The Business Times Volume 31 Issue 4

THE BUSINESS T IMES News FEBRUARY 22-MARCH 6, 2024

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 4

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

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In this issue

Trends 2 Contributors Opinion 2 Business Briefs 4 Business People Almanac

n Healthy efforts

Community Hospital added nearly $285 million to the economy in 2022, according to a report on six regional facilities.

n Supporting ag

A initiative is under way to identify and address issues affecting the agriculture industry in western Colorado.

n Governor visits Colorado Gov. Jared Polis visited Grand Junction to discuss recycling, housing and commercial air service.

n New branding

5

A Grand Junction hospital unveiled a new logo and new name reflecting a merger as well as a regional approach.

Getting into Gear

n Taxing matters

15

Sales tax collections held steady in Mesa County in January as gains in some sectors offset losses in others.

n Problematic

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Dealing with a problem employee constitutes one of the most challenging aspects of managing a team.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

26 24 26 17-22 2-14 23 15-16

Goose Gear — a family owned manufacturer that specializes in vehicle-based storage systems and other accessories for camping and outdoor recreation — announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Huntington Beach, Calif., to Grand Junction. The company plans to finalize the move in April. The firm received tax credits to create up to 49 new jobs over eight years. (Photos courtesy Goose Gear and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership)

n Goose Gear outdoor recreation manufacturer selects Grand Junction for its new headquarters.

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February 22-March 6, 2024

Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

Community Hospital contributions calculated Phil Castle

The Business Times

Community Hospital accounted for nearly $285 million in economic contributions in 2022, according to a report that considered direct, indirect and induced effects.

The report affirms the role of Community Hospital in promoting good health — economic and otherwise — said Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer. “We’re improving the health and well-being of this Chris Thomas community.”

With an expanding staff offering more services — along with the opening of a cancer center and medical plaza — Thomas said he expects that role to continue growing.

Community Hospital was among six independent hospitals and members of the Western Healthcare Alliance that participated in the report prepared by the business research division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

The alliance provides education and other collaborative programs to a total of 31 health care providers in Colorado and Utah. The other five hospitals were Animas Surgical Hospital in Durango, San Luis Valley Health in Alamosa, Montrose Regional Health in Montrose, Vail Health Hospital in Vail and Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs.

Between 2019 and 2022, the combined economic contributions of the six hospitals totaled $6.8 billion. For 2022 alone, the hospitals generated a total of $1.9 billion in economic output.

See COMMUNITY page 10

Goose Gear manufactures vehicle-based storage systems and other accessories for camping and outdoor recreation.

The company plans to soon relocate its headquarters to Grand Junction. The firm received tax credits for creating up to 49 new jobs over eight years. (Photo courtesy Goose Gear and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership)

Getting into Gear

Outdoor recreation company relocating to Grand Valley

A

Brian Fulton

Curtis Englehart

n outdoor recreation manufacturer plans to relocate its headquarters from Southern California to Grand Junction.

Goose Gear expects to finalize the move from Huntington Beach in April and begin hiring for nine new positions that range from shop laborers and machine operators to office staff. The company received tax incentives for the creation of up to 49 jobs over eight years.

Brian Fulton, founder and chief executive officer of Goose Gear, announced the selection of Grand Junction over several other locations based on quality of life and affordability. “The city’s exceptional outdoor lifestyle echoes our passion and offers strategic advantages for our business.”

Fulton also praised the assistance of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership in the site selection process and securing tax credits and other incentives. “GJEP’s incredible support has been

instrumental in facilitating this transition, making Grand Junction an obvious choice for our next chapter.”

Curtis Englehart, executive director of GJEP, said he was excited to welcome the company to the Grand Valley. “Goose Gear is an industry leader in the outdoor manufacturing space, and their business is a perfect fit for our community. As we continued to meet with Goose Gear, we were inspired by their unwavering commitment to prioritize their employees’ superior quality of life in their new location. We eagerly look forward to witnessing the positive and lasting impact they will undoubtedly make on our community.”

A family owned and operated company, Goose Gear specializes in designing and manufacturing vehicle-based storage systems and other accessories for outdoor recreation and camping.

See GEAR page 14

Initiative aims to promote sustainable ag industry An initiative is under way to identify and address issues affecting the agricultural industry in Western Colorado.

The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction will launch what’s billed as the AgriWest initiative with a federal grant from the Economic Recovery Corps.

Janie VanWinkle, a West Slope Dalida Bollig rancher and beef producer, will serve as a fellow and provide planning and technical assistance over the course of a 30-month term.

Dalida Bollig, chief executive officer of the Business Incubator Center, said she expects the initiative to bolster the agriculture industry and food security in the region. “With 40 percent of the region’s economy relying on agriculture, AgriWest is set to emerge as a critical and positive tool for the future.

It has the potential to share regional agricultural economic development Janie VanWinkle strategies and fortify the agricultural sector while honoring the region’s agricultural roots.”

VanWinkle agreed. “Success will look like honest

conversations with all voices in our industry to create a road map for a sustainable future for our region as we tackle water scarcity; increased food and production costs; and the benefits and challenges present with the workforce, transportation, production, tourism, technology and changes to the industry. A focus on financial and economic success for both legacy producers and new innovators will be a priority.”

AgriWest was among 65 initiatives selected for funding out of more than 500 applicants. The goal is to gather stakeholders in the agriculture sector to identify and address problems that could affect the industry.

See INITIATIVE page 12

February 22-March 6, 2024

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The Business Times

February 22-March 6, 2024

Governor discusses issues during visit

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis discussed a variety of issues during a visit to Grand Junction, among them recycling, housing and airline service.

Polis joined in a roundtable discussion at the Business Incubator Center about new efforts to promote the use of recycled materials and a circular economy.

He delivered a local version of his Jared Polis State of the State address in which he outlined plans to promote more affordable housing. He also toured a Grand Junction company that manufactures self-contained and selfstanding modular wall systems that can be used for housing.

Polis then helped celebrate the inaugural flight of a new route between Grand Junction Regional Airport and southern California.

The discussion at the Business Incubator Center focused on new efforts to promote the use of recycled materials and byproducts in manufacturing. The center recently opened a satellite officer of the Circular Economy Development Center to serve the Western Slope.

Created by state legislation in 2022, the Circular Economy Development Center creates and grows markets for recycled commodities and assists in efforts to promote an economy in which materials are recycled and used repeatedly, in turn reducing waste.

At an event hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce at the Riverside Education Centers, Polis delivered a local version of his annual State of the State address. He outlined his vision for providing more affordable housing near jobs and transportation options and discussed ways to make the state safer and ensure students have the tools they need to get good paying jobs.”

“In just two years, our great state will turn 150. And to ensure our state remains the best place to live, raise a family and launch a business, we need to work together to make our state, including the Western Slope, more affordable,” he said. “Housing and transit continue to be the issues we hear about most as I travel around Colorado, and why they remain top priorities as we approach Colorado’s 150th birthday.”

Polis toured Låda Cube, which makes self-contained and self-standing modular wall systems for a variety of uses, including so-called accessory dwelling units.

“Låda Cube is helping Colorado address housing shortages through the construction of innovative AUDs,” Polis said. “These popular housing units are a See GOVERNOR page 14

The Business Times

February 22-March 6, 2024

Bryan Johnson, president of St. Mary’s Regional Hospital and the Western Colorado market for Intermountain Health, applauds the unveiling of a new sign in the main lobby of the Grand Junction hospital. Below, Johnson discusses how a new logo and name reflect a merger as well as a regional approach to health care. (Business Times photos by Phil Castle)

St. Mary’s unveils new name, mission remains unchanged Phil Castle

The Business Times

A Grand Junction hospital unveiled a new logo and name that reflects a merger as well as a regional approach to health care.

But the mission at St. Mary’s remains the same as when the hospital opened nearly 130 years ago, executives insist, and that’s to care for people, including the poor and vulnerable.

“We are here for our community.

We are and always will be St. Mary’s,” said Bryan Johnson, the president of what’s now Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital as well as the western Colorado market for Intermountain Health.

Johnson joined in a celebration unveiling the new logo and name in the main hospital lobby.

The Intermountain Health logo reflects a merger between Intermountain Health and what was SCL Health that brought St. Mary’s into a combined organization serving patients in seven states. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Intermountain health operates a total of 33 hospitals and 385 clinics and employs 3,900 physicians and other care providers in Colorado as well as Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. A health plans division serves more than 1 million members.

Johnson said he knew the merger, completed in April 2022, would bring changes, including access to more technology as well as accelerated efforts to better care for people in and out of the hospital at lower costs. “We knew there’d be a change for good.”

The design and color of the logo reflects connections as well as approachability, he said.

The name of St. Mary’s was changed from medical center to regional hospital to more clearly define the role of the facility in western Colorado and eastern Utah, Johnson said. “We’re a hospital that serves our region.”

At the same time, though, St. Mary’s retains its Catholic name and health care practices as well as a long-standing mission of caring for people, Johnson said.

The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth founded the hospital in 1896.

“We have a beautiful past. But we have a brighter future,” Johnson said.

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February 22-March 6, 2024

Grand Junction city manager picked for Arizona job The Grand Junction City Council plans to work with City Manager Greg Caton in coming months to develop a transition plan after Caton was selected as assistant city manager for the City of Scottsdale, Ariz.

“This community greeted me warmly eight years ago, and the connections I have made here will remain despite the distance created by Greg Caton my move to Scottsdale,” Caton said.

“I feel a tremendous amount of pride that I hope is shared by city council and our community as I look back on what we have achieved together over the past eight years, “ Caton said. “With the support of a strong team of directors, we have created tremendous momentum for the city that has

been guided by the one comprehensive plan.”

Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout praised Caton for his efforts over the past eight years.” The changes I’ve seen since Greg took the helm at the city are a big part of what makes me so proud to represent Grand Junction. What I feel most of all is gratitude for the leadership and bold vision Greg has brought to our city, and I’m especially grateful for the strength of the partnership we have developed in our council-manager form of government. I think we have figured out how our roles most effectively complement each other in serving this city and delivering the highest results for our residents.”

The council and Caton plan to develop a transition plan to an interim city manager.

Caton has been involved in a number of city efforts during his tenure, including $70 million in voter-approved

infrastructure and transportation improvements, voter approval to construct a new community recreation center at Matchett Park, renovations at the Grand Junction Convention Center and Lincoln Park sports stadium complex, a doubling of the city’s general fund, an improved Standard & Poor’s credit rating and a collaborative response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Caton also was involved in development along the Colorado River, including the Las Colonias and Dos Rios developments.

“During the last nearly eight years there have been many initiatives and projects that would not have been possible without the strong leadership by city council and collaboration with our community partners,” Caton said “My time serving as the city manager is filled with examples of our shared success and celebrations, and I will carry those experiences with me into my future role for the City of Scottsdale.”

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February 22-March 6, 2024

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February 22-March 6, 2024

Chambers schedule candidate forums

The Fruita and Palisade chambers of commerce have scheduled public forums featuring candidates in upcoming municipal elections.

The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a Fruita City Council candidate forum for 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Fruita Monument High School auditorium at 1102 Wildcat Ave. The doors are set to open at 5 p.m. for an informal meet and greet session with the candidates.

The Palisade Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its forum for candidates for town trustee and mayor for 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Palisade High School auditorium located at 3679 G Road.

“As advocates for a thriving Palisade community, the chamber of commerce recognizes the vital role that these positions play in shaping the future of our town,” said Jessica Burford, Jessica Burford president and chief executive officer of the Palisade Chamber of Commerce. “This forum serves as a crucial bridge between candidates and the community, fostering understanding and collaboration.”

The candidate forum in Fruita will feature an equal time question and answer format moderated by Justin Gollob, a political science professor at Colorado Mesa University. Candidates will provide a two-minute opening statement and one-minute closing statement. In between, they’ll be given equal time to answer questions — some of the questions the same, others different.

The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce will accept questions prior to the forum on the chamber website located at https://fruitachamber.org. More information also is available by calling the chamber at (970) 858-3894.

The candidate forum in Palisade also will feature a moderated question and answer format. Those attending the forum will have an opportunity to pose questions directly to the candidates.

For additional information, log on to https://palisadecoc.com or call the chamber at (970) 464-7458.

Municipal elections are scheduled for April 2 in Fruita and Palisade. The elections will be conducted by mail ballots, which will be sent to registered voters in mid-March.

The Fruita election will determine a mayor for a two-year term and three city council members for four-year terms each.

The Palisade election will determine a mayor and three trustee positions.

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February 22-March 6, 2024

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February 22-March 6, 2024

Community

Continued from page 2 Every $1 spent by the six hospitals in 2022 produced an overall economic impact of $1.72, the report calculated, as spending by the hospitals led to spending in other areas of the economy.

Community Hospital employed the equivalent of 1,209 full-time staff in 2022 and supported another 725 jobs for a total of $141 million in labor income.

Fully 96.3 percent of Community Hospital employees lived in Mesa County, the highest proportion to live in the same counties in which the six hospitals are located.

The direct, indirect and induced effects of Community Hospital added a total of $167.1 million in value to the economy.

Total output came to $284.8 million.

That ranked third among the six hospitals behind Valley View Hospital at $659 million and Vail Health Hospital at $475.5 million. Valley View accounted for total employment of 3,313, while Vail Health accounted for total employment of 2,894.

Thomas said the report reflects the economic contributions of independent hospitals and how wages and other spending ripple through the communities in which they’re located.

In many rural areas, hospitals rank among the largest employers and tend to pay higher wages. That helps to stabilize local economies when business cycles affect other industries, he said.

All those attributes are true of Community Hospital as well, Thomas said. “It just shows the impact Community Hospital provides.”

Thomas said the report doesn’t take into account additional staffing at Community Hospital since 2022 or the construction of a cancer center and medical plaza that opened earlier this year.

The hospital recruited the equivalent of 103 full-time positions in 2023 as well as 29 physicians, he said. Staffing is expected to continue to grow as the hospital expands and adds services.

Construction of the four-story, 130,000-square-foot James Pulsipher Regional Cancer Center and Monument Medical Plaza cost $60 million, and 97 percent of that went to local contractors and vendors, Thomas said. The total cost of the project topped $82 million.

Combining the 22 months of construction on the project and initial 10 years of its operation, the gross economic output in the region is projected to total nearly $550 million and account for an additional 1,018 jobs.

The contributions of Community Hospital extend beyond jobs and economic effects, Thomas said, in enabling patients to receive a range of health care services without having to leave the Grand Valley.

“Hopefully, we’re helping people feel better and live longer and improve the quality of their lives. Hopefully, this is a healthier and happier place because of Community Hospital.”

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Initiative

Continued from page 2 One fellow will work with each initiative, bringing to the effort knowledge of the region and leading discussions that result in solutions.

VanWinkle, her husband, Howard, and family operate a cow-calf operation, selling calves to feedlots as well as beef directly to consumers. Their operation includes not only the property at their home near Fruita, but also property they lease east of Whitewater as well as federal grazing allotments on the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre Plateau.

The VanWinkles have belonged to the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association for more than 30 years. Janie VanWinkle served on the CCA board of directors, including a term as president.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife honored the VanWinkle Ranch as the CCA 2019 Landowner of the Year for efforts to improve resources that also benefit wildlife.

Earlier this year, the VanWinkle Ranch received a National Beef Quality Assurance Award in the cow-calf category.

The awards recognize animal care and handling principles as part of day-to-day activities as well as a commitment to improving operations while also encouraging others to implement the producer education program.

Janie VanWinkle also serves as a member of the Grand Valley Power Board of directors. She previously managed the Barnes & Noble when an outlet opened in Grand Junction and owned a Nick-NWilly’s Pizza franchise in Grand Junction until she sold the restaurant in 2015.

Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel praised the AgriWest initiative.

“This grant creates an opportunity to break down silos and align our efforts and work together. This initiative is a ground up, locally driven effort with real experience informing the solutions.”

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D51 superintendent gets longer contract

The Mesa County School District 51 Board of Education has extended the contract of Superintendent Brian Hill.

The board voted to extent Hill’s contract an additional five years through June 2030. Hill assumed the role of superintendent in 2022.

“Extending his employment contract is not just a decision, but a declaration of confidence in a future defined by excellence, innovation and continued educational success for our community,” said Andrea Haitz, president of the school board.

Hill said he was grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the school district. “Despite the challenges we have faced as a district, I am proud of the work we have accomplished, and I am committed to serving our district as we continue to work through these challenges for a better D51.”

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February 22-March 6, 2024

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Gear

Continued from page 2 Aislinn Fulton, who’s known as Goose and served as the inspiration behind the name Goose Gear, works with her father and provides sales and marketing support.

She said she’s exciting about the venture’s new headquarters.

“Embracing Grand Junction for Goose Gear’s decade milestone feels like Aislinn Fulton launching into a grand adventure. The spirit of the mountains aligns perfectly with our ethos, and I’m thrilled to contribute to our next chapter of exploration and growth.”

Now in its 10th year in operation, Goose Gear traces its roots to what was founded in 1952 as Pazzulla Plastics

The Business Times

February 22-March 6, 2024

FOR YOUR INFORMATION For additional information about Goose Gear and its products, visit www.goose-gear.com. in Huntington Beach. The company brings to its endeavors more than 60 years and four generations of expertise in laminate manufacturing.

After additional growth and unprecedented sales in 2023, Goose Gear set its sights on new markets and additional segments, including international distribution, vehicle-specific products and contracts for public safety equipment.

But a lack of affordable industrial space in southern California presented a barrier to expansion.

Goose Gear considered several locations as a new home for its headquarters, including Grand Junction.

The company worked with GJEP on the site selection

process, including real estate, workforce development and available incentives.

In partnership with GJEP, Goose Gear received a job growth tax incentive through the Colorado Economic Development Commission for the creation of up to 49 new jobs over an eight-year period. The incentive is worth up to nearly $536,000. The incentive provides businesses with a Colorado income tax credit equal to 50 percent of Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax paid by the business per net new job for each calendar year.

GJEP and Industrial Development Inc., a sister organization of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, awarded Goose Gear an additional $55,000 to help offset relocation costs, including the transportation of manufacturing equipment.

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Governor

Continued from page 4 powerful tool at our fingertips to help provide Coloradans housing they can afford,” Polis said. “I am grateful for the innovative work being done at Låda Cube, and I am excited to see homeowners who want to construct ADUs being able to do so with less red tape and cost.”

Polis also visited the Grand Junction Regional Airport to join in a celebration of the inaugural flight of a new route between Grand Junction and southern California.

Breeze Airways launched the route between Grand Junction and Orange County-Santa Ana with additional flights between Grand Junction and Provo, Utah.

The airline plans to offer seasonal service to San Francisco starting May 22.

Polis said the new routes will offer Colorado residents more travel options while bringing more visitors to western Colorado. “The secret is out about Grand Junction, which was listed by the New York Times as one of the 52 best places to go in 2023,” he said. “Over a half million passengers come right through here at Grand Junction Regional Airport each year. And with the exciting addition of nonstop serve from Grand Junction to Orange County and soon to San Francisco, we are thrilled to welcome even more visitors to the Western Slope.”

Polis added: “I look forward to continuing to do everything I can to support more airlines expanding service for Grand Junction with low-cost and convenient service.”

Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout also was among the officials at the event.

She said the Breeze Airways mission of nice people flying nice people to nice places aligns with the character of the Grand Valley. “Breeze’s mission is very appropriate to Grand Junction because we are very proud of the nice community we have here.”

Danny Cox, vice president of airport operations and guest empowerment for Breeze Airways, said he was grateful for a new partnership in Grand Junction. “On behalf of all 1,500 Breeze team members, thank you for being a part of the Breeze family and the Breeze network. We are excited for where we grow from here.”

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News

February 22-March 6, 2024

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Trends Contributors Business outlook varies Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

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

n Confidence

s Consumer Confidence Index 114.8 for January, up 6.8. s Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 45.3 for the first quarter, up 1.7.

t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 89.9 for January, down 2.

n Foreclosures

t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 14 in January, down from 21 in January 2023. t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 3 in January, down from 4 in January 2023.

n Indexes

s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 113.71 for January, up 0.8.

t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 102.7 for January, down 0.4%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 49.1% for January, up 2%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for services, 53.4% for January, up 2.9%.

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 208 in January, down 2.8% from January 2023. s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $106 million in January, up 13.7% from January 2023.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.9 million for January, up 0.9% from January 2023.

n Unemployment s Mesa County — 3.5% for December, up 0.3. s Colorado — 3.4% for December, up 0.1. n United States — 3.7% for January, unchanged.

Measure of CEO Confidence: Optimism exceeds pessimism

A quarterly measure of confidence among business executives has turned positive for the first time in two years.

The Conference Board and Business Council reported its Measure of CEO Confidence rose seven points between the fourth quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024. At 53, the latest reading reflects more positive than negative responses to the survey upon which the index was based. That’s the first time that’s happened since the first quarter of 2022.

“CEOs are feeling better about the economy, but remain cautious about risks ahead,” said Roger Ferguson, both a trustee of the Conference Board and vice chairman of the Business Council.

Dana Peterson, chief economist of the Conference Board, said the labor hoarding that occurred in 2023 showed some signs of relenting in 2024.

CEOs cited political uncertainty ahead of the presidential election, concerns over the spread of wars and increased tensions between the United States and China. But they also expected benefits from reduced inflation and lower interest rates.

For the first quarter of 2024, 32 percent of the CEOs who responded to the survey said economic conditions were better than six months ago, while 22 percent said conditions were worse.

Looking ahead, 36 percent expected conditions to improve over the next six months, while 27 percent anticipated worsening conditions. In assessing their own industries, 39 percent of CEOs expected improving conditions and 20 percent worsening conditions.

While 35 percent of CEOs said they planned to expand staffing over the next year, 23 percent expected layoffs.

Meanwhile, 31 percent of CEOs reported problems attracting qualified workers and 72 percent expected to increase wages by 3 percent or more.

At 59 percent, most CEOs said they don’t plan on changing capital spending plans, but 28 percent said they expect capital budgets to increase over the next year.

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Survey: Small business owners less upbeat as concerns mount

A measure of optimism among small business owners has dropped along with expectations for the economy, sales and staffing.

The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index fell two points to 89.9 in January. The index remained below its average reading of 98 for a 25th consecutive month.

“Small business owners continue to make appropriate business adjustments in response to the ongoing economic challenges they’re facing,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the NFIB. “In January, optimism Bill Dunkelberg among small business owners dropped as inflation remains a key obstacle on Main Street.”

The NFIB bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of members of the small business advocacy group, most of them small business owners. Between December and January, six of 10 components of the index decreased, two increased and two remained unchanged.

The proportion of NFIB members who responded to the survey upon which the January index was based who expect the economy to improve fell two points. At a net negative 38 percent, more members anticipated worsening conditions.

A net 23 percent of members reported plans for capital expenditures, down a point. A net 8 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, unchanged from the previous month.

The share of members who said they expected increased sales dropped 12 points to a net negative 16 percent.

Expectations for increased earnings fell five points. At a net negative 30 percent, more owners anticipated decreased earnings.

A net 14 percent of members reported plans to increase staffing, down two points. A net 39 percent reported hard-to-fill job openings, down a point.

Asked to identify their single most important problem, 21 percent cited the quality of labor and 20 percent cited inflation.

The proportion of members who reported plans to increase inventories rose two points. But at a net negative 3 percent, more members planned decreases. The share of members who called current inventories too high rose a point to a net negative 4 percent.

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Local sales tax collections hold steady Sales tax collections held steady in Mesa County in January compared to a year ago as gains in some sectors offset losses in others.

Sales tax collections similarly kept pace in Grand Junction for 2023 compared to 2022.

Mesa County collected nearly $4.6 million, a tenth of a percent more than collections for the same month a year ago.

January collections reflect December sales and a portion of the holiday shopping season.

The county collected another $1.7 million in sales taxes it distributed to cities and towns — $1 million to Grand Junction, $316,000 to Fruita, $221,000 to Palisade and almost $95,000 each to Collbran and De Beque.

The City of Grand Junction collected almost $46.3 million in sales taxes for its general fund in 2023, about $99,0000 and two-tenths of a percent more than what was collected in 2022.

The city also received more than $10.8 million as its share of county sales tax collections, up 1.3 percent.

Mesa County collected nearly $2.8 million in taxes on retail sales in January. That’s almost $45,000 and 1.6 percent less than the same month last year. Declines in collections on the sales of automobiles, general merchandise and sporting goods more than

offset gains for clothing and home improvements.

The county collected more than $1.8 million in taxes on sales in other industry categories, a 2.8 percent increase over the same month last year. Collections increased in the hotel and restaurant, manufacturing and rental categories, but decreased in the construction, oil and natural gas and utilities categories.

Use tax collections — most of them on automobiles purchased outside the county, but used inside the county — rose 14.3 percent on a year-over-year basis to $354,450.

The City of Grand Junction collected more than $17.3 million in sales taxes for its capital improvement fund, almost $11.9 million for its first responder fund and more than $1.3 million for a new community recreation center.

Use tax collections, a smaller and more volatile source of revenue for the City of Grand Junction, totaled almost $1.2 million for the general fund in 2023. That was an increase of more than $271,000 and 29.5 percent from 2022.

Lodging tax collections, a measure of hotel and motel stays in Grand Junction, totaled nearly $4.6 million in 2023. That was a gain of $429,000 and 10.3 percent from 2022.

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February 22-March 6, 2024

Index signals slowing likely, recession not

A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to decline, but no longer signals a recession.

The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index fell four-tenths of a percent to 102.7 in January. Separate measures of current and past conditions both increased.

Justyna ZabinskaLa Monica, senior manager of business cycle indicators at the Conference Board, said the leading index continues to signal headwinds to economic activity, but J. Zabinska- not a recession.

La Monica “For the first time in the past two years, six out 10 components were positive contributors over the past six-month period,” she said. “As a result, the leading index currently does not signal recession ahead. While no longer forecasting a recession in 2024, we do expect real (gross domestic product) growth to slow to near 0 percent over Q2 and Q3.”

The Leading Economic Index fell 3 percent over the six-month period ending in January, less than the 4.1 percent drop over the six months before that. Weaknesses among leading indicators were less widespread as six of 10 components advanced between July 2023 and January 2024.

Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the country, increased at an annual rate of 3.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 after growing at an annual rate of 4.9 percent in the third quarter.

For January, five of 10 components of the leading index retreated — average weekly manufacturing hours, building permits, consumer expectations, interest rate spread and a new orders index. Three components advanced — a leading credit index, new orders for consumer goods and stock prices. New orders for capital goods held steady, as did average weekly claims for unemployment insurance.

The Coincident Economic Index rose two-tenths of a percent to 112.1. The index rose 1 percent over the previous six months.

For January, three of four components increased — nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales. Industrial production decreased.

The Lagging Economic Index advanced four-tenths of a percent to 118.6. The index rose four-tenths of a percent over the past three months. For January, four of seven components increased, including consumer credit, the cost of services and inventories.

A decrease in the average duration of unemployment also bolstered the index.

Labor costs and commercial and industrial financing decreased. The average prime rate charged by banks held steady.

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Trends Contributors Opinion employees Problem Business Briefs Business People Almanac

February 22-March 6, 2024

The Business Times

Page 17

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Colorado HR Connection has scheduled a free webinar on changes to rules on classifying independent contractors.

The webinar is set for 11 a.m. to noon Feb. 27 and will cover rules, benefit and insurance responsibilities and independent contractor status in staffing agencies.

To register or obtain more information, contact Kelly Murphy at Lighthouse HR Support at (970) 243-7789 or kelly@lhrs.net. n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual banquet and awards presentation.

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

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

To register for or obtain more information about upcoming chamber events, visit https://gjchamber.org or call (970) 242-3214. n The Palisade Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual member banquet.

The member banquet and community awards presentation is set for 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

March 8 at the Ordinary Fellow Winery, 202 Peach Ave. The event will include cocktails, dinner and live entertainment.

Admission is $85 for chamber members, $105 for others and $800 for a table for 10.

To register for or obtain more information about upcoming chamber events, call (970) 464-7458 or visit https://palisadecoc.com. n The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a women’s conference.

The conference is set for 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 13 at the Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom in Grand Junction.

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

Kelly Brough, vice president of strategic partnerships at Colorado Mesa University, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.

Tickets sell for $80 for chamber members and $125 for others. Tables for 10 are available for $750 for chamber members and $1,200 for others.

To register for or obtain more information about upcoming events, call (970) 858-3894 or visit https://fruitachamber.org.

Strategies available to address challenging management issues Handling a problem employee constitutes one of the most challenging aspects of managing a team. Whether it’s performance issues, behavioral problems or conflicts with colleagues, addressing these situations promptly and effectively remains crucial for maintaining a positive work environment and ensuring success.

Fortunately, there are strategies business and human resources professionals can employ to deal with problem employees.

The first step is to identify the specific issue or issues at hand. This could require gathering comments from colleagues, reviewing performance metrics or conducting a one-on-one meeting with the employee. It’s to approach this step with an Jenny important open mind and a willingness to listen Yeager to the employee’s perspective.

Once you’ve identified the problem, set clear expectations for the employee moving forward.

This could involve outlining specific goals or targets for improvement as well as establishing consequences for failing to meet these expectations. Communicating these expectations clearly and consistently ensures employees understand what’s expected of them.

In some cases, a problem employee could be struggling due to a lack of support or resources. As a business or HR professional, it’s important to identify any underlying issues that could contribute to the problem and provide employees the support they need to succeed. This could involve offering additional training or coaching, reallocating resources or adjusting workload expectations.

When addressing a problem employee, it’s important to distinguish between behavior and performance issues.

Behavior issues, including misconduct or conflicts with colleagues, could require such disciplinary action as a written warning or suspension. Performance issues could require a more proactive approach, such as providing additional training or adjusting responsibilities.

In some cases, addressing a problem employee might involve legal considerations. As a business or HR or professional, it’s important to familiarize yourself with relevant employment laws and seek legal advice if necessary.

This could involve consulting with an employment lawyer.

Throughout the process of addressing a problem employee, document everything. Keep detailed records

Throughout the process of addressing a problem employee, document everything. Keep detailed records of performance evaluations, disciplinary actions and any other relevant information. The could prove crucial in defending your decisions and actions if an employee chooses to challenge them.

of performance evaluations, disciplinary actions and any other relevant information. This could prove crucial in defending your decisions and actions if an employee chooses to challenge them.

Addressing a problem employee can be a stressful and challenging process. Seek support from colleagues, supervisors and HR professionals to ensure you’re approaching the situation effectively and fairly. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from others with experience in dealing with similar situations.

In a recent article for the Society for Human Resource Management, Paul Falcone emphasized the importance of creating a documented record of ongoing challenges with problem employees. Falcone advised business and HR professionals to clearly outline expectations. This approach ensures the employee understands the problem, what needs to be done to fix it and what’s required to meet organizational expectations.

Addressing a problem employee is never easy. But with the right approach and strategies, business and HR professionals can address issues and help employees succeed. By identifying problems, addressing behavior and performance issues, seeking legal advice, documenting everything, providing support and resources and setting clear expectations, you can handle problem employees and ensure the success of your team.

Jenny Yeager, a Society for Human Resource Management certified professional, serves as the director of public relations and marketing for the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For more information about the organization, visit www.wchra.org.

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Page 18

The Business Times

February 22-March 6, 2024

Deal with bad apples before they sour your team Most likely you’ve heard the saying “Hire for skills and fire for attitude.” This means bad attitudes far outweigh the skills people bring to their positions. Failing to take corrective action with these individuals puts companies at risk.

Most businesses employ skilled team members with decent and even great attitudes. They come to work, perform their jobs to a satisfactory or higher level and contribute to the work environment in mostly positive ways.

But what about those team members who have the skills to do their jobs, but damage culture, morale and operations with their bad attitudes? are, you’re thinking of these Marcus Chances people right now.

Straub Any business with one or more of these so-called bad apples must recognize there’s a heightened awareness of these individuals throughout the company. Negative team members are difficult to work with, which damages communication, morale, team dynamics, trust and results.

Other members of the team avoid them and could even harbor resentment toward management and owners for allowing negative individuals to remain in the business.

If one of these bad apples happens to be in a management position, the consequences are even more severe.

Wherever they are in your company, negative attitudes will end up costing you talent. Your best people will only put up with so much before they can’t take it anymore and leave. Others in the organization could fall under the influence of a bad apple, putting your culture, customer service and success at risk. These infected team members will further spread the subversive message and attitude, only deepening dysfunction.

Keeping these individuals on board isn’t the best choice. Wise business owners and managers face the situations that come with bad attitudes and initiate corrective action sooner rather than later.

In many cases, business owners and managers tolerate bad apples because it’s expensive and time consuming to hire and train new people. This is especially true if these team members bring in large amounts of business, hold key positions essential to operations or possess extensive or proprietary knowledge. Under these circumstances, business leaders often feel held hostage by these team members — which, unfortunately, keeps them from taking necessary corrective action.

Keeping these individuals on board isn’t the best choice. Wise business owners and managers face the situations that come with bad attitudes and initiate corrective action sooner rather than later.

The first step is to free yourself from the belief your business can’t survive without these people. It’s simply not true. I’ve repeatedly helped business owners release this limiting mindset, and the outcomes have been nothing but positive for everyone involved.

If the team member in question is vital to your operation, initiate corrective action by presenting them with a performance improvement plan and offering them professional development with a qualified professional to help them recognize, address and overcome their negative attitudes and damaging behaviors.

While not an overnight process, a qualified professional

development coach can identify a team member who’s willing to change. In cases in which team members choose to accept the information and do the work to change their attitudes, they become a true asset and not a continuing liability.

If they’re not willing or able to change their bad attitudes and behaviors, the next step is an obvious one.

You must step up to the plate and let them go. The moment you take this corrective action, your business and everyone in it will be freed of a negative influence.

When replacing team members, it’s wise to put a plan in place to avoid repeating the same situations. Work with a qualified professional who can assist you in creating a benchmark for the position and provide insight into a candidate’s attitude and skill set. When you hire for attitude first, you can teach skills if needed. When you encounter a candidate with both, you have a solid hire.

As a successful business owner or manager, you can’t afford to allow bad apples to hurt your culture, team and customers. The costs are too high. One of the fundamental factors of success is to build an effective team. No matter how skilled, team members with negative attitudes are never part of a winning team.

Marcus Straub owns Life is Great Coaching in Grand Junction. His personalized coaching and consulting services help individuals, business owners, executives and companies build teams, organizations and lives filled with happiness and success. Straub is winner of the International Coach of the Year Award and author of “Is It Fun Being You?” He’s available for free consultations regarding coaching, speaking and trainings. Reach Straub at (970) 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.

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February 22-March 6, 2024

The Business Times

Page 19

Business plan tune-up: Here’s what to consider Are you looking for working capital or a business loan? Maybe you’re consider ways to win more contracts.

Your business plan — you do have one, I hope — is an essential element for these financial endeavors.

A business plan offers a road map that keeps you on track and lets potential lenders, investors, business partners and contract-awarding entities see you’re organized and know what you’re doing and where you’re taking your operation.

The business plan that worked a few years ago — before the COVID-19 pandemic — might not Janet serve your business needs now.

The challenging work environment Arrowood means many business models have changed. You could be looking at different revenue or contract sources, downsizing the physical footprint or your business, investing in the latest technology or retraining staff.

A business plan helps you identify the changes you need or want and detail a logical process for implementing these new approaches.

Without a well-thought-out, up-to-date business plan, lenders and investors might not have confidence in your ability to manage the myriad functions of your business and ensure the cash flow needed to make payments and meet other financial obligations. Organizations with business opportunities in which you’re interested might want to see your business plan to make sure your goals and processes align with theirs. They don’t want partners that chase every opportunity that comes along.

While you can put in as much or as little detail as you want, the basic format of a business plan, per the U.S.

Small Business Administration (SBA) follows: n Company description: Include information about the purpose of your business. Provide a description of the problem or challenge your products or services aim to solve and what types of individuals or organizations benefit. Don’t get too detailed, but include any professional or business set-aside descriptions you hold, the year your company was founded and such information as your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) if you seek or hold federal government contracts. n Organization, management and key personnel: Offer details about the legal and tax structure of your business.

Consider including a simple organizational chart. You might want to include information about each team member’s background and experience at a top level of detail — one-page biographies, for example. n Market analysis: Identify your major competitors.

Discuss what these competitors do well and identify areas for improvement. Indicate how you believe your company compares to these competitors. n Description of products or services: Detail the products or services offered by your business. Explain what they do, how they help customers and their expected life cycles. Include things like any expected research and development costs, such intellectual property concerns as patents, what the life cycles of your products look like and what’s needed to manufacture or assemble them if that’s applicable. n Marketing and sales strategy: Cover such relevant topics such as target audience, how you’ll attract customers, how and when sales will be made, what the sales process looks like, where you’ll market products or services, how your marketing strategy compares to other companies in the industry, marketing budget, expected return on investment in marketing and data showing the

effects of marketing. n Financial data: Include all streams of revenue and expenses. Financial projections also should be included, along with a description of the methods you used to reach those conclusions. Have balance sheets, business and personal tax returns, profit and loss statements and other documents available.

If you seek financing, you’ll need additional sections, including a financing request.

After you’ve completed the business plan, and only then, write a succinct executive summary.

Here is a link to the SBA business plan template page: https://fitsmallbusiness.com/sba-business-plan-template/.

Much of the preceding information comes from this website.

Where can you go for assistance?

The SBA offers a wealth of information, templates, and general resources on its website at https://sba.gov.

The Small Business Development Center at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction assists startups and growing ventures with many aspects of business planning and development. For more information, call (970) 243-5242 or visit https://grandjunctionsbdc.org.

The Colorado APEX Accelerator Center offers assistance with finding government business opportunities and has counselors to help you identify options. For more information, visit https://www.coloradoapex.org.

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

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Page 20

The Business Times

February 22-March 6, 2024

Estate planning crucial part of financial journey Estate planning constitutes an essential aspect of any personal finance journey. It’s important to be proactive in determining how your assets will be distributed and managed after your passing. Planning also offers an opportunity to specify the care arrangements for minor children.

Whether you realize it or not, everyone has an estate plan. It’s either prepared by you ahead of time or dictated by state laws if no plan is in place. Additionally, it’s vital to designate individuals to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated.

In my introductory meetings with clients, I often draw a visual aid to an illustration of the essence Christopher provide of estate planning. A circle at the top West represents the client’s estate with the overall value noted inside. Three circles below represent heirs, charities and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, demonstrating that assets will go to these entities or a combination of them upon passing.

Although this column briefly addresses estate taxes — the IRS circle — estate taxes aren’t a worry for most U.S. citizens because they apply only to very large estates.

For 99 percent of us, estate planning is important because we want to make sure we provide for those we love after our death, to make sure our charitable interests are taken care of and our estate is distributed according to our wishes.

The fundamental components of most estate plans include a will, a trust, powers of attorney for medical and financial decisions and a living will. Given the uniqueness of individual circumstances, such qualified professionals as a trust and estate lawyer, Certified Public Accountant and investment advisor play key roles in guiding the estate planning process.

Everyone has an estate plan.

It’s either prepared by you ahead of time or dictated by state laws if no plan is in place.

Depending on one’s stage in life, the focus could vary. A young individual might prioritize powers of attorney and a living will, while a family with assets and dependents could require a comprehensive plan for unforeseen events.

As you engage with your estate planning team, consider these questions to define your goals and objectives: n Are there concerns about heirs managing or protecting your wealth? n Do your adult children have poor habits and behaviors with managing money? n Do any family members have special needs? n To whom do you want to leave your financial assets? n Are there specific assets earmarked for particular individuals? n Are there unique needs of potential beneficiaries? n Do you want to plan for college expenses for children and grandchildren? n Are you concerned about asset protection from divorce or a beneficiary’s future creditors? n Are there charitable causes you’d like to benefit from your estate? n Do you need succession planning to ensure your company will continue for future generations?

Finally, let’s talk a bit about taxes. Estate taxes become a planning matter only for the largest estates. As of 2024, a single decedent’s estate is exempt up to $13,610,000.

For married couples who plan and synchronize their

estate plans, the total exemption is $27,220,000. Despite potential reductions in exemptions by 2026, many estates can avoid the 40 percent federal estate tax rate.

What about state-enforced estate taxes? Some states, like Massachusetts and New York, impose estate taxes.

Other states, like Nebraska and New Jersey, impose taxes on individuals receiving inheritances. Colorado imposes no estate or inheritance tax.

Federal and state income taxes often constitute more of a concern. Careful asset transfer planning can significantly affect the tax picture for your loved ones. For example, a family residence transferred to the next generation while mom and dad are still alive could potentially create a severe income tax impact compared to transferring the residence to the next generation upon the second death of either mom or dad.

While this article is intended to offer a broad overview, estate planning involves intricate details beyond its scope.

Nevertheless, it underscores the importance of having an intentional plan to ensure assets accumulated throughout life are distributed according to your wishes. Seek the support of experienced professionals to navigate this complex process, and secure peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Christopher West, a Certified Public Accountant and Personal Financial Specialist, is chief executive officer and principal of Dalby, Wendland & Co. and DWC Wealth Advisors based in Grand Junction. He is a series 65 investment advisor representative with Global Retirement Partners (GRP). Investment advisory services are offered through GRP doing business as DWC Wealth Advisors, an SEC registered investment advisor. GRP and Dalby, Wendland & Co. are separate and unaffiliated entities. For additional information, call (970) 243-1921 or visit https://dwcadvisors.com.

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February 22-March 6, 2024

The Business Times

Page 21

Get your heart pumping with cardio exercises It’s no secret that to keep healthy, we must move our bodies every day. Movement strengthens our muscles, including our heart. Did you know the heart muscle is the only muscle that never stops working?

Cardiovascular exercise keeps your heart strong. Learning what cardio 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 the most enjoyable and beneficial it can be.

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

A strong cardiovascular system means more than just weight loss. Cardio exercises strengthen the heart and lungs, increase bone density, reduce stress, improve sleep and decrease the risk of heart disease. The list goes on.

Most important, cardio makes your body more efficient in your 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 be sure your workout is not only beneficial, but also safe. To calculate your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220. To find your target heart rate, multiply your maximum heart rate by 0.55 and 0.85.

This is the range where you will find the most benefit to your workout.

A heart rate monitor offers an important tool to track your heart rate throughout your workout. It can record the amount of time you exercise in your zone and how many calories you burn. If you don’t have a heart rate monitor or fitness band that measures heart rate, consider buying one.

Cardio exercise can be done inside and outside. It’s a personal preference. Both offer advantages. Cardio equipment in a health club is intended 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 goals. Ideally, it will be a combination of a few of them.

Start with the treadmill. It simulates walking and running. This machine has both incline and speed adjustments. By increasing the incline of the bed of the treadmill, you will feel as though you’re walking uphill.

This will also increase your heart rate. Try to use the handles for balance only, not support. When you use the treadmill without holding on, you’re engaging your core

muscles to stay balanced.

An elliptical machine offers a non-impact form of exercise. This cardio machine is a good alternative for people who have 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 is another beneficial cardio machine. It works the gluteal muscles. This bike allows you to change the level of resistance.

Other cardio machines include the adaptive motion trainer that can vary from stepping to running with stride length. The rowing machine offers a great cardio intensity workout.

Cardio exercise is only 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 apt to consistently do them. The benefits of cardio exercise far exceed just weight loss.

It’s really my own fault. I don’t know why I continue to do it. I know better than to pick up some book, article or podcast and think I’ll either (a) never be disappointed or (b) see something I’ve never come across before.

Wouldn’t you know it? I recently read an article about whether belief is important to become successful — especially in business.

The author of this article — who I won’t name or endorse — wrote that sometimes in some businesses, believing isn’t as important to success as we think. The author opined, for example, plenty of jobs don’t depend forming deep relationships, Timothy on working with commitment and Haggerty creativity or leading people.

The examples that were cited were pointed toward the transaction-oriented environment.

Read: “Do you want to super size that meal?” According to the author, belief for those types of jobs is optional. The evidence presented: Retail jobs have massive turnover, and no one expects engagement from a fast food checkout person.

Afterall, they’re only the face the customer sees, right?

I suspect you can see where I’m headed. If your

employees have no faith in you or your organization, how much effort should you expect?

I’ve asked this question before in several articles, classes and consultancy gigs: For every dollar you spend in wages and benefits, how much of a return should you be getting for $1? I hope you’re answering at least a dollar.

The reality is that for any business to be really successful, the return on $1 in investment should be $1.50 to $2.

When you invest your hard-earned dollars in a certificate of deposit, individual retirement account or your cousin Vinny, how much do you expect in return?

Consider whether or not an employee whose heart isn’t really in it moves your organization forward. In most cases, employees whose heart really isn’t in it either stagnate your organization or pull it down.

Where do employees get this attitude? For the most part, people don’t wake up in the morning and say to themselves, “Gee, I hope I have a really lousy day at work today.” They hope against hope this day, today, will be better than yesterday.

In my humble opinion, attitudes at work begin and end with the employees’ leader.

A leader whose heart isn’t in it is deadly to a group.

Most people who voluntarily quit their jobs do so because they can’t stand their bosses. The majority of people

working today are looking for other employment.

Don’t think attitude means much? Don’t think belief means much? Show me an employee who not only has the right attitude, but also believes in what they’re doing and who they work for, and I’ll show you someone who can move mountains.

How can you make someone believe and develop a better attitude? It begins with servant leaders.

If you don’t have ’em… go, get ’em. If you need ’em trained up, give me a call. If you’re not one. ... Well, you have some choices to make. But, your employees need to believe.

Paula and Dale Reece own Crossroads Fitness Centers in Grand Junction with a downtown location at 225 N. Fifth St. and north location at 2768 Compass Drive.

For more information, call 242-8746 or visit the website located at www.crossroadsfitness.com.

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The moral of the story for employees? Don’t stop believing

Timothy Haggerty and his wife, Bernadette, operate a consulting firm based in Grand Junction that helps clients transition from command and control to servant leadership and change the view of wages and benefits from expenses to investments. Haggerty brings to the venture more than 40 years of experience in operations management and a record of decreasing costs while increasing productivity and revenue. He also serves as president-elect of the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club.

Reach him at info@timothyhaggerty.com, (610) 737-0496 or www.timothyhaggerty.com.

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Page 22

The Business Times

February 22-March 6, 2024

New partnership promotes circular economy Mesa County remains at the forefront of transformative initiatives, including a new partnership focused on bolstering a diversified economy through a circular economy.

Diversifying the economy also promotes resilience. An economy that isn’t overly reliant on a single industry sector is more robust and adaptable to external shocks. A more diversified Western Slope economy is better off in mitigating risks, providing a buffer against downturns and promoting long-term stability and growth.

Building entrepreneurial ecosystems the economy by providing Dalida diversifies support to entrepreneurs in operating Bollig innovative and resilient businesses Within this context, I want to highlight a new partnership with the Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC) in which diversifying the economy takes on added significance.

The Business Incubator Center promotes circular economic practices. What that means is we’re encouraging businesses to find innovative uses for byproducts and recycled materials. In connecting businesses, we bolster supply chains, revenue streams and sustainable business models. This model of diversification is essential to creating a more adaptable and resilient economy on the Western Slope.

The Business Incubator Center opened the first CEDC satellite office serving the Western Slope. This partnership connects businesses, manufacturers, recyclers, and communities with opportunities to create products from byproducts or recycled materials. The idea is to help businesses find innovative uses for byproducts, in turn promoting the creation of additional businesses and jobs.

The CEDC was established through state legislation

By creating multiple life cycles for products through recycling and the intentional use of byproducts, a circular economic model minimizes waste and promotes environmental well-being.

in 2022 to foster the growth of markets for recycled commodities and establish the necessary infrastructure, logistics, marketing and systems for a sustainable circular economy in Colorado. By creating multiple life cycles for products through recycling and the intentional use of byproducts, a circular economic model minimizes waste and promotes environmental well-being.

Our commitment at the Business Incubator Center has always been to stimulate local economies through the creation and retention of jobs, help entrepreneurs access capital and support businesses through various programs that promote growth and innovation. That’s why a partnership with CEDC aligned with our goals as we joined forces to identify and address challenges while seizing opportunities for sustainable growth across diverse sectors.

The Business Incubator Center already supports several businesses in its incubator intensive program that implement circular economy practices. SURPStone crafts custom garden stones from recycled plastics. Confluence Woodcraft creates zero-waste furniture and gifts from reclaimed wood byproducts. These businesses offer two examples of how creativity and innovation drive our community towards a resilient and sustainable future.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis highlighted the significance of the partnership between the Business Incubator Center

and CEDC during his recent visit to Grand Junction.

We invited the governor to engage in a roundtable discussion with community leaders, elected officials, economic development partners and small business leaders. The discussion explored the mission of CEDC, the partnership with the Business Incubator Center and the ways in which the Mesa County economy will benefit from our collective efforts. We also discussed circular economy solutions implemented the cities of Fruita and Grand Junction and by small businesses and manufacturers in Mesa County.

Polis emphasized the importance of circular economic behaviors, citing such examples as multiple uses for newspapers and companies repurposing restaurant oil. His observations underscored the need to create systems that recognize the value of byproducts and fostering markets that promote their use.

This initiative will become a platform for job creation and new revenue streams. It will stimulate innovation and position the region as a hub for sustainable practices.

The fact a diversified economy can better adjust to changes in market conditions and technological advancements ensures continued prosperity for our communities. The value it brings is safeguarding the economy against uncertainties and laying the foundation for dynamic and thriving communities.

Dalida Sassoon Bollig, chief executive officer of the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction, is an experienced strategist with demonstrated work in international affairs. She brings to her duties experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, leadership, partnerships, public policy and trade. For additional information about programs and services offered at the center, call 243-5232 or visit https://gjincubator.org.

Reach Bollig by email at dbollig@gjincubator.org.

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Under the not only physical mental well-being, but also economic program, businessand owners participate in in-depth interviewswell-being. to identify barriers to Alland thisother comes to mind they withencounter. a report quantifying the economic contributions growth problems of Community Hospital in Grand Junction other independent hospitals The new year offers a good time to joinand thefive proverbial club. in Western Colorado.

According to the research division of the Leeds School As an advertiser or reader, what do you need from the Business Times? of Business at the University of Colorado,gather Community Hospital contributed While business journals traditionally and report the relevant news to $971.4 million between 2019 and 2022 and $284.8 million in 2022 alone. Those readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially true as numbers account indirect and convenient induced contributions.

Web sitestake and into e-mail make direct, the dialogue more than ever. Every dollar Community Hospital spends overallThey economic effect of needs $1.72.of Good publications don’t produces exist in a an vacuum. respond to the A separate analysis conducted by Nathan Perry, an economics professor at advertisers and readers. They provide what’s needed.

Colorado Mesa So what do University, you need? determined St. Mary’s Regional Hospital contributes $443.4 million a year tonews the Mesa County Is there additional coverage that economy. would help keep you informed about Here’s yet another number to consider.

The that health care be andinteresting social assistance local business developments? Are there features would or sector accounts for 12.5 percent of the overall economy in Mesa useful? Is there advice that would make your jobs a little easier? County.

Thatequally proportion is so large inwhat part because theneed. workforce of the sector is so It’s important to ask you don’t With limited time to large.

St.content Mary’s,and Community Hospital and the Affairs carespace system produce limited space in which to Veterans publish it, wouldhealth time and be rank among the largest employers in the county.

For 2022, Mesa County reported better devoted to something else? a higher concentration of isn’t? hospital employment to the nation. Hospitals What’s good? What What’s needed?compared What isn’t? also Let tendus to know. pay slightly higher wages — an average annual wage of $78,453 Send us an e-mail. Comment online on the Business TimesinWeb Colorado in 2022. site at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

You could even write an old-fashioned letter to If, heaven forbid, you twist or break something while hiking or biking in an and the editor if you’d like.

Your feedback, both positive and negative, is valued outdoors that really is great, quality health care awaits close by.

It’s the same for will be carefully considered. otherGood injuries and illnesses, including those more serious.

But remember: An industry publications are the result of not only the efforts of their staffs, but also dedicated to promoting a healthy population also promotes a healthy economy. collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers.

What’s to love about that? we want to listen to our customers, find out Like anynot other good business, 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 (970) 424-5133 or phil@thebusinesstimes.com. ✦ F

THE BUSINESS TIMES

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

Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall

Editor: Phil Castle

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

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

Copyright © 2015 — AllCopyright rights reserved. © 2024 — All rights reserved.

It’s that time of year when Gosh. Thanks for the reminder I even resolutions and prognostications abound. had account, since, you know and Year’s hence, My an favorite saying applied to New the inactivity.

But like Big Brother does, resolutions is in saying they’re basicallyit a can’t me alone.to break the first week bunchleave of promises By wayAnd of while I won’t predict a of January. background, whole lot, I I’m can writing pretty much accurately about account nail a an few thingscalled that without question Fundbox. will makeSeveral the news. You will see these are years — before the pretty,ago well, predictable: government createdone: ■ Prediction the economic There will bedisaster some known 15 daysevent, to sort of as weather slow the spread — natural disaster or I used Fundbox quite a heinous occurrence bit when money was where someone will tight at my business. be interviewed and say Craig Hall It a handy tool for thewas following: “I’ve getting through the ups and downs of cash never seen anything flow for ainsmall like that my business — if done right.

Given my history lifetime.”

It’s as ifwith thisFundbox — up until a Craig recent — I must have done Hall it right. personmorning is a required Here’s how it works.

Fundbox is attendee at every news what manyevent. in business banking call reporting While and I understand most “factoring.”

The ideacan is, ifindeed one has people’s perspective beaccounts limited receivable and balances collected, by, or contained within, not theiryetown personal Fundbox would front the amount experiences, it is too much to askoftosaid receivables forhistorical a small fee.

In Fundbox’s consult some perspective before case, weekly fee. Now do response things can sayinga such a thing?

Yes,tothis properly, I would pay off Fundbox apply to some events.

Butthe when it comes advances soon as thedisasters, payment I’m was pretty made to weatherasand natural by my client.

I’d only absorb a few weeks sure this is simply history repeating itself. of feesasinstead months of fees to Same it has of forseveral millions and millions of limit cost.important, the planet made it! years.the More admitwere backcertain in the species. day thereHow’s were WhatI’ll didn’t more than a few months where I had that for perspective? to absorb the full costs of some of the to a ■ Prediction two: When it comes advances because access to capital is crime or something that occurs between one of thethe major small at and humans, otherproblems required for attendee all individually owned businesses.

That’s news reporting events is the person whowhy lenders up we’re with things factoring says this:come “They just thelike nicest and high-interest “loans” — I had a few people, and in no way did I see something of as well over the years — they’re likethose this coming.”

Exactly.

No one does more than to provide.

Into the case of most of thewilling time when it comes Fundbox, was some sort of collaboration neighbors itand acquaintances.

People should with Quickbooks, thegoes program I use be surprised at what on from time to for bookkeeping at the Business Times. time in their neighborhoods, towns and Obviously, had a quick andare with peopleQuickbooks they know because people dirty my initial good.look Andatformy thefinancials times thatbefore they shouldn’t contact with— Fundbox —politicians, in this caserepeat one be shocked like with in which it opened an account for me offenders and terrorists — where’s thebased on basically nothing? interview that...says, “This doesn’t surprise happy relationship with me inSo, themy least.”

Fundbox began small. all, it had ■ Prediction three:After Something good to my credit (more onand thatthe later) — willrun happen economically, which at thewill timetake wasn’t government creditvery for good. it. TheI’d most guess was more than 100 points recent itexample is gas prices, where lower people than today, higher debt andfor ask me why with I won’t credit the ratios president more recent delinquencies. running low gas prices.

My answer isBut simple: personal credit formakes business Government never thefinance price ofis one of the things small business owners something go down and simply takes do. credit I wasnews. happy andpricing Fundbox must have for good Gas is subject to been Because what began manyecstatic. global factors.

Now there are as a small credit answers line onlytogot larger as some those of government addressing few went along.

It must have been themyears to keep prices stable for Americans, because I’d take outhas some money andinpay but our government none of them it back,The along some fees, both place. onlywith things it has in and place in the

Page 23 JANUARY 15-28, 2015

long run always hurt consumers. Another sides Not to brag, but my line of fact isbenefited. that unemployment reaches a certain credit went on from measly $5,000 to almost level based theaeconomy.

And while the $25,000 — might not that I used much— government brag the that number is low, with Fundbox.

Sounds a handy did thing it’s more than likely thelike government to keep around.

At least I thought I was. something to cause that number being low How I hadConversely, it around? when — and notdid in Ia know good way.

Several back, started businessmonths picks up, it’s Fundbox because the people reminding me I have this line of credit who need to buy widgets who were notin the hopes I’d usebecause it in thethe way I did in the buying widgets economy was past.

I just hadn’t Nor could I use contracting due toneeded naturalit.(or unnatural, itgovernment during the caused) COVID-19 pandemic because, reasons, decided we let’s be honest, I didn’t have receivables better buy some widgets. The government to With loan from hadfactor. nothing to ado with this.the U.S. Small Business Administration, haven’t with needed it ■ Prediction four: InIkeeping since. header in the latest emailthe from thingsSo thethe government does, I predict Fundbox wasn’t off the Andto government will entirely manipulate themark. numbers Fundbox have just leftisit getting at that. make the should claim the economy it couldn’t. openingto betterBut because of howThis hardisitthe is working line email: “After a review ofNow help of allthe of us “working Americans.” your most say, recent account andthis you might “Craig, youactivity always say overall usage ofObama your account, about President becausewe youmade don’t the to close account.” likedecision him.” You’re rightyour in a sense.

I don’t Interesting, since haveIno “recent usage” know the man, butIwhat know of him and and it would Iseem usage his thinking, don’tmy likeoverall it or him one when iota.

IBefore had activity Fundbox a bunch you gomade off, however, I didn’t likeof money.

I didn’t see the problem here.

President Bush and his bailouts, stimulus Fundbox went on: yourtocredit and his abandoning the “We free got market save score from a consumer reporting the free market.

And I don’t knowagency him and used it inthe making our credit decision.” either.

What government does, and the Wait a minute, I didn’t only thing it can do, is ask hurtfor theanything economy. from Fundbox, let aloneoraput credit check on Unless it does nothing criminals in my credit line with it.

Yet Fundbox jail instead of partnering with them,went nothing on its email todoes address “factors” theingovernment willthe help.

Always— look interesting word to use — went intosays its at it this way, whatever thethat government decision.

Fundbox’s factors versus it is doing,Here’s whatever the name of the law it what I see on reportthe (in name parenthesis) is passing, or my whatever or goal of when I sign in. it is presenting to the the bureaucracy 1. Available too low (Good. people, expect thecredit polarisopposite to occur.

Plenty of available credit, and it I guess what I’m saying is shows that you manage responsibly). perhaps credit it’s time to get out 2. ofDelinquent our own status too recent (On-time payments. perspective. There’s plenty of history Excellent).

Balancesresearch on openout accounts books and 3. historical there to too high.

(Average. But on the begin to understand thatthat alldepends of this has day you runbefore. thingsAnd because I use credit cards happened it will again, for all mythe personal business expenses whether topic isand people or government. and pay them off monthly.)

4.

Too The best recommendation ismany to find highly utilizedorrevolving bankcard accounts some books try that whole Google (See factor 3). thing.comment There’s on a lot of information on the of how GreatRegardless Depression.

The opposite truth is itFundbox wasn’t sees creditone lifeuntil fromthe howgovernment one of the got evenmy a good other consumer reporting agencies does, involved. There’s also plenty of research none this matters.

It’s period just how somethe on theofmedieval warm when faceless, nameless corporatethan dolttoday — or with planet was much warmer worse, robot decides to report onwell you a wholeAIlot less— people (and warmer for the benefit of the employer or creator. before man was here at all). And yep, And that’s never for the little guy. Yet, people have beengood killing other surprised this is the onlyhistory way many ourwritten. public and people since was of first private “leaders” us as wewill keep living Maybe somesee research help stop our lives based on their “key factors.” all of these trends.

Otherwise, we’ll be That is, until they decide to close saying we’ve never seen anything like our it in accounts. our lives. And not in a good way.

Craig Craig Hall Hall is is owner owner and and publisher publisher of of the the Business at at (970) 424-5133 BusinessTimes.

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

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Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n WEEKLY FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY EVENTS PLANNED AT HISTORIC LOWELL SCHOOL BUILDING

A weekly community event featuring local food trucks is scheduled to start March 1 at the historic Lowell School Building in downtown Grand Junction.

Lowell School Food Truck Fridays are planned for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the school at 310 N. Seventh St. The event will feature local food trucks serving a variety of fare and craft beers from Gemini Jeremy Nelson Brewing Co. as well as highlight the work of local artists and performers.

The event is an effort of the Lowell School Building, Lower Village Metro District and Dango Burrito.

“Lowell School Food Truck Fridays is more than just a culinary event. It’s a celebration of our community,” said Jeremy Nelson, owner of the Lowell School Building.

“We believe that creating a public space where people can come together, break bread with Coleman Bowers one another or raise a pint, enjoy some music and art and support local businesses and civic groups is integral to building a strong and connected community.”

Coleman Bowers, owner of Dango Burrito, said he’s eager to partner with the Lowell School Building. “This event aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting the local community and providing unique culinary experiences.”

The Lowell School was built in 1925 and subsequently became R-5 High School. The building is now part of a public-private partnership with the Grand Junction Downtown Development Authority that also includes townhomes, apartments and an outdoor event venue. For more information visit, www.lowellvillage.com n ALPINE BANK ADVISES CUSTOMERS TO REMAIN WARY OF FRAUDULENT TEXTS AND EMAILS

Alpine Bank advices customers at all banking institutions to remain vigilant as scammers continue to send fraudulent texts and emails intended to fool people into disclosing confidential bank account information.

The texts and emails contain links to fake bank login pages.

The messages often indicate the person’s account is locked or there’s a pending transaction. They’re asked to enter their login name and password — in effect, providing confidential information to criminals.

Alpine Bank accounts remain secure and under no threat as long as customers don’t click on the link or provide passwords or passcodes.

Fraudulent texts and emails also ask people to call a fake bank telephone number. A scammer posing as a bank customer service employee will ask for usernames, passwords and passcodes.

Legitimate financial institutions will never ask for passwords or other login information. Customers should remain cautious of unsolicited messages telling them something is wrong with their accounts. When in doubt, contact your bank’s main number and log into your account using the main bank website you always use A $6.5 billion, employee-owned organization headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Alpine Bank operates locations across Colorado. For additional information, visit www.alpinebank.com.

The Business Times

February 22-March 6, 2024

SHARE YOUR NEWS

NOTEWORTHY

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

Pella Windows and Doors of Grand Junction has opened what’s billed as a full-service retail shopping experience for homeowners, builders, contractors and designers in Western Colorado.

“Providing Grand Junction and the surrounding communities with a retail experience that is unlike any other in our market was important to us,” said Chris C. Pettofrezzo Pettofrezzo, the local Pella owner and chief executive officer.

“The Western Slope continues to see an increase in single family new building starts as well as replacement needs for existing homes. Our new experience center provides customers a personalized look at Pella’s product performance and design.

And our consultants offer critical expertise in selecting the right materials for our unique western Colorado geography, such as high-altitude glass.”

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce assisted with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during a grand opening event on Feb. 15.

Located at 2478 Patterson Road, Suite 15, the Pella Experience Center affords customers a hands-on opportunity to check out Pella products. Workstations and multiple screens throughout the center offers architects, builders, contractors and designers the ability to work on projects independently or with their clients.

To serve trade professionals in the region, the center also offers client meeting spaces and continuing education events.

The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon weekdays and by appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (970) 779-6197 or visit the website located at www.pellabranch.com.

n COUNCIL SCHEDULES BREAKFAST EVENT TO HONOR NONPROFITS AND SUPPORTERS An upcoming breakfast event will honor nonprofit organizations in Mesa County and the individuals and businesses that support them.

The Community Impact Council, a coalition of 80 local nonprofits and their supporters, has scheduled the event for 8 to 9:30 a.m. March 12 at the Colorado Mesa University ballroom in Grand Junction. The Christi Reece event is open to the public. Tickets sell for $25 and are available online from the website at www.communityimpactcouncil.org.

Nonprofit leaders, community volunteers and philanthropic efforts will be recognized at the event.

Christi Reece, owner and team leader of the Christi Reece Group real estate firm in Grand Junction, will receive the Living Legacy Award in recognition of her philanthropic efforts. Since its inception in June 2019, the Christy Whitney Christi Reece Group Circle Fund has donated $334,500 to a variety of local nonprofits.

Christy Whitney, founder of HopeWest, is scheduled to deliver the keynote presentation. Until her retirement, Whitney served as president and chief executive officer of HopeWest for almost 30 years. What started out as a single facility operated out of a home grew into an organization with an in-patient hospice center in Grand Junction and offices in four other communities serving Mesa County and five other counties in western Colorado. n WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GIVE A CHEF A COOKIE? GIRL SCOUTS EVENT WILL PROVIDE ANSWERS What happens if you give a chef a cookie? Participants in an upcoming benefit event for the Girls Scouts will find out.

Chefs from six Grand Valley restaurants will prepare dishes using Girl Scout cookies as ingredients at the Give a Chef Cookie event set for 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Lincoln Park Barn, located at 910 N. 12th St. in Grand Junction.

“The event allows us to collaborate with community partners during cookie season in creative new ways that highlight our partners’ strengths and talents. And the outcome is absolutely delicious,” said Ashley Douglas, regional manager of the Girl Scouts.

The participating restaurants are 626 on Rood, Ale House, Bin 707, Family Health West, Feisty Pint and Flying Pig. Participants will sample six dishes and also have the opportunity to purchase cookies For more information about the event, contact Douglas at ashley. douglas@gscolorado.org or (970) 628-8004. For more about cookie sales, visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/cookies.

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February 22-March 6, 2024

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Opinion Business Briefs Briefs Business Business People People Almanac Business Almanac The Business Times

SHARE YOUR NEWS

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

Tyler Hugentobler Brent Metzler

Rachael Templeton

n FIRM ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES CERTIFICATION Tyler Hugentobler, Brent Metzler and Rachael Templeton were promoted to new positions with DWC CPAs and Advisors based in Grand Junction.

Madison Donnafield, a human resources generalist with the firm, received the certified professional credential from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Hugentobler was promoted to tax M. Donnafield senior and works on business returns for clients in multiple industries. He joined DWC in 2020. He holds an accounting degree from Southern Utah University.

Metzler was promoted to audit senior and provides a range of attest and accounting services in various industries. He joined DWC as an intern, then transitioned to a full-time in June 2022. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Colorado Mesa University.

Templeton also was promoted to audit senior and provides attest and accounting services. She joined DWC as an audit intern before joining the firm full-time in June 2022.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from CMU. To earn her certification, Donnafield demonstrated knowledge in six HR areas: business, interpersonal, leadership, organizational, people and workplace. She also passed a four-hour exam testing decision-making skills and situational judgment.

Donnafield joined DWC in 2021 and helps implement HR policies, provides day-to-day support and serves as a talent recruiter. She also serves as a member and programs director for the Western Colorado Human Resources Association. She holds a bachelors degree in business administration from CMU. DWC CPAs and Advisors operates the largest public accounting firm headquartered in Western Colorado with main offices in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs and Montrose. For more information, call (970) 243-1921 or visit the website at https://dwcadvisors.com.

n HEALTH COACH EXTENDS HER SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYER GROUPS Paula Anderson, a certified health and wellness coach, now offers her expertise to local individuals and employer groups.

“Feeling conflicted in our attempts to take better care of ourselves affects a person’s health, their job performance and the ability to enjoy life,” Anderson said. “And when you’re stuck in your attempts to move forward, it’s easy to Paula Anderson create a bigger barrier to any progress.

We know what to do, but we can’t seem to move forward, and that’s frustrating.”

Anderson began integrating the goal-setting tenets of coaching nearly a decade ago, when she worked with patients at Primary Care Partners in Grand Junction for smoking cessation. She extended her services to help people with other lifestyle challenges.

She said she now focuses on helping people improve their eating habits, reduce stress and move more.

“It’s never about creating a complicated grand plan, but rather just defining simple goals and small steps to move the dial a bit,” Anderson said. “Once someone generally begins to just feel better and is more confident, it’s much easier for them to want to keep going in the same direction.”

For additional information, contact Anderson at (970) 462-8822 or paula.anderson46@gmail.com. n GRAND JUNCTION WOMAN APPOINTED TO STATE TOWING TASK FORCE Jennifer Henson of Grand Junction has been appointed to the Towing Task Force.

Henson serves as a representative of nonconsensual towing carriers on the state task force. The group makes recommendations to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and advises the commission on investigations of overcharges by towing carriers.

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Grand Valley artist selected for latest roundabout installation Jeff Bates has been selected to install artwork at a new roundabout at 24 and G roads in Grand Junction.

Bates, an artist who lives in Fruita, has installed artwork in four traffic circles in the Grand Junction area as well as elsewhere. His artwork is made from recycled steel.

Bates said he plans a tribute to wildlife for the roundabout at 24 and G roads featuring a three-dimensional

elk, deer and bear as well as a bear cub and eagle.

The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture selected Bates’ proposal. The $148,000 in funding for the artwork will come from the city’s art in public places program allocating 1 percent of certain capital projects for the acquisition of art.

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February 22-March 6, 2024

Feb. 22 n Welcome Thursday Friends networking meeting, noon to 1 p.m., Camilla’s Kaffe, 206 E. Aspen Ave, Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 Feb. 27 n Colorado HR Connection free webinar on changes to independent contractor rules, 11 a.m. to noon. kelly@lhrs.net or 243-7789 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce members only business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Colorado Mesa University Tech, 2508 Blichmann Ave. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org Feb. 29 n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Ramblebine Brewing Co., 457 Colorado Ave., Grand Junction. www.ypnmc.org March 1 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 5:30 to 11:30 p.m., Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org Upcoming n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m. March 7, Copper Club Brewing Co., 153 N. Mulberry St., Fruita. Admission $15 for chamber members, $30 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Palisade Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 8, Ordinary Fellow Winery, 202 Peach Ave. Admission $85 for chamber members, $105 for others, $800 for a table for 10 members. 464-7458 or https://palisadecoc.com n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce women’s conference, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 13, Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom, Grand Junction.

Tickets $80 for chamber members, $125 for others.

Tables for 10 available for $750 for chamber members and $1,200 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon March 13, Enzo’s Ristorante Italiano, 707 Horizon Drive. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Grand Valley BizMix for members of the Fruita, Grand Junction, Latino and Palisade chambers of commerce and Young Professionals Network of Mesa County, 5:30 to 7 p.m. March, 14, Our Lady of Perpetual Motion, 503 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita.

Admission $10. n Coffee Club free networking meeting, 9 to 10 a.m.

March 15, FWorks meeting room, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or https://gjincubator.org. n Western Colorado Economic Summit, April 16, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction. www.gjep.org/wces F

February 22-March 6, 2024

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February 22-March 6, 2024