The Business Times Volume 31 Issue 7

In this issue

n Coalition evolves

A group formed to promote the outdoor recreation industry has embarked on what’s termed a new chapter.

n Cyber expert

The leader of a cybersecurity company is expected to share his insights as a keynote speaker at an economic summit. A

n Medal finalist Mesa County Libraries

among the finalists for a national award recognizing museum and library efforts.

n Jobless rate up

The latest jobless rate in Mesa County has edged up, but is expected to retreat in the spring and summer.

n Quiet on the front

Since legislative efforts are usually more subdued in presidential election years, the labor law front remains quiet.

Outdoor recreation coalition evolving

A coalition formed nearly 10 years ago to promote the outdoor recreation industry has embarked on what the organization terms a new chapter.

The Grand Valley Outdoor Coalition is establishing itself as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization with a newly appointed executive director.

Business People

Sarah Shrader, founder of the coalition and president of its board, said she’s pleased by the efforts of the group and the results. “In just a short decade, our community has reinvented itself into one of the most coveted places to live, work and play in the Rocky Mountain West.”

Chandler Smith brings more than 20 years of experience in the industry to his appointment as the executive director.

“I intend to lead the organization with passion and a true commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. Stewardship, providing equitable access, fostering sustainable growth and securing funding for our outdoor recreation infrastructure are a few of the initiatives we plan to champion.”

The changes follow two grants from the ZOMA Foundation, which supports the efforts of rural communities to explore economic drivers that promote growth and resilience.

The changes also follow a six-month planning initiative that took into account the comments of the coalition leadership council, business and community leaders who participated in discussions and the 1,300 residents who completed a survey.

According to the results of the survey, more than 80 percent of the people who live in the Grand Valley do so because of access to outdoor recreation.

The Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition in turn adopted a new mission and three-year strategic plan. The organization also launched a website to serve as an online gateway to outdoor recreation in the region.

The coalition was launched in 2015 to promote the outdoor recreation industry by supporting existing businesses, recruiting new businesses and marketing the area as a destination for a variety of activities.

See COALITION page 14

Curtis Englehart, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, oversees the efforts of the economic development organization. For 2023, GJEP supported a total of 10 business relocations or expansions — a record number that’s expected to account in turn for a total economic effect of nearly $52.3 million.

For the record

Organization reports on effects of economic development efforts

The staff and board of directors of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership set some audacious goals for 2023 — among them to support a total of 10 business relocations or expansions by the end of the year.

For more about a 3-D rendering firm relocating from Belgium to Fruita, see Page 4.

The economic development organization not only achieved that goal, but also set a record in the process. Moreover, those so-called “wins” are expected to result in a total economic effect of nearly $52.3 million. That means every dollar invested in GJEP returned $65 in economic effects.

GJEP highlighted those numbers and more in its recently released annual report for 2023 and will review them again as part of the Western Colorado Economic Summit scheduled for April 16 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

Curtis Englehart, executive director of GJEP, says the staff and board were gratified with what was in 2023 the best year for the organization. “Everyone is very pleased and excited.”

Moreover, Englehart expects that momentum to carry into this year as GJEP works with more than 100 prospects and 18 leads. “We’re very optimistic about 2024.”

GJEP reported it’s support for 10 of what it termed quality business relocations and expansions in 2023 while also engaging in 16 local assists and ongoing support to businesses that previously relocated or expanded.

The biggest of the 10 wins, Englehart says, was the announcement in October a Costco Wholesale operation will See RECORD page 18

Cybersecurity executive keynote speaker at summit

The executive of a cybersecurity firm is expected to share his insights into information technology protection as a keynote speaker at the Western Colorado Economic Summit.

Kurtis Minder, chief executive officer and co-founder of GroupSense, will speak at the summit, set for April 16 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

Minder has negotiated some of the largest data breach, extortion and ransomware cases worldwide. GroupSense is a leading provider of digital risk services that protect some of the largest businesses and government organizations.

“We are honored to have Kurtis Minder speak at this year’s Western Colorado Economic Summit. His unparalleled expertise and visionary leadership will be invaluable in informing our community on the importance of cybersecurity and ways leaders can protect their organizations from potential threats,” says Curtis Englehart, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. GJEP stages the summit.

Minder says the economic effects of cyberattacks have escalated. “The larger public needs to be better

See SUMMIT page 16

Sarah Shrader

Kurtis Minder

Chandler Smith

Copyright

Tandem Studio produces three-dimensional architectural renderings for residential, commercial, landscaping and interior design projects. The company recently moved from Belgium to Fruita. (Rendering courtesy Tandem Studio)

Belgium firm moves its operation to Fruita

A firm that produces three-dimensional architectural renderings has moved from Belgium to Fruita.

Tandem Studio operates out of the Fruita Arts & Recreation Marketplace, a downtown building that houses an eclectic mix of entrepreneurs and artists as well as retail outlets.

“Tandem Studio will be an excellent fit for Fruita as they contribute to the creativity and innovation of the region,” said Steve Jozefczyk, deputy director for the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, which announced the move.

Owned by Ludivine and François Crucifix, Tandem Studio uses cutting-edge technology to produce three-dimensional renderings for residential, commercial, landscaping and interior design projects. François Crucifix said the proximity to nature and outdoor recreation as well as the family friendly atmosphere attracted them to Fruita.

“In addition to working on European projects, I was looking for new horizons to expand my business. I’m excited to work on projects that are exotic to me. The amazing mix of the western Colorado landscapes and American building habits makes me eager to create inspired architectural design renderings,” he said.

“Moving from Belgium to work and live in Fruita is also an intense family experience, fitting an outdoor lifestyle we

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

were dreaming of,” he added.

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership supported the relocation by providing connections to the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade and Colorado Mesa University as well as assisting with letters of support for visa approval.

Tandem Studio plans to partner with CMU Tech with internships as well as job opportunities for graduates of drafting and manufacturing technology programs, Crucifix said. “Fruita and the Grand Junction area provides me with a growing perspective with a dynamic building industry and a skilled talent pool trained in CMU Tech’s programs.”

Jozefczyk praised the effort. “We look forward to seeing their collaboration with CMU Tech and to seeing them provide new job opportunities in Mesa County. The positive impact they’ll have on our community, both economically and culturally, is something we can all look forward to.” F

Higher interest rates slow real estate sales

But Mesa County building permits indicate pace of new home construction picking up

Phil Castle The Business Times

Higher interest rates and lower residential inventories continue to hamper real estates sales in Mesa County.

But Robert Bray finds encouragement in the latest numbers in an increase in new home construction. “New home construction is back. It’s really pretty strong” said Bray, chief executive officer of Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction.

Moreover, demand for housing remains strong, as does the Mesa County economy, Bray said. When interest rates on mortgages retreat, he expects sales to rebound.

Jenn Hardey, marketing director for Fidelity National Title in Colorado, said 281 real estate transactions worth a total of $164 million were reported in Mesa County in March. Compared to the same month a year ago, transactions decreased 14.3 percent, but dollar volume increased 20.6 percent.

Hardey said 15 large transactions worth a combined $65 million bolstered dollar volume in March 2024. They included the sale of two parcels of vacant land in Gateway to Mountain Island Ranch for a total of $36.6 million.

Through the first quarter of 2024, 727 transactions were reported, Hardey said. That’s down 3.6 percent from the first quarter of 2023.

Robert Bray

Jenn Hardey

According to numbers Bray & Co. tracks for the residential real estate market, 187 transactions worth a total of almost $79.4 million were reported in Mesa County in March. Compared to the same month a year ago, transactions decreased 28.3 percent and dollar volume declined 25.9 percent.

For the first quarter of 2024, 477 residential transactions worth a total of nearly $196.2 million were reported. Compared to the first quarter of 2023, transactions were down 15.7 percent and dollar volume fell 14.4 percent.

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

That’s also kept residential inventories low, he said. As of the end of March, there were 420 active residential listings in Mesa County, he said. That’s down slightly from the 433 active listings at this time last year.

The median price of homes sold in the first quarter of 2024 rose 1.6 percent on a year-over-year basis to $370,000. Still, price appreciation has slowed compared to what were double-digit increases.

Meanwhile, the pace of new home construction has picked up, he said. A total of 54 single-family building permits were issued in Mesa County in March, up from 31 for the same month a year ago. Through the first quarter of 2024, 135 permits were issued. That’s up 29.8 percent from the first quarter of 2023.

“That’s a dramatic movement There’s some very good news in that.”

Mesa County Libraries medal finalist

Mesa County Libraries is among the finalists for a national award recognizing the contributions of museums and libraries to their communities.

Mesa County Libraries is among 30 finalists — the only one from Colorado — for the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

County Libraries. “We are very honored and proud of our staff, volunteers and board who work tirelessly to create an environment that fosters community engagement and our continued mission of enriching lives and building community through opportunities to learn, discover, create and connect.”

National medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored during a national medals ceremony in Washington, D.C., this summer.

Meetings set to gather comments on interim housing

M. Boisvenue-Fox

The Institute of Museum and Library Services bestows the medal, the highest honor awarded to museums and libraries for their community services. An independent federal agency, the IMLS provides grants, policy development and research.

“Being named a finalist for the IMLS national medal places Mesa County Libraries programs and services on a national level,” said Michelle Boisvenue-Fox, executive director of Mesa

To celebrate the honor, IMLS encourages Mesa County residents to share stories, memories, pictures and videos about Mesa County Libraries on social media using the hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals and engage with IMLS on X, Facebook and Instagram.

For more information about the Institute of Museum and Library Services, viisit www.imls.gov.

Two public meetings are scheduled to discuss interim housing in Grand Junction, including regulations, potential locations, site designs and management.

The City of Grand Junction has scheduled a virtual meeting for 6 p.m. April 10. An in-person open house style meeting is set for 5 p.m. April 18 at the Lincoln Park Barn located at 910 N. 12th St.

At the public meetings, city staff will share information gathered by the interim housing work group about successful programs in which temporary shelters and parking sites are thoughtfully and safely managed.

Interim housing describes different types of temporary shelters for those who are unhoused — either chronically or temporarily. This can include safe outdoor spaces, areas for vehicle parking and interim shelters. These shelters aren’t meant to be permanent buildings, but serve as safe interim housing locations until permanent housing can be identified.

The group is comprised of business leaders, the executives of nonprofit organizations, representatives from faith communities, service providers and individuals who’ve experienced being unhoused. The group also includes city staff, including members of the police and fire departments.

“The interim housing work group has done a great deal of research into options that are working well in other communities across Colorado as well as in other states,” said Tamra Allen, community development director for the City of Grand Junction. “We have reached out to programs with a proven track record of success for their insight as to best practices, management processes and safety protocols.”

“We would model any program we develop after those that are proving to assist in transitioning people out of homelessness,” Allen said. “The model programs being reviewed are those sites managed by service providers who, in addition to access to restrooms and showers, can also offer resources, housing navigation and referrals for their personal or household needs, while ensuring effective oversight.”

More information about interim housing is available on EngageGJ.org/ Interim-Housing. The project page on EngageGJ.org acts as an interactive platform that enables people to participate in the discussion while also providing comments about interim housing code development and opportunities.

Association among Every Kid Outdoors grantees

The Colorado National Monument Association has received a $5,000 award to support its work to connect elementary school students with local parks, public lands and waters.

The association is among the 2024 grantees of the Every Kid Outdoors small grants program. The National Park Trust developed the program in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

J. van Waveren

The Colorado National Monument Association will use the funds to pay for bus transportation to bring school groups to Colorado National Monument for field trips.

“The cost of field trips, including the expense of bus transportation, can affect whether teachers, students and

their families are able to attend a field trip. This grant will help community students by improving elementary school access to Colorado National Monument,” said Johanna van Waveren, executive director of the Colorado National Monument Association. “We thank the National Park Trust for this opportunity and look forward to supporting fields trips for the 2024 school season.”

Field trips offer many benefits, van Waveren said. Learning in new settings and from different instructors can help students gain a better understanding of their learning preferences. Field trips to the Colorado National Monument foster personal connections to the Grand Valley’s unique natural environments, she said. Ranger-led Colorado National Monument field trips are aligned to state and national academic science standards.

Since 2009, the National Park Trust has addressed

the lack of transportation to outdoor spaces and one of the most significant barriers to getting children outdoors to experience nature. The Every Kid Outdoors program is designed to provide every fourth grader in the United States an opportunity to visit public lands and waters for free with their families.

For 2024, the National Park Trust and U.S. Forest Service awarded 41 grants worth a total of almost $155,000.

“The Forest Service believes every kid should have access to nature — whether it be a community park or a national forest. We are so proud to partner with the National Park Trust to provide families and school groups across the country with access to outdoor adventures,” said Melissa Taggart, an environmental education specialist with the U.S. Forest Service.

FEfforts underway in the Grand Valley to beat the beetles

The City of Grand Junction, Mesa County and Colorado State University Tri-River Area Extension will collaborate on continued efforts to eradicate Japanese beetles.

Homeowners are encouraged to apply GrubEx to eradicate beetles in the grub stage through May. Anyone using licensed landscapers should request they spray Acelepryn in mid-May.

GrubEx is a human and pet-safe pesticide available at local nurseries and hardware stores. Only licensed landscapers can apply Acelepryn.

Homeowners can reduce habitat for Japanese beetles by reducing how often lawns are watered — letting the first 2 to 3 inches dry out before watering again — and choosing low-water or plants that are unattractive to beetles.

“Colorado is the perfect habitat for these destructive pests, starting with turf and including plants that are attractive food for adult beetles,” said Rob Davis, a forester with the City of Grand Junction. “During the winter, the larvae dig deeper into the dirt and are protected from the cold and snow. As the weather warms up in the spring, they get closer to the surface and emerge as adult beetles.”

Beetles usually emerge from the end of June through the beginning of September. Females lay eggs in moist turf grass in late August.

Eradication efforts, including spraying and lawn application of pesticides, have proved effective. But they must be widespread to curb the beetle population in all stages.

The larvae live in and damage turfgrass ecosystems, and adults feed on more than 300 types of plants. Beetle populations can spread 1 mile to 5 miles a year, putting local crops, orchards and vineyards at risk for these destructive pests.

Residents are encouraged to monitor their plants and turf for the presence of the Japanese beetles and report any sightings of the pest to the Japanese beetle hotline at (970) 248-7000 or online.

Index: Colorado business leaders more confident

Colorado business leaders are more upbeat heading into the second quarter, according to the latest results of an index tracking their expectations.

The Leeds Business Confidence Index rose 8.4 points to 53.7 for the second quarter of 2024, the first time the overall reading has moved into positive territory since 2022. Readings above 50 reflect more positive than negative responses to the survey upon which the index is based.

Looking ahead to the third quarter, the overall reading slipped seven-tenths of a point, but remained positive at 53.

All six individual components of the index increased between the first and second quarters to above 50.

The business research division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado calculates the index based on quarterly surveys of business leaders from across the state and industry sectors.

Expectations for the Colorado economy rose 6.9 points to 54.1. Among the 178 business leaders responding to the survey upon which the second quarter index was based, 38.2 percent expected moderate or strong increases in the economy, 38.8 percent anticipated no change and 23 percent forecast moderate or strong decreases.

Expectations for the national economy rose 4.8 points to 51 percent with 34.8 percent of business leaders expecting moderate or strong increases, 33.7 percent no change and 31.4 percent moderate or strong decreases.

Expectations for sales increased 11.9 points to 57.9, the highest reading for the second quarter among the individual components. While 44.1 percent of leaders anticipated moderate or strong increases in sales, 39.9 percent expected no change and 15.7 percent forecast moderate or strong decreases.

Expectations for profits rose 11.2 points to 56.6 with 41 percent of leaders forecasting moderate or strong increases, 42.7 percent no change and 16.2 percent moderate or strong decreases.

Expectations for capital expenditures rose nine points to 52.2 with 30.9 percent of leaders anticipating moderate or strong increases in capital spending, 50 percent no change and 19.1 percent moderate or strong decreases in spending.

Expectations for hiring increased 5.3 points to 50.1, the lowest reading for the second quarter among the individual components. While 25.8 percent of business leaders expected moderate to strong increases in hiring, 50.6 percent anticipated no change and 23.6 percent forecast moderate or strong layoffs.

Index tracking rural economies at four-year low

A monthly index tracking the economy in rural areas of Colorado and nine other states has retreated to its lowest level in nearly four years.

The overall reading for the Rural Mainstreet Index dropped 8.2 points to 38 in March. That’s below growth-neutral 50 and the lowest level since June 2020 and the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The overall reading for Colorado fell 1.7 points, but at 68.3 remained the highest among the 10 states.

“Higher interest rates, weaker agricultural commodity prices and higher grain storage costs pushed the overall reading to its lowest level since the early months of the pandemic,” said Ernie Goss, an economics professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., who compiles the index. He bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of bank executives in rural areas of a 10-state region.

In Colorado, the new hiring component of the index rose 4.4 points to 61, but the farm and ranch land component fell four-tenths of a point to 62.9. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in rural areas of the state grew 6.3 percent, compared to a seven-tenths of a percent gain in urban areas.

Across the region, the component of the index tracking confidence fell 4.4 points to 36.

A new hiring component rose 3.2 points to 52.2. Most bankers reported no changes in hiring since February.

The home and retail sales component rose 6.3 points, but at 41.7 remained weak. “Elevated mortgage rates and a limited supply of homes are sinking the home sales index below growth neutral in rural areas,” Goss said.

The loan volume component of the index jumped 13.2 points to 79.2.

The farming and ranch land prices component fell 1.7 points, but at 56 remained above growth neutral. But the farm equipment sales component tumbled 19.1 points to 30.4, the lowest reading since May 2020.

Glade Park fire fair set

An event offering information to children and adults about various aspects of fire safety is set for May 4 at the Glade Park Fire House.

The Glade Park Fire Mitigation Co-op has scheduled its fire fair for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair will be held in conjunction with National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day.

The Glade Park Volunteer Fire Department will display its firefighting equipment and deploy a firefighter’s emergency fire shelter.

The Lower Valley Fire District will bring its inflatable house that children and adults can enter and learn about potential

fire hazards and how to escape.

The Mesa County mobile incident command center will be set up.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management will display firefighting trucks and equipment, while Grand Valley Power will offer information about power supplies and fire. The Colorado West Land Trust will offer information about conservation and fire mitigation opportunities. The Red Cross will offer information about fire alarms and evacuations. The Colorado Forest Service will provide information about tree and forest health.

Free hotdogs and drinks will be served. F The

BLM councils plan field tour on May 1

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management Northwest and Southwest resource advisory councils have scheduled a joint field tour and meeting.

The tour is set to start at 10 a.m. May 1 at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 N. Palmer St. in Delta. Participants will visit the Dominguez-Esclante Canyon National Conservation Area. The tour is expected to conclude by 3 p.m.

The tour is open to the public, but participants must provide their own transportation and meals. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. Reservations are due April 17.

The two resource councils also have scheduled a public meeting for 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 2 at the recreation center.

The agenda for the meeting includes field office updates, a discussion of the Dominguez-Esclante Canyon National Conservation Area business plan and Escalante Ranch land acquisition.

A public comment period is set for 2:30 p.m. Participants who want to make a statement are encouraged to submit written copies of their statements for the administrative record.

Resource councils provide advice and recommendations to the BLM.

For more information or to register for the field tour, call (970) 826-5101 or email BLM_CO_NWRAC@blm.gov.

Lower Valley Fire District is expected to set up its fire safety house at a fire fair planned for the Glade Park Fire House. (Photo courtesy Bert Nieslanik)

Coalition

Continued from page 2

A study conducted by researchers at Colorado Mesa University concluded outdoor recreation contributes more than $484 million a year to the Mesa County economy and accounts for nearly 10,000 jobs.

Nathan Perry, an associate professor of economics at CMU, was lead author of the study. Perry joined with Tim Casey, a professor of political science and head of the Natural Resource Center at CMU, and Johnny Snyder, a professor of computer information systems. They received funding from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and Zoma Labs.

While the study only estimated the economic effects of outdoor recreation, Perry said the results reflect the significant role of recreation in accounting for more than 7 percent of the value of goods and services produced in Mesa County and one in 10 jobs.

The study estimated the direct economic effects of outdoor recreation businesses at nearly $199 million and a total of 3,690 full- and part-time jobs in 2021.

Adding indirect and induced effects to take into account the purchase of materials and services in the supply chain as well as employees spending their wages, the total estimates came to nearly $319 million and 4,501 jobs.

The direct effects of outdoor recreation tourism were estimated at nearly $342 million and a total of 3,930 full- and part-time jobs

Adding indirect and induced effects, the totals came to more than $556 million and 5,396 jobs.

The study also estimated the effects of outdoor recreation on gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in Mesa County. The direct effect of outdoor recreation businesses on GDP topped $131 million. The direct effect of outdoor recreation tourism on GDP exceeded $190 million.

The total of nearly $322 million constituted 4.8 percent of GDP in Mesa County, Perry said.

A separate study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis estimated outdoor recreation generated $13.9 billion in Colorado in 2022 and accounted for 130,000 jobs.

The Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition supported several local projects — including the Palisade Plunge, a 32-mile mountain bike trail from the top of the Grand Mesa to the town of Palisade.

As one of 13 coalitions across Colorado, the Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition will work with the state outdoor recreation office.

The Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition also will support a regional partnership funded by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado to protect land, water and wildlife in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Summit

Continued from page 2 informed on how to protect themselves,” Minder says. “Further, these attacks are impacting critical infrastructure. I am honored to take the stage and discuss how the Western Slope and the Grand Junction community can make a difference.”

Minder will discuss the role of cybersecurity in protecting the operation of business and government entities and, in turn, economic interests. He also will discuss why a tech hub in Mesa County is crucial to protecting infrastructure.

In 2023, Minder partnered with a local cohort that included GJEP and Colorado Mesa University to apply for a tech hub designation. While the application didn’t result in a designation for the Grand Junction area, the work revealed the need to protect infrastructure through cybersecurity measures.

The Western Colorado Economic Summit also will feature a breakfast keynote presentation by Nathan Perry, an associate professor of economics at CMU who prepares quarterly economic updates for Mesa County. Perry will present the latest data for labor, tax collections and other economic indicators.

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

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

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

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

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

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

F

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

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

Record

Continued from page 2

come to Grand Junction. The new Costco will be located on the north side of 24 Road and Interstate Highway 70 and is expected to open in 2025.

The operation is expected to result in 275 net new jobs paying an average annual salary of $47,507 and a capital investment of $59 million. “It’s such a huge win,” Englehart said.

He expects the Costco operation to draw customers from around the region, adding to what’s a retail and health care hub in the Grand Valley.

Other wins for GJEP in 2023 included the relocation of Skyhook Solar, a manufacturer of solar-powered charging stations, from the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado to Grand Junction.

Spartan Drill Tools, a drill tool manufacturer, announced it was expanding its Fruita-based operation with the opening of a new manufacturing division in Grand Junction.

Oak Star Bank announced plans to build a 12,000-square-foot facility at the Riverfront at Las Colonias development in Grand Junction. The facility will include a bank operation as well as a restaurant and retail and office space. The building is expected to open in late 2025.

GJEP also helped Phoenix Haus land a $710,000 grant to construct 90 housing units. The prefabricated house designer and manufacturer specializes in environmentally friendly homes that can be used by multiple generations. The company uses manufacturing processes that increase quality and output and result in prefabricated building systems that meet the highest environmental and energy standards. A new home from Phoenix Haus is projected to cost around $500,000.

Englehart said the effort will add needed housing inventory in Mesa County while also promoting new jobs and capital spending.

All told, the efforts of GJEP in 2023 created 161 new primary jobs paying an average annual wage of $61,085, Englehart said An additional 403 primary jobs are expected. The capital investments of the new and expanding businesses total more than $20.7 million, he said.

Given the additional effects of wages and capital spending, the total economic effect of GJEP efforts in 2023 came to nearly $52.3 million, he said. That meant every dollar invested in GJEP returned $65 in economic effects.

For 2022, GJEP efforts resulted in seven wins and a total of nearly $15.7 million in economic effects. Every $1 invested in GJEP return $20 in economic effects.

Englehart said he expects the momentum of 2023 to carry into 2024. “I do believe 2024 is going to be a good year.”

GJEP already has announced this year the relocation of the Goose Gear outdoor recreation manufacturer from southern California to Grand Junction. The firm received tax credits to create up to 49 new jobs over eight years.

Tandem Studio, a firm that produces three-dimensional architectural renderings, moved from Belgium to Fruita.

GJEP is working with what Englehart said are 104 qualified prospects and 18 leads to determine if those businesses constitute a good fit for Mesa County. Prospects come from a variety of industry sectors, he said, including the aerospace, construction, manufacturing, outdoor recreation and technology sectors.

Higher interest rates and building costs along with nationwide labor shortages constitute heawinds to economic development, Englehart said. Presidential election years tend to add uncertainty.

But Mesa County enjoys some competitive advantages, he said. The area offers new businesses and their employees a high quality of life. Interstate Highway 70 offers access to shipping, particular to the West Coast. Moreover, a robust workforce is available with a pipeline filled by Colorado Mesa University and CMU Tech.

In addition though, Mesa County offers a collaborative approach to economic development that includes not only GJEP, but also CMU, the Business Incubator Center and local chambers of commerce. Economic development, he said, remains a team sport.

FBreeze Airways unveils co-branded Visa credit card

Breeze Airways has announced it’s joined with Barclays U.S. Consumer Bank to introduce what’s branded as the Breeze Easy Visa credit card.

The co-branded credit card offers up to 10 times the points for the purchase of airfares and trip add-ons. Other benefits for cardholders include priority boarding and complimentary in-flight interact access.

“Combined with Barclay’s trusted track record with major travel brands, I’m confident the Breeze Easy Visa will be the airline card of choice for Breeze guests and frequent travelers,” said David Neeleman, founder and chief executive officer of Breeze Airways.

Breeze Airways recently launched a new route between Grand Junction and Orange County-Santa Ana in southern California with additional flights between Grand Junction and Provo, Utah. Breeze Airways plans to offer seasonal service between Grand Junction and San Francisco starting May 2.

For more about the credit card, visit MyBreezeEasyCard.com. F

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 104.7 for March, down 0.1.

s Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 53.7 for the second quarter, up 8.4.

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, 13 in March, down from 19 in March 2023.

s Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 4 in March, up from 1 in March 2023.

n Indexes

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

s Conference Board Leading Economic Index 102.8 for February, up 0.1%.

s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 50.3% for March, up 2.5%.

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

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 281 in March, down 14.3 percent from March 2023.

s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $164 million in March, up 20.6% from March 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 — 4.6% for February, up 0.1.

s Colorado — 3.5% for February, up 0.1.

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

Phil Castle The Business Times

The latest unemployment rate edged up in Mesa County, but is expected to soon retreat as more people enter the workforce and find jobs.

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remainder of 2024

Jobless rate edges upward But Mesa County outlook remains encouraging for

AREA JOBLESS RATES

s Delta County 5.1

s Mesa County 4.6

the health care, sales, food services, office and transportation sectors.

“We are still seeing a demand from employers looking to fill open positions, and an increasing labor force is promising for our ability to fill those positions,” she said.

Business People

“There is nothing in current data to raise alarm for the remainder of the year,” said Tabi Britt, employment services supervisor at the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction.

The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate edged up a tenth of a point to 4.6 percent in February, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The rate stood at 4 percent in February 2023.

Labor estimates are delayed at the beginning of the year because of annual revisions to information for the previous year. March estimates are scheduled for publication April 19.

Between January and February 2024, Mesa County payrolls increased 457 to 72,925. The number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work also increased — 166 to 3,553. The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, grew 623 to 76,478.

Over the past year, payrolls decreased 527. The ranks of the unemployed increased 482. The labor force edged down 45.

Britt said the growing number of job orders posted at the Mesa County Workforce Center reflects continued labor demand. “Employers aren’t necessarily having a hard time finding employees. They are being selective as they want to make sure that the person they are hiring is the right fit for the job and their organization. Those looking for work are finding jobs as well. It is the overall consensus from our job seekers that those reaching out to us for job-searching assistance are finding meaningful, long-term employment with benefits.”

Britt said 919 job orders were posted during February, up from 630 for the same month a year ago. A total of 1,885 orders were posted during the first two months of 2024, up from 1,305 for the same period in 2023. Demand remains strongest for positions in

Almanac

Looking ahead, Britt said she expects the monthly unemployment rate to trend downward in spring and summer. “I am anticipating continued growth in Mesa County. It may be slow to moderate depending on the industry. There is great work happening throughout Mesa County to support our business community, and I am eager to see what is in store for the remainder of 2024.”

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates also increased in neighboring Western Slope counties in February, up three-tenths of a point to 3.7 percent in Garfield County and 4.6 percent in Montrose County and up two-tenths of a point to 5.1 percent in Delta County. The jobless rate remained unchanged in Rio Blanco County at 4.6 percent.

The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose a tenth of a point to 3.5 percent.

According to the latest results of household surveys, the number of employed people in Colorado decreased 6,000 even as the number of unemployed people increased 4,200.

According to the results of separate business surveys, however, nonfarm payrolls increased 8,500 between January and February with the biggest gains in the educational and health services, construction and professional and business services sectors. Government payrolls grew 2,000.

Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls grew 60,300. Employment increased 18,900 in educational and health services, 10,100 in professional and business services and 8,300 in leisure and hospitality. Those gains offset a loss of 4,400 jobs in the trade, transportation and utilities sector as well as declines of 1,900 in the information sector and 1,600 in manufacturing.

The average workweek for Colorado employees on private, nonfarm payrolls remained unchanged over the last year at 33 hours. Average hourly earnings rose $1.92 to $37.19. That’s a more than 5.4 percent increase.

FIndex: U.S. consumers less confident

A monthly measure of consumer confidence edged down as their assessments of current conditions improved, but their expectations worsened.

“Over the last six months, confidence has been moving sideways with no real trend to the upside or downside either by income or age group,” said Dana Peterson, chief economist at the Conference Board.

Dana Peterson

The New York-based think tank reported its Consumer Confidence Index edged down a tenth of a point to 104.7 in March. The organization bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of United States households.

Peterson said the latest survey results reflected concerns about higher prices for food and gasoline as well as the political environment. Fears about the possibility of a recession over the next year continued to trend downward, however.

More upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions pushed up the present situation component of the index 2.4 points to 151.

The proportion of consumers responding to the survey upon which the March index was based who called business conditions

good decreased nine-tenths of a point to 19.5 percent. The share of those who called business conditions bad fell a half point to 17.2 percent.

The proportion of consumers who said jobs were plentiful rose three-tenths of a point to 43.1 percent. The share of those who said jobs were hard to get fell 1.8 points to 10.9 percent.

Less optimistic outlooks pulled down the expectations component of the index 2.5 points to 73.8. Readings below 80 often signal an impending recession.

The share of consumers who said they expect business conditions to improve over the next six months rose three-tenths of a point to 14.3 percent. The proportion of those who anticipated worsening conditions increased more — seven-tenths of a point to 17.6 percent.

The share of consumers who said they expected more jobs to become available fell two-tenths of a point to 13.9 percent. The proportion of those who anticipated fewer jobs rose seven-tenths of a point to 18.2 percent.

While 16.5 percent of consumers responding to the survey said they expected their incomes to increase, 13.8 percent anticipated decreases.

Tabi Britt

Leading index posts first gain in two years

A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States increased for the first time in two years, but doesn’t yet signal growth ahead.

The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index edged up a tenth of a point to 102.8 in February. Separate measures of current and past conditions also increased.

Justyna ZabinskaLa Monica, senior manager of business cycle indicators at the Conference Board, said the leading index increased for the first time since February 2022, but still suggests there could be headwinds to growth.

The New York-based think tank projects growth in gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the country, to slow during the second and third quarters of 2024 as rising consumer debt and elevated interest rates affect consumer spending.

The Leading Economic Index fell 2.6 percent over the six-month period ending in February, but that’s less than the 3.8 percent decline over the six months before that. Weaknesses among leading indicators were more widespread as only three of 10 components advanced between August 2023 and February 2024.

Gross domestic product increased at an annual rate of 3.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 after growing 4.9 percent in the third quarter.

For February, seven of 10 components of the leading index increased, including average weekly manufacturing hours, building permits, a leading credit index, new orders for both capital and consumer goods and stock prices. A decrease in average weekly initial claims for unemployment insurance also bolstered the index. Consumer expectations for business conditions, the interest rate stead and a new orders index decreased

The Coincident Economic Index rose two-tenths of a percent to 112.3. The index rose 1.1 percent over the previous six months. For February, all four components increased — industrial production, nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales.

The Lagging Economic Index advanced three-tenths of a percent to 118.8. The index rose a tenth of a percent over the past three months. For February, four of seven components increased, including commercial and industrial financing, the change in the price services, consumer credit and inventories. Labor costs and an increase in the average duration of unemployment pulled down the index. The average prime rate charged by banks held steady.

J. ZabinskaLa Monica

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Business Incubator Center has scheduled a business startup workshop.

The workshop is set for 2 to 4 p.m. April 4 at the center, located at 259 Legacy Way in Grand Junction. The workshop will cover financing options, licensing requirements, legal structures, planning strategies and trade name searches. Admission is $55.

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Quiet on the labor front?

Legislative efforts subdued during presidential election years

Business

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

n The Palisade Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a free lunch and learn presentation on leadership through service on the boards of nonprofit organization.

The presentation is set for noon to 1 p.m. April 10 at the Purple Bee, 213 Main St. The event is free, but space is limited and registration required.

To register for obtain more information about chamber events, call (970) 464-7458 or visit https://palisadecoc.com.

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.

Following the theme “Chamber of Curiosities,” the event will feature acrobats, contortionists, fortune tellers and stilt walkers.

The event will include entertainment; dinner; live and silent auctions; and awards recognizing the ambassador of the year, citizen of the year, new business of the year, member business of the year, member nonprofit of the year and volunteer of the year.

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.

n The Western Colorado Human Resource Association has scheduled its next member program for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 17 at the Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. The event will feature a presentation by Colorado Mesa University recruitment and selection course students on job hopping.

Association members may attend at no additional charge. Others pay $20. To register or obtain more information, visit the website at https//wchra.org.

I met with my financial advisor, and he pointed out some interesting facts. Since 1925, the stock market has shown positive gains in every presidential election year except for four years. And of those four years, two years were 1932 in the midst of the Great Depression and 1940 during World War II.

for individual biometric data and identifiers and imposes new requirements for collectors of biometric data.

People Almanac

There are multiple reasons why this is so. But as many financial observers point out, lawmakers enact much less legislation in election years, and the market loves predictability. This year is no exception. In the current congressional session — from Jan. 1, 2023 to the present — only 45 measures have been enacted into law. Only 10 have been enacted so far in 2024.

I point this out not to predict the performance of investment portfolios this year. Rather, I want to explain why, in part, it’s been a quiet year for employment legislation on both the federal and state levels. So far, the Colorado Legislature has introduced none of the groundbreaking labor and employment bills that marked recent years. Other bills, such as those proposing firearms restrictions, grab more attention. Many of the labor and employment bills the Colorado Legislature has introduced this year are technical or corrective in nature.

One corrective bill, Senate Bill 24-160, could affect public employers in limited circumstances. The Protecting Opportunities and Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act (SB23-172) requires employers to maintain personnel and employment records for at least five years and to maintain complaints of discriminatory or unfair employment practices in a designated repository. But the POWR Act specified records in the depository aren’t public records, but rather personnel records government entities can release only under those limited circumstances specified by the Colorado Open Records Act.

Senate Bill 23-286 amended CORA to require a custodian of records to make any record of a sexual harassment complaint against an elected official available to the public if the investigation concludes the elected official committed sexual harassment and the custodian redacts the identities of accusers, witnesses, victims or an accused who’s not an elected official. SB-23-286 resolved conflicts between SB23-172 and SB23-286 and clarified the public may access records of sexual harassment complaints against elected officials when the official committed sexual harassment.

House Bill 24-1160 appears headed to passage. This bill amends the Colorado Privacy Code to add protections

Many bills still sit in the appropriations committee. The committee must refer those bills favorably to the legislative body for them to move forward. In some cases, the appropriations committee refers bills back to the original committee for additional work. This session, those bills include:

n HB24-1004 specifying violent felonies and misdemeanors for which a state-regulated license can be denied and not permitting review of other offenses after a three-year period.

n HB24—1008 expanding wage claim liability of general contractors in the construction industry for claims against their subcontractors.

n HB24-1260 prohibiting discipline for employees who refuse to attend an employer’s “captive meeting” on religious or political matters, including meetings intended to discourage participation in labor organizations.

n HB24-1132 prohibiting an employer from intimidating, threatening, coercing or discriminating or retaliating against an employee who is or becomes a living organ donor.

Only two bills appear dead in the water. Both bills were postponed indefinitely by unanimous committee votes. HB24-1298 would have prohibited a labor union composed of school employees from directly using union member dues to promote the election or re-election of a public officer or to promote a local or state ballot measure to which the union member has expressed opposition. HB24-1140 would have extended workers’ compensation coverage of mental impairment caused by an accidental injury arising out of and sustained in the course of employment to workers who, while working, experience complex trauma that causes post-traumatic stress disorder.

So far, employers can breathe a little easier this year and focus on the numerous requirements imposed on them over the past two years. This makes it a good time to take stock of compliance.

The Employers Council makes available to its members numerous resources on these legal changes. Consulting and enterprise members may consult with human resources professionals and employment attorneys.

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

Mesa County Women’s Network plans negotiation skills workshop

The Mesa County Women’s Network has scheduled a workshop on negotiation skills.

The workshop, titled “Mastering the Art of Asking for What you Want,” is set for 6 to 8 p.m. April 9 in the board room of Abstract & Title, 2646 Patterson Road in Grand Junction.

Christina Fitzrandolph, a business consultant with Motus and former executive director of the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction, will lead the workshop.

The interactive experience will go beyond making

sales and closing deals, but also cover achieving mutually beneficial outcomes, building stronger relationships and creating more harmonious work cultures. Participants will learn tangible negotiation strategies they can use in their professional and personal lives.

Fitzrandolph brings to her duties more than 20 years of experience in financial analysis, organizational management and strategic marketing. She holds a master’s of business administration degree from Cornell University.

In 2011, Fitzrandolph and her business partner, Andrew BE, formed Motus, a private consulting practice. Fitzrandolph since has guided entrepreneurs throughout the region through the growth and transition phases of development.

“We are excited to host this workshop and provide a platform for women to enhance their communication skills and assertiveness,” said Mollie Shephardson, president of the Mesa County Women’s Network. “Christina Fitzrandolph brings invaluable expertise to guide participants in mastering the art of asking for what they want.”

The workshop is open to members of the Mesa County Women’s Network and others. The event is available at no charge to members. Admission for others is $35. Since space is limited, registration is required.

To register or obtain more information, visit the website located at www.MCWN.us.

Dean Harris

Fortify your team with praise and recognition

Business leaders determined to move their companies to ever higher levels of success look for ways to improve operations. To achieve this objective requires a discerning awareness about what is — and isn’t — working.

Marcus Straub

Beware of a common pitfall, though: focusing on what’s wrong at the expense of what’s right. This approach might lead to some improvements and short-term results. But over time, it will damage vital aspects of the business. Given their singular focus and accompanying astigmatism, leaders fail to see all that’s actually achieved, the solid effort put forth by team members and how far the business has progressed over time.

Those same leaders will squash the morale of their team members with a lack of praise and abundance of criticism. In turn, team members will become less excited about being a part of and furthering the company’s mission. Top performers will likely move on. This will hinder the very efficiency and effectiveness that’s sought and the success that’s desired.

Conversely, when leaders offer well-deserved praise and recognition to their team members while also working to continually enhance how the company operates, a solid culture is built and benefits ripple through the business.

Why? Because when people feel good, even great, about the positive steps they’re taking and the work they’re doing, they’re encouraged to stay the course. To test this, just consider how great it feels and how motivating it is when you receive praise and recognition for your efforts.

Most people thrive on praise and enjoy recognition.

When this occurs repeatedly, they grow more self-confident, take on challenges with greater initiative and passion and become more adept at whatever they’re doing. In other words, they’re motivated in positive ways to learn, grow and become and do more.

When they’re praised for jobs well done, they feel good and valued. They’re inspired to keep up their good work. They light up and become excited, and it’s apparent in their body language and behavior.

When this occurs repeatedly, they grow more self-confident, take on challenges with greater initiative and passion and become more adept at whatever they’re doing. In other words, they’re motivated in positive ways to learn, grow and become and do more.

On the other hand, when people truly give their best and that’s met with only criticism about what they did wrong or should have done better, they feel defeated, inadequate and undervalued. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a situation like this, you know how unpleasant the experience is and how it compounds as this behavior repeats over time. This is called negative conditioning and leads to resentment, disengagement and diminished self-confidence along with decreased performance and increased turnover.

The desire to feel good about ourselves and the efforts we put forth is a very real human need. As a leader, it’s wise to get a firm hold on this understanding and change

your perspective and behavior to consistently offer the praise and recognition your team members appreciate and need to continue advancing. Positive reinforcement offers a more effective leadership strategy than negative conditioning.

As I coach leaders how to lead from a position of composure and with a balanced perspective, they work with their teams in new, dynamic and more effective ways. This enables them to build empowered teams that produce the very results they look to achieve.

When team members in any business are supported in constructive ways — both in praise for jobs well done and encouragement in those areas in which they need to improve — they’ll perform at higher levels simply because they feel valued and motivated to do their best. When you give others what they want, they’re more likely to give you what you want, and everyone is happier and more successful.

In your unending pursuit of business success, don’t forget to consistently provide the well-deserved praise and recognition your team members need to learn, grow and become top performers. Doing so will increase job satisfaction and performance and reduce costly turnover.

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.

Medicare or group plan: Who pays?

Do you have employees who are 65 or older? If so and you provide group health insurance, what pays first? Medicare or your company plan?

Janet Arrowood

For employees who are Medicare-eligible or already covered by Medicare, you want to understand the rules about which insurance plan pays first (the primary payer) and which pays second (the secondary payer).

If you have fewer than 20 eligible employees and you offer group health insurance, Medicare is the primary payer for covered employees and your group plan is the secondary payer.

If you have 20 or more eligible employees, you must offer Medicare-eligible employees — and their spouses, if applicable — the same coverage you offer other eligible employees. Your group health insurance plan is the primary payer and Medicare is the secondary payer. For those eligible for benefits under their spouses’ group health insurance, that plan is the primary payer and Medicare is the secondary payer.

What does it mean to be the primary payer versus the secondary payer? The primary payer pays claims up to the plan coverage limits. The secondary payer only pays if there are allowable costs the primary payer didn’t cover. It’s possible this payer might not pay all remaining expenses or costs. If the group health plan is the secondary payer, the eligible employee could need to be enrolled in Medicare Part B for the secondary payer to cover any costs.

What happens when your Medicare-eligible employees choose your employer health plan instead of enrolling in Medicare:

n If you have fewer than 20 employees: Make sure your older employees understand they must sign up for Medicare when they become eligible or face a late enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B if they sign up later.

n If have 20 or more employees: Employees can delay

signing up for Medicare without any late enrollment penalties.

If your company contributes to a health savings account (HSA) for employees or employees make their own contributions, these payments must be stopped when an employee starts Medicare coverage. There could be a tax penalty if contributions to HSAs are made after an employee begins coverage under Medicare Part A. Money in an existing HSA may be used to pay Medicare or other deductibles, premiums, coinsurance and co-payments.

Employers sometimes offer Medicare-eligible employees a monthly amount, often equal to the cost of Medicare Part B and a Medicare supplement or advantage plan, as an incentive for the employee to drop out of the company plan. Check with your tax and benefits advisors before going this route to make sure you don’t violate any laws. Assuming the monthly payment is allowable, this approach could offer a win-win-win for the employer, the affected employees and the other employees who remain on your group insurance plan. Older employees cause the overall premiums for group plans to rise, so incentivizing them to use Medicare can save the employer significant money — especially in small group plans — while giving the older employee a means to reduce the costs of Medicare Part B and supplemental plans. Additionally, the remaining employees reap the benefits of lower overall premiums and, possibly, lower annual premium increases.

As always, this column shouldn’t be construed as tax or legal advice. Consult professional advisors when making insurance, tax or other decisions. There could be additional coverage, restrictions or other considerations under Colorado laws, so consult your benefits provider or administrator.

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.

Employees vs. contractors: Get classifications right

Distinguishing between employees and independent contractors constitutes a crucial determination that can significantly impact business operations.

When a business hires independent contractors, it avoids certain taxes and isn’t required to provide the same benefits provided to employees. This can result in substantial cost savings — usually 30 percent to 40 percent on labor expenses. In addition, hiring contractors for specific projects or durations helps businesses avoid the hassle of repeatedly hiring and training new employees once a job is complete.

Businesses must remain wary, though, of classifying individuals as contractors. Misclassification can lead to serious financial and legal consequences. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service requires companies to provide contractors with a 1099 form if they’ve paid them $600 or more during the year and could report these payments using a 1096 form. The IRS and U.S. Department of Labor monitor whether companies comply with the rules regarding employee and contractor classification, often conducting audits to ensure adherence.

Companies found in violation of misclassifications can face penalties that include:

n Retroactive payment of back taxes for the individual.

n Interest calculated from the time payments were due.

n Penalties of up to 100 percent of the amount due.

n Retroactive contributions to Medicare and Social Security as well as payment of federal and state unemployment taxes and worker’s compensation.

Retroactive contributions to a worker’s retirement fund also could be necessary.

Generally, if an employer exerts significant control over how someone works, that person is considered an employee.

It’s important to understand the differences between an independent contractor and employee. Generally, if an employer exerts significant control over how someone works, that person is considered an employee. With independent contractors, employers typically only oversee the final outcome of the work, not the process itself.

Employers don’t usually manage the day-to-day tasks of independent contractors the way they do with employees. They don’t provide needed tools or supplies for a job. Employers exert more control over employees, dictating not only the tasks but also the methods and tools used.

Another critical difference lies in compensation. Independent contractors are usually paid based on fulfilling the terms of contracts, with employers retaining the right to refuse payment if terms aren’t met. Withholding wages without a valid reason is often illegal when it comes to employees.

The Department of Labor uses an economic realities test to determine worker classification. This test assesses various factors to understand the nature of the working relationship, including control, opportunity for profit or loss, skill and initiative, permanence of the relationship, integration into the business and degree of independence.

The IRS employs a three-pronged test — known as the common law test — focusing on behavioral control, financial control and the type of relationship between the worker and the employer.

While hiring an independent contractor provides many advantages to companies, it’s important employers document and update records that can prove an individual’s status as a contractor. It’s essential for employers to have an independent contractor agreement containing a description of the services the individual will perform, how long the project should take and how the person will be paid. This agreement can serve as evidence of the person’s status with the employer.

Employers also should consider screening independent contractors before hiring them to complete a project. Use a formal interview questionnaire to collect the information needed to verify the person’s status as an independent contractor. Here are a few questions to ask:

n Do you have a legal entity established for your business?

n Do you hold professional licenses?

n What type of equipment and supplies do you own to complete the project?

n What insurance coverage do you have in place to cover your business?

n Can you provide professional references?

When an employer exerts more control, it’s less likely someone will be considered an independent contractor. Proper classification of workers ensures legal compliance and the appropriate protection for workers while also allowing businesses to operate efficiently. If uncertainty persists, seek clarification from the IRS.

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

Gina Archuleta

Spring into action with tips to get property ready

Now that it’s spring, property owners gear up up for the seasonal transition. From residential homes to commercial complexes, ensuring your property is prepared for the warmer months ahead is paramount. To guide you through this process, here are some tips for a seamless springtime transformation.

Neal Ehlers

n Inspect and maintain exterior surfaces: Harsh winter elements can take a toll on your exterior surfaces. Start by inspecting your home or building’s facade, roof and siding for such signs of damage as cracks, leaks or loose shingles. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs later.

n Landscape revival: Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your landscaping. Begin by clearing away debris and dead vegetation from flower beds and lawn areas. Prune shrubs and trees to promote healthy growth and consider applying a fresh layer of mulch to nourish plants and enhance curb appeal.

n Gutter inspection and cleaning: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and structural issues if left unchecked. Before spring showers arrive, schedule a thorough gutter inspection and cleaning to remove debris and ensure proper drainage. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent future blockages and simplify maintenance.

n HVAC tuneup: With the transition to warmer weather, now is an ideal time to schedule a professional

HVAC tuneup. A comprehensive inspection and cleaning can improve efficiency, prolong the lifespan of your equipment and ensure optimal indoor comfort through the spring and summer months.

n Evaporative cooler startup: Proper maintenance and preparation are essential to ensure optimal performance and efficiency to keep you cool as it heats up. Start by cleaning the unit, removing any debris and dirt. Pay attention to the vents, fan blades and water reservoir to prevent clogs and improve airflow. Inspect the pads and look for signs of deterioration. Replace damaged pads. Ensure the water supply line to your swamp cooler is free of leaks and obstructions. Check the belt and motor to ensure smooth operation, tighten or replace if the belt appears loose or worn and lubricate the motor bearings. Inspect the electrical components for signs of damage or corrosion and replace any faulty components. Once you’ve completed the necessary maintenance tasks, test your swamp cooler to ensure it’s cooling effectively. To keep your swamp cooler running smoothly throughout the spring and summer, establish a regular maintenance schedule.

n Power washing: Restore luster to exterior surfaces with a thorough power washing. This process can effectively remove built-up dirt, grime and mildew, revitalizing everything from driveways and sidewalks to decks and patios. A clean exterior not only enhances aesthetic appeal, but also preserves the integrity of your property.

n Inspect irrigation systems: Prepare your property for the growing season by inspecting and testing irrigation systems. Check for leaks, damaged sprinkler heads and

clogged lines. Make any necessary repairs or adjustments to ensure efficient water distribution to your landscape.

n Window and door maintenance: Properly functioning windows and doors are essential for energy efficiency and security. Inspect seals, weather stripping and hardware for signs of wear and tear. Replace or repair as needed. Consider upgrading to energy efficient windows and doors to enhance insulation and reduce utility costs.

n Pest prevention: As temperatures rise, so too does the activity of pests seeking refuge indoors. Take proactive measures to pest-proof your property by sealing cracks and crevices, repairing screens and scheduling routine pest control treatments to deter unwanted intruders.

By following these expert-recommended maintenance tips, property owners can ensure their properties are ready for spring while safeguarding against potential issues. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or business owner, investing in seasonal maintenance yields long-term benefits and peace of mind for the months ahead. Contact a local maintenance company to help you stay ahead.

Neal Ehlers is the maintenance crew foreman for the construction and maintenance division at Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction. The division offers services to homeowners and commercial property owners to help them clean, repair and improve their homes and properties. For more information, call (970) 242-3647 or visit www.brayandco.com. F

Help with taxing matters improves financial well-being

Financial stability constitutes an ongoing concern for many people in Mesa County, likely including some of your employees.

Several teams at Mesa County Public Health focus on improving the economic stability of the community, in turn addressing one of the social determinants of health. These are the conditions in the environment that affect health and well-being.

For Mesa County Public Health, economic stability means helping people access resources that allow them to meet their health needs.

“Improving the quality of life for people in Mesa County is a top priority for our team. We work to support local families and help them become more economically stable,” said Michelle Trujillo, manager of Grand Valley Connects. The resource hub provides services to individuals and families in Mesa County.

This time of year, one way to boost your employees’ financial stability is to make them aware of tax refunds and credits that can put money directly into their pockets. According to the organization Get Ahead Colorado, many people are eligible for tax credits, but nearly a quarter of them miss out.

The federal child and dependent care tax credit helps parents pay for child care while they are working or looking for work.

The federal earned income tax credit gives people who earn lower incomes money back. The federal child tax credit helps families make ends meet. People don’t need to earn a lot of income to receive it, but do need to file a tax return.

The 2024 Taxpayer Bill of Rights refund is available to anyone of any income level who lived in Colorado last year, but they must file a state tax return. Eligible Coloradans will receive a refund of $800 for a single filer or $1,600 for two qualifying individuals filing jointly.

Trujillo said Grand Valley Connects joined with

MarillacHealth, Get Ahead Colorado and the Community Resource Center to offer help for Mesa County residents this tax season. A tax outreach specialist is stationed from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Monday through April 15 in the lobby of the health and human services building located at 510 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction.

The specialist can let your employees know which tax credits they are eligible for and answer their questions. No appointment is needed, and help is available in English and Spanish.

Get Ahead Colorado also help employees file their taxes securely and for free. Visit the website located at www.getaheadcolorado.org for additional resources.

By sharing these resources with your staff, you can help them improve their financial well-being, which contributes to their overall health.

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

Sarah Gray

Attacking U.S. partnerships attacking small businesses

A new year affords a new opportunity to meet local needs

Whenever elected officials set off on spending sprees, their targets for higher taxes expand. We’re in the midst of such a period now, as President Joe Biden’s budget plan calls for federal outlays to persist at an annual minimum of 24.6 percent of gross domestic product into the future.

Why

Contributors Business Briefs Business People Almanac

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

This would be unprecedented in U.S. history for any extended peacetime period. Consider that over the four decades prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal outlays as a share of GDP averaged 20.6 percent. This dramatically higher level of federal spending damages the economy by draining resources — through taxes or debt — from the private sector.

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.

Among the targets being considered for increased scrutiny of and taxes on are partnerships. Make no mistake, though, increasing the government burden on partnerships means harming small businesses. The ill effects would be felt far and wide throughout the economy.

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

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

A study prepared for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council on the economic contributions of partnerships in the core living expenditures sector in 2023 looked at the role partnerships play in providing Americans with core living expenditures that help lower- and middle-income households maintain a basic standard of living. The study looked at consumer-facing businesses — businesses that provide the goods and services generally considered necessary to maintain a basic standard of living.

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

According to a 2021 analysis by the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, core living expenditures primarily are covered by consumer-facing businesses providing housing, transportation, food, health, child and elder care, clothing and education. Among the key findings of the study was the following:

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.

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

“The total economic contribution of partnerships in the core living expenditures sector in 2023 was an estimated 10.6 million workers earning $779 billion in wages and benefits and generating $1.3 trillion of GDP in the United States.”

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?

Increasing taxes and compliance red tape on partnerships will increase costs in various ways for Americans at all income levels in terms of their expenditures on core living expenditures. The harm wouldn’t stop there. Targeting partnerships for higher taxes means targeting small businesses for higher taxes.

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?

Across industries, partnerships overwhelmingly are small and medium-sized businesses. That’s clear for assorted industry sectors — from total partnerships to sectors including consumer-facing businesses to sectors including suppliers to consumer-facing partnerships. In addition, suppliers to consumer-facing businesses across business types also are overwhelmingly populated by smaller businesses.

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.

The U.S. economy is deeply integrated and intertwined. Tax increases targeted at one set of individuals or businesses not only have negative results for those targeted businesses, their workers and customers, but also related businesses, workers and consumers. No one should be surprised by the high level of small businesses in each sector. The U.S. economy is overwhelmingly a small business economy.

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. ✦

Raymond Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. For additional information, log on https://sbecouncil.org. F

THE BUSINESS TIMES

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

Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall Editor: Phil Castle

Reach advertising at: publisher@thebusinesstimes.com

Reach the editor at: phil@thebusinesstimes.com.

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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.

yes, I did know ... isn’t it obvious?

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:

Now before you go all “here goes Craig playing know-it-all again” on me, take a few minutes during your potty break and play “Are you as smart as a publisher?” You might even be surprised to know I’ve shown my knowledge on this question as I’ve written on the topic before. If not, never fear. I’ll fill you in about 900 words.

So the question at hand was found buried in the fourth paragraph of, no, not a daily news propaganda article from our local paper, but rather in a weekly public relations update I receive in my inbox from our local school district’s chief cook and bottle washer known as our superintendent. And no, that’s not a knock on Dr. Brian Hill. It’s an old saying from where I grew up in Michigan used to describe people in charge. Who, by all accounts from the other chief cooks and bottle washers I voted to put in charge of the Mesa County School District 51 Board of Education, say Dr. Hill is doing a bang-up job — another colloquialism from my past — in many areas.

■ 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?

Craig Hall

Frankly, I’m shocked Dr. Hill posted this question in his weekly update: Did you know the Colorado school finance formula doesn’t provide an allocation for capital needs? To which my answer was, once again: Obviously, YES. My expanded obvious answer to Dr. Hill’s — and all the folks who’ve never posited the question before even though they knew what the deal was — query has always continued. Why are you making this a state problem? Why hasn’t District 51 ever done anything about it for the last several decades?

■ 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.”

I normally don’t read Dr. Hill’s updates all the way through because I find them to be more of a public relations tool — as opposed to containing any information on the nuts and bolts of our education system and its performance — touting him doing his job. Again, not a knock, as all superintendents do the same thing and our previous really had to guild the lily — that’s another saying I got from the Brady Bunch when Greg was selling his lemon of a car — given how lacking in performance she was at every level and the accomplishments of some of our student population. I don’t read them simply because when it’s all good news, it tells me there’s some digging to do because there’s bad news underlying the headlines.

That’s not saying our schools aren’t doing good and great things. They have, are and will. Heck, my girls have been part of those good things. And one still is with another year of good stuff ahead. But let’s be honest. Every school district has good kids doing good things. Which in my

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

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

reality also means they have bad kids doing bad things. They also have good parents of good kids doing good things and bad parents of good kids doing good things and good parents of bad kids doing bad things and yada, yada, yada. The point is, there’s always good and bad in public schools. But today, most PR merchants only tout the good even though what they should be putting out is the reality with bad included.

Which is why Dr. Hill pointing out the bad in this case is actually refreshing. Because he’s telling us what’s coming. Then again, what’s coming is what’s been done in the recent past and the reason you should have known the answer to his question. His answer to what’s coming is also shifting the blame to the state and federal government for the No. 1 reason our schools aren’t better: underfunding.

But let’s stay out of that rabbit hole and address the main point beyond Dr. Hill’s question. It’s the next sentence: Major capital needs, like the ones identified in the master plan — $561 million from the good doctor’s email — require community support through the passing of bonds. So folks, you now have the answer to how our local schools are going to finance everything outside of paying teachers (which according to many, they underpay), some painting and hole patching (practically its entire, woeful, building and maintenance “budget”) and keeping the lights and heat on. So everything else will now become a “capital project.”

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

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

All one needs to do is see how many times our self-proclaimed “community leaders” have crawled out from under their secluded rock formations the past two decades plus to remind us all how cheap we are, how much we hate kids and to “do it for the children” who attend the Church of Our Lady of the Perpetual Underfunded. Maybe more businesses who don’t budget properly should use one of these as their tagline? But no one cares when a business closes from poor budgeting.

Or perhaps District 51 could do as responsible businesses do. Save a few bucks. Budget for buildings and maintenance. Not overspend on one building “we deserve” for what it could have used to build three or four. The almost $600 million you need today was only a couple of hundred million dollars just a short time ago. So how long before those same “leaders” ask for a billion dollars?

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

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

Frankly, they should be asking, “Why doesn’t District 51 budget for it?” After all, District 51 has known the answer to the question for decades. And it isn’t another bond.

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

Craig Hall

Raymond Keating

Are we free to choose? Regulations dictate not

Imagine the disappointment of only a paltry amount of water trickling from the faucet and shower head, not to mention the multiple flushes required to empty the toilet. The dishwasher and washing machine are programmed by computers to limit the water for each appliance. Everything from refrigerators and freezers to microwave ovens and televisions are regulated.

Incandescent light bulbs have been banned, and gas cooking stoves could be next.

Manufacturers and consumers have no control over these decisions. What happened to choice?

Ben Lieberman, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, put it this way: “Consumers are perfectly capable of making these decisions on their own, including consumers who want to buy extra efficient refrigerators or other appliances. What these standards do is force that choice on everyone, whether it makes sense for them or not. And we know from history that, in some cases, these standards raise the upfront cost more than you’re likely to earn back in the form of energy savings.”

By one definition, regulation is a prescription by authority to control an organization or system. The Yale Journal on Regulation defines regulation as state intervention in the private domain. Who’s responsible for creating government regulations? The regulations could be arbitrary. For years, Congress passed laws and then delegated the authority of designing the resulting rules to federal agencies. Members of Congress often never see the unintended consequences of the laws they enact. The regulations developed might not reflect the original intent of Congress in passing the law.

Here’s one example of how regulations work, and the heavy hand of government replaces freedom of choice. “There is a strong possibility the government will instead regulate gas stoves out of existence, force manufacturers into taking gaspowered stoves or other appliances off their product lines and prevent gas companies from running lines into new construction,” said U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican from Washington state.

Regulations limit choice while burdening consumers with higher costs due to production and selling requirements. Written by Wayne Crews, “Ten Thousand Commandments” is the annual Competitive Enterprise Institute survey of the size, scope and cost of federal regulations and how they affect U.S. businesses, consumers and the economy. “Rules made by federal agencies impose a cost of government that extends well beyond

what Washington taxes,” Crews said. “Federal environmental, safety and health, social and economic regulations grip the economy, making it needlessly harder and more expensive to run a household or business in this country.”

Crews’ latest analysis calculated the average American household pays $14,513 annually in hidden costs based on the $1.9 trillion cost of regulations. These regulatory costs amount to a hidden tax.

Alexandros Vacanas, chief strategy officer of the business solutions company uQualify, said regulations constitute an essential part of modern society, designed to protect the public and ensure businesses operate in a fair and ethical manner. Certain manufacturing industries inherently attract more regulation. Home appliances are heavily regulated, affecting the lives and pocketbooks of citizens.

If regulations are essential for the safety and well-being of consumers, who designates a product safe or unsafe? Gas stoves have been in use for generations. People might choose to cook with gas, electricity or wood, but consumers determine the method of producing heat for cooking.

According to media reports, efforts to ban gas stoves are under way in California and Washington, with large cities across the U.S. following suit. Why is that? Could it be political ideology is the standard used to regulate household appliances consumers have used safely for years?

In “The Future of Free Enterprise: Can It Survive Government Interventionism?” Baron Edmond de Rothschild wrote: “Free enterprise is the indispensable prerequisite for personal freedom; however, the vitality of free enterprise is being threatened by government interventionism.”

The definition of tyranny is the arbitrary, cruel or unreasonable use of power or control. The arbitrary regulating or banning of products by unelected bureaucrats is tyrannical. Contrasting authoritarian governments with representative governments is distinguishing force versus freedom. Freedom is the basis for the founding of the United States. Be warned. The government exerts force in the United States today that directly affects citizens’ freedom of choice.

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

Phyllis Hunsinger

Opinion Business Briefs

n ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEALTH FOUNDATION AWARDS $500,000 IN WESTERN SLOPE GRANTS

Business People

Rocky Mountain Health Foundation awarded a total of $500,000 in grants to 82 western Colorado organizations providing a wide range of services that in turn promote health.

A total of 42 grants worth a collective $268,000 were awarded to organization providing services to meet basic needs and physical and behavioral health care. Another five grants worth a total of $26,000 went to organizations involved in those efforts.

Eighteen grants worth a total of $108,000 were awarded to organizations offering services to youth. Four grants worth a total of $38,000 went to peer support groups.

Five grants worth a total of $30,000 were awarded to organizations working to overcome language barriers. Four grants worth a total of $20,000 were allocated for respite care and in-home assistance. And four grants worth a total of $10,000 went to community gardens.

Rocky Mountain Health Foundation was established in 2017 to invest in programs that improve the health of people living on the Western Slope. For more information, visit the website located at https://rmhealth.org.

n NEW ONLINE COURSE OFFERS INFORMATION ABOUT COLORADO SALES TAX FUNDAMENTALS

A new online course offers information about the fundamentals of sales taxes in Colorado.

The businesses support division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade introduced the free, 16-part course. The course takes about an hour to complete and provides an overview of general tax responsibilities of business owners and how they can remain compliant. The course is available in English and Spanish.

The course is part of efforts to help Colorado entrepreneurs learn how to start, manage and grow businesses.

To access the sales tax fundamentals course, visit ColoradoBusinessLearning.thinkific.com/pages/the-nest for the English course and EducacionNegociosColorado.thinkific.com for the Spanish course.

SHARE YOUR NEWS

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 PINNACOL ASSURANCE RETAINS TOP SPOT IN STATE DATA ON WORKERS’ COMP CARRIERS

Pinnacol Assurance retained its top position in the latest state data analyzing the performance of workers’ compensation carriers for injured workers.

Pinnacol Assurance received a score of 4.2 out of five as rated by workers who’ve made claims. Pinnacol Assurance has held the top position in the data from the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation for nine consecutive years.

Pinnacol received a score of 4.48 out of five among Spanish-speaking workers. Pinnacol offers specialized support services for Spanish speakers.

“These results reinforce the importance of investing in new services, partnerships and technology to enhance access to Pinnacol’s industry leading claims support,” said John O’Donnell, the president and chief executive officer of Pinnacol Assurance. “As Pinnacol continues to prioritize innovation and excellence in meeting the needs of a modern and expanding workforce, it reaffirms its commitment to delivering superior support and assistance to injured workers across Colorado.”

Workers filing workers’ compensation claims in Colorado receive surveys following the closure of their claims to assess the quality of care and customer service they received.

Pinnacol Assurance operates the largest workers compensation insurance carrier in Colorado, providing coverage for almost 1 million workers in the state. For additional information, log on to www.pinnacol.com. F

Panda Express opens Grand Junction restaurant

Panda Express has opened a restaurant in Grand Junction, further expanding one of the largest Asian dining franchises in the United States.

“Our entire Panda team is grateful to serve the Grand Junction community by providing new jobs and supporting local organizations through fund-raising opportunities,” said Salvadore Naranjo, area coach of operations for Panda Express “We hope to be a lasting part of the community and welcome all guests into our doors to try our American Chinese favorites and discover their own.”

Located at 2422 Patterson Road, the location is open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The drive-through window remains open 30 minutes later.

The location will serve a variety of fare inspired by Chinese flavors, including orange chicken, honey walnut shrimp and broccoli beef. The Panda Express brand includes more than 2,500 locations and has introduced American Chinese cuisine to 11 other countries.

For more about Panda Express, visit www.pandaexpress.com. F

A tasteful event serving food while raising funds for United Way of Mesa County is scheduled to return April 5 to downtown Grand Junction.

The Home Loan Taste of the Grand Valley outdoor food and beverage tasting festival is set for 3 to 7 p.m. at 530 Colorado Ave.

“We are really excited to have an amazing lineup of vendors this year, with some returning crowd favorites along with quite a few new additions,” said Keira Auld, community impact manager at United Way of Mesa County. “And what’s really great about this event is that it’s not just about enjoying great food and drinks. It’s about coming together as a community to support our neighbors in need. Every bite and every sip at this event directly contributes to the well-being of thousands of Mesa County residents, with all proceeds going to local nonprofit programs that ensure the health, education and financial security of our community members.”

A total of 17 vendors are expected to serve samples and sips, including 13 Brix Cider Bistro, 505 Fix, Base Camp Beer Works, Bonfire Oyster Co., Carlson Vineyards, El Bajon Churros, Hunger Tech, Jukebox Jamboree, La Pupuseria, Little Pink Truck, Lucky Thai, Maison La Belle Vie Winery and Eatery, Micro Brew Coffee, Ramblevinew Brewing Co., Sitto’s, Trail Life Brewing and Two Rivers Winery & Chateau.

Tickets sell for $20 through April 4 at www.tasteofthegv.com.

Admission at the gate will be $25 if the event hasn’t sold out.

Proceeds from the Home Loan Taste of the Grand Valley will benefit 43 programs United Way of Mesa County supports that in turn help 50,000 Mesa County residents each year.

John O’Donnell

Keira Auld

A Panda Express has opened at 2422 Patterson Road in Grand Junction. The restaurant adds to the more than 2,500 Panda Express locations. (Photo courtesy Panda Express)

Opinion

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n CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION ANNOUNCES NEW CLERK

Selestina Sandoval has been selected as Grand Junction City Clerk.

Sandoval will succeed Amy Phillips effective July 1. Phillips plans to retire.

Sandoval said she’ll foster relationships with other city departments to support shared goals. “With providing outstanding customer service as our guiding principle, I am committed to leading our team with the city’s core values of continuous improvement, collaborative partnerships and exemplary service as our foundation.”

Business People Almanac THE BUSINESS News Trends Contributors Opinion Business Business People THE Business

Sandoval assisted Phillips with the municipal election in 2022 as well as the selection and licensing process for retail cannabis businesses in 2023. Sandoval coordinates the preparation and posting of Grand Junction City Council agenda and ensures the execution of resolutions, ordinances, minutes and other materials. She also processes new licenses and renewals and coordinates liquor licensing authority meetings.

Sandoval has served as deputy clerk since 2018 and before that worked in the city’s clerk’s office in an administrative capacity. She holds a bachelor’s of business administration degree from Colorado Mesa University. She’s a certified municipal clerk.

n GRAND VALLEY RESIDENTS APPOINTED TO STATE BOARD

Four Grand Valley residents have been appointed to state boards and commissions.

Erika Doyle, a Grand Junction real estate broker, was appointed to the Real Estate Commission, which regulates the licensing and conduct of real estate brokers.

David Payne of Fruita was appointed to the Ground Water Commission to serve as a representative of a Western Slope municipal or industrial user. The commission determines the boundaries of groundwater basins, considers well permit applications and develops policies to protect the rights of groundwater basins.

Cynthia Graves and Denise Rodriguez of Grand Junction were appointed to the 21st Judicial District Nominating Commission. They’ll serve on the commission as non-attorney members from Mesa County. The commission selects nominees for county and district judicial vacancies.

SHARE YOUR NEWS

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

n ATTORNEY TO MANAGE RAMOS LAW OFFICE

Nick Mayle will serve as managing attorney of the newly opened Grand Junction office of Ramos Law.

An open house on March 28 celebrated the opening of the office at 319 Colorado Ave.

The Grand Junction office is among seven locations for the firm in Colorado that also include Broomfield, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Northglenn and Wheatridge. The firm also operates an office in Phoenix.

Dr. John Ramos, a lawyer and boardcertified emergency room physician, founded the firm to combine his legal and medical backgrounds in serving clients.

Mayle has practiced in Grand Junction for 17 years. He’s admitted to practice law in Colorado state court, the federal district court in Colorado and federal 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. He received his law degree from the University of Colorado, where also served as editor of the law review.

Mayle said the Grand Junction office of Ramos Law has expanded with three attorneys and three support staff members, all of them from the Grand Valley. He said that ensures clients are represented by attorneys familiar with the Mesa County legal system, but also have the support of one of the largest law firms in Colorado.

“Because of Dr. Ramos’ medical background, our focus is to make sure our clients are not just represented, but also cared for,” Mayle said. “No other firm will be able to understand our clients’ injuries and be able to explain them to insurance companies, judges and juries as well as we can.”

For additional information about the Grand Junction office of Ramos Law, call (970) 287-1173 or visit the website located at www.Ramoslaw.com. F

April 4

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m., Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Service, 160 S. Park Square. Admission $15 for chamber members, $25 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894

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

April 9

n Mesa County Women’s Network negotiation skills workshop, 6 to 8 p.m., board room, Abstract & Title Co., 2464 Patterson Road, Grand Junction. Network members attend at no additional charge. Others pay $35. www.mcwn.us

April 10

n Young Professionals Network business before hours, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Perdita's Coffee, 2938 North Ave., Suite D, Grand Junction. www.ypnmc.org

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

n Palisade Chamber of Commerce free lunch and learn presentation on leadership through service on nonprofit boards, noon to 1 p.m., Purple Bee, 213 Main St. https://palisadecoc.com or 464-7458

April 11

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

April 13

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 5 to 10 p.m., 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

April 16

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

April 17

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

n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Blaine’s Farm Store, 3419 Front St., Clifton. Admission $5 for chamber members in advance and $6 at the door, $8 for others in advance and $10 at the door. https://palisadecoc.com or 464-7458

April 19

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

April 23

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

Upcoming

n Young Professionals Network business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 25, Mama Ree's Pizza + Brewhouse, 664 North Ave., Grand Junction. www.ypnmc.org

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 legislative wrapup, May 14, time and location to be determined. Admission $25 for chamber members, $30 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214

Nick Mayle

Selestina Sandoval