The Business Times Volume 31 Issue 6

Angela Padalecki, executive director of the

Regional Airport, oversees what she expects will be a busy operation in 2024 with what could be record-setting levels of

Fair offers: Event fosters employment connections

Phil Castle

The Business Times

More than 100 employers — each of them hiring for open positions — are expected to participate in an upcoming job fair.

That affords a good opportunity for job hunters to find what they’ve been searching for, said Tabi Britt, employment services supervisor at the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction.

Business People

But the Grand Valley Job Fair also affords an opportunity for employers to tap into what’s becoming a deeper labor pool, Britt said.

The Mesa County Workforce Center will join with Colorado Mesa University to stage the Grand Valley Job Fair. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 3 at Lincoln Park, located near the intersection of 12th Street and Gunnison Avenue in Grand Junction.

To register for or obtain information about the fair, visit the website at www.mesacounty.us/wfc/grandvalleyjobfair.

A boot camp of sorts is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon March 26 at the workforce center at 512 29 1/2 Road to help people prepare for the job fair, Britt said. Human resource professionals with local employers will offer assistance with resumes, job interviewing skills and networking.

The employment services team from the workforce center also will be at the job fair to assist participants and answer questions, Britt said.

Food trucks will be parked at the fair to serve meals and beverages.

Britt said she expects more than 100 employers to participate in the job fair, all of them hiring for open positions. Those employers will come from a range of industry sectors. “We’ve got a wide variety.”

While the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate spiked in January in Mesa County at 4.5 percent, that seasonal increase usually precedes a downward trend in the jobless rate.

Britt said labor demand remains strong and employers in some sectors continue to report difficulty in filling job openings.

But there’s also been in an increase in the number of people looking for work, she said. “I think there’s an opportunity out there now.”

Air service takes flight

Grand Junction airport regains position as busiest on West Slope

Angela Padalecki enjoys an expansive view from her third-floor office in the terminal building at Grand Junction Regional Airport.

Jet bridges extend from the gates below, and an assortment of airplanes of various types and sizes sit on the apron. In the distance, a jetliner soars into the sky, the Book Cliffs a backdrop to the scene. More distant still, construction proceeds on a new runway, one of the largest projects in Grand Valley history. There’s a lot for Padalecki to see — and oversee as executive director of the airport.

THE NUMBERS

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, here are the number of passengers the Grand Junction Regional Airport served for the past three years:

2021 — 501,250. 2022 — 437,889 2023 — 482,773

The Grand Junction Regional Airport regained it’s position as the busiest airport in western Colorado in 2023 in terms of commercial airline traffic with nearly 483,000 passengers with tickets purchased for commercial flights traveling through. Padalecki expects even more passengers in 2024 and what could be a record year.

At the same time, 2024 could be a record year at the airport in terms of the amount of construction expected to take place there, she says.

Those two trends sometimes result in conflicts that make managing airport operations more challenging. Padalecki isn’t complaining. Rather, she says she’s thrilled with the growth

that’s already occurred as well as the trends she expects to continue. Moreover, she says grateful for the support that’s sustained that growth. “Airports are team sports.”

According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Grand Junction Regional Airport served 482,773 passengers in 2023. That was a 9.3 percent increase from 2022 that made the airport the busiest in western Colorado in terms of commercial airline service.

Montrose Regional Airport was a close second in 2023 with 482,691 passengers. The Montrose airport was the busiest in the region in 2022 with 461,689 passengers.

Padalecki says 2023 was the third-busiest year for passenger service at Grand Junction Regional Airport. The busiest of all was 2021 with 501,250 passengers.

The Department of Transportation numbers don’t take into account the full scope of passenger service at the airport, she says. The actual numbers are higher. But the Department of Transportation numbers are based on a standard and consistent methodology that offers comparisons among airports.

Padalecki says she’s expects the upward trend in passenger service to continue in 2024 with what she projects as a 5 percent increase that would constitute a record-setting year. That’s based in part on the number of seats airlines serving the Grand Junction Regional Airport have scheduled to offer this year as well as other trends.

Breeze Airways launched a new route in February between Grand Junction and Orange County-Santa Ana in southern California with additional flights between Grand Junction and Provo, Utah.

See SERVICE page 18

Angela Padalecki, executive director of the Grand Junction Regional Airport, oversees what she expects will be a busy operation in 2024 with what could be a record-setting number of commercial airline passengers traveling through the airport as well as record levels of construction as work continues on a new runway.

Tabi Britt

Orthopedics clinic offers upgraded MRI imaging

Phil Castle The Business Times

An orthopedics practice provides upgraded magnetic resonance imaging at its Grand Junction clinic to offer patients not only faster scans, but also increased access to diagnostic services.

That includes injured patients who seek same-day services at Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics.

“This is a great benefit for our patients who need quick access to high-quality imaging to diagnose and treat their orthopedic conditions,” said Dr. Justin McCoy, sports medicine medical director at Rocky Mountain Orthopedics. “This new expanded service will increase access to MRIs in the region while allowing for comprehensive orthopedic care all under one roof.”

Dr. Mark Luker, an orthopedic surgeon with the practice, said the upgraded MRI offers another tool, especially in diagnosing problems involving ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues. “It makes getting to the bottom of a person’s problem more efficient for us and more efficient for our patients”

McCoy said the new MRI represents a $1.2 million investment in offering better and faster imaging services. He

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics clinic is located at 627 25 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For more information, visit the website located at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/ locations/scl-health-medicalgroup-rocky-mountain-orthopedics.

said he expects the MRI to accommodate up to 15 patients a day while offering the convenience of services in one place.

The MRI adds to the imaging services available at the St. Mary’s Regional Hospital Pavilion in Grand Junction.

Luker said the upgraded MRI offers what he called “top quality” images with faster scan times — in some cases 10 minutes to 12 minutes rather than an average of 25 minutes. That also means faster results and more comfort for patients.

The upgraded MRI imaging adds to the diagnostic services available at the Rocky Mountain Orthopedics clinic that also includes X-rays and ultrasounds, Luker said. MRI imaging is especially useful in evaluating such soft tissue problems as ligament and tendon injuries, he said — rotator cuff injuries, for example.

The clinic can schedule MRI imaging at the same time patients see their orthopedic physicians. The upgraded MRI also will accommodate patients who seek same-day services through the walk-in clinic offering immediate care for fractures, sprains, strains and other orthopedic injuries.

Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics provides newly upgraded magnetic resonance imaging at its clinic in Grand Junction. The upgraded MRI offers faster scan times as well as increased access to imaging services. The MRI also accomodates patients who need evaluation and treatment through same-day services offered at the clinic. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

Justin McCoy

Mark Luker

Workforce housing to open in October

A workforce housing development under construction in Fruita is scheduled to open in October.

The Fruita Mews will include a total of 50 one-, two- and three-bedroom townowns for rent to those earning between 30 percent and 50 percent of the median income for the area.

IndiBuild is working with the Fruita Housing Authority on the development through a special limited partnership that provides financial support through tax credits.

The development also will include a community house and community gardens, playground, dog park and bicyle maintenance station.

Bryan Construction, the general contractor on the project, has completed grading, foundations, utility installation, framing and roofing as well as the installation of siding, doors and windows. A grand opening is set for Oct. 1.

Syringa Property Management will provide on-site management.

“Attainable housing was identified as a priority in our comprehensive plan, and the Fruita Mews project is helping to diversify our housing options here in Fruita,” said Fruita Mayor Joel Kincaid. “Affordable housing is an issue in every community, but we are happy to see projects like the Fruita Mews coming to Fruita to help bridge the gap.”

Emilee Powell, executive director of Housing Resources of Western Colorado, said the development will help meet what she said is a desperate need for affordable housing. “The Fruita Mews will help 50 local households find stable housing they can afford.”

Housing Resources of Western Colorado expects to offer residents in the development homeownership and financial fitness classes.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

For more information about housing options or occupancy at the Fruita Mews, contact Syringa Property Management at (970) 730-7826 or by email at melissa@syringaproperties.com. IndiBuild expects to start accepting applications in July.

Executives with local employers also hailed the project as a way to provide more housing for the workforce.

“The Fruita Mews development represents a significant step forward in addressing this critical need,” said Dr. Korrey Klein, chief executive officer of Family Health West in Fruita. “By providing affordable housing options for our dedicated health care professionals, we are not only supporting their well-being, but also ensuring the continued delivery of highquality care to our community.”

Brian Hill, superintendent of Mesa County School District 51, expects the Fruita Mews to offer housing options to staff and their families. “We acknowledge the critical demand for more housing in Mesa County and surrounding areas and applaud the efforts to create new, affordable housing solutions.”

IndiBuild plans to offer at the Fruita Mews after school science, technology, engineering and math programming by the Eureka McConnell Science Museum in Grand Junction.

“We are excited about providing STEAM enrichment in Fruita,” said Jenn Moore, executive director of the Eureka McConnell Science Museum.

An aerial photograph shows the Fruita Mews workforce housing development under construction at 1601 K 4/10 Road. The development will offer 50 townhomes available to rent for those earning between 30 percent and 100 percent of the median income for the area. (Photo courtesy IndiBuild)

Mesa County sales tax collections trend upward

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

The county collected nearly $3.6 million in sales taxes in February, an increase of almost $166,000 and 4.9 percent over the same month a year ago. February tax collections reflect January sales.

Mesa County collected almost $2.1 million in taxes on retail sales in February, a 6.6 percent increase over a year ago. Gains on tax collections on the sales of clothing, home improvements and general merchandise more than offset declines for automobiles and sporting goods.

The county collected almost $1.5 milllon in taxes on sales in other industry categories, up 2.5 percent from a year ago. Gains in the wholesale, telecommunications and hotel and restaurant categories more than offset declines in the

MESA COUNTY TAX COLLECTIONS

construction, manufacturing and oil and natural gas categories.

Through the first two months of 2024, Mesa County collected nearly $8.2 million in sales taxes, a 2.1 percent increase over the same span in 2023.

Tax collections on retail sales rose 1.8 percent to almost $4.9 million with the biggest year-over-year gains in the home improvement, general merchandise and clothing categories.

Tax collections for other industries rose 2.7 percent to nearly $3.3 million. The biggest year-over-year gains occurred in the whole sale, rentals and hotel and restaurant categories.

Use tax collections — nearly all of them on automobiles purchased outside the county, but used in the county — totaled $372,573 in February. That’s a 22.1 percent gain over the same month a year ago.

For the first two months of 2024, Mesa County collected $730,512 in use taxes. That’s an increase of 17.6 percent over the same span in 2023.

Combined sales and use tax collections have increased in February for each of the past five years — from more than $2.8 million in 2020 to nearly $4 million in 2024.

FColorado office forecasts growth in the economy and tax revenues

A state office has released a forecast calling for continued economic growth and, in turn, increasing tax revenue in Colorado.

Jared Polis

Colorado Gov.

Jared Polis said the state continues to lead the nation with strong economic growth and unemployment below the national average.

“Our focus on continuing to strengthen our workforce and saving Coloradans money on housing, education, health care and more will drive an even more dynamic economy while protecting our reserves and the financial strength of the state,” Polis said.

The Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budget revised upward its economic growth expectations from the December forecast due to elevated consumption in the fourth quarter of 2023. Real disposable income outpaced pre-pandemic growth as inflation relented.

The economy is expected to avoid a contraction as consumer demand holds firm in large part due to services spending and increased investments as the Federal Reserve begins to cut interest rates.

Revenue for the state general fund was revised up $308.9 million for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal year, largely a result of stronger than anticipated corporate income revenue, with smaller upward revisions in individual income, insurance and interest income.

Refunds issued under the terms of the so-called Taxpayers Bill of Rights state constitutional limit are expected to total nearly $2 billion, a $343.5 million upward revision from December.

General Fund revenue is expected to grow 5.8 percent to $19.1 billion in the 2025 and 2025 fiscal year due to stable growth in income and sales tax revenue as the economy grows.

Monument updates campground reservation system

Starting April 1, Colorado National Monument will update its reservation system for the Saddlehorn Campground to improve flexibility and offer more campsites on a first-come, first-served basis.

All campsites, including same-day sites, may be reserved through the website at www.recreation.gov for three separate reservation windows: six months in advance, two weeks in advance and on the same day.

The system will allow more visitors on spontaneous trips to make two-week-out reservations as well as help same-day visitors plan their camping experience before they enter the park. Colorado National Monument also will expand first-come, first-served campsites into the A Loop for the 2024 season.

Under the new system, sites will be released at 8 a.m.

daily on www.recreation.gov. Visitors will be able to see site availability in real time on their computers or smartphones. For those without internet connections, reservations may be secured by calling (877) 444-6777. Previously, first-come, first-served sites only could be reservable in person at the campground kiosk. After April 1, sites may not longer by reserved at the kiosk.

The Colorado National Monument Visitor Center offers free internet access and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

There is a $25 entrance fee to visit the park. All interagency America the Beautiful passes are honored.

For more information about camping at Colorado National Monument, visit https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/ camping.htm or call (970) 858-2800.

Group marks 60 years of monumental endeavors

The Colorado National Monument Association has scheduled a series of events and programs as well as a fund-raising effort in celebration of 60 years as an organization.

Since its establishment in 1964, the association has worked as the official nonprofit partner of the Colorado National Monument to support a range of initiatives. Over the past six decades, that’s included assistance for local school children on ranger-led field trips, historic preservation projects, a junior ranger program, scientific research and trail maintenance.

“Whether you see Serpents Trail as nature’s treadmill or your children have explored the canyons on field trips or you enjoy the economic boost from tourism, our community is intricately connected to our treasured national park,” said Johanna van Waveren, executive director of the Colorado National Monument Association.

“As we anticipate celebrating 60 years of mutual support, we really look forward to celebrating with our community,” she added.

Here’s some of what’s planned as part of the anniversary celebration:

n April 17: Hot Tomato Pizza in Fruita has selected the association as its nonprofit of the month for April and will kick off a concert series with pizza and live music from the Troy Douglas Band.

n June: A beer release party is planned at the Ramblebine Brewing Co. in Grand Junction with special beer and member appreciation gifts.

n Aug. 2: The Saddlehorn Amphitheater and trail project in the Colorado National Monument is scheduled for completion with a concert in the new venue.

n Sept. 25th: Monument Vista Place in Grand Junction will host a fund-raising event and jazz concert as part of the official 60th anniversary date of the association.

n Throughout the year: A then and now photo exhibit celebrating the history of the Colorado National Monument will travel across the Grand Valley.

The Colorado National Monument Association aims to raise $60,000 in 2024 as part of its efforts to support the Colorado National Monument into the next six decades and achieve education, outreach and preservation goals.

For more information about the Colorado National Monument Association, including membership, upcoming events and contributing to the group, visit the website at https://coloradonma.org.

J. van Waveren

Tasteful fund-raiser planned

An annual event will once again showcase wine, spirits and food while raising money to provide health care in Mesa County.

Two events are planned for Edesia April 6 and 7 at the Wine Country Inn located at 777 Grande River Drive in Palisade.

Sponsored by FCI Constructors and Alpine Bank, Edesia raises funds for MarillacHealth, which provides a range of health care services to uninsured and underinsured Mesa County residents.

An Edesia wine pairing dinner is set for April 6 at the Wine Country Inn with wine cocktails served at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6.

Executive chef Chad Griffith has planned a menu around the theme “Home on the Range.” Courses will be paired with wines from Avant Vineyards, Bookcliff Vineyards, Carlson Vineyards, Colorado Vintner’s Collective, Grande River Vineyards and Red Fox Cellars.

Seating for the wine pairing dinner is limited. Tickets sell for $150 each. Tables for eight are available for $1,200.

Edesia: A Culinary, Wine and Spirits Adventure is set for noon to 4 p.m. April 7 at the Wine Country Inn. The event, named after the Roman goddess of food and wine, will feature food, wine and spirits.

More than 35 vendors are expected to participate, including Bakers Boutique, Colorado Q, Enzo’s, Decadence Cheesecake, Enstrom Candies, Flying Pig, Little Pink Truck, Pali Thai, Pear Blossom Farms and PizzaAmore. Carlson Vineyards, Colterris, Grande River Vineyards, Red Fox, Talbott’s and Talon will serve wines. Clark’s Distillery and Peach Street Distillers will serve cocktails, while Kannah Creek and Palisade Brewery will serve beers. Fishers Liquor and Ocotillo Restaurant will serve mocktails.

The Sean Moon Band will perform live music.

Tickets sell for $65 in advance and $75 at the door. For tickets or more information, visit https://edesiapalisade.com.

Colorado AG joins in efforts to defend methane rule

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joined in a multi-state effort to defend federal regulations on methane emissions from oil and natural gas development.

Phil Weiser

“Colorado worked hard, creatively and collaboratively to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas development,” Weiser said. “The common sense solutions forged in Colorado were supported by industry, government and conservation groups as an effective means of ensuring responsible energy development and protecting air quality and public health. These protections must remain in place at the federal level for effective oversight of methane emissions from surrounding states.

That’s why we are committed to defending the federal methane rule.”

Weiser joined a multi-state coalition in filing a motion to intervene in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to defend the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency oil and gas methane rule. In filing the motion, Weiser joined the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin as well as and the District of Columbia.

A total of 26 states, led by the attorneys general of Texas and Oklahoma, are suing to roll back methane emissions standards.

The EPA rule strengthens regulations of methane emissions from new, modified and reconstructed facilities

in the oil and natural gas sector as well as existing facilities in this sector.

Weiser said the coalition expressed strong support for the final EPA rule, which will:

n Require oil and gas well sites, centralized production facilities and compressor stations to be routinely monitored for leaks.

n Phase out flaring of natural gas from new oil wells.

n Set emissions standards for certain pieces of equipment not previously covered by the 2016 rule.

n Set guidelines for states to follow as they develop plans for establishing, implementing and enforcing emission standards.

n Create a program that leverages third-party expertise to find large leaks and releases.

F

Guidance available on federal funding for well cleanups on tribal lands

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced final guidance on how tribal communities can apply for $55 million in grants and direct assistance to clean up orphaned oil and natural gas wells.

Funding through the program may be used to plug, remediate or reclaim orphaned wells on tribal lands, restore soil and habitat in degraded areas, decommission or remove associated infrastructure, identify and characterize additional undocumented wells and set up well-plugging capacity where it’s not already established.

“Indigenous communities have long been disproportionately burdened by environmental pollution,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “Through President Biden’s investing in America agenda, we are tackling these toxic sites and honoring tribal sovereignty by ensuring that tribes are able to make their own decisions about how to address the health and safety needs of their people, improve economic growth and realize their vision for the future. We are doing this by working with tribes every step of the way because we know tribal leaders know best how to care for their people.”

The bipartisan infrastructure law provides a total of $4.7 billion to address orphaned wells across the country, including $150 million specifically for tribal communities. In September, the Interior Department awarded $40 million in grants to 10 tribes in the first phase of orphaned well funding.

The final tribal guidance provides instructions to tribes on how to apply for orphaned well grants or request direct assistance from the department through in lieu of grant funding to administer and carry out plugging, remediation and reclamation activities.

Applications for grants will be accepted through May 14. Requirements and technical assistance are available through the orphaned wells program office webpage and Indian Energy Service Center-Bureau of Indian Affairs webpage.

Highline Lake closed to motorized boating

Highline Lake at Highline Lake State Park west of Grand Junction will remain closed to motorized boating during the 2024 boating season as efforts continue to eradicate zebra mussels.

Park staff began lowering the lake in February and expect to empty the lake by the end of the year.

The lake will remain open to non-motorized, hand launch vessels — such as paddle boards and kayaks — through Sept. 30 or until conditions prohibit the use of the lake.

As the lake is drawn down, there could be times where access to the water will be unsafe due to muddy conditions. During these times, park staff could institute a temporary closure.

“We understand this isn’t ideal for our boating and angling

community,” said Alan Martinez, manager of Highline Lake State Park. “We are thankful for the continued patience and support of our visitors since we first discovered zebra mussels at Highline in 2022. Our hope is that people see this and understand how serious this problem is, and that it can be avoided by simply cleaning, draining and drying your boat or any equipment that comes in contact with the water in between each and every use.”

Those recreating in Highline Lake with a non-motorized vessel are encouraged to clean, drain and dry their vessels after every use. While inspections of these types of vessels aren’t mandatory, all vessels are subject to inspection by park staff.

Watercraft check station opens at Loma port of entry

Colorado Parks and Wildlife operates an aquatic nuisance species watercraft inspection and decontamination station at the Colorado State Patrol Loma port of entry.

The state agency also operates a station at the Trinidad port of entry as full-time seasonal roadside inspection stations after two years of a successful pilot program.

Through Oct. 31, any vehicle with a motorized or trailered watercraft entering Colorado on Interstate Highway 70 east from Utah or Interstate Highway 25 north from New Mexico is required to stop for an inspection on Thursday through Monday. Watercraft that are clean, drained and dry will be provided a green seal and white inspection receipt showing they passed inspection. Watercraft that are found to have mud, water, plants or mussels will be decontaminated. All trailered and motorized watercraft will still be required to go through an aquatic nuisance species inspection at their final destination. Those with a green seal and white receipt from port of entry check stations will be expedited.

“Inspecting the highest risk watercraft at ports of entry will serve as a first line of defense and help ensure Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs remain free of highly destructive aquatic nuisance species,” said Robert Walters, invasive species program manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “The last two years and where we take this program into the future could not have been done without our partners at Colorado State Patrol port of entry staff and the Colorado Department of Transportation, and we are looking forward to partnering with them again to protect Colorado’s bodies of water.”

After the passage of a state law that provided authority, Colorado Parks and Wildlife launched the pilot program in 2022 with three separate roadside watercraft inspection and decontamination events at the Loma port of entry.

Staff inspected a total of 95 watercraft at check stations that were open for one day each in May, July and September. Of those watercraft, 60 were decontaminated and 26 were confirmed to have adult mussels.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife expanded the program in 2023 to operate nine watercraft inspection and decontamination stations at multiple ports of entry and welcome centers across Colorado. Staff inspected 21 watercraft, two of which were found to have adult mussels.

Based on the information gathered in 2022 and 2023, Colorado Parks and Wildlife determined the Loma and Trinidad ports of entry offer the best locations for the next phase of the program, as they saw the highest number of out-of-state motorized boats.

Study: Colorado second-best

state for women-owned small businesses

Colorado ranks second in an analysis of the best states for women small business owners.

Lendio, an online loan marketplace in the United States targeting small business owners, analyzed seven metrics to determine the rankings, including the share of employer businesses owned by women, the proportional change of women-owned businesses between 2012 and 2020, the employment rate among women, the proportion of women-owned businesses earning $1 million or more, the percentage of patents filed by women and venture capital deals per women-owned businesses.

The analysis used information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Patent and Trademarket Office, among other sources.

Colorado fared well for the 36 percent of employer businesses owned by women in 2021. The proportion of women-owned businesses increased 19 percent between 2012 and 2020. The employment rate for women stood at 63 percent in 2022. Meanwhile, 27 percent of women-owned businesses in the state earn $1 milion or more, 10 percent of patents were filed by women and 2 percent of women-owned firms received venture capital.

Washington ranked as the best state for women small business owners, while Delaware, Oregon, California, Utah, Maryland, Ariona, Hawaii and Wyoming rounded out the top 10.

Maine came in 50th in the ranking, while Alabana, Mississippi, Kentucky, Connecticut, North Dakota, Tennessee, Louisiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania rounded out the bottom 10. The District of Columbia ranked 43rd.

The number of women-owned businesses in the United States increased 13.6 percent from 2019 to 2023 to make up 39.1 percent of all businesses nationwide.

According to separate research by Wells Fargo, women own 13.8 million businsses, employ 10 million people and generate $3.9 trillion in revenue.

Service

Continued from page 2

Breeze Airways plans to offer seasonal service between Grand Junction and San Francisco starting May 2.

Moreover, United Airlines has started using larger airplanes with more seats on flights between Grand Junction and Denver, Padalecki says. That’s a trend in the airline industry to expand service with larger aircraft rather than more flights.

American Airlines provides service between Grand Junction and Dallas and Phoenix. Allegiant offers flights between Grand Junction and Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Airlines offer nonstop flights from Grand Junction to seven destinations, including hubs that in turn connect to more than 200 other destinations, Padalecki says.

Delta Airlines discontinued service between Grand Junction and Salt Lake City, a decision Padalecki says was based on a shortage of pilots, crews and other resources — not a lack of a demand. That led to a decline in the number of passengers served at the Grand Junction Regional Airport in 2022. She says discussions are under way that could lead to a resumption of those flights.

Padalecki tributes growth in commercial passenger services to community support for those services.

That support also includes approval by Grand Junction voters in 2018 of a ballot measure that doubled the city lodging tax from 3 percent to 6 percent. Revenue from the increase was split three ways, with 1 percent going to the Grand Junction Regional Air Service Alliance to support additional direct flights to and from the Grand Junction Regional Airport. That funding enables the alliance to offer incentives that help in sharing the risk to airlines in launching new services, she says.

Even as Padalecki expects passenger service to increase further at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, construction activity also will increase.

Construction continues on a new runway north of the existing runway. The new runway will be the same dimension as the existing runway at 150 feet wide and 10,500-feet long, but will meet new standards for design and safety while also accommodating larger aircraft, she says. The project remains on scheduled for completion in 2030.

At an estimated cost of $200 million, the runway project ranks among the largest in Grand Valley history, Padalecki says. Federal and state grants fund most of the project.

When the new runway opens, the existing runway will be used as a taxiway. Moreover, the location of the new runway 600 feet further north will enable the construction of additional hangars and other buildings at the airport, Padalecki says.

Still other improvements also are planned, she says.

Beyond what she can already see out her window, Padalecki envisions continued growth at the airport. “I’m very excited about that.”

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 89.4 for February, down 0.5.

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

t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 112.29 for February, down 0.89.

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%.

t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for services, 52.6% for February, down 0.8%.

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, $3.9 million for February, up 6.3% from February 2023.

n Unemployment

s Mesa County — 4.5% for January, up 1.0

s Colorado — 3.4% for January, up 0.1.

s United States — 3.9% for February, up 0.2.

Jobless rate spikes again

But unemployment expected to trend back down in Mesa County

Phil Castle The Business Times

The monthly unemployment rate spiked again in January in Mesa County. But what’s typically a seasonal increase to the highest level of the year is expected to precede the downward trend that usually follows.

AREA JOBLESS RATES

Jan. Dec.

s Delta County 4.9 3.8

s Garfield County 3.4 2.8

s Mesa County 4.5 3.5

News Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs

s Montrose County 4.2 3.3

Business People

s Rio Blanco County 4.5 3.1

Lindsay Bullock, manager of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction, said labor demand remains strong and the local economy more diversified and resilient.

The seasonally unadjusted unemployment jumped a point between December and January to 4.5 percent, according to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The rate stood at 3.9 percent in January 2023.

January numbers aren’t released until March because of annual revisions to information for the previous year. February estimates are scheduled for release March 22.

“It stuck pretty much to the trend over the last couple of years,” Bullock said of the January increase.

The jobless rate typically spikes to its highest level of the year in January following layoffs after the holidays and other seasonal factors, she said. But jobless rates usually then trend downward.

Between December and January, Mesa County payrolls decreased 973 to 72,482. The number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work increased 686 to 3,384. The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, edged down 287 to 75,866.

Over the past year, payrolls decreased 469 as the ranks of the unemployed increased 458. The labor force edged down 11.

Bullock said the increasing number of job orders posted at the Mesa County Workforce Center reflects continued labor demand. For January, 966 orders for a total of 1,584 openings were posted. For the same month a year ago, 675 orders for 1,442 openings were posted.

Demand remains strongest in the health care and construction sectors, she said. Employers continue to report difficulty finding candidates with skills to fill certain job openings.

Looking ahead, Bullock said she’s encouraged by labor demand as well as what’s become a more diversified and resilient economy. She said she expects unemployment rates to fall to the low 3s in the months ahead.

Almanac

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates also increased in neighboring western Colorado counties in January, up 1.4 points to 4.5 percent in Rio Blanco County, 1.1 points to 4.9 percent in Delta County, up nine-tenths of a point to 4.2 percent in Montrose County and up six-tenths of a point to 3.4 percent in Garfield County.

The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment edged up a tenth of a point to 3.4 percent in January with increases in both the number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work as well as nonfarm payrolls.

According to the latest results of household surveys, the ranks of the unemployed increased 2,600 to 110,200 as overall employment contracted 5,100 to nearly 3.2 million.

According to the results of separate business surveys, nonfarm payrolls increased 8,000 between December and January with the biggest gains in the professional and business services and manufacturing sectors. Government payrolls increased 2,400.

Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls grew 57,900. Employment increased 15,300 in educational and health services, 10,600 in professional and business services and 9,600 in leisure and hospitality.

Those gains offset losses of 2,000 jobs in the information sector, 1,000 in manufacturing and 900 in manufacturing. Employment declined 3,800 in the trade, transportation and utilities sector.

The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls shortened 1.1 hours to 32.4 hours. Average hourly earnings increased $1.33 to $37.23, a 3.7 percent increase. F

Small Business Optimism Index retreats

A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners declined again in February as concerns about inflation and interest rates persisted.

The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index slipped a half point to 89.4. The index has remained below its 50-year average of 98 for 26 straight months.

Bill Dunkelberg

“While inflation pressures have eased since peaking in 2021, small business owners are still managing the elevated costs of higher prices and interest rates,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the NFIB. “The labor market has also eased slightly as small business owners are having an easier time attracting and retaining employees.”

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

The proportion of NFIB members who responded to the survey upon which the February index was based who expected the economy to improve fell a point. At a net negative 39 percent,

more owners anticipated worsening conditions ahead.

A net 21 percent of members reported plans for capital outlays, down two points from January. A net 5 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, down three points.

The share of members who expected increased sales rose six points. But at net negative 10 percent, more members still anticipated decreased sales.

Expectations for increased earnings fell a point to a net negative 31 percent. Among members reporting lower profits, 29 percent blamed weaker sales and 15 percent cited rising materials costs.

A net 12 percent of members reported plans to increase staffing, down two points to the lowest level since May 2020. A net 37 percent reported hard-to-fill job openings, also down two points.

Asked to identify their single most important problem, 23 percent cited inflation.

Another 16 percent of members cited the quality of labor, down five points to the lowest level since April 2020, and 11 percent cited the cost of labor.

The proportion of members who reported plans to increase inventories fell four points to a net negative 7 percent. The share of those who said existing inventories were too low remained unchanged at a net negative 4 percent.

Lindsay Bullock

Jobs and jobless rate both increase

Employment continued to increase in the United States by one measure, but unemployment also edged up according to another.

Nonfarm payrolls increased 275,000 in February. The jobless rate rose two-tenths of a point to 3.9 percent as the number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work increased 334,000, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Payroll employment is based on the results of monthly business surveys, while the unemployment rate is based on the results of separate household surveys.

Initial estimates for payroll gains the previous two months were revised downward a total of 167,000 to 229,000 for January and 290,000 for December.

For February, 6.5 million people were counted among the ranks of the unemployed. Of those, 1.2 million had been out of work 27 weeks or longer. Another 4.4 million people were counted

among those working part-time because their hours were cut or they were unable to find full-time positions.

The labor participation rate — the proportion of the population working or looking for work — remained unchanged for a third straight month at 62.5 percent.

Payroll gains in February were spread out among industry sectors. Employment increased 67,000 in health care, 42,000 in food services and drinking places and 24,000 in social assistance. Government payrolls increased 52,000.

The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls lengthened a tenth of an hour to 34.3 hours. The manufacturing workweek also lengthened a tenth of an hour to 39.9 hours.

Average hourly earnings for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls rose 5 cents to $34.57. Hourly earnings rose 4.3 percent over the past year.

Labor index slips

An index tracking labor trends retreated in February, signaling what could be slowing job growth in the months ahead.

The Conference Board reported its Employment Trends Index fell nearly nine-tenths of a point to 112.29. Four of eight components of the index declined.

“The labor market is likely to cool off, with modest job gains expected through Q3 and Q4 of 2023,” said Will Baltrus, associate economist at the Conference Board.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

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

A bookkeeping booktcamp is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 28 at the center, located at 2591 Legacy Way in Grand Junction. Participants will learn how to set up and track business accounting records. Admission is $75, which includes lunch.

Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs

From college to career

Employers can help emerging professionals with transitions

Transitioning from college to professional life isn’t as smooth and easy as one might think. Maybe that’s not surprising. Either way, going from full-time student to full-time employee constitutes a big step in the lives of many people.

Business People Almanac

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.

The next business startup workshop is set for 2 to 4 p.m. April 4. The workshop will cover financing options, licensing requirements, legal structures, planning strategies and trade name searches. Admission is $55.

A free class on cash flows for small business startups is set for noon to 1 p.m. April 16 at the center. Participants will learn how to complete a cash flow budget using Microsoft Excel.

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 Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a luncheon meeting for noon to 1:30 p.m. March 25 at the Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. To register or obtain more information about chamber events, call (970) 242-3214 or visit https://gjchamber.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. 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.

I’ve had a few years now to reflect on this transition as a 2021 graduate who’s subsequently worked full-time and frequently asked to speak on this topic. I feel qualified to put my thoughts on paper. Hopefully my experiences can help emerging professionals make the change — as well as employers working with employees in this phase.

My first piece of advice would be to understand the change. When I was in my final year at Colorado Mesa University, I felt like I was doing 40 hours a week worth of activities. Between classes, clubs, student organizations, an internship and a campus job, I believed moving into a full-time job would be no different. I didn’t understand the significant difference between doing 40 hours worth of stuff a week and working for eight hours straight, five days a week. In school, I spread my activities throughout the day or even into the weekend. A night class here, an early morning meeting there. It would leave me time to do things at other times of the day — a mid-day cycle class or trip home to get a start on dinner, for example. But once I started my job and my day became compressed into eight hours straight of work, I realized how different my schedule had become.

This was an adjustment I hadn’t anticipated. I had to consider when I’d eat during the day, what I was going to have and when I’d have to time to prepare it. When would I have time to exercise? How much time? What would I do If I lost a gym membership? How would I make time to still see friends, focus on hobbies and relax? It was daunting to consider things that seemed so simple and built into my life. But taking time to really understand how my life changed was incredibly helpful.

Employers can support this as well. Maybe you have an employee who’s graduating, but staying on with your company. Offer advice about what helped you along the way. Explain what you do to balance work and life.

In addition to understanding the changes involved, it’s important for those transitioning from college to careers to

Maybe you have an employee who’s graduating, but staying on with your company. Offer advice about what helped you along the way.

build networks. In school, you’re surrounded by people and your social connections are established. You have class with certain people and pursue activities with certain groups. It’s built into your life. In the professional world, you lose that infrastructure of social connectivity. You have coworkers with whom you spend the days, but then what? You don’t get to go to the next thing with a fresh group of people.

Fortunately, there are a lot of great programs and organizations in the Grand Valley dedicated to networking and staying connected with people outside of work. The Young Professionals Network offers a great way to meet people from different backgrounds. There might be groups specific to your job. I belong to the Western Colorado Human Resource Association and enjoy the opportunity to connect with other HR professionals in the area. Connecting with others and building a social network that doesn’t involve school will ease the transition.

Once again, employers can help. Do you know of a local group an emerging professional can join? An organization associated with your industry that might be beneficial? Encourage employees to participate.

There’s one last note, and I’d like to make it clear this is valuable for students on any path. Emerging professionals include more than students who take the traditional route from high school straight into college. You might be a nontraditional student making this transition for the first time or the fifth. You might have employees who are non-traditional students, but could still use support to make the jump.

No matter the situation, this is an important transition and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Madison Donnafield, a Society for Human Resource Management certified professional, is a human resource generalist at DWC CPAs and Advisors in Grand Junction. She also serves as programs director for the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For additional information about the WCHRA, log on to www.wchra.org.

Madison Donnafield

Are you listening to understand or merely reply?

Ineffective communication, whether in business or life, presents the biggest obstacle to any successful relationship. And it all begins with listening. Not truly listening results in anger, distrust, frustration and resentment. It leads to dysfunctional businesses, disgruntled team members and unsatisfied clients as well as failed marriages and disassociation with loved ones.

Marcus Straub

Consider your professional and personal relationships to understand the importance of communication. In those relationships you find most rewarding, fulfilling and successful, you feel heard and understood. Communication is more effective than not. Conversely, consider your relationships that are the most unsettling — those that cause the most dissatisfaction, frustration and suffering and are the least successful. You probably don’t feel heard. Communication is so limited in its effectiveness the relationship suffers. Here are some important questions to ask yourself: Do you like it when others truly listen to you? Do you have greater rapport and trust with those who listen to you? Do you feel respected, acknowledged and valued when others really listen to what you’re saying? In other words, do you like it when others care enough to be present with you in their listening? Are you listening to others the way you want them to listen to you? If not, why not?

Effective listening constitutes one of the most fundamental and powerful communication tools of all. The first step to improvement is to have a good understanding of what you can do or stop doing to become a better listener. From here, the ill effects of your ineffective listening are all but eliminated. Interactions become more successful

The first step to improvement is to have a good understanding of what you can do or stop doing to become a better listener.

and pleasant as you learn to stop talking or thinking and develop the habit of truly listening.

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

n Rehearsing — Your attention focuses on preparing what you’ll say next.

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

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

n Judging — You judge the person with whom you’re communicating and use negative labels to do so.

n Sparring — You look for things over which to disagree.

n Multitasking – You fail to pay attention as you split your time and attention between two or more things.

n Dreaming or drifting — Your attention drifts to anything other than the conversation — a vacation you want to take, things you need to do or an issue in your life.

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

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

n Advising — You believe you have the solution to a problem and offer advice rather than truly listen.

Do you engage in any of these listening blocks? Some of them? All of them? Not sure?

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

Stephen R. Covey — the author, educator and speaker — said this: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand. They listen with the intent to reply.”

Yet, we all want to be heard and understood.

Successful relationships depend on the ability of those involved to effectively communicate. In reality, most of us aren’t taught how to communicate with the intention of understanding, building relationships and creating solutions. In business, not listening effectively causes dysfunction and could be the difference between success and failure.

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

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

Is there a franchise in your future? Ask questions first

“When you buy a franchise, you may be able to sell goods and services that have instant name recognition and get training and support that can help you succeed. But purchasing a franchise is like any other investment: There’s no guarantee of success.” — Federal Trade Commission

Janet Arrowood

There are two main participants in a franchise — not counting your sources of funding or financing. There’s the franchisee. That’s you. And the franchisor. That’s the company that overlays franchise operations.

As a franchisee, you pay a franchise fee and reap certain benefits from the franchisor, including:

n A formula for setting up and running the franchise.

n The right to use the franchisor’s name.

n Assistance with establishing and growing your franchise. Assistance could include help in finding — or dictating — the location of your franchise, training in franchise establishment and operations, operating manuals or other guidance and general business and personnel advice. You also could gain access to conferences, online information, seminars, workshops and more.

Generally, ownership of a franchise includes known or defined costs, sometimes onerous franchisor controls and contractual obligations or performance requirements.

By using the franchisor’s name and expertise, you will incur a variety of costs. Some of these costs include:

n Initial franchise fee, which could be non-refundable and run from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

n Renting or building and equipping your facility.

n Purchasing inventory.

n Hiring and training employees, including providing benefits in many cases.

n Operating licenses.

n Liability and other business insurance.

n Promotional fees to the franchisor.

n Royalties to the franchisor — often a percentage of gross income.

n Advertising fees.

Consider also such franchisor controls as:

n Approval of your location, building design and other items.

n Limitations on the products or services you offer.

n Operational requirements, including hours, employee uniforms, advertising standards, specials or promotions and suppliers.

n Sales territory.

n The franchise contract often limits the right to use the franchisor’s name for a set number of years. Even if you comply with all the terms of the contract, the franchisor might not be obligated to renew your franchisee contract.

Before you decide to invest in a franchise, ask yourself some hard questions:

n Do I have a viable business plan that aligns with the franchisor’s contract and requirements?

n Can I afford the startup and initial operating costs of the franchise?

n Can I obtain financing if I need to?

n How much money can I afford to lose? Not all franchisees succeed, even with assistance and training.

n Should I have partners in the franchise?

n What will I use for living expenses while opening and bringing my franchise to profitability?

n Do I have the right skills and background?

n Why do I want to own a franchise rather than start or acquire my own business?

n Am I willing to work 50, 60, 70 or even 80 hours a week to get my franchise off to a solid start?

Before jumping in, find and visit other franchisees. They should include people who own the franchise you’re interested in as well as others with franchises in different specialties. Visit a number of franchises and franchisees to assess the overall climate for success.

A number of franchise expos are offered around the country. Visit visit several of these expos and talk with the franchisors of franchises that interest you. Go armed with a lists of questions, including:

n How many franchised outlets are there? Where are they located?

n What is the initial franchise fee? What are the additional startup costs?

n Are there continuing royalty payments? How much are they?

n What management, technical and other support does the franchisor offer?

n What controls does the franchisor impose?

n How long has the franchisor been in business?

Before making what could be a life-changing decision, talk to lots of people: other franchisees, but also bankers and other lenders, economic development experts and marketing specialists.

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

Hire for attitude to turn weakness into strength

The Met Life and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index noted several key indicators heating into 2024. While there are still some stumbling blocks in inflation and supply chain issues, I’d like to focus on another issue.

Timothy Haggerty

Inflation and the supply chain present stubborn challenges and involve more factors than any one business can address. But buried in the details of the latest index — view the full report at www.uschamber.com/sbindex/ summary — is this significant piece.

“Nearly half of small businesses report searching for, recruiting or interviewing new talent in 2023 — a significant increase from mid-2021. Most of those looking for new employees say it is hard finding candidates with the experience or skills they need. More also say it is hard to find enough candidates to fill open positions versus a few years ago. Nearly half of those who report searching for new talent in 2023 say it is hard to offer competitive pay and benefits. In fact, 60 percent of all small businesses agree it is challenging to keep up with existing employees’ salary expectations.”

This is where a savvy businessperson can leverage a perceived weakness into a strength. Note the second sentence: “Most of those looking for new employees say it is hard finding candidates with the experience or skills

I would humbly submit you should stop looking for experience and skill. Rather, flip the paradigm and start looking for the right attitude.

they need.” That should give both a pause as well as the answer. If most of those looking for new employees say they can’t find the experience or skills they need, I would humbly submit you should stop looking for experience and skill. Rather, flip the paradigm and start looking for the right attitude.

I won’t bore readers with the results of study after study. Let’s admit to the presence of the elephant in the room. Those employees with the skills and experience you’re looking for? They’re simply not there. The few that do exist place you in a position of weakness rather than strength.

You’re in a position of weakness because in your desperation to fill a position, you prostitute your wage and benefit strategy and overpay for a position when there’s no guarantee a new hire will work out.

Additionally, if you overpay for one position, how will your remaining staff respond? Sometimes that highpaid experienced or skilled employee you just hired simply isn’t a fit. Suddenly, everyone is disenchanted.

Have you had this conversation? “That person is one of the most skilled people we’ve ever had, but nobody likes him.” Or worse: “Customers really don’t like (our competent employee), so they took their business elsewhere.”

If you haven’t done so already, read “Hiring for Attitude” by Mark Murphy.

If you need help in hiring for attitude, give me a call. I can take a ton of the legwork from under you and at least present you with people who have the right attitude you need. With the right attitude, you can train anyone.

The experience piece? Well that’ll come because once you have that person with the right attitude and treat them accordingly, they’ll remain with you for a long time.

Perhaps they’ll even help you place others with the similar or even better attitudes.

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

Take steps to identify and address why fitness goals fail

Working on you is the most important project you have. Whether it’s exercising regularly, improving nutritional habits or living a balanced life, there’s only one of you. There will only ever be one of you.

Paula Reece

Making the most of your life each day is the goal. Aren’t you important enough to make yourself, your health and your life a priority? Of course, you are.

So why do you fail when it comes to one of the most important things in your life? There are many reasons why you might fall short in the quest for better health. Pinpointing your goals and identifying what’s keeping you from achieving them is the key to unlocking success.

Your goals could be specific — losing a few pounds, looking great for a special occasion, preparing for an athletic event or addressing a medical concern. Perhaps your goal is to simply develop and sustain life-long healthy habits. Once you’ve written down your goals, the next step is to identify what keeps you from

achieving them. This is when you need to have a heart-toheart talk with yourself.

There are many reasons why fitness goals fail. One of the most common reasons is underestimating how hard it is to change a pattern or habit. It’s all about making many small changes that collectively result in big changes. Exercise must become a non-negotiable part of your life. You don’t need to be a fitness saint. But when you accept fitness isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition, you’re more likely to stick with it for life.

Exercise and fitness programs can be intimidating. Strong, lean and perfect bodies aren’t the goal. Rather, work towards becoming the best you can be. Fitness goals could fail if you don’t know how to achieve them. Learn the four cornerstones of fitness: cardiovascular (gets your heart pumping), flexibility (stretching and lengthening muscles), strength (building muscles and core) and nutrition (giving your body the nutrients it needs to thrive). Ask a personal trainer to help you learn how to exercise, avoid injury and achieve your goals. Walk into a health club where you feel comfortable and picture yourself belonging.

If you’ve been on the started and stopped roller coaster of fitness, you already know the benefits of exercise.

There’s an underlying reason why you stopped. Realize your health and fitness goals are for life. Schedule time each day for exercise. Make an appointment you can’t miss. The more routine it becomes, the easier it becomes.

By making exercise fun, you won’t want to miss out. Fitness goals fail not only because you don’t make time for yourself, but also because it becomes boring and just another task on your to-do-list.

A healthy lifestyle is a choice. If you’re someone who’s had or has serious medical concerns, lacked self-confidence, put others ahead of your needs, lived a too-busy life, lacked energy or wished you could be happier, then today is the day. The day you stop procrastinating about the most important project you have — you.

As hockey legend Wayne Gretzky put it: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Take the shot.

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

Help

Entrepreneurship requires an recognition of how the whole system works, seeing a place and growing a business within the startup ecosystem. Many would-be entrepreneurs arrive ready for battle with an idea and dream, but no clear understanding of what they’re walking into.

Dalida Bollig

The most severe obstacle for startups is finding the money needed to grow. Venture capitalists and funding programs exist, but operate in a highly competitive space, especially for early stage ventures without track records. Startups can be perpetually challenged to find capital, negotiate investment rounds and valuations and craft funding terms.

Then there are the regulatory requirements with which startups must contend, which can be different for different sectors and across jurisdictions. Governments might require often expensive certifications for the safety of new products. This could come as a surprise. Even as they try to raise money from investors, all a startup wants to do is solve its problem, not deal with what seems like a bureaucratic nightmare. Whether it’s intellectual property rights or conformity with industry specific legal requirements, not knowing about the various laws and regulations that apply could present a grave risk for a startup.

Some startups are smaller, working on shoestring budgets and making careful choices about where to spend capital. They might face insufficiencies in something they need, whether that’s physical infrastructure, talent or technology. They might chase after a lucrative sector, but one in a competitive market with huge competitors. What should they focus on in these situations? Startups

to navigate startup ecosystem

Many would-be entrepreneurs arrive ready for battle with an idea and dream, but no clear understanding of what they’re walking into.

must be at once thrifty and ambitious They must demonstrate market demand and acquire early customers, a major hurdle for startups seeking customers for what might be a crowded or niche market. Market research to determine which groups are most actively searching for a product, developing a customer base and appealing to that group must be carried out to generate demand and, ultimately, revenue.

Startups enjoy an opportunity to dodge many of these challenges, though, by accessing the expertise and network of accelerators, incubators and other business development organizations that supply them with access to information, funding, incentives, networking and mentorships. Help is available to progress through the startup ecosystem.

It’s no exaggeration to say technology disrupts the startup culture, democratizing both the opportunities and tools for innovation. Rather than initiatives available only to high worth individuals or industries that have monopolized resources, startups and emerging entrepreneurs can harness the power of technology to innovate and upend traditional sectors. From artificial intelligence, blockchain technology or the cloud, startups can leverage solutions to grow their businesses faster without the need for enormous capital.

In an interconnected world, startups can capitalize on global markets from their inception. Digital marketing, e-commerce and remote work have further expanded

market availability for budding entrepreneurs who can access customers from all over the world.

The role of governments remains essential to enabling entrepreneurship. Governments foster entrepreneurship by creating the right environment for startups through grants, tax incentives and other forms of regulatory support. They encourage venture capitalists to provide startups with capital and get them off the ground. Governments can spur economic growth and innovation while promoting the creation of thousands of jobs that are the inevitable outcome of successful startups.

Nonprofits enable entrepreneurship in two ways — complementing the role of governments by providing funding to potential entrepreneurs, especially those from underprivileged communities, and mentoring and training potential entrepreneurs in such areas as business development, finance and information technology.

The business of running a business is a difficult one, one that demands perseverance. Navigating the complexities of the startup ecosystem requires adaptability, resilience and strategic thinking. By embracing technological advancements, leveraging support networks and tapping into government initiatives and nonprofit support, entrepreneurs can chart a course for success.

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

Airport deserves gratitude for high-flying operations

I’m not a frequent flier by any stretch of that term. But every time I book and board a flight, I’m grateful anew for the Grand Junction Regional Airport.

Contributors Business Briefs Business People Almanac

A new year affords a new opportunity to meet local needs

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.

For starters, I’m grateful I’ve got options to depart from Grand Junction rather than have to drive to an airport — and I’m thinking specifically of an airport located more than 200 miles away and over the rivers, through the woods and past so many rocky mountains. With connections from Grand Junction to a number of hubs, I’m able to get to my final destinations without too many legs or inconvenience. As an avid scuba diver living in land-locked Colorado, I’ve traveled to some far-flung destinations.

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.

Moreover, Breeze Airways expects to soon offer nonstop flights between Grand Junction and San Francisco. Which also happens to be where my oldest son, his lovely wife and their 2-year-old daughter live. Just imagine how eager a proud grandfather is to take advantage of that development.

As if that wasn’t reason enough for gratitude, there’s the remarkable convenience associated with the Grand Junction Regional Airport. The short drive there, if nothing else. But also the close-in parking and passages through the Transportation Safety Administration checkpoint measured in what are usually a few minutes.

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.

I mention all this not so much to share my travel preferences, but to add to what I consider a far larger and more important picture, and that’s the effects of the Grand Junction Regional Airport on the area, the business community and economy.

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.

The announcement the Grand Junction Regional Airport regained its position as the busiest airport in western Colorado in terms of commercial airline passenger service motivated me to interview Angela Padalecki, executive director of the airport.

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

I was amazed by what she told me was the confluence of two trends that could in 2024 result in what she expects will be a record year for not only the number of passengers served at the airport, but also the level of construction activity. Work continues at the airport on a new runway that’s expected to open in 2030, a $200 million project that ranks among the largest in Grand Valley history.

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?

Those great expectations continue to bode well.

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?

An airport offering connections to so many hubs offers not only convenience for residents traveling elsewhere, but easy access to tourists eager to come to the West Slope and enjoy all this region has to offer. The airplanes fly both ways. Here’s a sign of the times — the New York Times, that is, which in 2023 listed Grand Junction among its 52 places to go.

Even in an age of remote work and Zoom meetings, business people still have to travel. Given the connections afforded at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, they’re usually only one or two flights away from taking care of 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 plan to continue taking advantage of the Grand Junction Regional Airport. But I’m hardly alone. I’m just one of what likely will be 500,000 passengers traveling through the airport this year. There are good reasons for all of to be grateful.

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

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

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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.

What did you shoot? I honestly don’t care

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

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:

I’m back home from my annual golf trip with the “Michigan guys.” This time from not-so-sunny Arizona — instead of not-so-sunny-South Carolina last year. Although, eventually, we had enough sun in Arizona to get in four rounds of golf. It was my second golf trip of the year counting an excursion in February to Mesquite.

things correctly and consistently. As Hank Stram said: “Just keep matriculating the ball down the field, boys.” Yet, it’s a feat so rare with the Michigan boys or Junction boys or whichever gang of boys I’m hanging with at the time.

■ 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?

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.

Craig Hall

Neither trip was really about the golf. They never are. They’re about something much more important, if you’ve been following this column the past nine months of my life. These golf outings, and pretty much everything in which I partake in every day, are about my ability to participate in life the way I used to. Even at the smallest of levels.

Craig Hall

It’s all due to the battle of good and evil raging inside the collective craniums of the four guys on the tee box hitting “two off one” to start the round. It’s an undeniable fact that 90 percent of the time when lining up a golf shot, the golfer is thinking about something else. Now it might be about where the ball is going to go, but the best thinking on that image is done before the shot. For most golfers, the mind is saying, “Don’t hit it in the water.” Now all the golfer is thinking about is the water. And take it from me, that’s where the ball will go 90 percent of the time. For you non-golfers, it’s the same if the golfer’s mind is on the sand, out of bounds or that house on the right.

I didn’t write those words to elicit sympathy. Rather, I wrote them for the simplest of reasons. I’m fortunate to be alive to do golf trips, take my rehab walks, make dinner, go to the office or even wake up. Let’s be honest, the opportunities to do anything are gifts from God. While I’ve tempted fate with his flaming counterpart on hundreds of occasions during my six decades plus on this orb, I never almost died. Well, there were a couple of bell-ringing car crashes, but I walked away from those. My heart attack and subsequent open heart surgery last summer changed my perspective. In my life, golf always brings 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.”

Maybe it’s because golf isn’t played on the 6,000 yards — it used to be 7,000, but we’re all over 60 years old now — so beautifully displayed for our visual enjoyment against incredible backdrops. Arizona didn’t disappoint this time around. Rather, golf is played on the 6-inch tract between the player’s ears — which at times can be a lifeless, miserable, abyss fraught with fear, trepidation and evil lurking in every hazard and all-too-many out of bounds markers. The most difficult, ruthless course ever designed is inside the golfer’s head. One even Pete Dye couldn’t bring to life, although he’s played it.

If you’ve ever played golf, you understand my last paragraph. In golf, bad shots rarely result from a lack of talent, know-how or experience. In the gang I spent the past week with, we’ve hit hundreds of thousands — if not millions — of shots, taken lessons and have been playing the game for 40 years to a man. All you need to do is about five or six

■ 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

■ 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.

The other problem all of us hacks have is we can’t get our minds on the game we’re playing. The mind is worried about work, family, the economy — when the price of hamburgers on the menu range from $19 to $25, it can’t be helped — and myriad other things. Some golfers have to explain to their wives why it takes seven hours to play a four-hour round. Which is why the beer cart girl gets so much attention, apparently.

Yes, some of the guys I play with play well. Heck, even I play well from time to time. I did from time to time this last trip, which made the excursion more enjoyable. But as time rolls along, we tend to talk about the bad shots more than the good ones. Maybe because there are more bad ones. But in golf, just like in life, the longer you play, the more stuff happens.

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.

Maybe that’s why breakfast at the condo comes with not only coffee, bagels, eggs, sausage and orange juice, but also athletic tape, ointments and prescriptions. And why instead of scores, drives and shots, the boys talk about life, retirement and family.

I can’t tell you how many times I was asked, “How you doing today, Craigy?” But it was a lot. And it meant a lot. Because it’s no longer about golf. As my buddy Davey Boy put it last week, “We’re just not that good anymore.”

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 not at golf. But thank God I can be at life.

In golf and life, we don’t know how many shots we have left. I can only hope I’m way over par in life.

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 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

Phil Castle

Growing role of women in business operations well worth celebrating

This year we observe the 37th anniversary of Women’s History Month, an annual celebration of women’s contributions to business as well as culture, history and society.

Women have been a driving force behind America’s economic rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, creating 50 percent of all new businesses since 2020. In 2023, women opened more than 1,200 new businesses each day. That includes women of color, who experienced some of the highest business growth rates in American history. This post pandemic boom has been fueled by policies that encourage new business growth and expansion. President Joe Biden’s investing in America agenda reopened our nation’s economy, brought back made in America manufacturing and restored America’s global competitiveness.

As a proud first-generation AsianAmerican whose mother owned and operated a small medical practice in Iowa, I learned from her experiences running a successful business helps the community by providing needed services and good paying jobs. During Women’s History Month and throughout the year, the U.S. Small Business Administration provides the training, capital and contracts women need to benefit from the president’s pro-business agenda.

The president’s small business boom has transformed the nation’s economy and revitalized America’s main streets in both urban and rural communities. More than 16.5 million new business applications were filed over the last three years — a record 5.5 million in 2023 alone. Under President Biden, the United States has enjoyed the first, second and third strongest years of business growth in history.

Between 2019 to 2023, the growth rate of women-owned businesses outpaced their male counterparts by an incredible 94 percent with women-owned firms now making up 39 percent of all businesses. What’s even more transformative is that women are now disrupting such traditionally male-dominated industries as construction, manufacturing and technology.

Recent SBA data shows women comprise 47.3 percent of workers and own 43.2 percent of businesses. More than 12 million women-owned businesses generated a record total of $1.5 trillion in revenue nationwide, with $387 billion coming from minority owned businesses. The number of firms owned by women is increasing at a rate 1.5 times the national

SBA data shows women comprise 47.3 percent of workers and own 43.2 percent of businesses. More than 12 million women-owned businesses generated a record total of $1.5 trillion in revenue nationwide.

average, and many of those businesses are started by people of color and veterans.

President Biden’s investing in America agenda has made access to capital a priority. In the 2023 fiscal year, the SBA backed more than 13,000 commercial loans worth a collective $5 billion to women entrepreneurs through its signature 504 and 7(a) loan guarantee programs. After declining between 2017 and 2020, the number of SBA-backed loans to women is growing, with a 70 percent increase in lending since 2020.

SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman has made it one of her priorities to address systemic gaps in access to capital for the smallest, underserved businesses, especially businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans and those located in rural communities.

The SBA has built an extensive support network of resource partners that provide a wide range of services for women entrepreneurs. Our network of Women’s Business Centers provides coaching, mentoring and training to entrepreneurs across the country. Over the years, WBCs have supported more than 150,000 women entrepreneurs whose businesses in turn generated $1.7 billion in revenue and created 17,000 new jobs.

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) federal contract program offers another source of assistance in providing a level playing field for women business owners competing for federal contracts. The federal government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the WOSB program.

It’s important during Women’s History Month to recognize the increasing role women play in our local, state and national economies.

Aikta Marcoulier serves as administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Region VIII. She oversees the programs and services of the federal agency in Colorado as well as Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.sba.gov or follow the agency on Twitter @ SBARockymtn.

About that strong economy ... Key reports indicate otherwise

It’s amazing what political talk and diminished expectations can achieve. I keep hearing about our strong economy. But then I look at the data and assorted key reports and think, “Really?”

Raymond Keating

First, let’s get some perspective on economic growth. Yes, the second half of 2023 experienced strong growth with real annualized growth in gross domestic product — the broad measure of goods and services produced in the country — registering 4.9 percent in the third quarter and 3.2 percent in the fourth quarter. That was welcome news.

For all of 2023, however, the economy grew at only 2.5 percent in real terms. Over the past 17 years, real GDP growth averaged a woeful 1.8 percent, which was half the average rate of 3.6 percent that prevailed from 1950 to 2006. And over these past 17 years, the top real annual rate of growth was 3 percent in 2018 — the only year to touch 3 percent.

So here’s the source of diminished expectations — along with presidential administrations and members of Congress over this period playing politics and claiming the economy is growing rapidly when it aligned with their interests to do so.

But the United States isn’t destined for under-performing growth. Instead, slow growth effectively has been a choice made by policymakers who’ve imposed policies that raise costs and diminish entrepreneurship and investment.

Second, the latest reports of what’s going on in the economy have pointed to a poor start for 2024 — as the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council noted in an analysis of durable goods, industrial production, manufacturing, personal income and retail sales.

Third, the latest Federal Reserve Beige Book didn’t exactly point in a positive direction on growth. In fact, the summary of commentary on current economic conditions opened this way: “Economic activity increased slightly, on balance, since early January, with eight districts reporting slight to modest growth in activity, three others reporting no change and one district noting a slight softening.”

Indeed, my concerns were not relieved by much of what was said in the rest of the report. Manufacturing was “largely unchanged.” Consumer spending “inched down.” As for jobs — “Employment rose at a slight to modest pace in most districts.” Businesses apparently confronted persisting price pressures.

My hope lies in the hopes expressed by those surveyed by the Fed: “The outlook for future economic growth remained generally positive, with contacts noting expectations for stronger demand and less restrictive financial conditions over the next six to 12 months.”

I’ll take “generally positive” at this point, especially with this being a bizarre election year and a clear pro-growth agenda of significant tax and regulatory relief, free trade and reining in government spending seemingly being absent from the policy debate.

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.

Aikta

Marcoulier

Opinion Business Briefs

n ENSTROM CANDIES FEATURED IN EPISODE OF CONFECTIONERY INDUSTRY SERIES

John Downs

Business People

Enstrom Candies in Grand Junction is featured in the second season of a documentary series about the confectionery industry.

The National Confectioners Association produces “The Sweet Life,” an award-winning streaming series that offers a behind-the-scene look at the companies and people who make chocolates, candies, mints and gums.

“The confection industry is the quintessential American manufacturing success story, and ‘The Sweet Life’ shines a spotlight on the hard-working people who have mastered the craft of candy making,” said John Downs, president and chief executive officer of the National Confectioners Association. “We are proud to feature and showcase the stories of the companies and their employees in a format and style that is powerful and compelling.”

By one estimate, the confectionery industry employs a total of nearly 58,000 people in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across the United States. For every job the confectionery industry creates, another 11 are supported in related industries.

Enstrom Candies is among eight companies featured in the second season of the series. Rocky Mountain Chocolate in Durango also is featured.

Chet Enstrom and his wife, Vernie, founded Enstrom Candies in 1960 in part to sell the almond toffee Chet made as gifts for family and friends. Within five years, what started out as a mom and pop candy kitchen was shipping almond toffee around the world. Subsequent generations of the family continue to operate the company.

To watch “The Sweet Life” and the episode on Enstrom Candies, visit https://candyusa.com/the-sweet-life. For additional information about Enstrom Candies, visit www.enstrom.com.

n TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR CMU ENTREPRENEURSHIP DAY LUNCHEON

Tickets are now available for the upcoming Entrepreneurship Day luncheon at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

The luncheon is set for noon May 2 at the University Center Meyer Ballroom.

The event will feature Phillips Armstrong Jr., founder and chief executive officer of Destination Hospitality Group based in Steamboat Springs. The company operates restaurants and hotels in Colorado and Hawaii resorts.

Armstrong brings to his role more than 25 years of industry experience. He’s expected to discuss in his keynote address the importance of hospitality and human connections.

In addition, the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award will be presented at the luncheon to recognize an individual who’s contributed to economic development. Nominations for the award will be accepted through April 10. For more information, call (970) 248-1902.

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

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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 GRAND JUNCTION-BASED FIRM ANNOUNCES PET CARE INDUSTRY BUNDLED TRANSACTION

A Grand Junction-based pet care industry brokerage and advisory firm announced the sale of three pet care brands with a total of five facilities to a private equity firm.

The transaction follows what was in 2023 a record year for PET|VET M&A Sales & Advisory with 200 transactions worth a total of $450 million.

Under the bundled transaction, Trivest Partners and its pet services platform, Pet Resort Hospitality Group, purchased the Meadowlake Pet Resort and Training Center in Texas, Playtime Pet Resort in Pennsylvania and Williamsburg Pet Hotel and Suites in Missouri.

“The unparalleled success of this bundle asset sale far surpassed our initial expectations,” said Teija Heikkilä, founder, chief executive officer and principal broker of PET|VET M&A, Sales & Advisory. “Not only did our clients secure historically high multipliers in pricing, setting unprecedented benchmarks within the industry, but we also witnessed the highest level of participation from leading private equity firms. This enthusiastic engagement resulted in the remarkable valuations for the assets involved.”

Heikkilä said her firm will launch a targeted marking mailer campaign to showcase recent successes and the services it offers the pet care industry. For more information about PET|VET M&A, Sales & Advisory, visit www.petvetsales.com.

n REGISTRATION NOW UNDER WAY FOR VIRTUAL SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT

Registration is under way for a free virtual small business summit.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE have scheduled the 2024 National Small Business Week virtual summit for April 30 and May 1.

The event will feature educational workshops, access to federal government resources and networking opportunities. A detailed agenda and list of speakers will be published at a later date.

“SCORE is proud to co-host the National Small Business Week virtual summit with SBA,” said Bridget Weston, chief executive officer of SCORE, a network of volunteer business mentors. “At SCORE, we believe that anyone can succeed in their business journey given the right tools and support. Every year, we look forward to this event and the opportunity to connect entrepreneurs with helpful, educational tools and resources from the experts themselves.”

To register or obtain more information about the summit, visit www.sba.gov/NSBW. F

Advanced Skin Care and Laser Center in Grand Junction was recognized as one of the topic clinics in the United States.

Allergen Aesthetics — a manufacturer of such treatments as Botox, Juvederm and CoolSculpting — ranked Advanced Skin Care and Laser Center 398th out of more than 40,000 clinics nationwide. Advanced Skin Care and Laser Center was the only clinic in western Colorado to be recognized.

“To be a top 500 clinic out of over 40,000 in the country is great honor,” said Dr. Joyce Sekharan, chief medical director of Advanced Skin Care and Laser Center. “It reflects the strength of businesses in Grand Junction as well as our volume and skills as providers of medical aesthetics. We wouldn’t have been able to receive this without our clients. We believe in good treatments and good customer care. We really focus on building trust and educating our clients on enhancing their natural beauty.”

Advanced Skin Care and Laser Center has offered skin care treatments and other services for more than 23 years. Dr. Jill Hilty, a board-certified family practice physician, founded the practice in 2001. Sekharan took over as majority partner in 2021.

The practice offers injectables; laser and body treatments; and such other services as chemical peels, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion and microneedling.

Advanced Skin Care and Laser Center is located at 120 W. Park Drive, Suite 12. For more information, visit www.advancedskincaregj.com or call (970) 254-2400.

Joyce Sekharan

Teija Heikkilä

Phillips Armstrong

Bridget Weston

Opinion Business Briefs

Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN LEADERSHIP CONGRESS

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March 25

Business People Almanac THE BUSINESS News Trends

Two Grand Valley high school students have been selected to participate in the National Student Leadership Congress in Washington, D.C.

Angelina Alejandre, a junior at Central High School, and Terrence Liu, a sophomore at Grand Junction High School, will join with nearly 170 other students from across the United States in the six-day program at American University in June.

Participants in the National Student Leadership Congress will join in a mock congress in which they’ll explore and debate solutions to issues. Participants also will meet one-on-one with members of the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill to share their stories as soon-to-be first-generation college students.

Alejandre and Liu are first-generation students in the TRIO Upward Bound program at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. The program helps students with high school academics, advices them on high school and college course selections and exposes them to college experiences.

Shelby Burroughs Pryzgoda, director of the TRIO Upward Bound program, praised Alejandre and Liu.

“Angelina is a motivated student and dedicated Upward Bound member. Since joining Upward Bound last year, Angelina has gone above and beyond to reach her future goal of becoming an attorney,” Burroughs Pryzgoda said.

“Terrence is an incredible student who wants to dedicate his career to helping others. He makes the most of every opportunity, and I know this experience will help him grow even more as a leader, student and person,” Burroughs Pryzgoda said.

Alejandre and Liu said they’re excited about participating in the National Student Leadership Congress.

“The National Student Leadership Congress will give me a platform to speak on issues I am passionate about, such as higher education, homelessness and injustice,” Alejandre said.

Liu, who also aspires to become a lawyer, said he hopes to work with other students to find solutions to such problems as the rise in poverty among young people, the increasing cost of college and reforming the path to citizenship.

Students at Central and Grand Junction high schools interested in the TRIO Upward Bound program should talk with their high school counselors.

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 at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

n REAL ESTATE FIRM HONORS TOP AGENTS FOR FEBRUARY

Mike Moran and Kathy Tomkins were honored as the top agents for February at Heiden Homes Realty in Grand Junction.

Moran posted the highest dollar volume in sales and tied with Tomkins for the most closed transactions for the month.

Moran started working in the real estate industry in 2012 after a 30-year career in the media industry.

Tompkins brings to her job experience as a general contractor and owner of heavy equipment construction and mobile home supply businesses.

Heiden Homes Realty operates offices at 735 Rood Ave. For more information, including properties for sale and rent, visit www.heidenhomes.com or call 245-7777.

n NOMINATIONS DUE MARCH 31 FOR ANNUAL GJEP AWARDS

Nominations will be accepted through March 31 for annual awards presented by the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.

The Joseph Prinster Leadership Award will honor an individual who’s made notable contributions to 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 also seeking opportunities to promote economic vitality. GJEP will present the awards at the Western Colorado Economic Summit set for April 16.

Nominations may be submitted to selena@gjep.org. F

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce quarterly membership luncheon and town hall discussion on business priorities, noon to 1:30 p.m., Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Admission $25 for chamber members, $35 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214

March 28

n Bookkeeping bootcamp, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Admission $75, which includes lunch. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242

n Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m., location to be determined. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org

April 2

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 Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Veterans in Business monthly muster, noon to 1 p.m., location to be determined https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894

Upcoming

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m. April 4, location to be determined. Admission $18 for chamber members, $30 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org

Contributors

Opinion Business Business People

THE Business

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

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon April 10, Buffalo Wild Wings, 2412 U.S. Highway 6 & 50. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 11, Colorado Mesa University Tech, 2508 Blichmann Ave., Grand Junction. Admission $5 for chamber members, $15 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 5 to 10 p.m. April 13, Absolute Prestige Ranch, 1351 Q Road, Loma. Admission $80 for members, $125 for others. Member tables sell for $600. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894

n Western Colorado Economic Summit, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction. Admission $100. Sponsorship tables for 10 sell for $1,000. www.gjep.org/wces

n Free workshop on cash flows for small business startups, noon to 1 p.m. April 16, Business Incubator Center. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242

n Western Colorado Human Resource Association monthly program and presentation on job hopping, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 17, Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. Members attend at no additional charge. Guests pay $20. www.wchra.org

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce members only business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 23, ImageNet Consulting, 2297 Tall Grass Drive, Unit B. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214

n Colorado Mesa University Entrepreneurship Day Luncheon and keynote presentation by Phillips Armstrong Jr., founder and chief executive officer of Destination Hospitality Group, noon May 2, University Center Meyer Ballroom. Admission $65 per person, $650 for a table sponsorship and $1,200 for a destination sponsorship. https://engage.supportingcmu.org/event/ 2024-entrepreneurship-day/e557904.

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce state of the valley presentation, noon to 2 p.m. May 8, Grand Junction Convention Center. Admission $25 for chamber members, $30 for others.https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce legislative wrapup, May 14, time and location to be determined. Admission $25 for chamber members, $30 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 F

Mike Moran

Kathy Tomkins