The Business Times Volume 30 Issue 2

In this issue

THE BUSINESS TIMES News Trends

n 2022 impact

The 2022 efforts of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership resulted in nearly $15.7 million in economic impacts.

n Bloomin’ venture

Garvey’s Gardens, a Palisade flower farm, plans to soon open a florist shop in downtown Grand Junction.

More than $9.6 million in funding has been allocated to help Colorado communities transition from the coal industry.

n Best places

Contributors Opinion Business Briefs

A coming attraction

n Marketing efforts result in growing recognition of Grand Junction. Page 2

Business People Almanac

Colorado ranks fourth in the latest results of an annual analysis of the best and worst states to start businesses.

n Rate retreats

The monthly jobless rate has retreated to its lowest level since 2019 as recovery continues in Mesa County.

n In like a lion

The new year has come in like a really big lion in terms of labor isssues. And it’s anyone’s guess how it will go out.

Business Times photo by Phil Castle

Elizabeth Fogarty serves as director of Visit Grand Junction, the city’s destination marketing organization.

Trends

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership assisted with business attraction and expansion efforts in 2022 that resulted in a total economic impact of nearly $15.7 million, according to an annual report from the organization.

Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

“We are very pleased with our endof-year numbers and are excited to share our economic impact and return on investment with our community,”

GJEP Executive Director Curtis Englehart stated in a news release. “2022 was a very successful year, and we have great momentum as we start 2023.”

GJEP reported seven of what it termed “wins” — business relocations or expansions — and an additional nine local assists in 2022.

Those wins included EquipmentShare, a construction technology company that expanded into the Grand Junction area. MotoMinded, a motorcycle lighting and accessories manufacturer, relocated from Colorado Springs. Spares in Motion, a global wind turbine parts and repair company, opened its first North American location in Grand Junction.

GJEP assistance in 2022 resulted in 83 actual jobs created and 333 potential jobs, more than $8.9 million in economic impact from job creation, more than $4 million in total capital expenditures and almost $6.8 million in economic impact from capital expenditures.

EquipmentShare alone created 13 new jobs with an average annual salary of $50,000 and spent $3 million in purchasing a building.

Englehart said every $1 invested in GJEP returned $20 in economic impact.

GJEP experienced a year of change in 2022. Englehart was hired as executive director in August after working more than five years as director of the Mesa County Workforce Center.

While Steve Jozefczyk transitioned from interim director back to deputy director, Selena Sanchez joined GJEP as director of marketing and communications and Karen Mahoney was hired as office manager.

Englehart said he expects more wins in 2023 as GJEP continues to work with several prospects, including those in the outdoor recreation, manufacturing and technology sectors.

lizabeth Fogarty deems the inclusion of Grand Junction in an annual go-to list of global destinations published in the New York Times a significant milestone in local efforts to promote travel and tourism. “It’s considered PR gold in the travel industry.”

But it’s only the latest media coverage to bring growing recognition to Grand Junction as well as growing awareness of a brand Fogarty has helped develop and promote in her nearly five years as director of Visit Grand Junction, the city’s destination marketing organization.

Grand Junction also was featured in a story published in May in the Wall Street Journal and was the subject of a five-page spread in the September issue of Red Bulletin, an international lifestyle magazine published by the Red Bull energy drink company. That’s not to mention stories in Forbes Advisor and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranking Grand Junction among the best places to live in Colorado and best places to retire.

By one measure for 2022, Grand Junction was included in 58 media placements worth the equivalent of nearly $3.3 million in paid advertising, Fogarty says.

Visit Grand Junction won the outstanding marketing program award presented at the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference last fall for three episodes about the Grand Valley that appeared on an Outside TV series and garnered more than 37 million views.

Fogarty expects the coverage to inspire increased travel to Grand Junction and spending in local hotels, restaurants and

stores. That’s the point, she says, and it’s a consequential one.

Visitor spending accounts for about a third of city sales tax collections, a key indicator of retail activity. A recent study estimated outdoor recreation alone contributes more $484 million to the Mesa County economy and accounts for nearly 10,000 jobs.

Other efforts by Visit Grand Junction use data to deliver promotional messages to the right demographics at the right times. Using $1 million in American Rescue Plan funding, Fogarty expects the organization to share data with local businesses to help them market their products and services on social media and websites.

Other plans involve collaborations with local public land management organizations to help spread out mountain bikers and hikers on local trails while also directing more traffic to local businesses.

And with Grand Junction well positioned to take advantage of a number of national travel trends, Fogarty says she’s excited about the year ahead. “We’re optimistic about 2023.”

Grand Junction is the 45th destination in the New York Times list of 52 places to go in 2023 — between Madrid in Spain and La Guajira in Colombia. London tops a list that includes destinations around the globe offering adventure, culture, food and natural beauty.

Grand Junction is among an even dozen destinations in the United States on the list that includes the Black Hills in South Dakota, Monument Valley in Arizona and prairie in Montana.

Elizabeth Fogarty, director of Visit Grand Junction, looks over a Sunday travel section from the New York Times that includes Grand Junction among 52 places to go in 2023. Fogarty considers inclusion on the annual list public relations gold that reflects the efforts of the destination marketing organization to promote the area.

Curtis Englehart

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. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or advertisers.

Copyright © 2023 — All rights reserved

Business blooming for local operation

Flower farm opening downtown florist shop

Phil Castle Business Times

Sydney Garvey has sold flowers by subscription, at farmers markets and from her farm near Palisade.

But she’s excited about soon selling flowers from yet another venue — a florist shop she’s about to open in downtown Grand Junction. “It’s, in my opinion, a perfect location.”

Flowers by Garvey’s Gardens is expected to open in time for customers to pick up bouquets for Valentine’s Day.

She’s accepting orders that will be ready for pickup on Feb. 14 at the shop. Those who miss the ordering period also can purchase wrapped bouquets on Valentine’s Day while supplies last.

The store will be located in a small building at 137 N. Fifth St. that once housed Snap Photo. Garvey said it’s a well-known and distinctive place that offers a central location in the Grand Valley, nearby parking and proximity to professional offices downtown. “It’s in a good spot.”

The shop is the next step in what for Garvey and her husband, Justen, is a growing operation in every sense of the word.

They moved to the Grand Valley in 2015 and purchased a 3-acre property off 33 Road on East Orchard Mesa.

In early 2020, Garvey survived a life-threatening pregnancy complication, but lost her daughter, Maeve, 45 minutes after birth.

While Garvey previously worked as

a teacher, she said she changed directions with a renewed interest in gardening. She took several classes in planting, garden design and flower farming.

She planted something of a test garden in 2020 that proved successful, she said. “It just bloomed it’s head off.”

She expanded her intensive planting in 2021 and began selling flowers at farmers markets in Grand Junction and Palisade. She expanded further in 2022 and also started supplying flowers for weddings.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

For more information about Flowers by Garvey’s Gardens and Garvey’s Gardens and to place orders for Valentine’s Day arrangements, log on to www.flowersbygarveysgardens.com or call (970) 730-8644.

Sydney Garvey expects to open a florist shop in a small downtown Grand Junction building that once housed Snap Photo. The shop will serve as a retail outlet for the flowers Garvey grows on her Palisade farm. (Business Times photos by Phil Castle)

Sydney Garvey creates bouquets with flowers from her own farm in Palisade as well as flowers she buys from other family operations in the United States.

Funding earmarked to support transition from coal industry

More than $9.6 million has been allocated for grants to assist communities in western Colorado and elsewhere in the state transition from economies dependent on coal-fired power plants and coal mines.

The Office of Just Transition within the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment and Office of Economic Development & International Trade have joined to provide coal transition community grants. These grants are intended to support regional economic and work force development activities that expand businesses, create new jobs and diversity and strengthen local economies.

“Colorado is leading the nation when it comes to showing a commitment to the communities that will be most adversely impacted by this transition,” said Joe Barela, executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “Colorado’s Office of Just Transition is the first of its kind dedicated to addressing this challenge, and these grants will help those communities that are most heavily impacted as they move away from coal dependence.”

Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Office of Economic Development & International Trade, said funding will ensure a Colorado economy that works for everyone. “Our coal communities are hard working and resilient. And with the right resources and support, we are confident they will thrive into the future.”

Utilities have committed to closing the last eight coal-fired power plants in Colorado by 2031, which in turn could result in the closure of some of the six remaining coal mines and also affect the businesses that support these power plants and mines. It’s estimated more than 800 power plant workers, more than 800 miners and an additional 1,000 supply chain workers will have to transition into new jobs or be offered viable retirement options as the coal industry winds down. In addition, a collective $3.2 billion in commercial property value will need to be replaced.

Between the Office of Just Transition and Office of Economic Development & International Trade a total of $9.62 million has been allocated for coal transition community grants. They include:

n $5,152,538 for the Yampa Valley in northwest Colorado. n $3,058,192 for the west end of Montrose County. n $471,423 in total for Delta, El Paso, Gunnison, La Plata and Larimer counties. n $471,423 for Pueblo County.

n $471,423 for Morgan County.

The Office of Just Transition and Office of Economic Development & International Trade have started seeking funding proposals from coal transition communities and will review them on a rolling basis. Staff from both offices will visit the communities through February to help with the application process and identifying eligible projects.

F

Rural mental health grants awarded

The Colorado Agricultural Commission has approved nearly $200,000 in funding for four projects through a new rural mental health grant program.

“Farm and agricultural stress comes from so many different sources, yet there is a stigma around accessing services. Whether you’re dealing with the effects of climate change, anxiety and depression, struggling after deployment or wrestling with other symptoms, rural communities have unique needs and need more opportunity to access services that can help,” said Kate Greenberg, Colorado commissioner of agriculture. “The number of applications the program received shows there is an extreme need across Colorado to support mental and behavioral health services in our rural communities.”

Grants were awarded to:

n Community Health Initiatives to provide resilience and skills training to at-risk communities in Western Colorado.

n Loving Beyond Understanding for services for the LGBTQ+ community, including communities in western Colorado.

n Northwest Colorado Health to provide behavioral health services during primary and dental visits in Routt and Moffat counties.

n Project Protect Food Systems Workers to distribute care kits and perform mental and behavioral health outreach to agricultural workers across the state.

The four projects will touch 34 rural Colorado counties and provide services to several different at-risk and underserved populations.

Joe Barela

Eve Lieberman

Colorado fourth among best states to start a business

Colorado ranks fourth among the 50 states in the latest results of an annual analysis of the best and worst places to start businesses.

WalletHub, a personal finance website, compared all 50 states for business environment, access to resources and business costs. A total of 27 metrics were used to evaluate those factors — everything from average work week, five-year small business survival rate and startups per capita to corporate taxes, office space affordability and proportion of college-education population.

HOW STATES COMPARE

The report is available online at https://wallethub.com/ edu/best-states-to-start-a-business/36934.

Colorado moved from 10th in the 2022 ranking to

fourth in the 2023 ranking with an overall score of 56.14 out of a possible 100.

Colorado ranked fourth for business environment and seventh for access to resources, but 35th for business costs.

Colorado ranked first in the analysis for the amount of venture investment per capita, second for the most educated population, seventh for average growth in the number of small businesses, 18th for the average length of the work week in hours and 24th for the availability of human capital.

Grand Junction ranked 33rd in a 2022 WalletHub

analysis of the best and worst small cities to start a business.

Denver ranked sixth, Colorado Springs ninth and Aurora 12th in a 2022 analysis of the best and worst large cities to start a business.

In the 2023 analysis of states, Utah was first overall with the top ranking for access to resources. Utah ranked seventh for business environment and 32nd for business costs. Florida ranked second, followed by Texas, Colorado and Idaho. Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma and California rounded out the top 10.

Alaska ranked as the worst state in which to start a business, followed by Connecticut, West Virginia, New Jersey and Rhode Island. Wyoming, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Virginia, Maryland and Missouri rounded out the bottom 10.

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Grand Junction announces hiring of police chief

A man who’s served nearly 25 years in a series of roles with the Grand Junction Police Department has been selected as the next chief of police.

Matt Smith succeeds Doug Shoemaker, who resigned to take a job as police chief in Denton, Texas.

Grand Junction City Manager Greg Caton announced Smith’s selection.

“He was selected based on his experience in law enforcement as well as having a reputation as a strong, compassionate leader,” Caton said.

“We believe his longstanding relationships will help create an environment of mutual trust and cooperation within the Grand Junction community.”

A field of 31 applicants was narrowed to three finalists: Smith; Andy Harvey, former chief of police for the City of Pharr, Texas; and Jim Hughes, former chief of police for the City of Maricopa, Ariz.

Smith served as interim police chief for three months and deputy chief for the past three years. During that time, he oversaw the operations division, which includes patrol and uniformed personnel.

He joined the department in 1999 and served as a sergeant and commander. He also worked as a detective on the Grand Valley Joint Drug Task Force as well as a special weapons and tactics officer.

He started his career with the Cortez Police Department and also served in the Navy.

He’s a member of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Executive Research Forum and FBI National Academy Associates.

Here are the best and worst states in which to start a business, according to a WalletHub study: 1. Utah 50. Alaska

Florida 49. Connecticut

Texas 48. West Virginia

Colorado 47. New Jersey

Idaho 46. Rhode Island

Matt Smith

Greg Caton

Acquisition adds to Mesa County conservation area

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management field office in Grand Junction joined with Western Rivers Conservancy to acquire land within a conservation area in Mesa County.

Located on the Gunnison River within the DominguezEscalante National Conservation Area, the 26.32-acre acquisition is expected to protect resources for future generations.

“This acquisition will benefit the public and our national conservation lands,” said Amber Koski, manager of the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. “We have great partners, such as Western Rivers Conservancy, that assist the BLM in acquiring lands for the public to enjoy and cherish here on the Western Slope.”

Nearly 30 miles of the Gunnison River flow through the 210,172-acre Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. This section of river is listed as critical habitat for two

federally endangered fish species, the Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker. The acquired property also is located on a popular stretch of river for boating and offers other scenic and recreation values.

The BLM has joined with Western Rivers Conservancy to purchase and conserve riverfront inholdings in the national conservation area since its creation in 2009.

This is the sixth property that Western Rivers Conservancy has purchased along the lower Gunnison River and transferred to the BLM as part of its broader effort to conserve lands within the national conservation area. The partnership began with two acquisition projects in 2012 and 2013 totaling more than 560 acres.

To date, Western Rivers Conservancy and the BLM have acquired more than 7 miles of the lower Gunnison in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area as

well as downstream in the Bangs Canyon Special Recreation Management Area.

“We’re thrilled to see a decade of hard work pay off with this parcel along the Gunnison protected and another crucial property included in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area,” said Sue Doroff, president of Western Rivers Conservancy. “The Gunnison is a lifeline through this arid western Colorado landscape, and protecting vulnerable land along the river is crucial to the health of the entire conservation area.”

Western Rivers Conservancy acquires lands along rivers throughout the West to conserve critical habitat and create or improve public access. By cooperating with local agencies and organizations, Western Rivers Conservancy strives to protect ecosystem health. F

Public meeting set for Grand Junction to gather comments on BLM solar plan

An upcoming meeting in Grand Junction will offer participants an opportunity to comment on solar energy development on U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands in the West.

“The BLM is committed to expanding renewable energy development on public lands to help lead the nation into a clean energy future, enhance America’s energy security and provide for goodpaying union jobs,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “We look forward to hearing from the public on effective ways to expand our nation’s capacity for producing solar energy while continuing to ensure robust protection of our public lands and waters.”

The meeting is scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Whitewater and Kannah Rooms of the Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. A virtual meeting also is set for 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

The meetings are part of a series of scoping sessions scheduled through February in western states and Washington, D.C., to gather comments on updates to an environmental impact statement for BLM utility scale solar energy planning.

The BLM is considering updates to its 2012 western solar plan that included six southwestern states — Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. The BLM also seeks comments on expanding solar planning to include Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

A public comment period on updates to the solar plan will remain open for 15 days after the last public scoping meeting.

For more information on meetings and to view the notice of intent to update the impact statement, visit the BLM web site at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/ project/2022371/570.

T. Stone-Manning

Survey results reflect support for Colorado ag

The results of a new survey reveal nearly unanimous support among Coloradans for the agriculture industry in the state.

Fully 98 percent of those responding to a survey conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado State University said the food and ag industry is important to economic development; farms, ranches and agriculture are important to quality of life; and that land and water should be maintained for agricultural purposes.

Since 1996, the CDA and CSU have joined to conduct the Public Attitudes About Colorado Agriculture survey every five years. The 2022 survey, conducted in the fall,

surveyed more than 1,100 Coloradans.

“This survey shows Coloradans want to buy local products and that they care about where their food comes from. This is an incredible opportunity for Colorado agriculture to showcase the diversity of production and people who grow and raise our food and to highlight Colorado ag’s commitment to soil, water and climate stewardship and economic resilience,” said Kate Greenberg, Colorado agriculture commissioner. “Favorable public attitude toward agriculture is crucial to the longer-term sustainability of Colorado’s food and ag industry and consumer awareness will help us build new local and regional markets for Colorado producers looking to reach their neighbors.”

According to the survey, more than 90 percent of Coloradans rank agriculture among their top three most

important ways Colorado can use its water, and 98 percent said land and water resources should be used to support efforts to increase food security.

“Colorado agriculture is remarkable in its grit and effectiveness when cultivating innovation and wisely stewarding our natural resources. The implications of the survey results are clear. Coloradans support agriculture,” said James Pritchett, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at CSU. “Investing in agricultural sciences and education catalyzes farmer and rancher prosperity and ensures a robust food system for the security of Colorado’s citizens. We need an agriculture that is consumer-responsive and climate-resilient. Colorado State University is proud to partner in this survey and excited to invest in the future of Colorado agriculture.”

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Applicants sought for speciality crop funding program

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 24 for a specialty crop block grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

“Specialty crop block grants provide an opportunity for producers to invest in projects that boost competitiveness and production efficiency,” said Tom Lipetzky, director of the Colorado Department of Agriculture Markets Division. “By funding projects that impact and produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and consumers, these grants benefit Colorado as a whole.”

Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables as well as dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops and tree nuts.

About $700,000 will be available for the latest grant program, with approved projects starting early in 2024.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture partners with state departments of agriculture to increase the competitiveness of specialty crops in areas such as education, nutrition, marketing, promotion, research and trade.

Priorities for the Colorado specialty crop program include supporting the next generation of farmers and ranchers; reaching diverse and underserved communities; scaling up high-value agriculture and diverse market opportunities; and promoting and incentivizing soil, water and climate stewardship.

Applicants should submit a concept proposal outlining their proposed projects. A committee will review proposals. Those selected will be invited to submit full applications.

Concept proposals must be received electronically at cda_scbgp@state.co.us, by 5 p.m. Feb. 24. Program guidelines and application materials are available on the CDA specialty crops block grants website.

Kate Greenberg

Tom Lipetzky

Tickets available for Banff film festival

Tickets are on sale for an annual festival showcasing films featuring outdoor sports, remote locations and environmental issues. Stops on the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival world tour are set for Feb. 23 at the Egyptian Theater in Delta and Feb. 24 and 25 at the Avalon Theater in Grand Junction. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The films will begin at 7 p.m. A total of 24 different films will be shown .

Tickets sell for $15 in Delta and $25 plus fees in Grand Junction. A two-day pass for the Grand Junction showings also is available for $45 plus fees.

The Rotary Club of Grand Junction brings the film festival to the Grand Valley as a fund-raising event. Proceeds support the Colorado Canyons Association, Colorado Mesa University International Student Program, Colorado National Monument Association and Western Colorado Conservation Corps. Films that will be shown in Delta and Grand Junction were

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Tickets and more information about the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival world tour is available from a new local website at www.banffgj.com.

selected from among the more than 400 entries in the annual Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival in Canada. Award winners and audience favorites are selected to play in theaters around the world. With stops planned in a total of about 550 communities in more than 40 countries across the globe, the film festival tour reaches a combined audience of more than 550,000. The 2022 and 2023 world tour will include films featuring action sports, remote vistas and environmental issues.

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Library selects photographer as artist in residence

Photographer Kyle Webb will serve as the Mesa County Libraries artist in residence through April.

Webb will be available to meet people and answer questions about photography from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays through April 14 at the Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio at 502 Ouray Ave. in Grand Junction.

A series of free presentations and teen time events also are planned in the community room of the central library at 443 N. Sixth St. in Grand Junction as well as the Fruita branch library at 324 N. Coulson St.

For more information about upcoming events with Webb, log on to the library website located at https://mesacountylibraries.org.

Webb brings to his stint as artist in residence life-long experience with photography and digital cameras.

Webb studied graphic and industrial design in school, but photography was always part of his creative expressions — inspired in part by his father’s photography hobby.

Webb worked for 25 years in Irvine, Calif., as a design director and photographer specializing in event, portrait and architectural photography.

He also enjoys urbex photography and capturing images in deteriorating and abandoned structures as well as finding beauty in the forgotten and discarded, particularly with vintage lenses on his digital cameras. A car enthusiast, his portfolio also includes many automotive images.

Webb and his wife, Cinda, moved to Grand Junction in 2018. He works out of a home office as a graphic designer.

Kyle Webb, a graphic designer and photographer, serves as Mesa County Libraries artist in residence. (Photo courtesy Kyle Webb)

Food Bank offers a way to beat blues: volunteer

Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope based in Grand Junction offers a way to help people beat the winter blues that sometimes follow the holidays with openings for individual and group volunteers.

“With our new building, we are able to provide more volunteer opportunities and accommodate larger groups. We welcome all community members and enjoy having a diverse array of volunteers with us,” said Sue Ellen Rodwick, director of Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope. “Even if you are not in the Grand Valley, we still have volunteer opportunities with our mobile pantries across the Western Slope.”

Some people feel down or lethargic after the holiday season. Volunteering has been show to offer physical and mental benefits.

According to research shared by the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of volunteering include reduced stress, increased productivity, a sense of purpose and feeling of community. The research also found that volunteers over the age of 60 experienced lower rates of depression and anxiety along with greater life satisfaction and social connectedness.

“Volunteers are an essential pillar at Food Bank of the Rockies. We rely on volunteers to help our team pack boxes of dry goods, package fresh produce, sort through grocery rescue, distribute food at mobile pantries in the community and so much more,” said Gabriela Garayar, development manager for Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope.

Last year, volunteers donated a total of 89,000 hours. That’s the equivalent of more than 370 days.

Some companies offer benefits for their employees to volunteer, including paying employees during their volunteer hours and matching monetary donations to nonprofit organizations. Corporate volunteering offers opportunities for team building and community networking.

Volunteers for Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope must be at least 16 years old. Those between 14 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers must be able to move freely and lift up to 30 pounds.

For more infornation about volunteer opportunities or to schedule a group for a volunteer session, visit the website at www.foodbankrockies.org/ws and click on volunteer now. Additional information also is available by calling (970) 464-1138.

Sue Ellen Rodwick

Continued from page 2

The list hailed Grand Junction for its landscapes and outdoor recreation as well as something that’s missing from many other destinations — crowds.

The list mentions hiking in the Colorado National Monument as well as mountain biking on local trails, including the newly opened Palisade Plunge down the Grand Mesa. The list also mentions downtown breweries, restaurants and shops as well as local wineries and their tasting rooms.

Fogarty says inclusion on the list reflects the culmination of years of efforts to bring Grand Junction to the top of the minds of reporters and editors at the New York Times.

It’s a similar effort in pitching Grand Junction stories to other media outlets, she says, although coverage is never assured.

The Grand Junction brand remains young, she says, but is fast gaining recognition.

Visit Grand Junction has built on a brand that previously differentiated the Grand Valley as wine country. The wine industry remains important, Fogarty says, but efforts also market such other attributes as outdoor recreation, craft beverages and cuisine as well as art, history and shopping. That’s to mention a growing educational institution in Colorado Mesa University.

Fogarty said the brand was developed based on the suggestions and desires of residents and what they consider important about their community. “It honors the past, but markets a growing, diversified and vibrant city.”

That way, residents not only support but the brand, but also represent it, Fogarty says. One of the most frequent comments about Grand Junction posted on social media is how friendly

everyone is, she says.

In addition to media coverage, Visit Grand Junction also promotes travel and tourism through other channels.

Place Funds and games: Colorado Lottery raises $4 billion over four decades

Data science plays an increasingly significant role, Fogarty says, in targeting the right messages to potential visitors in the appropriate ways and at appropriate times. Data science also offers a way to measure campaigns and assess their effectiveness.

Using $1 million in American Rescue Plan funding, Fogarty says Visit Grand Junction will share data and techniques with local tourism-related businesses to help them with marketing. That will include assistance with websites, social media and other efforts.

Along with destination marketing, Fogarty says Visit Grand Junction is involved to a degree in destination management — making sure the area remains not only a nice place to visit, but also a nice place to live.

To that end, the organization collaborates with state and federal agencies to protect trails and public lands.

Fogarty says a web-based application is planned to help distribute mountain bikers and hikers on local trails by rewarding them for using different trails. Participants will receive points for checking out various trails they can exchange for rewards at local businesses. The app also will help drive more traffic to those businesses, she says.

As a destination that offers the amenities of both a rural and urban area as well as scenic vistas and local culture, Grand Junction is well positioned to benefit from the latest national travel trends, Fogarty says. And that bodes well for the year ahead despite the risk of recession.

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The Colorado Lottery passed the $4 billion milestone in proceeds on the 40th anniversary of selling its first scratch ticket and subsequently funding parks, open spaces, recreation and schools throughout the state.

everywhere people play in Colorado,” said Tom Seaver, director of the Colorado Lottery. “From pavilions and arenas to open space and trail support, there are lottery dollars in every state park and in hundreds of local outdoor resources in Colorado. We are looking forward to another 40 years of giving back to the great state of Colorado.”

The Colorado Lottery was created in 1983 to generate new revenue through the sale of lottery games to support the outdoors and schools.

In 1992, Coloradans voted to create a trust fund, Great Outdoors Colorado to invest in outdoor resources. GOCO has since funded a total of more than 5,600 projects in all 64 counties in the state.

Receiving half of lottery proceeds dollars, the lottery provided GOCO $73.1 million for projects in 2020.

In Mesa County, GOCO has invested more than $48.1 million in projects and partnered to conserve 18,304 acres. GOCO funding has supported the Colorado Riverfront Trail, Highline Lake State Park and Las Colonias Park as well as the restoration of Riverbend Park.

The lottery also allocates 40 percent of its proceeds to a conservation trust fund that distributes lottery dollars to all 64 counties based on population — $72.1 million last year. Colorado Parks and Wildlife receives 10 percent of lottery proceeds plus additional funding for its parks, outdoor recreation and wildlife cash funds.

The Building Excellent Schools Today fund received $9.3 million.

Of the 43 state parks, the two newest are Fishers Peak and Sweet Water Lake state parks.

Thanks in part to lottery proceeds, GOCO invested in the conservation of Greenland Ranch in 2000. The land protection effort by the landowner, Douglas County and The Conservation Fund, permanently safeguarded more than 17,000 acres between Denver and Colorado Springs along the Interstate Highway 25 corridor.

“Lottery dollars are

Tom Seaver

Blooming

Continued from page 4

Garvey said her farm specializes in growing flowers that are difficult to ship, among them anemones, dahlias and ranunculus.

In addition to flowers grown on the farm, Garvey also purchases flowers and foliage from other farms in the United States, most of them family operations.

What she doesn’t do, she said, is buy flowers imported from outside the United States. Those flowers are often treated with pesticides and preservatives — chemicals that for her triggered an allergic reaction, she said.

Garvey said no pesticides are applied on her farm, and she uses compostable and recyclable packaging as much as possible.

The downtown Grand Junction florist shop constitutes the next phase of the operation, and Garvey said she’s excited about the retail side and consistent hours — from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

The shop is small at just 700 square feet and has required some repairs and renovations, but offers a good location, she said.

The shop will offer flowers from which customers can choose for customized bouquets as well as bouquets that already have been assembled. Flowers also will be available on an a la carte basis for weddings and other events.

Garvey said she also hopes to work with downtown businesses and restaurants to supply them flowers. F

GJEP

Continued from page 2

New leads will be generated through expanded marketing efforts and trade shows, Englehart said, including the Australian International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition.

Mesa County has gained increased recognition, he said. “It is great to see the attention our community is garnering. Our marketing efforts are seeing record engagement levels, and it is also great to see additional projects and stories that highlight our local area, like Grand Junction appearing in the New York Times 52 best places to visit in 2023. It remains an exciting time for this great community.”

GJEP relies on what Englehart termed tools in attracting businesses, including the Rural Jump-Start and Opportunity Zones tax incentive programs and Las Colonias business park.

Spares in Motion was the 26th company accepted into the Rural JumpStart program in Mesa County offering participating business tax credits and cash grants.

Englehart said GJEP will continue to work with other economic development partners, including the Business Incubator Center and Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as local and state governments.

Trends

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings

s New business filings in Colorado, 43,657 in the third quarter, up 14.5 percent from the third quarter of 2021.

n Confidence

s Consumer Confidence Index 108.3 for December, up 6.9.

n Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 39.8 for the first quarter, unchanged.

t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 89.8 for December, down 2.1.

n Foreclosures

s Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 14 in December, up from 2 in December 2021.

t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 1 in December, down from 3 in December 2021.

n Indexes

t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 116.31 for December, down 0.83.

t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 110.5 for Deember, down 1%.

t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 48.4% for December, down 0.6%.

n Lodging

s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $489,521 for November, up 35.2% from November 2021.

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 271 in December, down 51.8% from December 2021.

t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $141.6 million in December, down 44.7% from December 2021.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $6.1 million for November, up 5.7% from November 2021.

s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.3 million for December, up 7.8% from December 2021.

n Unemployment

t Mesa County — 3.1% for December, down 0.5.

t Colorado — 3.3% for December, down 0.2.

t United States — 3.5% for December, down 0.1.

Jobless rate at 3-year low

Workforce center director: 2023 outlook for Mesa County encouraging

Castle Business Times

The monthly unemployment rate has retreated to its lowest level in three years as Mesa County continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

AREA JOBLESS RATES

Dec. Nov.

t Delta County 3.3 3.8

t Garfield County 2.6 3.2

t Mesa County 3.1 3.6

t Montrose County 2.9 3.2

t Rio Blanco County 3.4 4.0

Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

As efforts proceed to address labor shortages and bridge skill gaps, the outlook for 2023 remains heartening, said Lindsay Bullock, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. “I think, all in all, it’s encouraging to see where we’re going.”

The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate fell a half point to 3.1 percent in December, according to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. That’s the lowest level since the rate also stood at 3.1 percent in December 2019 and before the onset of the pandemic in the United States.

At this time last year, the rate was higher at 3.9 percent.

The jobless rate jumped to 4.5 percent in January and February 2022, but declined in seven out of the 10 subsequent months.

Between November and December, Mesa County payrolls decreased 601 to 75,581. But the number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work also decreased — 381 to 2,455. The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, shrank 982 to 78,036.

Over the past year, payrolls increased 883 — nearly 1.2 percent. The ranks of the unemployed decreased 593. The labor force grew 290.

Bullock said the number of job orders posted at the Mesa County Workforce Center continues to decline compared to last year.

For December, 589 job orders were posted, she said. That’s down more than 40 percent from the same month last year. For 2022, 9,292 orders were posted. That’s down more than 21 percent from 2021.

The 2022 numbers remained higher, however, than those for

the years before the pandemic, she said. While job orders offer a measure of labor demand, they decrease as employers fill openings, Bullock said.

Labor shortages persist for several occupations, she said, including those in health care, food service and retail.

The monthly jobless rate traditionally spikes in January in Mesa County to the highest level of the year following layoffs after the holidays and less hiring in jobs affected by winter weather. January labor estimates aren’t scheduled for release until March 13 because of annual revisions to 2022 information.

Bullock said she expects unemployment rates to remain low in 2023 as the labor market and economy recover further and efforts continue to recruit and retain more employees and bridge skill gaps between applicants and job requirements.

“I think in 2023 we’re going to continue to see that job recovery,” she said.

Seasonally unadjusted jobless rates also declined in neighboring Western Colorado counties in December — six-tenths of a point to 3.4 percent in Rio Blanco County and 2.6 percent in Garfield County, a half point to 3.3 percent in Delta County and three-tenths of a point to 2.9 percent in Montrose County.

The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate retreated two-tenths of a point to 3.3 percent as nonfarm payrolls increased 8,600 between November and December. Those numbers are based on the results of separate surveys of households and businesses.

For 2022, nonfarm payrolls increased 104,700 — an increase of 3.7 percent — with the biggest private sector gains in the professional and business services, leisure and hospitality and educational and health services sectors.

Over the past 32 months, Colorado has added 466,400 nonfarm payroll jobs, more than offsetting the 374,500 jobs lost in March and April 2020 at the onset of the pandemic.

Over the past year, the average workweek for Colorado employees on private, nonfarm payrolls shortened two-tenths of an hour to 32.9 hours. Average hourly earnings increased $2.16 to $35.52. F

Mesa County tax collections trend upward

Sales tax collections, a measure of retail activity, continue to trend upward on year-over-year basis in Mesa County.

Mesa County collected nearly $4 million in sales taxes in December, bringing total collections for 2022 to more than $48.7 million. December collections topped those for the same month a year ago by 8.9 percent. Year-end collections for 2022 topped those for 2021 by 10.2 percent.

December collections reflect November sales and the traditional start of the holiday shopping season.

Reports for Grand Junction sales, use and lodging tax collections for December and 2022 weren’t available as of the Jan. 23 production deadline for the Business Times.

Mesa County tax collections on retail sales totaled nearly $2.5 million in December, a 6.8 percent year-over-year increase. Collections rose on automobiles, clothing, general merchandise and home improvements, but declined on health and personal care items.

Sales tax collections also increased for most other industry categories, including the construction, hotel and restaurant, oil and natural gas and wholesale categories.

Mesa County collected more than $352,000 in use taxes in

December, nearly all of that imposed on automobiles purchased outside the county, but used in the county. That’s a 2.9 percent decrease from the same month a year ago.

Use tax collections increased 5 percent for 2022, however, to nearly $4.5 million.

For all of 2022, county tax collections on retail sales topped $29 million, a 7.2 percent increase from 2021. Collections increased 7.9 percent on the sale of home improvements, 8.2 percent on general merchandise and 9 percent on automobiles.

Year-end sales tax collections also increased for each of 15 industry categories with a 58.9 percent increase in transportation, 36.2 percent gain in construction and 21.1 percent jump in oil and gas.

Phil

Lindsay Bullock

Falling index still signals a recession

An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to decline, signaling recession.

The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Indicator fell 1 percent to 110.5 in December. Separate measures of current and past conditions increased, however.

“There was widespread weakness among leading indicators in December, indicating deteriorating conditions for labor markets, manufacturing, housing construction and financial markets in the months ahead,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, the senior director of economics at the Conference Board.

The Coincident Economic Index, a measure of current conditions, hasn’t declined to the same extent as the Leading Economic Index because employment and personal income remain robust, Ozyildirim said. But industrial production fell for a third straight month.

“Overall economic activity is likely to turn negative in the coming quarters before picking up again in the final quarter of 2023,” he said.

The Leading Economic Index retreated 4.2 percent over the past six months, a steeper decline than the 1.9 percent decrease in the previous six-month period.

For December, eight of 10 components of the index declined, including average weekly manufacturing hours, building permits, consumer expectations, interest rate spread, leading credit and new orders indexes and stock prices. An increase in average weekly claims for unemployment benefits also pulled down the index. New orders for capital and consumer goods increased.

The Coincident Economic Index edged up a tenth of a percent to 109.6. The index rose 1.4 percent over the past six months.

For December, three of four components of the index advanced — nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales. Industrial production declined.

The Lagging Economic Index, a measure of past performance, increased three-tenths of a percent to 117.6. The index rose 2.3 percent over the previous six months.

For December, three of seven components of the index advanced, including the average prime rate charged by banks and inventories. A decrease in the average duration of unemployment also bolstered the index. The change in labor costs and services pulled down the index, as did commercial and industrial financing. Consumer credit was unchanged.

Ataman Ozyildirim

Trends

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Initiate Conference on marketing and communications is set for Feb. 9 and 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 743 Horizon Drive in Grand Junction.

The two-day conference will feature keynote presentations and breakout sessions covering everything from budgeting, crisis communication and media interviews to brand commitment, legal issues and market research.

Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business

2023 comes in like a lion

The new year heralds changes in federal and state employment laws

According to the old expression, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. With all due respect to March, the new year already has come in like a really big lion in terms of employment issues. It’s anyone’s guess how it might go out. Here are a few things that have occurred since 2023 began:

People Almanac

The keynote presentation on Feb. 9 will feature Bengt Washburn, a standup comedian who’s performed on radio and television. The keynote presentation on Feb. 10 will feature Josh Meuwly. Meuwly runs a graphic, web and video production firm in Grand Junction and also works as an instructor at Colorado Mesa University and Western Colorado Community College.

Tickets range from $399 for both days of the conference to $199 for one day to $109 for a keynote session. To register or obtain more information, visit the website located at www.initiateconference.com.

n The next session of the Coffee Club free networking meetings is set for 9 to 10 a.m. Feb. 17 at the FWorks coworking space, 325 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita. For additional information about upcoming meetings, log on to https://gjincubator.org or https://fruitachamber.org.

n The Palisade Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its banquet for 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at Orchard River View, 3926 U.S. Highway 6 & 24. Admission is $85. For more information, visit the website at www.palisadecoc.com.

n The Federal Trade Commission proposed a new rule that would pretty much prohibit noncompete agreements. Few industries are exempted, although the ban permits certain noncompete agreements for the sale of businesses. The FTC stated in its proposed rulemaking it believes noncompete agreements prevent workers from leaving jobs, decrease competition for labor and drive down wages. The FTC also stated: “Noncompete clauses also prevent new businesses from forming, stifling entrepreneurship and prevent novel innovation which would otherwise occur when workers are able to broadly share their ideas.” The proposed rule would supersede state laws that permit noncompete agreements. Public comments will be accepted on the proposed rule through March 10. After that, the FTC could issue a new proposed rule, terminate rulemaking or move to create a final rule.

n The Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act requires employers, regardless of size or industry, to provide employees with public health emergency leave — up to 80 hours, less for part-time employees — when there’s a declared state or federal public health emergency. On Jan. 11, the U.S. Department of Health extended the declaration for another three months. Colorado employers must continue to provide employees public health emergency leave for a range of needs. They include COVID-19 symptoms, quarantining or isolating due to exposure, testing for COVID, vaccinations and their side effects.

n Since Colorado Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards (COMPS) became effective in 2020, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has released a new order each year. The latest order includes more changes. The minimum wage was $12.56 an hour ($9.54 for tipped employees) and is now $13.65 ($10.63 for tipped employees). With the change in wages, employers must post the new Publication And Yearly Calculation of Adjusted Labor Compensation, which is available on the department website. The order requires employers publishing or distributing any handbook, manual or written or posted policies to include a copy of the COMPS order or COMPS order poster. Employers must ensure the revised COMPS Order No. 38 is published with their handbooks and have the employee signoff regarding receipt.

n The Colorado Legislature already is considering employment

measures in its latest session. SB23-017 would allow employees to use accrued paid sick leave — leave under Colorado’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act — when they need to either care for a family member whose school or place of care has been closed due to inclement weather; loss of power, heating or water or other unexpected occurrences as well as grieve, attend funeral services or a memorial or deal with financial and legal matters that arise after the death of a family member. HB-1035 clarifies the length of time an employee has to file an alleged minimum wage violation claim. SB23-46 concerns calculating a covered individual’s pay when the individual takes leave under Colorado’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program.

n Speaking of FAMLI, most Colorado organizations must register with the FAMLI program and begin making premium deductions from employees paycheck starting in January 2023. That means your New Year’s resolutions should include: register your company with the online system, post the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment FAMLI poster and start making premium deductions from employees’ first paychecks

n If there’s a common theme of early 2023, it appears to be this: “Don’t forget to register.” Colorado employers are required to register their businesses with the Colorado Secured Savings Program. The program is supposed to provide businesses with a code to access this system. Keep an eye out for this email or letter and register when you receive these notices. The program is required for businesses with five or more employees, those that have been in operation for two or more years and don’t offer qualified retirement plans. This program provides benefits for employees who aren’t offered retirement plans. If your company offers a 401(K), 403(B) or other qualified plan, you don’t need to enroll in the program. But you do need to register your exemption on the program website by the indicated deadline.

In sum, 2023 has certainly come in like a lion.

Michael Santo is co-founder and managing attorney of Bechtel & Santo in Grand Junction. His practice focuses on defending companies in employment litigation, trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition and employee raiding. Reach him through the website at https://bechtelsanto.com. His column was provided by the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For more information, visit www.wchra.org F

Michael Santo

If there’s a common theme in early 2023, it appears to be this: “Don’t forget to register.”

To listen or not to listen: That’s the challenge

Ineffective communication, whether in business or life, presents the biggest obstacle to any successful relationship. And it all begins with listening. Not truly listening to others lies at the heart of everything from disgruntled team members and unsatisfied customers to failed marriages and disassociation with family.

Marcus Straub

Consider your professional and personal relationships to understand the importance of communication. In those relationships you consider most successful and fulfilling, you likely feel heard and understood. When you consider your relationships that are least successful and cause the most frustration and suffering, you likely don’t feel heard. Communication is so limited the relationship suffers as a result.

Here are some important questions to ask yourself: Do you like it when others truly listen to you? Do you have greater rapport and trust with those who listen to you? Do you feel acknowledged, respected and valued when others really listen to what you say? In other words, do you like it when others care enough to be present with you in their listening? Are you listening to others the way you want them to listen to you? If not, why not?

Effective listening constitutes one of the most fundamental and powerful communication tools of all. The first step to improvement is to understand what you should do or stop doing. As you learn to stop talking or thinking and develop the habit of truly listening, your interactions will become more pleasant and successful.

Several sabotaging behaviors, or blockers, limit listening abilities. These include:

n Multitasking: Rather than pay attention to the person talking to you, you divide your time and attention among two or more things.

n Placating: You agree with everything the other person says to get along or be liked or because you aren’t truly listening.

n Derailing: You derail the train of conversation with sudden changes to the topic or make jokes as you become bored or uncomfortable.

n Rehearsing: You focus on preparing what you’ll say next.

n Judging: You prejudge the person you’re talking with and use negative labels to do so.

n Dreaming or drifting: Your attention drifts away from the conversation — to things you need to get done, an unresolved issue in your life or vacation you want to take.

n Identifying: You use the stories of others as a reference point to tell your own at the expense of theirs.

n Being right: You focus on arranging information, saying things or acting in ways so as to not be wrong.

n Advising: You believe you have the answer to the other person’s situation and offer advice rather than truly listen.

n Sparring: You look for things over which to disagree. Do you engage in any of these listening blocks? Some of them? All of them? Not sure?

Participants in my communication trainings are often astounded to learn how much they unknowingly sabotage their professional and personal relationships by not listening. Reversing this and becoming someone who truly listens is simple once you are taught how.

Stephen Covey, the educator and author, put it this way: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”

Yet, the truth is this: We all want to be heard and understood.

Successful relationships of all kinds rest firmly on the ability of those involved to effectively communicate. But most of us aren’t taught how to communicate with the intention of understanding, finding solutions and building relationships. In business, not listening effectively to others can be the difference between success and failure.

Developing the powerful habit of truly listening is the first step in becoming an effective communicator and creating more successful professional and personal relationships. If you’re endeavoring to build a successful business or increase the effectiveness of your team, I encourage you to begin with the foundational competency of listening.

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.

F

As you learn to stop talking or thinking and develop the habit of truly listening, your interactions will become more pleasant and successful.

Get SMART: Right goals key to success

The business world is flooded with acronyms, buzzwords and buzz phrases. Some of the ones you are most likely to encounter include mission statement, vision statement, business plan, SWOT and SMART. What are these, and why do they matter?

A mission statement focuses on what your business does and why it exists. You should include a mission statement as one of the key elements of your business plan.

A vision statement constitutes a more explicit version of your mission statement. A well-written vision statement clarifies longterm planning.

A business plan details a logical, structured approach to how your business is, or will be, operated.

Two additional elements of your business plan are your SWOT — strength, weakness, opportunity and threat — analysis and SMART — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timebound — goals.

This column focuses on setting and implementing SMART goals, starting with a brief description of each element:

n Specific: Your goal should be detailed enough to answer the who, what, when, where and why of the objective.

n Measurable: You should have a strategy to determine when you’ve met the goal or how far you are from attaining it.

n Attainable: Consider what you’ll need in place to ensure you can achieve your goal.

n Relevant: Your goal should fit with the broader vision of your organization.

n Time-bound: You should know the timeframe in which you want to meet your goal.

Each business goal needs an associated SWOT analysis and set of SMART goals. Your SWOT analysis forms the basis for creating relevant SMART Goals.

For example, here’s a simple set of SMART goals for hiring a sales manager:

n Specific: XYZ must hire a sales manager to serve increasingly diverse markets and ensure sales staff is properly trained and effectively used.

n Measurable: We will allocate three months past the hiring timeframe to validate the suitability and job performance of the new sales manager. The evaluation and determination of success will be tied to increased sales and successful expansion into new markets.

n Attainable: We’ve identified multiple search and recruiting avenues to find suitable candidates. We will use recruiting firms, professional associations, online job boards and employee incentive and referral programs to search for as wide a variety of potential hires as possible in the shortest amount of time. Past hiring experiences for positions at similar levels indicate this approach is highly effective.

n Relevant: To meet the goal of expanding sales locally by 25 percent in 2023 and developing a national footprint and exposure, our sales professionals need increased direction and skills development. We expect our new sales manager to provide this direction and development.

n Time-bound: As an essential part of our growth plan for 2023, our new sales manager must be in place by the end of the first quarter.

Taking time to develop or update your mission statement, vision statement and business plan and then perform a SWOT analysis will enable you to develop and implement SMART goals. Properly managed and implemented, SMART goals are key to business growth and success.

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

Janet Arrowood

Where are you on your wealth-building journey?

I’m an enthusiast of all things personal finance. Over my 30-year career as a certified public accountant, I’ve been blessed to work side by side with many brilliant CPAs and advisors and nurtured close advisory relationships with numerous successful clients. But my role with these clients has been more than that of an advisor. I’ve been a passionate student and intentional observer of the behaviors and strategies they used to build wealth.

I’ve learned there are hard truths and behaviors consistent across everyone’s journey. I’ve observed as wealth increases, more complexities arise and wealth journeys become more intimate. With that, I’d like to share what I believe are the 10 stages of the wealth journey.

Stages one through four are consecutive, focusing on financial stability. Complete one step before moving to the next. Stage five is a transitionary stage and the heartbeat of the wealth journey, although you could think of it at any point along the way. Stages six through 10 are concurrent. You might be active in each stage to varying degrees based on your circumstances and where you are along the wealth journey. Stages six through 10 are where a team with an investment advisor, CPA, lawyer and others can add significant value to your journey.

n Stage 1: Plant investment seeds. Time is a vital tool in building wealth. The earlier we start planting investment seeds — even with small dollars — the bigger the wealth tree grows in the later stages of our journey. The best way to get started is to participate in your employer’s retirement plan and take advantage of the employer match. This is free money and too good an opportunity to miss.

n Stage 2: Create a Murphy fund. Murphy’s law is an adage typically stated: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” We should prepare for unexpected emergencies by having cash on hand. A Murphy fund allows us to avoid high-interest consumer debt to cover emergencies. Your Murphy fund should be customized to your circumstances.

Choose a dollar amount between $1,000 and the total of your deductibles for auto, home and health insurance. Determine an amount that makes sense for you based on your unique circumstances related to health history, vehicle reliability, age of pets, age of appliances and other factors.

n Stage 3: Pay off consumer debt. High-interest debt presents a significant headwind on our wealth journey. To build financial stability, pay off consumer debt using either the debt snowball method in which you pay off the lowest balance first, then move to the next lowest balance or the debt avalanche method in which you pay off the highest interest balance first, then move to the next highest interest balance.

n Stage 4: Create a fully funded emergency fund. Here’s where we grow our Murphy fund to an emergency fund equal to three to six months of household living expenses. A fully funded emergency fund provides peace of mind we can weather nearly any financial storm that comes our way.

n Stage 5: Know your why. This might seem fluffy. But trust me, it’s important. Simon Sinek started a revolution with his books “Start With Why” and “Find Your Why.” Your why and how — principles, behaviors and actions that bring your why to life — is about serving others and improving their lives. Having an effect increases the value others will see in you and, I believe, your ability to maximize your income, an important element leading into the next growth stages of the wealth journey.

n Stage 6: The retirement account waterfall. I consider retirement accounts as a series of descending buckets. Each individual’s waterfall looks different. But a common strategy would be to fund an employer retirement plan up to the point of the match, then fully fund a health savings account, then fully fund a Roth individual retirement account, then go back to the employer retirement plan and fill it up to the max before allowing all excess savings to spill over into an after-tax brokerage account. A good goal is to save 25 percent of your pre-tax income into the retirement account waterfall.

n Stage 7: Build it big. Focus on supercharging wealth building through investing in a combination of three things: an after-tax brokerage account started in stage six, real estate and other alternative investments and closely held

businesses. Many advisors will forget to mention a closely held business as an integral component of building wealth. As an experienced CPA advisor, I’ve watched clients build significant wealth through the startup, nurturing and exiting of closely held businesses.

n Stage 8: Fund college and other future expenses. Using 529 plans to fund college expenses is important for those of us with young children. However, college savings should be thought of only after prioritizing retirement funding. You can also begin to set aside cash for such expenses as weddings, vehicles and home down payments.

n Stage 9: Strategically pay off the mortgage. At a minimum, I’m a proponent of paying off your mortgage as you enter retirement. Paying off the mortgage early might not be the right choice for everyone. Consider developing a payoff plan customized to your unique journey.

n Stage 10: Legacy. This is the preservation stage of the wealth journey. Philanthropy, planning for generational wealth transfer and living life abundantly are key elements of this stage.

These stages should be thought of as a general customizable framework versus a rigid cookie cutter process. Your journey could look vastly different than another’s, even though both might result in success.

Good luck. I look forward to seeing you on the path of life’s wealth journey.

Chris West serves as chief executive officer and principal of Dalby, Wendland & Co. and DWC Wealth Advisors based in Grand Junction. He’s a certified public accountant, Personal Financial Specialist and Series 65 Investment Advisor Representative with Global Retirement Partners. He’s passionate about helping others find fulfillment and their definition of success in their wealth journey. Investment advisory services are offered through Global Retirement Partners, LLC (GRP) dba DWC Wealth Advisors, an SEC registered investment advisor. GRP and Dalby, Wendland & Co., P.C. are separate and unaffiliated entities. For more information, call (970) 243-1921 or visit the website located at https://dalbycpa.com. F

Toilet paper dispute offers lesson in servant leadership

I recently was reminded of yet another servant leadership lesson. A speaker retold a story about a friction scientist and his quest to “teach” his wife the proper way to position toilet paper on the roller. As he calculated it, placing the toilet paper so it unrolls from the top was better than unrolling it from the bottom. “It’s 17 percent more efficient,” he contended.

This was obviously an issue the spouse either didn’t listen to or cared about. While I’m sure there were other, more serious reasons for marriage counseling, the toilet paper imbroglio came out in the open.

Tim Haggerty

Helping the couple sort through the reasons for its marital frustrations, the counselor asked the spouse to go first and express the key issues that had been simmering just below the surface. “It’s that damn insistence the toilet paper has to unroll from the top out.”

“How can that be a problem?” the scientist asked. “It’s 17 percent more efficient.”

“Who gives a ... AAAAHHHH.” You could sense the palpable unease as the spouse stopped and struggled to calm herself.

Talking slowly, yet deliberately, through clenched teeth, the wife stated: “It really shouldn’t matter how efficient you were in getting the toilet paper. It should only matter you got some in the first place.”

“What matters,” she continued through those clenched teeth, ‘is that you never thanked me, not even once, for even putting the paper on the roll after you left it empty. For that matter, have you ever thanked me for cleaning the toilet?”

This story isn’t meant to offer an example of who’s responsible for what. This is a story about relationships. More importantly, it’s a story about those things that should matter most.

It’s about the way we sometimes overlook key relationships in our lives. Worse yet, we assume other people know how we feel all the time.

Relationships matter. We don’t live in a vacuum. We need each other. This column is about developing lasting relationships based on the true needs of others. And, frankly, that’s what servant leadership is all about.

The spouse demonstrated more servant leadership in the simple act of making toilet paper available than the husband’s instructions. While it’s possibly true you’re 17 percent more

effective in the act of unrolling the paper, what’s the goal?

We sometimes get so confused and lost in the doing of a task we lose sight of the goal. Developing the right relationships and empowering people to act allows us all to reach the goal.

There will always be better and quicker ways to accomplish a task. But more often than not, our ways don’t resonate with others. While a little less efficient, their ways still get the job done.

Think about that the next time you’re emboldened to “teach” someone. If, in the long run, it doesn’t matter which way the paper unfurls, let it go. If you still feel compelled to unroll the paper a certain way, do it yourself or develop the correct process standards and process disciplines.

Relationships are what really matters, and there are infinitely more things in life that can be achieved through stronger relationships.

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

Chris West

There will always be better and quicker ways to accomplish a task. But more often than not, our ways don’t resonate with others. While a little less efficient, their ways still get the job done.

Entrepreneurship drives economic growth

Entrepreneurship drives economic growth and prosperity. When entrepreneurs start new businesses, they also encourage demand for goods and services, create jobs and generate new revenue streams. This leads to growth and increased prosperity for all. Innovation drives gains in productivity and comes disproportionately from entrepreneurs and new businesses.

Dalida Bollig

Economic development is a crucial component of any community. A strong entrepreneurial ecosystem attracts new businesses and talent to an area, initiating a cycle of economic development. Programs and services geared to support local small businesses, robust infrastructure with planning for growth and policies fostering a healthy business environment are essential to encourage diversification of small business environments.

Of course, not all small businesses have the same economic effects. But they serve as the foundation for larger companies, and their successes contribute to healthier economy. Small operations offer opportunities for entrepreneurs who might not have access to the resources to start larger operations.

Economic development organizations play an instrumental role in helping entrepreneurs navigate

challenging economic conditions, including economic slowdowns and high inflation. Collaborations among economic development, industry and government organizations foster a culture of entrepreneurship and ultimately encourage a more productive economy.

In Mesa County, the Business Incubator Center plays a vital role in helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, stabilize, and accelerate the successes of their enterprises.

Small businesses are inherently vulnerable to market trends. Economic slowdowns can increase that vulnerability. Add high inflation, and businesses must navigate challenging crosscurrents. Business training gives entrepreneurs the expertise they need to reduce risks in the face of challenges.

Single solution approaches tend to be ineffective in countering economic slowdowns. Rather, a combination of measures is necessary. Trade policies can help improve conditions. Removing unnecessary regulations can help reduce costs and encourage investment. Promoting entrepreneurship

by providing resources for startups and other small businesses can help reinvigorate the economy.

Entrepreneurship thrives when economic development organizations and government policies work together to increase resources available to entrepreneurs, which in turn can help protect against economic slumps. Supporting entrepreneurship drives innovation and creates jobs, which leads to stronger and more prosperous communities.

During the year ahead, I intend to write about a variety of subjects pertaining to entrepreneurship and small businesses as well as global perspectives and economic policies and strategies.

Dalida Sassoon Bollig, chief executive officer of the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction, is an experienced strategist with demonstrated work in international affairs. She brings to her duties experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, leadership, partnerships and public policy. The Business Incubator Center has provided small business resources in Mesa County and the Western Slope since 1987. The center hosts two incubator programs as well as the Business Loan Fund of Mesa County, FWorks, Grand Junction MakerSpace, Mesa County Enterprise Zone and Small Business Development Center. For more information, visit https://gjincubator.org. F

Consistent strength training comes with strong benefits

We all want a high quality of life and independent living. Consistent strength training offers a path to that goal.

Did you know adults lose 5 to 7 pounds of muscle mass every decade after age 20? Strength training is important for everyone at every age. For most of us, it’s about creating muscle that not only helps us look better, but also provides life-changing benefits.

Let’s back up a bit and review some anatomy. There are more than 600 muscles in the human body. These muscles do everything from pump blood to kick soccer balls. They’re a type of elastic tissue that resembles a rubber band and are made up of thousands of small fibers. There are different kinds of muscles, but we’ll concentrate on skeletal muscles. These are the muscles that work with bones to give you motion and power.

There are some amazing benefits to lifting weights. There’s a direct link between strength training and weight control and loss. When you increase muscle mass, your metabolic rate increases. Even after lifting weights, your

muscles keep working and burn more calories. Other health benefits include an increase in bone density that decreases the risk of osteoporosis, lower blood pressure and slower aging.

Not only does strength training help tone muscles to provide a fitter, healthy looking body, it also improves posture. Everyday activities become easier through increased balance, coordination and stability. When you think about getting in and out of a car, reaching for an item on the top shelf of a grocery aisle or pushing a lawnmower, all these tasks depend on a strong muscular system.

Strength training can be performed in a variety of ways. Examples include circuit machines, free weights, functional fitness, resistance bands and strength classes.

Circuit machines enable you to work different muscle groups, adjusting the machines and weight to fit your body and strength level. It could be helpful to work with a trainer to make sure you use the proper form and appropriate weight.

Free weights are just that — individual hand weights or weight bars you can lift in a number of ways.You could use hand weights for bicep curls or shoulder presses.

Functional fitness involves training that mimics everyday movements using different types of equipment or body weight for resistance.

Resistance bands engage your muscles in both directions — the pull and release. The amount of resistance varies with the type of band and how it’s used.

Structured fitness classes — including Bodypump, Pilates and Yoga — engage and strengthen your muscles.

Consistency is the most important aspect of strength training. Aim for two to three times a week, resting for 48 hours between workouts to allow your muscles to heal. Include upper body, lower body and core exercises to work your entire body.

Remember to always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

We all strive to achieve quality of life. It’s never too late to begin strength training. Every one of us at any age needs to work on increasing muscle mass and bone density. Strength training offers many benefits in promoting a healthy and independent lifestyle.

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

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Promoting entrepreneurship by providing resources for startups and other small businesses can help reinvigorate the economy.

Paula Reece

Time for a checkup: Six steps to kick-start your business in 2023

Making predictions is never easy, especially for small business owners and managers. Unlike their larger counterparts, small firms don’t always have the resources necessary to monitor and adapt to new consumer trends or economic changes. Even entrepreneurs who’ve experienced numerous business cycles face new circumstances that confound their instincts and knowledge.

It’s important at the beginning of a new year to assess the economic landscape and determine the best course to grow and expand your business. While there’s no crystal ball to accurately predict the future, small business owners can take steps to help their companies endure the worst of times and take advantage of the best of times. As the economy continues to move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a good time to perform a top to bottom assessment to determine if your business is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

n Step one: Strengthen the relationship with your lender. Knowing your lender not only builds trust, but also enables them to better understand you and your business. Discuss your company’s overall financial health and take advantage of their expertise. Have them review your year-end financial statements and offer an honest evaluation of ways to stabilize your cash flow position in 2023.

n Step two: Strengthen relationships with creditors. It could be time to renegotiate terms or change payment amounts on overdue bills. Past due accounts payable and inconsistent payment practices won’t help your long-term credit position. What’s more, your creditors could be experiencing financial difficulties as well. Any flexibility will hinge on whether they perceive you as a reliable partner or risk they want to eliminate.

n Step three: Keep a close watch on your accounts receivable. Review who owes your company money and make sure they’re meeting all terms. Be firm when dealing with problem accounts, but remain willing to negotiate when appropriate. With a little encouragement, a struggling customer could become a long-term source of income. Remember, the longer an accounts receivable ages, the harder it becomes to collect on that debt.

n Step four: Conduct a cyber hygiene checkup. Review and renew your cybersecurity policies, even if you’re a one-person business. It’s critical to update passwords, software and hardware to make sure they meet compliance standards.

n Step five: Ensure you’re up to speed on your human resource policies and practices. HR encompasses employment status, benefits, wages, contractor versus employee and more. Failing to abide by state and federal laws can result in fines, penalties, possible legal actions and a stain on your company’s reputation.

n Step six: Increase your marketing efforts. Many business owners mistakenly see marketing as a luxury when money is tight. This is the time when increased marketing could be needed. Promoting your business not only reassures current customers you’re still there to serve them, but also reaches new consumers who can grow your business today and in the future.

At the start of a new year, a business health checkup just makes good sense. Several resource partners can help, including local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations. That’s not to mention the network of Small Business Development Centers, including the center in Grand Junction.

Aikta Marcoulier serves as the U.S. Small Business Administration Region VIII administrator. She oversees SBA programs and services in Colorado as well as Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Frances Padilla serves as the SBA Colorado District director and oversees programs and services across the state. For more information, visit www.sba.gov or follow the agency on Twitter @SBArockymtn and @SBA_Colorado.

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Aikta Marcoulier

Frances Padilla

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.

n STAFFING COMPANY CONTINUES TO RANK AMONG TOP

FRANCHISES IN MAGAZINE LISTING

Express Employment Professionals, a staffing company with offices in Grand Junction and Montrose, continues to rank among the top franchises in an annual magazine list.

Express Employment Professionals remained the top staffing and recruiting franchise for a 12th straight year and ranked 45th overall in the 2023 Franchise 500 compiled for Entrepreneur magazine.

“Being chosen as the preferred franchise concept for the staffing-recruiting industry is a great honor to everyone in the Express network who works tirelessly to connect quality job seekers with reputable companies,” said Bill Stoller, chief executive officer of Express Employment.

“Our goal has always been to support entrepreneurs who are primed to create not only a successful business venture, but one that is invested in the local communities they serve and built to last for years to come.”

The Franchise 500 takes into account more than 150 data points, including brand strength, costs, fees, growth and size.

“The companies named to our 44th annual Franchise 500 list represent some of the most innovative, creative and trusted brands across many industries and highlight what it takes to build the kind of momentum that drives long-lasting success,” said Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur.

Express Employment Professionals has a total of more than 850 franchises in the United States and internationally.

Nina Anderson owns a franchise with offices at 725 Pitkin Ave. in Grand Junction and 525 E. Main St. in Montrose. For more information, call 242-4500 in Grand Junction or 249-5202 in Montrose or visit https://www.expresspros.com/grandjunctionco or https://www.expresspros.com/montroseco.

n ALPINE BANKS OF COLORADO ANNOUNCES PLANS TO PAY QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDENDS

Alpine Banks of Colorado will pay quarterly cash dividends on Jan. 30.

The bank announced plans to pay a dividend of 20 cents per class B nonvoting common share and $30 per class A voting common share.

Those dividends represent a 11.1 percent increase over dividends paid the previous quarter.

A $6.3 billion employee-owned organization headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Alpine Bank operates locations across Colorado and serves more than 170,000 customers. For additional information, visit www.alpinebank.com.

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

n LISTINGS ACCEPTED THROUGH FEB. 28 FOR COLORADO FARM FRESH DIRECTORY

Listings will be accepted through Feb. 28 for the 2023 Farm Fresh Directory, an annual publication promoting farmers markets, wineries and other agricultural operations in Colorado.

“Farm Fresh is a popular and helpful resource for Colorado residents and visitors,” said Danielle Trotta, manager of the Colorado Proud program. “The goal of the publication is to connect consumers to local producers, farmers markets and other local goods all in one easy place.”

The Colorado Department of Agriculture expects to distribute more than 75,000 copies of the directory in June. The directory will be distributed through chambers of commerce, extension offices, farmers markets, libraries and welcome centers. The directory also will be available as a mobile application for smartphones and online at https://ag.colorado.gov/markets.

A listing fee of $25 is charged. For more information or to request a listing form, contact Loretta Lopez at (303) 869-9175.

n WEST STAR AVIATION OFFERS INSTALLATIONS ON BOMBARDIER GLOBAL EXPRESS AIRCRAFT

West Star Aviation offers a supplemental type certificate for a satellite data unit and antenna on two Bombardier aircraft.

The certificate is available for the Latitude Technologies Corp. DL150 satellite data unit and Iridium antenna on Bombardier Global Express BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 aircraft.

The installation takes about four weeks and can completed at West Star facilities in Grand Junction as well as in Illionis, Missouri and Tennessee.

West Star Aviation offers a range of services that include the maintenance and repair of airframes, engines and avionics as well as painting and interior refurbishments. In addition to its facilities at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, West Star Aviation operates facilities in Aspen and Denver as well as in Arizona, Illinois, Minneapolis, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. For more information, visit www.weststaraviation.com.

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Nominations sought for state noxious weed advisory committee

Nominations will be accepted until Feb. 1 for the Colorado Noxious Weed Advisory Committee.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture hopes to fill six vacancies on the 17-member committee, including three members representing the interests of agriculture producers, a private landowner, county weed manager and at-large member.

The committee makes recommendations to the department about the classification and designation of noxious weeds,

development and implementation of weed management plans and prescribed techniques to contain and eradicate weeds. The committee meets quarterly. Members serve two-year terms. Nominations must be submitting using an online application form. For additional information, visit the noxious weed program website at https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/noxious-weeds/ advisory-committee.

NOTEWORTHY

Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

An annual home improvement and remodeling show will soon return to its old venue.

The Home Builders Association of Western Colorado announced it will move the Home Improvement and Remodeling Expo from the Mesa County Fairgrounds back to the Grand Junction Convention Center. The expo is scheduled for March 24 to 26.

Megan Ward, executive director of the HBA of Western Colorado, said organizers are thrilled to move the expo back to the downtown convention center.

“The convention center is the perfect venue for both our vendors and participants,” Ward said “It allows us to host the expo earlier in the spring, and we aren’t as reliant on Mother Nature.”

Ward said the expo showcases businesses involved in every aspect of the housing industry — from builders to landscapers and everything in between.

The largest home expo in Western Colorado, the event typically attracts more than 5,000 people.

“It’s one stop shopping for the consumer,” Ward said. “If you’re looking for an expert for your next home improvement project, I guarantee you will find them at the expo. It’s a perfect opportunity to research and compare products, talk to experts and get fabulous ideas no matter your budget.”

Expo hours will extend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24 and 25 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 26 at the convention center, located at 159 Main St.

Booth spaces and sponsorships are available. For more information, call the HBA at (970) 245-0253.

Megan Ward

Danielle Trotta

Bill Stoller

Business Briefs Business People Almanac Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n QUALITY HEALTH NETWORK ANNOUNCES PERMANENT DIRECTOR AND CEO

Marc Lassaux has been named executive director and chief executive officer of Quality Health Network based in Grand Junction.

Lassaux served nine months as interim executive director and CEO. He served in several other roles at QHN, including chief technical officer for nearly 10 years. The organization helps health care providers exchange information and coordinate patient care.

“QHN continues to advance innovation across western Colorado, and I am proud to lead our team, building on the incredible foundation we created jointly with our partners,” Lassaux said.

He brings to his duties experience in health information exchanges as well as technology and government affairs. He helped QHN use advanced technology to enable community based data sharing and resource networks, develop modeling tools and support new payment models. He served on the Colorado eHealth Commission.

“Caring for people is complex and increasingly requires robust data and secure information sharing,” Lassaux said. “At QHN, we’re committed to helping care providers — whether medical, behavioral or social service providers — achieve their goals and make meaningful improvements for patients and clients via secure information sharing and innovative solutions.”

For more, visit www.qualityhealthnetwork.org.

n HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT NAMES NEW ASSISTANCE DIVISION DIRECTOR

Melissa Schierland has been named director of the Mesa County Department of Human Services Economic Assistance Division.

Schierland and Susan Skyberg served as interim co-directors since October.

Schierland joined the Mesa County Department of Human Services in 2010 as a case manager with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. She served eight years as supervisor of the child care assistance program. Before joining the department, she worked 17 years as a funeral director.

Schierland said she’s assembled a process improvement team to focus on customer service even as employees receive cross training to better process applications for various programs and services. She said she’s also intent on improving the workplace climate and culture.

“I look forward to working with the division to improve processes and better serve our community,” she said. “It is my mission as a leader to serve the people of Mesa County and to connect them with the programs and resources they need to be stable and successful.”

For additional information about the division, log on www.humanservices.mesacounty.us/assistance-programs.

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

n FAMILY HEALTH WEST THERAPISTS AWARDED FOR PEDIATRIC PROGRAM

Anouk Kincaid, Missy Orton-Combs and Michelle Raymond, therapists at Family Health West in Fruita, received national recognition for their efforts to support communication, mobility and participation in activities for children.

The National Joint Committee for the Communicative Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities presented the McLean Yoder Award for Professional Excellence to the pediatric rehabilitation program at Family Health West. Kincaid, a physical therapist; Orton-Combs, an occupational therapist; and Raymond, a speech language pathologist, work in the program.

“Receiving national recognition is not why our therapists do what they do. They are improving the lives of children because it’s the core of who they are,” said Dr. Korrey Klein, chief executive officer at Family Health West. “Their heart and passion for promoting the individual growth and development in disabled children is a calling, and we are grateful to have such a robust pediatric rehabilitation program here at Family Health West.”

For more information about pediatric rehabilitation, visit https://fhw.org/services/pediatric-rehab.

n GRAND JUNCTION REAL ESTATE FIRM HONORS ITS TOP AGENT FOR DECEMBER

Kathy Tomkins was honored as the best-selling agent for December at Heiden Homes Realty in Grand Junction.

Tomkins posted the highest dollar volume in sales and most closings.

Heiden Homes Realty operates offices at 735 Rood Ave. For more information, including listings for property for sale and rent, log on to the website at www.heidenhomes.com or call (970) 245-7777.

Jan. 26

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking group, noon to 1 p.m., Suds Brothers Brewery, 127 E Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894

n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Trail Life Brewing, 436 Main St., Grand Junction. www.ypnmc.org Jan. 31

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Discovery Auto Group, 2490 U.S. Highway 6 & 50. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. https://ghchamber.org or 242-3214

Feb. 2

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., Copper Club Brewing Co., 153 N. Mulberry St., Fruita. Admission $15 for chamber members, $25 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 Feb. 7

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Veterans in Business free muster, noon to 1 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 Feb. 8

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon to 1 p.m., Mama Ree's Pizza and Brewhouse, 664 North Ave. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214

Upcoming

n Initiate Conference on marketing and communications, Feb. 9 and 10, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 743 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction. Admission ranges from $109 to $399. www.initiateconference.com

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 9, Family Health West, 300 W. Ottley Ave., Fruita. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894

n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 15, Grande River Vineyards, 787 Grande River Drive. Admission $5 for chamber members in advance, $6 at the door. Others pay $8 in advance and $10 at the door. 464-7458 or www.palisadecoco.com

n Coffee Club free networking meeting, 9 to 10 a.m. Feb. 17, FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org

n Palisade Chamber of Commerce annual member banquet, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Orchard River View, 3926 U.S. Highway 6 & 24. Admission $85. www.palisadecoc.com or 464-7458

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 28, Western Colorado Community College, 2508 Blichmann Ave. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. https://ghchamber.org or 242-3214

Marc Lassaux

Anouk Kincaid M. Orton-Combs Michelle Raymond

Kathy Tomkins

Melissa Schierland