The Business Times Volume 31 Issue 1

THE BUSINESS T IMES News JANUARY 11-24, 2024

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 1

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Trends At the center 2 ofContributors care

In this issue

n Real estate review Real estate sales continued to slow in Mesa County in December, ending a year called sluggish and unique.

n More confident

Opinion Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac 4

Colorado business leaders are more confident heading into the new year, according to a survey of their expectations.

n Workforce event

n Community Hospital moves to the next level.

See page 2

A workforce summit is set for Jan. 25, offering a variety of information about local workforce issues and resources.

n Healthy effort

A new service is intended to help organizations and communities address social determinants of health.

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n Holding steady

19

The jobless rate held steady in Mesa County for a third straight month, an indicator of a stable market.

n Book a tune-up

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The start of a year offers a good opportunity to tune up employee handbooks to keep pace with changing laws.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

30 28 30 21-25 2-18 26-27 19-20

Business Times photos by Phil Castle

Grand Valley Oncology is scheduled to soon move into the new James Pulsipher Regional Cancer Center. The center will include a linear accelerator used for cancer treatments.

The 130,000-square-foot addition to Community Hospital in Grand Junction also will house facilities for cardiology, pulmonology and women’s health services.

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

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January 11-24, 2024

Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

Sluggish year in real estate ends with a another drop Better times ahead, industry leaders say Phil Castle

The Business Times

Real estate sales continued to decline in Mesa County in December, ending a year industry leaders described as sluggish and unique.

But the prospect of lower interest rates on mortgages has buoyed hopes for increased activity in the year ahead.

Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Robert Bray Junction, encapsulated his assessment this way: “Sluggish times continued in 2023.

Better times in 2024.”

Annette Young, the administrative coordinator at Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction, has tracked the Mesa Country real Annette Young estate market for more than 30 years. The last year was different, Young said, in that higher interest rates and lower residential inventories not only hampered sales, but also pushed up home prices and affected affordability.

“It was a unique set of circumstances.”

For December, 244 real estate transactions worth a total of $108 million were reported in Mesa County, Young said. Compared to the same month a year ago, transactions decreased 10 percent and dollar volume dropped 23.7 percent.

Eleven large transactions worth a collective $22.7 million were reported in December 2023, Young said. They included the sale of an office building and warehouse complex for $5.5 million, nearly 7 acres of commercial and industrial property for $2.88 million and the Super 8 Motel in Fruita for $2.53 million. Still, 15 deals worth a cumulative $45.8 million were reported in December 2022.

For all of 2023, 3,612 transactions worth a total of $1.56 billion were reported, she said. Compared to 2022, transactions declined 23.5 percent and dollar volume decreased 24.9 percent.

The number of transactions in 2023 was the lowest since 2013. The dollar volume was the lowest since 2018.

See REAL ESTATE page 16

A new regional cancer center and medical plaza adds 130,000 square feet to the Community Hospital campus in Grand Junction. In addition to housing cardiology, oncology, pulmonology and women’s health services, the four-story building will enable the hospital to free up room in its other facilities to accommodate growth.

At the center of care New facility culminates commitment to cancer treatment efforts

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hat began as a conversation in his basement a decade ago has culminated in what Chris Thomas believes will become one of the best cancer treatment facilities in the country.

Grand Valley Oncology will soon relocate into the James Pulsipher Regional Cancer Center, a four-story, 130,000-squarefoot addition to the Community Hospital campus on Chris Thomas G Road in Grand Junction.

Thomas, president and chief executive officer of the hospital, expects a moving experience in every sense of the term. “I’m going to be so excited to turn those keys over to them.”

The new center features a linear accelerator used for cancer treatment.

The new center and medical plaza also will house cardiology, pulmonary and women’s health home for occupational therapy services. services — not to mention accommodate additional growth.

It’s all part of what Thomas sees as the overall mission The fourth floor remains vacant for now, Thomas says. for the hospital to meet the health care needs of the region and “We have options.” provide choices that improve care and lower costs.

In relocating Grand Valley Oncology and other clinics What the new center won’t do, he says, is result in higher into the new building, more space will become available in prices already fixed by contracts and the government. the hospital and its other facilities, Thomas says. The building Construction of the James Pulsipher Regional Cancer on First Street and Patterson Road in Grand Junction that now Center and Monument View Medical Plaza was completed in houses Grand Valley Oncology will be remodeled to serve as a See CENTER page 18

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PHIL CASTLE

January 11-24, 2024

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The Business Times 609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 424-5133 www.thebusinesstimes.com The Business Times is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade.

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January 11-24, 2024

Colorado survey shows business leaders more upbeat about new year

Leeds Business Confidence Index advances, but continues to reflect negative responses

Colorado business leaders are more optimistic heading into a new year, according to the latest results of an index tracking their expectations.

Leaders believe some of the biggest gains in the state and national economies will come later in the year, although there was less consensus about the specific reasons for their outlook.

“Many people were less targeted in their responses,” said Brian Lewandowski, executive director of the research division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado B. Lewandowski at Boulder. “While inflation and interest rates were still noted by some as economic headwinds, others expressed optimism about improving prices and rates.”

The Leeds Business Confidence Index stood at 45.3 for the first quarter. That’s up 1.7 points from the fourth quarter and 5.5 points from a year ago. Still, a reading below 50 still indicates more negative than positive responses to the survey upon which the index is based.

For the first quarter of 2024, five of six individual components of the index advanced and one retreated. Looking ahead to the second quarter, all six components increased — three of them to 50 or higher.

Expectations for the Colorado economy rose 1.7 points between the fourth and first quarters to 47.2. That was the highest level for any of the components.

Out of the 196 business leaders from across Colorado and industry sectors who responded to the survey upon which the first quarter index was based, 27.5 percent expected moderate or strong increases in the state economy. Another 37.2 percent anticipated no change and 35.2 percent forecast moderate to strong decreases.

Out of the 155 leaders who provided reasons for their expectations, 4.5 percent cited recession, and some noted decreasing concerns about recession. Interest rates were most cited as a concern at 26.5 percent, followed by general conditions at 23.9 percent and inflation at 18.1 percent.

Looking ahead to the second quarter, expectations for the state economy rose to 50, the first time leaders expressed that level of confidence since the second

quarter of 2022.

Expectations for the national economy increased five points to 45.2 for the first quarter with 28 percent of leaders anticipating moderate or strong increases.

Another 30.6 percent expected no change and 41.3 percent forecast moderate or strong decreases.

At two points, the gap between the state and national economic outlooks narrowed to its smallest difference in six years.

Gross domestic product, the broad measure of the production of goods and services, increased in the third quarter of 2023 at an annual rate of 5.8 percent in Colorado and 4.9 percent in the United States.

Expectations for profits rose a half point to 45.4 with 24.5 percent of leaders expecting moderate or strong increases, 33.7 percent no change and 41.9 percent moderate or strong decreases.

Expectations for hiring advanced three points to 44.8 with 19.4 percent of leaders forecasting moderate or strong increases in hiring, 46.4 percent no change and 34.2 percent moderate or strong decreases.

Between November 2022 and November 2023, the latest span for which estimates are available, nonfarm payrolls increased 31,100 in Colorado. That’s a gain of 1.1 percent, which lags a national gain of 1.8 percent. The research division at the Leeds School of Business forecast a net addition of 41,900 jobs in 2024.

Expectations for capital expenditures rose 2.3 points to 43.2, the lowest reading for an index component for the first quarter.

While 18.4 percent of leaders anticipated a moderate increase in expenditures, 45.4 percent expected no change and 36.2 percent forecast moderate or strong decreases.

“The suppressed capital expenditures index is not surprising in the current interest rate and funding environment,” Lewandowski said.

Expectations for sales fell 2.2 points to 46. While 29.6 percent of leaders expected moderate or strong increases, 28.6 percent no change and 41.8 percent moderate or strong decreases.

Personal consumption expenditures, a measure of consumer spending, rose at annual rate of 3.1 percent in the third quarter of 2023.

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION The entire report for the Leeds Business Confidence Index for the first quarter is available at https://www.colorado.edu/business/brd/publications/ 2023/09/28/leeds-business-confidence-index-lbci-q1-2024.

The Business Times

January 11-24, 2024

Summit to address workforce issues Registration open for Grand Junction event Phil Castle

The Business Times

Registration remains open for an event organizers expect to not only address some of the most pressing issues businesses face, but also offer provide information about resources available to help them.

The Mesa County Workforce Summit is set for 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jan. 25 at the Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom in Grand Junction.

Lindsay Bullock, manager of the Mesa Workforce Lindsay Bullock County Center in Grand Junction, said the summit is one result of a strategic plan to reach out to local businesses and help them with their workforce needs.

The idea, Bullock said, is to “get everybody in the room” to discuss workforce issues as well as the resources available to address those issues. Most of those resources are free. But not every business owner and manager is aware of them.

Employers face challenges in filling the pipeline of qualified applicants as well as bridging skill gaps in the workplace, Bullock said. That’s not to mention the cost of workforce development.

Programs and services are available to help, she said. They include apprenticeships, internships and on-the-job

training. CMU Tech offers a range of programs as well as customized training.

The Mesa County Workforce Center provides financial assistance in covering the wages paid to interns and those receiving on-the-job training .

The response to the summit has been enthusiastic, she said. “We’ve had a lot of great feedback and excitement.”

Bullock also said she was grateful for the sponsors that will support the summit.

Grand Junction Federal Credit Union serves as the title sponsor for the event, while CMU serves as the venue sponsor. Community Hospital is the keynote sponsor, the Colorado Workforce Development Council the breakfast sponsor and FCI Constructors the lunch sponsor.

CMU President John Marshall will deliver the opening keynote address.

A series of breakout sessions will cover such topics as apprenticeships, employee health care, legal issues, skills-based hiring and training. Another presentation will offer a information about workforce development programs and resources.

A networking session will precede lunch and a second keynote presentation.

Tom Slefinger, senior vice president and director of institutional fixed income for Alloya Investment Services, will deliver the lunch address. Slefinger is expected to cover a range of topics, including the credit cycle, employment, housing, monetary policy and wage growth.

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION Individual tickets to the Mesa County Workforce Summit sell for $55.

Table sponsorships, which include eight tickets, sell for $400. Admission includes breakfast and lunch. Tickets and more information are available at https://mcwfc.us/2024-workforce-summit or by contacting Lindsay Bullock at (970) 248-7562 or Lindsay.Bullock@mesacounty.us.

Teacher externship program launched The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has launched a teacher externship program focused on science, technology, engineering and math-focused occupations.

Joe Barela, executive director of the CDLE, said the program will bridge gaps between education and industry.

“With this new program, CDLE will be able to enhance its mission by providing employers access to professional educators who will engage directly in STEM workplaces,” Barela said. “The hands-on experience will allow teachers to then bring relevant, meaningful content back to their students, inspiring them to pursue STEM-focused careers.”

The program will allow teachers to spend anywhere from a few days to a few weeks working at businesses to learn about work environments as well

as potential career sectors their students could pursue. Participating businesses will identify a specific project or problem as the externship focus, then select a teacher to work in that area.

Teachers will earn credits toward professional development and licensure requirements and also could receive salary increases or graduate-level university credits toward advanced degrees by participating in externships.

CDLE seeks business partners to participate as hosts to teachers. Externship opportunities will be available starting this summer.

More information about the program and becoming a business host or participating in an externship is available at https://cdle.colorado.gov/jobs-training/ teacher-externship-program.

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January 11-24, 2024

New service promotes healthy efforts A Grand Junction-based organization has launched a service designed to promote collaboration in addressing the various issues that affect health.

Quality Health Network (QHN) launched Collaborise, a service to help organizations and communities work together to address social determinants of health (SDOH), including employment and education as well as access to food, housing and transportation.

QHN was established in 2004 to help health care providers exchange information and coordinate care.

QHN subsequently started the Marc Lassaux Community Resource Network, a community information exchange about people and their unique needs, available resources to meet those needs and agencies and organization that provide help.

By one estimate, employment and education as well as access to food, housing and transportation can account for up to 80 percent of the factors affecting health.

Addressing social determinants can in turn improve well-being as well as lower health Cathy Story care costs.

“As communities across Colorado and nationally work to tackle housing, food insecurity, social isolation and other SDOH issues, we have the expertise to help them get on a path to success,” said Marc Lassaux, executive director and chief executive officer of Quality Health Network.

“QHN has 20 years of success due to our strengths communicating, collaborating and working together with our community partners,” Lassaux said. “These strengths jump started QHN’s Community Resource Network, our social information exchange, in the summer of 2020, during the height

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

For more information about Collaborise, visit the website at www.collaborise.org or send an email to cstory@qualityhealthnetwork.org. of the pandemic. Now, with the addition of Collaborise, we will be able to share our strengths with other communities and organizations.”

Collaborise offers a process in which to convene an array of stakeholders to address what can be complex challenges. Coaches are available to help in meeting a simple need or overhaul strategies for an organization or community.

Collaborise is helping communities in Western Colorado identify resources and solutions to improve a mother’s access to behavioral health services through a grant-funded project started earlier in 2023.

“When there’s a need for improvement or solutions, oftentimes it’s critical to peel back all the layers to successfully move forward,” said Cathy Story, director of community collaboration for Quality Health Network.

“Our job is to help navigate complicated issues and processes surrounding whole person health or SDOH. We help bring key partners and thought leaders to the table for the issue at hand and facilitate meaningful discussions to execute strategies to thrive long-term,” Story said.

Working with Collaborise will help engage cross-community collaboration, determine tools to measure success, aid in garnering grants when needed and ultimately improve access to services.

“We are on-the-ground support. We are in the trenches learning what’s working, what’s not. We determine where the strengths lie and where we can infuse ideas to empower positive change,” Story said.

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January 11-24, 2024

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Palisade operation among agrivoltaic grant winners Summit Cellars in Palisade is among seven recipients of a total of $500,000 in grants funding projects involving agrivoltaics — the use of land for both solar energy and agricultural production.

Summit Cellars will use the grant to compare soil moisture data under solar panels and in a vineyard.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Jared Polis Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg announced the winners.

“Colorado’s agriculture industry puts food on tables and helps drive our strong state economy. Agrivoltaics shows us how science and innovation can help Colorado’s bedrock industries take advantage of solar power and will

help our hardworking farmers and ranchers get ahead,” Polis said.

Greenberg said the Colorado Department of Agriculture remains committed to promoting climateresilient agricultural practices as well as sustainable operations for farms and ranches. “We are grateful to be able to support the hard work of our colleagues and producers Kate Greenberg through agrivoltaic installations, data collection, partnership building and research that informs how we can best grow food, fiber and fuel into the future.”

The grants were provided through state legislation enacted in 2023 and sponsored in part by State Rep. Matt Soper, a Republican from Delta.

The other grant winners were: n Namaste Solar in Weld County to test converting a conventional solar array into an agrivoltaics system. n Colorado State University in Fort Collins to study the economic tradeoffs of agrivoltaics versus traditional cropping systems and conventional solar arrays. n American Farmland Trust to explore benefits and obstacles to advancing agrivoltaics.. n Colorado Cattleman’s Agricultural Land Trust to research barriers to incorporating agrivoltaics into conservation easements. n Sandbox Solar in Fort Collins to install new bifacial vertical panels on an existing demonstration site. n Longboard Power in Haxtun to test an agrivoltaic shelterbelt on the edge of a farm, F

De Beque among the recipients of downtown grants

The Town of De Beque is among eight recipients of grants intended to strengthen downtown areas across Colorado.

The Town of De Beque received a $250,000 grant as one of the final 2023 recipients of Revitalizing Main Street grants.

The Town of Olathe received a grant worth $223,512.

The Colorado Department of Transportation awarded $1.7 million in funding to the latest grant recipients.

Earlier in 2023, the department awarded 22 Revitalizing Main Street grants worth a total of $4.4 million.

“These investments will make our unique downtown areas more fun, improve safety and create public spaces that drive economic growth while making the Colorado we love more accessible to pedestrians, bikers, buses and drivers alike,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.

Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, said the grants fund projects that encourage physical activity as well as enhance economic vitality. “Through this approach, we are grateful to be able to set an example of how statewide transportation agencies can work cohesively with local municipalities to build stronger, healthier and thriving communities,” Lew said.

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January 11-24, 2024

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January 11-24, 2024

Intermountain Health names regional president A hospital executive with more than 16 years of experience with Intermountain Health has been named president of health care operations for the organization in Colorado and Montana.

Jim Sheets is scheduled to officially begin the new role Jan. 15.

He’ll report to Nannette Berensen, chief operating officer.

Jim Sheets “I am excited to be returning to Intermountain Health and to lead operations in Colorado and Montana,” Sheets said.“There is a rich history of service and commitment to our communities across Montana and Colorado which started more than 150 years ago. I am excited to align this history with the mission of Intermountain

Health as we transform health care in the future.”

Sheets said he plans to visit each of the eight hospitals in Colorado and Montana during the first 90 days in his new role.

Sheets first joined Intermountain Health in 2007 and brings more than 16 years of Intermountain leadership experience to this role. He spent the last nine months as group president for 10 CommonSpirit Health hospitals in Colorado and Utah.

He holds master’s of health care administration and business administration degrees from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Utah. He’s worked as an adjunct professor at the Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah and served on the board of directors of the Utah Hospital Association.

Headquartered in Utah, Intermountain Health operates 33 hospitals and 385 clinics and medical groups across the western United States.

A merger between Intermountain Health and SCL Health brought St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction into the combined organization.

Rob Allen, president and chief executive officer of Intermountain Health, welcomed Sheets. “I’ve worked closely with Jim in leader roles at Intermountain for many years and have seen first-hand the benefits of his exceptional leadership and his commitment to our mission, our caregivers and the communities we serve. His tenacity, expertise and ability to build key relationships will make a positive impact in Colorado and Montana and across Intermountain Health as a whole.”

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ProStar integrates PointMan software into Rycom devices A Grand Junction-based software company has announced the integration of its flagship product into cable and pipe locating devices.

ProStar integrated its PointMan software into Rycom Instruments Pathfinder devices to find, record and share the location of buried utilities and pipelines.

Page Tucker, the founder and chief executive officer of ProStar hailed the effort.

“The mission of ProStar is to increase the company’s global footprint and distribution network Page Tucker through the creation of strong business partnerships with all of the leading equipment manufacturers, including Rycom Instruments,” Tucker said. “I would like to thank Rycom Instruments and note the partnership with Rycom Instruments is not only a strong indication that the construction industry is entering into a digital transformation, it is also evident that PointMan is leading it.”

The integration of PointMan into Rycom devices means the software is now used by almost every major manufacturer of electromagnetic cable and pipe locating devices as well as ground-penetrating radar and Global Positioning System and Global Navigation Satellite System receivers.

Doug Reitz, executive vice president of Rycom, also praised the partnership.

“We recognize PointMan as best in class. And combining it with Rycom’s Pathfinder means that underground utility infrastructure buried anywhere in the world can now be precisely located and the critical location data quickly and efficiently recorded, displayed and shared with anyone from a standard mobile device.”

ProStar provides mobile and cloud precision mapping software designed to locate, map and manage underground utilities and pipelines as well as roads, railways and other infrastructure.

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January 11-24, 2024

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Coffee with city manager event planned

The City of Grand Junction has scheduled a monthly event offering the public an opportunity to meet with City Manager Greg Caton.

The Coffee with the City Manager event is set for 9:30 a.m.

Jan. 18 at the Starbucks in Barnes and Noble Booksellers, located at 2451 Patterson Road.

In addition to Caton, the meeting will feature Trent Prall, city engineering and transportation director. Prall will discuss the planned construction of an F 1/2 Parkway as well as Greg Caton improvements on Fourth and Fifth streets.

The events offer an opportunity for people to meet with the city manager and city staff, talk about areas of interest or concern and ask questions. The events are scheduled for different locations around the city.

The dates are posted on a calendar that appears on the city website GJCity.org.

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January 11-24, 2024

Construction set for destination skate park Emerson Skate Park in Grand Junction is expected to close in February to accommodate the construction of a new facility.

“We are thrilled to work with such a nationally renowned design firm to create this new state-of-theart skate park in Grand Junction,” said Ken Sherbenou, director of Grand Junction Parks Ken Sherbenou and Recreation.

The park is scheduled to close Feb. 26. Following tree trimming and fencing erected around the park, contractors will begin park renovations that are anticipated to continue through the summer.

Team Pain Skate Parks joined with engineers and a landscape artist to lead a community engagement process that included virtual and public meetings about the project. The park was redesigned as a destination skate and wheel park that will include a street course, intermediate bowl and advanced bowl.

“With Team Pain’s expertise in building destination-level skate parks, it is expected that the new park will experience a high-level of participation, drawing not

only from communities in the surrounding area but even enticing skaters to travel here from Denver and Salt Lake City,” Sherbenou said.

The Grand Junction City Council approved the project as a part of the 2024 budget. The council subsequently approved a contract to complete the design and construction of the renovated park. The project cost will not exceed the guaranteed maximum price of $2,906,875.

The council approved a design-build contract with Ford Construction. The contract includes Team Pain as the skate park builder, the Austin Civil Group for civil engineering and Kaart Planning for landscape architecture.

Team Pain Skate Parks is a national design-build firm with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. The firm specializes in custom skate structures, concrete skate park facilities, indoor facilities and high-profile specialty structures. The firm has designed and constructed 26 concrete skate park facilities throughout Colorado and more than 350 skate structures and skate parks worldwide.

The reactivation of Emerson Park is among the priorities included in a 2021 master plan for the parks and recreation system.

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January 11-24, 2024

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Breeze Airways offers discount

Breeze Airways will offer discounted fares on roundtrip flights from Grand Junction.

The 35 percent off promotion is available through 11:59 p.m. Jan. 12 using the code GETFRESH on flybreeze.com or the Breeze app.

The discount is good on travel from Jan. 15 through May 22.

“What better way to kick things off in the New Year than by booking your next adventure,” said Tom Doxey, president of Breeze Airways. “With travel dates spanning into the spring and summer, this promotion is a great way to look ahead with the added flexibility of no change or cancellation fees.”

Breeze Airways expects to launch three routes that will offer service between Grand Junction and Orange County-Santa Ana and San Francisco in California as well as Provo, Utah.

Breeze Airways expects to offer nonstop flights between Grand Junction and Orange County-Santa in Southern California as well as Provo beginning Feb. 6. Summer seasonal service between Grand Junction and San Francisco is set to start May 22.

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The Business Times

January 11-24, 2024

Grant to fund compost pilot project The City of Grand Junction received a two-year grant for a composting and food waste reduction pilot project.

The grant includes an allocation of $89,600 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a total of $36,906 in matching funds from the city and Mesa County.

Goals for the effort include demonstrating the need for food waste composting facility upgrades at the Mesa County composting facility, improved resource management and compost use and enhancing the health and water holding capacity of soil.

Jay Valentine “We are thrilled to have received this grant, which allows us to demonstrate the need for increasing food waste composting,” said Jay Valentine, general services director for the City of Grand Junction. “Through our recent pilot study, we realized the benefits of using compost to conserve water while repurposing this valuable natural resource. This two-year grant will allow for an expansion of our efforts.”

“By increasing the amount we are able to compost for use on our gardens and for our orchards and farms, we conserve valuable space in the landfill and increase our capacity for collection on a local level,” Valentine said.

The City of Grand Junction identified recycling, reuse and waste reduction as goals in a 2020 comprehensive plan as well as in a strategic plan outlined by the Grand Junction City Council in 2023.

According to a Western Colorado waste diversion study conducted by Souder Miller and Associates in 2018, 13 percent of Mesa County waste is comprised of food. This is equivalent to 21,420 metric tons of organic material that goes into the landfill annually because food waste isn’t accepted at the Mesa County compost facility. As more compost is used for agriculture and gardens, additional space will be made available to accept food waste for composting.

One aspect of the grant program will demonstrate the need

for food waste processing at the compost facility. The City of Grand Junction is implementing a food waste collection program in its efforts to support sustainable development and demonstrate demand for local processing.

By establishing an organic waste collection route with a temporary composting outlet within 100 miles of the county, the program will create the density and demand needed to show the economic benefits of accepting more organic waste at the local facility. This grant will help make organic waste diversion possible for participants of all income levels and socio-economic classes.

By partnering with schools, hospitals and hunger relief organizations, the project will address food waste reduction by feeding people first and then composting what’s left. The grant also makes entry level participation in the program economically viable so participants can take the time needed to implement sorting habits necessary to affect trash collection fees that will offset future composting fees and attract more participants as the program grows.

Another aspect of the program focuses on marketing, education and distribution of finished compost to create more space for incorporating food waste into local operations. Through partnerships with Mesa County and the Colorado State University Western Colorado Research Center, and with the assistance of this grant, a compost use program will be implemented to promote compost use and demonstrate the benefits for water conservation and soil health.

Benefits of compost use and recommendations for application rates will be highlighted through a partnership with the CSU Orchard Mesa Research Station that began in 2023, the first year of the grant. On-farm trials will demonstrate how compost can be applied to various crops — including peach trees, vegetables and ornamental plants. Data collected, such as water holding capacity and organic matter content, will help agricultural producers connect with state and local incentives to use compost to enhance soil health. Compost will also be donated to community outreach and demonstration sites, such as community gardens and schools.

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January 11-24, 2024

Real estate

Continued from page 2 Real estate transactions peaked in Mesa County at 7,198 in 2005. Dollar volume peaked at $2.359 billion in 2021.

Young said higher interest rates on mortgages and lower residential inventories curbed sales in 2023.

Higher rates combined with higher prices pushed some prospective buyers out of the market, she said. Prospective sellers with mortgages with interest rates half those of existing rates were reluctant to put their homes on the market for fear of higher financing costs.

According to numbers Bray & Co. tracks for the residential real estate market, 141 transactions worth a total of $59.3 million were reported in December.

Compared to the same month last year, transactions fell 21.2 percent and dollar volume declined 22.2 percent.

For all of 2023, 2,632 transactions worth a collective $1.13 billion were reported. Compared to 2022, transactions decreased 19.7 percent and dollar volume fell 19 percent.

Bray said real estate activity slowed from a record-setting pace in 2021 mostly as a result of higher interest rates.

Lower inventories also hampered selection and, in turn, sales. As of the end of December, there were 472 active residential listings in Mesa County. That’s down 9.7 percent from the same time a year ago, he said.

What were double-digit increases in home prices have moderated, however, he said. The median price of homes sold in 2023 was $389,000, up just 1 percent from 2022.

Looking ahead to 2024, Bray and Young said they expect interest rates to come down.

Bray said he expects rates on 30-year mortgages could fall more than a point to the mid 6 percent to mid 5 percent range.

Real estate sales could pick up as a result, he said, with a 5 percent to 15 percent increase in transactions and a 5 percent to 10 percent increase in dollar volume.

Median home prices could rise 2 percent to 5 percent.

Bray said he also anticipates increasing inventory as more sellers bring homes to the market — along with equity enabling them to finance less for new purchases.

But Young said there’s also a possibility lower interest rates combined with continued demand could push home prices back up.

Presidential election years also tend to add volatility, she said.

Meanwhile, property foreclosure activity holds steady in Mesa County.

For December, 15 foreclosure filings were reported, matching the number reported for the same month a year ago. No foreclosure sales were reported, while one sale was reported a year ago, Young said.

For all of 2023, 240 foreclosure filings and 42 foreclosure sales were reported.

For 2022, 241 filings and 45 sales were reported, she said.

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January 11-24, 2024

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Page 18

The new James Pulsipher Regional Cancer Center and Monument View Medical Plaza features a waiting area on the first floor and expanded infusion center on the second floor. The four-story building adds 130,000 square feet to the Community Hospital campus in Grand Junction.

(Business Times photos by Phil Castle)

The Business Times

Center

Continued from page 2 December following more than two years of work. Construction cost about $60 million, and 97 percent of that went to local contractors and vendors, Thomas says.

The total cost of the project topped $82 million.

James Pulsipher donated $1 million for the project, one of the largest single contributions in the history of the Community Hospital Foundation. A total of more than $2.5 million in additional donations also went to the project.

A third of the cancer center and medical plaza will be used to house Grand Valley Oncology, Thomas says. Operated

by Community Hospital, Grand Valley Oncology offers a range of cancer treatment options, including medical and radiation oncology, gynecological oncology, genetic counseling, social services, clinical trials and a survivorship program.

Another third of the building will house other clinics, including cardiology, pulmonology and women’s health services.

The second floor includes an infusion center offering expansive views of the Colorado National Monument. “I think it’s just going to be a more healing environment,” Thomas says.

The third floor will house women’s health services and will be located just steps away from the birthing center at the hospital, he says.

The remaining third of the building will accommodate additional growth, Thomas says. The center and plaza was constructed to meet hospital building codes. So a portion could be used for in-patient care, he says.

The cancer center fulfills a commitment to the physicians who in 2014 joined with Community Hospital to start Grand Valley Oncology, he says.

January 11-24, 2024

Thomas still remembers a meeting in the basement of his home to discuss launching the practice.

Grand Valley Oncology subsequently was designated an accredited cancer center and then received the highest level of accreditation through a national quality assurance program. The National Committee for Quality Assurance awarded the Patient Centered Specialty Practice accreditation.

In addition, Grand Valley Oncology collaborates with the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah.

Thomas says the combination of local physicians and facilities with the availability of additional expertise offers care closer to home to residents of Western Colorado and Eastern Utah in what he says will be one of the best cancer treatment centers in the country. “This is top of the line.”

Moreover, the cancer center and medical plaza reflects a growing operation at Community Hospital and an ongoing mission to provide health care choices, Thomas says.

With 16 years as president and CEO, Thomas is one of the longest-tenured hospital executives in Colorado.

During that span, the staff at the hospital has grown from 386 to 1,400 and the annual payroll from $20 million to $106 million, he says.

In 2016, Community Hospital moved to a new campus on G Road and into a four-story building with a total of nearly 140,000 square foot. The new building replaced what was a 50-year-old hospital on 12th Street.

Thomas foresees additional growth for the operation with more physicians and practices.

He credits growth to creative approaches and collaborations — like the effort with the Town of Palisade to open a health care clinic as well as another effort supported by federal and state funding to open a center on the hospital campus in Grand Junction to offer child care services primarily to hospital employees.

Thomas also credits a hospital board willing to take on new projects and initiatives. “We try to never say no.”

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

January 11-24, 2024

Page 19

Trends Contributors Jobless rate holds steady Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings s New business filings in Colorado, 43,902 in the third quarter, up 0.6 percent from the third quarter of 2022.

n Confidence

s Consumer Confidence Index 110.7 for December, up 9.7. s Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 45.3 for the first quarter, up 1.7.

s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 91.9 for December, up 1.3.

n Foreclosures

n Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 15 in December, unchanged from December 2022. t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 0 in December, down from 1 in December 2022.

n Indexes

s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 113.15 for December, up 0.67.

t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 103 for November, down 0.5%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 47.4% for December, up 0.7%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for services, 52.7% for December, up 0.9%.

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 244 in December, down 10% from December 2022. t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $108 million in December, down 23.7% from Deember 2022.

n Sales

t Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.5 million for November, down 0.7% from November 2022.

n Unemployment n Mesa County — 3.2% for November, unchanged. n Colorado — 3.3% for November, unchanged.

n United States — 3.7% for December, unchanged.

Mesa County labor market expected to remain stable into new year Phil Castle

posted. That’s a gain of 13 percent over the same span in 2022.

Bullock said demand remains Nov. Oct. The monthly unemployment rate strongest for jobs in health care and s Delta County 3.8 3.4 remained unchanged in Mesa County for behavioral health as well as retail. s Garfield County 2.9 2.8 a third straight month, an indicator of Looking ahead, Bullock said she n Mesa County 3.2 3.2 stability in the labor market that’s been a expects the Mesa County labor market to s Montrose County 3.3 3.0 hallmark of the past year. remain steady in 2024. s Rio Blanco County 3.0 2.7 “It kind of seems Monthly jobless rates historically like we’ve settled in,” spike in January and February because said Lindsay Bullock, manager of the Mesa of layoffs following the holidays and winter weather that affects County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. construction and other outdoor work. Otherwise, Bullock said she She expects the trend to continue into anticipates no big swings. “I don’t see anything that’s worrying the new year, although she also expects new me for 2024.” businesses and business expansions to bolster At the same time, Bullock said she’s encouraged by the payrolls. number of businesses opening and expanding in Mesa County and The seasonally unadjusted unemployment a more diversified economy. “There’s a lot of really great things Lindsay Bullock rate held steady at 3.2 percent in November, happening for businesses.” according to the latest estimates from the Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates edged up in Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. That’s the same neighboring Western Colorado counties between October and rate as October and September. For November 2022, the rate November — up four-tenths of a point to 3.8 percent in Delta stood at 3 percent.

County, three-tenths of a point to 3.3 percent in Montrose County and Over the past 11 months, the monthly rate has ranged from a 3 percent in Rio Blanco County and a tenth of a point to 2.9 percent high of 3.8 percent in February and June to a low of 2.7 percent in Garfield County. in April. “That shows how steady we were through the year,” The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained Bullock said. unchanged at 3.3 percent in November with increases in the number Between October and November, Mesa County payrolls of employed, but also those counted among the unemployed. increased 724 to 76,197. The number of people counted among Nonfarm payrolls decreased 700 between October and those unsuccessfully looking for work edged up 61 to 2,550. The November as a loss of 2,100 private sector jobs more than offset a labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, grew gain of 1,400 government jobs.

785 to 78,747.

Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls increased 31,100 with the Over the past year, payrolls increased 1,195 or nearly biggest gains in the leisure and hospitality, professional and business 1.6 percent. The ranks of the unemployed rose 227. The labor services and educational and health services sectors. Employment force grew 1,422. decreased in the financial activities, construction and information The number of job orders posted at the Mesa County sectors as well as the trade, transportation and utilities sector.

Workforce Center — a measure of labor demand — fell from The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm October to November. But the 896 orders posted in November payrolls rose four-tenths of an hour over the past year to 33.5 hours. were up 44 percent from the same month a year ago.

Average hourly earnings rose $1.58 to $36.93.

Through the first 11 months of 2023, 9,898 orders were F The Business Times

AREA JOBLESS RATES

Small Business Optimism Index increases A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has increased, but continues to reflect concerns over inflation and filling job openings.

“Small business owners remain very pessimistic about economic prospects this year,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National Federation of Independent Business. “Inflation and labor quality have consistently been tough complications for Bill Dunkelberg small business owners, and they are not convinced that it will get better in 2024.”

The NFIB reported its Small Business Optimism Index climbed to 91.9 in December. That’s up 1.3 points from November, but remained below the average reading of 98 for a 24th straight month.

The NFIB bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of members of the small business advocacy group, most of them small business owners. For December, five of 10 components of the index advanced, three retreated and two remained unchanged.

The proportion of NFIB members responding to the survey upon which the December index was based who expected the economy to improve rose six points. But at a net negative 36 percent, more members anticipated worsening conditions.

A net 24 percent of members planned capital improvements in

the next few months, up a point. A net 8 percent said they considered now a good time to expand, unchanged from a month ago.

The share of owners who expected increased sales rose four points to the highest level since January 2022. But at a net negative 4 percent, more forecast lower sales.

Expectations for increased earnings rose seven points. But at a net negative 25 percent, more members anticipated decreased earnings. Among owners reporting lower profits, 31 percent blamed weaker sales and 17 percent cited higher material costs.

A net 16 percent of owners reported plans to increase staffing, down two points from November. A net 40 percent of owners reported hard-to-fill job openings, unchanged from a month ago.

Asked to identify their single most important problem, 23 percent cited inflation followed by quality of labor at 20 percent.

A net 25 percent of members reported raising average selling rices, while a net 32 percent said they planned price hikes in the next three months. A net 36 percent reported increasing compensation, while a net 29 percent reported plans to raise compensation in the next three months.

The proportion of of members who said they plan to increase inventories fell two points to a net negative 5 percent. The share of those who said they consider existing inventories too low fell five points to a net negative 5 percent.

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The Business Times

January 11-24, 2024

Payrolls up, jobless rate steady Leading index Employment continued to increase in the United States in December, ending 2023 with an estimated gain of 2.7 million jobs for the year.

Nonfarm payrolls grew 216,000 in December, and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.7 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Initial estimates for payroll gains the previous two months were revised downward a total of 71,000 to 173,000 for November and 105,000 for October With the latest numbers, payrolls increased 2.7 million in 2023, an average monthly gain of 225,000.

For December, 6.3 million people were counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work. Of those, 1.2 million had been out of work 27 weeks or longer. Another 4.2 million people were counted among those working part-time because their hours were cut or they were unable to fund full-time positions.

The labor participation rate — the proportion of the population either working or seeing work — edged down three-tenths of a point to 62.5 percent.

Payroll gains in December were spread out among industry sectors. Employment increased 40,000 in leisure and hospitality, 38,000 in health care, 21,000 in social assistance and 17,000 each in construction and retail trades. Government payrolls grew 52,000.

Employment declined 23,000 in transportation and warehousing.

The average workweek for employees on nonfarm payrolls shortened a tenth of an hour to 34.3 hours. The manufacturing workweek shortened two-tenths of an hour to 39.8 hours.

Average hourly earnings for employees on nonfarm payrolls rose 15 cents to $34.27. Wages increased 4.1 percent over the past year.

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A measure of consumer confidence increased on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions and fewer concerns about inflation, interest rates and recession.

The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index rose 9.7 points to 110.7 in December. Components of the index tracking current conditions and short-term expectations both increased.

Dana Peterson “December’s increased in consumer confidence reflected more positive ratings of current business conditions and job availability as well as less pessimistic views of business, labor market and personal income prospects over the next six months,” said Dana Peterson, chief economist of the Conference Board, a New York-based think tank Expectations for inflation continued to recede, Peterson said with the average 12-month projection at 5.6 percent. Expectations interest rates will rise in the year ahead fell to their lowest levels since January 2021. The perceived likelihood of a recession over the next year fell to its lowest level of the year.

More upbeat assessments of current business and labor

conditions pushed up the present situation component of the index 12 points to 148.5 The proportion of consumers who responded to the survey upon which the December index was based who called business conditions good rose 3.1 points to 21.7 percent. The share of those who called business conditions bad fell 2.4 points to 16.5 percent.

The proportion of consumers who said jobs were plentiful rose 2.1 points to 40.7 percent. The share of those who said jobs were hard to get fell 2.4 points to 13.2 percent.

A more optimistic outlook among consumers also pushed up the expectations component of the index 8.2 points to 85.6, closer to levels last seen in July.

The share of consumers who said they expect business conditions to improve over the next six months rose 1.5 points to 18.7 percent. The proportion of those anticipated worsening conditions fell 4.1 points to 16 percent.

The share of consumers who said they expect more jobs to become available rose 1.1 points to 17.8 percent. The proportion of those who forecast fewer jobs fell 2.9 points to 17.2 percent.

While 18.7 percent of consumers said they expected their incomes to increase, 12.6 percent anticipated less income.

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Labor trends index increases

A monthly index tracking labor trends continues to increase and signal job growth in coming months, but at what’s expected will be a slower pace.

The Conference Board reported its Employment Trends Index rose nearly seven-tenths of a points to 113.15 in December. Four of eight components of the index advanced.

“The index has been on a gradual decline since its peak in March 2022, yet it remains notably above pre-pandemic levels,” said Selcuck Eren, senior economist at the Conference Board. “This suggests continued job additions in early 2024, albeit at a decelerated pace.”

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Consumer Confidence Index rebounds

signals likely U.S. slowing

A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to decline, signaling slowing and what could be recession.

The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Indicator fell a half of a percent to 103 in November. Separate measures of current and past conditions both increased.

Justyna ZabinskaLa Monica, senior manager of business cycle indicators at the Conference Board, said the latest leading indicators point to a lack of momentum in economic growth.

U.S. LEI J. Zabinska- “The La Monica suggests a down shift of economic activity ahead. As a result, the Conference Board forecasts a short and shallow recession in the first half of 2024.”

The Leading Economic Index fell 3.5 percent over the past six months.

Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the country, rose at an annual rate of 4.9 percent during the third quarter of 2023.

For November, six of 10 indicators of the Leading Economic Index declined, including average weekly manufacturing hours, building permits, consumer expectations, interest rate spread and a new orders index. An increase in averagely weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits also pulled down the index. New orders for capital and consumer goods increased, as did stock prices. A leading credit index held steady.

The Coincident Economic Index rose two-tenths of a point to 111.2 The index has increased 1 percent over the past six months.

For November all four indicators increased — industrial production, nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales.

The Lagging Economic Index increased a half of a percent to 119.2.

The index increased seven-tenths of a percent over the past three months.

For November, four of seven components of the index advanced, including consumer credit, cost of services and inventories. A decrease in the average duration of unemployment also pushed up the index. Commercial and industrial financing and labor costs pulled down the index. The average prime rate held steady.

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Trends Contributors Opinion Handbook tune-up Business Briefs Business People Almanac

January 11-24, 2024

The Business Times

Page 21

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Palisade Chamber of Commerce and LaPlaza have scheduled a listening session for local growers.

The session is set for noon Jan. 12 at Talbott's Tasting Room, 3782 F 1/4 Road.

Lunch will be provided. Palisade chamber members may attend at no charge. Others will pay $5.

The session will afford growers an opportunity to discuss their experiences, challenges and insights as a way to promote the prosperity of the agricultural industry.

To register or obtain more information, call 464-7458 or visit https://palisadecoc.com. n The next Coffee Club networking event is set for 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 19 in the FWorks conference room, 325 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita.

The free event will include a presentation by Lighthouse HR Support, a Grand Junction firm that offers human resources management services to small and medium businesses.

For more information, visit https://gjincubator.org or https://fruitachamber.org. n The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a community coffee event and women’s conference.

A community and coffee event is scheduled for 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 24 at the Adobe Creek National Golf Course clubhouse located at 876 18 1/2 Road in Fruita. Chamber members may attend at no additional charge. Others will pay $10.

The women’s conference is set for 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 13 at the Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom in Grand Junction.

The conference will include a keynote speaker, breakout and panel presentations and a happy hour.

To register for or obtain additional information about upcoming chamber events, call 858-3894 or visit https://fruitachamber.org. n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a legislative trip and annual banquet.

The legislative trip to Denver is set for Feb. 22 and 23 and will include meetings and a dinner with state legislators.

The banquet is set for 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.

March 1 at the Grand Junction Convention Center at 159 Main St. The banquet will include the presentation of business and citizen of the year awards.

To register for or obtain additional information about upcoming chamber events, visit https://gjchamber.org or call 242-3214.

Make sure employee handbooks keep up with changing laws Numerous changes to Colorado law will affect employers in 2024. Has your employee handbook kept up with those changes? An accurate, up-to-date handbook promotes productive relationships between employers and employees by clearly explaining the expectations of both parties. An inaccurate or out-of-date handbook results in misunderstandings and distrust.

As a threshold matter, should employers have employee handbooks?

Yes. Next question. Seriously, a good employee handbook provides employees clear guidance while keeping the organization compliant with changing employment laws.

But employers should understand the purpose and limitations of a handbook. An employee handbook isn’t a policy or procedure manual. It isn’t a Dean list of rules, although it might include Harris general procedural, performance and conduct expectations.

A handbook provides guidelines that apply to all employees. Consider adopting internal procedures to handle expectations, procedures or rules for departments or smaller work teams. Finally, a handbook is for employees. There’s no need to include information about job applications or the application and hiring process.

Employers should consistently review employee handbooks to ensure they meet needs and remain legally accurate. With all the changes to Colorado law in the last year or two, the start of 2024 constitutes a good time to review handbooks for legal accuracy.

Here’s a checklist of handbook sections employers should review in light of recent changes to Colorado law: n Harassment policy: The Protecting Opportunities And Workers’ Rights Act lowered the standard for proving harassment. An employee no longer needs to prove harassment is severe or pervasive. n Medical and sick leave policies: Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) benefits became available Jan 1. Employers should make sure make sure their Family and Medical Leave Act and non-FMLA medical leave and other policies related to time off for medical conditions are consistent. The State of Colorado has issued guidance on coordinating FAMLI with other benefits at https://famli.colorado.gov/employers/employer-faqs.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has issued guidance on how FAMLI coordinates with Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) sick leave in INFO No. 6C, available at https://cdle.colorado.gov/infos. n Sick leave: In addition to coordinating sick leave with FAMLI benefits, the HFWA was amended in 2023 to

With all the changes to Colorado laws in the last year or two, the start of 2024 constitutes a good time to review employee handbooks for legal accuracy.

add new circumstances under which employees may take sick leave. n Military leave: In 2023, the Colorado Legislature amended laws on leave for National Guard service to provide all employees who are members of the Colorado National Guard or Reserves are entitled to up to three weeks of annual leave for certain military service rather than the 15-day allotment under prior law. This act also clarified job protections for Guard and Reserve service members. n Promotions: The Ensure Equal Pay for Equal Work Act amended Colorado law on the posting of job opportunities, including promotions. The law requires employers to notify employees of job opportunities posted both internally and externally. Employers must notify certain employees when positions are filled. n Confidentiality, conflict of interest and workplace rules: In 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) restricted private employers’ rules that would chill employees’ speech on terms and conditions of employment.

A workplace rule that would have a reasonable tendency to chill employees from exercising their National Labor Relations Act rights now is presumptively unlawful. The employer may rebut the presumption by proving the rule advances a legitimate and substantial business interest and the employer is unable to advance that interest with a more narrowly tailored rule. This is not a Colorado legal change, but affects workplace rules.

Now’s the time for employers to review their employee handbooks and have handbooks reviewed by human resources professionals or an attorney. The Employers Council makes available to its members white papers on all the above topics as well as sample policies with legal and administrative analysis of all topics in employee handbooks.

Employers Council handbook reviews are included in the cost of consulting and enterprise memberships.

Dean Harris is the Western Slope area managing attorney for the Employers Council. The Employers Council counsels, represents and trains member employers in all phases of employment relationships.

For more information, contact Harris at (970) 852-0190 or dharris@employerscouncil.org.

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Research shows performance-based pay sometimes backfires When it comes to retaining and motivating employees, raises might seem like a sure bet.

But a new study led by a professor at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder found performance-based pay can sometimes have the opposite effect in causing employees to withdraw and decrease productivity.

“Pay for performance is a double-edged sword,” said Tony Kong, an associate professor of organizational leadership. “When used wisely, it can really motivate people and increase their sense of competence. But oftentimes

employees feel like they choke under pressure.”

Three-quarters of organizations offer pay-for-performance compensation — including pay raises, bonuses and profitsharing — as part of compensation, according to Salary.com.

The CU research, published in the Academy of Management Journal, found that how employees react to pay for performance hinges on leader competence and warmth.

Researchers found employees have positive takes on performance-based raises when they view their manager as competent. In these cases, they rise to the challenge with increased engagement and performance.

Competence resonates with employees because they rely on managers to clarify tasks, achieve work goals and provide useful feedback. Warmth involves more soft skills and includes emotional support, concern for employee well-being and buffering employees from stress.

“If my leader is cold, untrustworthy, unfriendly and unsupportive, then I’ll perceive pay for performance as a threat,” Kong said. “I’ll be super stressed and withdraw from my work, maybe coming to work late and leaving early. I will perform worse because I’m disengaged.”

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The Business Times

January 11-24, 2024

Seek harmony in life and work and find happiness As we enter 2024, let’s consider the importance of life and work harmony. I wrote life before work because without life there is no business. I wrote harmony because this is actually what’s meant by balance in this case. Life and work constitute a balancing act in which the objective is harmony between the two.

Tremendous amounts of time, energy and effort go into running a business. With everything there is to do, it’s easy for those who own businesses to sacrifice many aspects of their personal lives, if not the entirety, in pursuit of success and happiness.

Your business is only one aspect of your life. You also have important relationships with family friends, health, passions, hobbies Marcus and and other interests. When you choose Straub or unthinkingly allow yourself to become consumed by business and neglect these other aspects of your life, your well-being and happiness fades away.

There’s no real benefit to working yourself into the ground. When you become fatigued, your business suffers because you don’t possess the clarity, composure and energy to be the caliber of leader required or achieve the happiness and success you desire.

Conversely, there are tremendous benefits to everyone involved — business owners, team members, customers and families — in creating and maintaining harmony between life and business.

The more out of balance and unhappy you are, the less your financial success will ultimately mean to you because of the tremendous price you paid — what you sacrificed along the way — to get it.

When you make time to care for yourself and engage in the other aspects of your life, you recharge emotionally, mentally and physically.

You have more to give. In other words, you increase your potential and, therefore, the potential of your business.

You can’t go back and recapture those magical times in life after your children are grown. Once a divorce occurs, you can’t return to the past and make up for neglecting a marriage. When your health fails, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to get it back.

The wonderful thing about creating harmony between life and business is that in addition to improving the quality of your life, you become a more productive, creative and effective business owner. When you make time to care for yourself and engage in the other aspects of your life, you recharge emotionally, mentally and physically. You have more to give. In other words, you increase your potential and, therefore, the potential of your business.

When there’s harmony between life and business, you also tend to treat the people in your personal and professional lives better. Your perspective is clearer. Your attitude is more pleasant. You’re more patient and happier.

When you treat people better, they have the tendency to do the same. All your relationships improve as a result.

When you go on vacation with your significant other or skiing with your kids, be fully present with them. When you attend a family function, spend time with friends,

read a book or anything else you decide to do, enjoy the moment for all it’s worth.

Taking your spouse out for your regular date nights, spending quality time with your kids, pursuing your passions and going on vacation aren’t synonymous with working and doing business. While it’s true you can take your work on vacation, neither will be the best they can be as long as your attention is divided between them. One must give way to the other. A working vacation isn’t a vacation. It’s merely working in a different location.

The secret to all of this is truly stepping away from your business when you leave the office and engage in the rest of your life. Turn off your phone, step away from the computer and leave your business worries behind as much as you can. And you can much more than you realize.

When you do so, all the moments of your life will take on a greater meaning for you and everyone involved.

As a business owner, you’re the foundation of your enterprise. The more energized, inspired and balanced you are, the stronger your company will be. Live your life with the intention of creating harmony among its different aspects. You’ll not only be successful, but also — and perhaps more importantly — you’ll be happy.

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. Reach Straub at (970) 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.

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January 11-24, 2024

The Business Times

Page 23

Some basics about a new business filing requirement No later than the end of this year, almost all small businesses must complete and file what’s called a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR).

You can complete this form online and print a copy for your records.

You’ll also be offered an opportunity to obtain a Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) identification. It’s not required to obtain this ID at the current time — only optional.

Why did the FinCEN develop and impose this new filing requirement on primarily small to very small Janet businesses?

Apparently, there’s a lot of fraud Arrowood out there involving shell companies formed primarily or entirely for money laundering or other shady purposes. By collecting detailed personal information on company officers, the goal is to make fraudulent companies easier to detect.

Regardless of the reason, your company probably isn’t eligible for an exception to the BOIR filing requirement, so you might as well get started.

2022 census reveals work-related deaths declined in Colorado

The number of work-related deaths decreased in Colorado in 2022, according to the latest available numbers.

A total of 89 work-related fatalities were recorded in 2022, down 7.3 percent from the 96 fatalities recorded in 2021.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment conducts an annual census of fatal occupational injuries in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The census relies on death certificates, coroner reports, workers’ compensation claims and other documents to quantify fatalities.

Of the total work-related fatalities in 2022, 83 involved wage and salary workers and six self-employed workers.

Transportation incidents remained the leading cause of facilities, accounting for 33 deaths in 2022. That’s up from 25 in 2021.

Another 18 fatalities were attributed to violence and other injuries by a person or animal, down from 23 deaths in 2021.

Falls, slips and trips were the thirdleading cause of death in 2022, accounting for 15 fatalities.

Contact with objects and equipment accounted for 12 work-related deaths, down 29.4 percent from 2021.

Exposure to harmful substances and environments resulted in seven fatalities, a decrease of 46.2 percent from 2021.

Among industry sectors, 19 fatalities were attributed to construction, eight to natural resources and mining and seven to leisure and hospitality.

Of all the work-related fatalities in Colorado in 2022, 81 involved men and eight women.

Nationwide, a total of 5,486 people died from work-related injuries in 2022, a 5.7 percent decrease from 2021.

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The filing process is available online through the website at https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/fileboir.

What does the process involve? Filling in your company name, address and Employer Identification Number and then mostly personal information for each officer of the company.

I completed the BOIR for my company in about 30 minutes.

The process could have been quicker, but the entries aren’t always self-evident. Making a wrong choice or missing a block doesn’t preclude you from getting to the end of the BOIR form. But you could get a long error list with references back to the affected sections. Eventually, you’ll get everything right and file the BOIR. FinCEN has received reports of financial scam attempts. If you received an unsolicited communication from someone via phone, text or email claiming to represent or be an employee of FinCEN, it’s a scam and you shouldn’t respond. Contact the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Inspector General at http://www.treasury.gov/about/ organizational-structure/ig/Pages/OigOnlineHotlineForm. aspx to report a scam using Treasury bureaus, seals or employees.

For additional information, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website, which offers resources for detecting, preventing and reporting scams.

Additional information about FinCEN and the BOIR process can be found at https://fincen.gov.

A few important notes. If you’re a sole proprietor, you’re probably exempt from the BOIR filing. But always check with your tax and legal advisors before making this choice.

FinCEN can assist you with your filing. They suggest it’s not necessary to hire a lawyer for the filing process, but that’s between you and your tax and legal advisors.

Apparently, many large advisory firms and insurance firms aren’t willing to get involved in this process. Confer with your tax advisor. .

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.

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Page 24

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The Business Times

January 11-24, 2024

How to cope with post-holiday blues It’s January and back to business as usual. Why do some people feel like they’re in a slump after the holiday season — with depression, irritability and low energy?

A month of holiday celebrations that includes gatherings and time spent with families can cause stress and intense emotions, not to mention constitute a big departure from routines.

That can make the return to day-to-day life feel like a major letdown. If nothing else, the change in rhythms can be jarring.

The holidays can amplify issues, including loneliness and financial strains.

Add family tensions and grief to end-of-year deadlines, and it’s a recipe for distress.

Pamela work No wonder there can be profound effects on Drake biological and psychological well-being.

Unrealistic expectations for the holidays also can trigger post-holiday blues.

Family dynamics during the holidays can cause unpleasant experiences. Spending time with family, especially those you don’t see on a regular basis, can bring back like a time warp past negative patterns. Recognizing those patterns and keeping unhealthy emotions separate can help lessen tensions.

Overindulgence can also make the holidays difficult.

Overeating contributes to weight gain as well as irregular sleep and metabolic dysfunctions. There’s also the guilt and regret.

Excessive drinking results in increased levels of stress hormones and disrupted sleep, also a contributor to depression.

Unlike clinical depression, post-holiday blues are usually short-lived. Common post-holiday emotions and conditions include: anxiety, changes in appetite, depression, fatigue, inability to concentrate, insomnia, irritability, lack of motivation, sense of loss and stress.

Here are some tips to help cope with the post-holiday blues: n Change your mindset with gratitude and remind yourself of

those things in your life for which you’re grateful. n Take care of yourself, ensuring you get quality sleep and maintain a healthy diet. Re-establish good self-care to keep yourself emotionally on track. Stick to a routine with sleep and meals. n Engage in physical activity to stimulate those feel-good chemicals called endorphins and set goals to improve your mental outlook. n Communicate with trusted friends or a therapist about your feelings to gain support and avoid bottling up emotions. n Schedule time for fun and social interactions to enhance well-being. This provides something to which to look forward. n Enjoy nature. The outdoors increases well-being. n Watch funny movies. Humor and laughter reduce stress. n Be nice to yourself. Be patient. Don’t try to do more than your energy level allows. n If family discord is an issue, do your best to maintain positive relationships without guilt or anger.

Employers can also play a role in helping their employees: n Remind employees about employee assistance programs and other benefits. n Keep communication open and offer holiday stress relief tips. n Check in with employees to see how they’re doing and identify any potential issues early so assistance can be provided. n Help employees set priorities and provide extra assistance if needed to address mental health issues that arise.

Post-holiday blues and depression are different for everyone and usually short-lived. But if a person continues to struggle with loneliness or unhappiness, these emotions could signal clinical depression and the need to seek professional help.

Pamela Drake works at Lighthouse HR Support as a human resources business partner. The Grand Junction firm offers a range of HR management services to small and medium-sized businesses.

For more, call 243-7789 or visit www.lighthousehrs.net.

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January 11-24, 2024

The Business Times

Page 25

Changes help sustain commitment to food safety Heading into 2024, the environmental health team at Mesa County Public Health continues to foster a food safety culture through its work with restaurant partners and other permit holders.

Food safety is crucial. About one in six people get sick from foodborne illnesses every year. There are about 128,000 hospitalizations annually as a result of contaminated food.

Mesa County Public Health licenses and inspects every retail food business in the county. A team of inspectors works with local restaurants, food trucks and markets to education and answer questions Sarah Gray offer about food safety. It’s our goal to be a community resource for our partners.

Changes in 2024 will enable work to continue.

Fees for all license types increased about 15 percent effective Jan. 1. Fees were increased to expand the inspection team and ensure it can continue to provide services. We’re adding two inspectors to meet the demands of a growing list of new retail food establishments as well as better serve existing partners.

In addition, Colorado is working on adopting the newest version of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration food code. A decision to adopt the new code is expected early in 2024. The update will include changes in language for clarity, the requirement for the person in charge to have

a certification in food safety and some additional language changes around shellfish.

For any inspection program, the goal is continuous improvement. As we look back on 2023, there were improvements among local food establishments.

We saw an increase in controls for employee health, both reporting and education; hand washing sinks supplied, accessible and operating properly during inspections; and more establishments obtaining Certified Food Protection Manager Certification.

There’s room for improvement heading into the new year, including increased hand washing and educating employees on when hand washing is required; implementing and practicing date marking for foods and increased control over food production to ensure safety.

Our routine inspections focus on what employees can do right away to prevent foodborne illness and what systems the business has in place to prevent illness and injury. We make sure equipment is working correctly and food is kept at the right temperatures.

Our team also makes sure employees are knowledgeable about how disease spreads through food and they’re washing their hands and preventing contact with ready-to-eat foods with their bare hands. The goal of every inspection is to provide education and help food employees, managers and business owners understand regulations.

Restaurants are normally scheduled for one to three routine inspections a year depending on a number of factors:

n The complexity of the menu. n How much food is made from raw products. n How much food is made in advance rather than cooked-to-order. n Whether there’s been a suspected or confirmed foodborne illness outbreak. n If the restaurant serves a highly susceptible population. n Previous inspection outcomes.

The inspection process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours. Every inspection begins with a brief introduction and overview of the visit. Inspectors walk through the facility to understand the flow of food through the kitchen and then focus on specific areas and processes after a general overview. The team spends time with the employees, managers and owners to assess their knowledge of food safety through discussion and observations.

Ultimately, our team wants to make sure the facility serves safe food. If we find items out of compliance, we work together with businesses to correct them and find steps for long-term compliance.

As we look to 2024, we’re excited to continue our work with food establishments in Mesa County to ensure the food we eat is safe.

The past few years have been a real estate roller coaster.

We hoped 2023 would bring the positive movement in the market we were looking for following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most economists forecast lower interest rates on mortgages. But when we saw the opposite as rates climbed, people were hesitant to buy and sell.

The new year has us looking ahead with the promise of lower interest rates. We’re already seeing a slight drop. If rates drop too much, though, the competition for limited inventory likely will drive prices Buyers who were uncertain last Michelle higher. year realize moves must be made now.

Urlacher Those who can afford a home now have more options than any time in the last year. With a strategic approach, buyers can achieve their homeownership goals no matter the interest rate.

Even in the midst of a “wait and see” year, agents with Bray & Co. Real Estate represented more than 600 buyers and sellers in 2023. From first-time home buyers to empty

nesters to commercial property owners and tenants, agents helped clients find properties.

While the commercial market in Western Colorado slowed in 2023 compared to previous years, our commercial department assisted owners, investors, tenants and others across the retail, industrial, office and agricultural sectors.

More than 125 leases — new or renewed — were signed.

More than 65 sales occurred.

Our property management department has prepared for the onslaught of units coming in 2024, including a total of 13 large, multifamily developments in Mesa County as well as Delta, Garfield and Montrose counties. These units will help meet increasing demand for quality living spaces and reflect a proactive approach to community development. Bray Property Management oversees the management of more than 575 residential properties in Mesa County and 106 different commercial properties, many of which contain multiple tenants.

The REVIVE program by our maintenance and construction team has changed property enhancement.

By updating and refreshing properties, the program has enabled homeowners to expedite sales and maximize property value. The team’s commitment to excellence

extends to routine maintenance, ensuring homeowners can manage property upkeep.

The Bray Cares Foundation gave a total of $35,000 in grants to six local nonprofit organizations as part of an effort to foster community well-being. The foundation has contributed more than $320,000 in its first four years. Bray Cares has a 100 percent staff and agents contribution rate. Bray & Co. pays administrative costs so donations meet needs.

The past year has taught us that while a positive outlook is important, we must remain prepared for anything. We’re thankful for lessons learned and our team’s dedication to client satisfaction. We look forward to 2024 with hope for a healthy real estate market. We’re grateful for continued support and proud to give back to the community we love so much.

Sarah Gray is a communication specialist with Mesa County Public Health. For additional information, call 248-6900 or visit https://health.mesacounty.us.

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In the midst of a “wait and see” market, deals get done

Michelle Urlacher is president of Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Junction. She brings to her duties more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, including positions as an analyst, appraiser, marketing director, property manager and transaction coordinator.

For more information about Bray & Co. Real Estate, call 242-3647 or log on to www.brayandco.com.

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Contributors Opinion Bold predictions forgreat 2015 to Once again, it’s What’s in store in 2024?

A new year Business affords more Briefs like not-so-bold repeats be a Michigan Wolverine Stories offer some hints a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PAGE age 26 22

The start of a new year provokes the urge to peer ahead and wonder what the next 12 months hold in store. It’s a natural curiosity for people. It’s a matter of business for owners and managers trying to align sales projections with decisions about everything from inventories and staffing to capital outlays on equipment and even buildings. That’s one good reason why economic forecasts attract so much attention.

Not to mention use upbrings so much and spacefor in business journals.

A new year almost always an ink opportunity a fresh start and So what’s in store for 2024? renewed ambition to do things better.

As usual, depends on who you ask. There’s In business, that usually boils itdown to providing customers betterseldom products a consensus.

But than newscompetitors. stories aboutPart various and services faster and at lower cost of theindexes, processlabor must estimates and real estatewhat salesthey offeractually some clues. include listening to customers to determine need They’re and thenlike piecesall, ofita does jigsaw puzzle can betheassembled create aif meeting that need. After little goodthat to offer latest andtogreatest bigger coincidentally, those stories appear in this nobody actually wants whatpicture. you’re Not selling. very issue. let’s review: Just like the businesses thatSo belong to the group, the Grand Junction Area n Colorado business are with moreaconfident heading Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out theleaders new year reassessment of into theit new year,and according to the results a quarterly the services and resources provides how well theylatest match with of members tracking their The Leeds Business needs. Jeff Franklin,survey the new chairman of expectations. the chamber board of directors, Confidence Index rose for the But personifies this approach in describing what1.7 hepoints considers his first role quarter. for the coming Phil Castle at 45.3, the overall more negative year: listen to members, determine theirscore needsstill andreflected then meet those needs. than It’s a positive responses.

The outlook wasof most optimistic for the role with which Franklin is familiar as market president Bank of Colorado. stateThe economy and most capital expenditures. process will takepessimistic on a morefor structured approach in what the chamber business owners remain aptly cautious as well, according to the latest plansnasSmall the resumption of a program called Listening to Business.

Under the Small Business Optimism Index compiled by theinterviews National Federation program, business owners participate in in-depth to identifyof barriers to Independent Business.

The they indexencounter. rose 1.3 points for December. But at 91.9, growth and other problems the overall score remained below the to average reading of 98club. for a 24th The new year offers a good time join the proverbial consecutive month. or reader, what do you need from the Business Times?

As an advertiser n For their partjournals — and it’s an important oneand for report businesses, especially While business traditionally gather the relevant news to retailers — consumers are more optimistic, pushing street. the Consumer Confidence readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way That’s especially true as Index up 9.7 December.

Consumers more upbeat in their Web sites andpoints e-mailinmake the dialogue more were convenient than ever. assessment of current business andinlabor conditions well asto their Good publications don’t exist a vacuum.

Theyasrespond the expectations needs of for the nextand six readers. months. They provide what’s needed. advertisers n index of leading SoAn what do you need?indicators — one specifically designed to forecast economic conditions — news is lesscoverage encouraging.

Conference reported its Is there additional that The would help keepBoard you informed about Leading Economic Index fell a Are half there of a percent between October and November local business developments? features that would be interesting or and 3.5 percent thethat pastwould six months. growth, including the useful?

Is thereover advice makeThat yoursignals jobs a slower little easier? possibility of what’s foreseen and shortneed. recession the first halftoof 2024.

It’s equally important to as aska shallow what you don’t With in limited time n Incontent Mesa County, the seasonally adjusted unemployment produce and limited space in which to publish it, would rate timehas andheld space be steady at 3.7 percent for three straight months. That number could be lower. It was better devoted to something else? a year ago. But theWhat jobless rateWhat’s also reflects a stability in the labor market that’s What’s good? isn’t? needed?

What isn’t? expected continue in us theancoming Let ustoknow.

Send e-mail.year.

Comment online on the Business Times Web n www.thebusinesstimes.com.

Real estate activity in Mesa County — another important economic indicator site at You could even write an old-fashioned letter to — 2023 like. evenYour as interest ratesboth on mortgages moved higher. theslowed editor ifinyou’d feedback, positive and negative, is Transactions valued and fell lowestconsidered. level since 2013, and dollar volume declined to its lowest level willtobetheir carefully sinceGood 2018.publications The outlookare forthe lower interest rates well, though, 2024. result of not onlybodes the efforts of theirfor staffs, but also Nobody — not even economists or newspaper editors — can reliably predict collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers. the future.

Weother can only hope for thewe best andto that greattoexpectations willfind be realized.

Like any good business, want listen our customers, out what they need and then meet those needs.

Phil It’s Castle is editor of the Business a new year. Please help us toTimes. do so. Reach him at 424-5133 or phil@thebusinesstimes.com. ✦ F

THE BUSINESS TIMES

609 North Ave., Suite 2, Grand Junction, CO 81501 TEL (970) 424-5133 • FAX (970) 424-5134

Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall

Editor: Phil Castle

Reach advertising at: publisher@thebusinesstimes.com Reach the editor at: phil@thebusinesstimes.com.

Subscribe or submit press releases online at www.thebusinesstimes.com 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 — AllCopyright rights reserved. © 2024 — All rights reserved.

It’s that time ofhappen year when Anything could in the world resolutions right now —and andprognostications as you well know,abound. a lot My favorite saying applied could.

But it wouldn’t changeto theNew topicYear’s of my resolutions is in sayingday they’re column for this glorious in mybasically annals ofa bunch of promises the first week college football lore. to Forbreak the second time in of January. while I won’t predict a my lifetime, And the University of Meeeechigan whole lot, Iare cancollege prettyfootball much accurately Wolverines champions. nail aAnd fewwithout things that without question will make the recognition or anews. You will see these are pretty, well, predictable: nod demanded by Prediction one: local■(and non-local) There will be some Cornhusker fans — sort of weather OK, a slight nodevent, and disaster or anatural huge wink — we’d heinous occurrence have rattled you in wherethe someone willwe 1997 same way be interviewed and say did the gallant Huskies the following: “I’ve in your “greatest Craig Hall never seenvictory anything Nebraska to like that in my After never happen.” lifetime.” as if this all, beatingIt’s Peyton Manning isn’t that big a person is aTom required deal.

Ask Brady. Craig Hall attendee at every news But back to the topic at hand and a trip reporting event.lane.

While I understand most down memory After all, it’s the only people’s perspective can indeed be limited topic allowed in a sports-laden version of an by, or contained within, their own personal inside-the-mind-of-yours-truly column that experiences, is too much ask Craig to also could be itheadlined: Whytodoes consult some historical perspective before root for all those Michigan teams when he saying a thing? response can lives in such Colorado?

To Yes, statethis the obvious, someupevents. it comes Iapply didn’ttogrow here, IBut onlywhen moved here 23 to weather and I’m natural I’m pretty years ago. And old. disasters, I’m very loyal to surelocal this medical is simplyprofessionals history repeating itself. the who saved Same it has millions my lifeasthis pastfor summer so Iand canmillions grow of years.older.

MoreBut important, made even let’s takethe thatplanet journey into it!

What didn’t certain How’s yesteryear to were find out more.species.

If I haven’t lost thatlocal for perspective? the homers by this point. Because I’m ■ Prediction two: When an unabashed Michigan homer.it comes to a crimeMy or loyalty something occurs between to thethat University of humans, the other required attendee at all Michigan didn’t begin with going to football news reporting events is the person who games.

It actually resulted from another says this:emergency.

“They we’re justIthe medical When wasnicest in fifth people,I developed and in no way did I see something grade, a testicular torsion that like this emergency coming.” Exactly. oneUniversity does required surgeryNo at the most of the time whenAsit memory comes toserves, of Michigan Hospital. neighbors and acquaintances. should Michigan’s Children’s HospitalPeople — not sure beitsurprised what goes on yet from if was C.S. at Mott Children’s —time was ato time in their neighborhoods, towns and wonderful experience in spite of enduring with people they as know because and people testicular surgery a 9-year-old all are good.

And forthat. the times that they that goes with Especially whenshouldn’t your be shocked — politicians, schoolmates findlike outwith and one’s penis isrepeat a offenders and terrorists where’s the thing of wonder to young— boys. interview that says, doesn’tme surprise I remember my“This dad picking up medischarge in the least.” on day and driving through the ■ Prediction three: row Something good campus down fraternity on a perfect will happen andbuy the tickets Michigan falleconomically, day so he could government will take credit for it. TheI most to some upcoming basketball games. also recent example is gas prices, where people remember my dad being a little embarrassed ask meI guessed why I won’t credit theUniversity president for when Oregon State low gas answer simple: when heprices. pointedMy to the OSUisletters on Government makes the pricetoof the upcomingnever schedule.

Needless say, I something downinand simplythat takes credit got my firstgo lesson despising team for good Gas pricing is subject to from Ohionews. on the half hour car ride home. many global factors. Now there OHOWIHATEOHIOSTATE wasare thick in government answers to addressing some of my dad’s blood. themOver to keep stable Americans, theprices next 30 plusfor years, my but our government none of them Saturday afternoonshas in fall were filledin place.Michigan The only football things ituntil has inmy place in to the with move

anuary 15-28, 11-24, 2015 2024 JJANUARY

long run always hurt consumers.

Another Colorado in 2000.

Nothing — and I mean fact is that reachescrisp, a certain nothing — unemployment compares to a sunny, fall level based the economy. while the morning andonheading out to And the Big House government mightthe brag the amenities number is and low, for a game. Even scant it’s more than likely the government did funneling bathroom lines and seat numbers something painted to causecloser that number being low constantly together to pack — andfolks not in acould gooddampen way. Conversely, when more the memories. business picks up, it’s becausenever the people Then again, you’ve probably had who need sausage to buy widgets who were notand an Italian with grilled onions buying widgets the Quality economyHut was peppers from thebecause Kowalski contracting due to natural unnatural, outside Section 5. Row 53,(orseats 24 and 25, government to be exact. caused) reasons, decided we betterWhile buy some widgets. government growing up inThe a house with four had nothing do with in this. boys so closetotogether age was always Prediction four: In keeping about■sports, my career and wherewith I lived things government does, I predictsports. the are alsothe intertwined with Michigan government the numbers Why dowill youmanipulate love the Tigers, Craig? to make thebeclaim thenights economy is getting It might family where my dad better abecause of how hard is working to knew guy who’d save us ait parking space help all “working Americans.”

Now close to of theusstadium.

Maybe it was meeting you might “Craig, you always saymy this most of thesay, 1968 and 1984 Tigers on about President you don’t job getting theirObama tuxedosbecause for a celebration liketheir him.”

You’re right inMaybe a sense.itIwas don’t of championships. know the man, but what hero I know of later him and Al Kaline, my boyhood who his thinking, I don’t like it or same him one iota. became my customer at that store.

Before youdogoyou off,love however, I didn’tCraig? like Why the Pistons, President Bush bailouts, That’s easy, theand Badhis Boys who stimulus finally got and his theCeltics free market to save over theabandoning hump of the and Lakers the free market.

I don’t back in the late And 1980s after know being him so bad either.

What Ithe government does,(and andsaw the for so long. met Rick Mahorn only he thing it can do, isJames hurt the economy. why was feared), Edwards, UnlessThomas it does nothing or put criminals Isaiah and a few other playersin jail instead of partnering with them, back nothing when I worked at Neiman Marcus thethe government help. Always in day. But itdoes was,will foremost, those look at it this way, whatever the government says back-to-back championships. it is doing, whatever thethe name the law it Why do you love Redof Wings, is passing, or whatever thethem nameonorChannel goal of Craig?

I started watching theifbureaucracy is antenna presenting to the back 50 I could get itthe adjusted people,Mr. expect the polar opposite to Howe occur. when Hockey — that’s Gordie I guess what I’m saying is that played for you late-to-the-NHL Avs fans— perhaps to get out in of Canada our ownwith for them.it’s Ortime Hockey Night perspective. plenty Don Cherry. There’s Or laughing at of thehistory story my books and historical there to dad always told aboutresearch my momout realizing beginactually to understand thatand all of hason there were blue redthis lines happened Andgames it willinagain, the ice afterbefore. watching black and whether theit’s topic people or government. white.

But alsoisfrom drinking from the TheCup bestatrecommendation is and to find Stanley Dick O’Dow’s bar then some books thatuntil whole hanging withor thetry team theGoogle sun came thing.

There’s lot of you-know-what information on out the up.

Beating thealiving Great Depression.

Theeither. truth is it wasn’t of the Avs never hurt, evenWhy a good one love untilthe theLions, government do you Craig? got alsoNor plenty research Iinvolved. honestly There’s don’t know. doesofany on thefan. medieval warmtimes period when thea Lions Then again, seem to be planet wasBut much warmer with changin’. growing up, Ithan was today constantly a whole lot lesslast people (and warmer well reminded their championship was on before man wedding was hereday. at all).

Andexpect yep, my parents’ I don’t people have surprised their next onebeen — ifkilling there isother one — will be people on mine.since LOL.history was first written. somedone research stop IMaybe could have this will all inhelp a few all of these trends.

Otherwise, we’lland be I words.

It’s how I talked to my dad, saying we’ve never seen anything like ithein cherish the memories.

And, boy, would ourhappy lives. today.

And not in a good way. be publisher of of the the Craig Hall is owner and publisher 424-5133 Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. ✦ F

January 11-24, 2024

The Business Times

Page 27

Reflection confirms Latest survey reveals U.S. clearly headed small business insights in the wrong direction on big economic issues Resolutions are a common tradition at the beginning of a new year. Less popular is the idea of reflection — looking back so the view looking forward is clearer.

Writer and teacher Margaret J. Wheatley expressed the importance of reflection this way: “Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences and failing to achieve anything useful.”

According to polls taken in 2023, the majority of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. In January, an NBC poll indicated 71 percent were dissatisfied.

In June 2023, the Phyllis AP-NORC poll Hunsinger reflected 85 percent dissatisfaction.

In November, an ABC News/Ipsos Poll found 76 percent of Americans disapproved of the country’s direction.

This level of dissatisfaction by Americans for government policies is noteworthy. Reflection is needed to determine how the country has veered so far off track.

What were the ideals and principles that made this country great? What was unique about this country that provided economic and quality of life opportunities to its citizens? Is it possible to hit reset?

The notion of property rights is key to the uniqueness and success of the United States. This means everyone has a right to the fruits of his or her labor, the right to own both physical and intellectual property and the right to make determinations about that property. Capitalism, the economic system under which America has thrived since its formation, is predicated upon the right to own property. Our founders established a government whose responsibility was to protect the individual property rights of its citizens.

These days, individuals appear to have been relegated in importance to groups. Individual responsibility, effort and merit are rarely recognized as positive characteristics. Groups of people perceiving themselves as bound together by race, lifestyle choice or discrimination have lobbied for and received special treatment at the expense of individuals whose rights are often trampled in the process. The Declaration of Independence speaks of individual rights, not group rights. Failure to recognize individual rights takes the journey in the wrong direction.

Poll results indicate displeasure with most aspects of American leadership.

They’re a response to individual rights, taxation, immigration and economic

policies. There’s a recognition something is dreadfully wrong in America.

Larry Reed, president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, presented to high school students attending the Western Slope Economic Leadership Conference at Colorado Mesa University in November his seven principles of free enterprise. Reed said these fundamental truths serve as the foundation for a free enterprise system: n Free people aren’t equal. Equal people aren’t free. n What is yours you tend to take care of. What belongs to everybody (or nobody) falls apart. The importance of property rights and protecting those rights is key. n Think of the long run, not just the short run. Think of all people, not just some people. This is the law of unintended consequences. n If you encourage something, you get more of it. If you discourage something, you get less. People respond to incentives and disincentives. Creators shouldn’t be vilified. n Nobody spends someone else’s money as carefully as his or her own. n A government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everything you have. n Character makes all the difference in the world.

The founders of the United States placed governance in the hands of the people by designing a representative system in which citizens have the power of the ballot box. If the country is headed in the wrong direction, the blame must be placed squarely on we the people. When voters abandon the principles of free enterprise in exchange for the government picking winners and losers, rewarding some groups at the expense of others, wasteful use of taxpayer funds and growing government and indebtedness, it’s little wonder the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction.

Serious reflection on where we’ve have been and where we’re headed is important. Now to the last question. Is it be possible to hit reset? Perhaps not.

Phyllis Hunsinger is founder of the Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise Foundation in Grand Junction.

The FREE Foundation provides resources to students and teachers in Western Colorado to promote the understanding of economics, financial literacy and free enterprise. A former teacher, principal and superintendent, Hunsinger wrote “Down and Dirty: A ‘How To’ Math Book.” Reach Hunsinger by email at phyllis@free-dom.us.com. For more information about the FREE Foundation, log on to www.free-dom.us.com.

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Elected officials, policymakers, analysts and talking heads would be wise to keep in mind entrepreneurship is essential to economic, income and employment growth in the United States. Indeed, the U.S. economy very much is a small business economy — illustrated by the fact 98 percent of all businesses (employer firms and nonemployers) have fewer than 20 employees. Consequently, the views and expectations of small business owners should matter to us all.

The latest Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council Small Business Check Up Survey is filled to the brim with critical findings regarding the views of small business owners on a host of issues. Let’s take a quick a look at small business views on the economy: n Small business owners are positive on the current business environment, and that’s great. Indeed, 42 percent say it’s good and 20 percent excellent. n Looking at economic conditions over the next six months, 37 percent see matters getting worse, 32 percent conditions to remain about the same and 27 percent Raymond expect anticipate improvement.

Keating n Entrepreneurs are worried about the economy over the coming year, with 87 percent concerned about inflation — 49 percent very concerned and 38 percent somewhat concerned. Meanwhile, 81 percent are concerned about a slowdown or recession — 43 percent very concerned and 38 percent somewhat concerned. In fact, 71 percent of small business owners say they’re actively preparing for a recession.

Finally, it’s not surprising Elected officials and most entrepreneurs tend to be optimistic about the outlook for their political appointees their businesses. It’s hard to be an need to take these entrepreneur and remain pessimist assessments seriously about one’s own venture. But that optimism about their businesses given the primary role sometimes align with and sometimes small businesses play in strays from small business owners’ our economy. views on the broader economy.

That’s the current case, according to SBE Council survey. While 61 percent of small business owners are optimistic about own enterprises, 38 percent had a poor and 33 percent a fair outlook for the economy in 2024.

Elected officials and their political appointees need to take these assessments seriously given the primary role small businesses play in our economy.

Too many elected officials seem content spending time, resources and political capital attacking and undermining their favorite political targets — from leading technology or pharmaceutical businesses to immigrants who meet labor needs and start businesses. Such political crusades only inflict additional burdens on small businesses that drive tech and pharmaceutical innovations, seek employees and generate growth in nearly all other industries thanks to native-born and foreign-born entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs, investors and workers who build businesses would be far better served with politics being pushed aside in favor of sound economic policies focused on tax and regulatory relief, advancing free trade, protecting property rights, pushing forward with welcoming immigration reforms and reining in government spending. That’s not to mention sound monetary policy focused solely on price stability.

Raymond Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. The nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy, education and research organization works to protect small business and promote entrepreneurship.

For additional information, log on https://sbecouncil.org.

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SHARE YOUR VIEWS The Business Times welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor on issues affecting businesses in western Colorado. Submissions should be emailed to phil@thebusinesstimes.com and include names and telephone numbers for verification.

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n TWO GRAND VALLEY EATERIES RECEIVE BEST OF COLORADO AWARDS

Two Grand Valley eateries were among the latest winners of Best of Colorado awards presented by a publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association.

Spoons bistro and bakery received the award for serving the best brunch. Graff Dairy received the award for best ice cream. All six winners are featured in the January issue of Colorado Country Life magazine.

“It is wonderful to have one third of the Rita Sanders winners in our backyard,” said Rita Sanders, director of marketing and communications for Grand Valley Power in Grand Junction. “This representation is a testament to the culinary gems on the Western Slope.”

Colorado Country Life asked readers to nominate their favorite food places in six categories. The other winners were Lu’s in Blanca for best green chili, the Stumbling Moose in Pitkin for best hamburger, Colorado Cherry Co. in Lyons for best pie and Bird Dog in Colorado Springs for best barbecue.

“We are excited to recognize these establishments that contribute to the thriving food culture in our wonderful state,” said Kylee Coleman, editor of Colorado Country Life. “These winners exemplify the culinary creativity and community focused dedication that cultivate fans and repeat customers.”

The Colorado Rural Electric Association serves member cooperatives that in turn serve nearly 1.5 million rural electric customers in the state. Grand Valley Power serves 19,000 meters in Mesa County and surrounding areas. n PALISADE GALLERY BENEFIT EVENT RAISES MORE THAN $1,0000 FOR HOPEWEST

Craig Gallery in Palisade donated $1,040 to HopeWest, proceeds from a holiday fund-raising event.

Participating artists adorned works of art with a bow and pledged 100 percent of the proceeds from their sale to HopeWest.

Tammy Craig, owner of the gallery, pledged 10 percent of sales for that day. “We were very pleased with the attendance at our first Put a Bow On It holiday gathering and plan to make it an annual event,” Craig said.

Located at 128 E. Third St in downtown Palisade, the gallery offers a variety of pieces, including ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photographs and sculptures. For additional information, call (970) 361-1045 or visit https://craiggallerypalisade.com.

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Family Health West in Fruita has received recognition for its performance as a rural hospital and its therapy programs.

Family Health West received a 2023 Performance Leadership Award in the category of patience perspective. Compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, the awards recognize rural hospitals. Family Health West was one of nine Colorado hospitals to receive awards.

“It is a testament to our deep commitment to exceptional healing and patient-centered care to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Korrey Klein, Korrey Klein president and chief executive officer of Family Health West.

“We don’t treat patients for an outcome of recognition. But when it organically presents itself, it reinforces our standards are high and our caregiving is higher.”

Family Health West also was named the 2023 best therapy program on the Western Slope by readers of the Colorado Sun. Family Health West offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation as well as occupational, physical and speech therapy. Its pediatric rehabilitation therapy program is the largest between Denver and Salt Lake City.

“We appreciate the recognition for the hard work, speciality skills and professional services our rehab teams provide to our patients,” said Brandon Kiser, director of hospital rehabilitation.

John Weirath, director of pediatric rehabilitation, agreed.

“We greatly appreciate this recognition for both outpatient and pediatric services across all discplines for rehab therapy services.”

Family Health West operates a hospital, emergency room and specialty clinics. For more information, visit https://fhw.org.

n EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS DONATES TO FOOD BANK AFTER HOLIDAY DRIVE Express Employment Professionals offices in Grand Junction and Montrose presented a financial donation to Food Bank of the Rockies as part of an annual holiday hiring drive.

Express Employment Professionals donated money to the food bank for each employee placed during November and December. The Abram and Ray Kaplan Foundation matched Nina Anderson the gift.

“To give the gift of employment is more than just placing someone in a job. It’s about providing an opportunity for people to be productive and to take care of their families,” said Nina Anderson, chief executive officer and owner of the Grand Junction and Montrose offices. “Regardless how small it may seem, it’s an opportunity for people to have their dignity.”

In Grand Junction, Express Employment Professionals operates offices at 725 Pitkin Ave. For additional information, call 242-4500 or visit https://www.expresspros.com/grandjunctionco. n CARDS FOR A CAUSE FUND-RAISER PLANNED TO SUPPORT WARRIOR WELLNESS CENTER The Evening Group of the Rotary Club of Grand Junction has scheduled a benefit event to raise money for mental health services at the Central High School Warrior Wellness Center.

Operated by MarillacHealth, the center provides medical, dental and behavioral health care to students and staff.

A Texas hold ’em poker game is set for noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Moose Lodge, 587 25 1/2 Road in Grand Junction.

The public is invited to participate. Reservations are required.

Participants can purchase a table for eight for $1,000 or play as individuals for $100. Admission will include lunch, a drink ticket and special gift. For reservations or more information, visit https://bit.ly/3Telj1N or call Martha at (970) 200-1628.

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Colorado moves ahead in latest U-Haul migration analysis Colorado ranks among the top 10 destinations for do-it-yourself movers, according to the latest analysis of national migration trends based on U-Haul truck rentals.

Colorado climbed two spots to ninth in the 2023 analysis conducted by U-Haul. Colorado ranked among the top 10 growth states for the third time in four years.

U-Haul bases its U-Haul Growth Index on one-way trucks entering and leaving states and cities during a calendar year.

U-Haul handles more than 2.5 million one-way truck rental transactions a year in the United States and Canada.

One-way U-Haul customers arriving in Colorado fell 1 percent from 2022 while departures also fell 1 percent.

January 11-24, 2024

Do-it-yourself movers arriving in Colorado accounted for 50.2 percent of one-way traffic in and out of the state, while departments accounted for 49.8 percent of one-way traffic.

Texas netted the largest number of movers in one-way U-Haul equipment in 2023, the third consecutive year it finished atop the U-Haul Growth Index. Florida ranked second for the third year in a row, followed by North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Idaho, Washington, Arizona and Virginia rounded out the top 10 states for growth.

California experienced the largest net loss of one-way movers for a fourth straight year.

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January 11-24, 2024

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n FAMILY PRACTITIONER JOINS RED CANYON FAMILY MEDICINE

Dr. Christine Tardif has joined Red Canyon Family Medicine in Fruita, Tardif brings to her new role 25 years of clinical experience as a family practitioner. She received a medical degree from Pennsylvania State University and completed her residency at the University of Arizona at Tucson.

She subsequently practiced in a variety Christine Tardif of settings, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency departments, nursing homes and hospices. She also joined in efforts to provide disaster aid in Haiti and Kenya.

Red Canyon Family Medicine, a division of Primary Care Partners, operates offices at 435 Kokopelli Blvd., Unit C. For more information or an appointment, call (970) 256-5285. n GRAND JUNCTION REAL ESTATE FIRM HONORS BEST-SELLING AGENTS Anthony Heiden and Kathy Tomkins were honored as the top performing agents for December at Heiden Homes Realty in Grand Junction.

Heiden, managing broker of the firm, posted the highest dollar volume in sales for the month. Tomkins had the most closings.

Heiden was born and raised in Anthony Heiden the Grand Valley. He joined Heiden Homes in 2020. Tomkins brings to her duties experience as the owner of a mobile home supply business and general contractor.

Heiden Homes operates offices at 735 Rood Ave. For more information, including properties for sale or rent, visit www.heidenhomescom or call (970) 245-7777.

Kathy Tomkins

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The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business People and the Almanac calendar of events. Submissions may be emailed to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submitted online at the website located at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

Jen Pedersen

Kerry Philllips

Dakotah Grett

n ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES BOARD APPOINTMENTS Jen Pedersen, Kerry Phillips and Dakotah Grett have been appointed to the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. They will join in efforts to oversee the foundation and participate in fund-raising and outreach activities.

Pedersen, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties, has been active in the Grand Junction community for more than two decades.

Phillips owns Kerry Phillips Shelter Insurance Agency in Grand Junction and has been active in Business Networking International and the Mesa County Women’s Network.

Grett works as a consultant with ImageNet Consulting, which provides information technology solutions to businesses and organizations across the country.

Carmen Shipley, executive director of the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, welcomed the three trustees. “Their knowledge, skills and experience will help the foundation serve the health care needs of our community and advance St. Mary’s Hospital mission.”

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Mesa County commissioners elect board leader Bobbie Daniel has been elected chairwoman of the Mesa County Board of Commissioners.

Daniel succeeds Commissioner Janet Rowland, who served in 2023.

“As we step into a new year, I am honored to accept the role of chair of the Mesa County Board of Commissioners,” Daniel said. “I am grateful for this opportunity to serve Bobbie Daniel alongside my colleagues, and I am eager to carry forward the dedicated service exemplified by my predecessor,” Daniel said.

The leadership of the three-member board is typically

assigned on a rotating basis at the beginning of each year.

As chairwoman, Daniel presides at meetings and signs county orders. She also votes on all questions before the board unless she’s excused by a standing rule or the consent of the other members.

Daniel also represents Mesa County on other boards, including agricultural advisory and animal services boards, the Federal Mineral Lease District Board of Directors, Grand Junction Economic Partnership, Mesa County Workforce Development Board, Parks Improvement Advisory Board and Western Colorado Business Development Corporation Board. In addition, Daniel serves on the Colorado and Gunnison river basin roundtables.

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January 11-24, 2024

Jan. 11 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Fruita Community Center, 324 N. Coulson St. Admission $5 for chamber members, $15 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Jan. 12 n Palisade Chamber of Commerce and La Plaza growers listening session, noon, Talbott’s Tasting Room, 3782 F 1/4 Road. Lunch provided. Chamber members attend at no charge. Others pay $5.

464-7458 or https://palisadecoc.com Jan. 19 n Coffee Club networking meeting and presentation

by Lighthouse HR Support, 9 to 10 a.m., FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://gjincubator.org or https://fruitachamber.org Jan. 24 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce community and coffee event, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Adobe Creek National Golf Course, 876 18 1/2 Road. Chamber members may attend at no charge. Others will pay $10. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon to 1 p.m., Ristorante Pantuso, 421 Brach Drive. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org Upcoming n Mesa County Workforce Summit, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 25, Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom, Grand Junction. Admission $55 for individuals and $400 for a table for eight. lindsay.bullock@mesacounty.us or 248-7562 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking group, noon to 1 p.m.

Jan. 25, Enzo’s, 707 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction.

858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce members only business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Jan. 30, Mama Ree’s Pizza + Brewhouse, 644 North Ave. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 8, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2936 North Ave, Grand Junction.

Admission $5 for chamber members, $15 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce trip to the Colorado Legislature in Denver, Feb. 22 and 23. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. March 1, Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce women’s conference, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 13, Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org F

January 11-24, 2024

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January 11-24, 2024