Opinion

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The Business Times Contributors THE BUSINESS TIMES MarchJANUARY 10-23, 2022 15-28, 2015 Opinion Opinion Business BriefsA new year affords Business Peoplea new opportunity to meet local needs Almanac

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

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.

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

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

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.

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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?

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?

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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: ■ 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? ■ 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.” ■ 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

Bold predictions for 2015 more like not-so-bold repeats 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. ■ 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 Craig Hall 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. 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. 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. Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 Copyright © 2022 — All rights reserved. F or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. ✦

If our last school board election taught us one thing — on either side of the political spectrum — there are myriad problems within Mesa County School District 51.

While it’s obvious each side has its peculiar sets of concerns and won’t agree how things should be done to alleviate and eliminate (politically) those problems, I hope we can all agree the board doesn’t need to go looking for, or creating more, problems for the district.

Yet, here we are. It’s no secret I supported the three candidates who were recently elected to the board of education. It’s also no secret board members were presented with myriad concerns just in addressing the direction promised in their campaigns — beginning day one of their service. And it’s become public knowledge from meeting attendance there are those who support the new direction of the board and those who don’t when it comes to educational, operational and personnel decisions.

This could be a column lamenting or attacking those in opposition to the new board’s actions. It would be a fish-in-a-barrel type of festivity, especially since I’ve railed on these same folks in every walk of life outside of education. Yet today, I find myself on the opposing side of the board given a few recent announcements.

First up is D51’s continued expansion into health care. Regardless of your feelings on the successes or concerns about the clinic Marillac runs inside Central High School, one thing must come to the forefront: Medical decisions involving minors should be up to their parents, period. I realize we have too many kids with little to no parental involvement and they need a safety net for things that happen in their lives medically. You’d be surprised to know I believe a government-private solution should be desirable for them. But with all things government, it should be limited in government involvement.

Let’s be honest. Government has and always will continue to make a disaster of our health care system. There’s no reason to believe it would fare much better in a school setting — in spite of some successes noted in the last board meeting. I have to believe there are just as many, if not more, concerns about the clinic at Central. But no one’s running a public relations campaign for more clinics by putting those into the public realm. And when kids are making decisions outside of parent’s purview — medical or otherwise — those problem areas always exist.

Incentives promote expansive efforts We have a great organization in the Our apparently bored board needs to stick to education Marillac Clinic, one I support wholeheartedly.

There are those who question the effectiveness of incentives in promoting And I applaud its efforts in clinics designed economic development — in particular in attracting businesses to an area. to help those most in need. But schools aren’t A receipient stays long enough to take advantage of the incentives, then moves on the proper place to do this. to another location to obtain even more incentives, one argument goes. It’s high time to remove non-profit

It’s a specious contention. There are exceptions. But most businesses don’t and not-for-profit statuses across the health engage in the kind of activities that are more like children going door to door on care industry. For you tax happy folks, Halloween in the eager pursuit of bigger bags of candy. For one thing, incentives there’s TRILLIONS of dollars to tax in constitute only one factor that goes into the calculation of where to locate a business that arena. For you tax writeoff folks, it — and not the most important factor. For another thing, the costs of relocating offers a better solution. Let any medical operations and employees present obstacles to frequent moves. professional or entity write off every penny

What about incentives for an existing business expanding operations? it donates to voluntary clinics — and in its

They can be even more beneficial because existing businesses account for facilities — that help those in need or who more of the job growth that’s one goal of incentives. The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates existing businesses account for about 60 percent of net Craig Hall the government requires they treat. Just think of the tax savings for medical professionals new jobs in the private sector. who volunteer once a month at a clinic.

Now, what about incentives for an existing business with a large work force Think of the tax savings for a large entity if it that brings dollars into the economy? could write off everything from surgeries to

That’s the kind of ideal situation Steve Jozefczyk talks about in praising the medications to Band-Aids. Think you might package of state and local incentives supporting the latest expansion at West Star see a clinic or two pop up? Think these folks Aviation in Grand Junction. As deputy director of the Grand Junction Economic couldn’t find a way to basically have a zero Partnership, Jozefczyk was involved in efforts to secure the incentives. tax bill through this system? Think this won’t

The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved a total of get government out of health care? $1.7 million incentives for the $16 million project. That includes job growth Here’s another arena D51 is looking into incentive tax credits that will be paid out over eight years as West Star adds staff which the government has destroyed: real as well additional incentives from the state strategic fund. GJEP and Industrial estate. Yup. As if rent control, public housing, Developments Inc. in Grand Junction will pay a total of $246,000 to match money mortgages, property taxes and just about from the strategic fund. everything that goes into “owning” a home

The combination of incentives is unusual, Jozefczyk said, but reflects the doesn’t have a long history of government role of West Star in the Mesa County economy. With a staff of more than 500, the screwing up at every level, District 51 is company ranks among the largest private employers in the county. Along with a looking at ways to benefit folks in education 40,000-square-foot hangar and 32,000 square feet of additional shop and office with special pricing for homes, limited space, West Star expects to add 110 more employees to its payroll. increases in home values to keep them

There are good reasons the West Star operation at the Grand Junction affordable and other incentives and subsidies Regional Airport is already one of the largest for the company. But with to attract the best teachers for our kids. operations in seven states, West Star could have expanded facilities elsewhere. I don’t know about you, but my best The incentives made an easy decision that much easier. customers aren’t the ones looking for a

The Grand Valley offers an attractive location in which to do business — not deal, but rather the best value. Sometimes the least of which involves the scenic setting, salubrious climate and outdoor that value is in the product, not the money recreational opportunities. That’s not to mention a growing educational institution spent. In this case, D51 is a victim of both. in Colorado Mesa University. Incentives add to the inducements — the tax credits Its product isn’t great and it (admittedly) offered through the Rural Jump Start program, for example. underpays its staff — unless you’re in a

But it’s altogether fitting and proper incentives also are available to help the certain building or have a special position. businesses that are already here to stay here, expand their operations and provide You don’t need a Harvard degree to more jobs. understand since time immemorial teachers

Without question, that’s when incentives can be especially effective. have been underappreciated and underpaid. I say this as someone who grew up in a home with two teachers — one who served on a board of education. Like the warning on a pack of cigarettes saying they’re bad for you, salary levels are a known warning for those who teach. Wouldn’t the simple solution be finding a way to pay them more? The district could begin by cutting the cost of the new high school and eliminating clinics — and perhaps even a few administrative positions. Like all too many we elect, making one’s mark by taking one’s mission into realms outside its focus takes over. Thus far, the D51 board seems no exception. Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

Fates of famous authors confirm healthy worries: Writing a hazardous task

Add to death and taxes another certainty in this world. At least in my world. Writing is difficult.

Case in point: An impending deadline hangs over my head like the blade of a guillotine, yet I’m struggling once again to assemble enough cogent words for a column. I always aim for profundity. Then settle for mediocrity. I’m reminded of one of my favorite “Pearls Before Swine” comic strips by Stephan Pastis. The first panel features two of his characters talking. “Where were you last weekend?” one asks. “I went to a writers retreat,” the other answers. The next panel shows four writers sprinting away, the pages of what are presumably their works flying behind. One writer Phil Castle screams. “Run. Run. Writing’s too hard.” Exactly. Writing for a business journal presents an added challenge because the work’s never really done. You no sooner finish one issue than another barrels along as inexorably as dawn follows dark. I sometimes feel like Sisyphus, that mythical Greek guy condemned to forever roll a boulder up a hill only to have the big rock come tumbling down every time he nears the top.

As if any additional consternation were required, there’s evidence writing is not only difficult, but also dangerous. Deadly even. I suspect one thing has everything to do with the other.

Clearly, I’m not too bashful to complain to anyone willing to listen — or read, for that matter — I’ve long suffered for my art. Of course, that depends on the definition of suffering. And especially, I suppose, on the definition of art.

I’ve stared at a blank computer screen unable to contrive even a single coherent sentence until my eyes burned in their sockets. I’ve smacked my forehead over stupid mistakes so often I’ve risked concussion. Worst of all, I’ve reviewed my copy with sufficient disgust to make nausea a chronic affliction and Pepto-Bismol a staple.

Still, I didn’t worry until recently writing could be a dangerous occupation. Not dangerous as in bomb technician, lion tamer or chainsaw juggler dangerous. But potentially hazardous to your health. Enough so maybe word processing software should come with a surgeon general’s warning.

I came to this conclusion after reading a post by Emily Temple, managing editor at Literary Hub. She recounted with no small measure of gallows humor some of the famous fates that awaited famous authors as a result of their writing.

George Orwell, author of “Animal Farm” and “1984,” compared writing a novel to “a long bout of some painful illness.” Sure enough, Orwell grew increasingly sick as he wrote, coughing up blood and losing weight. He ultimately succumbed to tuberculosis.

Ayn Rand turned to amphetamines to help her meet deadlines. There’s an idea. But drugs left her emotional and paranoid. By the time she completed the manuscript for “The Fountainhead,” she was closing in on a nervous breakdown.

Then there’s my personal favorite — French novelist Honoré de Balzac. He ate coffee grounds on an empty stomach to stimulate his writing. Now, I love my coffee. But coffee grounds? Balzac reportedly died of caffeine poisoning. Just try not to think about that the next time you gulp down your fourth cup of the day.

Cautionary tales of this sort give rise to an important question: Why write? If it’s really so difficult and so bad for you, then why write? In my experience, it doesn’t get you girls. It certainly doesn’t make you rich.

But here’s the paradox of writing: There’s nothing else I’ve encountered that’s half as rewarding.

The delight that arises from a well-turned phrase and, ultimately, the immense satisfaction that comes from a good story well told more than make up for the hours of frustration, doubt and even loathing.

Yet another famous writer — Ray Bradbury — put it in other and far better words: “Writing is not a serious business. It’s a joy and a celebration. You should be having fun at it.”

Writing for a business journal is doubly fun because of what I write about. And that’s frequently remarkable entrepreneurs and business owners and their equally remarkable ventures. In truth, business success stories can be more compelling than fiction. You really can’t make that stuff up.

Is writing difficult? Unquestionably. Can it be dangerous? Apparently so.

But is writing also rewarding and even fun? I’d answer yes.

With certainty.

If welfare pays more than work, “help wanted” a sign of trouble

An unprecedented number of “help wanted” signs appear in every town and city across America and even on billboards along the interstate highways. Flights are cancelled because there are insufficient flight crews to operate the planes. Supplies are limited at retail outlets due to a lack of manpower to work docks, drive trucks and unload merchandise. Restaurants and retailers have reduced hours. There simply aren’t enough employees to fill positions essential to a viable economy.

What’s behind the scarcity of workers?

In their November 2021 article titled “How the New Era of Expanded Welfare Programs is Keeping Americans from Working,” Hayden Dubois and Jonathan Ingram summarized part of the problem: Welfare pays better than work for millions of Americans.

Using the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse, federal policymakers launched new welfare initiatives and expanded existing ones. These programs provide regular, recurring payments that discourage work for millions. When these programs are combined with existing welfare programs, the benefits are more lucrative than work. To compound the problem, the child tax credit previously offered to working family was modified to direct payments to families without the work requirement. Food stamps are available to able-bodied adults without dependents, further increasing government dependency.

The fallacy behind the so-called poverty rate is monetary benefits from government welfare programs aren’t included in calculating income. This explains why, after spending billions on welfare, the poverty rate remains virtually unchanged. Keeping poverty rates high helps big government proponents declare capitalism doesn’t work.

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) conducts monthly surveys asking Americans about their habits. Based on their responses, the BLS places them in one of three categories: employed, unemployed and not in the labor force. The BLS describes the labor force as those who hold a job or are actively seeking a job. The unemployment rate is calculated by dividing the number of unemployed by the labor

Phyllis Hunsinger force and multiplying this number by 100.

Mene Ukueberuwa, author of “Men Without Work,” said the trend toward idleness has been years in the making. Ukueberuwa said the United States is now home to an army of jobless men — more than 7 million between the ages of 25 and 55. This number has grown substantially since the enactment of COVID-19 relief government stimulus programs.

This trajectory of idleness is detrimental to individuals and society. In January 2022, Robert Rector, senior research fellow for domestic policy studies at the Heritage Foundation, said, “When you eliminate work, the societal contract is violated. Those who choose to work will have a double obligation to support themselves and their families and the families of those who choose not to work. Society will fall apart under that, and there’s no way of stopping it.”

Welfare policies must change, or the “help wanted” signs will signal the demise of the republic.

Mene Ukueberuwa, author of “Men Without Work,” said the trend toward idleness has been years in the making. Ukueberuwa said the United States is now home to an army of jobless men — more than 7 million between the ages of 25 and 55. This number has grown substantially since the enactment of COVID-19 relief government stimulus programs.

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.” For more informtion, log on to www.free-dom.us.com. Contact Hunsinger at phyllis@free-dom.us.com. F

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