THE BUSINESS T IMES News APRIL 23-MAY 6, 2020
THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994
In this issue n Opening move Mesa County commissioners favor local coordination in easing restrictions imposed in the coronavirus outbreak.
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VOLUME 27, ISSUE 8
THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM
Tailgate Trends and grow n Local firm lands NFL deal to customize portable kitchens
Contributors Opinion 4 Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac
n Therapeutic effort A new Grand Junction clinic offers hormone replacement therapy and what the founder says can be increased vitality.
n Offering help
Challenges likely will persist even after the pandemic ends, according to the owner of an employee assistance program.
n Legal discussion
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A new nonprofit media organization in Grand Junction offers podcasts about legal issues in Colorado.
n Labor pains
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The monthly jobless rate has surged in Mesa County — along with initial claims for unemployment benefits.
n HR Q&A
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A local human resource professional answers questions about managing in the time of coronavirus.
n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends
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Photo courtesy Tailgate N Go
Matt Higgins, second from right, chief executive officer of RSE Ventures and vice chairman of the Miami Dolphins, helps, from left, Kobe, Ron and Taylor Johnson launch sales of their Tailgate N Go portable kitchens customized with NFL logos and colors. Higgins invested in the Grand Junction company in its appearance on “Shark Tank.”
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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times
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aPril 23-May 6, 2020
Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac
Opening move: Mesa County commissioners favor local effort Phil Castle
The Business Times
Mesa County commissioners have asked for a waiver from statewide orders to allow for local coordination over efforts to ease restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The plan calls for a three-phase approach that would change if coronavirus hospitalizations increased. Commissioner Rose Pugliese said a local effort makes more sense in part because there have been fewer hospitalizations and less demand for health care services in Mesa County than other areas Rose Pugliese of Colorado. “I think we’re in the best position to determine what’s best for Mesa County.” Meanwhile, the effects of closures and stay-at-home orders on businesses and their employees have become more pronounced. While 38 percent of business owners and managers responding to the latest survey conducted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce reported their gross receipts had declined by more than half, 40 percent said they’d been forced to furlough or lay off employees. The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County increased two points in March to 6.3 percent, the highest level in nearly four years. Initial claims in the county for unemployment benefits jumped from 95 for the week ending March 14 to 463 for the week ending March 21 to 2,288 for the week ending March 28. Many businesses have taken advantage of federal loan programs, including one program offering forgiveness in repaying money borrowed to cover payroll for two months. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that from its start on April 3, the Payroll Protection Program has provided assistance to more than 1.6 million small businesses nationwide. The federal agency processed what by one estimate would amount to 14 years worth of loans in less than 14 days. While the $350 billion allocated to a relief program for small businesses in the initial federal coronavirus stimulus legislation was exhausted, there’s debate in Congress on a deal that could include an additional $370 billion in loan programs for small businesses. See OPENING page 14
Matt Higgins, left, chief executive officer of RSE Ventures and vice chairman of the Miami Dolphins, helps Taylor and Kobe Johnson and their father, Ron, launch sales of their Tailgate N Go kitchens customized with NFL logos and colors. Higgins invested in the Grand Junction company in its appearance on “Shark Tank.” (Photo courtesy Tailgate N Go)
Tailgate and grow
Grand Junction firm lands NFL deal to customize portable kitchens
T
aylor Johnson touts the versatility of the portable outdoor kitchen her family developed and the ease the product affords in cooking meals for everything from camping trips to road trips. But if Johnson were pressed to name a single ideal use for the Tailgate N Go, it might be tailgating. A mock-up shows what a Tailgate N Go customized with a Denver Broncos It’s a match made logo and colors looks like. (Illustration courtesy Tailgate N Go) in heaven in providing in one sturdy box everything “Matt has opened some awesome doors for us,” Taylor says. Taylor Johnson needed to grill burgers and brats, prep Higgins says he was happy to help. “The Johnson the fixings and serve a parking lot buffet family shows what ‘Shark Tank’ is all about — building before the big game. your business from the ground up, refusing to give up when Now the Johnsons and their Grand Junction company faced with challenges and forging ahead as a team,” he states have taken the combination one step further for pro football in a news release from Tailgate N Go. “I was proud to help fans in offering the Tailgate N Go customized with their Tailgate N Go do an unprecedented licensing deal with the favorite National Football League team logos and colors. NFL and all 32 teams so that football fans can experience the The Johnsons have a partner in their venture in best possible tailgating experience in sports.” Matt Higgins, the cofounder of a private investment fund Johnson says she expects the deal to pave the way for and vice chairman of the Miami Dolphins. Higgins invested similar contracts that will enable the company to customize $250,000 in Tailgate N Go when the Johnsons pitched their Tailgate N Go for other professional leagues and college product on the “Shark Tank” television show. Higgins also teams. “There are some really big things I see down the road helped the family complete a licensing contract with the NFL for us.” that allows the company to customize the Tailgate N Go for See TAILGATE page 16 any of the league’s 32 teams.
STORY BY PHIL CASTLE
April 23-MAy 6, 2020
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New clinic offers well-rounded perspective hormone therapy to new Mesa County role
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Business executive cites personal experience Phil Castle as well as New England and Canada. in decision toTimes open Grand Junction venture The Business Whidden said people who work in
Phil Castle Businessbrings Times what he Frank The Whidden considers a well-rounded perspective to his new Trey job as Graves Mesa County knowsadministrator. from personal Whidden worked benefits of hormone experience the potential in information replacement therapy. technology and holds Graves said his a master’s degree mother in and father computer information receive treatments systems. But he also — and so does he. holds a doctoral The results have been degree in applied dramatic, he said, in management and improving physical decision making and vitality mental Frankand Whidden worked for more than clarity. “I just feel a 20 years as a minister. Whidden has Trey Graves whole lot better.” worked for large and small organizations Graves now makes in both the private andhormone public sectors. it his business to offer replacement Whidden expects draw onand all ofchief his therapy to others as to president experiences in helping MesaHealth County executive officer of Hormone & commissioners make and carry out decisions. Wellness of Colorado, a clinic he opened in Valuing staff and making the county Grand Junction. an employer choicecustomized is among and the Treatmentsof are priorities, said.proper So is planning monitored Whidden to assure dosages. that results in are sustainable funding and Treatment plans inclusive with no added balanced on avery, long-term fees, he budgets said. “It’s very basis. customer Meanwhile, Mesa County will centered.” continue to pursue efforts promote As people age, theirthat bodies tenda friendly environment and to producebusiness less hormones, Graves said. economic said. The resultdevelopment, includes notWhidden only menopause Whiddenbut officially began working as in women, also can include lower county at the sex beginning energy administrator levels and reduced drive of in the year. and He succeeds was women men as Tom well Fisher, as lesswho mental hired county manager in Summit acuity. as Other symptoms can include joint County, Utah. and even heart issues. If pain, migraines Whidden joined Mesa County in people become sedentary as a result of low August information hormone2011 levels,asadditional healthtechnology problems director. can arise.In April 2014, he became deputy county administrator resource Hormone replacementfortherapy can management in athose staffing reorganization address not only symptoms, but also that eliminated four director positions. the root cause, he said. Before joining Mesa County, Graves said he learned about hormone Whidden worked for a company replacement therapy after hisproviding mother information technology to received treatments. “She wasservices just thrilled colleges with it.” and universities. In that role, he managed IThissystems and services for He said father experienced similar institutions in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois results. “The change in him was pretty dramatic. Honestly, I’ve got my father back.” Graves said he decided to try hormone replacement therapy himself to address what testing revealed was low testosterone levels. He said he soon realized he slept better, the joint pains he’d endured were gone and he had more energy. “At that point, I was sold.” After consulting with the owner of two hormone replacement clinics in Texas, Graves said he was convinced he could combine his experience in sales and
information technology aren’t just “geeks,” but offer anfelt important perspective “I just a whole lotbecause they’re familiar with nearly every aspect of better.” operations and how work gets done. They Trey also tend to think about new andGraves potentially better ways of doing things in asking and Hormone Health answering “what if ” questions. “They know & Wellness of Colorado how to effect change in an organization.” Whidden expects to bring that same approach to his dutieswith as administrator. project management the expertise of Whidden it’s his role intoGrand help a medical staff said to operate a clinic county commissioners make and then Junction. implement decisions. The &commissioners At Hormone Health Wellness of in turn represent the the Colorado, Graves worksresidents with Dr.ofApril county andasexpress will,Alexander, he said. “We Goggans well astheir Missy a work for the people.” registered nurse, and Ashlie Zimmerman, he also considers himself clientWhidden relationssaid manager. a liaison between commissioners and Services beginthewith a free initial county staff, and one of the priorities is to consultation to discuss health history, make sure employees feel valued. symptoms and treatment options,Whidden Graves said heA hopes only to improve morale, said. test isnotconducted to determine but also take steps make Mesa hormone levels andthata will treatment plan County an based organization for which people developed on the results. wantHormone to work. Health & Wellness of Meanwhile, Whidden expects the Colorado uses bio-identical hormones countyfrom to continue policies and initiatives made plants and chemically matched thatwhat support local business economic to the body produces,and Graves said. development. There are additional steps Bio-identical hormones offer advantages that can be taken to make he it easier over synthetic hormones, said. for local businesses sell products servicesare to While toother treatmentandoptions the county, he added. available, Graves said one of the most simple Mesa County keep working with and effective forms will of hormone replacement other government entities, organizations therapy involves the use of pellets. A pellet and institutions fostering an environment about the size ofon a grain of rice is implanted that supports businesses and under the skin. existing The procedure takes only new businesses, he said. aattracts few minutes and requires only a small Whidden said there be a incision and bandage, he said.could The pellets opportunities to encourage the additional deliver a lower and steady dose over a longer development of businesses that have provide period. Moreover, patients don’t to services totothe agricultural industry as well remember take medications. as promote Mesa County as a distribution Additional testing monitors hormone center for the region.optimum ranges over levels to maintain The typically important a thing is to consider what’s three-month span issues from a well-rounded perspective, between implants, he said. Whidden said. “We won’t&be Wellness myopic as we Hormone Health of look at things.” Colorado offers year-long treatment plans ✦ Graves said. One on an inclusive basis, price covers testing, treatments and office visits. Health savings accounts can be used for hormone replacement therapy, and financing also is available, he said. Hormone replacement therapy isn’t inexpensive. Health insurance usually doesn’t cover treatments. But patients remain committed to hormone replacement therapy because of the way it makes them feel, Graves said. “The quality of life is worth it.” F
FOR YOUR INFORMATION Hormone Health & Wellness of Colorado is located at 1190 Bookcliff Ave. Suite 202, in Grand Junction. For more information or an appointment, call 812-5115 or visit https://hormonehealthandwellnessofcolorado.com.
April 23-MAy 6, 2020
The Business Times
Assistance program owner: Employees and employers face challenges in outbreak One aspect of resilience is seeking out help Phil Castle
The Business Times
John Gribben makes it his business to help others. And from his perspective as owner of an employee assistance program, staff and companies will need a lot of help in facing the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. While employees struggle to adjust to working from home, they take on additional responsibilities caring for children. Those who don’t work at home faced increased risk of exposure to infection. John Gribben Business owner and managers have had to change operations even as they strive to engage and protect employees. Meanwhile, the threat looms for employees and employers alike the pandemic could affect their livelihoods. “The nature of doing work has changed radically and quickly,” said Gribben, owner and manager of the Triad Employee Assistance Program based in Grand Junction. Triad EAP works with businesses and organizations to provide benefit programs that assist employees with personal and work-related problems. Those include everything from substance abuse and depression to financial and legal issues to resolving workplace conflicts. The company also provides assistance to business owners, supervisors and human resource professionals, including consulting and training as well as help with crisis management. Triad EAP works with clients in Colorado as well as New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The company employs a staff of six, but works with about 350 independent contractors who provide counseling and coaching. Since counselors deliver most services over the telephone, the coronavirus outbreak hasn’t changed that aspect of the operation, Gribben said. But training and other services delivered onsite have been affected. Gribben said there’s been an increase in demand for EAP services in the midst of the outbreak — not only from employees, but also employers. Increases in substance abuse and domestic violence have been reported as some employees feel trapped in their homes, he said. Others who could escape problems at home by going to work no longer have that refuge. Not surprisingly, there also have been increases in feelings of anxiety and depression, he said. Employees with behavioral, family
FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about Triad EAP, call 242-9536 or log on to https://triadeap.com. and financial problems can affect business operations, he said. Business owners, managers and HR professionals have reported their own difficulties, Gribben said. Organizations that under the usual circumstances would spend years in preparing and implementing changes have been forced to do so in weeks. Managers have to supervise from afar. Moreover, owners and managers have struggled with how to convey bad news about furloughs and layoffs. The uncertainty of when the coronavirus outbreak will end — and what work will look like when it does — has exasperated the situation, Gribben said. According to the results of one survey, 45 percent of adults reported the pandemic had affected their mental health. The problems could be prolonged and the response by necessity equally so, Gribben said. There are things employees and employers can do that can help, he said. Self-care is always important, but now more than ever, he said. Owners and managers should not only encourage employees to take care of themselves, but also do so themselves. That includes sleep and exercise as well as more intentional efforts to stay connected with others. Employees and employers also should keep in mind that those who face adversity often emerge stronger and more capable, he said. At the same time, another aspect of resilience is the willingness to seek out and accept help, he said. Companies that offer assistance benefits should remind employees of the availability of those resources, Gribben said. Employees experiencing mental health, family or financial difficulties should seek assistance. So should companies managing troubled employees. Meanwhile, owners and supervisors struggling to manage changing operations, work practices and reporting relationships could use some help or advice, Gribben said. Employers also might need assistance in how to announce furloughs or layoffs in an effective and compassionate way. Businesses also should start planning on what their workplaces will look like after the pandemic ends and employees return to work, he said. Operations could be different. Issues related to fear and distrust also could arise. F
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Grand Junction airport shares in federal funding
The Grand Junction Regional Airport shared in a total of nearly $377 million in federal funding distributed to 49 Colorado airports to help maintain operations during the coronavirus outbreak. The Grand Junction Regional Airport received $5.6 million from the Federal Aviation Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act enacted in response to the pandemic. A total of $10 billion was awarded nationwide. The funding supports operations and replaces revenue lost from declining passenger traffic and other airport business related to the outbreak. The funds are available for payroll, utilities, capital expenditures and debt payments. “The $10 billion in emergency resources will help fund the
continued operations of our nation’s airports during this crisis and save workers’ jobs,” said Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, a Republican from Colorado, also praised the grant program. “Airports across Colorado support the connectivity of our communities and state. And this important funding will help keep workers on payroll as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Elsewhere in Western Colorado, the Yampa Valley Regional Airport near Hayden received $18.5 million and the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport received $18 million. Denver International Airport received $269 million and the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport $24.3 million. F
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West Star implements coronavirus procedures
An aviation maintenance and repair company with operations in Grand Junction has implemented procedures intended to protect employees and customers in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. “The safety of our employees, vendors and customers is always our main priority, so reinforcing our current requirements as well as adding additional levels of precautionary practices disinfectant Jim Rankin and services is of critical importance,” said Jim Rankin, chief executive officer of West Star Aviation. West Star Aviation operates locations in seven states, including a full-service facility at the Grand Junction Regional Airport. The company also serves as a fixed-base operator at the airport in providing such services and facilities as fueling, parking and hangars, While a portion of the West Star staff works remotely, social distancing protocols have been put in place for employees who continue to work on site, the company announced. In addition, West Star has instituted temperature checkpoints for employees and customers entering facilities and requires them to wear protective masks covering their mouths and noses while they’re there. While there are no regulations requiring the disinfection of aircraft, detail teams at West Star Aviation offer disinfection services on arrival and departure. The facilities at Grand Junction and three other locations also offer the use of portable systems for additional decontamination at the request of customers. “We feel confident that going above and beyond on these safety measures, West Star can continue to effectively and efficiently service our customers’ needs,” Rankin said. “Every once of prevention is worth it if we can become a part of the solution to this current situation.” In addition to Grand Junction, West Star Aviation provides a range of maintenance, repair and overhaul services at facilities at the Aspen-Pitkin County and Centennial airports in Colorado as well as at airports in Arizona, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. The company has been selected for six consecutive years as the top MRO services provider in a survey conducted for the Professional Pilot trade publication. For additional information about West Star Aviation, visit the website located at www.weststaraviation.com. F
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Community Hospital pays it forward with donations Community Hospital in Grand Junction has donated masks and other personal protective equipment to help other organizations and businesses in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. The hospital donated more than 300 masks to the Mesa County Emergency Operations Center for distribution to the homeless. The hospital also has donated gear to Colorado Mesa University, Chris Thomas HopeWest, Nuclear Care Partners and others. Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Community Hospital, said the donations were made possible by an outpouring of support the hospital has received during the outbreak.
“For the past several weeks, we have received over 2,000 donated community made cloth masks from members of the community spanning from Clifton to Fruita as well as the surrounding communities,” Thomas said. “These were originally intended for our essential staff working at the hospital and our outside clinics. But because we have received such a large quantity from people wanting to help, we knew this was our opportunity to pay it forward.” Community Hospital also has expanded telemedicine services to allow patients to meet remotely with health care providers, Thomas said. “Telemedicine is something that we have offered for many years both in our clinical settings and at the hospital, but COVID-19 has certainly underscored the importance of this additional health care resource for our patients,” he said.
It remains safe, though, for patients to come to physicians’ offices and the hospital, Thomas said. The hospital has implemented additional safety measures to keep patients, providers, staff and visitors safe during the outbreak, he said. Everyone who enters the hospital is screened, staff is required to wear masks and regular and vigorous cleaning occurs throughout the facility. People are encouraged to call their health care providers or the emergency department before coming to facilities. Hospitals have seen a decline in patient visits during the coronavirus outbreak, and there’s growing concerns people are foregoing medical treatments, even in emergency situations, Thomas said. F
St. Mary’s officials encourage people to seek ER care when it’s needed
The emergency room at St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center in Grand Junction has implemented protocols designed to keep patients safe during the coronavirus outbreak as well as encourage them to seek emergency care when it’s needed. The efforts include separate waiting and exam rooms as well as separate entrances for patients with respiratory problems and those with other emergencies. “We are seeing patients in the emergency room that are worried to be here, including parents with infants that have high fevers. They visibly relax once we show them that our respiratory patients have a completely separate triage process,” said Dr. William Hilty, emergency department medical director. Kelly Arnold, stroke coordinator at St. Mary’s, said a drop in stroke patients at the emergency room is worrisome. “We know that the rate of stroke has not slowed, so the conclusion is that these patients are not getting the treatment they need. In the case of a stroke, putting off emergency care can lead to life-altering consequences.” Hilty said patients receive a high level of care in a safe environment. “If people are avoiding hospitals out of fear, it could have long-lasting public health outcomes. We are here to care for them. They are safe with us.” Arnold said people should follow the FAST acronym if they think they or a loved one might be experiencing a stroke. For those who experience facial weakness, arm weakness or speech that’s impaired or slurred, it’s time to take action. “When it comes to a stroke, time is of the essence. There is a very narrow window to administer emergency medical care. Act fast. Call 911 and get here quickly.” Hilty said it’s just as important that people who suffer heart attacks, traumatic injuries and other medical emergencies, call 911 or get to the emergency room as quickly as possible. F
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Media organization launches legal podcast series A new nonprofit media organization in Grand Junction offers podcasts about legal issues affecting people in Colorado. Law Talk Global Network offers Law Talk Colorado podcasts through its website at https://lawtalkcolorado.com. The free podcasts also are accessible from major podcast platforms, including Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify and Stitcher. The podcasts feature journalists interviewing legal experts — among them lawyers, law enforcement officers, judges and legislators — on a variety of topics. “There are many state and local laws that Coloradans are expected to abide by and navigate in our ‘life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.’ But, come on, we can’t all be lawyers or live next door to a police officer,” said Krystyn Hartman, founder of the Law Talk Global Network. “Enter Law Talk Colorado and Law Talk Global Network of news journalists interviewing state and local legal experts willing to take the time to share knowledge and insights of our laws in an easy access format that is free to everyone.” Podcasting offers several advantages, Hartman said, including a conversational, magazine-style listening format. Podcasting is a fast-growing medium and accessible
LAW TALK: THE FIRST FIVE EPISODES Here’s a look at what’s covered in the first five Law Talk Colorado podcasts: n Episode one — Power of attorney basics medical and financial, with Grand Junction lawyer Barbara Butler. n Episode two — Divorce filings, child custody and domestic violence cases in the age of coronavirus with Lakewood lawyer Hannah Westmont. n Episode three — Gender equity, economy and public policy with Katica Roy, gender economist, founder and chief executive officer of Pipeline Equity based in Denver. n Episodes four and five — Coronavirus and public safety with Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis and Grand Junction Police Chief Doug Shoemaker.
from any device with an internet connection. Moreover, the podcasts remain available and searchable on the internet as long as the information they convey remains relevant.
The first five Law Talk Colorado podcasts feature Western Colorado and Denver lawyers as well as a tech company executive, sheriff and police chief. “Our goal is to release a new podcast daily by the end of this year,” Hartman said. “The need for public education of our state and local laws is critical. For example? Nearly 98 percent of civil cases filed in Colorado’s county courts do not have legal representation.” Journalists Mike Moran and Angeline Roles lead the podcasts. “They’re awesome to work with,” Hartman said. “Their experience and candor combined with their willingness to break new ground as a team, to learn together, laugh at ourselves through the many learning curves, have made what could’ve been a stressful process downright fun.” Legal experts featured in the podcasts have been forgiving, she said, as interview techniques changed because of the coronavirus outbreak. “We went from in-house interviews to remote Zoom interviews over a matter of days, all of us learning, everyone patient and supportive. Let’s just say, we have a lot of people to thank.” F
Safety agencies eligible to apply for outbreak grants Public safety agencies in Mesa County are eligible to apply for federal grants to address the coronavirus outbreak. “Congress and the president have made this funding available on an emergency basis so we can do our part to protect Colorado residents impacted by COVID-19,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. Colorado Jason Dunn “Eligible agencies should apply for this money and be forward thinking in how to serve our citizens during this very stressful time.” The City of Grand Junction can apply for nearly $92,000, while Mesa County can apply for nearly $59,000 in emergency supplemental funding. The Justice Department has allocated a total of $850 million in emergency funding nationwide as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas. The department will move quickly to award grants once applications are submitted. “This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials and public safety professionals,” said Katharine Sullivan, principal deputy assistant attorney with the Office of Justice Programs. More than $14.2 million was allocated to Colorado. The Colorado Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Justice will receive nearly $9.2 million. F
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Colorado offers added benefits to unemployed
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has begun accepting applications for unemployment benefits from independent contractors and other self-employed people out of work because of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, recipients of unemployment benefits will receive an additional $600 a week. The new benefits are among the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Joe Barela, the executive director of the state labor department, said a new online application system was put into place to process the claims, making Colorado among the Joe Barela first group of states to accept applications and pay benefits under the changes. “We don’t know what the volume will look like into our new system because not only do we not know how many gig workers are out there, we don’t know how many of them will apply for unemployment. But we have expanded tools and ... will have systems in place to begin taking these applications and provide other resources,” Barela said. The CARES Act provides enhanced or extended unemployment benefits for workers. The new benefits are paid by the federal government, and eligible claims will be backdated so claimants won’t lose out on benefits due to the waiting period to submit an application. New claims that fall under one of the new allowed situations for unemployment under the CARES Act will be taken through a new system. Claimants will submit claims, manage their benefits and request payment through this new online system. This includes gig workers, independent contractors, self employed and those who are out of work because of a number of reasons related to the coronavirus pandemic. Regular unemployment benefits will continue to be processed through the existing systems so anyone currently on unemployment doesn’t need to take any action. The CARES Act also provides an additional $600 of unemployment benefits per week on top of a claimant’s weekly unemployment benefit. The additional benefit, known as Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, doesn’t require a claimant to take any action and is retroactive to March 29th. “We are working as quickly as we can to get these benefits into the hands of people who are in need during these unpredictable and unprecedented times,” Barela said. F
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Bank offers help with loan programs and deferrals ANB Bank provides assistance to small businesses and people affected by the coronavirus pandemic in offering loans through a federal relief program as well as deferrals for customers with installment loans. As of April 9, ANB Bank had approved about 1,200 loans worth a total of $208 million through the Paycheck Protection Program. The U.S. Small Business Administration-backed program offers forgiveness in repaying money used to cover payrolls for two months. While the $350 billion allocated to a relief program for small businesses in the initial federal coronavirus stimulus legislation was exhausted, additional funding is expected. ANB Bank operates a total of 30 locations in Colorado, Wyoming and the Kansas City area. “Our branches in the Grand Valley and Telluride have
processed in excess of 130 application for over $20 million,” said Vance Wagner, regional president of ANB Bank. “While the SBA has made multiple changes, our team has been incredible, adapting to those changes so that we can deliver the much-needed funds to businesses in our footprint.” Along with processing applications for the Paycheck Protection Program, ANB Bank staff called several thousands customers with installment loans in offering a three-month deferral program. Borrowers with a floating rate were informed ANB Bank had removed the interest floors through Dec. 31. “I’m very proud of my ANB teammates,” Wagner said. “This is what it is all about, serving our customers, especially in a time of need.” F
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Opening
Continued from page 2 Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced on April 20 he would allow a statewide stay-at-home order to expire April 26, but that some restrictions could be needed for months to prevent the coronavirus outbreak from overwhelming intensive care units at hospitals. People will still be advised to stay at home whenever possible and avoid unnecessary social interactions. Some non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen May 1 with precautions. Retailers would be allowed to open for curbside delivery and a phased-in public opening with physical distancing and other precautions. Non-essential offices would be allowed to have half their work forces on site, but large work places will be advised to maintain symptom and temperature checks. Elective medical procedures and dental work would resume with strict precautions to ensure protection. The plan doesn’t call for restaurants and bars to reopen, although Polis said he hoped for a mid-May timeframe. In a letter to Polis, Mesa County commissioners requested a waiver from statewide orders to allow local coordination of a reopening. Under the first phase of a plan for Mesa County, gatherings would be limited to no more than 10 people and social distancing guidelines would remain in place. Retail, personal services and restaurants would continue curbside services where applicable, maintain social distancing and use masks for employees who come into contact with the public. Business could consider bringing employees back to work in phases. Elective health care procedures would be allowed to resume. Movie theaters, gyms and churches could operate if strict social distancing practices can be maintained. Visitations to hospitals and senior living facilities would be prohibited, however. Under the second phase, gatherings of up to 50 people would be allowed with social distancing. Bars would be allowed to operate with diminished capacities. The requirement for grocery store workers to wear masks could be relaxed. The third phase would lift most restrictions, although social distancing practices could be needed. Pugliese said the extent and timing of the plan would depend on conditions and the result of testing. The number of hospitalizations related to the coronavirus and demand on health care services constitutes a key factor. So far, Mesa County has been fortunate to have avoided the number of hospitalizations and positive cases that have occurred elsewhere in Colorado she said. As of April 19, there’d been six hospitalizations and 35 positive cases. Of the six patients who’ve been hospitalized, four were discharged. See OPENING page 15
April 23-MAy 6, 2020
Opening
Continued from page 14 Pugliese said it’s importance to strike a balance between community and economic health and that all businesses are essential. According to the results of an email survey conducted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce between April 3 and 10, 38 percent of respondents reported their gross receipts had declined by more than half. Another 38 percent reported receipts had declined by a quarter or less. In a survey the chamber conducted between March 17 and 30, 26 percent of respondents reported receipts had dropped more than half and 49 percent reported a drop of less than a quarter. Fully 40 percent of those who responded to the second survey reported furloughing or laying off employees. The first survey didn’t ask that question. Businesses have sought relief in federal loan programs backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, including the Paycheck Protection Program as well as economic injury disaster loans. Dan Nordberg, regional administrator of the SBA, said almost 5,000 lenders nationwide issued a total of nearly 1.67 million loans under the Paycheck Protection Program. Nearly three-fourths of the loans were for less than $150,000 “This unprecedented partnership has worked and provided many businesses with the certainty they need to retain their employees and continue serving our communities,” Nordberg said. The $350 billion allocated to the program under federal coronavirus stimulus legislation was exhausted, however, There’s debate in Congress on a deal that could include an additional $370 billion in loan programs for small businesses. But as of press deadline on April 20, no legislation had yet been announced. Diane Schwenke, president and chief executive office of the Grand Junction chamber, stated in a message to members that over the long term, no loans or other assistance programs will keep firms in business. That’s why Schwenke said she’s encouraged by plans to allow businesses to reopen and employees to return to work. “The Mesa County Public Health Department is to be commended for gathering the best data available and seeking business input on how to implement a phased approach to opening businesses while safeguarding citizen health,” she stated. “The chamber is confident that we can have both a healthy economy and a healthy population if we take a measured approach and work together,” Schwenke stated. “The time is now to begin planning and implementing steps that ultimately bring the entire community to the point where every business can proudly display the open sign in their store windows again.” F
The Business Times
pAge 15
Online store set up to help Grand Valley businesses
A new online store offers Grand Valley businesses whose operations have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic a venue in which to sell products, services and gift cards. The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce, Western Slope Communications and Grand Valley Power joined to set up the store, which will remain open to customers through May 6. The Love Local Grand Valley store is located on the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.fruitachamber.org/ lovelocalgrandvalley. Local businesses may submit an item form to the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce to participate. Participating businesses can submit item forms, company logos and inquiries by email to Selena Sanchez, marketing coordinator of the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce, at selena@fruitachamber.org
Once a form is received, items will be entered in the online store. Once the auction period has finished, payment will be sent via PayPal or check if needed. All proceeds of the sales will go directly to the participating business. Grand Valley Power will help cover processing fees. Members of the Fruita Area Chamber will have the first opportunity to submit items to the online store. After April 24, other Grand Valley businesses may enter items as room allows. All participating businesses must have a sales tax license and report sales tax for all sales. Information also is available from Kayla Brown, executive director of the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce, by sending her an email at kayla@fruitachamber.org F
Page 16
Tailgate
Continued from page 2 The licensing contract with the NFL — and with it with the opportunity to sell Tailgate N Go kitchens through the league website at www.nfl.com — constitutes yet another milestone for Ron Johnson, his daughter Taylor and son Kobe. Ron originally envisioned the Tailgate N Go as a way to organize cookware, utensils and condiments for family camping trips. He says he sketched the initial design on a napkin. What Ron and his Ron Johnson children developed, though, is far more sophisticated in a sturdy metal box with room for plates, utensils and seasonings as well as cutting boards. A railing system on the box accommodates Kobe Johnson such accessories as griddles and grills. And, yes, that includes the kitchen sink. The Johnsons soon realized they’d not only solved their problem, but also come up with a versatile product and along with it a potentially profitable business. Ron also operates Riverbend Machinery and Riverbend Equipment in Grand Junction and Denver. Those companies sell, lease and service heavy equipment. The Tailgate N Go is constructed out of aircraft aluminum, a metal that’s both lightweight and durable. The outside of the Tailgate N Go includes a butterfly latch, a feature designed for campers in bear country, as well as built-in handles, a bottle opener and hooks for hanging towels or trash bags. The inside of the Tailgate N Go includes a storage net in the lid, additional storage compartments for food and spices and a knife magnet. Tailgate N Go also comes with cutting boards, including a board with a paper towel holder. Ron developed a patented rail system upon which cutting boards and other accessories hang on the outside of the box. That includes a collapsible sink as well as griddles, grills and stove burner. The Tailgate N Go measures 46 inches wide, meaning it fits between the wheel wells in pickup truck beds. The Johnsons also developed a slighter smaller model they branded the Overlander that fits into Jeeps and small sports utility vehicles. The boxes for Tailgate N Go and Overlander are fabricated in Denver, but painted in Fruita and assembled in Grand Junction. The Johnsons displayed their Tailgate N Go kitchens at trade shows across the country to not only promote the products, but also gauge the reaction of potential customers and improve on the design. That reaction, Ron says, was encouraging. Moreover, the Johnsons were told
The Business Times
aPril 23-May 6, 2020
While Tailgate N Go portable kitchens offer versatility in cooking meals for camping or road trips, the kitchens are well-suited for tailgating and serving parking lot buffets before the big game. The Grand Junction company has completed a licensing contract with the National Football League to customize the kitchens with NFL team logos and colors. (Photo courtesy Tailgate N Go) repeatedly they should appear on “Shark Tank” — the reality TV show in which entrepreneurs pitch their products and services to a panel of “sharks” who consider whether or not to invest in the efforts. The sharks are paid as cast stars of the show, but any money they invest in ventures is their own. Entrepreneurs can make a deal if they and the sharks are interested. But if all the sharks opt out, entrepreneurs leave empty handed. The Johnsons beat long odds to appear on the show. Out of 40,000 companies that apply each season, only 150 are selected to pitch to the sharks. Of those, only about 80 are included on broadcast episodes. The Johnsons pitched Tailgate N Go in a “Shark Tank” episode broadcast in October. Kobe was the first deaf entrepreneur to appear on the show. The Johnson pitched to Higgins as well as Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Daymond John and Kevin O’Leary. O’Leary offered to invest $250,000 as a line of credit with 10 percent interest. He also wanted a 10 percent equity stake in the company and $100-per-unit royalty.
The Johnsons declined that offer and asked Higgins to reconsider. Higgins agreed to invest $250,000 for a 20 percent equity stake and $50 per-unit royalty until the $250,000 is repaid. Taylor says the family’s goal at the outset was to reach a deal with Higgins because of his connections with the NFL. Higgins is chief executive officer of RSE Ventures, a private investment firm he founded with Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins. Higgins also serves as vice chairman of the Dolphins. Higgins previously worked with the New York Jets as executive vice president of business operations and was involved in efforts to build MetLife Stadium. The strategy worked as planned, Taylor says, because Higgins helped the company reach a licensing deal with the NFL. “It means a lot to have signed a deal with the NFL,” she says. “My dad dreamed of this deal from day one at Tailgate N Go. And our shark, Matt Higgins, made that happen.” An update on an episode of “Shark Tank” broadcast in April announced the
FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about Tailgate N Go products, including portable kitchens customized with NFL team logos and colors, log on to the website at https://tailgatengo.com or call 549-1189.
deal and detailed the efforts of Higgins and the Johnsons to introduce the customized Tailgate N Go kitchens as part of Super Bowl activities in Miami. Tailgate N Go is the only company featured in an update on “Shark Tank” during the same season of its initial appearance. Taylor says working with Higgins and pitching products on “Shark Tank” and to the NFL has been as rewarding as it’s been instructive. “It’s an experience I will treasure forever.” The process has been rewarding in other ways in promoting Tailgate N Go and sales, she says. The company received nearly 40 orders after the broadcast of the first “Shark Tank” episode. The effects of the coronavirus outbreak since have hampered efforts to further ramp up sales, Taylor says. Trade shows in which the company would have participated have been canceled. Moreover, customers can’t visit the company’s facility in Grand Junction to check out products in person. But she also expects the deal with the NFL and what could be similar deals with other pro sports franchises and the National Collegiate Athletic Association to promote growth in what’s just one market for the versatile Tailgate N Go portable outdoor kitchens, but an important market. It’s a match, she says, made in heaven. F
News Trends Contributors The worse before better Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac The Business Times
April 23-MAy 6, 2020
pAge 17
INDICATORS AT A GLANCE
n Business filings
t New business filings in Colorado, 28,371 in the fourth quarter, down 0.4% from the fourth quarter of 2018.
n Confidence
t Consumer Confidence Index 120 in March, down 12.6. t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 29.7 for the second quarter, down 21.1. t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 96.4 for March, down 8.1.
n Foreclosures
t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 16 in March, down 38.5% from March 2019.
t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 4 in March, down 60% from March 2019.
n Indexes
t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 60.39 for March, down 48.88. t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 104.2 for March, down 6.7% t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for the manufacturing sector, 49.1% for March, down 1%.
n Lodging
t Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $63,470 for March, down 10% from March 2019.
n Real estate
n Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 449 in March, unchanged from March 2019. t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $122 million in March, down 10.3% from March 2019.
n Sales
s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $3.9 million for March, up 1.7% from March 2019. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $2.8 million for March, up 8.5 from March 2019.
n Unemployment s Colorado — 4.5% for March, up 2. s Mesa County — 6.3% for March, up 2.2. s United States — 4.4% for March, up 0.9.
Mesa County unemployment rate rises as outbreak effects take toll Phil Castle
1,958 claims were filed for the week ending April 4. The state labor department reported March Feb. The monthly unemployment rate in 104,217 initial unemployment claims were s Delta County 7.1 4.2 Mesa County has surged to its highest level in filed statewide for the week ending April 11. s Garfield County 5.4 3.3 nearly four years as closures and stay-at-home Over the past month, 231,610 claims were s Mesa County 6.3 4.1 orders intended to slow the spread of the filed. s Montrose County 6.8 3.6 coronavirus affect local businesses. Englehart said the situation reminds s Rio Blanco County 6.6 3.7 Given the growing him of the Great Recession in 2008 and number of claims for 2009 with rising unemployment rates and a unemployment benefits, the jobless rate could shrinking labor force. The situation is different because closures and hit double digits in April, said Curtis Englehart, stay-at-home orders meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus executive director of the Mesa County Workforce have shuttered some businesses and limited operations for others. Center in Grand Junction. “I expect these numbers The workforce center has physically closed, but staff working to get a lot worse before they get better.” remotely continues to respond to increasing call volume from people For March, the seasonally unadjusted jobless asking questions and requesting services, Englehart said. Employees rate increased 2.2 points to 6.3 percent, according and employers can call 248-7560 to schedule interviews with Curtis Englehart to the latest estimates from the Colorado employment specialists and case managers. A hotline at 248-7575 Department of Labor and Employment. lists job openings in Mesa County on a daily basis. Employees That’s the highest level since the rate hit 6.6 percent in June 2016, and employers also can set up or reactive accounts online at Englehart said. At this time last year, the rate stood at 3.9 percent. www.connectingcolorado.com, a state website connecting people For March 2020, Mesa County payrolls decreased 2,625 to looking for jobs and businesses recruiting new hires. 70,955. The number of people counted among those unsuccessfully Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates also increased in looking for work increased 1,599 to 4,765. The labor force, which neighboring Western Colorado counties in March — up 3.2 points includes the employed and unemployed contracted 1,026 to 75,720. to 6.8 percent in Montrose County, up 2.9 points to 7.1 percent in Compared to March 2019, payrolls have decreased 2,623 Delta County and 6.6 percent in Rio Blanco County and 2.1 points even as the ranks of the unemployed have increased 1,780. The to 5.4 percent in Garfield County. labor force has shrunk 843. The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose two points Labor demand as measured by the number of job orders to 4.5 percent. The increase took the rate in one month from the posted at the Mesa County Workforce Center has decreased. lowest level in Colorado for statistics going back to 1976 to the Englehart said 586 job orders were posted in March, down nearly highest level since August 2015. At this time last year, the rate 11.5 percent from the same month last year. The 1,436 job orders stood at 3 percent. posted during the first quarter were down 20.3 percent from the Nonfarm payrolls decreased 3,900 from February to March same span last year. with the biggest losses in the professional and business services, Initial claims for unemployment insurance have surged, education and health services and leisure and hospitality sectors. Englehart said, particularly by people who’ve lost jobs at Compared to a year ago, payrolls remain up 43,900. restaurants and businesses dependent on tourism. The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm Claims in Mesa County grew from 42 for the week ending payrolls lengthened eight-tenths of an hour to 33.4 hours over the March 7 to 95 for the week ending March 14 to 463 for the week past year. Average hourly earnings increased 68 cents to $30.94. ending March 21 to 2,288 for the week ending March 28. Another F The Business Times
AREA JOBLESS RATES
Grand Valley sales tax collections up for March A key measure of sales activity in the Grand Valley continues to increase, although the latest numbers don’t yet reflect the full effects of the coronavirus outbreak. The City of Grand Junction and Mesa County both reported year-over-year increases in sales tax collections in March. March reports reflect February sales. The city collected a total of more than $3.9 million in sales and use tax collections in March, an increase of more than $64,000 and 1.7 percent over the same month last year. City sales tax collections increased 2.1 percent. Use tax collections, a far smaller and more volatile source of revenue, dropped 33.3 percent. The county collected a total of more than $2.8 million in sales and use taxes in March. That’s an increase of more than $221,000 and 8.5 percent over the same month last year. Sales tax collections rose 12.5 percent. Use tax collections — most on automobile purchased outside the county but used in the county — fell 26.3 percent. County sales tax collections increased 25 percent on retail sales in March compared to the same month last year. Sales tax collections also increased in the auto, home improvement, hotel and restaurant and telecommunications categories. Collections fell 61.5 percent in the oil and natural gas category. For the first quarter of 2020, the City of Grand Junction
collected a total of more than $14.1 million in sales and use taxes. That’s an increase of nearly $195,000 and 1.4 percent over the first quarter of 2019. Sales tax collections rose 2 percent to more than offset a 36.6 percent drop in use tax collections. Mesa County collected a total of nearly $9.3 million in sales and use taxes during the first quarter of 2020. That’s an increase of almost $575,000 and 6.6 percent over the first quarter of 2019. Sales tax collections rose 8.8 percent even as use tax collections fell 15.3 percent. For the first quarter of 2020, tax collections rose 19.2 percent on retail sales. Collections also increased in the auto, home improvement, hotel and restaurant and telecommunications categories. Collections dropped nearly $289,000 or 68.3 percent in the oil and natural gas category. Lodging tax collections, a measure of hotel and motel stays, dropped 10 percent to $63,470 in March compared to the same month last year, the City of Grand Junction reported. Lodging tax reports lag collections by a month. For the first quarter of 2020, the city collected nearly $229,000. That’s a gain of $4,581 and 2 percent over the first quarter of 2019. F
THE he B BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES
PJANUARY age 18 15-28, 2015
aPril 23-MayP6, 2020 AGE 15
Historic drop in leading index Grand forecasts contraction Junction’s Largest Local Payroll Provider
“The unprecedented and sudden deterioration was capital and consumer goods. A leading credit index held steady. “Excellence in Service is our First Concern!” broad based, with the largest negative contributions The Coincident Economic Index, a measure of current Time isinsurance money. conditions, Let us help you save some both.to 106.6. coming from initial claims for unemployment decreased nine-tenths of aofpercent The index has slipped three-tenths of a percent over the and stock prices,” Ozyildirim said. The Leading Economic Index has retreated 6.6 percent past six months. For March, income and sales increased while over the past six months after edging up a tenth of a percent in the six months before that. and payrolls Payroll Tax Filingindustrial production Quarterly & Year End decreased. Tax Reporting Economic Index, a measure of past Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goodsPayroll The Lagging Multi-State performance, rose percent 110.2. The index has and services produced in the country, increased an Keeping annual Systems Direct1.2 Deposit & “PaytoCards” at Time This rate of season, 2.1 percent in the third and fourth quarters of 2019.Timeincreased 1.4 percent over the past three months. Online HR Support Web-based Clocks For March, six of 10 indicators of the index retreated,Payroll For March, commercial and industrial financing and Handbook Development Web-based save time, including average weekly manufacturing hours, building the cost of labor A decrease in the average New increased. Hire Reporting Workers’ Compensation permits, consumer index and duration of unemployment also energy and expectations, a new orders Retirement Plans bolstered the index. The Mobile Scheduling stock prices. A surge in average weekly initial claims for average prime rate charged by banks, the cost of services your back with unemployment insurance also pulled down the index. Three and inventories declined. Consumer debt held steady. indicatorsremoval advanced: the interest rate spread and new orders for F snow
A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States has dropped nearly 7 percent, the largest monthly decline in the 60-year history of the index. The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) fell 6.7 percent in March to 104.2. A separate measure of current conditions also fell, while a measure of past performance increased. Ataman Ozyildirim “The sharp drop in the LEI reflects the sudden halting of business activity as a result of the global pandemic and suggests the U.S. economy will be facing a very deep contraction,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economic research at the business research and membership group.
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The Landscape Latest measure of CEO confidence drops to recessionary level Center.
in sentiment about the current state outlook was about the same for their industries. of the economy,” said Lynn Franco, Still, about half of executives said they expect the senior director of economic indicators economy and their industries to improve six months from for the business research and now as measures by Congress and the Federal Reserve membership group. “So it comes as prop up businesses, consumers and credit markets and in no surprise that more than 80 percent turn the economy. www.autopaychecks.com of these executives said COVID-19 Bart van Art, chief economist of the Conference has substantially impacted their Board, said concerns about the ramifications of the 441 Coloradooutbreak Avenue business.” persist. “This suggests that while CEOs see Counting the results of the brighter days ahead, they also expect to experience Grand Junction, CO 81501 Bart van Ark subsequent survey, 97 percent of major consequences from the current crisis. For example, executives who responded said economic conditions had workers, profits, sales and investment activity will all take deteriorated and were significantly worse compared to a hit, and such impacts could endure post-crisis.” six months ago. Fully 92 percent of executives said the F
A measure of confidence among business executives has dropped to its lowest level since the Great Recession as their concerns mount over the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. The Conference Board reported its Measure of CEO Confidence fell seven points to 36 for the first quarter of 2020. A subsequent Lynn Franco survey conducted from late March to early April pushed the reading down to 34. A reading below 50 reflects more negative than positive responses. “The sharp fall was driven by a dramatic deterioration
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Trends Contributors Opinionan outbreak Managing Business Briefs Business People Almanac
April 23-MAy 6, 2020
The Business Times
pAge 19
COMING ATTRACTIONS
n Registration remains open for an upcoming employment law conference. The Western Colorado Human Resource Association will join with the Bechtel, Santo & Severn law firm in Grand Junction to present the virtual conference on Zoom from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 29. Admission is $100 for members of the WCHRA and other Society for Human Resource Management chapters and $150 for others. Discounts on combined WCHRA membership and conference admission are available. Discounted admission also is available for Colorado Mesa University faculty and students. To register or obtain more information about the conference, log on to the website at www.wchra.org/events. A presentation will cover the coronavirus outbreak and interactions between laws and regulations dealing with the outbreak. Another presentation will cover the new Colorado Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards Order and changes to the way private employers compensate employees. The update will address these changes, including rest breaks, meal periods, uniforms, tips and who qualifies for overtime exemptions. Another presentation will address the Colorado Equal for Equal Work Pay Act scheduled for implementation beginning Jan. 1. A session will enable participants to ask a panel of lawyers their most pressing questions.
Some questions — and answers — about HR in the time of coronavirus As a human resource management professional, I receive calls and emails every day from colleagues around the country. The coronavirus outbreak has forced businesses to juggle everything from orders to close, to caring for employees at risk of becoming sick to maintaining relationships with customers to avoiding bankruptcy. I’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions — and my answers — to hopefully benefit others. Q: Which businesses are considered “essential” and which are not? A: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued an executive order on March 25 outlining 13 critical business categories allowed to remain open under the stay in place order. These include health care operations, critical infrastructure, critical manufacturing, critical Christi retail, critical services, news media, financial Sanders Via institutions and more. Review the list online at https://health.mesacounty.us/covid19/ and click on the FAQ Related to Stay-at-Home Order. Q: I’m healthy now, but at risk for contracting the coronavirus because of underlying health conditions and age. I can work from home, but my boss says I have to come to work anyway because our organization provides essential services. Do I? A: This is a tricky question for employers and employees. Employers should keep in mind, though, that if employees are in a high-risk category and ask for accommodations to work from home, employers should grant them if at all possible. Individuals who have underlying health issues could be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Failure to provide reasonable accommodations during a pandemic could become a legal issue. Keep in mind a business can’t use discriminatory reasons to determine who works from home and who does not. Those decisions should be made based on an employee’s classification and what kind of work they do. The executive order strongly encourages everyone who possibly can to work from home. Q: How can I keep paying employees when my non-essential business is closed and I can’t earn income? A: Some help is on the way in terms of payroll tax credits, grants and loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Visit https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-businessguidance-loan-resources#section-header-0 for more information. Additionally, you can lay off your employees during a time of temporary closure, enabling them to file for unemployment benefits. If you’ve purchased any type of business interruption insurance, now is the time to file a claim.
Remain flexible and let people figure out their own schedules as much as possible. No one wants to lose a job right now, so believe your employees are doing the best they can to accommodate all the new demands in their lives.
Q: My employees work from home, but they don’t seem to be very productive. How can I ensure they work sufficient hours and take care of business? A: My response to this question is twofold: First, breathe. Everyone is under extreme pressure right now. Children are out of school, and parents have found themselves cast in the roles of teachers on top of trying to work from home. Finances are an issue for many employees. Fear and anxiety about the pandemic has everyone feeling a bit cranky. Second, part of this experience is learning it’s OK to let people work odd schedules and hours. If your employee is scheduling conference calls at 7 a.m., that might be the only time they can be assured the kids will be quiet enough. Employees with school-age children try to get work done for your organization, but also could have three kids who have multiple required video sessions throughout the day. Managing resources and refereeing the inevitable conflicts that arise is challenging. Remain flexible and let people figure out their own schedules as much as possible. No one wants to lose a job right now, so believe your employees are doing the best they can to accommodate all the new demands in their lives. Here are two more thoughts for business owners and managers to consider: n You’re not alone. Resources are available to help you manage your businesses, but you must be proactive to find and use them. n Thank you for doing your part to slow down the spread of this pandemic. I notice those organizations that disregard the orders and those that embrace them and still find new ways to serve customers. Guess who will get my business when this is over? Christi Sanders Via is an assistant professor of human resources at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction and college relations director for the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For additional information, visit www.WCHRA.org. F
Page 20
The Business Times
aPril 23-May 6, 2020
Care about your customers and build relationships Take a moment to think about a time you received a paltry customer service experience — one that left you feeling uncared for, unsatisfied and unhappy. Given the bad taste in your mouth, it’s likely you won’t do business with that company again. Moreover, you’ll probably advise your friends and family not to either. Now, recall a time you received exceptional customer service — the pleasant experience, the satisfaction and how endeared you felt. It’s extremely likely you’ll spend your hard-earned money with this amazing company again and tell others why. As a business owner, which of these experiences do you want to give your customers? The question is more important Marcus than ever. We’ll soon emerge, at Straub least to some degree, from the social distancing required to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Consumers will return to businesses with excitement, hope, joy and relief. Will you be ready to greet them with gratitude and a desire to make their lives better? If you do and keep it up, you’ll likely build lasting relationships that benefit everyone. If you desire to be truly successful, you must focus on growing your company through the attraction and retention of customers. If you intend to take your company to new heights — to become exceptional — you must pay attention to the level of care you and your team provide and the genuine relationships you build. The primary ingredient in delivering consistently exceptional customer service experiences is demonstrating first and foremost you care about your customers.
The ultimate key to your lasting success lies in a simple and timeless rule: Treat people the way you want to be treated. The only way to achieve this is if you truly care. How deeply you care will determine the amount of business that comes full circle back to you.
Revenues are important, no doubt. But if you don’t truly care, revenues will evaporate. The difference between an exceptional customer experience and an awful one lies in the level of care provided to the customer by each person in your business who contributed to that experience. To earn the loyalty of faithful customers, you — as the owner — must first care deeply about them and the quality of their experiences with your business. Caring is expressed in both word and deed and is a direct byproduct of the attitudes and behaviors of the people who own and operate the company. Whether you truly care about your customers or not, they can feel it. As a business owner with a profound and innate level of caring, you’ll bring back as many team members as you can who also care deeply and treat each member of the team with consideration and respect. In turn, they will rise to the occasion and share this same feeling of happiness with customers. The result will be exceptional experiences. Given what we’re going through together, hopefully there’ll be more gratitude, appreciation and mutual respect for business owners, team members and customers than
there’s been in a long time. There’ll be no more taking one another for granted now that we’ve been reminded how much we truly need each other. The more you and your team care about customers and consistently demonstrate it, the higher their level of satisfaction will be with you, your products and the services you provide. You’ll not only become the primary solution to fulfill their purchasing wants and needs, you’ll also become the well-deserved recipient of their gracious comments and referrals. The ultimate key to your lasting success lies in a simple and timeless rule: Treat people the way you want to be treated. In fact, better is a superior choice. The only way to achieve this is if you truly care. How deeply you care will determine the amount of business that comes full circle back to you. Here are two main points to remember. When business owners care about people, they position their companies to create happiness and satisfaction as well as profits. When team members feel truly cared for by the owners and managers for which they work, they pass this feeling along to their customers, who in turn care about the company and provide repeat business. 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 208-3150, marcus@lifeisgreatcoaching.com or through the website located at www.lifeisgreatcoaching.com. F
April 23-MAy 6, 2020
The Business Times
pAge 21
Take the time to take confusion out of emails I love email. It’s convenient, efficient and nothing less than essential during these times of physical distancing. But my relationship with email also can be toxic at times. When I’m particularly busy, the ping notifying me I’ve received a new message triggers a surge in my pulse as I anticipate a problem or another demand on my time. It turns out many people experience this response. According to research at the Future Work Centre in London, email constitutes one of the leading sources of stress in the workplace. One reason email causes stress is because it frequently leads to Rebecca miscommunication. I recently received Weitzel an email from a colleague in response to my proposed action items on a project. Her message contained just one word: “OK.” I mentally retraced our previous communications to decipher her meaning. Was she saying, “Okey dokey, sounds great?” Did she mean, “Umm, this project is annoying, and I can’t be bothered right now?” Or was her response simply a businesslike confirmation? I couldn’t be certain of her intent because my computer screen offered none of the context I needed to interpret her emotional state — no friendly smile or breezy vocal tone to suggest we were on the same page, no fingertips pressed to her temples or heavy sigh to suggest frustration and no quick nod to indicate agreement. I proceeded as though she’d smiled when she typed “OK,” but only time would tell if I guessed right. According to research conducted by Kristen Byron at Syracuse University, every email conveys emotions to the receiver whether it’s intended or not. These emotions are often misinterpreted. Studies conducted by Justin Kruger at the New York University Stern School of Business
As email receivers, we often misinterpret the sender’s intent, but assume we’re right. As email senders, we’re often sloppy, but assume we’re clear.
demonstrate we accurately interpret the difference between seriousness and sarcasm in electronic communications only half the time — no better than chance. When we send emails, we tend to grossly overestimate the likelihood the receiver will accurately detect our tone. Since we know what’s in our own heads, we believe it’s obvious to others. This means as email receivers, we often misinterpret the sender’s intent, but assume we’re right. As senders, we’re often sloppy, but assume we’re clear. Byron’s research shows this losing combination of emotional inaccuracy can have such far-reaching implications in our workplaces as breakdowns in relationships between team members, poor decision-making, lower performance and increased conflict and anxiety. Over time, individual and organizational well-being suffer. As email senders, we can do our part to prevent these breakdowns: n Byron’s research indicates email dulls emotion by at least one level. This means emails sent with a neutral tone will be perceived as negative. Emails sent with a positive tone will be perceived as neutral. Change the receiver’s emotional interpretation by including pleasant openings and closings. A simple “I hope this finds you well” or “thanks for all you do” go a long way toward ensuring tone is accurately perceived.
n Avoid using ALL CAPS. It’s the equivalent of yelling. n If you’re concerned about tone, have someone else read your email and provide feedback. n If you’re addressing a sensitive topic, skip email and meet over video conference to the decrease the chance you’ll be misunderstood. We also can reduce potential miscommunication as email receivers: n Remain aware of tendencies to apply stereotypes to fill in missing gaps in understanding. These mental shortcuts almost always lead us astray. n Keep in check the leftover wiring from our caveman days that causes us to interpret ambiguous information as negative rather than positive. While this cognitive negativity bias once protected us from harm, it now leads to frequent misunderstanding. n Seek clarity. Reply with, “When you said ... I interpreted that to mean ... . Is that correct?” n Assume the best. Reread the email with a cheerful tone and test whether or not it could be interpreted in a more positive light. The next time you’re tempted to respond to an email with just “OK,” consider taking two more seconds to add, “Looks great.” Simple acts of thoughtfulness add a little more humanity to our communications, reduce stress and transform relationships in the workplace and beyond. Rebecca Weitzel is president and co-founder of Good Life Wellness Solutions, which provides affordable and easy to implement workplace well-being solutions, an online platform, consulting and education services tailored to small businesses. Contact Weitzel at (970) 216-6390 or rebecca@goodlifewellnesssolutions.com or visit the website at www.GoodLifeWellnessSolutions.com. F
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The Business Times
aPril 23-May 6, 2020
Working at home: risks and rewards Have you ever dreamed of setting up an office at home and working in your pajamas? For better or worse, this dream has suddenly become a reality for many people. While working from home can be productive, it also can be unproductive and even problematic. It all depends on how you approach working at home and the equipment and physical space that’s available. First of all, forget about working in your pajamas or sweatpants. You should strive to maintain a professional appearance and attitude even working at home. While you might not participate in lots of video conferences, the clothes you wear — or don’t wear — affect Janet your attitude and professionalism. One of the Arrowood most important tenets of looking for work is to continue the routines you followed at a 9-to-5 position. The same applies to working from home. Make sure you have the right equipment. That includes a: n Computer with enough capability to match the one at the office or those at your client or customer offices. n Large monitor — with a split screen, if possible. n Combination printer, scanner and fax machine with high resolution and full color capability. n Comfortable chair. n Place to store things so your desk isn’t littered with stuff. n Clean, light colored wall behind you for video conferences. n Door you can close to keep children and pets out when you’re on calls and at meetings. It’s also nice to have a separate land line to dial in to conferences to keep your cellphone free for business and emergency calls. Then there’s the matter of insurance and liability. Hopefully, your employer provided a full suite of intellectual property, liability, umbrella and vehicle insurance when you worked in the office. But many of these coverages don’t extend to home offices, and solo business owners
are on their own. Your auto, homeowners or renters insurance could provide some protection, but you should coordinate with the insurer to make sure you have what you need. For those working for employers, ask how they cover business property and liability when equipment is used and work completed at home. There also could be issues with worker’s compensation and disability insurance. The same rules that applied in the office should apply at home. If you were limited in the amount of time you could use office equipment for personal use, that should remain the case at home. Many employers install tracking software on their computers, so they’ll know when you’re working and the websites you visit. Avoid mixing personal tasks with business activities. Sure, you can start a load of laundry right before a teleconference. But cleaning the kitchen or building a flower bed should wait until after the workday. It’s easy to fall into the “I’ll just finish one more thing” trap, then consume an entire workday with a series of personal chores. Also avoid the temptation to become too wrapped up in work. Keep regular hours. When the workday ends, shut off your computer and make the short commute to your non-office space. A few more considerations: n Confirm with your human resources department what the company’s liability will be if problems arise. n Keep personal items physically separate from company equipment and software. n Verify what your homeowners and auto insurance covers and what requires a separate rider or addendum. n Secure your office when you’re not using it to protect against damage or physical and intellectual property theft. Janet Arrowood is founder and managing director of the Write Source, a Grand Junction-based firm that offers a range of services, including grant and proposal writing, instruction and technical writing. Reach her at janet.arrowood@thewritesourceinc.com. For more information, visit www.TheWriteSourceInc.com. F
April 23-MAy 6, 2020
The Business Times
pAge 23
Help available in outbreak to obtain health insurance In just three months, coronavirus has gone from a blip on our radar by way of international news to imposing a real presence in our communities with life-changing effects. Shortly after Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster related to the coronavirus outbreak, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment reported more than 127,000 claims for unemployment insurance were filed between March 16 and April 3. By the end of April, the state expects more than a two-fold increase in jobless claims. Stephanie In Mesa County, 41 unemployment Motter claims were filed between Feb. 29 and March 7; but 462 claims were filed between March 14 and 21. Another 2,288 claims were filed between March 22 and April 10. Those numbers represent an almost 400 percent increase in unemployment claims. Although there’s a more than two-week lag in reporting those numbers, the Mesa County Workforce Center expects jobless numbers to continue to shoot up through the end of April. To state the obvious, many of these unemployment claims represent real lives affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If you or a loved one find yourself without health insurance benefits because of the outbreak, this message is for you. Connect for Health Colorado has opened an emergency special enrollment period for individuals and families whose jobs have been or will be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Monument Health based in Grand Junction is proud to be involved in this effort. The original offering began on March 20 and was
This emergency enrollment ends April 30. But if you experience a life-changing event such as losing your health insurance due to job loss, you can buy health insurance on Connect for Health Colorado within 60 days of that event. Moreover, subsidies could be available to help you and your family cover expenses during this time.
scheduled to end April 3. However, Connect for Health Colorado recognized the exploding need and extended the emergency open enrollment period until April 30. This emergency enrollment ends April 30. But if you experience a life-changing event such as losing your health insurance due to job loss, you can buy health insurance on Connect for Health Colorado within 60 days of that event. Moreover, subsidies could be available to help you and your family cover expenses during this time, making coverage and the peace of mind that comes with it a reasonable possibility. If you feel overwhelmed because you don’t know where to start or how to apply for health insurance benefits, additional resources are available to help. Hilltop Community Resources and its health access office can help you determine eligibility and walk you through the application process. For more information, call 244-0850 or visit https://hilltophealthaccess.org.
Working directly with Connect for Health Colorado offers another option. Review helpful information online at https://connectforhealthco.com or take advantage of Connect for Health enrollment centers in Western Colorado. Although the centers don’t allow walk-ins because of social distancing guidelines, you can locate the closest center on an interactive map found at https://connectforhealthco.com/enrollment-center and call to schedule a virtual appointment. Another great way to learn about all your options is to contact a local health insurance broker. While we work with several insurance brokers and highly recommend all of them, there are simply too many to mention by name. Finally, if you need help from the Monument Health wellness warriors, call 683-5630. We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. Although we’re not an insurance company, our team of local professionals brings together doctors, hospitals, employer groups and insurance companies to achieve better health outcomes and contain costs. Thanks to statewide leadership and Coloradans committed to helping one another, our state and communities have been nimble and responsive during this uncertain time. Monument Health remains proud to be #DoingOurPartCO. Stephanie Motter is chief executive officer of Monument Health, a clinically integrated health care network in Mesa County. She previously worked as vice president for quality and clinical strategy at DaVita. She serves as a trustee at Colorado Mesa University and participates on the Mesa County Workforce Development Board. For more information about Monument Health, visit www.MonumentHealth.net. F
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RentaSpace.DiegoCorp.com
The Business Times
aPril 23-May 6, 2020
Get a workout, no equipment required Machines, weights and props can all help in a daily exercise routine. But with a little creativity, you can still enjoy a great workout without anything but you and a pair of good athletic shoes. Given so many changes and temporary health club closures related to the coronavirus outbreak, it’s never been more important to maintain your efforts to stay healthy and fit. Here are a few ideas to help keep you on track to achieve your fitness goals, including body weight training, cardio workouts, online classes and fresh air exercise. n Body weight training is just that – using your weight to provide resistance. Body weight exercises improve strength, flexibility Paula and balance. Many different types of body Reece weight exercises can be performed to work all the major muscle groups. One of the best exercises for the chest is the pushup. This exercise uses almost every muscle in the body, but especially the chest muscles. Modify the traditional floor pushup by performing them on your knees or leaning from a counter. Complete a triceps dip with the aid of a stable chair or step by raising and lowering your body. For the thighs, try lunges. Lunges work a range of muscles and also improve core strength and flexibility. Core exercises include the bicycle maneuver. This ab workout strengthens your internal and external obliques. Like a traditional crunch done on the floor, move your legs like you’re riding a bicycle. Try a plank, another quality core exercise. Using either on your hands or forearms, keep your body straight like a plank and hold this position for 30 seconds.
With bodyweight exercises, keep your movements smooth and controlled. It’s important to use proper form and technique to get the most benefits while also avoiding injuries. n Cardio exercises that get your heart pumping offer a great way to keep extra weight at bay. One of the simplest and most beneficial cardio exercises is brisk walking. Record your steps, distance and time. Reaching for 10,000 steps a day in a week will make you successful in a 70,000-step goal. For some inside cardio exercise, try jumping jacks. Shoot for 50 at a time and repeat. If you need to modify, do step outs on each side instead of the jump. High-knee marches, taking the stairs and even dancing all offer great ways to get in some cardio exercise. n Missing your group exercise classes? Log on to the website at www.crossroadsfitness.com and join in on one of the many group classes listed there. Our giving and talented instructors also teach live classes on Facebook. These classes might help you keep a routine and see some familiar faces. n With warming spring weather, getting outdoors is particularly welcoming. A walk, hike, bike ride or even yardwork offer not only fresh air and sunshine, but also some calorie burning. Now is the perfect time to use the excuse to exercise — not an excuse to miss out on exercise. Maintain a weekly routine and make it non-negotiable. Try some of these workout tips and embrace your new fitness routine. Paula and Dale Reece own Crossroads Fitness Centers in Grand Junction with a downtown location at 225 N. Fifth St. and north location at 2768 Compass Drive. For more information, call 242-8746 or log on to the website at www.crossroadsfitness.com. F
QIP fix benefits commercial property owners The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act includes a provision that benefits commercial property owners. Legislation makes qualified improvement property (QIP) once again eligible for bonus depreciation. QIP involves any improvement to an interior portion of a nonresidential building if that improvement was made after the building first was placed in service. This generally includes qualified leasehold improvement, restaurant and retail improvement property. Be aware QIP doesn’t include any improvement for the which the expenditure is attributable to the enlargement Tim of the building, any elevator or escalator or the Whitney internal structural framework of the building. Previously under the tax code, interior property improvements for nonresidential property — including improvements for tenants, with some limitations — were treated as 39-year property and not eligible for bonus depreciation. The CARES Act treats QIP as 15-year property and therefore allows for 100 percent bonus depreciation. Commercial property
owners may be allowed to take an immediate deduction of 100 percent of the cost of improvements to the interior of their properties instead of spreading it out over a number of years. That’s potentially a lot of tax savings. There’s more good news. Since the change is retroactive, commercial property owners may be able to amend their prior year tax returns to take advantage of this fix. This applies to QIP placed in service after 2017 and after the date the building was first placed in service. I recommend you consult with your accountant and other professionals to confirm eligibility for this deduction. In the meantime, stay safe. Hopefully, we’ll soon return to business as normal Tim Whitney is managing broker of Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, a commercial brokerage and property management firm based in Grand Junction. Whitney has been involved in the sale, lease and management of commercial real estate in Colorado for more than 35 years. For more information, call (970) 243-7375 or visit the internet website located at www.CBCPrimeProperties.com. F
April 23-MAy 6, 2020
The Business Times
pAge 25
Contributors Opinion Bold predictions for 2015 It’s time to matriculate Covid-19 A newonyear affords Focus thoseBusiness who help to Briefs its place in history ... repeats more like not-so-bold a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES
PAGE age 26 22
In a previous incarnation as editor of a daily newspaper in Northwest Colorado, I worked with a talented photojournalist. He told me once about the questions he sometimes fielded from readers who wondered what it was like to have to photograph sometimes horrific events — house fires and car wrecks. Wasn’t it awful? More than 30 years later, I still recall his response. He said he always focused — literally in his case — not on the tragedy unfolding in front of him, thestart people A new year almost always brings an opportunity for abut fresh andthere were helping. renewed ambition towho do things better. I findboils myself in the same circumstance editorproducts of a In business, that usually down to providing customersasbetter business journal thecompetitors. midst of a pandemic. and services faster and at lower cost in than Part of the process must I feel obligated to report theactually tragedy need that’sand unfolding include listening to customers to determine whaton they then in what’s become both a public health and economic crisis. if meeting that need. After all, it does little good to offer the latest and greatest There’s growing number of people who’ve lost their jobs nobody actually wants whatthe you’re selling. and the hardships businesses have the suffered. that makes Just like the businesses that belong to the group, GrandBut Junction Area me all the more grateful for the opportunity to also report on theof Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment Phil Castle myriad efforts under way to help individuals and businesses. the services and resources it provides and how well they match with members ofof thethe bad news comes latest labor needs. Jeff Franklin, the The new baddest chairman chamber board in ofthe directors, statistics. unemployment County personifiesThe thismonthly approach in describing rate whatinheMesa considers hisjumped role fortwo the points coming to 6.3listen percent in March. determine The joblesstheir rateneeds couldand soarthen intomeet the double-digit year: to members, those needs. It’s a stratosphere in April given growing numberpresident of people claims for role with which Franklin is the familiar as market offiling Bankinitial of Colorado. unemployment benefits. The process will take on a more structured approach in what the chamber endingofApril 4, 1,958 claims were filed into Mesa County. plansFor as the the week resumption a program aptly called Listening Business. Under the Statewide, more than 230,000 claims in have been filed over the month. That’s program, business owners participate in-depth interviews to past identify barriers to not yet counting independent contractors and other self-employed people growth and otherthe problems they encounter. allowed claim under legislation. The to new yearjobless offers benefits a good time to new join federal the proverbial club. According to the results of an email survey conducted AprilTimes? 3 and 10 As an advertiser or reader, what do you need from between the Business by the Grandbusiness Junctionjournals Area Chamber of Commerce, 40 percent of the business owners While traditionally gather and report the relevant news to and managers who responded furloughing or laying employees. Fullytrue 38 as readers, communication isn’treported necessarily a one-way street.off That’s especially percent of those who responded their business receipts had dropped Web sites and e-mail make thesaid dialogue more convenient than ever. more than half. There’s also some good news, though, including the stories Good publications don’t exist in a vacuum. They respond to of thefederal needs funding of not only in the form of loans to businesses, but also grants to the Grand Junction advertisers and readers. They provide what’s needed. Regional Airport andneed? local public safety agencies. The U.S. Small Business So what do you Administration, which news backscoverage the so-called paycheck economic Is there additional that would helpprotection keep you and informed about injury disaster loan programs, reported processing what by one estimate local business developments? Are there features that would be interestingwas or 14 years of loans in that 14 days. as busy in issuing useful?worth Is there advice wouldLocal makebanks your have jobs abeen littlejust easier? loansIt’s even as the rules governing the process keep changing. equally important to ask what you don’t need. With limited time to I’m content especially Business Times contributors and time the advice produce andgrateful limitedfor space in which to publish it, would and space be they to help readers getelse? through the pandemic, whether that’s answering bettershare devoted to something questions human issues, offeringWhat tips isn’t? on working from home or What’sabout good? Whatresource isn’t? What’s needed? moreLet clearly responding to emails or suggesting ways people can keepTimes fit — no us know. Send us an e-mail. Comment online on the Business Web equipment required. site at www.thebusinesstimes.com. You could even write an old-fashioned letter to There’s potentially somefeedback, light at the endpositive of this and horrific tunnelisinvalued plans and to the editor if you’d like. Your both negative, reopen — and in turn the economy — in phases. Here’s hoping that will be businesses carefully considered. happens even asare thethe curve ofof coronavirus cases flattens. Goodquickly publications result not only the efforts of their staffs, but also Meanwhile, I’ll keep focusing on the organizations collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers. and people who are helping. Like any other good business, we want to listen to our customers, find out what they need and then meet those needs. Phil It’s Castle is editor the Business Reach him at phil@thebusinesstimes.com a new year. of Please help us Times. to do so. or 424-5133. ✦ F
THE BUSINESS TIMES
609 North Ave., Suite 2, Grand Junction, CO 81501 TEL (970) 424-5133 • FAX (970) 424-5134
Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall
Editor: Phil Castle
Reach advertising at: publisher@thebusinesstimes.com Reach the editor at: phil@thebusinesstimes.com.
Subscribe or submit press releases online at www.thebusinesstimes.com The Grand Valley Business Times, a subsidiary of Hall Media Group LLC, is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor, staff or advertisers. Copyright © 2015 — AllCopyright rights reserved. © 2020 — All rights reserved.
Which is just how we’ve handled and overcome thetime manyofnovel It’s that year coronaviruses when of the past 30and years. And this doesn’t mean resolutions prognostications abound. Covid-19 goes awayapplied — because we’re still My favorite saying to New Year’s fighting strains the Spanish flubasically — but a resolutions is inofsaying they’re it does of mean it’s damned wellthe pastfirst timeweek to bunch promises to break handle Covid-19 like Americans throughout of January. And while I won’t predict a history haveI can handled anymuch invasion or attack. whole lot, pretty accurately the truth, nail aTell fewusthings that without question give us thethe data, be a You will see these are will make news. leader pretty, with well,courage predictable: and we’ll go to warone: ■ Prediction like nowill one be else on There some the to protect sortplanet of weather event, our families, defeat natural disaster or any enemy and come heinous occurrence out on someone top with our where will economy strongand andsay be interviewed pride beaming.“I’ve Instead, the following: Craig Hall we have tooanything many never seen government leaders like that in my cowering lifetime.” behind It’s as ifmodels. this Craig Hall I love and movie references person is asports required in spite ofatthe leftest bent in Hollywood attendee every news because element ofmost truth reportingthere’s event.always While an I understand to what entertainers So be here are people’s perspectiveproduce. can indeed limited two references take uptheir space so Ipersonal don’t by, or containedtowithin, own write a profanity-laced rant about experiences, it is too much to askhow to our governor destroyed our economy. consult some historical perspective before Thesuch firstaisthing? CoachYes, Hankthis Stram on the can saying response sidelines the Kansas win apply to of some events.City ButSuper whenBowl it comes in 1960sand telling his team to “… matriculate to the weather natural disasters, I’m pretty the the field fellas.”repeating I don’t useitself. it sureball thisdown is simply history for anyas other reason than whatand you’ll read in of Same it has for millions millions the second partimportant, of this column regarding myit! years. More the planet made daughter’s high school graduation. The other What didn’t were certain species. How’s is thefor opening scene in “Dances With Wolves” that perspective? showing a colonel sweating anditrubbing ■ Prediction two: When comes his to a head what to occurs do, all while waiting crimenot orknowing something that between for someone to required make the attendee decision. at all humans, the else other Jared Polis is much newsColorado reportingGov. events is the person who more the scared, worried, officer says this: “They we’re justhiding the nicest than theand leader marching with people, in no way didinto I seebattle something the But Exactly. let’s be fair: Thatdoes likeunknown. this coming.” No one doesn’t Polis much different most of make the time when it comes to than the majority governors across the country. neighborsofand acquaintances. People should I find few Gov.to be surprised at who whatwant goes to onfollow from time Polis into battle. He’s not a leader the time in their neighborhoods, townsinand true the word. speaks well,are withsense peopleofthey know He because people comes across his good. And forarticulate the times and thatpresents they shouldn’t facts well. Then again, did George be shocked — like withsopoliticians, repeat McClellan, Neville Chamberlain offenders and terrorists — where’sand the Barack Obama. But“This none doesn’t of themsurprise inspired interview that says, me to Who would I follow? U.S. in battle. the least.” Grant, Patton and Donald Trump. ■ George Prediction three: Something good And, yes, Kristi Noem as aand governor. will happen economically, the Here’s why: Gov.credit Polis for doesn’t government will take it. The most believe in his army. Polis doesn’t believe recent example is gas prices, where people the this state canthe follow orders, ask citizens me whyofI won’t credit president for which why heMy used a stateisof emergency low gasisprices. answer simple: to make everyday If he Government neveractions makes illegal. the price of were a truego leader, could havetakes said credit something downheand simply we do this, and this. Yet, he for need good to news. Gasthis pricing is subject to closed thousands of businesses many global factors. Now therebecause are he believed they couldn’t follow hissome lead.of government answers to addressing What makes chain stores them to keepPolis pricesbelieve stable only for Americans, or (determined by hisofstaff alone) butessential our government has none them in businesses couldthings followit his I don’t place. The only hasplan? in place in the
aJANUARY Pril 23-M ay 6, 2015 2020 15-28,
know about you, but I trust a salon worker, Realtor bartender keep folksAnother safe more long runoralways hurttoconsumers. than people I saw in stores reaches grappling over fact is that unemployment a certain toilet paper, on soup the lastAnd package level based theand economy. whileofthe spaghetti. Truth told, all the my number shoppingisislow, government might brag always distance experience. did it’s morea social than likely the government There are many that othernumber ways Polis fails to something to cause being low lead. Hisnot prediction notway. two Conversely, weeks ago that by — and in a good when April 20 between 35,000the Coloradans business picks up,400 it’sand because people would be dead from Covid-19 disturbing. who need to buy widgets whoiswere not This is complete because it takes buying widgets cowardice because the economy was no courage. Ifdue it’sto35,000, warned you. contracting naturalthen (orhe unnatural, If it’s 400, then he saved you. Expand into government caused) reasons, decided we the factbuy Polis has never led other governors as better some widgets. The government ahad governor. nothingWhen to doCalifornia with this.and New York make■a decision, canIn bekeeping sure Colorado Predictionyou four: with is in lock within a day or two. Not once things thestep government does, I predict the has Gov. Poliswill led manipulate the charge tothe make the to government numbers tough understanding every make decisions the claimwhile the economy is getting decision he’s paid make comes with risk to in better because of to how hard it is working ahelp pandemic. far, he’s consistently made all of usSo“working Americans.” Nowone decision: Shut down and it closed. I say you might say,it“Craig, youkeep always say this this in spite of hisObama latest soft-opening orders about President because you don’t because I firmly with the firstI don’t upward like him.” You’rebelieve right in a sense. tick onthe theman, infection he’s going to shut know but reports, what I know of him and us again.I don’t like it or him one iota. hisdown thinking, Which leads to the one thinglike Before you go off,me however, I didn’t for which Bush I’ll never forgive the man: He President and his bailouts, stimulus destroyed my baby’sthe senior year. Just and his abandoning free market to when save she was market. lookingAnd forward to her right the free I don’t know himof passage to matriculate to college, ol’ either. What the government does, good and the Jared wentittocan thedo, well any local only thing is usurping hurt the economy. decision by going into “shutdown” Unless it making does nothing or put criminals in mode once of again. I knowwith he’llthem, say it’s to jail instead partnering nothing save lives. But how does one count the government doesexactly will help. Always look lives saved from a virusthe where everyone at it this way, whatever government says dead or alive who shows symptoms it is doing, whatever the name of the is law it presumptive one or cangoal be of is passing, orpositive whateverand theno name considered recovered or virus free without the bureaucracy it is presenting to the apeople, test orexpect vaccine? that’s the casetoguv, theIfpolar opposite occur. then I5.8 million been or guess whatColoradans I’m sayinghave is that are infected, and the death is next perhaps it’s time to get outrate of our ownto zero. But that’s not what weof have. perspective. There’s plenty history Instead, my daughter will out graduate books and historical research there on to some day in AUGUST, never begin random to understand that all of this hashave ahappened senior prom and And missitout onagain, yearbook before. will signings, hugs goodbye on the day of whether the topic is people or last government. school and wonderful memoriesistotolast The best recommendation find asome lifetime. Allorbecause governor is books try thatour whole Google cowering in shutdown thing. There’s a lot of mode. information on the need to do The something GreatWe Depression. truth isspecial it wasn’t for these highone school whose even a good untilseniors the government got celebrations are now couple involved. There’s alsolimited plentytoofa research of in August. Their only senior onweekends the medieval warm period when the memory should be Covid-19. planet was muchnot warmer than today with Withlot a leader making thewarmer tough well a whole less people (and decisions, could saved lives, before manwewas herehave at all). And yep, protected ourbeen mostkilling vulnerable, our people have otherkept surprised economy robust and also graduation people since history was saved first written. for kids who’ve worked so hard. Maybe some research will help stop thattrends. would Otherwise, have required a be all ofBut these we’ll non-political andanything our governor saying we’vedecision, never seen like it in hasn’t matriculated to athat level. our lives. And not in good way. Craig Craig Hall Hall is is owner owner and and publisher publisher of of the the Business Times. Reach Reach him him at at 424-5133 424-5133 Business Times. or or publisher@thebusinesstimes. publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. F ✦
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Survival tips for the coronavirus business environment The coronavirus and related economic shutdown continues to take a heavy toll on individuals, families and businesses. As the latest initial unemployment claims reports from the labor department make clear, troubles won’t ease up soon. As the struggle in economic terms slogs on for small businesses and their employees, sources provide tips on ways to deal with an assortment issues. I journeyed over to the Harvard Business Review website and discovered HBR offers its coronavirus-related content for free. In “How to Keep Your Team Motivated, Remotely,” Lindsay McGregor and Neel Doshi provide Raymond insights on dealing with people Keating working remotely. Some key points to motivating people working remotely: n “It’s important for leaders to … remember that work can deliver a much-needed boost to their teams, even when there’s little choice involved in their work-from-home situation.” n “If you want your teams to be engaged in their work, you have to make their work engaging.” n “The most powerful way to do this is to give people the opportunity to experiment and solve problems that really matter. These problems won’t be the same for every team or organization. They may not even be easy to identify at first. Your employees will need your help to do this. Ask them: Where can we deliver amazing service to our customers? What’s broken that our team can fix? What will drive growth even in a time of fear? Why are these problems critical, valuable and interesting?”
In “Five Ways to Stimulate Cash Flow in a Downturn,” Eddie Yoon and Christopher Lockhead focus on a central issue for all businesses in these tough times. The authors offer five actions that warrant attention. Here’s part of the step that fully grabbed my attention: n “Accelerate innovation. Launch near-ready innovations in the pipeline now. Most companies are risk averse regarding innovation. But just as generosity begets generosity, empathy begets empathy. Customers who may typically nit-pick new innovation will now be grateful for new and improved products/services — even if they’re released before all the kinks are worked out. They likely will help you identify problems and fix them before a broader rollout.” In “Supporting Customer Service Through the Coronavirus Crisis,” Matthew Dixon, Ted McKenna and Gerardo de la O discuss key challenges on the customer service front. They detail three broad recommendations for customer service representatives. For example, the authors focus on maintaining more integrated coaching weaved into the daily workflow among managers. They note: n “The good news is that integrated coaching can be done virtually. A home products manufacturer we work with has made a significant commitment to this type of coaching and was initially concerned that their forced work-from-home environment would scuttle any progress. However, they found that with a few smallbut-important adjustments, they were able to prevent managers from reverting to old behaviors. As one leader explained, ‘We had to make sure our managers were doing more open-ended questioning with their reps to find out how their calls were going — what they were feeling good about and what they were struggling with — and scheduling several mini-checkins across the day with their people using video conferencing to mimic the
cadence and structure of integrated coaching sessions.’” In “Brand Marketing Through the Coronavirus Crisis,” Janet Balis discusses behavioral changes during this crisis, noting that some might become permanent. She focuses on the question: “What actions can brands take to serve and grow their customer base, mitigate risk and take care of their people?” Balis offers five steps to boost brand marketing. Among her suggestions: n “It’s encouraging how quickly many companies were able to transition to remote working arrangements. Deploying collaboration technologies can seamlessly provide chat, file sharing, meeting and call capabilities, enabling teams to stay connected and remain productive. Already, virtual happy hours are emerging as the new normal to build team morale. Partners are ‘pitching’ remotely, recognizing that an in-face sales call is unlikely to transpire for weeks to come. Leaders have to do their best to transition each element of the operating model — from marketing, to sales to service — to this new normal. New sources of innovation and even margin improvement will emerge out of our current discomfort.” Balis offers a point worth closing on: “Brands are all having to think, operate and lead in new ways during these uncertain and unprecedented circumstances, and we will all have to learn together with both confidence and humility.” Stay safe, healthy and innovative. Raymond Keating is chief economist of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. The nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy, education and research organization works to protect small business and promote entrepreneurship. Reach Keating through the website located at https://sbecouncil.org. F
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n WESTERN COLORADO COWORKING SPACE FIRM ACQUIRES NORTH CAROLINA-BASED COMPANY
Proximity Space, a Western Colorado firm that supplies software and hardware to manage coworking spaces, has acquired a software company based in North Carolina. The addition of SMPL will bring new and enhanced features to software used by thousands of members of coworking spaces, said Josh Freed, chief executive officer of Proximity Space based in Montrose. “In an industry with a number of software Josh Freed solutions, SMPL stands out as a leader in customer experience,” Freed said. “This is true of their product and customer support, and we’ve been incredibly impressed with every SMPL interaction. Our conversation started with a discussion about features, but it quickly became clear we have a lot of shared values. We’re a match because we’ve built our businesses on community and taking care of customers.” Garrett Tichy, cofounder of SMPL, agreed. “SMPL started with a focus on the community that coworking creates, and we see the same devotion in the Proximity platform and their team. I believe our companies have been headed in the same direction, and joining our visions together is the natural progression of our shared desire to connect the mobile work force.” Coworking spaces using SMPL software will gain access to additional features and a digital door control system. The members of those spaces also will have an opportunity to connect with a network of remote and freelance workers and entrepreneurs. Features of SMPL software will be incorporated into the Proximity platform, including the ability to delay membership start dates, invite new members with single-click signup and more effectively manage attrition. Proximity Space provides software to manage coworking spaces, including access, conference room scheduling, event management, internet access and membership billing. The company also offers training to manage coworking spaces and operates coworking spaces in Grand Junction, Montrose and Ridgway. For additional information, visit www.proximity.space.
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Grand Junction Subaru hails the latest recognition the automotive brand has received from Kelley Blue Book. Subaru was named best overall brand among nonluxury automakers for the third time in the past five years. Subaru receive the highest average score across all ratings of nonluxury models in the 2020 Brand Image Awards program. “We are so thankful to be able to bring Subaru to the people of Western Colorado and Eastern Utah,” said Ron Bubar, owner of Grand Junction Subaru. “The automaker continues to provide quality vehicles with top-notch safety and convenience features at an affordable price. It’s what customers are looking for.” In addition to its recognition as best overall brand, Kelley Blue Book named Subaru its most trusted brand for a sixth consecutive year as well as its best performance brand. Kelley Blue Book provides values, reviews and other information to help consumers research, price and shop for new and used cars. Brand Image Awards are based on the insights of more than 12,000 new vehicle shoppers who research purchases on www.KBB.com. This data is compiled for an annual study tracking consumer trends and attitudes towards new vehicles. “Just like in sports, it’s fun to play on a winning team,” Bubar said. “Given our consistent victories in this category, it’s safe to say Subaru has built our brand’s value based on trustworthiness, and that has translated into a lot of success. We’re thrilled to be playing on this team.” Grand Junction Subaru is located at 651 Market St. near the intersection of Market Street and 24 Road. For more information, call 241-2414 or visit the website located at www.rockymtnsubaru.com.
n RESTORATION SERVICES FRANCHISE OFFERS ASSISTANCE WITH CORONAVIRUS CLEANING Delta Restoration Services of Western Colorado offers businesses help in protecting their employees and customers in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. The Grand Junction franchise of the national restoration services company offers free cleaning and disinfecting for select business owners. For more information about eligibility for free cleaning or other services, call 712-5298 or send an email to mitigation manager Seth Washburn at swashburn@deltawesterncolorado.com. The company also offers a coronavirus cleaning page on its website at http://deltawesterncolorado.com/coronavirus-cleanupgrand-junction.html. Delta Restoration Services operates franchise offices in 40 markets across the United States, providing restoration and reconstruction services for commercial and residential properties following fire, environmental and water damage. n WESTERN COLORADO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CONDUCTING VIRTUAL CANNED FOOD DRIVE The Western Colorado Community Foundation has launched a virtual canned food drive to help people in the region affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Donations will be distributed to food pantries across Western Colorado to purchase food. Donations can be made online at www.wc-cf.org. Checks can be made out to WCCF and mailed to P.O. Box 4334, Grand Junction, CO, 81502. Contributors have the option of designating their home counties. Alpine Bank has offered to match the first $5,000 in donations. F
Comfort Keepers franchise distributing care packages to local homebound seniors The Comfort Keepers franchise in Grand Junction has put together care packages to distribute to seniors sheltering at home because of the coronavirus outbreak. The packages include playing cards, coffee or water cups, disinfecting wipes and packaged snacks. The items are disinfected and recipients are instructed to discard the bags and wash their hands before using the items. People can call 241-8818 to recommend someone to receive a care package. Comfort Keepers offers customized in-home services to seniors, veterans and others who need assistance. For more information about Comfort Keepers, call 241-8818 or visit the website www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/colorado/ grand-junction. F
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The Comfort Keepers franchise in Grand Junction assembled care packages for seniors sheltering at home during the coronavirus outbreak. (Photo courtesy Comfort Keepers)
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n GRAND JUNCTION LAWMAKER NAMED TO TRANSPORTATION RECOVERY GROUP
State Sen. Ray Scott has been appointed to a transportation recovery working group to develop short-term initiatives to bolster the Colorado economy following the coronavirus outbreak. Shoshana Lew, the executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, appointed Scott, Ray Scott a Republican from Grand Junction representing District 7. Scott said he was selected in part because of his legislative work with roads, bridges and the energy sector. “I am humbled by Director Lew’s decision to appoint me to the transportation recovery working group and am ready to lend a voice to the effort to get Colorado back to work as soon as possible,” Scott said. “We’re facing billions of dollars in revenues lost for our state and, more importantly, tens of thousands of lost jobs for Coloradans. We’re going to have to work fast and work hard, and I am ready to fight hard for Mesa County residents to restore their livelihoods and quality of life,” he added.
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n MONTROSE COUNSELOR REAPPOINTED TO HEALTH SERVICE CORPS COUNCIL
James Hagins of Montrose has been reappointed to the Colorado Health Service Corps Advisory Council. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis named Hagins to a term ending Nov. 20, 2022. A licensed professional counselor, Hagins serves on the council as a representative of a behavioral health organization. The council serves as the advisory body of the Colorado Health Service Corps and reviews applications received from health care professionals to participate in the program. The corps is a state, federal and private partnership that seeks to improve access to health care professionals by repaying the educational loans of providers who agree to practice in areas with a health professional shortage. F
Grand Valley students earn Daniels Fund scholarships Kylie Babeon, Kaitlyn Detmers and Brody Perlick are among the latest high school seniors selected to receive Daniels Fund college scholarships. Babeon attends Palisade High School, Detmers attends Caprock Academy in Grand Junction and Perlick attends Fruita Monument High School. A total of 212 students were selected to receive the scholarships out of a total of nearly 2,300 applicants from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The scholarships cover room and board, tuition, fees, books, supplies and other costs minus other college financing secured by students. Established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, the
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Daniels Fund scholarship program honors students who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, commitment to the community, academic performance and promise, well-roundedness and emotional maturity. Since 2000, more than $204 million in scholarships has been awarded. “We’re thrilled to welcome these impressive young people and can’t wait to see what they will do with this opportunity,” said Linda Childears, president and chief executive officer of the Daniels Fund. “Our goal is to help each of these scholars succeed in college and ultimately become independent, successful in a rewarding career and actively engaged in their community.” F
April 23 n Free Zoom conference call with a live question-and-answer session on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on small businesses, 2 p.m. Since space is limited, registration is required. www.gjchamber.org n Free Zoom conference call on the benefits of membership in the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, 4 p.m. www.palisadecoc.com April 24 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Ladies Night In Zoom conference call on making sign kits from Raspberry Hill Boutique. Event free. Sign kits available for $25 to $30. www.fruitchamber.org April 28 n Free Zoom conference call on behaviors that put entrepreneurs at risk, 10 a.m. Since space is limited, registration is required. www.gjchamber.org April 29 n Western Colorado Human Resource Association virtual employment law conference with the Bechtel, Santo & Severn law firm, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission $100 for WCHRA and SHRM members, $150 for others. Discounts available to Colorado Mesa University faculty and students. www.wchra.org/events. April 30 n Free Zoom conference call offering marketing advice on how to combat an economic downturn, 2 p.m. Since space is limited, registration is required. www.gjchamber.org May 5 .n Free Zoom conference call on how volunteering can help small businesses grow in a community. 10 a.m. Since space is limited, registration is required. www.gjchamber.org F
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