The Business Times Volume 31 Issue 5

Alex Molick, left, and Tom Pesek oversee Timberleaf Trailers, a Grand Junction company that handcrafts teardrop trailers designed and

to make camping more convenient and

New business filings decreased in Colorado on a year-over-year basis during the fourth quarter.

Business People

But the drop was attributed in part to the end of a temporary decrease in filing fees. Other indicators tracking economic growth and the labor market continue to reflect resiliency, although slowing could occur.

“Our state remains one of the best places in the nation to start a business,” said Jena Griswold, Colorado secretary of state.

Rich Wobbekind, faculty director of the research division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder, said growth exceeded expectations in 2023, but some slowing is forecast for 2024.

Colorado business filings decrease Crafted for camping

The division prepares a quarterly business and economic indicators report based in part on business filings recorded with the secretary of state’s office. Griswold and Wobbekind joined in a virtual news conference to discuss the latest report.

For the fourth quarter of 2023, the office reported 40,987 new entity filings. That was down 6.6 percent from the third quarter and 16 percent from the fourth quarter of 2022.

New filings typically constitute a leading indicator of subsequent business and job growth.

Wobbekind attributed the quarterto-quarter decline to seasonal slowing in new business filings. The year-over-year difference was due in part to what in the fourth quarter of 2022 was a surge in filings because of reduced filing fees, he said.

For all of 2023, 195,570 new entity filing were reported, an 11.3 percent increase over 2022.

A total of 174,740 entity renewals were filed in the fourth quarter of 2023. That was down about six-tenths of a percent from the third quarter, but up 2.1 percent from the fourth quarter of 2022.

See FILINGS page 18

New owner expects to build on the success of Timberleaf Trailers

Tom Pesek searched for years for just the right business to buy — one that not only makes things, but also maintains a reputation for quality products and operations.

Pesek says he found exactly what he was looking for in Timberleaf Trailers, which handcrafts teardrop trailers designed and constructed to make camping more convenient and enjoyable.

The fact the company makes products for the outdoor recreation market and is based in Grand Junction was all the more attractive, he says. “Everything lined up.”

After purchasing a majority stake in Timberleaf Trailers last year, Pesek moved the operation into a new building that offers more than twice as much space as the previous location.

As he also expands staffing, Pesek expects the pace of production to increase as the lead time required to complete trailers for customers decreases. Eventually, the company will build enough trailers to fill custom orders as well as build up an inventory to sell. What won’t change, he says, is the quality materials, craftsmanship or end result — trailers that offer comfort, durability and mobility.

Alex Molick, minority owner and general manager, says the teardrop design makes camping simple. “It’s just so convenient to get away and do the things we want to do.”

See CRAFTED page 16

Timberleaf Tralers handcrafts three models of teardrop trailers. Tom Pesek bought a majority stake in the Grand Junction company last year and subsequently relocated the operation into a larger building to accommodate growth.

Jena Griswold

R. Wobbekind

Alex Molick, left, and Tom Pesek oversee Timberleaf Trailers, a Grand Junction company that handcrafts teardrop trailers designed and constructed to make camping more convenient and enjoyable. Pesek bought a majority stake in the company last year and expects to increase production.

Copyright

St. Mary’s contributes $4.5 million to support community rec center

Phil Castle

The

Business Times

Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital will donate $3 million to support the construction of a new community recreation center in Grand Junction.

The hospital will contribute another $1.5 million to open a clinic in the center for physical therapy and primary care visits.

The Grand Junction City Council approved the proposal on first reading and was expected to vote a final time at what was scheduled as a March 6 meeting.

The announcement at a news conference culminated about 18 months of talks between the hospital and the City of Grand Junction, said Bryan Johnson, president of St. Mary’s Regional Hospital.

The announcement also affirmed the nearly 130-year mission of the hospital to improve the health of the community and keep residents out of the hospital, Johnson said. Joining with the city in supporting a recreation center offers a way to do that, he said. “As partners, we can do more together than we can alone.”

The donation is one of the largest ever for St. Mary’s and the first for a recreation center, Johnson said.

The City of Grand Junction expects to construct a more than 100,000-square foot community recreation center on 205 acres of Matchett Park.

City voters approved in 2023 an increase in city sales and use taxes from 3.25 percent to 3.39 percent, enabling the city to increase debt up to $70 million

with a repayment cost of $148.5 million to construct, equip and operate the center. Taxes on cannabis sales also will fund the facility.

The total budget for the project is estimated at about $82 million with completion tentatively set for early 2026.

The center will include sports courts, an indoor track, fitness and weight areas and meeting spaces. The center also will include a six-lane lap pool, warm therapy pool, plunge pool and water slides. The aquatic area will be named the Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital Pools in recognition of the contribution.

Opening a clinic in the center will afford an opportunity to provide physical therapy and primary care services in a place where patients can work with therapists and use the warm therapy pool, Johnson said. The city will lease the clinic space to St. Mary’s.

St. Mary’s also expects to collaborate with the city on wellness education and health events at the rec center.

Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout praised what she called “an amazing gift,” one she said will enable the city to overdeliver on its promises to voters in constructing the recreation center.

In addition to the 18 months of talks between the city and hospital, efforts to construct a recreation center in Grand Junction date back more than 40 years, Stout said.

She said she’s grateful those efforts soon will come to fruition in a new center as well as a place that will promote the health and quality of life of residents.

GJEP schedules economic summit

Tickets are now available for an annual event exploring and celebrating economic development in Mesa County.

The Western Colorado Economic Summit is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership hosts the summit as an annual meeting and fund-raiser.

“2023 was a record year for the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, and we are pleased to share our annual economic impact and upcoming goals during this event,” said Curtis Englehart, executive director of GJEP. “The Western Colorado Economic Summit allows our community to come together in celebration and collaboration as we discuss economic development in Mesa County and inform our community of topics that impact us all.”

Nathan Perry, an associate professor of economics at CMU who prepares quarterly economic updates for Mesa County, is scheduled to delivery the breakfast keynote presentation. He will present the latest data for labor, tax collections and other economic indicators.

The agenda for the summit also includes a conversation with local government leaders as well as sessions on the workforce, tourism, the Grand Junction Regional Airport and downtown Grand Junction.

Coldwell Banker, a founding partner of the summit, will host a panel presentation on the real estate market.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade will offer information about available resources for businesses and how the state agency promotes economic development in western Colorado.

Additional sessions will focus on the agriculture and health care sectors.

GJEP will present awards recognizing the efforts of businesses, organizations and individuals involved in economic development in Mesa County.

The Spirit of Economic Development Award will honor a business or organization that demonstrates a strong sense of community awareness and involvement while seeking opportunities to improve the economic vitality of Mesa County. The Joseph C. Prinster Leadership Award will honor an individual who’s made notable contributions to economic development in Mesa County while also demonstrating adaptability, drive and leadership.

GJEP will accept nominations for the awards through March 31. Nominations may be submitted to selena@gjep.org. F

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

General admission tickets to the Western Colorado Economic Summit sell for $100. Sponsored tables sell for $1,000 each and include seating for 10 and company logo placement. For tickets or more information about the summit, log on to www.gjep.org/wces.

Hospitality exec to speak at E-Day

The leader of a company that operates resort restaurants and hotels is scheduled to deliver the keynote presentation at an upcoming event at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

Phillips Armstrong

Phillips Armstrong, founder and chief executive officer of Destination Hospitality Group, will discuss the importance of hospitality and human connections during his presentation at the annual Entrepreneurship Day luncheon set for noon May 2 at the University Center Meyer Ballroom.

Based in Steamboat Springs, Destination Hospitality Group operates restaurants and hotels in Colorado and Hawaii resorts. Armstrong brings to his role more than 25 years of industry experience.

The Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award will be presented at Entrepreneurship Day. The award recognizes individuals who’ve contributed to the economic development of the region.

Individual tickets for the luncheon event sell for $65. Table sponsorships are available for $650, and hospitality sponsorships for $1,200. For tickets or additional information, visit the website at https://engage.supportingcmu.org/event/ 2024-entrepreneurship-day/e557904. F

Curtis Englehart

Nathan Perry

Chamber awards individuals and businesses

Phil Castle The Business Times

Janie VanWinkle and her family received more recognition for their ranching operations and advocacy efforts.

VanWinkle received the Citizen of the Year award from the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, while the VanWinkle Ranch was named Small Business of the Year.

Fisher’s Liquor Barn received the Large Business of the Year Award and retired chamber executive Diane Schwenke received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Andrea Lopez was named the Young Professionals Network of Mesa County Young Professional of the Year.

The chamber presented the awards during its annual banquet, an event attended by 675 people.

Candace Carnahan, president and chief executive officer of the chamber,

said the awards recognized individuals and business that not only do well in their industries, but also do good in helping the community and inspiring civic engagement.

The selection of VanWinkle as Citizen of the Year and her family ranch as Small Business of the Year was unprecedented, Carnahan said, but also deserved.

A selection committee comprised of former chamber award winners deemed VanWinkle and the VanWinkle Ranch both contribute to industry and the community in separate ways, Carnahan said.

VanWinkle was recognized for her advocacy for the agriculture industry and her efforts to educate people about the importance of sustained food production.

She served on the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association board of directors, including a term as president.

She recently was selected as a fellow for what’s billed as the AgriWest initiative

See AWARDS page 14

Women’s network schedules luncheon for noon March 12

The Mesa County Women’s Network has scheduled its next monthly luncheon for March 12.

The event is set for noon to 1 p.m. at the Ocotillo Restaurant at Redlands Mesa Golf Club at 2325 W. Ridges Blvd. in Grand Junction.

The event will include an educational workshop led by Christina Fitzrandolph titled “Mastering the Art of Asking for What You Want.”

The Mesa County Women’s Network offers an opportunity for professional women to connect and develop meaningful relationships.

“We are thrilled to provide a space for women in Mesa County to come together, share experiences and support each other,” said Mollie Shephardson, president of the Mesa County Women’s Network. “Our monthly luncheons aim to empower and inspire women as they navigate their careers and personal growth journeys.”

For luncheon tickets or more information, visit www.mcwn.us.

Janie VanWinkle speaks at the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce banquet after receiving the Citizen of the Year award. VanWinkle and her family also received the Small Business of the Year award. (Photo courtesy Ryan Sanchez Photography and the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce)

Partnership with CMU promotes mental health services

The City of Grand Junction and Rocky Mountain Health Plans announced a $1 million dollar collaboration with Colorado Mesa University to support mental health services.

The city allocated $500,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funds to help graduates of the CMU masters of social work program repay student loans. Rocky Mountain Health Plans matched that funding to support mental health services.

said Patrick Gordon, chief executive officer of Rocky Mountain Health Plans. “This shared commitment alongside the City of Grand Junction and CMU will help expand access to mental health care in the Grand Junction area by attracting and retaining highly skilled mental health professionals.”

The announcement was made during a discussion at CMU about the challenges of providing mental health services in rural areas.

of the leading leaders in this community for decades has been Rocky Mountain Health Plans. The number of lives that are going to be impacted in a positive way because of the contributions the city and Rocky are making is really staggering. It’s not just the individuals getting the loan assistance, but the number of lives that those people will touch. The multiplier is monumental.”

“We are honored to support Colorado Mesa University’s master of social work student loan repayment program to help eligible graduates pay back student loans and launch their career right here in the Western Slope,”

CMU President John Marshall emphasized the effects of financial contributions that empower social workers to improve lives in the region. “Anybody who has been in this community for any amount of time knows that one

Randall Reitz, a member of the Grand Junction City Council, praised the effort. “For me, mental health and behavioral health has always been very personal. It’s been my profession, my life pursuit and trying to think how to use one-time funds to really advance the mental health of our community. And it just made complete sense for us to partner with CMU with their new MSW program to find ways to keep their graduates in town.” F

CMU to get part of NASA funding to further research

Colorado Mesa University will receive a portion of a $3.7 million grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to support research initiatives.

CMU is unique as a teaching university in affording undergraduate students an opportunity to get research experiences usually only offered to those in graduate programs — including the NASA science mission directorate bridge seed program.

This program will enable CMU students to explore collaborative research that will result in meaningful relationships with NASA, including access to mentorships and employment opportunities within the agency. The program is a year-long, two summer, paid research opportunity starting this summer. The research collaborations will focus on complex fluids and soft matter.

During the academic year, students will meet remotely with research partners at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Florida International University and NASA Glenn Research Center. Summer 2025 students will spend about 10 weeks at one of the partner institutions working on a research project.

“I’m extremely excited that NASA has given us the opportunity to build and lead a unique multi-institutional STEM undergraduate research and education consortium out of CMU,” said Jarrod Schiffbauer, an assistant professor of physics at CMU. “By continuing to build our program with NASA Glenn Research Center and including other CMU faculty research, we hope to create even more opportunities for students interested in graduate STEM study or NASA/aerospacerelated careers in the near future.”

Shahra Lambert, senior advisor for engagement at NASA, stated in a news release the bridge program and partnerships like the one with CMU will build relationships and provide “the best and brightest talents in our nation” access to NASA to “develop a diverse and capable workforce to further our understanding of the cosmos.”

Patrick Gordon John Marshall

Applicants sought for Washington, D.C. conference

Applications will be accepted through March 22 for an annual conference designed to give Colorado residents a better understanding of federal legislative processes.

Colorado Mesa University will join with Colorado State University and the University of Colorado to host the Colorado Capital Conference June 11 to 13 in Washington, D.C.

A total of 100 Colorado residents from a cross section of the state will be selected through a competitive process to participate and interact with national leaders.

“Colorado Mesa University is honored to host the Colorado Capital Conference along with both of our U.S. senators and our partners at CU and CSU. It’s never been more important for Coloradans of every stripe to learn more about our federal government and engage in conversation with one another,” said CMU President John

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

To apply for or obtain more information about the Colorado Capital Conference, visit www.coloradomesa.edu/capital-conference or call (251) 767-5687.

Marshall. “The Colorado Capital Conference is unique, and our nation is begging for citizens to get engaged and find common ground. No matter your party affiliation or geography, we hope all Coloradans apply to join us in Washington, D.C., next summer.”

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet said the conference exemplifies the best of American democracy. “It’s a time for Coloradans to come together to share ideas — and out

of that, form a stronger, more reflective Colorado,” Bennet said. “I’m pleased to co-host this conference in person once again with Sen. John Hickenlooper, Colorado Mesa University, the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.”

Hickenlooper also praised the effort. “Our office represents Coloradans’ seat at the table. It belongs to everyone in our state. Welcoming the Colorado Capital Conference is a great way to involve folks with the work we’re doing.”

A $750 registration fee will be charged and will cover most meals and conference materials. Guests may participate in evening events for a prepaid fee of $200. Participants are responsible for their own airfare as well as accommodations at a group rate. F

Hospital exec shares insights at CMU event

A woman who’s held leadership positions with hospitals and government entities shared her experiences and insights as the latest speaker at series hosted at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

Michelle Lucero, chief administrative officer and general counsel of Children’s Hospital Colorado, joined in the Davis School of Business speaker series. Launched in October 2022, the series is designed to bridge gaps between the classroom and corporate world in offering students an opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals. Speakers share experiences and insights to help students prepare for careers. CMU faculty and the public also participate in the events.

Lucero discussed her professional journey, which has included leadership positions at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Centura Health and Denver Health as well as the City and County of Denver.

She began her legal career as an associate for Davis Graham and Stubbs in Denver. She went on to serve as legal counsel for public and private entities, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Graphic Packaging, U.S. West and the City and County of Denver. She holds an undergraduate degree from Rockhurst College in Kansas City and a law degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Lucero also discussed her commitment to community service and involvement in various boards.

The event also offered Lucero an opportunity to discuss her career trajectory as well as share her insights on leadership and mentorship.

To watch videos of past speakers or obtain information about coming events, visit coloradomesa.edu/business/speakerseries.

Michelle Lucero

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is accepting applications for grants as part of its outdoor regional partnerships initiative.

Letters of interest are due April 5, with final proposals due April 30.

Applications sought for outdoor partnership grants Northwest Colorado SBDC office planned

“Colorado’s distinct landscapes inspire healthy fun and exciting adventure for locals and visitors alike and continue to be a key economic driver for our economy,” said Jeff Davis, director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “The regional partnerships initiative grants provide essential funding for community centered planning efforts that create a shared vision for recreation and conservation across the state, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them now and for generations to come.”

Coalitions are invited to join a network of regional partnerships working to ensure land, water and wildlife thrive

while also providing outdoor recreation experiences. Grants support coalitions at all stages of development, including those just forming and those already funded.

The spring 2024 funding round will offer partnership capacity grants for up to $150,000 to support new and existing coalitions and planning grants for up to $250,000 to support new and existing work to complete regional conservation and recreation plans.

Since its inception in 2021, the regional partnerships initiative grant program has awarded $3.5 million.

For more information, contact Morgan Anderson at morgan.l.anderson@state.co.us or visit the CPW webpage at https://cpw.state.co.us.

A Small Business Development Center satellite office will be established in northwest Colorado to help small businesses as the region transitions away from its reliance on coal mining and coalfired power plants.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade announced the use of coal transition community funding to establish an office to serve Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt counties.

The funding is part of an ongoing effort to help communities that have relied on coal mines and coal-fired power plants for employment find new sources of jobs and property tax income. Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt counties are home to four coal mines and two power plants. With the power plants scheduled to close in the coming years, there will be significant job losses and a reduction in property tax revenue. Small businesses represent one way for local communities to diversify their economies, replace tax revenues and create jobs.

“In Colorado, small businesses employ nearly half of all our employees. And in our rural communities, that percentage is often higher. Entrepreneurs and small businesses are truly an economic driver for our state, and we’re pleased to expand support that can help northwest Colorado support the growth of its small businesses,” said Eve Lieberman, executive director of OEDIT.

One staff member and a team of contract consultants will handle the day-to-day operations of the satellite office with additional support from the Northwest SBDC team and Colorado SBDC network. The satellite team will work across the three-county region to build relationships and connect small business owners and entrepreneurs with training and consulting. Businesses will also be referred to free online trainings on such topics such as business planning, formation, finance, marketing and human resources. In-person training will be provided based on demand and at a minimum include monthly cohortstyle meetings.

“Business consulting and training are proven economic development tools for rural economies, and a strategy that has been prioritized by the local communities. The SBDC has the tools and resources, and we are ready to meaningfully expand capacity in the coal region,” said Erin McCuskey, Northwest SBDC regional director. “The SBDC’s role is to help entrepreneurs focus their time where it will have the greatest impact. Whether that’s identifying the right funding opportunities or understanding their responsibilities under the latest employment legislation, our team partners with businesses to help maximize outputs.”

F

Awards

Continued from page 6 and will provide planning and technical assistance over the course of a 30-month term. The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction launched the initiative with a federal grant from the Economic Recovery Corps to bolster the agriculture industry and food security in the region.

The VanWinkle family oversees a cowcalf 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.

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.

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

Fisher’s Liquor Barn started in 1980 in Grand Junction on the site of a former dairy farm and since has grown into one of the largest operations of its kind in the region.

The business participates in fund-raising events benefitting a range of local causes and organizations, including Catholic Outreach,

Community Hospital, Family Health West, HopeWest and the Riverside Education Centers.

Until her retirement in 2022, Schwenke served more than 30 years as president and CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. The award also recognized her advocacy, collaboration and leadership on a statewide level.

Lopez works as the external affairs manager of the Ute Water Conservancy District in Grand Junction. She also serves as a member of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and Eureka Science Museum boards.

Brandi Fisher-Pollock, left, owner of Fisher’s Liquor Barn, accepts the award from the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce for Large Business of the Year. Diane Schwenke, the former president and chief executive officer of the chamber, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. (Photos courtesy Ryan Sanchez Photography and the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce)

Andrea Lopez was named the Young Professional of the Year.

Crafted

Continued from page 2

Molick’s parents — Kevin and Paula Molick — launched Timberleaf Trailers in 2015 in Denver.

When Kevin couldn’t find a trailer that met his needs, he decided to build one himself. After sharing his ideas with friends and others, he realized building trailers could become a viable business venture. Kevin brought to the venture his experience in woodworking and in building furniture and remodeling homes.

The Molicks subsequently relocated Timberleaf Trailers to Grand Junction and expanded staffing to increase production.

The company was among the winners in the 2022 Colorado Companies to Watch program honoring fast-growing businesses in the state. Timberleaf Trailers was a finalist for the award in 2021.

When Kevin Molick decided to retire, Pesek purchased a majority ownership in the business. Alex Molick remained as a minority owner.

Pesek holds degrees in electrical engineering and business administration. He says he’s long been involved in product development, including machine tools and process control equipment.

In looking for a business to buy, Pesek says he wanted one that not only makes things, but also has a reputation for quality products and operations.

Pesek says he also loves outdoor recreation and Colorado, so Timberleaf Trailers was especially attractive. He says he previously lived in Iowa, but has family in Colorado, including Grand Junction. He says he’d frequently visit. “I always wanted to be here more.”

In January, Pesek moved Timberleaf Trailers into a building on Justice Court near Grand Junction Regional Airport. At 9,600 square feet, the new location offers more than twice as much space as the previous location and room to further grow the operation.

Timberleaf Trailers handcrafts three models of teardrop trailers — the Classic, Pika and Kestrel.

The Classic is the largest and offers the most interior space with room for a queen-size bed, custom cabinets, storage areas and a skylight. The Pika is slightly

smaller with a double bed. The Kestrel is smaller still, but includes a double bed and cabinets.

The Classic and Pika models include galley kitchens tucked under rear hatches. The kitchens include sinks and water storage as well as optional stoves and refrigerators or coolers.

All three models are available in standard, all road and off-road versions.

Pesek says each trailer is constructed by hand using imported Baltic birch to offer a more water resistant and higher quality product.

Timberleaf handcrafts trailers to customer orders, offering a variety of color schemes and other options. The company constructed 91 trailers in 2023

The lead time to complete trailers ranges from six to eight months, but Pesek says he hopes to increase the pace of production to decrease that time.

Eventually, he says he’d like to build up an inventory of additional trailers to sell and rent.

Pesek says there was a spike in interest in outdoor recreation and a corresponding increase in demand for trailers in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

While some of that demand subsequently dropped off, compact trailers have remained popular in part because they’re more convenient and easier to use, he says. “People have more of an interest in keeping things simple.”

Teardrop trailers in general and Timberleaf Trailers in particular offer a number of advantages over other trailers, Alex Molick says. They can be towed by smaller vehicles into locations that would be difficult or impossible for larger trailers. And teardrop trailers can be set up and ready to use in minutes.

That makes camping easier and more enjoyable, he says. “The teardrop design just breaks down all the barriers. You can do what you love with those who love.”

The Classic and Pika models of Timberleaf Trailers feature galley kitchens tucked beneath rear hatches. The kitchens come with sinks and water storage as well as optional stoves and refrigerators. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

Filings

Continued from page 2

Business dissolution filings also rose in 2023 to 51,746. That’s a 4.6 percent increase over 2022.

A total of 981,641 entities remained in good standing in Colorado at the end of 2023, up 7 percent from 2022.

Wobbekind said gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the United States, increased 3.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2.5 percent for the full year. That defied what some expected would be a recession or at least slower growth.

Somewhat slower growth in GDP is forecast for the first quarter of 2023, however, at 2.9 percent.

In Colorado, GDP grew 1.4 percent between the second and third quarters of 2023 and 3.4 percent year over year.

Nonfarm payrolls increased 24,100 in 2023 — an increase of eight-tenths of a percent — with gains in the educational and health service, government and leisure and hospitality sectors more than offsetting losses in the construction, financial activities and manufacturing sectors.

The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.4 percent in December, the latest month for which estimates are available.

Wobbekind said the labor market remains tight in Colorado as demand outstrips supply.

The labor force participation rate — the portion of the population working or looking for work — was 68.4 percent in December, the fourth highest nationally.

But the ratio of job openings to those counted among the unemployed also remained high with 2.2 job openings for every one unemployed person.

Meanwhile, the inflation rate continues to relent, Wobbekind said. The Consumer Price Index for the Denver, Aurora and Lakewood area was up 3.5 percent in January on a year-over-year basis.

Home price appreciation has slowed in Colorado, he said. Despite reaching a peak in the third quarter of 2023, the Federal Housing Finance Agency all transactions home price index rose just seven-tenths of a percent from the second quarter.

As of mid-February, Colorado gasoline prices were down 29 percent from a year ago.

The outlook for 2024 depends in part on whether or not the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates after raising them to curb inflation. Wobbekind said the Federal Reserve could lower rates a half percent to 1 percent to a neutral rate that neither stimulates or slows the economy.

A measure of confidence among Colorado business leaders rose 1.7 points for the first quarter of 2024. At 45.3, the latest reading of the Leeds Business Confidence Index still reflected more negative than positive responses to the survey upon which the index was based.

Looking ahead to the second quarter, three of six components of the index moved into positive territory.

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings

t New business filings in Colorado, 40,987 in the fourth quarter, down 16 percent from the fourth quarter of 2022.

n Confidence

t Consumer Confidence Index 106.7 for February, down 4.2.

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.

News Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People

n Foreclosures

t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 14 in February, down from 26 in February 2023.

n Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 3 in February, unchanged from 3 in February 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%.

t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 47.8% for February, down 1.3%.

s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for services, 53.4% for January, up 2.9%.

n Real estate

s Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 238 in February, up 12.3 percent from February 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.

“A little bit of good news”

Increase in Mesa County real estate transactions offers encouragement

Phil Castle The Business Times

A slight year-over-year increase in real estate transactions in Mesa County offers what one industry executive hailed as “a little bit of good news” for the market.

But only two months into a new year, it’s still too early to tell what 2024 will hold, said Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Junction.

The outlook depends in part on when and how much interest rates on mortgages relent, Bray said. But an increase in new home construction and slowing in home price appreciation offer encouragement.

Jenn Hardey, marketing director for Fidelity National Title in Colorado, said she expects 2024 will be a better year than 2023. “The market is looking healthier this year than it did last year.”

Hardey said 238 real estate transactions were reported in Mesa County in February, up 12.3 percent from the same month a year ago.

The total dollar volume of those transactions wasn’t available from the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder as of press time. Hardey said another program calculated total dollar volume at $114 million. That would constitute a 37.3 percent increase over the $83 million in dollar volume reported a year ago on the county system.

Hardey said several large transactions bolstered volume in February 2024, including the sale of the Holiday Inn on Crossroads Boulevard in Grand Junction for $10 million and seven apartment unit parcels for a total of $2.27 million.

Through the first two months of 2024, 446 transactions were reported, Hardey said, That’s up 4.7 percent from the same span in 2023.

According to numbers Bray & Co. tracks for the residential real estate market, 159 transactions worth a total of $63.5 million were reported in Mesa County in February. Compared to the same

month a year ago, transactions increased 2.6 percent and dollar volume decreased 1.6 percent.

For the first two months of 2024, 279 transactions worth a total of nearly $112.5 million were reported. Compared to the same span in 2023, transactions decreased 8.5 percent and dollar volume declined 7.9 percent.

Bray said he was encouraged by the year-over-year increase in transactions in February, although sales levels remain well below those of two years ago.

Almanac

Higher interest rates on mortgages continue to curtail homes sales, Bray said, in not only making financing more expensive, but also making homeowners otherwise interested in selling and buying something else reluctant to do so for fear of trading existing mortgages with low rates for new mortgages with higher rates.

As of the end of February, there were 437 active residential listings in Mesa County, he said. That’s down 8.8 percent from a year ago.

More homes typically come on the market in spring, though, and Bray said he expects that trend to continue.

A total of 36 single-family building permits were issued in Mesa County in February, down from 46 the same month a year ago, he said. But through the first two months of 2024, 81 permits were issued. That’s up 11 percent compared to the same span in 2023.

Construction not only brings new homes to the market, but also contributes to the economy in terms of materials purchased and employment provided, Bray said. “That’s a good sign.”

The median price of homes sold in January and February rose 1.4 percent to $365,000, he said. But price appreciation has slowed compared to what were double-digit increases.

Looking ahead, Bray and Hardey said interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve initially expected to come in May might not occur until later — the third or fourth quarter.

In the meantime, property foreclosure activity remains minimal in Mesa County, Hardey said 28 foreclosure filings and six foreclosure sales were reported during the first two months of 2024, below the same span in 2023. F

Consumer Confidence Index retreats

A measure of consumer confidence decreased as uncertainty increased over the economy and business and labor conditions.

The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index declined to 106.7 in February, down from a revised 110.9 in January. The drop interrupted what had been a three-month rise. The New York think tank bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of United States households.

Dana Peterson, chief economist of the Conference Board, said the latest reading reflected uncertainty. “While overall inflation remained the main preoccupation of consumers, they are now a bit less concerned about food and gas prices, which have eased in recent months. But they are more concerned about the labor market situation and the U.S. political environment.”

The expected average rate for 12-month inflation retreated to 5.2 percent in February, the lowest level in nearly four years. But plans to purchase automobiles, homes and major appliances dipped as consumers expected higher interest rates.

For February, less upbeat assessments of current conditions pulled down the present situation component of the index 7.7 points to 147.2.

The portion of consumers responding to the survey upon which the February index was based who called business conditions good edged down a tenth of a point to 21.2 percent. The share of those who said conditions were bad rose 1.8 points to 17.1 percent.

The portion of consumers who said jobs were plentiful fell 1.4 points to 41.3 percent. The share of those who said jobs were hard to get rose 2.5 points to 13.5 percent.

Less optimistic outlooks for the next six months pulled down the expectations component of the index 1.7 points to 79.8. Readings below 80 often signal a recession ahead.

The share of consumers who said they expect business conditions to improve over the next six months fell 1.9 points to 14.8 percent. The portion of those who anticipated worsening conditions also fell, though, a half point to 15.5 percent.

The share of consumers who said they expected more jobs to become available fell nine-tenths of a point to 14.7 percent. The portion of those who expected fewer jobs rose six-tenths of a point to 17.3 percent.

While 16.9 percent of consumers responding to the survey said they expected their incomes to increase, 11.3 percent expected a decrease.

Robert Bray

Jenn Hardey

Dana Peterson

Index tracking rural economy in negative territory

A monthly index tracking the economy in rural areas of Colorado and nine other states remained in negative territory for a sixth straight month.

The overall reading for the Rural Mainstreet Index fell 1.9 points in February. At 46.2, the latest reading remains below growth-neutral 50.

Ernie Goss

The overall reading for Colorado fell 3.7 points, but at 70 was the highest among the 10 states. Overall readings decreased in six of the nine other states and increased in three.

“Higher interest rates, weaker agriculture commodity prices and a credit squeeze are having a significant and negative impact on rural main street businesses and on

rural main street farmers,” said Ernie Goss, an economics professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., who compiles the Rural Mainstreet Index. He bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of bank executives in rural areas of the 10-state region.

In Colorado, the new hiring component of the index fell nine-tenths of a point to 56.6 and the farm and ranch land price component dropped 6.4 points to 63.3.

Goss said the exports of agricultural goods and livestock from Colorado totaled $224 million in 2023, almost double that for 2022.

Across the region, a component of the index tracking confidence rose 1.9 points, but at 40.4 reflected pessimistic outlooks about economic growth over the next six months, Goss said.

A new hiring component fell a point to 49 as most

banks reported no changes in hiring from January, he said.

The home component dropped 2.6 points to 35.4 as higher interest rates on mortgages and lower inventories curbed home sales Goss said. The retail sales component fell two points to 44 as higher interest rates and consumer debt slowed sales, he said.

The loan volume component fell 5.9 points, but was higher at 66. Readings for checking deposits and certificates of deposit also fell.

The component for farming and ranching land prices decreased 6.3 points, but at 57.7 still signaled slow growth in prices, Goss said.

The component for farm equipment sales rose 1.6 points, but at 49.5 remained below growth-neutral 50 for the eighth time in the last nine months. F

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Business Incubator Center has scheduled classes on startups and cash flows as well as strategic training for agencies and institutions.

The next business startup workshop is set for 2 to 4 p.m. March 7 at the center, located at 2591 Legacy Way in Grand Junction. The workshop will cover financing options, licensing requirements, legal structures, planning strategies and trade name searches. Admission is $55.

Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs

Changing law a constant

Latest rulings portend what could be changes for employers

As sure as the transition from winter to spring brings tulips and daffodils, the realm of employment law also heats up. I usually focus on one topic each month. But I’ve seen several new items that could affect some employers and portend change for all employers.

Business People

A class on cash flows for small business startups is set for noon to 1 p.m. March 19 at the center. Participants will learn how to complete a cash flow budget using Microsoft Excel.

Strategic training for agencies and institutions is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesdays April 2 to May 14 at the center. The training is designed to improve business capacity and overall management of key institutions. In partnership with Mesa County Behavioral Health, the program leads participants through seven weeks of training on such topics as budgeting, business planning, credentialing, human resources and management.

To register or obtain more information about events, programs and services at the Business Incubator Center, call (970) 243-5242 or visit https://gjincubator.org.

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 next Grand Valley BizMix event is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 14 at Our Lady of Perpetual Motion, 503 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita.

The event is open to members of the Fruita, Grand Junction, Latino and Palisade chambers of commerce as well as the Young Professionals Network of Mesa County. Admission is $10.

n The next Coffee Club free networking meeting is set for 9 to 10 a.m. March 15 at the FWorks meeting room, 325 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita.

The meeting will include a presentation by Bridgett Gutierrez of Ryan/Sawyer Marketing.

For more information, visit the websites at https://gjincubator.org or https://fruitachamber.org.

n The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual banquet for 5 to 10 p.m. April 13 at the Absolute Prestige Ranch located at 1351 Q Road in Loma. The event will include food, entertainment and awards.

Admission is $80 for members, $125 for others. Member tables are available for $600.

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

Dean Harris

First, a United States District Court of Texas judge delayed the effective date of the National Labor Relations Board joint-employer liability rule until March 11, 2024. The rule, which already was subject to delay, was scheduled to take effect on Feb. 26.

The new NLRB rule expands the legal test for determining whether two organizations jointly employ the same workers. The final rules state an employer shares or codetermines those matters governing employees’ essential terms and conditions of employment if the employer possesses the authority to control or exercises the power to control one or more of the employees’ essential terms and conditions of employment, regardless of whether the employer exercises such control or the manner in which such control is exercised.

Essential terms and conditions of employment include:

n Wages, benefits and other compensation,

n Hours of work and scheduling.

n The assignment of duties to be performed.

n The supervision of the performance of duties.

n Work rules and directions governing the manner, means and methods of the performance of duties and the grounds for discipline.

n The tenure of employment, including hiring and discharge.

n Working conditions related to the safety and health of employee.

The new rule could exert major effects on certain employers — particularly franchise operations and those that use contractor or temporary labor services or professional employer organizations — and imposes greater liability for labor law violations and bargaining obligations.

Second, on Dec. 6, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Muldrow v. City of St. Louis. Muldrow alleged the St. Louis Police Department discriminatingly transferred her out of a task force in the intelligence division to a patrol supervision position because of her gender. The federal court and Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals held that her transfer, even if because of her gender, was not an adverse employment action

because the transfer didn’t significantly disadvantage her.

The standard in the Eight Circuit is that an adverse employment action must significantly disadvantage the affected employee. Muldrow’s attorney argued that even trivial harms in the workplace immediately become nontrivial if they occur because of discrimination against a protected status.

Almanac

The Tenth Circuit, where we’re located, requires an adverse employment action to be material. A mere inconvenience or alteration of job responsibilities isn’t deemed an adverse employment action that would allow the employee to prevail in a discrimination case. Would Muldrow have been decided differently in the Tenth Circuit? In Aquilino v. Univ. of Kansas, the Tenth Circuit held reassignment with significantly different responsibilities was a significant change in employment status that rose to the level of a material adverse employment action.

This case narrowly applies to transfers and reassignments. But some employers fear this is the proverbial camel’s nose under the tent that will lead to increased complaints and litigation over minor inconveniences in the workplace. We can expect a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court in late spring or early summer.

Finally, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment issued a new interpretive notice and formal opinion No. 5 guidance document broadly defining actions that interfere with employee labor rights. These rights include the right to engage in concerted activity to address terms and conditions of employment, discussing pay rates, complaining of wage or safety violations or engaging in union activities. The CDLE defines adverse action as any acts “that may deter protected activity.” You can view the new guidance at https://cdle.colorado.gov/dlss-homepage/interpretive-notice-and-formal-opinions-infos-andother-published-guidance.

Nothing is as certain as change. The Employers Council provides members resources on these and other employment law changes. Consulting and enterprise members may discuss how these changes affect their workplaces with human resource professionals and employment attorneys.

Dean Harris is the Western Slope area managing attorney for the Employers Council. The Employers Council counsels, represents and trains member employers in all phases of employment relationships. For more information, contact Harris at (970) 852-0190 or dharris@employerscouncil.org.

FSpeaker announced for women’s conference

Kelly Brough — a woman who’s held executive positions with educational, business and government entities — is expected to deliver the keynote presentation at an upcoming conference in Grand Junction.

The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its women’s conference for 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 13 at the Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom.

Kelly Brough

Brough serves as vice president of strategic partnerships for CMU. She led the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce as its first woman chief executive officer from 2009 and

2021. She previously served as both the director of human resources for the City of Denver and chief of staff for then Mayor John Hickenlooper.

In addition to Brough’s keynote presentation, the conference will feature two tracks of breakout sessions as well as multiple panel presentations covering such topics as mentoring, networking and purpose. Breakfast and lunch will be served. A happy hour will start at 4:35 p.m.

Tickets sell for $80 for chamber members, $125 for others. Tables for 10 are available for $750 for chamber members and $1,200 for others. For tickets or more information, visit the website at https://fruitachamber.org/ womens-conference-beyond-a-boss.

Go from good to great with exceptional service

No business can afford the negative effects on its customers — and, therefore, bottom line — from a lack of positive experiences. No matter the economic environment, customers matter. Unhappy ones tend to exert far greater effects on your reputation and business success.

Marcus Straub

With every interaction and transaction, a business imbues customers with a positive, neutral or negative feeling. The last two have no place in a thriving company. The first is a necessary component to happiness and success.

You’ve likely engaged businesses that left you wishing you’d never walked through their doors. Perhaps you encountered poor customer service, an inferior product or bad and uncaring attitudes. Even if your experience was a neutral one — neither negative nor positive — the business didn’t nurture your trust and loyalty.

In all likelihood, you also recall some experiences as a consumer that left you with a positive, if not a great, feeling. The value you received during these interactions endeared you to these companies, creating loyalty and repeat business. The money and time you spent was well worth it, and you walked away with a satisfied and happy feeling.

Where does the quality of the experience your customers receive start? If you answered at the top with you — the business owner — you’re correct. You’re the leader of your company. This means your team members take their cues for behavior and performance from you. Your attitude and behavior set the standard in your organization.

When the owner of a business truly cares about people, they endeavor to provide team members and customers alike

Where does the quality of the experience your customers receive start? If you answered at the top with you — the business owner — you’re correct.

with the best experiences possible. These leaders understand when their teams feel good about the people and companies they work for, they impart those same good feelings to customers through positive attitudes and exceptional customer service. Leaders know their well-chosen and highly trained staff will follow their lead and strive to provide each and every customer a great experience.

The wisest business owners, those who lead rather than boss, hire people with good skills and — more important — caring and positive attitudes. These leaders create and maintain uplifting and supportive work environments that foster the positive attitudes of their fellow team members. By doing so, engagement goes up and team members feel they’re part of a team that consistently delivers a positive experience to each customer.

Along the road of business, you’ll encounter team members unable or unwilling to maintain a positive and caring attitude. In these cases, your best choice is to let these bad apples go. Negative team members are like a cancer within any organization, damaging the morale of the team, diminishing customer relations and ultimately hurting the business.

You’ll also encounter customers who are never satisfied no matter how well you serve them. They will always find something to complain about and some reason to bring negativity into your business. Just like negative

and uncaring team members, toxic customers must be let go. Otherwise, you risk contaminating the positive experience your company provides and subjecting your team members to unjust treatment.

In return for receiving a good feeling from your business, most customers you serve will become fiercely loyal. They will refer new customers and could even dispute any disparaging comments about your operation. All this affects the bottom line of your business. This will result in more sales and a feeling of accomplishment in providing a consistently high-quality experience.

Most customers and team members have attitudes that contribute to a positive two-way experience. When you hire people with great attitudes and then supply them with training, support and a positive work environment, you’ve set the stage for exceptional customer service — the kind that leaves customers feeling great about your business.

Give yourself and your business the gift of an honest self-appraisal. If you discover your leadership style, team, work environment or customer service could benefit from the support of a qualified coaching professional, take that next step and invest in excellence. The success of your company and the happiness of everyone involved is on the line.

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.

At this center of business, help abounds

The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction serves as an umbrella organization for facilities and programs offering a range of resources to entrepreneurs starting and growing their ventures.

Janet Arrowood

The center houses the Small Business Development Center, a satellite office of the Circular Economy Development Center, GJ MakerSpace and business and kitchen incubators as well as the Business Loan Fund of Mesa County, Mesa County Enterprise Zone and strategic training for nonprofits. That’s not to mention the FWorks co-working space in Fruita.

The SBDC offers consulting, training and a variety of programs and services to help small businesses succeed, including:

n The Leading Edge business planning and management course.

n Individualized advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs.

n Assistance to access capital; develop and exchange new technologies; improve financial management, operations and planning; and develop and pursue strategies that lead to increased innovation and productivity as well as growth.

n Coaching by experienced business owners and leaders to help grow ventures.

n Classes, networking events and training opportunities.

The satellite office of the Circular Economy Development Center connects businesses, manufacturers, recyclers and communities with opportunities to create products from byproducts or recycled materials.

The business and kitchen incubator programs offer low-cost spaces and shared services intended to accelerate the growth of businesses.

The GJ MakerSpace offers access to specialized equipment, networking opportunities and other resources to help take projects

Starting and growing a business isn’t easy. Fortunately, a variety of facilities and programs are available in the Grand Valley to help.

from conception to construction.

The Business Loan Fund of Mesa County extends loans to businesses unable to get their full financing needs met by traditional lenders, including applicants that have been denied financing from other lenders. The fund helps businesses grow and create jobs and in turn improve the economy.

The Mesa County Enterprise Zone helps local businesses and organizations succeed with state tax credits. The Colorado Legislature created the Enterprise Zone program to promote economic development by offering state income tax credits to businesses for investment, expansion and job creation.

FWorks offers members affordable workspaces, high-speed internet service, networking opportunities and access to other Business Incubator Center programs.

For more information about facilities, programs and services offered at the Business Incubator Center, call (970) 243-5242 or visit https://gjincubator.org.

Starting and growing a business isn’t easy. Fortunately, a variety of facilities and programs are available in the Grand Valley to help.

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

Use rewards and recognition to engage employees

Employers strive to engage employees so they will thrive and remain committed to achieving company goals. An engaged and successful culture takes constant monitoring, continual support and employer recognition.

When done correctly, recognition offers a useful tool to align employees to company values, attract talent, build a positive culture, improve production, retain top employees and strengthen the bottom line. Inherently, employees want to connect to a company’s purpose, accomplishments, values, and objectives. Most important, they also must be aligned with each other and function as a team. Employees have raised their expectations for purpose-driven workplaces that support their work behaviors and meet their expectations for their desired work experiences. Look at the organizational environment as a whole to ensure employees are comfortable in their work roles.

Consider an employee workplace rewards and recognition program to provide purpose and goals. Looking at the whole picture as well as individual performance, providing positive support can be very powerful.

According to research published by Achievers Workforce Institute: “Recognition is a protective factor against many of the business challenges being navigated in the face of the recession, including layoffs, salary freezes and heavier workloads. Weekly social recognition is just as impactful as weekly monetary recognition on outcomes such as engagement, belonging, productivity.”

What are the differences between rewards and recognition? In developing a program, consider the differences between these two incentives.

It’s important to reinforce your confidence in and appreciation of employees by celebrating multiple types of achievement through both rewards and recognition.

A reward is a transactional and usually tangible gift given by employer to an employee to celebrate a specific accomplishment. Rewards are extrinsic motivators and always goal-driven, targeting the human ego with the primary intention to inspire employees to perform at a higher level, driving desired behaviors and outcomes. Examples of rewards include tickets to a sporting event or dinner at a favorite restaurant for meeting a goal — a sales goal, for example. If a company makes its yearly goals, it might give everyone a bonus.

Recognition is relational and constitutes personal praise or gratitude for good work, given at any time, by anyone. This is accomplished through many different ways — a shout-out during a meeting, social media post, telephone call, round of applause or even a simple email or note. Recognition is given to appreciate an individual and offers an excellent way to foster joy in the workplace. Since you don’t need to — but want to — provide recognition, it can seem more genuine and heartfelt. The prize in employee recognition is the action itself, appealing to an employee’s emotions and pride in being noticed, wanted and needed. Recognition should come from multiple directions.

All good reward and recognition programs require that victories have a purposeful foundation connecting employees’ work to a larger goal that makes a difference in life. Consider rewards and recognition for such accomplishments as personal victories, large or small; big

wins; going above and beyond expectations; admirable work habits; team leadership; and such company milestones as longevity. It’s important to reinforce your confidence in and appreciation of employees by celebrating multiple types of achievement through both rewards and recognition. This must be continual and inspiring, with the caveat employees earn this recognition.

In implementing a formal records and recognition program for your organization, create clear written policies and guidelines to include:

n Identification of what to recognize, using objective criteria and providing equal opportunities to all employees.

n Communication to all employees with details of the program presented in an understandable manner.

n Assurance recognition is provided immediately.

n Timeline of rewards if tied to goal achievement.

n Collaboration to encourage a more productive and positive culture.

n Remote workers.

n Creative rewards and recognition.

n Separation between recognition and criticism.

While employees who are dissatisfied with their pay or feel their needs aren’t met might not buy into a program, benefits abound nonetheless. Rewards and recognition go further than a mere thank you for a job well done. Leadership should emphasize the value in showing appreciation even if there’s no monetary association and enlist all employees in the process.

Pamela Drake works at Lighthouse HR Support as an HR business partner. The Grand Junction firm offers a range of human resource management services to small and medium-sized businesses. For more information, call (970) 243-7789 or log on to www.lighthousehrs.net. F

Pamela Drake

Multi-family housing booming in Grand Junction

Hailed by the New York Times as one of the 52 top places to go in 2023, Grand Junction is on the map. Firmly rooted with quaint neighborhoods, close-knit communities and plenty of adventures from which to choose, our city is starting to experience a shift – a boom.

Cindy Hoppe

We see this as we drive down the streets. We encounter more traffic and wait times. We notice new buildings and construction. But what is it? The answer for the most part: multi-family housing units.

For years, the demand for more housing and multi-family units has outstripped supply. That soon could change. There are more than 1,175 multi-family housing units out of the ground with more still to come.

These developments include the Junction at Second Street and Rood Avenue with 256 units, a courtyard, clubhouse and pool. The Lofts on Grand at 1020 Grand Ave. offers 78 units. The Slate on 25 near F 1/4 and 25 roads offers 168 units, clubhouse, fitness center and pool. The Farm & Market Street located at 656 Market St. includes 72 units. Struthers Apartments at 805 Struthers Ave. has 48 units. The Farm/ Nexus at 687 24 1/2 Road features 122 units. Pomona Park

Many of these multi-family units are 100 percent pre-leased even before completion. Fourteen more developments with a total of 1,000 units have been proposed and are through planning.

Townhomes at 25 1/2 Road and Patterson Avenue has 40 townhomes. Copper Village Apartments located off 24 1/2 Road is fully occupied with 144 units and 60 additional units scheduled. And 535 W. Aspen Apartments located off U.S. Highway 50 in Fruita has 88 units.

Many of these multi-family units are 100 percent pre-leased even before completion. Fourteen more developments with a total of 1,000 units have been proposed and are through planning.

With changing demographics and economic growth — coupled with low housing inventory, interest rate uncertainty and increasing home prices — it’s no wonder individuals and families seek alternative living arrangements.

They want housing that looks different from singlefamily homes with such amenities as bike storage, fitness

centers, garden spaces, hot tubs, on-site maintenance, pools and top-of-the line appliances. These urban living spaces are becoming the norm.

However, an influx of multi-family units presents unique challenges and opportunities to the community and property managers tasked with maintaining the delicate balance between growth and preservation. One of the primary challenges is ensuring new developments align with evolving needs.

As Grand Junction continues to grow, property managers play a vital role in preserving affordability and socioeconomic diversity within the community. Implementing affordable housing initiatives, rent stabilization programs and workforce housing opportunities ensure residents of varying income levels have access to quality housing options.

What does the future hold for multi-family living in Grand Junction? It’s difficult to predict how it will all unfold. What we do know is there’s a need right now for housing in whatever form it comes in.

Cindy Hoppe is property manager at Bray Property Management based in Grand Junction. For more information, call (970) 242-8450 or visit the website located at www.brayrentals.com.

Time to travel? Add vaccinations to vacation planning

Spring break is less than a month away. If you or your employees are preparing for some well-deserved time off from work to enjoy a dream vacation, make sure they add travel vaccines to their checklists.

The vaccines you need depend on a few things — where you’re going, what activities you’ll be doing and what the country requires versus what they recommend. Vaccines protect people from illnesses that could be prevalent in the areas they’re visiting.

“All environments are different, and it is important to know what you may encounter when traveling. The vaccines also protect people who are native to that area from a person bringing illness into the country,” said Ali Sanchez, clinical services manager at Mesa County Public Health. “Like all vaccines, they protect the person who received it and those around them.”

Sponsorships sought for Kiwanis Club event

Corporate sponsorships are sought for an annual event that benefits non-profit organizations helping children.

The Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction has scheduled its Pancake Day and Fun Fest for 8 to 11 a.m. June 8 at the Mesa County Fairgrounds at 2785 U.S. Highway 50.

Corporate sponsorships range from $250 to $1,500 and include promotions at the event as well as tickets to attend.

For information, contact Tim Haggerty at (610) 737-0496 or info@timhaggerty.com or Stacey Mascarenas at (970) 250-7525 or staceybmascarenas@gmail.com.

The Kiwanis Club distributes proceeds from Pancake Day to local nonprofits that help children. Past recipients have included Colorado Discoverability, Girl Scouts, Harmony Acres, HopeWest, Kids Aid and Riverside Education Centers.

Our nurses are experts when it comes to travel vaccines. They determine what’s needed depending on where people are going.

The safest thing to keep in mind if you’re planning to leave the country is to check into vaccines that could be required for entry. If you’re traveling to Costa Rica, for example, two recommended vaccines are hepatitis A and typhoid.

Mesa County Public Health operates the only full-service travel vaccine clinic between Denver and Salt Lake City. In 2023, public health clinic nurses provided about 425 travel vaccinations.

Our nurses are experts when it comes to travel vaccines. They determine what’s needed depending on where people are going. The nurses research and stay up to date on all the recommendations and requirements. We offer a wide range

of vaccines, from polio to malaria to Japanese encephalitis. We have a full list of available vaccines on our website at mesacounty.us/public-health.

Keep in mind some immunizations are administered over the course of several appointments. It’s better to contact us as soon as possible before your trip. Call us at (970) 248-6900 to make an appointment.

“Our nurses can do consultations in the office or over the phone, and we are happy to do the research and leg work so the patient has all of the information needed to make an informed decision,” Sanchez said.

Whether you’re traveling for spring break or already looking ahead to the summer, we can take the guesswork out of travel vaccines so you and your employees can focus on enjoying your time off from work.

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

F

Sarah Gray

Contributors Business Briefs

Here’s to businesses that do well and good

If I’ve learned anything at all after working nearly 25 years as editor of a business journal, it’s that some businesses not only do well, but also do good.

A new year affords a new opportunity to meet local needs

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

Does it really matter if Caitlin is better than Pete?

Business People Almanac

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

By that I mean businesses do well in supplying better products and services. They do so less expensively or more quickly. They find out what their customers need, then meet those needs. The end result is usually profitable operations.

At the same time, businesses do good in helping their communities. They generously support philanthropic organizations and efforts with money as well as the time of owners and employees.

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

It’s been my experience those two things aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, one usually has everything to do with the other. That’s especially true in smaller cities and towns like those in the Grand Valley where customers often support the businesses that support communities.

All this is my long-winded way of congratulating the latest winners of awards recognizing businesses and individuals who not only do well, but also do good.

Just like the businesses that belong to the group, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment of the services and resources it provides and how well they match with members needs. Jeff Franklin, the new chairman of the chamber board of directors, personifies this approach in describing what he considers his role for the coming year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a role with which Franklin is familiar as market president of Bank of Colorado.

The process will take on a more structured approach in what the chamber plans as the resumption of a program aptly called Listening to Business. Under the program, business owners participate in in-depth interviews to identify barriers to growth and other problems they encounter.

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce presented five of those awards at its annual banquet. Janie VanWinkle received the Citizen of the Year award and her family ranching operation received the Small Business of the Year award. Fisher’s Liquor Barn received recognition as the Large Business of the Year. Diane Schwenke received the Lifetime Achievement award and Andrea Lopez was named Young Professional of the Year.

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

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

The Fruita and Palisade chambers will recognize more worthy businesses at their upcoming banquets.

While business journals traditionally gather and report the relevant news to readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially true as Web sites and e-mail make the dialogue more convenient than ever.

Good publications don’t exist in a vacuum. They respond to the needs of advertisers and readers. They provide what’s needed.

So what do you need?

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

I’ve been so fortunate over the years to write stories about Janie VanWinkle and the VanWinkle Ranch as well Brandi Fisher-Pollock and Fisher’s Liquor Barn. I spent a good portion of a day with Janie VanWinkle — she was under her cowboy hat at the time, of course — to see her family’s ranching operation up close and in person. I’ve followed the remarkable growth of Fisher’s Liquor Barn and all that business does to support local causes. Until her retirement as president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction chamber, I worked for decades with Diane in covering chamber events and programs and other efforts.

It’s equally important to ask what you don’t need. With limited time to produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time and space be better devoted to something else?

What’s good? What isn’t? What’s needed? What isn’t?

Here’s what I can report about these remarkable business leaders — about most entrepreneurs, actually. They’re passionate about what they do and indefatigable in doing it. In addition to caring deeply about their operations and employees, they care just as much about the communities in which they do business.

Let us know. Send us an e-mail. Comment online on the Business Times Web site at www.thebusinesstimes.com. You could even write an old-fashioned letter to the editor if you’d like. Your feedback, both positive and negative, is valued and will be carefully considered.

I suppose there’s some measure of truth to complaints about businesses that priotize profits above everything — customers, employees, the environment, you name it. The pejorative of robber baron perhaps applies in some cases.

Good publications are the result of not only the efforts of their staffs, but also collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers.

But nearly all the business owners and managers I’ve interviewed aren’t like that. They want to do well, of course. Their operations depend on it. But with few exceptions, they also want to do good.

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

It’s a new year. Please help us to do so. ✦

Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times. Reach him at (970) 424-5133 or phil@thebusinesstimes.com.

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 — All rights reserved.

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

Unless you’re a sports fan hiding under a rock, you can’t help but be inundated — and perhaps taken with — story after story about Caitlin Clark’s career and accomplishments in women’s basketball at the University of Iowa. Then again, if you were a fan of Pete Maravich back in the day, you probably saw stories of his accomplishments in newspapers since we didn’t have the 24/7 news cycle and social media insanity of today. But for back then, it was a lot, I assure young readers.

was no three-point line for more points.

But we sure do love the whole who’s the greatest of all time question as humans, don’t we? We just go about getting our fuel for the fire in different ways. Usually it’s simply cherry picking some statistic or anecdote or personal preference or bias or whatever backs our argument because, after all, we’re all the greatest of all time at picking the greatest of all time. Right?

Craig Hall

But honestly, what does any of that matter? And yes, I know I’ve been in several battles of wits related to who’s the greatest NFL quarterback of all time. I’m sad when I think about it because we all know it’s Tom Brady. Truth be told, I only do that because I’m a Michigan fan

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

it’s a lot of fun to debate with Peyton Manning fans here in Colorado. I do it with other sports icons as well, but just for fun. All I know is the folks I defend when pursuing these odd conversations all had pretty good careers, including Tom.

But with so much information available today, even about the stars of old, these conversations can certainly take a turn for the worse. If we could all admit it, we tend to attach some political or social agenda to our arguments. Or at the very least, have them attached for us by someone attaching theirs. And all we’re doing is talking about a couple of great athletes who had or have great careers, usually in different times or eras of their chosen sports.

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

In my experience, Pete’s story came with a lot of wonder and Caitlin’s with tons of publicity. And for this columnist, that’s just another difference in each of these athletes’ accomplishments — which in the sports world are pretty much all incredible.

I don’t know if I can say I ever saw Pete Maravich play basketball in college and, at best, very little of his pro career — maybe a game here or there late in his career. I have no direct connection in seeing how great he was at the college game. Pete also played in a time where freshmen couldn’t play varsity and there

■ Prediction three: Something good will happen economically, and the government will take credit for it. The most recent example is gas prices, where people ask me why I won’t credit the president for low gas prices. My answer is simple: Government never makes the price of something go down and simply takes credit for good news. Gas pricing is subject to many global factors. Now there are government answers to addressing some of them to keep prices stable for Americans, but our government has none of them in place. The only things it has in place in the

long run always hurt consumers. Another fact is that unemployment reaches a certain level based on the economy. And while the government might brag the number is low, it’s more than likely the government did something to cause that number being low — and not in a good way. Conversely, when business picks up, it’s because the people who need to buy widgets who were not buying widgets because the economy was contracting due to natural (or unnatural, government caused) reasons, decided we better buy some widgets. The government had nothing to do with this.

While some might say that’s a reason Caitlin’s accomplishments aren’t as great — it’s coming, don’t worry — it doesn’t take away from Pete’s greatness. He was good, so much so some argue he was the greatest ever. Fair enough. Honest truth, I have no idea. All I know is he changed the game and scored a boatload of points and played with flair from the highlight reels and stats I’ve seen.

As for Caitlin, I’ve seen her play. My first experience watching her was during a Michigan and Iowa game — you know I’ll watch any University of Michigan sport — in which a higher-ranked, better Michigan team was dominating a younger Caitlin’s Hawkeyes team. Iowa was down by nearly 20 points late when Caitlin began raining threes from all over the court — one from inside the circle M logo at half court to bring Iowa all the way back to almost win. It was a magnificent performance in putting the team on her back, and I was happy Michigan escaped with a win. I’ve been a fan of Caitlin ever since. And, yes, my Wolverines are now lower ranked and losing to her twice a year.

■ Prediction four: In keeping with things the government does, I predict the government will manipulate the numbers to make the claim the economy is getting better because of how hard it is working to help all of us “working Americans.” Now you might say, “Craig, you always say this about President Obama because you don’t like him.” You’re right in a sense. I don’t know the man, but what I know of him and his thinking, I don’t like it or him one iota. Before you go off, however, I didn’t like President Bush and his bailouts, stimulus and his abandoning the free market to save the free market. And I don’t know him either. What the government does, and the only thing it can do, is hurt the economy. Unless it does nothing or put criminals in jail instead of partnering with them, nothing the government does will help. Always look at it this way, whatever the government says it is doing, whatever the name of the law it is passing, or whatever the name or goal of the bureaucracy it is presenting to the people, expect the polar opposite to occur.

I guess what I’m saying is that perhaps it’s time to get out of our own perspective. There’s plenty of history books and historical research out there to begin to understand that all of this has happened before. And it will again, whether the topic is people or government.

As many of you know, Caitlin just eclipsed Pete for the most basketball points in NCAA history. She also holds many other records for women’s basketball. And here, I guess, is the point of this whole column. Everything Caitlin has done in her great career does one thing. It makes her great at what she does. So why does she need to be declared the greatest women’s player of all time. Or in today’s world, the greatest player — man or woman — of all time? Why do her accomplishments need to be compared to Pete’s, or for that matter, any other woman? Why are folks holding signs she made “her-story” instead of history? Why is eclipsing the men’s scoring record somehow greater than eclipsing the women’s? And why are some women from previous basketball eras having so much to say about it? And it can’t go without mention. Why is gender, race and so many other biases or social issues being thrust into what should just be enjoyed and recognized?

The best recommendation is to find some books or try that whole Google thing. There’s a lot of information on the Great Depression. The truth is it wasn’t even a good one until the government got involved. There’s also plenty of research on the medieval warm period when the planet was much warmer than today with a whole lot less people (and warmer well before man was here at all). And yep, people have been killing other surprised people since history was first written.

Why can’t we just say Pete and Caitlin were great in their day? Because someone will come along and eclipse Caitlin as well. We all know it. Frankly, I’m a little sad I never got to see them both play like I did Tom and Peyton.

Maybe some research will help stop all of these trends. Otherwise, we’ll be saying we’ve never seen anything like it in our lives. And not in a good way.

And Tom was way better. Yeah, I can’t help it at times either.

Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at (970) 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

Phil Castle

Government picks winners, but it’s taxpayers who lose

The differences between large corporations and small businesses seem self-evident in the names. The funding, organizational structure and quantity of production all are much different for a large corporation than a small business. Large corporations also wield more clout.

Phyllis Hunsinger

During the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, most small businesses were declared “nonessential,” demonstrating the bias favoring larger corporations.

Government’s preferential treatment toward large corporations and industry is nothing new. Many industries receive government assistance in the form of subsidies — incentives the government provides through financial aid or support. Special groups lobby for benefits from the government at the expense of the public. Members of Congress are targets for lobbyists. Not only do the members of Congress receive campaign support to influence voting, but post-congressional careers with industry often result.

Members of Congress might believe they’re doing the right thing for the American people or the climate when they pass exemptions, special rulings or subsidies for certain industries. But unintended consequences arise when the laws of supply and demand are ignored. Economic distortions occur in the market. Competition in the marketplace is thwarted. The burden to pay for exemptions, grants and subsidies is spread among taxpayers. Government subsidies are a zero-sum economic scheme because one sector is supported by all taxpayers.

Lawrence Reed, president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, put it this way: “Taking from A to give to B doesn’t stimulate anything but B’s spending at A’s expense.”

The list of companies receiving significant sums of taxpayer money is lengthy. Three business sectors that receive major subsidies include agriculture, energy and transportation. Chris Edwards, an economist with the Cato Institute, wrote “Special Interests and Corporate Welfare.” He identified 125 programs that subsidize private businesses and cost at least $80 billion each a year. Every major cabinet department, including the Department of Defense, has become a conduit for government funding of private industry.

Corporate welfare is a term coined to describe government favoritism shown to certain corporations and industries. Edwards described the billions of dollars the federal government spends each year helping favored companies export their products. For example, 15 percent of the largest farm businesses receive about

85 percent of total farm subsidies. The federal government has bailed out airlines, car manufacturers, financial firms and other businesses experiencing difficulties. In banking, the “too big to fail” policy favors larger banks over smaller banks. The federal government spends billions of dollars a year subsidizing fossil fuel, nuclear and renewable energy research when those industries should pay the cost. Electric vehicles are primarily funded by government subsidies.

Examples of corporate welfare are legion. Corporate welfare aids some businesses while harming others. Federal regulations and trade barriers protect favored producers, limiting competition. Corporate welfare also fosters corruption. Businesses seeking favors from government lobby for big government programs. Corporate welfare diminishes the productivity and competency of companies. A government safety net makes companies complacent, weaker, less efficient and more interested in keeping the company in favored status than serving customers. Taxpayer dollars fund corporate welfare, which in turn depresses economic activity. When government picks winners, taxpayers lose.

A lack of trust among people demonstrates the sentiment the system is rigged against middle America and small business. The Pew Research Center reported in 2023 that fewer than two in 10 Americans said they trusted the federal government to do the right thing, the lowest measure of trust in almost seven decades.

Robert Lawson, an economist and coauthor of the Economic Freedom of the World annual reports, said: “An economic system based on private property and free markets defines economic freedom. Governments can promote economic freedom by providing a legal structure and a law enforcement system that protects the property rights of owners and enforces contracts in an evenhanded manner.”

The danger, Lawson said: “As government grows, it inevitably infringes on people’s economic freedom to engage in trade and enjoy the fruits of their labor.”

Corporate welfare constitutes one example of government infringement of economic freedom.

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

Personal income report tells something of a mixed story

The latest personal income report from the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis told a mixed story.

Raymond Keating

First, the report’s measure of inflation — the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index — was unwelcome. PCE inflation increased by 0.3 percent in January after three very quiet months — flat in October and November and only 0.1 percent in December. Of course, one month’s data is just that. One month. But, of course, inflation continues to warrant close watching given what’s occurred over the past three plus years.

Second, the topline increase in personal income was a strong 1 percent in current dollars. Even after inflation is factored in, that’s still a solid gain.

Third, real disposable personal income — personal income less personal current taxes — was flat. And if we look at per capita real disposable income — the most important measure of income as these are the inflation-adjusted earnings from which individuals invest, save and consume — it turns out we saw a decline in January. Real per capita disposable income growth grew by only 5 percent since the February 2020 level before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

Finally, personal consumption expenditures adjusted for inflation actually declined by 0.1 percent in January 2024. That lined up with what we saw in the latest retail sales report.

In the end, the January personal income report adds some additional uncertainty to the economic mix at the start of a year that might be dominated by uncertainty on a variety of fronts.

In the end, the January personal income report adds some additional uncertainty to the economic mix at the start of a year that might be dominated by uncertainty on a variety of fronts.

As noted in our review of recent data that contribute to such uncertainty are waning consumer confidence, the slide in January sales and related business investment and production indicators that are less than positive to being the year.

Raymond Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. The nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy, education and research organization works to protect small business and promote entrepreneurship. For additional information, log on https://sbecouncil.org. F

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Opinion Business Briefs

n WEST STAR OPERATION IN GRAND JUNCTION RECEIVES FAA DIAMOND AWARD FOR 2023

Business People

The West Star Aviation operation in Grand Junction is among the company’s locations that have received the Federal Aviation Administration Diamond Award of Excellence for 2023.

The award recognizes employers who initiate and sustain training programs. To qualify, 100 percent of aviation maintenance technicians must participate in training that covers aircraft systems, FAA rules, safety and technical knowledge. In addition, technicians must complete a minimum of 12 hours of structured FAA training.

“As West Star grows, training will continue to be our top priority. We have increased our financial investment in training substantially year over year,” said Allen McReynolds, chief operating officer. “Training is an investment in our people, and our people are my top priority. It’s a great honor to recognize their continued hard work and overall accomplishments.”

In addition to its operations at Grand Junction Regional Airport, West Star operates facilities in Denver as well as Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. The company has been voted the top maintenance, repair and overhaul provider for eight straight years in an annual survey conducted for Professional Pilot Magazine. For more information, visit www.weststaraviation.com or call (800) 922-2421.

n GRAND VALLEY VETERINARY PRACTICES JOIN IN EFFORT TO OFFER SPAY AND NEUTER DISCOUNTS

Grand Valley veterinary practices have joined with Mesa County Animal Services to offer spay or neuter procedures at a reduced price.

The Animal Assistance Foundation provided funding for sterilization procedures to assist pet owners with financial needs. Participating veterinarians have agreed to offer procedures at a reduced rate, resulting in a fee of $25 to pet owners.

Participating practices include All Pets Center, Animal Birth Control, Arrowhead Veterinary Hospital, CLAWS, Cottonwood Veterinary Hospital, Footprints Animal Hospital, Grand View Animal Hospital, Monument View Veterinary Hospital, Orchard Mesa Veterinary Hospital, Redlands Pet Clinic and Tiara Rado Animal Hospital

Participating veterinarians have been issued a limited number of vouchers for the program. Vouchers are offered at the discretion of the veterinarians and are valid through Sept. 15.

Pet owners are required to provide proof of rabies vaccinations to use the vouchers. Pet owners also could be asked to support they have financial needs or communicate why they face unique circumstances.

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

n PROSTAR HOLDINGS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO INTEGRATE SOFTWARE WITH TOPCON DEVICES

ProStar Holdings based in Grand Junction has announced an agreement with Topcon Corp. to integrate ProStar’s PointMan mapping software with Topcon fixed and portable global navigation satellite system antennas.

“We’re thrilled about the collaboration with Topcon and their dynamic product development team,” said Page Tucker, chief executive officer of ProStar. “This partnership significantly enriches our worldwide distribution network, leveraging Topcon’s esteemed reputation as a global front-runner in delivering utility data collection solutions, precision GNSS receivers and machine control systems.”

Scott Wielt, senior product manager for Topcon, also praised the effort. “PointMan stands out unequivocally as a premier utility mapping solution that enhances our extensive suite of asset mapping and utility data collection solutions.”

ProStar provides mobile and cloud precision mapping software designed to locate, map and manage underground utilities and pipelines as well as roads, railways and other infrastructure. For more information, visit www.prostarcorp.com.

n NOMINATION LETTERS DUE APRIL 10 FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD

Nomination letters will be accepted through April 10 for the annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award presented as part of Entrepreneurship Day set for May 2 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

To be eligible for the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award, a nominee must have started a business or taken one to a significant new level, experienced at least three years of successful operations, contributed to regional economic development and exemplify entrepreneurial values.

Nominations should emailed to Foundation@coloradomesa.edu or mailed to Excellence in Entrepreneurship Committee, Davis School of Business, Attention Carlos Baldo, Colorado Mesa University, 1100 North Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81501. For more information, call (970) 248-1902 F

Mesa County businesses among state grant recipients

Small businesses in Mesa County were among the recipients of 180 Small Business Accelerated Growth Program $5,000 grants designed to help them secure financing and pursue digital marketing.

The Business Support Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) awarded 113 access to capital grants and 67 digital marketing grants.

The access to capital grants include a training course to help small businesses identify capital needs and prepare loan applications.

The digital marketing grants includes a course to assist small businesses develop online marketing.

“We applaud this diverse group of entrepreneurs who are using their Small Business Accelerated Growth grants to grow their businesses, contribute to their communities and create a stronger, more diversified economy for Colorado,” said Eve Lieberman, executive director of OEDIT.

A Grand Junction-based organization is celebrating 20 years of connecting health care providers and coordinating care in Western Colorado.

Quality Health Network was founded in 2004 by five health care partners to share health care information and coordinate patient care. Today, QHN serves as a health information exchange for all the hospitals and 90 percent of providers in a region spreading across 30,000 square miles.

Marc Lassaux

“Being one of the first HIEs in the nation meant we had to trail blaze through technology, privacy, security and other hurdles to protect patient information while reducing duplication and sharing it with providers who needed it to deliver high-quality care,” said Marc Lassaux, executive director and chief operating officer of QHN. “We wanted to help improve the whole health for people in western Colorado, and we quickly learned that to be successful, we had to do it together as close partners with care organizations.”

In addition to a health information exchange, QHN launched in 2020 a community resource network, a social information exchange to better coordinate services among nearly 600 organizations.

“The future of QHN is bright as the organization evolves to connect even more providers and better support whole person care,” said Dr. Greg Reicks, chairman of the QHN board.

QHN plans to mark its 20th year in operation during its annual Healthier Together Summit set for April 25 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

For more information about QHN, visit the website located at www.qualityhealthnetwork.org.

Allen McReynolds

Page Tucker

Business Briefs Business People Almanac Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n SENIOR LIVING VIBRANT LIFE DIRECTOR RECEIVES HOMETOWN HALO AWARD

Lynna Radeck, vibrant life director at Solstice at Grand Valley, received the Hometown Halo Award from Senior Referral Network.

Radeck also was selected as Employee of the Month for February.

The Hometown Halo award recognizes leaders who demonstrate kindness and promote the well-being of others in the senior community. Recipients are selected from members of the Senior Referral Network.

Radeck coordinated with staff and residents at Solstice at Grand Valley to deliver health kits to unhoused individuals in local parks and shelters.

“We are proud of Lynna’s accomplishments and her dedication to providing each and every resident with a vibrant, fulfilling life at Solstice at Grand Valley,” said Michelle Barnes, senior executive director. “Her passion for senior care and unwavering dedication to her work inspire us all.”

Radeck joined Solstice at Grand Valley in February 2023 and brings to her duties her background as a certified nurse assistance and experience working in assisted living and long-term care communities.

A joint venture of Senior Living and NorthStar Healthcare, Solstice Senior Living operates 32 communities nationally. For more information about Solstice at Grand Valley, visit https://solsticeseniorlivinggrandvalley.com.

n GRAND JUNCTION REAL ESTATE FIRM ANNOUNCES ADDITION TO ITS TEAM

Andrea Haitz has joined Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction as a Realtor.

Haitz brings to her latest role experience in the western Colorado real estate market. She specializes in residential and investment real estate as well as real estate owned dispositions.

Bray & Co. operates offices at 1015 N. Seventh St. and offers residential, commercial and property management services. For additional information, call (970) 242-3647 or visit www.brayandco.com.

n TWO HIGHLINE STATE PARK RANGERS HONORED FOR WILDFIRE RESPONSE

Howard Asal and Ashlee Wallace, Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers at Highline State Park north of Loma, were among the latest recipients of awards honoring acts of valor.

The Park Law Enforcement Association honored nine CPW rangers for their efforts during 2023.

Asal and Wallace were awarded for their quick response to a wildfire about a mile south of the park. They were credited for their fire suppression efforts until firefighters arrived.

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

n EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF JOSEPH CENTER RECEIVES EDUCATION CHAMPION AWARD

Mona Highline, founder and executive director of the Joseph Center in Grand Junction, received the 2024 Education Champions Award for Mesa County from the Colorado Black Caucus of School Board Directors.

Highline was honored for her efforts to help the community. Will Jones, vice president of the Mesa County School District 51 Board of Education, nominated Highline for the award.

“This award took me by surprise, and it felt good to be recognized and honored for the work we do every day at the Joseph Center. I love that quote in ‘Lord of the Rings’ — ‘There’s some good in this world and it’s worth fighting for.’ And we look for and fight for that good every day.”

The Colorado Black Caucus of School Board Directors promotes access and opportunities for students of Black and African descent as well as collaboration among school boards and their communities.

Located at 2511 Belford Ave. Unit. B, the Joseph Center provides a range of services to support families at the intersection of houselessness and parenting. For more information about hours and services, visit the website at www.josephcentergj.com.

n DIRECTOR OF WINE INDUSTRY GROUP AMONG LATEST AG INDUSTRY HONOREES

Cassidee Shull, the executive director of the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology based in Palisade, is among the latest honorees of the Leaders in Agriculture recognition program conducted by the Denver Business Journal.

Shull is among the leaders of the Colorado agriculture industry who’ll be recognized during a cocktail reception set for March 28 at the CSU Spur Hydro Building in Denver.

A trade association of grape growers and wineries, the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology promotes the interests of members in legislative and political matters and disseminates information about winemaking and agriculture practices for vineyards. For more information, visit www.winecolorado.org. F

March 7

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m., Copper Club Brewing Co., 153 N. Mulberry St.

Admission $15 for chamber members, $30 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894

n Business startup workshop, 2 to 4 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org

March 8

n Palisade Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., 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

March 13

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce women’s conference, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom, Grand Junction. Tickets $80 for chamber members, $125 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon, Enzo’s Ristorante Italiano, 707 Horizon Drive. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org

March 14

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., Our Lady of Perpetual Motion, 503 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. Admission $10.

March 15

n Coffee Club free networking meeting, 9 to 10 a.m., FWorks meeting room, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or https://gjincubator.org.

March 19

n Class on cash flows for small business startups, noon to 1 p.m., Business Incubator Center. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org

March 20

n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Talbott’s Family Farms, 3782 F 1/4 Road. Admission for chamber members $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Admission for others $8 in advance and $10 at the door. 464-7458 or https://palisadecoc.com

Upcoming

n Strategic training for agencies and institutions, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays April 2 to May 14, Business Incubator Center. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon April 10, Be Sweet Cafe & Bakeshop, 150 W. Main St., Suite C. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org

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Andrea Haitz

Lynna Radeck

Mona Highline

Cassidee Shull