiting opportunities and building market share. A business plan is most often used at the beginning of operations to define the initial goals and objectives of the company, its structure and processes, products and services, financial resources, staffing and talent needs and all of the basics that go into creating a company and getting it running.

n Expected changes in your market and how to accommodate those changes.

n Who’s your market? How large is it? Where is it located? What does this market want and how will you meet thoseThewants?what of the plan explains: n What goods and services you provide.

A strategic plan takes into account your current situation.

n Your expansion plans over those periods.

n Your approach to growing your market.

The who of the plan explains:

The how explains:

n Who manages the business.

n How your goods and services meet customer needs and expectations.Yourstrategic plan provides a guide to where you want to take your business as it grows and details your goals and how you expect to achieve them.

n Your customer outreach efforts.

n What might interfere with attaining your goals.

n The resources you need to reach your goals.

Study after study shows that organizations investing in leadership development perform better than those that don’t.

Managers missing opportunities to develop leaders

Page 20 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022

Some companies opt not to invest in leadership development because they claim it’s too difficult to measure results or return on investment. Others believe leadership development programs don’t work, so why invest time and money on them? How do they know? Surely, they’ve run a cost benefit analysis allowing them to make such a claim. Right? I doubt it. I doubt the vast majority of companies even bother to consider the true cost implications because, well, those executives simply know better. That’s why you’ll find such a disconnect between human resources and finance. HR folks, for the most part, hate numbers. Finance folks, for the most part, don’t understand people. They understand numbers. Finance folks have been trained to get from A to B and B to C. There’s an order to the process, and the numbers must add up. HR folks realize that depending on the person, you have to go from A to B. B means the Broncos. They’re in Colorado and aren’t the sunsets great? And why can’t everyone enjoy sunsets or sunrises. Oh yeah, we need to get back to C and then to one. And weren’t the Broncos No. 1 in Super Bowl 50? So how is it managers know whether or not leadership development does or doesn’t pay dividends? Perhaps they were taught so in business school. Perhaps they were born with this innate sense the rest of us fail to possess. Perhaps, even, a little hubris is involved?

The first is the build ’em or bounce ’em philosophy, implying an employee either has it or doesn’t. This approach depends on a hiring process that’s 50-50 at best. In other words, it’s a crap shoot whether you’ll hire the right people. If you don’t, you must quickly assess whether they have it. If not, you’ll need to bounce them. The others? Well, you build them into what you need and want. If, that is, they’re willing to be rebuilt. The second philosophy is retain, engage and develop. This approach implies your hiring process is based on attitude more than skill and you have a standardized process that’s easily replicated.Bothphilosophies

John C. Maxwell, Simon Sinek and Sam Walton, all leadership experts in their various roles, professed the key to successful organizations is in how they treat people. Maxwell said: “A leader who produces other leaders multiplies their influences.” Sinek said: “It feels good to help people. So, get out there and feel good.” Walton said: “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.”

Tim Haggerty and his wife, Bernadette, operate a consulting firm based in Grand Junction that helps clients transition from command and control to servant leadership and change the view of wages and benefits from expenses to investments. Haggerty brings to the venture more than 40 years of experience in operations management and a record of decreasing costs while increasing productivity and revenue. Reach him at info@timothyhaggerty.com or (610) 737-0496. More information is available at www.timothyhaggerty.com F

HaggertyTim

Although developing leaders remains a top priority for companies, only a minority of them report investing in leadership development programs. Why?

require recognition and effort. How many times have we heard the same theme: Talent can make or break a company. So why is it organizations devote so little to leadership development? Study after study shows that organizations investing in leadership development perform better than those that don’t.

Why is it organizations devote so little to leadership development?

I learned years ago of two distinct philosophies about employee development.

The definition of the Latin term ad nauseam is something that’s been done or repeated so often it’s become annoying or tiresome. Has leadership development become annoying or tiresome? If talent can make or break a company, why aren’t companies investing to ensure talent makes their operations?

Clearly, there’s a disconnect between what companies say and what they do. According to the results of a survey conducted by the business management consulting firm Gap International, 85 percent of executives ranked maximizing talent as “very important,” and 83 percent said the same of empowering employees to succeed. At the same time, only 37 percent of the executives said they believed their employees could become top performers, and less than 50 percent said they’d invest in leadership development this year. Um, what? All that potential going to waste.

Solution: Start slowly in an exercise program and build up. Participate in a getting started program or hire a personal trainer to not only get you started on the right foot, but also teach you proper form.

Various economic trends have tested self-storage facilities, and they remain a great Americansasset.almost always have reasons to store their possessions, among them death, disaster, displacement and divorce. While the COVID-19 pandemic hurt other areas of the economy over the past couple of years, storage units weren’t affected. In fact, occupancy rates are at an all-time high in the country. That’s because the pandemic forced people to deal with the major reasons for storing their possessions. Relocation became more common, for example.

Self-storage units offer real estate investment opportunity

Paula and Dale Reece own Crossroads Fitness Centers in Grand Junction with a downtown location at 225 N. Fifth St. and north location at 2768 Compass Drive. For more information, call 242-8746 or visit the website located at www.crossroadsfitness.com.

n “I’ll lose weight and then join a health club.” While health clubs might seem intimidating, maybe you just haven’t found the right one. Solution: Find a place that fits your personality, location and personal goals. Since you’ll likely go to a health club numerous times a week, you’ll want to find a place where you feel comfortable. Everyone there started at the beginning of their own fitness journeys. People of every age, size and shape will be there to welcome you. Whatever your excuse for not exercising, there’s a solution. So stop making excuses and get moving.

Kelsay Heath Self-storage units can be undemanding to maintain compared to rental houses since tenants don’t live in them. There are no expensive applicances to purchase or repair.

n “I don’t want to get hurt. Exercise doesn’t have to hurt.

n “I have kids.” Having a family and young ones at home can make going to the gym more difficult. Solution: Crossroads Fitness offers a kid’s club. Little ones from age 6 weeks to 12 years can come with you when you exercise. They’re not only cared for, but also enjoy a chance to play and socialize. You won’t have to feel guilty while they’re having fun.

Kelsay Heath is a broker associate at Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, a commercial brokerage and property management company based in Grand Junction. For more information, call 243-7375 or visit www.CBC-Prime.com.

When there’s something we don’t really want to do, we make excuses. Sometimes our excuses can be quite creative. Here are some of the common excuses people make not to exercise — along with some solutions. n “I don’t know how to exercise.” This common fitness excuse is actually valid. Sure, we all know getting off the couch to do something physical and get our bodies moving is exercise — to a point. A brisk walk or gardening could be considered exercise. Not knowing what to do at a health club can be different, however. Weight machines, new technology cardio equipment and group exercise could require some instruction. Solution: Many of the new exercise machines come with instructions and diagrams to help you get started.

Forced appreciation occurs when the investor increases cash flow and property value by raising the rent to market, generating income in such other ways as outdoor storage and wisely managing operating expenses. Self-storage units can be undemanding to maintain

Subscribe today. (970) 424-5133 www.thebusinesstimes.com

compared to rental houses since tenants don’t live in them. There are no expensive appliances to purchase or repair. A storage unit property can be as simple as a metal building with locked doors. Understanding the economic shield and demand for storage units can help in evaluating the investment opportunity.Ithinkself-storage units constitute a great investment that will grow in value, even during a recession. Storage units also offer an efficient way to generate passive income for their owners. It’s prudent to seek the guidance of an industry professional, though, because these deals can become complicated.

When we don’t take time to care for our health, we could lose it. Schedule exercise as an appointment you can’t miss.

ReecePaula

To get fit, stop making excuses and start moving

As demand for storage units has grown, so has the interest in buying storage units as an investment property. People use storage units for all kinds of reasons. People rent units from a couple of months to 10 years with an average of 14 months. Studies show the annual revenue for the storage industry has increased almost 50 percent in the lastWhendecade.considering investing in a storage unit, there’s more to evaluate than the reasons behind high occupancy. When financed, revenues can pay off the loan to create more equity. Revenues then generate cash flow.

n “I don’t have time.” This one is a classic. When we don’t take time to care for our health, we could lose it. Everyone is busy — from business executives to stay-athome moms. Yet, we all have 24 hours in a day to make sure we take time for ourselves. Solution: Schedule exercise as an appointment you can’t miss. Even if you can’t get in a full 30 minutes, some exercise is better than none.

Crossroads Fitness offers a getting started program to teach the fundamentals — everything from basic knowledge of exercise machines to measuring your heart rate. n “I’ve tried exercise, and I keep quitting.” If this applies to you, maybe you haven’t found an exercise you love. Variety spices life. We all get bored doing the same things and not experiencing results. Solution: Try different activities. Group exercise classes offer a fun way to exercise. The group atmosphere is motivating. Once you find the right exercise, you’ll be excited and much more apt to stay with it.

August 25-september 14, 2022 The Business Times pAge 21

While business journals traditionally gather and report the relevant news to readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially true as Web sites and e-mail make the dialogue more convenient than ever. Good publications don’t exist in a vacuum. They respond to the needs of advertisers and readers. They provide what’s needed.

Good

So what do you need? Is there additional news coverage that would help keep you informed about local business developments? Are there features that would be interesting or useful? Is there advice that would make your jobs a little easier?

Hall Editor: Phil Castle The Grand Valley Business Times, a subsidiary of Hall Media Group LLC, is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor, staff or advertisers. Copyright © 2015 — All rights reserved. Reach advertising at: publisher@thebusinesstimes.com Reach the editor at: phil@thebusinesstimes.com. Subscribe or submit press releases online at www.thebusinesstimes.com THE BUSINESS TIMES

■ Prediction two: When it comes to a crime or something that occurs between humans, the other required attendee at all news reporting events is the person who says this: “They we’re just the nicest people, and in no way did I see something like this coming.” Exactly. No one does most of the time when it comes to neighbors and acquaintances. People should be surprised at what goes on from time to time in their neighborhoods, towns and with people they know because people are good. And for the times that they shouldn’t be shocked — like with politicians, repeat offenders and terrorists — where’s the interview that says, “This doesn’t surprise me in the least.”

The new year offers a good time to join the proverbial club.

■ Prediction three: Something good will happen economically, and the government will take credit for it. The most recent example is gas prices, where people ask me why I won’t credit the president for low gas prices. My answer is simple: Government never makes the price of something go down and simply takes credit for good news. Gas pricing is subject to many global factors. Now there are government answers to addressing some of them to keep prices stable for Americans, but our government has none of them in place. The only things it has in place in the long run always hurt consumers. Another fact is that unemployment reaches a certain level based on the economy. And while the government might brag the number is low, it’s more than likely the government did something to cause that number being low — and not in a good way. Conversely, when business picks up, it’s because the people who need to buy widgets who were not buying widgets because the economy was contracting due to natural (or unnatural, government caused) reasons, decided we better buy some widgets. The government had nothing to do with this. ■ Prediction four: In keeping with things the government does, I predict the government will manipulate the numbers to make the claim the economy is getting better because of how hard it is working to help all of us “working Americans.” Now you might say, “Craig, you always say this about President Obama because you don’t like him.” You’re right in a sense. I don’t know the man, but what I know of him and his thinking, I don’t like it or him one iota. Before you go off, however, I didn’t like President Bush and his bailouts, stimulus and his abandoning the free market to save the free market. And I don’t know him either. What the government does, and the only thing it can do, is hurt the economy. Unless it does nothing or put criminals in jail instead of partnering with them, nothing the government does will help. Always look at it this way, whatever the government says it is doing, whatever the name of the law it is passing, or whatever the name or goal of the bureaucracy it is presenting to the people, expect the polar opposite to occur. I guess what I’m saying is that perhaps it’s time to get out of our own perspective. There’s plenty of history books and historical research out there to begin to understand that all of this has happened before. And it will again, whether the topic is people or government. The best recommendation is to find some books or try that whole Google thing. There’s a lot of information on the Great Depression. The truth is it wasn’t even a good one until the government got involved. There’s also plenty of research on the medieval warm period when the planet was much warmer than today with a whole lot less people (and warmer well before man was here at all). And yep, people have been killing other surprised people since history was first written. Maybe some research will help stop all of these trends. Otherwise, we’ll be saying we’ve never seen anything like it in our lives. And not in a good way. Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

Copyright © 2022 — All rights reserved. And my conclusion isn’t hidden in some secret, inaccessible code no one can look at as the ultimate proof. It’s actually rather obvious after spending an hour watching the public relations video for Tina Peters and Sherronna Bishop. Tina Peters needs to resign.This doesn’t mean Tina can’t fight her voter fraud battle or criminal charges. But it’s time to stop doing so in the name of Mesa County citizens. Tina is no longer working for the people of Mesa County.(Full disclosure, I’ve met with Tina a few times about her fight and some project ideas, but nothing came of them.) She seems to focus all her energy on making speeches about election fraud nationally instead of working to make license lines shorter, cleaning up voter rolls, getting back in her office (might be a sign) and doing whatever else a county clerk should be doing. Frankly, Tina seems to have forgotten actually proving fraud in Mesa County should be a main goal — a proof she claims in the video is as plain as the nose on our faces, yet shows only theories, no proof — and not someGivenafterthought.Tina’sdesire to speak at symposium after symposium on the My Pillow Guy’s dime, it’s evident Tina’s focus is becoming the voice and face of voter fraud in the country and not the voice of the people of Mesa County. The video “(S)election Fraud” feels like a PR attempt to make Tina and Sherronna sympathetic victims of those who’d cheat us out of our votes. The fact is, Tina brought all of this — and some of her opponents’ tactics are questionable — on herself. The video opens with Tina declaring she’s a cancer survivor, Gold Star mother and patriot. While each of those attributes bring some value to a person as an individual, they are by no means evidence of expertise or a righteous vision. There are millions of cancer survivors in the United States alone. While surviving cancer was obviously a turning point in Tina’s (and many others’) life, it in no way qualified her to be county clerk. Being a Gold Star mom (I know this might be touchy for some, but it needs to be said) draws deserving sympathy for the loss of a child in service to our country, but puts Tina in a category with thousands of other moms. It doesn’t mean every action said mom takes is in the best interest of the people. As for being a patriot, let’s face it, plenty of Democrats have identified as patriots while yelling voter fraud for decades. And let’s face this as well: It’s only yelled when one’s side loses.Next the video goes into the political tactic of divide and conquer. Or worse, destroy. Yet Tina seems to forget this tactic is a favorite of the left in inserting itself into every aspect of our lives while constantly inserting herself into our lives. Heck, as I typed this, she distributed a press release about the district attorney’s office refusing to let her travel to see her mother and family. Perhaps such a request would be granted if all of Tina’s other requests weren’t to go seek fame and fortune as the voice and face of voter fraud at events funded by the My Pillow Guy. Lastly, the divide, conquer and destroy irony must be lost on Tina given the demise in Tina’s and Sherronna’s names of a local, vocal group who used to meet on Monday nights at a church on the north end of town. And that’s from just the opening. I have three pages of notes from just two perusals of the video. Even as I type, my brain buzzes with what feels like a need for several more. Here are a few general questions. Why didn’t Tina go public with concerns at the time they occurred? Why were almost all of Tina’s actions clandestine when she claims to be a champion of transparency? Why would Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold insert herself into our city council race? Why is the video basically a professionally done message of claims that have been covered, investigated and answered? And lastly, why is Sherronna’s role so big in the video? For the last question, some answers are obvious, but others I’ll leave in the gray areas like the video did as they relate to people’s intentions. That said, what happened at Sherronna’s and Tina’s homes seemed to be out of line, but way less out of line than the accusations made about the district attorney’s office. What happened at those homes might be situations that got out of hand, but what the DA was accused of in the video is reprehensible.Toparaphrase Sherronna’s online, cherry picking of Proverbs 18, the truth might be in other side of the story. But that’s karma when mocking the Word. We’re all on the side against voter fraud. But this video does little to prove Tina’s on the right side of anything. Well, except Tina being on one side. The side she, Sherronna and their benefactors want to promote. And that doesn’t improve the life of one person in Mesa County. Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

In business, that usually boils down to providing customers better products and services faster and at lower cost than competitors. Part of the process must include listening to customers to determine what they actually need and then meeting that need. After all, it does little good to offer the latest and greatest if nobody actually wants what you’re selling.

It’s reasonable to agree to disagree about the pros and cons of what some might consider federal largesse. Hypothetically, at least, there’s an opportunity cost involved. Could money spent on various grant programs be better used elsewhere? Or, for that matter, could the federal government actually repent from some of its spendthrift ways that by comparison make drunken sailors look like tightwads?

As an advertiser or reader, what do you need from the Business Times?

After watching “(S)election Code,” I’ve come to one conclusion ... Craig Hall

Making hay while funding sun shines

■ Prediction one: There will be some sort of weather event, natural disaster or heinous occurrence where someone will be interviewed and say the following: “I’ve never seen anything like that in my lifetime.” It’s as if this person is a required attendee at every news reporting event. While I understand most people’s perspective can indeed be limited by, or contained within, their own personal experiences, it is too much to ask to consult some historical perspective before saying such a thing? Yes, this response can apply to some events. But when it comes to weather and natural disasters, I’m pretty sure this is simply history repeating itself. Same as it has for millions and millions of years. More important, the planet made it! What didn’t were certain species. How’s that for perspective?

Bold predictions for 2015 more like not-so-bold repeats

It’s

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Page 22 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022

It’s that time of year when resolutions and prognostications abound. My favorite saying applied to New Year’s resolutions is in saying they’re basically a bunch of promises to break the first week of January. And while I won’t predict a whole lot, I can pretty much accurately nail a few things that without question will make the news. You will see these are pretty, well, predictable:

It’s always interesting — at least to me — to observe what sorts of themes emerge from the Business Times as I complete an edition. It’s not the result of any intentional effort, but rather a coincidental one that’s sometimes expected and sometimes surprising.

The latest grants follow a surge of still more federal funding in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic — aid intended to speed recovery from that calamity.

Moreover, grants sometimes constitute the beginnings of cautionary tales. Federal funding helps launch programs and initiatives, but goes away. Then locals are left to pick up the tab for continued operations. On the other hand, there’s an argument to be made federal grants are nothing more than dollars coming home and spent to benefit those who paid the taxes in the first place.

Just like the businesses that belong to the group, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment of the services and resources it provides and how well they match with members needs. Jeff Franklin, the new chairman of the chamber board of directors, personifies this approach in describing what he considers his role for the coming year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a role with which Franklin is familiar as market president of Bank of Colorado. The process will take on a more structured approach in what the chamber plans as the resumption of a program aptly called Listening to Business. Under the program, business owners participate in in-depth interviews to identify barriers to growth and other problems they encounter.

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Tiffany Pehl, the new executive director of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, raised yet another important point in an interview that served as the basis for the cover story in this issue. Given the infusion of federal and state funding to help, there might not be a better time to intensify efforts to diversify the regional economy.

✦ 609 North Ave., Suite 2, Grand Junction, CO 81501 TEL (970) 424-5133 • FAX (970) 424-5134 Publisher/Owner: Craig

It’s equally important to ask what you don’t need. With limited time to produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time and space be better devoted to something else? What’s good? What isn’t? What’s needed? What isn’t? Let us know. Send us an e-mail. Comment online on the Business Times Web site at www.thebusinesstimes.com. You could even write an old-fashioned letter to the editor if you’d like. Your feedback, both positive and negative, is valued and will be carefully considered. publications are the result of not only the efforts of their staffs, but also collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers. Like any other good business, want to listen to customers, find out what they need and then meet those needs. a new year. Please help us to do so. R.

A new year almost always brings an opportunity for a fresh start and renewed ambition to do things better.

I suspect I’m preaching to the choir, but let me state this again just in case. Entrepreneurs and the businesses they operate create jobs. Not governments, although elected officials shamelessly take credit for them. But governments play a role in the process for better or worse. Better when fair and clear laws maintain an even playing field and reasonable taxes enable entrepreneurs to take the risks that lead to rewards. Worse when regulations make it more difficult and costly for businesses to operate and policies end up picking winners and losers among competing enterprises. Government grants can play a role as well when they promote entrepreneurship by removing barriers — large capital expenditures, for example —or reducing the costs or risks associated with doing business. That’s a theme worth considering F Phil Castle

If there’s a theme that emerges from this issue, it’s the federal funding coming into Mesa County and other areas of western Colorado to address a range of objectives and pay for a variety of projects, facilities and other stuff. To be exact, there are no less than four stories reporting on federal grants funding everything from mobility hubs to a bus maintenance facility and four buses. That’s not to mention grants funding projects in Craig and Hayden to diversify the economy in northwest Colorado and ease the transition from coal mining. Or a grant intended to help small businesses statewide access financing.

A new year affords a new opportunity to meet local needs

Craig Hall

Almanac PAGE 22 THE BUSINESS TIMES JANUARY 15-28, 2015 Opinion

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August 25-september 14, 2022 The Business Times pAge 23

Almanac NOTEWORTHY

Pillar Property Services has been hired to manage the Courtyard Apartments and Lincoln Apartments in Grand Junction. The Situs Group and Headwaters Housing Partners real estate investment firms selected Pillar Property Services to manage the properties. Pillar Property Services is the property management arm of Rocky Mountain Communities, a nonprofit affordable housing organization that owns nearly 1,200 units and manages an additional 344 units in Colorado.

n REAL ESTATE FIRM PRESENTS $4,000 CHECK AFTER FUND-RAISER PHOTO CONTEST

“As an organization whose mission is to build brighter futures and inspire hope by providing affordable housing and residentfocused services, we are proud to work with the Situs Group to manage the day-to-day operations at Courtyard and Lincoln Apartments,” said Dontae Latson, chief executive officer of Rocky Mountain Communities. “We manage affordable housing properties for many other communities across Colorado, and we look forward to serving the residents of these properties, too.”

Suzanne Bergen

A Grand Junction business offering services to help students prepare for college admission tests has scheduled in-person courses for the fall. ACT/SAT Prep has scheduled courses starting Sept. 6, Oct. 3 and Nov. 1. The courses will cover content skills, timing, strategies and other tips intended to increase scores on ACT and SAT tests.

The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business Briefs. Email items to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

A Grand Junction-based insurance company and real estate firm rank among the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, according to the latest list compiled for a national publication. Rocky Mountain West Insurance moved up 189 spots to 566th in the Inc. magazine 5000 for 2022. Conklin & Co. ranked 4,314th. “Our company strives for excellence, innovation and to offer services that go above and beyond what our clients expect. This continued recognition is proof that we are holding ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to what we do,” said Todd Conklin, chairman of Conklin & Co. “Our inclusion on this list highlights the hard work and dedication of each of our agents and staff.” Inc. compiles its list based on the percentage of revenue growth over the previous three years. The 2022 list is based on the percentage of revenue growth from 2018 to 2021. A retail insurance agency with branch agencies across the country, Rocky Mountain West Insurance reported 1,115 percent growth between 2018 and 2021. Conklin & Co., which operates Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties and Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, reported 105 percent growth. The firm has made the Inc. 5000 list for seven years. For more information about Rocky Mountain West Insurance, visit www.rockyquote.com. For more information about Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties, visit www.cbdistinctive.com. For more about Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, log on https://cbc-prime.com.

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n JUNCTION BUSINESS SCHEDULES

Kona Ice, a franchise combining shaved ice with entertainment and fund-raising, has come to the Grand Valley. Felix and Synde Villarreal own the local franchise along with a truck and self-service dispensing system. “Felix and Synde share our core values and commitment to giving back,” said Tony Lamb, founder and president of Kona Ice. “They have always been very passionate about their community and want to have a positive influence in the community, whether it’s new textbooks, sports uniforms or, simply, a smile. We are proud to have them on board.”Felix Villarreal said the couple bring to their venture his military background and her experience in the food industry. “Together we have the skills, mindset and ability to accomplish anything,” he said. “Kona Ice presented us with the perfect opportunity to own a business while also allowing us to give back to our community. And we’re proud that we will be able to leave a legacy for our son and his family.”

Kona Ice trucks feature the Flavorwave self-service dispensing system offering guests the option to choose from more than 20 flavors and 500 different combinations. Since its founding in Kentucky in 2007, the franchise has grown to a total of more than 1,400 trucks in 49 states.

Ronin Real Estate Professionals operates offices at 715 Horizon Drive, No 380. For more information, call 549-1052 or visit the website at https://www.ronin-rep.com.

Ronin Real Estate Professionals in Grand Junction presented a check for $4,000 to Mesa County Partners, proceeds from an annualParticipantsfund-raiser.bought Ronin rally towels for a minimum donation of $5 to $6. They took photos with the towels depicting interesting activities or locations and posted the photos on social media. Five photos were posted on the Ronin Facebook page. The winner was selected by voting, and the entrant received a total of $500 in gift cards to local businesses. Mesa County Partners provides a range of services to youth, including mentoring and restitution programs. Mesa County Partners also operates the Western Colorado Conservation Corps, which provides training and employment opportunities for youth and young adults.

Suzanne Bergen started ACT/SAT Prep nine years ago to help students raise their test scores and in turn benefit from college admission and scholarship opportunities.Shebrings to her venture experience as an instructor at Colorado Mesa University and Fruita Monument High School. She also worked in career services at CMU, helping students write cover letters and build resumes. Prior to teaching, she directed a public relations department for an integrated marketing firm and worked as a newspaper writer and photographer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Colorado State University and master’s degree in secondary education from RegisForUniversity.additional information about ACT/SAT Prep and upcoming in-person courses, contact Bergen at suzanne.testprep@gmail.com or (970) 433-3473.

GRAND

COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST PREP COURSES

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Synde Villarreal said Kona Ice is not only a business, but also a way to help people. “Even if that means simply putting a smile on someone’s face, it’s all worth it if we’re serving our community. We love that Kona enables us to be actively involved with our community and to give back to our neighbors and friends.”

Todd Conklin

Tomy Lamb

Kona Ice franchisees donate a portion of proceeds from each event they host, contributing thousands of dollars each year to local school groups and teams and community organizations. Kona Ice has raised more than $100 million in total donations since 2007. For more information about Kona Ice, contact the Villarreals at (970) 314-7569 or villarreal@kona-ice.com or visit the website at www.kona-ice.com

Located at 2910 Bunting Ave., Courtyard Apartments offers 27 units, an onsite laundry and playground surrounded by mature landscaping. Located at 1303 N. 15th St., Lincoln Apartments offers 12 units and an onsite laundry. For more information, visit https://pillar.biz/property-management F

Page 24 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022 n GRAND VALLEY COUPLE PURCHASES FRANCHISE TO BRING KONA ICE TO MESA COUNTY

PILLAR PROPERTY SERVICES SELECTED TO MANAGE GRAND JUNCTION APARTMENTS

August 25-september 14, 2022 The Business Times pAge 25

Laura Carroll of Delta has been appointed to the Medical Services Board, which adopts rules and regulations for the Colorado Medicaid and indigent care program. Carroll serves as a resident of the Third Congressional District with knowledge of medical assistance programs.

Business

Almanac

Aug. 30 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce presentation on the benefits of membership, noon to 1 p.m., chamber offices, 360 Grand Ave. and via Zoom. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Bellco Credit Union, 2478 U.S. Highway 6 & 50. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 Aug. 31 n Leading Edge business planning and management course, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Aug. 31 to Nov. 16, Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Tuition $275. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.orgSept.1 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business free networking luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., Business Incubator Center. Participants should bring a salad, soup or side dish to share with at least five others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Business startup workshop, 2 to 4 p.m., Business Incubator Center. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org or Sept. 6 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Veterans in Business monthly muster, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Harmony Acres Equestrian Center, 1451 O Road, Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 Sept. 7 n Free Zoom webinar on the Grand Junction career passport program connecting Colorado Mesa University graduates with Mesa County employers, 10 to 11 a.m. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce free class on maximizing chamber membership, noon to 1 p.m., Fruita Civic Center, 325 E. Aspen Ave. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.orgSept.8 n Presentation on using social media as a marketing tool to grow a business, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Business Incubator Center. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Family Health West, 300 W. Ottley Ave. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.orgSept. 14 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce networking at noon, noon to 1 p.m., Be Sweet Cafe & Bakeshop, 150 W. Main St., Suite C. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. https:// gjchamber.org or 242-3214 NEWS

n WESTERN COLORADO RESIDENT NAMED TO MEDICAL SERVICES BOARD

Alpine Bank adds to wealth management team

Aug. 25 n Welcome Thursday Friends networking, noon to 1:30 p.m., Rib City, 455 Kokopelli Drive, Unit E, Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894

Rosenblum brings to his duties experience as a lawyer and trust officer managing accounts for banks across the United States In addition, he’s worked as an asset management bank examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and compliance manager for wealth management business lines. He’s received the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor and Certified Fiduciary and Investment Risk Specialist designations. He received a law degree from Loyola Marymount University and bachelor’s degree from the University of California Los Angeles. A $6.3 billion employee-owned organization headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Alpine Bank operates locations across Colorado and serves more than 160,000 customers. For more information, visit www.alpinebank.com.

HONORS

Dr. Michael Trowbridge has retired after practicing more than 30 years with Colorado West Otolaryngologists in Grand Junction. Trowbridge joined the practice in 1989 and served as a teacher and mentor to many residents and physicians. He also served at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction as a board member and chief of staff. Now located in the Atrium at 2515 Foresight Circle, Colorado West Otolaryngologists provides testing and treatment for variety of ear, nose and throat conditions, including sinusitis and sleep apnea. The practice also provides hearing aid services to treat all degrees of hearing loss. In addition to its office in Grand Junction, the practice also operates office in Montrose and Gunnison.Formore information, call 245-2400 or visit the website at www.cwoto.com.

F Greg Rosenblum

Page 26 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022

n RETIRES AFTER 32 YEARS WITH EAR, NOSE AND THROAT PRACTICE

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Toni Heiden was honored as the top-performing agent for July at Heiden Homes Realty in Grand Junction.Heiden, the owner and broker of the firm, posted the highest dollar volume in sales and most closed transactions for the month. She’s worked more than 40 years in the Western Colorado real estate market and received emeritus status from the National Association of Realtors. She was honored in 2021 as the Grand Junction Area Realtors Association Realtor of the Year. Heiden Homes Realty operates offices at 735 Rood Ave. For more information, including properties for sale and rent, call 245-7777 or visit www.heidenhomes.com.

F Toni Heiden C Sandeen-Hall Kyle ColtrinariGary DeYoung

Greg Rosenblum has joined Alpine Bank as vice president and wealth management officer with Alpine Bank Wealth Management. Rosenblum will work with the bank’s team on the Front Range of Colorado.“I’m excited to be working for Apline Bank in the wealth management division with its enduring focus on outstanding client service coupled with a keen focus on risk management,” he said.

The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business People and the Almanac calendar of events. Email submissions to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com. M. Trowbridge

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n JUNCTION REAL ESTATE FIRM BEST-SELLING AGENT FOR JULY

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n THREE ELECTED TO GRAND VALLEY ELECTRIC CO-OP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Almanac Business Briefs People

DOCTOR

Carolyn Sandeen-Hall, Gary DeYoung and Kyle Coltrinari were elected to the Grand Valley Power board of directors. Sandeen-Hall ran as an incumbent and received the most votes — 1,562 — in the election. DeYoung received 1,428 votes and Coltrinari 1,265 votes. Rod Martinez ranked fourth with 1,208 votes. Sandeen-Hall, DeYoung and Coltrinari will serve three-year terms on the nine-member board overseeing the electric cooperative. Based in Grand Junction, Grand Valley Power serves more than 18,000 customers in the Mesa County area. For more information visit www.gvp.org.

August 25-september 14, 2022 The Business Times pAge 27

Page 28 The Business Times august 25-sePtember 14, 2022

The Business Times Volume 29 Issue 16

Articles inside

Opinion

Business Briefs