The Business Times Volume 28 Issue 2

THE BUSINESS T IMES News JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 10, 2021

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 2

THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM

In this issue

Trends 2 Contributors Opinion 2 Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac

n Unhappy ending A year that brought big swings in unemployment in Mesa County ended with an increase in the jobless rate.

n Relief available

Applications will be accepted under two grant programs intended to help small firms endure the coronavirus pandemic.

n Future is now

Colorado Mesa University has updated it pandemic response plan to continue to offer in-person instruction.

n Cabinet position

6

A 22-year employee of Osburn Cabinets has yet another position as owner and president of the business.

n Taxing matters

16

Sales tax collections, a measure of retail activity, declined in 2020, the City of Grand Junction reported.

n SECURE changes Provisions of the SECURE Act demand the attention of 401 (k) plan sponsors to ensure compliance.

17

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

26 24 26 17-21 2-15 22-23 16

They put a lid on it

n Business booming for Grand Valley firm supplying canning lids.

See page 2

Business Times photo by Phil Castle

Brad Stieg and daughters Ashley Pettit, left, and Leanna Stieg operate Harvest Guard, a Grand Valley business that supplies reusable plastic canning lids. The family also operates a distribution facility for Squirt brand bicycle chain lubricant and other cycling products. The staff includes two pet employees in Butters, left, and Kenny.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 67 The Business Times 609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501

THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

Page 2

January 28-February 10, 2021

2020 ends Trends higher They putContributors a lid on it with jobless rate Opinion Business Briefs W Business People Almanac Pandemic leads to booming business for Grand Valley firm supplying canning lids

hile other businesses struggled in the middle of a pandemic to keep their doors open, Brad Stieg and his daughters struggled to keep up with orders.

At one point last year, the backlog of orders for reusable plastic canning lids had grown to 2,000. “August was just off the charts. It was insanity,” Stieg says.

By Thanksgiving, the family finally caught up.

But Stieg expects the year ahead could be another busy one for Harvest Guard and the Grand Valley operation. “I am planning for it to be as big or bigger than 2020.”

Stieg attributes the situation to a confluence of events, among them a pandemic that’s kept more people at home and concerns about food security that’s prompted more people to plant gardens and can the fruits — and vegetables — of their labors. Add to that a shortage of traditional metal canning lids that can only be used once.

Although stressful, the situation has worked out well for Stieg in the latest iteration of a family business.

Stieg launched his first venture about a decade ago to market the reusable plastic canning lids his father, Loren Stieg, invented in the 1970s. A tool and die maker in Michigan, Loren Stieg developed the plastic lids in response to a shortage of metal lids at that time.

Brad Stieg sold his company. But after a time away, he decided to return to the business and compete with the firm he started.

See LIDS page 14

Coronavirus vaccines expected to speed Mesa County recovery Phil Castle

The Business Times

Brad Stieg and daughters Ashley Pettit, left, and Leanna Stieg operate Harvest Guard, a Grand Valley business that supplies reusable plastic canning lids. The family also operates a distribution facility for Squirt brand bicycle chain lubricant and other cycling products. The staff includes two pet employees in Butters, left, and Kenny.

STORY AND PHOTO BY PHIL CASTLE

Applications sought for small business relief grants Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Feb. 4 for grants intended to help small businesses endure the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our community, and this is a way Mesa County can offer financial assistance in the form of a one-time relief grant,” said Mesa County Administrator Pete Baier. “While COVID is still a reality small business Pete Baier owners continue to endure the impacts of the pandemic, and we know every dollar makes a difference as they fight to remain open.”

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. March 7 for the latest phase of a separate grant program the City of Grand Junction established to help businesses within city limits.

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs awarded Mesa

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

For more information about Small Business Relief Program grants, including eligibility requirements and the application process, visit www.mesacounty.us/ administration/small-business-relief-program.

County more than $956,000 to distribute under the Small Business Relief Program. Under state legislation enacted in December, the program provides $57 million in direct aid, grants and annual fee waivers to small businesses and also creates grant programs and allocates funds for art and cultural organizations and minority owned businesses.

Mesa County will distribute grants to eligible businesses on behalf of the county and municipalities in the county.

See GRANTS page 12

A year that brought big swings in unemployment in Mesa County ended with an increase as seasonal layoffs and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic combined to push the jobless rate higher.

The year ahead could be different, however, if vaccines and proactive business measures prove effective, said Curtis Englehart, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Curtis Englehart Grand Junction. “I feel like we’re in a great spot to be in a quicker recovery.”

According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate climbed to 8.2 percent in December. That’s up 2.1 points from a revised rate of 6.1 percent in November. For December 2019, the rate stood at 3.1 percent.

For 2020, the monthly unemployment rate ranged from a low of 4.1 percent in January and February to a high of 12.6 percent in April as the effects of the pandemic and related restrictions pushed the rate to one of its highest levels ever in Mesa County. The jobless rate retreated from July to September, but then advanced in the last two months of the year.

For December, Mesa County payrolls decreased 1,419 to 73,344. The number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work increased 1,719 to 6,536.

The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, grew 300 to 79,880.

Compared to a year ago, payrolls shrank 523 as the ranks of the unemployed swelled 4,162. The labor force grew 3,639.

Englehart attributed the increase in the jobless rate in December to seasonal layoffs as well as the ongoing effects of the pandemic and related restrictions on businesses.

A total of 1,311 new filings for unemployment benefits were reported in December. That’s a nearly 10-fold increase over the 148 filings for the same month last year, Englehart said.

One measure of labor demand increased in December with 666 job orders posted at the Mesa County Workforce Center. That’s See JOBLESS page 15

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Page 3

THE he B BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PPAGE age 4 4

January 28-F ebruary 10, 2015 2021 JANUARY 15-28,

THE BUSINESS TIMES Administrator brings Office space available

WE OFFER COMPLIMENTARY

HOME & OFFICE DELIVERY/PICK UP! Delivery Hotline: 970-314-8356

599 Patterson (25 Road & Patterson)

The Business Times The Business Times 609 North Ave., Suite 2, 609 North Ave.,CO Suite 5 Grand Junction, 81501 Grand Junction, CO 81501 Telephone: (970) 424-5133 (970) 424-5133 FAX: (970) 424-5134 www.thebusinesstimes.com www.thebusinesstimes.com

TheThe Business Times is published twice Business Times is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand monthly and distributed throughout Junction, and Palisade.

Advertising GrandFruita Junction, Fruita and Palisade. rates Advertising and deadlines areand available upon are rates deadlines request. Opinions expressed in this available upon request. Opinions expressed publication are those of the writers and do in this publication are those of the writers not necessarily reflect the views of the and don’teditor, necessarily the views of publisher, staff orreflect advertisers. the publisher, advertisers.

Copyright © 2015 editor — Allor rights reserved.

Copyright © 2021 — All rights reserved

Let’s create something

...for your home, business, or toys!

S O L A R

P O W E R E D

1707 I-70 Business Loop Grand Junction

970-243-6310

allmetalswelding.com

Life is Precious

Serving families of the Western Slope for more than 100 years.

well-rounded perspective for businesses, groups to new Mesa County role offering services to vets Phil Castle

as well as New England and Canada.

FOR YOUR Whidden saidINFORMATION people who work in information technology aren’t just “geeks,” For more information about the Frank what he but offer an important perspective because Heather Whidden Benjamin brings wants to match Western Region One Source and considers perspective his they’re familiar nearly there, every aspect businessesa well-rounded and organizations that to offer office spacewith available call of new job as County administrator. how work gets done. They services to Mesa military veterans with office operations Heatherand Benjamin at 257-3764 thinkdesk aboutadministrator new and potentially spaceWhidden in facilityworked she describes as one-stop alsoortend thetofront at in information better ways of doing things in asking and shop for veterans and their families.

257-3760. technology and inholds “Just being the facility opens you up answering “what if ” questions. “They know ato master’s degreesaid in Benjamin, property how to effect change in an organization.” a lot of folks,” computer information Whidden to bring same andexpects organizations thatthat provide administrator for the Western Region One businesses systems. approachtotoveterans his duties administrator. services as as at least part of their Source. But he also holdsLocated a in doctoral Whidden said it’ssaid. his“They role to help Benjamin have to what was at one time a operations, degree in applied county commissioners a veteran nexus.” make and then National Guard armory at 428 28 Road have management decisions. commissioners One tenant — theThe Western Colorado in Grand Junction,and Western Region One implement decision makingmilitary and Frank in turn represent the residents ofoffers the Source connects service members, Area Heath Education Center, Whidden worked county and express their will,abuse he said.

“We veteransfor andmore their than families and caregivers services to help curtail opioid among 20 years as a minister.

Whidden has veterans. work for the people.” in Western Colorado to service providers worked for large andregion. small That organizations Whidden said also considers and resources in the includes Benjamin saidhepotential tenantshimself might in both the private and public from sectors.health include a liaisona counselor between the commissioners and assistance with everything whose patients include expectstoto employment draw on all ofand his veterans county staff, andorganization one of the priorities is to care Whidden and housing or an that provides experiences in helping Mesa County legal make sure employees feel valued.

Whidden family support. services — including services to commissioners makeservices and carryofficer out decisions. said he hopes not only to improve morale, A veterans helps veterans.

Valuing and making steps that will One makeSource Mesa veterans file staff for benefits fromthethecounty U.S. but also Thetake Western Region an employerof Veterans of choice is among the offers Countya an organization forthose whichkinds people Department Affairs. good location for of priorities, Whidden So is planning businesses want to work. and organizations because the An office for thesaid.

Defense Enrollment that results Reporting in sustainable funding and facility Meanwhile, Whidden expects the Eligibility System (DEERS) and its services already attracts balanced on a long-term county tofrom continue policies and initiatives provides budgets identification cards for basis. veterans veterans around the region, she said.

Meanwhile, Mesa County will that Although support local and pandemic economic and their dependents. the business coronavirus continue pursue effortsonce that sat promote development.

There areBenjamin additional Whileto the building empty,a has affected activities, saidsteps the friendly business that can be taken to make it easier local a $3.5 million projectenvironment was completedand to Western Region One Source alsoforserves economic development, Whidden said. businesses to place sell products and services to remodel the facility, Benjamin said. as a popular for veterans and their Whidden officially working as spouses the county, he added. to visit and connect as well as a The building now began includes a multicounty at the beginning of venue Mesa County will keep working with purposeadministrator room, conference rooms and for events. the year.

He succeeds Tom Fisher, who was otherBenjamin government organizations said entities, she would welcome office space. hiredBenjamin as countysaidmanager in Summit and institutions fostering an environment andonorganizations that serve five spaces are businesses County, that supports to joinexisting in what’sbusinesses offered at and the available.Utah.

Each space offers about 150 veterans Whidden Mesa County in Western attracts new businesses, he said. “It really Region One Source. square feet andjoined leases for $425 a month.

August 2011come as information Whidden there could be a you right said into the fold of what we’re The offices with desks, technology chairs and brings director.

In as April he internet became access. deputy doing.” opportunities to encourage the additional telephones well2014, wireless county administrator for to resource that provide F The offices are available lease to development of businesses management in a staffing reorganization services to the agricultural industry as well that eliminated four director positions. as promote Mesa County as a distribution Before joining Mesa CORRECTION County, center for the region.

Whidden worked for a company providing The important thing is to consider A story thattechnology appeared onservices page 26 oftotheissues Dec. 24, 2020-Jan. 13, 2021perspective, edition information from a well-rounded of theand Business Times In incorrectly to a Grand business as as we colleges universities. that role,referred he Whidden said.Junction “We won’t be myopic the Grand Valley Herbal Day Spa & Boutique.

The business is named Green managed IT systems and services for look at things.”

Valley Herbal Day SpaArizona, & Boutique.

The Business Times regrets the error. institutions in Alabama, Illinois ✦ The Business Times Times The Business

The Business Times

January 28-February 10, 2020

CMU plans to offer in-person instruction Colorado Mesa University has updated its plans for responding to the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to offer in-person instruction on its Grand Junction campus.

The update — titled “The Future is Now” — builds on the “Safe Together, Strong Together” pandemic plan.

“The Future is Now is a metaphor for the idea that taking assertive action now ensures we can continue to deliver on our mission as an institution in the future,” said CMU President Tim Foster. Tim Foster “Our first-generation college students and low-income students especially need and want in-person instruction. They need campus to be open to be successful. This is why we made the plan and is why we are committed to in-person learning this spring.”

The update includes information on the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine that will add to efforts to offer more protections and open more activities to students.

The plan also extends a COVID-19 testing strategy into the Grand Junction community. The shift in focus is a result of modeling from the Broad Institute, a

$1,000 scholarship offered as part of promotional efforts

The Colorado Mesa University Foundation will award a $1,000 scholarship as part of a promotion for ongoing efforts to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

To automatically enter the competition for the scholarship, students, parents and others must watch a student music video titled “The Future is Now” on Facebook, share it and use the #FutureIsNowCMesaU hashtag before Feb. 4.

The video shows CMU students are serious about safety, but also optimistic about the future. The video also highlights the collaboration between CMU and Pardis Sabeti, a Harvard University researcher who advises and works with CMU on research.

F

collaboration between Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, that supported community testing protocols.

F

FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about the update to the Colorado Mesa University pandemic response plan, visit www.coloradomesa.edu/covid-19/index.html.

Speakers and sponsors sought for TEDx event Organizers of TEDxGrandJunction are looking for speakers and sponsors for the annual event designed to share ideas.

The TEDxGrandJunction is set for March 20 as a free live streaming event on TEDxGJ and Ideas at Altitude Facebook and the TEDXGJ.com website.

Presentations will reflect the theme — “Recenter, Reconnect, Rebuild.”

A call for speaker entries is set for Jan. 30. Selected speakers will be coached virtually from Feb. 10 to 25. In-person

rehearsals are set for Feb. 26 to March 5.

Speakers will audition virtually by filming and submitting 2-minute excerpts of their presentations. Speakers may email their auditions to tech@snobproductions or mail or deliver a jump drive to Snob Productions, c/o TEDxGrandJunction 2021, 2297 Tall Grass Drive, Units E&F, Grand Junction, CO 81505.

Sponsors also are needed. For more information, contact Mary at 433-0384 or info@tedxgj.com.

F

Page 5

Page 6

The Business Times

January 28-February 10, 2021

Long-time employee takes over cabinetry business A 22-year employee who’s worked in a series of positions at Osburn Cabinets & Design has yet another as owner and president of the Grand Junction business.

Chad Brandon purchased the business from Marty Kolonel, who in turn acquired the firm from founder Bill Osburn Sr. in 1994.

“I’ve spent the last two decades Chad Brandon in on-the-job training,” Brandon said.

Brandon started with Osburn Cabinets & Design in 1999 as a delivery driver. He subsequently worked as plant manager, production manager, operations manager and general manager.

Brandon praised Kolonel as a mentor.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Osburn Cabinets & Design operates a facility at 682 W. Gunnison Ave. For more information, visit the website at https://osburncabinets.com.

“I learned the most about how to own and operate a business from Marty Kolonel,” Brandon said. “Marty has an MBA and a long, successful career in both corporate management and business ownership. He worked with me directly over the last 10 years to develop my skills in leadership, people management and financial management.

He gave me an education I couldn’t have received anywhere else, and for that I’m grateful” Kolonel praised Brandon’s abilities.

“He created and fostered customer and supplier relations, lowered costs, assembled Osburn’s team of employees and subcontractors and ensured the long-term stability of both,” Kolonel said. “Sales and profitability grew significantly during his management tenure. And when it came time to pass the torch, I knew the company would be in good hands.”

Osburn Cabinets & Design opened in 1974 to manufacture wood cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms.

In 2002, the company expanded to offer commercial cabinetry and architectural millwork.

Today, Osburn Cabinets & Design serves residential and commercial clients throughout the Western United States in providing national brand cabinets as well as custom designed and manufactured cabinetry.

F

Firm testing real estate tech in Mesa County

A company has enlisted commercial real estate brokers in Mesa County to help test a new search engine and marketing platform.

Jamis Companies plans to offer the Commercial Co-Op platform to Colorado and, eventually, nationwide markets.

“It’s an all-in-one search engine and marketing tool for commercial real estate brokers looking to streamline their tech and improve their marketing practices,” said Jay Soneff, founder, president and chief executive officer.

“Tech costs have been increasing while the quality of the products have not been. We pay $1,800 per month for several platforms that still don’t cover our needs.

We decided there has to be a better way.”

In addition to operating Jamis Companies, a real estate and investment firm in Denver, Soneff has recently purchased commercial real estate along Main Street and Ute and South avenues in Grand Junction.

Dissatisfied with the tech platforms needed to run a small real estate business, Soneff said he collaborated with his chief financial officer, Marsha Laurienti; his broker, Amy Garris; and his daughter and online marketing tech, Jaclyn Soneff. They came up the idea to consolidate multiple search and marketing platforms into one option. James Stolzenbach, a graphic designer, joined in the effort.

Laruienti brings to the venture experience in banking and mortgage services as well as property management and leasing.

Garris has worked in commercial real estate in Western Colorado and the Denver area for nearly two decades.

For more information about the Commercial Co-Op, visit the website located at https://thecommercialcoop.com.

F

Subscribe today to the Business Times

(970) 424-5133

www.thebusinesstimes.com

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Page 7

Page 8

The Business Times

January 28-February 10, 2021

Credit union expands charter to expand membership Grand Junction Federal Credit Union has expanded its charter to offer services to more customers.

“We are excited about this opportunity to serve more of our Western Colorado neighbors,” said Gabriella Stockton, operations manager at Grand Junction Federal Credit Union.

Membership in the Grand Junction Federal Credit Union previously required affiliations with particular employer groups or family connections to the memberrun organization. The expanded charter removed those restrictions to expand membership to anyone who lives, works, attends school or worships in Mesa, Delta and Garfield counties.

“Now that the National Credit Union Administration has approved our charter expansion, we can better serve our local areas and help residents learn the benefits of

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Grand Junction Federal Credit Union is located at 910 Main St. For more information, visit the website at www.grandjunctionfcu.org. belonging to a member-owned organization,” Stockton said.

What hasn’t changed, Stockton said, is a memberowned philosophy based on the idea people can achieve a better standard of living by pooling savings, working together and providing reasonable loans to neighbors and co-workers.

While banks earn interest and profits off loans, Grand Junction Federal Credit Union passes those savings on

to members, reduces loan rates, eliminates unnecessary service fees and strives to provide exceptional customer service, she said.

Grand Junction Federal Credit Union offers free checking accounts, low-balance savings accounts and low-interest loans as well as debit and credit cards. Other services include direct deposits, money orders, payroll deductions and wire transfers.

“Unlike a traditional bank, our services are not created for profit. They are created for community. The GJFCU believes in this community, and we can’t wait to expand our services and increase our membership in the surrounding areas,” Stockton said. “The new open charter approval is truly a reason for all our members and our community to celebrate.”

F

Parks supervisor retires following lengthy career

Ron Felt has retired as maintenance supervisor of the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department following a 45-year career.

Felt oversaw the maintenance of city parks, including the Riverfront at Las Colonias and Riverfont Trail System, as well as sports facilities.

He joined the city in 1976 as a seasonal Ron Felt maintenance worker.

He later worked as an equipment operator and crew leader. He was promoted to maintenance supervisor in 1986.

During his career, Felt was involved with two renovations to the Lincoln Park swimming pool as well as the development of new parks, including Canyon View, Cottonwoods Meadow and first phases of the Riverfront Trail at Blue Heron.

“Ron’s fingerprints on the parks and recreation system are many,” said Ken Sherbenou, director of the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department. “This translates to bettering the quality of life in Grand Junction. We wish him well as he embarks on a well-earned retirement.”

F

News, views and advice you can use

Subscribe today to the journal that means business in the Grand Valley (970) 424-5133

www.thebusinesstimes.com

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Page 9

Page 10

The Business Times

Charter adds robocall blocking feature to services Charter Communications has launched a feature for business and individual customers of its Spectrum telephone services that blocks robocalls and sends caller identification alerts for suspicious telemarketing calls.

“We are making Call Guard automatically available to all our customers as part of our commitment to providing quality products that prioritize safety and security,” said Carl Leuschner, senior vice president of internet and voice products for Spectrum.

Leuschner said robocalls not only rank among the most frequent consumer complaints to the Federal Communications Commission, but also constitute a nuisance and even a security threat.

The FCC reports more than 200,000 consumer complaints each year regarding unwanted calls. By one estimate, U.S. consumers receive billions of robocalls each month.

Call Guard monitors incoming calls and applies analytics

to score and categorize them. The scoring system differentiates between fraudulent calls and robocalls that deliver important information from organizations like schools or health care providers. Malicious robocalls are blocked, while suspicious telemarketing and spam calls are delivered with a caller ID alert, notifying customers of a spam risk.

Call Guard will be automatically activated and provided at no additional charge to Spectrum Business Voice and Spectrum Voice customers.

Customers can access Call Guard through their voice portal at Spectrumbusiness.net or Spectrum.net to personalize their experiences. Through their voice portal, customers have the ability to view which numbers have been blocked, add additional blocked numbers, add allowed numbers to ensure important calls are delivered or turn off the Call Guard feature.

F

January 28-February 10, 2021

Online map offers help to weather tough driving

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has launched an online statewide map to help drivers find reliable tire shops and discounts.

“When it comes to winter driving, tires are one of the primary factors in how well you’re able to navigate Colorado’s often treacherous road conditions,” said Andrew Hogle, public information officer for the department. “By creating this simple tool, we hope to help Coloradans access the resources they need to stay safe on the roads this winter.”

CDOT has teamed up through the online database with more than 140 businesses across the state, many of which provides discounts on tires and winter maintenance services.

A statewide tire partner map and discounts can be found online at codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tires.

CDOT will add more partners to the online map. Tire companies and auto shops interested in partnering with CDOT to be included can visit bit.ly/CDOT-tire-database to complete the tire partner registration form.

Updates to Colorado’s traction law went into effect last year, requiring that all motorists have either an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, winter tires or tires with an all-weather rating. The law also increased the minimum tread depth for tires on all vehicles — including those with four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive — to three-sixteenths of an inch. For more traction law information and downloadable materials, visit the website at codot.gov/travel/winterdriving/tractionlaw.

Between October and December 2019, 124 crashes were reported on the Interstate Highway 70 mountain corridor, resulting in more than 114 hours of partial and full-lane closures. More than 50 non-crash emergency responses were also reported in that time, resulting in 28 hours of closure time. According to CDOT, traffic accidents, not volume, account for up to 60 percent of all traffic delays on Colorado roads.

“CDOT and our partners do everything possible to keep the roads clear and safe for those traveling, but it is the responsibility of all drivers to make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter,” Hogle said. “One of the biggest, yet most preventable, things we see that causes major problems on our roads and highways is bad tires.”

F

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Page 11

Page 12

Grants

Continued from page 2 One-time payments are available to locally owned small businesses affected by pandemic restrictions, including bars, breweries, caterers, distilleries, fitness clubs, movie theaters, restaurants and wineries.

Mesa County businesses that have experienced reduced revenues of at least 20 percent because of capacity restrictions imposed under public health orders may be eligible for funding.

One-time grants of $3,500, $5,000 and $7,000 are available to applicants based on the annual income of the business. Grants will be distributed by Feb. 12.

Businesses will need documentation to apply for grants, including state licenses, profit and loss statements, tax returns and W-9 forms.

The application process also is under way for the latest phase of the Grand Junction Business Stabilization and Recovery Grant Fund.

The Business Times

The City of Grand Junction has authorized the Business Incubator Center to distribute up to $500,000 to eligible businesses affected by the pandemic.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for prior recipients of grants and forgivable loans from the city. Grants of up to $7,500 are available to new applicants. To apply for the grants, businesses must be located within the Grand Junction city limits, have 25 or fewer full-time employees and demonstrate the effects of the pandemic on their operations.

Businesses must complete a survival and recovery plan, gather supporting documents and complete applications. Supporting documents include balance sheets and profit and loss statements for 2019 and 2020 as well as documentation for projected business expenses for 90 days.

Assistance is available from the Business Incubator Center.

F

January 28-February 10, 2021

PPP loan applications total 60,000 in a week

A total of 60,000 loan applications were submitted by nearly 3,000 lenders in less than a week as a federal agency reopened a program designed to help businesses endure the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. Small Business Administration re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program on Jan. 11, first to the institutions specializing in the Jovita Carranza serving underserved communities, including minority women- and veteran-owned small businesses. Smaller lenders joined on Jan. 15. The program is now open to all lenders.

By Jan. 17, about 60,000 PPP loan applications were submitted.

“The SBA continues to help small businesses across the nation access vital funds through the Paycheck Protection Program. Data from our first week, which first allowed hundreds of community financial institutions to submit applications, then opened wider to small banks, demonstrate that we have helped tens of thousands of businesses,” said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza..

“The PPP is off to another great start helping our nation’s economy,” Carranza added. “The SBA remains committed to keeping small business workers on payroll and their doors open during this challenging time.

Moreover, the SBA over-performed operationally, issuing guidance and rules in advance and in alignment with the new law’s requirements.”

First draw PPP loans are for borrowers who didn’t receive a PPP loan before Aug. 8. The first two PPP rounds between March and August 2020 helped an estimated 5.2 million small businesses keep 51 million American workers employed.

Second draw PPP loans are for small businesses with 300 employees or less that received a first draw PPP loan. These borrowers will have to use or had used the full amount of their first draw loan for authorized uses and demonstrate at least a 25 percent reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. The maximum amount of a second draw PPP loan is $2 million.

F

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Page 13

Page 14

The Business Times

January 28-February 10, 2021

News, views Lids and advice you can use

Subscribe today to the journal that means business in the Grand Valley (970) 424-5133

www.thebusinesstimes.com

Continued from page 2 Stieg says his daughters — Leanna Stieg and Ashley Pettit — joined in the operation, located in a building off the Riverside Parkway in Grand Junction.

Plastic canning lids differ from metal lids in many ways, Stieg says. Plastic lids won’t corrode, which makes them well suited for canning such acidic foods as pickles, peppers and tomatoes. Most importantly, plastic lids can be used over and over.

The plastic lids Harvest Guard sells come with rubber ring gaskets that ensure a good seal. The gaskets also are reusable, although only for eight to 10 times.

Harvest Guard sells two sizes of lids — regular and wide mouth — in white and red. The company also sells replacement gaskets. Harvest Guard sells directly to consumers through its website and markets mostly through social media.

Stieg says he expected 2020 to be a busy year based the sales of vegetable seeds — a kind of leading indicator for gardening and home canning. “I had that feeling.”

But the pace of sales soon exceeded his expectations with shortages of traditional metal lids as well as jars and other canning supplies. Strapped with supply chain problems, metal lid manufacturers couldn’t keep up, he says.

Stieg buys his lids from a Montrose manufacturer and says he kept that firm busy.

Stieg says he recently purchased an injection mold machine to manufacture wide mouth lids that account for about 40 percent for sales. He says he’ll continued to purchase regular lids from the Montrose firm.

In addition to running Harvest Guard, Stieg also oversees a distribution facility for the Squirt brand of bicycle chain lubricant and other cycling products.

A company based in South Africa manufactures the products, but ships then to Grand Junction for distribution to North and South America, Stieg says. Squirt lubricant contains waxes and water in an emulsion that remains cleaner and lasts longer than petroleum products, he says.

While the pandemic curtailed the bicycle races and other events that afforded opportunities to market Squirt, sales have increased gradually, Stieg says.

As for Harvest Guard, Stieg says the ongoing effects of the pandemic as well as uncertainty over the availability of traditional canning supplies portend another busy year for the company and what could be sales in excess of $1 million.

And that could mean another welcome struggle to keep up with orders.

F

FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about Harvest Guard and reusable plastic canning lids, log on to www.canninglids.com.

January 28-February 10, 2021 AREA JOBLESS RATES s Delta County s Garfield County s Mesa County s Montrose County s Rio Blanco County

Jobless

Dec. 7.4 7.1 8.2 7.2 6.5

Nov. 5.6 5.9 6.1 5.5 4.7

Continued from page 2 up from 421 orders posted during the same month last year. For all of 2020, however, 6,646 orders were posted. That’s down from 7,463 orders posted in 2019.

The unemployment rate historically spikes in January because of layoffs after the holidays and the effects of winter weather on construction and other outdoor activities. Englehart said he expects that will be the case again this year, but monthly jobless rates likely will trend down starting in March.

The outlook depends on how quickly COVID-19 vaccines are administered and the effects of more widespread vaccinations on businesses and hiring, he said.

Proactive efforts to keep businesses open — including a variance protection program enabling businesses that meet public health guidelines to operate under less restrictive conditions — should position Mesa County to recover more quickly, he said.

Moreover, a growing number of people are moving to Mesa County to take advantage of lower housing prices and the proximity to outdoor recreation, he said.

Some of those people work remotely and can live nearly anywhere. Others relocate, then look for jobs.

A collaborative effort of the Mesa County Workforce Center, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and Grand Junction Economic Partnership called FamilyWorks offers help to so-called trailing spouses who follow husbands and wives to new locations because of work assignments, he said.

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates also increased in December in neighboring Western Colorado counties: up 1.8 points to 7.4 percent in Delta County and 6.5 percent in Rio Blanco County, up 1.7 points to 7.2 percent in Montrose County and up 1.2 points to 7.1 percent in Garfield County.

The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose two points to 8.4 percent in December as nonfarm payrolls decreased 20,300 from November.

Over the past year, the state jobless rate has increased four-fold. Payrolls have decreased nearly 151,000 with the biggest loss in the leisure and hospitality sector.

Since May, the state has gained back 191,500 of the 342,300 jobs lost during the onset of the pandemic between February and April.

The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls shortened a half hour to 33.3 hours. Average hourly earnings increased 18 cents to $31.

F

The Business Times

Page 15

News Trends Colorado rural index declines Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac Page 16

The Business Times

January 28-February 10, 2021

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

Overall regional index rises, but remains below pre-pandemic levels A monthly measure of the rural economy in Colorado has declined in part on decreasing employment.

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index for Colorado retreated 1.3 points to 41.6 for January.

The overall Rural Mainstreet Index for a 10-state region that includes Colorado rose four-tenths of a point to 52, the secondhighest reading since January 2020 and the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Recent sharp improvements in agriculture commodity prices, federal farm Ernie Goss support payments and the Federal Reserve’s record low short-term interest rates have underpinned the rural main street economy in a solid and positive growth range. However, the rural economy remains well below pre-pandemic levels,” said Ernie Goss, an economics professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., who calculates the index.

The index ranges from 0 to 100, with readings above 50 reflecting growth. The index is based on the results of monthly surveys of bank chief executive offers in rural areas dependent on the agriculture and energy industry sectors. The index focuses on economic conditions in about 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300.

For January, the index increased in eight states and decreased in two states.

In Colorado, a component of the index tracking hiring fell

nearly five points to 41.8. Over the past year, nonfarm employment in rural areas of the state has declined 12.5 percent, compared to a 3.8 percent loss in urban areas. A component of the index tracking prices for farm and ranch land rose six-tenths of a point to 51.1.

The overall Rural Mainstreet Index for the region reflected a fourth consecutive month of readings above growth-neutral 50 for farm land prices. A reading tracking farm equipment sales rose to its highest level since April 2013.

At the same time, though, a component of the index tracking new hiring fell four points to 46 in December. Nonfarm employment in rural areas of the 10-state region has declined 3.3 percent from pre-pandemic levels and 5.6 percent from a year ago.

“It will take many months of above growth-neutral readings to get back to pre-COVID-19 employment levels for the region,” Goss said.

A component of the index tracking home sales fell 11 points in January, but at 60 remained above growth-neutral. A component of the index tracking retail sales fell 1.4 point to 40.6.

“Online buying and business closures linked to COVID-19 continue to harm the region’s retailers,” Goss said.

A component of the index tracking the expectations of bank CEOs for six months ahead fell 2.9 points, but remained at 60.

“Federal farm support payments, improving grain prices and advancing exports have supported confidence, offsetting negatives from pandemic ravaged retail and leisure and hospitality companies in rural areas,” Goss said.

F

A measure of consumer confidence has increased on more upbeat expectations for business and labor conditions.

The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.1 points to 89.3 in January.

An increase in a component of the index tracking the short-term outlook more than offset a decrease in a component of the index tracking current assessments.

“Consumers’ appraisal of present-day conditions weakened further in January, with COVID-19 still the major suppressor,” said Lynn Lynn Franco Franco, senior director of economic indicators at the Conference Board. “Consumers’ expectations for the economy and jobs, however, advanced further, suggesting that consumers foresee conditions improving in the not-too-distant future.”

Franco said a growing portion of consumers also said they intend to purchase homes within the next months.

Less optimistic assessments of business and labor conditions pulled the present situation component of the index down 2.8 points from December to 84.4.

The proportion of consumers responding to the survey upon

which the index was based who described business conditions as “good” rose four-tenths of a point to 15.8 percent. But the share of those who said conditions are “bad” increased more — 3.1 points to 42.8 percent.

The proportion of consumers who called jobs “plentiful” fell four-tenths of a point to 20.6 percent. The share of those who said jobs are “hard to get” rose nine-tenths of a point to 23.8 percent.

More upbeat responses pushed the expectations component of the index up 5.5 points to 92.5.

The share of consumers who said they expect business conditions to improve over the next six months rose 4.2 points to 33.7 percent. The proportion of those who said they anticipated worsening conditions fell 3.9 points to 18.1 percent.

The share of those who said they expect more jobs to become available in coming months rose 3.3 points to 31.3 percent. The proportion of those who forecast fewer jobs fell eight-tenths of a point to 21.4 percent.

Asked about their expectations for income, 14.4 percent of those who responded said they anticipated increases — down 1.3 points. Meanwhile, 14.2 percent said they anticipated decreases — down four-tenths of a point.

F

Consumer Confidence Index increases

Grand Junction sales tax collections decline for 2020 Sales tax collections, one measure of retail activity, declined in 2020 in Grand Junction, the city reported.

Lodging tax collections, a measure of hotel and motel sales, also dropped.

The city collected a total of more than $57 million in sales and use taxes in 2020. That’s a decrease of about $1.1 million and 1.9 percent from 2019.

City sales tax collections decreased 2 percent. Use tax collections, a smaller and more volatile revenue source, fell 37.8 percent.

For December alone, sales and use tax collections totaled nearly $4.6 million. That was a decrease of almost $78,000 and

1.7 percent from the same month last year. December collections reflect November sales.

Sales tax collections dropped 2.6 percent, while use tax collections fell 33.5 percent.

The city collected more than $1.1 million in lodging taxes in 2020. That was a decrease of more than $524,000 and 31.8 percent from 2019.

For December alone, the city collected $67,353 in lodging taxes. That was a decrease of $18,251 and 21.3 percent from the same month last year.

F

n Business filings s New business filings in Colorado, 38,678 in the third quarter, up 24.3% from the third quarter of 2019.

n Confidence

s Consumer Confidence Index 89.3 in January, up 2.1. n Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 47.9 for the first quarter, unchanged. t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 95.9 for December, down 5.5

n Foreclosures

t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 8 in December, down from 11 in December 2019. t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 2 in December, down from 15 in December 2019.

n Indexes

t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 99.01 for December, down 0.04. s Conference Board Leading Economic Index 109.1 for November, up 0.6% s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 60.7% for December, up 3.2%.

n Lodging

t Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $67,353 for December, down 21.3% from December 2019.

n Real estate

s Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 536 in December, up 38.9% from December 2019 s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $168 million in December, up 32.3% from December 2019.

n Sales

t Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $4.6 million for December, down 1.7% from December 2019. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $3.2 million for December, up 0.3% from December 2019.

n Unemployment s Mesa County — 8.2% for December, up 2.1. s Colorado — 8.4% for December, up 2.0. n United States — 6.7% for December, unchanged.

Trends Contributors Opinion SECURE Act changes loom Business Briefs Business People Almanac

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Page 17

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction has scheduled events offering information about startups and bookkeeping.

The next business startup webinar is set for 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 9 and 10. A workshop is set for 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the center, 2591 Legacy Way. The webinar and workshop will cover the business planning process, including financing options, licensing requirements and legal structures. Admission is $55, which also includes admission to Fast Trac classes at the center.

A bookkeeping boot camp is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 16 at the center.

Participants will learn how to set up and track accounting records as well as gain better control of their businesses by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they indicate about operations. Admission is $75, which includes lunch.

For more information about upcoming events, services and programs offered at the center, call 243-5242 or visit the website at www.gjincubator.org. n The Western Colorado Human Resource Association has scheduled a virtual presentation on hiring for the right fit.

The presentation is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 19.

Lindsay Bullock, a career development supervisor, and Celina Kirnberger, employment services supervisor, will review how the Mesa County Workforce Center can help employers with recruiting, hiring and training as well as internships and paid work experience.

WCHRA members participate at no additional charge. Guests pay $10, and Colorado Mesa University students pay $5.

To register or obtain more information, visit www.wchra.org. n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a free Zoom presentation on state overtime and minimum pay standards.

The presentation is set for 10 to 11 a.m.

Jan. 28. To register or obtain additional information, visit www.gjchamber.org or call 242-3214.

Check compliance with eligibility and disclosure provisions Remember 2019? It was in December of that year — which seems now like quite a while ago — the SECURE Act was signed into law. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act was designed to make it easier for people to save for retirement and makes retirement plans more accessible to more people.

As the coronavirus pandemic rages around the world, the SECURE Act might have slipped off your radar in favor of other pressing issues. Make no mistake, though, the law is still out there and requires your attention.

Plan sponsors have until the last day of the 2022 plan year — Dec. 31, 2022 for calendar-year plans — to adopt the amendments required by the act. However, operational compliance Kevin Price is required during the period between the actual plan amendment date and effective date for required changes.

Here are just two of the items that demand the attention of 401(k) plan sponsors. Because many of the words and phrases in this article have specific legal meanings, consult the plan attorney to ensure your plan complies with these and other provisions. n Eligibility for long-term part-timers. In the decades prior to the SECURE Act, plans could set a year of service for eligibility purposes at a minimum of 1,000 hours worked during a plan year. Under the SECURE Act, the required hours have been reduced. Employees who are at least 21 years old and work at least 500 hours in three consecutive 12-month periods must be allowed to make salary deferrals in the 401(k) plan.

The definition of a year of vesting service also changed to reflect the 500-hour minimum rather than the former 1,000 hours in a plan year requirement.

These rules become effective for plan years that begin after Dec. 31, 2020.

While these long-term, part-time employees can make salary deferrals, they’re not required to be included in employer matching contributions or other contributions from the employer.

This is a forward-, not backward-, looking provision.

Sponsors should start tracking the hours of their part-time staff for the plan year beginning after Dec. 31, 2020.

Workers who accumulate at least 500 hours of service during the first, second and third years after that date must

As the coronavirus pandemic rages around the world, the SECURE Act might have slipped off your radar in favor of other pressing issues. Make no mistake, though, the law is still out there and requires your attention.

be allowed to begin salary deferrals in the plan during the subsequent plan year. For a calendar year plan, then, deferrals would be allowed during the 2024 plan year from employees with at least 500 hours of service in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

It’s worth noting employees included in the plan only because of this provision — those with less than 1,000 hours of service — don’t need to be included in the plan’s nondiscrimination tests, including top-heavy testing. As before, employees with at least 1,000 hours of service who meet the age requirement must be included in the tests. n Lifetime income disclosures. Along with disclosures about vesting status and investments, plans will soon be required to include a new disclosure about lifetime income.

To meet this requirement, the disclosure must describe the participant’s balance in terms of a monthly annuity that could be purchased with the participant’s account balance.

The U.S. Department of Labor was expected to release interim rules, including a model disclosure statement and assumptions on which the annuity figure should be based.

If the disclosure meets legal requirements, the plan and its fiduciaries will be protected against liability arising from it.

Expect the first disclosure to be required 12 months after the labor department issues its interim rules, likely sometime during 2021.

This article was prepared by LPL Financial and provided by Kevin Price, a financial advisor with Insight Financial Solutions in Grand Junction. Price specializes in retirement plan consulting and private wealth management. Reach Price at kevin.price@lpl.com or 986-4503. The article also was provided by the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For more information, visit the website at www.wchra.org.

F

Page 18

The Business Times

January 28-February 10, 2021

Encourage team members to think for themselves Business owners and managers frequently ask me, “How do you teach people to think?” This is a powerful question, one that can lead to significantly better results.

My answer: By learning to become a mentor and effective communicator and consistently encouraging your team members to think for themselves.

If you want your company to operate at the highest levels, your team members must be taught it’s acceptable — and then continually encouraged — to think their way through situations rather than relying on you and others for answers or Marcus guessing at a solution.

Straub There’s a tendency among business owners and managers to supply answers rather than spend time with team members to help them find answers themselves. The prevailing belief is this saves time.

That might be accurate in the short term. In the long run, though, this approach costs more, weakens your business and adds to your responsibilities as your team becomes increasingly dependent on you for solutions.

Thinking is the process of evaluating a situation and exploring possible actions that lead to a desired outcome.

How do you use effective communication to encourage people to think for themselves?

Begin by creating a safe environment for your team members to ask questions. Maintain composure — rather become angry, condescending, demeaning, disappointed, frustrated or judgmental — as you work together toward viable solutions. Nurture an environment where they’re safe to expose what they don’t know as they learn from you.

It’s important to understand that people who don’t feel safe asking questions will often guess as to what action is

You have a choice to make in developing team members: You can either increase their dependency on you for solutions or empower them to look for answers on their own.

best to take or take no action at all. This leads to errors that ripple throughout operations. Accounts aren’t handled effectively, time and resources are wasted, customers become disgruntled and business suffers. This will result in more time and resources spent to fix not only errors, but also relationships with customers.

Next, encourage team members to come to you with questions rather than guessing about the correct course of action. Help team members realize there’s strength in tapping resources to gain understanding and finding solutions.

Here’s a critical component to your success. Rather than simply telling team members the correct answers, work with them to explore the situation. Ask open-ended questions. This will promote greater clarity as you work together for a solution.

Then, ask team members what possible solutions they see. Continue asking open-ended questions to fully draw out their ideas. If their perception of the situation isn’t accurate, ask more questions to help them deduce the best possible solution or send them in the direction of information that holds the solution.

Finally, have them read back to you what they learned.

This will let you know whether or not more work is needed and also further ingrain what they learned.

Over time, you’ll identify how best to mentor

each individual, and team members will learn they can collaborate with you to improve their abilities to make sound decisions. This creates a strong bond between you and your team. In addition, your team will become more competent, fewer errors will be made and the company will deliver better experiences to customers.

Keep in mind a majority of people have been conditioned to rely on others for answers instead of learning to think on their own. They’ve collected a lifetime of experiences in which they were told who to be, what to do and how to think. When this conditioning is understood and overcome, individuals access more of their potential and perform at higher levels.

You have a choice to make in developing team members: You can either increase their dependency on you for solutions or empower them to look for answers on their own.

When you invest in your team members and their abilities to think their way through situations to find solutions, you’re helping them empower themselves. This improves their abilities, lessens their dependence on you, strengthens your business from within and improves your company performance.

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 208-3150, marcus@lifeisgreatcoaching.com or through the website located at www.lifeisgreatcoaching.com.

F

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Mentors offer help to build business Is your business moving in the direction you want at the pace you expect? If the answer is no — or even if it’s yes — perhaps it’s time to seek out a mentor or two.

Most people want to help, but they also want to be asked. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.

Mentors can be a big deal — especially for small, high-tech businesses looking for opportunities with the federal government.

Many large prime contractors want to bid on projects that require some level of small business participation. These companies seek out, or are sought out by, small businesses with which they can team on lucrative contracts.

Janet Try searching for “mentor-protégé” Arrowood on federal government and tech company websites to see what’s out there. As an example, here’s the link for mentors for small businesses approved by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration — https://osbp.nasa.gov/mentor-approved.html.

There also are less formal forms of mentoring. Many chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and other groups can suggest or even make connections with mentors who want to help you improve and grow your business.

Before you start searching for a mentor — or consider becoming a mentor — you need to be clear about your needs, goals and expectations.

The role of a mentor is not the same as that of a coach. By definition, a mentor is a wise and trusted counselor or teacher, an influential sponsor or supporter. Mentoring consists of a long-term relationship focused on supporting the growth and development of the mentee. The mentor becomes a source of wisdom, teaching and support, but not someone who observes and advises on specific actions or behavioral changes in daily work. Keep that in mind when seeking a mentor or agreeing to mentor someone.

What should you expect from a mentor and what are they likely to expect from you?

First, it’s best to draft a simple letter if you aren’t in a formal mentoring program involving a contract. A letter can spell out each person’s role and expectations to help avoid conflicts, disappointments or unrealistic expectations.

Next, schedule meetings and plan an agenda for each meeting.

Your mentor is there to ask hard questions and challenge you in ways that will help you grow in your position, better manage your company or rise in the hierarchy of an organization. He or she can help you identify areas of personal and business weakness and develop approaches to solve or mitigate these concerns.

A mentor will often ask questions to help you evaluate your areas of concern and then, through questions and suggestions, help you develop a plan or mitigation strategy. At a subsequent meeting, your mentor will likely ask you about your progress and continuing concerns, repeating the process until both of you are satisfied with the results.

Mentors are a source of support and feedback, not an extension of business. They will support you, cheer your accomplishments and provide pointed feedback and relevant criticism to aid your growth and development.

To gain the most from this relationship, you must be willing to listen, act and grow — as well as accept feedback without becoming defensive.

To get the most out of a mentor relationship, maintain an open mind. The process takes time, but the results are well worth the effort.

Janet Arrowood is founder and managing director of the Write Source, a Grand Junction-based firm that offers a range of services, including grant and proposal writing, instruction and technical writing. Reach her at janet.arrowood@thewritesourceinc.com.

For more information, visit www.TheWriteSourceInc.com.

F

Page 19

News, views and advice you can use

Subscribe today to the journal that means business in the Grand Valley (970) 424-5133

www.thebusinesstimes.com

Page 20

The Business Times

January 28-February 10, 2021

Future of accounting brings business opportunities I’ve worked as an accountant for more than 25 years.

But it seems like only yesterday when I started out as a staff accountant, ready to take on the world’s finances. My days were busy ensuring clients complied with the Internal Revenue Service and other regulators.

The years flashed by, and each new year brought perspective to what the accounting industry really does and what my clients actually needed — business support for continuous change. I advised my individual and business clients on how to make the right decisions for growth, opportunity and risk. I served as a sounding board and helped them plan their futures and legacies.

Chris West Now that I’m chief executive officer of an accounting firm, my role has changed again to manage for firm growth and changes in industry demands and client needs.

According to one report, most CEOs consider agility the new business currency. “If they [CEOs] fail to adapt to a constantly changing world, their business will become irrelevant. This is a stark choice. To be resilient, organizations need to be comfortable disrupting their business models if they want to continue to grow.”

I agree. And through the disruption, your accountant advisor remains in the middle as a connector to you and change. Being in the middle of so much transition means the accounting industry must evolve, too. There are three main disruptions — what I consider opportunities — in accounting that companies and owners should expect: n Even deeper integration in your business. Business functions grow more interconnected because of technology.

This can create a more synergistic organization, but also

become overwhelming. Clients will look to their accountant advisors to take a seat at the board or management tables to provide insights, planning and strategy. A broader advisory role incorporates a higher-level view to ensure the overall strategy and vision remain on track. This requires specialists in automation, data, information security and risk management as well as strategic advisors.

The future of accounting will include more than certified public accountants. Many accounting firms are hiring data analytics, human resources and technology experts to provide cohesive and seamless advisory services.

Gone are the days of CPAs as historians looking back at financial data to tell clients what happened last year.

The CPA of the future — actually of today — is a trusted advisor looking forward and asking a question. “How can I help the client improve and grow and be better prepared to solve the problems of tomorrow?” n Changing technology. Technology drives innovation and opportunity growth for most industries. Accounting firms now see clients in specific sectors experimenting or already using such transformative technologies as artificial intelligence, blockchain, bots and data analytics.

Accounting and advisory firms, especially those with audit and technology service lines, must know how to audit and advise clients, including cybersecurity.

Cloud computing allows businesses to access multiple tools to customize tech stacks without maintaining servers and hardware. As more providers move software to the cloud, including accounting and finance software, businesses are compelled to move as well. While overall costs might go down, there are risks, including security, and annoyances, like managing a multitude of subscriptions.

Cloud everywhere is coming, and accountant advisors will work more with clients virtually to help guide them with technology and real-time data integration.

n A different work force. As baby boomers retire and millennials mature, the demands of speed and convenience reshape the world. Employers must accommodate future work force expectations sooner than later or risk losing talent to competitors or other industries. There are also skills gaps, so work forces in all industries, including accounting, need training. The top of the list of employer wants and expectations will include critical thinking, problem-solving, self-management and working with others.

By one estimate, 84 percent of employers are set to digitalize working processes, including a significant expansion of remote work and the potential to move 44 percent of their work forces to remote operations.

Remote workers present two challenges: managing localand state-specific regulations for out-of-state workers as well as cybersecurity and risk management.

Accounting firm advisors will help clients manage business and employer regulations, insurance, licenses and state nexus laws. Accounting firms with technology service lines can take the lead in advising or provide audits on cybersecurity and other risk mitigation.

I’m excited by the services and insights accounting advisory professionals provide now and what they’ll provide in the future. The sustainability of business depends on the ability to remain agile and make strategic decisions.

Relationships with accountants will become less focused on once-a-year compliance and historical data and more focused on their integral roles in day-to-day operations.

Chris West is chief executive officer of Dalby, Wendland & Co., a public accounting and business advisory firm headquartered in Grand Junction. For more information, call 243-1921 or visit www.DalbyCPA.com.

F

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Page 21

Get moving: Cardio improves day-to-day living It’s no secret: To keep healthy, we must move every day. Movement strengthens our muscles — including our heart. Did you know the heart is the only muscle that never stops working?

Learning what cardiovascular exercise is and why it’s important is the first step. From there, you can explore ways of getting cardio exercise in the gym and some tips on making your experience enjoyable and beneficial.

Simply put, cardio exercise increases your heart rate. When you run or walk up and down stairs, you’re performing cardio exercise. The Paula stronger your cardiovascular system Reece becomes, the more capillaries you have delivering oxygen to the cells in your muscles, where those cells burn more fat.

A strong cardiovascular system means more than just weight loss, though. Cardio exercises strengthen the heart and lungs, reduce the risk of heart disease, increase bone density, lower stress and enhance sleep. Most important, cardio makes your body more efficient in day-to-day living.

Cardio exercise should be personalized to fit you.

Begin by finding your target heart rate. This will give

you a starting point to make sure your workouts are not only beneficial, but also safe. To find your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220. To find your target heart rate, multiply your maximum heart rate by 55 percent and 85 percent. This range is most beneficial.

If you don’t have a heart rate monitor or fitness band, buy one. A monitor tracks your heart rate throughout your workout. A monitor records the amount of time you exercised in your zone and how many calories you burned.

Cardio exercise can be performed inside and outside.

It’s a personal preference. Both have advantages. Cardio equipment in a health club is designed specifically for exercise. Each machine is designed to imitate your body’s natural movements. Understanding what each machine does will help you decide which one works best for your body and meeting your goals. Ideally, it will be a combination of machines.

Start with the treadmill. It simulates walking or running. This machine has both incline and speed adjustments. By increasing the incline of the bed of the treadmill, you feel as though you’re walking uphill. This will also increase your heart rate. Use the handles for balance only, not support. When you use the treadmill without holding on, you engage your core muscles to stay balanced.

An elliptical machine provides a non-impact form of

exercise. This cardio machine offers a good alternative for people with joint or back issues. This machine can provide upper and lower body strengthening and conditioning.

You can set the resistance for a harder workout as well as the cross ramp for an increased incline.

The recumbent bike constitutes another beneficial cardio machine. It works the gluteal muscles. This bike allows you to change the level of resistance.

Still other cardio machines include the Stairmaster that simulates climbing stairs and Adaptive Motion Trainer machine that can vary from stepping to running. The rowing machine offers a great cardio intensity workout as well.

Cardio exercise is just one of the four cornerstones of exercise, but one of the most important. There are various ways to increase your heart rate. Choose one that best suits your body and fitness goals. By choosing exercises you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to stick with them. The benefits of cardio exercise far exceed just weight loss.

Before considering what’s in store for commercial real estate in 2021, let’s review some of the lessons from 2020.

As with any economic disruption, there were winners and losers. The coronavirus pandemic expedited declining demand for such traditional brick-and-mortar retail locations as enclosed malls and department stores even as consumers adopted to online shopping more quickly.

While hotels and restaurants suffered, demand for industrial space increased to support distribution Tim and storage. Freestanding retailers Whitney — especially drive-thrus — and net leased office spaces held up well compared to actively managed retail.

The sudden shift to work from home created new expectations about flexibility that can’t be undone. People are making new choices about where they want to live and

how and where they want to work. The massive deployment of remote work technology platforms has only accelerated this push.

I expect the recovery in 2021 to be led by industrial, grocery retail, multifamily, land, single-tenant net leased and drive-thru retail properties. Small office spaces will be preferred over larger ones, and tenants will look for flexibility in lease terms. Vacant malls will be repurposed for nontraditional tenants as obsolete retail space is recommissioned. Secondary and tertiary markets will grow, a reflection of where people prefer to live.

A recovering economy paired with continued low interest rates should sustain the private investor market and could push commercial real estate asset prices higher in 2021.

Context is important. This was not a real estate-led recession. Many investors are well-capitalized and remain active in the market, even during the shutdown. That’s especially true of local private investors and those with 1031 tax-deferred exchanges.

As a result, capitalization rates should see steady to downward movement when the crisis eases. Rates for retail, hospitality and mid/high-rise office could remain unstable over the next few years, though. Expect land sales for housing and industrial developments to remain in short supply in 2021. Freestanding net lease formats, drive-thru retail and essential businesses should hold up well compared to actively managed retail.

This column contains some excerpts from the Coldwell Banker Commercial national real estate outlook for 2021. The entire report is available through my office.

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.

F

Lessons of 2020 apply to commercial real estate outlook for 2021

Registration open for legislative conference

Registration is under way for an upcoming employment law conference in Grand Junction.

The Western Colorado Human Resource Association and Bechtel, Santo & Severn law firm have scheduled the 2021 Legislative Conference for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21 at the Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom. A virtual presentation of the event also is planned.

The event will offer updates on legislative changes that affect employment laws. Various presentations will address other employment law issues. A vendor expo also is planned.

Early registration is $249 for WCHRA members, $299 for others. Students and special guests pay $99.

To register or obtain more information, visit www.wchra.org.

F

Tim Whitney is managing broker of Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, a commercial brokerage and property management firm based in Grand Junction. Whitney has been involved in the sale, lease and management of commercial real estate in Colorado for more than 35 years.

For more information, call (970) 243-7375 or visit the website at www.CBCPrimeProperties.com.

F

Contributors Opinion Bold forand 2015 It’s a predictions private club, they A newthe year affords Sadly, write stuff more Business Briefs like repeats don’t wantnot-so-bold you as a member often inopportunity short supply a new Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PAGE age 22

I keep a favorite “Pearls Before Swine” comic strip by Stephan Pastis taped to my desk as a reminder of the challenges that sometimes arise with my job.

The first panel of the comic strip depicts two characters talking. “Where were you last weekend?” one asks. “I went to a always writers brings retreat,” other answers.

The next A new year almost anthe opportunity for a fresh startpanel and shows writersbetter. sprinting away, the pages of what are presumably renewed ambition tofour do things workboils flying behind.

One writer screams.better “Run.products Run. In business, thattheir usually down to providing customers Writing’s toocost hard.” and services faster and at lower than competitors. Part of the process must Exactly. include listening to customers to determine what they actually need and then aslittle I’m tempted occasion to retreat, meeting that need. After As all,much it does good to on offer the latest and greatest if newspaper journalists nobody actually wants what you’re selling.seldom enjoy that option. They’ve got to slog through the process however After more Just like the businesses that belong to the group, the daunting.

Grand Junction Area thaninvariably 40 years in the business, I’myear stillwith daunted.

Chamber of Commerce starts out the new a reassessment of Phil Castle If itthere’s a silver liningwell to the cloud of members deadlines, the services and resources provides and how theydark match with way, it’s the of limits they impose.

There’s only so much needs. Jeff Franklin,by thethe new chairman the chamber board of directors, time to write.

Take this very column, for example.

I’ve got about an left to personifies this approach in describing what he considers his role forhour the coming complete this page and send it to the printer.

If it weren’t for deadlines, I’d never year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a finish my which work. Franklin You’d never read it.as market president of Bank of Colorado. role with is familiar IThe suspect there aretake those at this point if I’dinlike some to go process will on who’d a moreask structured approach what thecheese chamber with whine.

I don’t blame them. Writing is hard enough to forBusiness. those of us whothe plansmy as the resumption of a program aptly called Listening Under make a living writing.

It’s participate no less difficult for those who facetomore challenging program, business owners in in-depth interviews identify barriers to tasks even as they’re also expected to communicate effectively.

Business owners growth and other problems they encounter. and managers among them.

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

This raises or a related Whyneed is sofrom much so hard to As antopic advertiser reader,question: what do you thewriting Business Times? understand?

I read too many traditionally stories, newsgather releases otherthesubmissions thatto While business journals andand report relevant news leave me scratching my head.

What is that about?

What does that even mean? readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially true as founder the Write Source in Grand Junction WebJanet sites Arrowood, and e-mail make theofdialogue more convenient than ever. and prolific Business columnist, could address this I. She makes GoodTimes publications don’t existbetter in a vacuum.

Theysituation respondthan to the needs of it her businessand to not only They write provide effectively, butneeded. also help her clients do so. advertisers readers. what’s So three points Janet has made before.

So I’ll whatreiterate do you aneed? n Keep in mind who you’re writing and what asking them to Is there additional news coverage thattowould helpyou’re keep you informed about do. will help in determining andfeatures sharpening yourbemessage to your localThat business developments?

Are — there that — would interesting or intended Arethat youwould marketing customers you want to purchase your useful? Isaudience. there advice maketoyour jobs a little easier? products or services?

Howtoabout engaging employees in a new initiative?

It’s equally important ask what you don’t need. With limited time to Or maybe convincing a newspaper editor to publicize your efforts? produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time and space be Consider or not readers will understand what you’ve written. betterndevoted towhether something else?

People who’re adept at what do sometimes encounter What’s good?

What isn’t?they What’s needed? What isn’t? difficulty imagining others knowSend whatus they acronyms, and jargon.

Letdon’t us know. an know. e-mail.Avoid Comment onlinecatchwords on the Business Times Web Use examples.

Lots of them. site at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

You could even write an old-fashioned letter to n Keep it simple. tempted myself to positive write in aand manner that makes me and appear the editor if you’d like.I’m Your feedback, both negative, is valued more intelligent when I’d be far better off to eschew obfuscation.

Plain language will be carefully considered. that’sGood simple and understandable is more effective publications are the result of not only thelanguage. efforts of their staffs, but also Writing can be hard.

For me.

For anyone.

That’s why it’s so important not to collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers. complicate theother process. isn’t option.

Like any goodRetreat business, weanwant to listen to our customers, find out what they need and then meet those needs.

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

THE BUSINESS TIMES

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

Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall

Editor: Phil Castle

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

Subscribe or submit press releases online at www.thebusinesstimes.com The Grand Valley Business Times, a subsidiary of Hall Media Group LLC, is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor, staff or advertisers.

Copyright © 2015 — AllCopyright rights reserved. © 2021 — All rights reserved.

There’s an old attributed to It’s that time of saying year when Groucho Marx basically saysabound. (since resolutions and that prognostications no is sure of theapplied exact wording): Myone favorite saying to New Year’s “I don’t want to any club that a resolutions is to in belong saying they’re basically would accept me astoone of its bunch of promises break themembers” first week Oh howAnd I wish of January. while I won’t predict a that were forpretty much accurately whole lot,true I can the people in that without question nail546 a few things Washington, will make theD.C., news. You will see these are who believe they — pretty, well, predictable: and only they —are ■ Prediction one: qualified belong There willtobe someto what be the sort ofshould weather event, most exclusive natural disaster club or on the planet: The Royal heinous occurrence Order Who Gets where of someone willto Run Craig Hall’s Life. be interviewed and say Craig Hall Oh yeah, this the following: “I’ve goes theanything elites in Denver and right neverfor seen here in River like that in myCity as well. Because the answerIt’s will lifetime.” as forever if this and always be Hall is NUNYA. reason for Craig my exclusivity person is aThe required just as simple: What I do with my life is attendee at every news none of the business ofIgovernment unless reporting event.

While understand most Ipeople’s violate perspective another’s rights to life, be liberty can indeed limited and thecontained pursuit ofwithin, happiness.

Period. by, or their own personal Just lookitatishow the elite clubs experiences, too much to ask to making back room dealsperspective have messed that consult some historical before up oversuch the last 250 years or so.

Why else saying a thing?

Yes, this response can do youtothink revered apply someour events.

Butrulers whenof it writing comes rights makeand up natural so manydisasters, rights that to weather I’mnever pretty existed? wealth andrepeating power. And if sure this Votes, is simply history itself. you it’s worse than ever, Samearen’t as it convinced has for millions and millions of you haven’t attention lastmade four it! years.

More paid important, the the planet years especially the last year. How’s What and didn’t were certain species.

We perspective? have all the natural rights described that for on a few pages of parchment in 1787.

■ Prediction two: Whenback it comes to a The volumes of new that rulesoccurs and rights heaped crime or something between upon this the brilliant, humans, other original requireddocument attendee crafted at all by ourreporting founders events is the abject how news is thelesson personinwho the “rules for thee, notnicest for me” sayssaying this: “They we’re justbutthe should theinmost important adage John Q. people,be and no way did I see something Public do well to keepNo at one the forefront. like thiswould coming.”

Exactly. does that what thisitsham of to becoming mostIsn’t of the time when comes the only president to be impeached is neighbors and acquaintances.

Peopletwice should all about for at Donald Trump?

It’s because be surprised what goes on from time to he didn’t playneighborhoods, by the rules oftowns Washington, time in their and D,C. Then again, no onebecause should.people Satan are with people they know himself would be embarrassed if he had good. And for the times that they shouldn’t to the same.

Andwith let’spoliticians, face it, Satan is be do shocked — like repeat the best atand saying, “You— have the right offenders terrorists where’s the to do that.” And only wishes could interview that Satan says, “This doesn’the surprise conjure Chuck, Nancy and Mitch. me in thelike least.”

What exactlythree: is Donald Trumpgood guilty ■ Prediction Something of? a nutshell, he’s guilty ofthe doing what willIn happen economically, and he said he would do, trying to work government will take credit for it. Theinside most the framework the Constitution better recent example of is gas prices, wheretopeople the rescind a bunch of rulesfor ask country me why and I won’t credit the president his decided good things, lowpredecessors gas prices. My answerwere is simple: but actually weren’t.

He tried to runofthe Government never makes the price country as go intended.

He simply just didtakes it outside something down and credit the unwritten the club elite. to for good news.rules Gas of pricing is subject Democrats hate manyHere’s globalwhy factors.

Now there areTrump.

He acts just answers like theytodo.

He’s bombastic, government addressing some of attacks directly when he thinks them to people keep prices stable for Americans, they’re wrong and will stop at but our government has none ofnothing them in to get The things done.

It’sitjust Trump place. only things has what in place in the

January 28-F ebruary 10, 2015 2021 JANUARY 15-28,

wanted America is the opposite of the long runfor always hurt consumers.

Another true enemy domestic: the Democratic party. fact is that unemployment reaches a certain why hate Trump. levelHere’s based on theRepublicans economy. And while the He acts nothing like them.

He doesn’t government might brag the number is low, cower, things to the be liked or worshiped it’s moredothan likely government did in the presstosocause he can invitedbeing to thelow something thatbenumber cool parties actually through — and not inand a good way. follows Conversely, when on campaign The leaders and business pickspromises. up, it’s because the people power brokers the Republican who need to buyinwidgets who wereparty not can have none of that. buying widgets because the economy was Now you why we a second contracting dueknow to natural (orhave unnatural, impeachment, not that there should have government caused) reasons, decided we been firstsome one. We got the firstgovernment one because betterabuy widgets.

The Nancy Pelositoand tried had nothing do the withDemocrats this. everything to get rid of the president, but ■ Prediction four: In keeping with to no avail.

So, they found a second-hand things the government does, I predict the whistle blower rememberthe now, more to government will— manipulate numbers than first-hand whistle blowers don’t make1,000 the claim the economy is getting even look-see intoitelection fraud betterwarrant becausea of how hard is working to — asall theofexcuse to impeach even though help us “working Americans.”

Nowthe only real reason was Nan-Nan had say the votes you might say, “Craig, you always this because Democrats always do asyou they’re about President Obama because don’t told.

We now haveright the in second impeachment like him.”

You’re a sense.

I don’t because are Iworried know theRepublicans man, but what know oftheir himclub and status is at stake given they allowed Donald his thinking, I don’t like it or him one iota.

Trump Algo Czervik D.C.’s version Before to you off, however, I didn’t of like Bushwood.

Andand when put these things President Bush hisyou bailouts, stimulus together, you have a the membership committee and his abandoning free market to save turning screws onIanyone who dares the freethe market.

And don’t know him try to become a member based ondoes, the original either.

What the government and the charter: theitConstitution of the States only thing can do, is hurt theUnited economy. of America.

Unless it does nothing or put criminals in Worse,of this elitism spreads to ournothing states jail instead partnering with them, and counties, where believe they can the government doesrulers will help.

Always look tell when they to open, when at itbusinesses this way, whatever theget government says families getwhatever to see their and it is doing, theloved nameones of the law it when you can leave your your is passing, or whatever thehome nametoorlive goal of life.

This elitism itknows no party.toJust the bureaucracy is presenting thelook at how governors the to country people, expect thefrom polaracross opposite occur. continue to manipulate their proclamations I guess what I’m saying is that and mandates about virus which will perhaps it’s time to aget out — of our own do what it will do until it doesn’t — based perspective.

There’s plenty of history on whoand got historical elected where.

Just out lookthere at how books research to our county continues that to fall begin to understand allinofline thiswith hasthe few who believe all free association happened before.they Andrun it will again, in our lives we’re Republican whether the(even topicthough is people or government. across thebest board) by distracting usiswith The recommendation to find useless proclamations while notGoogle getting some books or try that whole every the same thing.business There’s aopened lot of under information onrules the (as if there should beThe any) andispreventing Great Depression. truth it wasn’t people to seek liberty andgot even a being good able one until thelife, government happiness. involved. There’s also plenty of research Trump’s second impeachment on the medieval warm period whenisn’t the about at all.

It’s about andwith planetTrump was much warmer thanyou today me.

It’s about telling the(and Lauren Boeberts a whole lot less people warmer well of the world to never office. before man was here seek at all).

And Office yep, holding and making the rules for a people have been killing otherare surprised select and you and the chosen peoplefew, since history wasI ain’t first written. ones.Maybe some research will help stop we don’t startOtherwise, choosing we’ll be all ofIfthese trends. constitutional freedom quick, saying we’ve never seendamned anything like it in they’ll be And right.not in a good way. our lives.

Craig Craig Hall Hall isis owner ownerand andpublisher publisherofofthe the Business Business Times.

Times. Reach Reach him him at at 424-5133 424-5133or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

F ✦

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Page 23

Mission to help small businesses a crucial one Three years ago, I joined the U.S. Small Business Administration with a mission to help small businesses succeed. Leading the SBA team in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, South Dakota and North Dakota felt like the role of a lifetime.

This region is unique — it’s one of the largest and most rural in the nation in covering more than 580,000 square miles of mountains, prairies and deserts. Tucked into those landscapes are small businesses that constitute the backbone of our economy. Advocating for them was a mission that resonated deeply.

Now that my days with the agency have come to an end, I’m proud of Dan the growth we’ve seen in our small Nordberg business community and the ways entrepreneurs have demonstrated resolve amidst unprecedented trials.

Since the beginning, my goal was to bridge the urbanrural gap and ensure remote communities had equal access to SBA lending and development opportunities.

We have experienced tremendous growth in this area. Working with grassroots organizations, community leaders, elected officials and other federal agencies, we advocated for policies that promoted growth and created jobs to support communities of all sizes.

We made rural growth a priority, knowing the health

of the smallest affects the health of the whole.

In 2020, I was honored when SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza named me national director of rural affairs, a position that allowed me to establish one of the most aggressive and robust rural outreach efforts in the nation.

This initiative has been an overwhelming success, and I look forward to watching rural businesses rebound as the agency continues prioritizing action in underserved and agricultural-based regions.

We also made long-term investments in communities that have considerable economic growth potential. We launched satellite offices in St. George, Utah, and Billings, Mont., to increase access to resources and opportunities.

We also recently announced that Women’s Business Centers would be added in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Missoula, Mont. These centers will boost resources, training and counseling to female economic drivers.

The agency also launched Ascent, a free digital platform designed to help women entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses. This groundbreaking effort is the SBA’s largest single expansion of resources specifically tailored for women in more than 30 years.

These tools are more essential than ever. In the last year, I witnessed the tenacity, innovation and resiliency of business owners as they endured the most discouraging year many had ever experienced. Our district leadership teams were outstanding as they waded through complex legislation to help entrepreneurs in their states.

Between March and December, I participated in more than 80 media interviews and conducted countless presentations and meetings.

Through 16,000 miles of business visits and outreach efforts nationwide — and in the height of election-year politics — I witnessed the best of people coming together for the good of small businesses that create the fabric of our communities.

At every level of government, elected officials and staff with very different ideologies worked together to support entrepreneurs. In SBA Region VIII alone, a total of more than $27 billion was disbursed to 215,000 businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

Small business owners are the most determined, resilient people you’ll ever meet, and it’s been an absolute privilege to serve them as SBA Region VIII administrator and national rural affairs director. I’ll forever be grateful to all who have supported me and our SBA team along this journey. The future of entrepreneurship is bright. The best is yet to come.

Dan Nordberg served as the U.S. Small Business Administration national director for rural affairs as well as administrator of SBA Region VIII, overseeing agency programs in Colorado as well as Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. His last day at the SBA was Jan. 20.

F

RentaSpace.DiegoCorp.com

Subscribe today (970) 424-5133

www.thebusinesstimes.com

Page 24

Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n SPECTRUM ADDS ACCUWEATHER NETWORK TO ITS GRAND JUNCTION PROGRAMMING

Spectrum has added the AccuWeather TV Network to programming offered to customers in Grand Junction.

“AccuWeather will give Spectrum customers in Grand Junction access to even more timely and reliable weather news and information from a trusted brand,” said Tom Montemagno, executive vice president of programming acquisition for Charter Tom Motemagno Communications. Charter operates the Spectrum brand of television, internet, mobile and voice services.

Sarah Katt, general manager of the AccuWeather TV Network, welcomed Grand Junction viewers. “The AccuWeather Network is committed to delivering the most accurate and dependable local and breaking weather coverage to help everyone in every community plan their lives and get more from their day.”

AccuWeather is available on channel 85 Sarah Katt at no additional charge to customers who have Spectrum TV Select and higher video tiers.

Spectrum offers the national feed from AccuWeather as well as regional information.

For more information about Spectrum television, log on to www.spectrum.com. n FEDERAL MINERAL LEASE DISTRICT ROLLS FUNDING INTO ONE GRANT CYCLE The Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District has canceled its spring grant cycle and will instead roll funding into one cycle scheduled to begin Aug. 1.

The district has allocated $350,000 for fall grant awards.

The district distributes federal mineral leasing funds to local public entities to support infrastructure, construction and public service projects that address the effects of energy development.

Funds stay in Mesa County.

The nearly $500,000 in annual funding the district received last fall was only about half the payment the year before.

For more information about the district and grants, visit the website at www.mesafml.org.

The Business Times

SHARE YOUR NEWS

NOTEWORTHY

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

A bicycle rack manufacturer has installed computerized machinery to ramp up production at its Grand Junction facility.

QuikRStuff added the computerized numerical control machines to handle the production of up to 2,000 Quik Rack Mach2 Bryan Wachs bicycle racks by the end of March.

The company expects to add four employees to run the machines.

Bryan Wachs joined with J.T. Westcott in launching the company in 2020 J.T. Westcott to manufacture bicycle racks based on the designs of Cal Phillips, an inventor and entrepreneur who created the popular Quik Rack carrier.

Wachs brings to the venture experience as chief executive officer of MySalesButler.com, an internet marketing company based in Grand Junction.

Westcott owns Intrawest Machine & Fabricating and brings to the venture not only a manufacturing facility, but also more than 30 years of experience in the aerospace, energy and outdoor recreation sectors.

The Mach2 rack features a modular design that with add ons can carry up to four bikes. That includes heavier electronic bikes.

QuikRStuff has raised about $900,000 over the past year to fund the start-up operation.

That includes a $100,000 investment from the Greater Colorado Venture Fund as well as a $150,000 advanced industries accelerator grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

For more information about QuikRStuff, visit the website at https://quikrstuff.com.

n COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SEEKS LISTINGS FOR ANNUAL DIRECTORY Listings will be accepted through Feb. 15 for the Colorado 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, business development specialist with the Colorado Department of Danielle Trotta Agriculture. “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 100,000 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 is available as a mobile application for smartphones and online at https://ag.colorado.gov/markets/publications.

A listing fee of $25 is charged. For more information or to request a listing form, contact Loretta Lopez at (303) 869-9175. n ALPINE BANKS OF COLORADO ANNOUNCES INCREASED QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDENDS Alpine Banks of Colorado has announced it will pay quarterly cash dividends on Feb. 1.

The bank will pay a dividend of $24 per class A common share and 16 cents per class B common share. Those dividends represent a 33.3 percent increase over dividends paid in the previous quarter.

A $5.1 billion employee-owned organization headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Alpine Bank operates 39 locations across Colorado and serves a total of more than 160,000 customers.

For more information, visit www.alpinebank.com.

F

Safer With Foam: Campaign promotes Colorado breweries A new public awareness campaign titled “Safer With Foam” is designed to promote craft breweries in Colorado as they deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and associated restrictions.

“A play on the Safer At Home of the past year, the Safer With Foam campaign encourages beer lovers to continue to support the breweries in their communities and help them survive this difficult time,” said Shawnee Adelson, executive director of the Colorado Brewers Guild.

People are encouraged to join in the campaign by visiting Colorado breweries in accordance with public health guidelines, follow breweries on social media to show support and follow changing social distancing protocols and donate to the Colorado Strong Fund.

“Over the past year, the Colorado Strong initiative has raised

January 28-February 10, 2021

funds to support breweries, suppliers and their communities in ways that make a serious economic impact in our state,” said Eric Wallace, president and co-founder of Left Hand Brewing and president of the board of directors of the Left Hand Brewing Foundation, an underwriter of Colorado Strong. “We are so proud to continue this effort in 2021 with the launch of Safer With Foam and encourage all members of the Colorado brewing community to spread the word.”

Adelson said the effort is important. “Buying beer to-go, following all local guidelines for social distancing and safe consumption and purchasing gift cards and merchandise help breweries keep their staff working, provide benefits and keep the lights on so they will be there for us when we can safely visit.”

For more, visit www.coloradobeer.org/colorado-strong.

F

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Page 25

Page 26

BusinessBriefs Briefs Business BusinessPeople People Almanac Business Almanac

n GRAND JUNCTION EXECUTIVE ELECTED TO IRRIGATION ASSOCIATION BOARD

Katie Powell, president of Munro Companies in Grand Junction, has been elected to the Irrigation Association Board of Directors.

Powell is among three newly elected board members of the organization for irrigation companies and professionals.

Powell has been involved with the Irrigation Association since 2012 and has served on the public affairs, Katie Powell awards and honors and landscape faculty academy committees.

She said she she’s looking forward to serving on the board. “The irrigation industry contributes to such valuable aspects of our world. Irrigation grows the food that we eat; beautifies the parks, schools and other gathering spaces for our communities; and allows homeowners and business owners to create a nurturing landscape.”

Powell joined her family’s business full-time in 2012, first as manager of business strategy and then vice president. She became president in 2019.

She also serves as chairwoman of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors. n PRESIDENT OF CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION HONORED FOR HER RECRUITING EFFORTS Janie VanWinkle, a Grand Valley rancher who serves as president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, earned additional recognition for her efforts to recruit others to join the group.

VanWinkle won the 2020 recruiter contest with 12 individual members.

The award was among those Janie VanWinkle presented at the group’s mid-winter conference.

VanWinkle emphasized in her presidential update at the conference the importance of engagement with trade associations, those outside the agricultural industry and consumers. “Now is the time to ensure that our collective voices are heard,” she said. “Many new challenges and opportunities have arisen in the past year. But by telling our collective beef industry stories and engaging with others, Colorado producers will be well-equipped to propel our industry forward in the upcoming year.”

For more information about the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, visit www.coloradocattle.org.

The Business Times

SHARE YOUR NEWS

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 GRAND JUNCTION REAL ESTATE FIRM HONORS ITS BEST-SELLING AGENTS Two agents were honored for their sales performance at Weichert RealtorsHeiden Homes Realty in Grand Junction.

While Cynthia Castaneda posted C. Castaneda Kathy Tomkins the highest dollar volume in sales for December, Castaneda and Kathy Tomkins tied for the most closings for the month.

Weichert Realtors-Heiden Homes Realty operates offices at 735 Rood Ave. For more information, including listings for homes for sale or rent, call 245-7777 or visit www.heidenhomes.com. n EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS NAMES OPERATIONS MANAGER Sara Ogdon has been promoted to operations manager at the Express Employment Professionals office in Grand Junction.

In her new role, Ogdon will set goals and prioritize activities for the office of the staffing services firm.

“Ogdon is a very dedicated individual with commitment to job seekers and employers in the Grand Sara Ogdon Valley,” said Nina Anderson, owner of the Express Employment Professionals franchise. “We are excited to have her take on this role for Express.”

Ogdon joined Express Employment Professionals in 2017. She previously worked for nine years as operations solutions specialist for Armstrong Paper Group.

Express Employment Professionals operates offices at 725 Pitkin Ave. For more information, call 242-4500 or visit https://www.expresspros.com/grandjunctionco.

F

Palisade entrant among winners of ag photo competition Jennifer Taylor of Palisade was among those who received honorable mentions for their entries in an annual competition for photography depicting the agriculture industry in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture conducts the contest and uses the winning photos in communications promoting the industry.

Brad Hensley of Longmont placed first with a photo he took in Weld County showing a herd of grazing cattle at sunset with a smoke plume rising from a wildlife.

The winning photos are displayed online at the website located at https://ag.colorado.gov/home/best-in-showphotography-contest.

F

January 28-February 10, 2021

Jan. 28 n Grand Junction Master Networks referrals group Zoom meeting, 9 a.m. Jan. 28 and Feb. 4.

New members welcome — but only one per profession. 216-7723 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce free Zoom webinar on state overtime and minimum pay standards, 10 to 11 a.m. www.gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking lunch, noon, JXN Station coworking space, 571 25 Road, Grand Junction.

Participants should bring soup, salad or side dishes to share. Beverages and utensils will be provided.

Reservations required. www.fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Suds Brothers Brewery, 127 E. Aspen Ave. 858-3894 or www.fruitachamber.org Feb. 4 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Rib City Grill, 455 Kokopelli Drive, Unit E. 858-3894 or www.fruitachamber.org Feb. 9 n Business Incubator Center webinar on business startups, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 9 and 10. Admission $55, which also includes access to Fast Trac classes.

243-5242 or www.gjincubator.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Bunco and networking event, 5:30 p.m., Suds Brothers Brewery. Reservations required.

858-3894 or www.fruitachamber.org Upcoming n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 11, Mountain Window & Door at JXN Station. Reservations required.

858-3894 or www.fruitachamber.org n Bookkeeping boot camp, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 16, Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Admission $75, which includes lunch. 243-5242 or www.gjincubator.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking lunch, noon Feb. 18, JXN Station. Participants should bring soup, salad or side dishes to share. Beverages and utensils will be provided. Reservations required. 858-3894 or www.fruitachamber.org n Western Colorado Human Resource Association virtual presentation on hiring the right fit, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 19. Members participate at no additional charge. Admission $10 for guests and $5 for Colorado Mesa University students. www.wchra.org n Business startup workshop, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 23, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55, which also includes access to Fast Trac classes. 243-5242 or www.gjincubator.org F

January 28-February 10, 2021

The Business Times

Page 27

Page 28

The Business Times

January 28-February 10, 2021