The Business Times Volume 28 Issue 8

THE BUSINESS T IMES News APRIL 29-MAY 12, 2021

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

In this issue n What’s next?

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What’s next for Grand Valley businesses? Changes that will force them to respond and adapt, three experts say.

n The health of it

Moving Trends effort Contributors n Firm changing construction industry.

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VOLUME 28, ISSUE 8

THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Opinion Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac 4

Rocky Mountain Health Plans will contribute $30 million to fund a variety of efforts across the West Slope and Colorado.

n Route takes flight Frontier Airlines announced flights from Grand Junction to Denver as part expanded operations in Colorado.

n Cooler cleaner A Grand Junction-based firm has ramped up production of a device that cleans the air from evaporative coolers.

John Fay oversees Låda Cuba, a firm that’s developed demountable wall systems.

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n Retreating rate

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The unemployment rate in Mesa County continues to decline along with the number of people out of work.

n Flexible approach Helping employees strike a balance between work and life offers a range of benefits to businesses.

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n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

30 28 30 21-24 2-18 26-27 19-20

Business Times photo by Phil Castle

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

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aPril 29-May 12, 2021

Now what?

Trends Businesses Contributors face change Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac Experts share advice at chamber meeting Phil Castle

The Business Times

John Fay, founder and chief executive officer of Låda Cube, displays a steel frame that goes into the movable walls the company has developed. Fay moved company headquarters to Grand Junction. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

Moving effort pays off

Låda Cube changing construction industry with demountable walls

J

ohn Fay believes the construction industry is overdue for the kind of technological advances that have transformed other industries. His company could lead the way.

Fay founded and oversees Låda Cube and an operation that’s developed demountable wall systems that can be quickly assembled and, if needed, disassembled, moved and put back together.

It’s a concept Fay says offers flexibility in customizing and reconfiguring spaces to meet changing needs — but with none of the time, expense and waste of traditional construction and demolition. Moreover, the walls are as aesthetic as they are functional and look anything but movable.

Fay recently relocated the headquarters of Låda Cube to Grand Junction to bring his business and family back to the area in which he grew up.

Given the burgeoning interest in his company and products, Fay expects to soon increase the size and staffing of the operation in the Grand Valley and elsewhere. “We’re on the precipice of some massive growth.”

It’s the latest development in a series of events Fay attributes to faith. “It’s just been this crazy journey of miracles.”

Fay grew up in the Grand Valley and graduated from Central High School. He attended Colorado State University, where he studied history and competed in track and field.

See MOVING page 17

Låda Cube provides movable modular wall systems for a variety of purposes, including reconfiguring the interior layouts of buildings. (Photo courtesy Låda Cube)

STORY BY PHIL CASTLE

So what’s next for Grand Valley businesses?

While pandemic restrictions on capacity, social distancing and face coverings have eased, some businesses will continue to implement precautions.

More employees who were working remotely will return to work, but employers face a changing landscape of laws and regulations.

In the face of so many changes brought Jeff Kuhr on by the pandemic, business owners and managers will have to adapt to make sure their operations remain relevant and take advantage of new opportunities.

It’s important for owners and managers to ask questions and tap Michael Santo resources as well as get involved in the policy making affecting their operations.

A panel of three experts shared their advice at a presentation offered as part of the latest Grand Junction Area Chamber of Jon Maraschin Commerce quarterly membership meeting.

The panel included Jeff Kuhr, executive director of Mesa County Public Health; Michael Santo, managing attorney of the Bechtel & Santo employment law firm in Grand Junction; and Jon Maraschin, executive director of the Business Incubator Center.

Kuhr said COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have eased under the Free to Choose resolution now in effect in Mesa County. The resolution allows businesses to choose whether or not to limit capacity or require face coverings, social distancing and other safety measures.

While some businesses will drop restrictions, others will continue to enforce them. Moreover, some businesses still must comply with state and federal regulations as well as corporate policies, Kuhr said.

See CHANGE page 18

April 29-MAy 12, 2021

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well-rounded perspective to new Mesa County role Phil Castle

as well as New England and Canada.

Whidden said people who work in information technology aren’t just “geeks,” Frank Whidden brings what he but offer an important perspective because considers a well-rounded perspective to his they’re familiar with nearly every aspect of new job as Mesa County administrator. operations and how work gets done. They Whidden worked also tend to think about new and potentially in information better ways of doing things in asking and technology and holds answering “what if ” questions. “They know a master’s degree in how to effect change in an organization.” computer information Whidden expects to bring that same systems. But he also approach to his duties as administrator. holds a doctoral Whidden said it’s his role to help degree in applied county commissioners make and then management and implement decisions. The commissioners decision making and Frank Whidden in turn represent the residents of the worked for Gordon, more thanchief executive officercounty and Mountain express their will, he said. “We Patrick of Rocky Health Plans, 20 announces years as a a minister.

Whidden has work for the people.” $30 million donation to fund a range of efforts on the West worked large and smalloforganizations Whidden he also himself Slopeforand remainder Colorado. (Business Timessaid photo by considers Phil Castle) in both the private and public sectors. a liaison between the commissioners and Whidden expects to draw on all of his county staff, and one of the priorities is to experiences in helping Mesa County make sure employees feel valued. Whidden commissioners make and carry out decisions. said he hopes not only to improve morale, Valuing staff and making the county but also take steps that will make Mesa an employer of choice is among the County an organization for which people priorities, Whidden said. So is planning want to work.

Phil Castle that results in sustainable funding Meanwhile, Whidden expects the The and Business Times balanced budgets on a long-term basis. county to continue policies and initiatives Meanwhile, Mesa County will that support local business and economic Rocky Mountain Health Plans will contribute $30 million continue to pursue efforts that promote a development. There are additional steps to fund a variety of efforts across Western Colorado and the friendly business environment and that can be taken to make it easier for local remainder of the state. economic development, Whidden said. to sell products and services to Patrick Gordon, chief executive officerbusinesses of Rocky Mountain Whidden officially began working as the county, he added.

Health Plans, announced the donation at an event outside the county administrator at the beginning of Mesa County will keep working with offices of the Grand Junction-based insurer. the year. He succeeds Tom Fisher, who was other government entities, organizations The contribution includes $25 million for the Rocky hired as county manager in Summit and institutions on fostering an environment Mountain Health Foundation and $5 million to establish the County, Utah. that supports businesses and Healthy Youth/Strong Colorado Fund in partnership with existing the Whidden joined Mesa County in attracts new businesses, he said.

Colorado attorney general’s office.

August 2011 as information technology said Phil thereWeiser could be a The donation follows a $50 million payoutWhidden from a lawsuit director. In April 2014, he became deputy opportunities to encourage the additional against the federal government seeking unpaid funds from an county administrator for resource development of businesses that provide Affordable Care Act program. management in a staffing reorganization services to the agricultural industry as well Gordon said the contribution will fund everything from that eliminated four director positions. promote Mesa County as a distribution efforts to diversify the health care work asforce to providing Before joining Mesa County, center for the region. mental health support and other services to youth.

Whidden worked for a company providing ThePlans’ important “This donation reflects Rocky Mountain Health long- thing is to consider information technology services to issues from a well-rounded perspective, standing commitment in Colorado,” he said. “We are honored to colleges and universities. In that role, he Whidden said. “We won’t be myopic as we work with Colorado’s leaders to address the urgent challenges we managed IT systems and services for look at things.” face, such as the need for better access to behavioral health care. institutions in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois We are committed to creating opportunities for all Coloradans to ✦Pat Riddell The Business Times

Insurer announces $30 million donation

Let’s create something

...for your home, business, or toys!

S O L A R

P O W E R E D

1707 I-70 Business Loop Grand Junction

970-243-6310

allmetalswelding.com

Life is Precious

Serving families of the Western Slope for more than 100 years.

achieve their full potential.”

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser praised what he called an “extraordinary” contribution. “This is going to be a big deal.”

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation was established in 2017 when UnitedHealth Group purchased Rocky Mountain Health Plans and set aside $38 million to promote the health and well-being of people in 22 Western Slope counties. A board of representatives from across the region oversees what’s now an independent foundation. Since 2017, the foundation has awarded 284 grants worth a total of more than $3.2 million. The foundation also funds a smoking cessation program for pregnant women.

Pat Riddell, chairwoman of the foundation board, said the $25 million donation will increase the assets of the foundation and, in turn, the amount awarded each year in grants. “That’s awesome. I’m so excited.”

Among other things, funding will promote science, technology, engineering and math education among women and people of color to diversify the health care work force as well as support programs and services that improve conditions for marginalized, socially or economically disadvantaged people.

See DONATION page 16

April 29-MAy 12, 2021

The Business Times

A Frontier Airlines jet takes off from Denver International Airport. Frontier plans to offer service three times a week between Grand Junction and Denver starting June 8. The addition will bring to six the number of airlines serving Grand Junction Regional Airport. (Photo courtesy Frontier Airlines)

New route takes flight as Frontier expands service to include Grand Junction Frontier Airlines plans to offer flights between Grand Junction and Denver as part of expanded services.

“Making it easy and affordable for locals to travel within the state between Denver and Durango and Grand Junction is a big win for Coloradans,” said Barry Biffle, president and chief executive officer Barry Biffle of Frontier Airlines.

“At the same time, providing convenient options for visitors to easily move around the state supports our tourism industry, whether folks want to sightsee, enjoy some Colorado adventure or work remote with a Jared Polis beautiful view.”

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also hailed the announcement.

“I’m excited about these new, low-cost direct flights between Grand Junction and Denver and Durango and Denver,” Polis said. “These routes will make it easier for Colorado residents to take advantage of Frontier’s low-cost international flight network and help tourists from across the country get to Western and Southwestern Colorado.”

Frontier expects to offer flights between Grand Junction Regional Airport and Denver International Airport three times a week beginning June 8.

Frontier previously operated a route between Grand Junction and Denver, but discontinued service in 2009.

The latest news followed an announcement from Avelo Airlines that company plans to start a route between Grand Junction and Southern California on

FOR YOUR INFORMATION For reservations or information about Frontier Airlines, log on to http://flyfrontier.com

May 9 with service four times a week to Hollywood Burbank Airport.

Counting Frontier and Avelo, six airlines soon will offer services at Grand Junction Regional Airport with flights to a total of nine destinations.

Frontier also announced new routes between Durango and Denver and Durango and Las Vegas.

The airline also expects to offer service between Denver and Anchorage, Alaska, and Kalispell, Mont.

“The addition of three new Coloradobased routes to Nevada, Alaska and Montana will also serve as a fantastic opportunity for both Coloradans to get out and explore and for tourists to come and enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountains,” Polis said.

Still more routes are scheduled between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Salt Lake City and Ontario, Calif., as well as between Salt Lake City and Chicago.

Headquartered in Denver, Frontier Airlines serves a total of about 100 destinations in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Frontier operates a fleet of more than 100 Airbus 320 aircraft and has more than 150 new Airbus planes on order.

Frontier offers customers the choice of purchasing travel a la carte or in a bundle that includes the best available seat, checked and carry-on luggage, priority boarding, refundability and waived change fees. The airline also offers a frequent flyer program.

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Firm ramps up production of cooler cleaners

Anodes inhibit microorganisms to take swamp out of coolers

A Western Colorado company has ramped up production of a device that inhibits the growth of viruses and other microorganisms in evaporative coolers.

The increase coincides not only with the onset of warmer summer weather, but also a time when the coronavirus pandemic has made people more cognizant of viruses and air quality.

“People are paying more attention to the air they’re breathing at home, work and school after this past year of COVID-19, especially folks who have evaporative coolers, which can be major breeding grounds for viruses, fungi, bacteria and mold spores,” said Hans Schmoldt, founder and chief engineer at Anode Systems Co. in Grand Junction. “With one Hans Schmoldt simple and low-cost addition that most people can install themselves, many swamp coolers can be transformed into cooling clean air machines.”

Anode Systems Co. manufactures what’s branded as Sunflower Anodes, zinc and copper anodes for evaporative coolers.

Schmoldt founded Anode Systems in 1984 to supply a range of anodes and other products to control corrosion in pipelines and storage tanks. Anodes provide what’s called cathodic protection. Anodes attach with a wire to the metal object that’s to be protected. That turns the object into a cathode and creates a weak electric connection. As long as current flows from the anode to the cathode, the anode corrodes instead of the metal it protects.

Schmoldt developed the Sunflower Anode to control corrosion in evaporative coolers, but discovered the anode also releases zinc oxide into the water that circulates in coolers. Sunflower Anodes work as a result of an electrochemical process that creates an electric current while also releasing zinc oxide.

Zinc oxide is the same substance found in such medications as foot powders and diaper rash ointments.

Zinc oxide crystals poke holes in the protective membranes of microorganisms.

Zinc oxide controls the swampy smells of so-called swamp coolers by controlling the microorganisms that cause the odors. Those microorganisms also present irritants for people with asthma, allergies, chronic coughs, headaches and other health problems.

“If you can smell it, you’re breathing it,” Schmoldt said.

The efficiency of an anode is proportional to its surface area. The patented design of the Sunflower Anode maximizes surface area with a minimal footprint. The zinc and copper anodes operate at a slightly higher voltage than a standard zinc and steel anode, which results in cleaner air with less maintenance, Schmoldt said.

“Simply place the copper-zinc Sunflower Anode in your cooler pan and let the natural electrochemical process do its job. No tools required,” he said.

A byproduct of the electrochemical process is a reduction of the solids that build up on the cooler pads, he said. That increases the life of the pads from one year to up to five years, in turn decreasing replacement costs.

“Now that we’re taking off our masks and breathing openly again, we can take steps to breathe cleaner air for better health going forward, starting with a simple addition to our evaporative coolers,” Schmoldt said.

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An illustration shows the placement of a Sunflower Anode in the pan of an evaporative cooler.

(Illustration courtesy Anode Systems Co.)

FOR YOUR INFORMATION Sunflower Anodes are available directly from the manufacturer at SunflowerAnode.com and ThinkZincAnode.com or by calling 243-4149.

Bulk pricing is available for building and maintenance contractors with multiple units and locations.

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Grand Junction airport awarded $300,000 grant The Grand Junction Regional Airport is among the recipients of $2 million in grants.

The airport received a $300,000 grant for the rehabilitation design for the secondary runway.

“Repairing our secondary runway has been a priority for GJT for years, as it’s a valuable asset to our general aviation community,” said Angela Angela Padalecki Padalecki, executive director of the Grand Junction Regional Airport.

Blake Field in Delta received a $135,000 grant for pavement maintenance. Garfield County Airport in Rifle received a $40,000 grant to purchase a crack fill machine.

The Colorado Aeronautical Board approved 10 grants

from the 2021 Colorado discretionary aviation grant program. Following passage of the American Rescue Plan in March, some additional, indirect funding became available. Due to provisions in the law, $2 million in state aviation funds originally earmarked for federal matching funds were reallocated to support state and locally funded airport improvement projects. These projects were previously programmed, but deferred due to reduced revenues to the Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics.

“We are grateful to the CDOT Aeronautics Division for their partnership that helped us develop a plan to fund the rehabilitation as quickly as possible and to the Colorado Aeronautical Board for their support and approval of this grant,” Padalecki said.

Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado

Department of Transportation, thanked the Colorado congressional delegation for advocating for the state during negotiation of the American Rescue Plan. “The 100 percent federal airport grant share contained in the plan allows us to further leverage aeronautics division funding to support more airports across our state, from Delta to Walden to Lamar.”

David Ulane, director of the aeronautics division, agreed.

“The indirect benefits created for us by the 100 percent federal share provision this year are incredibly valuable and have allowed us to keep many of our state-funded airport improvement projects on track.”

Grants ranged from $400,000 to $25,000 and will support everything from reconstruction projects to pavement maintenance to snow removal equipment purchases.

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Ag department names woman the new state veterinarian

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has named a woman who’s worked in a variety of roles with the department the new state veterinarian.

In her latest role, Dr. Maggie Baldwin will manage the department’s Animal Health Division through planning, directing and executing programs, policies and cooperative agreements with other Maggie Baldwin governmental agencies.

She’s the first woman to serve as state veterinarian in Colorado.

“I grew up with a love for the country and my community and a passion for animals and agriculture which has been, and continues to be, a driving force in my career,” Baldwin said. “I am honored to lead our Animal Health Division in this new role and continue to support a strong agricultural community in Colorado.”

Colorado Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg hailed Baldwin’s selection.

“Time and again, Maggie has proved her mettle in crisis management, animal disease complexities and excellence in service to the veterinary profession.

Coloradans will benefit from the skill and dedication that Maggie brings to the people and animals of our state.”

Baldwin joined the Animal Health Division in January 2017, focusing on emergency response, incident management and public outreach. She served as epidemiology traceability veterinarian and assistant state veterinarian, a role that focused on emergency management and disease response activities, overall management of division activities and supporting the mission of the Animal Health Division.

“Maggie has been a valued and steadily increasing asset to CDA’s Animal Health Division and to our agriculture producers since she began in her initial role with us developing emergency response plans,” said Keith Roehr, retiring state veterinarian.

“She has earned the much-deserved respect from veterinarians, emergency responders, livestock producers and more. I am so pleased that Colorado animal regulatory medicine will be in such capable hands.”

The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association named Baldwin the 2020 Veterinarian of the Year.

Baldwin earned her veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She began her career in public service as a supervisory public health veterinarian with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service and a veterinary medical officer with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

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aPril 29-May 12, 2021

Mobile clinic offers vaccines on West Slope

A mobile clinic offers COVID-19 vaccinations with stops in the Grand Valley and elsewhere in Western Colorado.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced the clinic as part of his vaccine for all efforts.

“These mobile vaccination sites play a key part in our state’s fight to end this pandemic,” Polis said. “If you’re without a car or have limited transportation options, we are committed to bringing the vaccine to you. There are no more excuses. By making a plan today to get the vaccine as soon as possible, you are protecting yourself, your family and your community.”

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment collaborated with health agencies across the Western Slope to identify areas where Coloradans face barriers to vaccine access.

Routes are expected to run for at least three months.

Planned stops for the clinic in Mesa County include Grand Junction and Fruita as well as Clifton and Orchard Mesa.

Planned stops also include Breckenridge, Dillon and Keystone in Summit County; Edwards in Eagle County; New Castle and Rifle in Garfield County; Hayden and Steamboat Springs in Routt County; and Craig in Moffat County. An additional route will serve the San Luis Valley and San Juan Basin areas of Southwest Colorado.

The mobile clinics administer free doses of the initial Pfizer vaccine with follow up shots scheduled on return trips.

The clinics on the buses can administer 500 vaccines a day and serve up to six individuals at a time. No health insurance or identification are required. Appointments are encouraged, but not required.

All Coloradans 16 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. To sign up for a vaccine at a mobile clinic, please visit: www.mobilevax.us.

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Paid leave required to get vaccinations

Colorado employees have the right to take paid leave from work for COVID-19 vaccinations, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment reminds workers.

Employees are also entitled to use paid leave if they experience vaccine side effects that prevent them from working.

Under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, a state law enacted in 2020, employers must provide paid leave for a range of health needs, including vaccinations and other types or preventative care.

Employers cannot require employees to obtain vaccination appointments outside work hours. For paid leave related to COVID-19 needs, employers can ask employees for documentation only if the leave is for four or more consecutive work days.

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SBA targets smallest firms with latest pandemic relief The U.S. Small Business Administration launched a new round of loans offering additional assistance to small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance called supplemental targeted advances will provide $5 billion. The latest relief Isabella Guzman program is part of the American Rescue Plan Act and aims to reach firms with 10 employees or less.

“Many of our nation’s small businesses are still struggling to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’ve found that the smallest businesses — the majority of which are minority owned

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

For more information about the Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Targeted Advance program, visit SBA.gov/eidl. Eligible entities can email questions about the SBA Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Targeted Advance to TargtedAdvance@sba.gov.

— are hurting the most,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “The Supplemental Targeted Advance funds will help us make sure that no small business falls through the cracks or gets left behind. This program is a crucial part of our efforts to bring businesses back, create jobs and build an equitable economy for everyone.”

This additional relief builds on actions to increase the maximum loan amounts for COVID-19 EIDL assistance from six months of working capital with a maximum of $150,000 to up to 24 months of working capital and a maximum of $500,000. SBA also announced the agency would extend deferment periods for all disaster loans, including COVID-19 EIDLs, until 2022.

The SBA modified the targeted EIDL advance application process to determine if businesses also qualify for the additional $5,000 supplemental targeted advance. SBA will contact eligible business entities to apply and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify for the supplemental targeted advance, an eligible business entity must be in a low-income community, suffered greater than 50 percent economic loss and have 10 or fewer employees.

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Portal reopens for applications for venue grants

The U.S. Small Business Administration has reopened an online application portal for grants intended to help the operators of movie theaters, museums and other venues affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We recognize the urgency and need to get this program up and running,” said Barb Carson, deputy associate administrator of the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance. “With venue operators in danger of closing, every day that passes by is a day that these businesses cannot afford. We remain dedicated to delivering emergency aid as quickly as possible.”

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal — located at https://www.svograntportal.sba.gov/s — clarifies and makes program documentation more user-friendly, improves application portal security mechanisms and provides an orderly application process.

Information and applicant resources are available online at www.sba.gov/svogrant.

Technical assistance is available by calling (800) 659-2955.

The American Rescue Plan Act appropriated more than $16.2 billion in grants for economic aid to small businesses, nonprofits and venues. At least $2 billion is reserved for eligible Shuttered Venue Operators Grant applications. Applicants may qualify for grants of up to 45 percent of their gross earned revenue up to a maximum amount of $10 million for a single grant.

The SBA is accepting SVOG applications on a first-in, first-out basis and allocating applicants to respective priority periods as it receives applications.

The first 14 days of SVOG awards, which are expected to begin in mid-May, will be dedicated to entities that suffered a 90 percent or greater revenue loss between April and December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second 14 days will include entities that suffered a 70 percent or greater revenue loss. Following those periods, SVOG awards will include entities that suffered a 25 percent or greater revenue loss between one quarter of 2019 and the corresponding quarter of 2020.

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Club seeks ad support for directory

The Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction is looking for advertisers to support publication of an updated children’s resource directory.

“This directory is a great example of how Kiwanis demonstrates a commitment to the children of Mesa County,” said Toni Heiden-Moran, the president of the club.

“It has been Toni Heiden-Moran published for over 18 years as a service project for the community,” she said.

The directory will provide information about available parenting resources and services related to the care and well-being of children in Mesa County.

The directory will be published in English and Spanish. Copies for parents will be distributed to: n Preschools and day care centers throughout Mesa County. n Programs that serve families, including Hilltop Community Resources, the Mesa County human services and public health departments, Strive and Western Colorado 211. n Hospitals and health care providers. n Chambers of commerce, libraries and other community places.

Advertising rates and additional information is available from the club website at www.kiwanis-gj.org.

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Donation

Continued from page 4 “The foundation is very grateful for this donation,” Riddell said.

The $5 million contribution to create the Healthy Youth/Strong Colorado Fund will include funding for the Colorado Youth Corps Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of Colorado and suicide prevention programs in schools.

Weiser said funding will support youth in a variety of ways while also addressing mental health issues and suicide, a leading cause of death for teen-agers.

That builds on Safe2Tell, a program operated by the attorney general’s office to provide a tool for anonymous reports of perceived threats to Colorado youth whether that’s a potential school shooting or suicide attempt.

A total of $1.8 million will go to three youth corps, including the Western Colorado Conservation Corps based in Grand Junction.

Jeff Roberts, director of the WCCC, said the organization provides employment and training to youth and young adults who work on a variety of land improvement projects.

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April 29-MAy 12, 2021

Moving

Continued from page 2 Fay went on to attend graduate school at Adams State University, where he studied psychology and counseling.

He worked in a series of positions as a school counselor, youth pastor, child care case worker and foster care coordinator.

At the same time, though, he says he had other interests. “I just had this passion for entrepreneurism.”

He says he considered a number of possible businesses. He ultimately decided on a venture to supply walls that come apart and can be moved. He founded Låda Cube in 2013, naming the firm after the Swedish word for box or barn.

Fay says the first prototype that was developed was “junk,” He developed a second and improved prototype working out of his garage, and the design since has been refined more.

The mechanical fastening walls are designed for repeated use and are constructed with what Fay calls cassettes that fit between steel pillars and corners.

The walls come with insulation, electrical channeling with outlets and plug-and-play attachments for integration into any space.

The walls can be assembled using only a few tools.

What Fay calls skins are attached to the walls and available in various acrylics, woods and metals. The skins are easily changed to offer different finishes and looks.

Låda Cube made the long list of candidates for the World Architectural News awards in 2015.

Fays says he started selling his walls in 2015. “I realized I was creating a whole new market that never existed.”

Låda Cube was selected as one of the top 50 companies for the Startup Grind 2017 Global Conference. In 2018, Låda Cube was selected to participate in the Telluride Venture Accelerator, a program for startups.

While a factory remained in Grand Junction, Fay moved the headquarters of Låda Cube to California in 2018.

Teacher appreciation fund-raiser scheduled

A promotion scheduled for Teacher Appreciation Week will raise money for technology for students and professional learning for staff of Mesa County School District 51.

The School District 51 Foundation and Mesa Valley Education Association will sponsor the promotion in which participants can purchase virtual paper dolls for $10 each in honor of teachers. Those who buy dolls can select messages to the teachers of their choice that will appear on dolls delivered to teachers May 3 to 7.

Dolls can be purchased online at the School District 51 Foundation website at www.d51foundation.org.

Mesa County School District 51 teachers work with a total of more than 21,000 students in 46 schools.

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION For additional information about Låda Cube, log on to the website at www.ladacube.com.

But in 2019, the company received a $250,000 grant from Advanced Industries Accelerator Program. The program was created in 2013 to promote advanced industries in Colorado by increasing access to capital, accelerating commercialization, encouraging public-private partnerships and creating strong infrastructure. ProStar Holdings and Mountain Racing Products in Grand Junction also have received grants through the program.

Fay says the grant motivated him to

think about expanding his operation in Colorado. He says he considered Castle Rock, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins and Montrose before committing to relocating the headquarters to Grand Junction.

While he experienced an urge to return home, Fays says he’s also eager to grow his business in a place he believes is on the verge of becoming a tech hub.

He says he expects to eventually need a building with 100,000 square feet of space and will hire 80 to 160 people over the next year. Employees working in California have the option to relocate to the Grand Valley.

Fay says he expects growing demand

for Låda Cube products for office, retail, residential and other uses. That includes interest from such companies as Facebook, Marriott and Tesla.

Fay also anticipates the company will need an additional three or four locations in the United States. Moreover, he says he’s looking into the construction of a manufacturing facility in South Africa that would position the company to expand into foreign markets, including Europe.

Fays says he’s excited about what he envisions as a tech revolution for the construction industry as well as the potential for Låda Cube to lead the way.

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Change

Continued from page 2 The 5-Star Program, an effort of Mesa County Public Health and Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, will continue to recognize participating businesses implementing COVID-19 precautions, Kuhr said.

Businesses require employees to wear masks or provide proof of vaccinations as well as monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Businesses also maintain social distancing of at least 3 feet between people and use clear plastic barriers.

While it’s preferred that businesses require customers to wear masks when entering, moving about and exiting, businesses also can encourage mask use, he said.

With the Free to Choose resolution in place, it’s up to individuals to protect themselves from COVID-19, Kuhr said.

Santo said as more employees return to work, employers face what he called a constantly changing

The Business Times

landscape of federal, state and local laws and regulations.

A new paid sick leave law went into effect in Colorado in January, one that will apply to employers with less than 16 employees starting in 2022, he said.

Under the new law, employees accrue an hour of sick leave for every 30 hours they work and may roll over unused sick leave at the end of the year, he said.

As for COVID-19 vaccines, Santo said it’s permissible for employers to ask for proof of vaccinations, but also must accommodate objections based on disabilities or religious beliefs. It’s as yet unclear whether or not employers should provide incentives to employees to obtain vaccinations.

Maraschin said business owners and managers face what he described as a “fire hose” of change brought on by the pandemic.

Hybrid workplaces with a mix of employees working

aPril 29-May 12, 2021

on site and from home are possible, although some employees are eager to return to work because they miss the interaction, he said. Many employees have found a balance between work and life and will be reluctant to disrupt that.

Online shopping is likely to continue to increase.

Santo said it’s more important than ever that businesses owners are involved in policy making affecting their operations. “Get into politics or get out of business.”

Maraschin said it’s important that business owners and managers evaluate their business models and plans to both ensure their operations are still relevant, but also take advantage of new opportunities. They should ask questions and tap resources.

Kuhr said his department is available to help businesses find ways to operate while still protecting public health.

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Labor department: Remain vigilant of scam attempts

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) warns unemployment benefit claimants as well as the public to remain wary of scammers trying to collect personal information.

As the volume of claimants requesting unemployment benefits has increased during the pandemic, so has identity theft, fraudulent activity and unemployment insurance-related scams.

“It’s terrible to see so many criminal attempts to steal personal information from people who are already vulnerable and under stress,” said Cher Haavind, deputy executive director and chief communications officer at the CDLE. “We want to help educate our claimant community to be able to identify the red flags of suspicious activity and feel confident when they do receive an official communication from us that they can trust in its legitimacy.”

The department discovers several new types of scams each week. The most recent discovery involves a phishing email posing as CDLE asking claimants to complete ID.me within the next 24 hours. CDLE’s official emails ask claimants to complete ID.me by a certain date or within 10 days — not 24 hours. The fraudulent email looks nearly identical to official emails CDLE sends but is being sent from a suspicious email address at cdle_ui@sta. sg. Authentic ID.me emails sent by CDLE come from cdle_ui@state.co.us.

CDLE shares suspicious activity and potential scams with local and federal law enforcement agencies.

That includes payment scams. The CDLE does not require or accept any payment for the submission or processing of unemployment claims.

The department also notifies claimants to be on the lookout for potential scams by checking the sender’s email address, look for suspicious URLs, consider unreasonable requests and check for typographical errors and broken language.

For more consumer protection information and to report suspicious activity, visit www.stopfraudcolorado.gov.

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News Trends Contributors Jobless rate declines Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac The Business Times

April 29-MAy 12, 2021

pAge 19

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings

s New business filings in Colorado, 34,630 in the fourth quarter, up 22.1% from the fourth quarter of 2019.

n Confidence

s Consumer Confidence Index 121.7 in April, up 12.7. s Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 64.4 for the second quarter, up 16.5 s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 98.2 for March, up 2.4.

n Foreclosures

t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 0 in March, down from 16 in March 2020. t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 2 in March, down from 4 in March 2020.

n Indexes

s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 102.44 for March, up 2.43. s Conference Board Leading Economic Index 111.6 for March, up 0.6%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 64.7% for March, up 3.9%.

n Lodging

t Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $71,929 for March, down 8.9% from March 2020.

n Real estate

s Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 558 in March, up 24.3% from March 2020. s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $199 million in March, up 63.1% from March 2020.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $4.4 million for March, up 12% from March 2020. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $3.16 million for March, up 8.9% from March 2020.

n Unemployment t Mesa County — 7.2% for March, down 0.4. n Colorado — 6.4% for March, unchanged. t United States — 6% for March, down 0.2.

Mesa County market expected to further improve in coming months Phil Castle

over the 586 orders posted the same month last year. For the first quarter of 2021, 2,292 orders were posted. That’s an increase of March Feb. The unemployment rate continues to 59.5 percent over the 1,437 orders posted t Delta County 6.6 7.1 decrease in Mesa County along with the during the same span in 2020. t Garfield County 6.0 6.1 number of people counted among those Labor demand remains strongest in the t Mesa County 7.2 7.6 unsuccessfully looking for work. health care sector, Englehart said. But there t Montrose County 6.3 6.6 Curtis Englehart, also are job openings in manufacturing, t Rio Blanco County 7.1 7.4 director of the Mesa construction and office administration.

County Workforce Additional money in unemployment Center in Grand Junction, expects labor benefits could play a role in keeping some people from re-entering conditions to further improve as seasonal the work force, he said. hiring picks up and coronavirus pandemic But other factors could bolster hiring for restaurants and other restrictions ease. “I do still feel optimistic as businesses, he said. The Free to Choose initiative under way in we’re going into the warmer weather.”

Mesa County enables businesses to increase customer capacity.

According to the latest estimates from “It feels like we are finally coming out of this.” the Colorado Department of Labor and Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates also retreated in Curtis Englehart Employment, the seasonally unadjusted neighboring Western Colorado counties in March: down a tenth unemployment rate fell to 7.2 percent in March, down four-tenths of a point to 6 percent in Garfield County, down three-tenths of of a point from a revised 7.6 percent for February a point to 6.3 percent in Montrose County and 7.1 percent in The jobless rate has dropped a total of eight-tenths of a point Rio Blanco County and down a half point to 6.6 percent in Delta since hitting 8 percent in January. At this time last year, the rate County. stood at 6.3 percent as the pandemic and related restrictions began The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained to affect the labor market. unchanged at 6.4 percent although nonfarm payrolls increased For March 2021, Mesa County payrolls actually declined 6,600. Business and professional services accounted for nearly 87 to 70,086. But the number of people counted among those half the gain in payrolls. The leisure and hospitality sector lost unsuccessfully looking for work decreased more — 289 to 5,466. 1,100 jobs.

The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, Since May, Colorado has gained back 229,600 of the 375,000 slipped 376 to 75,552. jobs lost between February and April 2020 because of the Compared to a year ago, payrolls have decreased 102 as the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions. ranks of the unemployed have increased 612. The labor force has Over the past year, payrolls have declined 133,900, with the grown 510. leisure and hospitality sector accounting for almost half those job Englehart said he’s hopeful payrolls and the labor force will losses. soon resume upward trends.

The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm There’s a signal that could happen in an increase in job orders payrolls shortened four-tenths of an hour over the past year to 33 posted at the Mesa County Workforce Center, he said. hours. Average hourly earnings increased 29 cents to $31.30.

For March, 871 orders were posted. That’s a gain of 48.6 percent F The Business Times

AREA JOBLESS RATES

Consumer Confidence Index rebounds A measure of consumer confidence has rebounded to its highest level in more than a year on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions.

The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index rose 12.7 points to 121.7 in April. That’s the highest reading since February 2020 and the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States.

“Consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved significantly in April, suggesting the economic recovery strengthened further in early Q2,” said Lynn Franco, Lynn Franco senior director of economic indicators at the Conference Board.

“Consumers were more upbeat about their income prospects, perhaps due to the improving job market and the recent round of stimulus checks,” Franco said. “Short-term inflation expectations held steady in April, but remain elevated. Vacation intentions posted a healthy increase, likely boosted by the accelerated vaccine rollout and further loosening of pandemic restrictions.”

The business research and membership group bases the index on the results of monthly household surveys. Economists monitor the index because consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of economic activity.

Assessments of current conditions pushed the present situation component of the Consumer Confidence Index up 29.5 points to 139.6.

The proportion of consumers responding to the survey upon which the April index was based who characterized business conditions as “good” rose four points to 23.3 percent. The share of those who described conditions as “bad” fell 5.3 points to 24.8 percent.

The proportion of consumers who called jobs “plentiful” increased 11.4 points to 37.9 percent. The share of those who said jobs are “hard to get” decreased 5.3 points to 13.2 percent.

An improving short-term outlook pushed the expectations component of the index up 1.5 points to 109.8.

The share of consumers who said they expect business conditions to improve over the next six months edged up two-tenths of a point to 40.5 percent. The proportion of those anticipating worsening conditions remained unchanged at 11.9 percent.

The share of those who expect more jobs to become available in coming months fell 1.4 points to 34.5 percent. Those anticipating fewer jobs rose 1.1 points to 15.5 percent.

Asked about their expectations for income, 17.9 percent of those who responded said they anticipated increases in the next six months — up 2.5 points from March. Meanwhile, 10.9 percent said they expected decreases — down 1.7 points.

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Leading index signals growth ahead for U.S.

A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to increase, signaling improvement in the months ahead.

The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index rose 1.3 percent to 111.6 in March, more than offsetting a revised tenth of a point drop in February.

A separate measure of current conditions increased, while a measure of past performance decreased.

“The improvement in the U.S. LEI, with all 10 components contributing positively, suggests economic momentum is increasing in the near term,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of Ataman Ozyildirim economic research at the Conference Board.

“The recent trend in the U.S. LEI is consistent with the economy picking up in the coming months, and the Conference Board now projects year-over-year growth could reach 6 percent in 2021.”

The Leading Economic Index rose 3.8 percent over the past six months, slightly less than the 4 percent gain over the six months before that. Strength among the indicators remains widespread Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the country, increased at an annual rate of 4.3 percent in the fourth quarter after jumping 33.4 percent in the third quarter.

For March, all 10 of the indicators of the Leading Economic Index advanced, including average weekly manufacturing hours, building permits, consumer expectations, interest rate spread, leading credit and new orders indexes, new orders for capital and consumer goods and stock prices. A decrease in average weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits also bolstered the index.

The Coincident Economic Index, a measure of current conditions, increased six-tenths of a percent to 104. The index has climbed 1.7 percent over the past six months.

For March, all four indicators of the index advanced: industrial production, nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales.

The Lagging Economic Index, a measure of past performance, slipped a half of a percent to 105.1 The index has decreased 1.15 percent over the past three months.

For March, three of seven indicators advanced: the cost of labor and services as well as inventories. Commercial and industrial financing and consumer credit declined. An increase in the average duration of unemployment also pulled down the index. The average prime rate charged by banks held steady.

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Trends Contributors Opinion approach Flexible Business Briefs Business People Almanac

April 29-MAy 12, 2021

The Business Times

pAge 21

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction has scheduled events offering information about bookkeeping and startups.

A bookkeeping refresher course is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4 at the center, located at 2591 Legacy Way. Participants will learn how to set up and track accounting records and gain better control of their business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they indicate about operations. Admission is $75, which includes lunch.

A business startup webinar is set for 9 to 10:30 a.m. May 18 and 19. The next session of a business startup workshop is set for 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 8 at the center.

The workshops and webinar will cover the business planning process, including financing options, licensing requirements and legal structures. Admission is $55, which also includes admission to Fast Trac classes at the center.

For more information about upcoming events, services and programs offered at the center, call 243-5242 or visit the website at https://gjincubator.org. n The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual membership appreciation picnic for May 26.

The event is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawn outside the chamber office at 425 E. Aspen Ave. Lunch and root beer floats will be served to chamber members as thank-you gifts.

To register for or obtain more information about chamber events, call 858-3894 or visit https://fruitachamber.org. n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual banquet for 6 to 11:30 p.m. June 11 at the Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Individual tickets sell for $85 before May 24 and $95 afterward. Corporate tables for 10 are available for $950. Registration and payment are required 14 days before the banquet To register for or obtain more information about chamber events, call 242-3214 or visit htttps://gjchamber.org.

Helping employees balance work and life offers many benefits It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. Businesses in general and human resource professionals in particular continue to endure the repercussions of restrictions and remote work.

HR professionals have had to disseminate information to managers and employees when conditions keep changing. Those working from home have had to find ways to maintain their productivity as well as their sanity.

It’s no wonder we’re all a bit frazzled.

The pandemic has been harder on some than others. According to a story

by Liz Lewis posted on Indeed.com, COVID-19 has had profound effects Jennifer on working women. Some statistics: Schroeder n Among women who were employed full-time prior to the pandemic, 29 percent have since reduced their hours and 9 percent left the labor market. n Women who cut back their hours said their employers could have helped by offering greater flexibility, understanding and patience to navigate work and life in a pandemic. n Most women who downshifted plan to return to full-time work, but the majority will seek remote positions.

How many women are we talking about here? According to catalyst.org, in 2019 there were nearly 77 million women age 16 and older in the work force in the United States.

If 29 percent reduced their hours and 9 percent left the workforce, that’s almost 22.3 million and 7 million, respectively. Could that be right? Nearly 30 million women who were employed full-time are now working reduced hours or not at all? That stunned me.

Consider, though, that 40 percent of U.S. households are headed by women and most child care and domestic duties still fall to the female partner in a male-female relationship. It’s no wonder women cut back their hours or left the work force during the pandemic. Trying to work full-time, care for children and also manage their online learning was too much.

I was grateful my children are in high school and didn’t need much supervision when they were learning online.

Of course, I really haven’t worked an 8-to-5 job in years. When my children were young, I worked from

home managing a tree service. I worked full-time, but around my kids’ schedules. I had an amazing boss who was understanding and accommodating when it came to my family’s needs. It helped I’m friends with his wife and our daughters are friends. It also helped my flexible schedule allowed me to serve as chauffeur for my kids and my employer’s kids.

But that’s kind of my point. Regardless of the fact we’re friends, we had a vested interest in working together to make not only the business run smoothly, but also our family lives.

It’s said it takes a village to raise children, but we as business owners and managers sometimes forget that.

Although my family is the most important thing in my life, my home life has suffered because of work life.

Why does it have to? Why do we have to work from 8 to 5 every day? If we get our work done in less than 8 hours, why can’t we go home? Why don’t we have more job sharing or part-time positions at all levels in an organization? Why are we as business owners and managers so rigid and unwilling to try new things that could make all our lives better?

We all have strengths and weaknesses, skills that enable us to excel at our jobs and preferences on how we like to function. When employees comes to us with a dilemma about balancing their work and home lives, why don’t we try harder to make it possible for employees to continue doing their jobs?

If there is one thing this pandemic has taught us, it’s that work continues even if we’re not physically at our places of employment. Moreover, we are not only who we are at work.

According to the story on Indeed.com, 79 percent of those who left full-time roles believe work-life balance is a challenge in their industries, and 60 percent are actively looking for jobs in new sectors.

That’s not to mention the mental toll the pandemic has had on women and men in the work force. That makes it even more important for people to strike a balance between work and life.

We want our workers to be happy. We want them to be happy at home because that happiness will carry over into their work. Better mental health also will affect the bottom line in terms of less absenteeism, substance abuse and stress-related diseases.

See FLEXIBLE page 23

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aPril 29-May 12, 2021

Build a top team with assessments and coaching One of the biggest challenges business owners face in building a team of top performers is a lack of credible, unbiased information. What you don’t know really limits your ability to hire successfully.

Clear, unbiased and accurate information that positions you to hire, build and develop the best team possible is a key ingredient to your success.

Are you looking for a way to hire correctly the first time, reduce turnover and increase retention? Do you want to improve the engagement and productivity of your team? Would discovering the specific areas for Marcus training and professional development Straub that would deliver the greatest return on your investment appeal to you?

Do you wish you had access to clear-cut information that would enable you to place your team members in positions where they would be the most effective and happiest?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then accurate, non-biased, comprehensive and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)compliant assessments could be just what you need.

Five key assessments lead the way in building a great team: n Behaviors: Behavioral assessments and effective training positions individuals to gain more understanding of themselves and others. They come to appreciate the differences in people and adapt their communication styles for more effective communication. Team members are also exposed to their time wasters, areas to improve and how they break down under pressure. Combined with effective coaching, assessments and training teach team members to

manage behaviors for superior performance. Assessment results enhance the hiring process by revealing how an individual is likely to perform. n Driving forces (motivators): An assessment that measures driving forces helps illuminate and amplify a person’s motivating factors. Motivators are the aspects of life people are passionate about, things they perceive as important and provide them with purpose and direction in life. Motivators drive behaviors and motivate actions.

By combining coaching, training and the knowledge of motivators, you can position and encourage team members in ways that satisfy their inner drive right from the start.

The results benefit both hiring and coaching initiatives by revealing why individuals act the way they do and what motivates their behaviors. n Emotional intelligence: An EQ assessment helps identify how well a person manages emotions and their relationships with others. Emotional intelligence is the ability to sense, understand and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions to facilitate higher levels of collaboration and productivity. n Business acumen indicator: This assessment is unique in its ability to assess how astutely a person analyzes and interprets their experiences. A person’s acumen — or keenness and depth of perception or discernment — directly relates to their performance.

The stronger a person’s acumen, the more aware they are of their reality in both their external and internal worlds and the better they are at responding to them.

This report provides insight into the thought processes of the individual that affect performance and reveals what they can do, describing their capacity for superior performance. n Competencies: This assessment describes an individual’s strengths in 25 research-based capacities

or personal skills directly related to the business environment. The top skills outlined in the report highlight individuals’ well-developed capabilities and reveal the areas where they’re most effective. The results also provide a straightforward and easy way to close gaps in competencies necessary for top performance. When used as a benchmarking tool, this component ensures the inherent skills of each individual match the personal skills required by the job.

This suite of powerful assessments provides business owners with high-quality, unbiased information critical in successfully hiring, placing and developing team members.

The assessments provide a level of understanding and clarity you and your team can’t get anywhere else. When combined with professional development and training, this powerful information fosters greater buy-in; improves communication and teamwork; and increases productivity, job satisfaction and talent retention. The benefits on business performance are exceptional.

If you want to hire effectively, understand where gaps in abilities exist, train with the greatest impact, retain talent and build a team of top performers, then highquality assessments are essential to your success.

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@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.

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April 29-MAy 12, 2021

The Business Times

Insurance helps businesses handle loss

The death of a business partner — often a family member — can devastate a small business. The loss could end operations if the last owner, partner or key person is gone. Planning can go a long way toward easing the effects, however.

Earlier columns addressed the need for succession planning as well as the use of term life insurance as a funding mechanism to ensure the continued viability of a business.

Other life insurance options could provide more flexibility with a longer horizon at an affordable cost.

First-to-die life insurance is just that — it pays at the death of the first insured person.

There are two or more people on one policy.

The underlying cost of this type of insurance is Janet based on a combination of factors that includes Arrowood the ages of the proposed insureds, their health, whether or not they smoke and such lifestyle hazards as skiing or racing. Generally, the oldest person or least healthy person will be the driving factor in the cost of the policy.

The advantages to this type of business life insurance include: n Immediate payment at the death of the first person who dies. This provides the cash a business needs to keep going, hire assistance or dissolve in an orderly manner — all while continuing to pay employees and expenses and meet business commitments. n Cash value accumulation. This could be a useful asset during normal business operations since it potentially could be borrowed against for business needs and built to a great enough value to help pay policy premiums. n It’s generally significantly less expensive and much less hassle that buying multiple policies — one for each person insured. n Unlike term life insurance, the policy should last with known premiums and benefits as long as premiums are paid on time and in full. n Some policies could continue after the death of the first person. This continuation will come at a cost — generally higher premiums — but might remain unaffected by changes in health.

Second- (or last-) to-die life insurance covers two or more people on one policy. Unlike first-to-die life insurance, benefits are generally

not paid until the death of the second person if only two people are covered or the last person for three or more people. The same factors as those for first-to-die life insurance influence cost. By by not paying until the last insured person dies, the cost reflects the youngest and healthiest person rather than the oldest and least healthy person.

These policies can be reasonably priced — often less than multiple term life insurance policies — with guarantees and cash values.

Since this type of policy doesn’t usually pay any benefits until the final insured person dies, its main value is realized in estate planning. The payout can be used to provide heirs with the value of their share of the business if the business is to be dissolved or sold or enable a chosen successor or successors to buy the business from heirs.

The advantages to this type of business life insurance include: n A lump sum payment at the death of the last person covered by the policy. n Reasonable premiums. Since nothing is usually paid until the final insured dies, premiums remain low. n Cash value accumulation. Again, this could be a useful asset during normal business operations since it potentially could be borrowed against for business needs and built to a great enough value to help pay policy premiums. n The policy should last with known premiums and benefits as long as premiums are paid on time and in full. n The only restrictions on the number of people to be insured are the limits imposed by insurance companies.

Disclaimer: Buying life insurance can be a complicated process involving considerations beyond those mentioned in this column.

This column isn’t intended to offer financial, insurance, legal or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for assistance and expertise with these and other decisions.

Continued from page 21 The line between work and home has blurred during the pandemic. While working from home has allowed us to be present for our kids, it’s also made for added stress and odd working hours.

If we continue to work from home even as children return to schools, what could we gain? As an employee, I’m thinking more money because child care expenses could go down along with the cost of commuting and professional attire. Employees could see decreases in absenteeism and health care costs along with improvement in attitudes and productivity I’m not saying a more flexible approach will be easy. Change never is. But as the effects of the pandemic ease, I challenge people to shift their views about work and what they consider

normal. We’ve all had time over the past year to re-evaluate our circumstances and shift our priorities. Let’s talk about some of the positives that have come out of the pandemic and how lasting changes in the workplace could make things better for all of us.

Flexible

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.

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Jennifer Schroeder, a certified human resource professional, works as an administrative assistant at a commercial real estate office. She brings to her duties more than 25 years of experience in government, manufacturing, real estate and small businesses.

She’s also certification director and membership co-director for the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For more information, visit www.wchra.org.

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pAge 23

RentaSpace.DiegoCorp.com

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Variety not only spices, but also improves, fitness Variety is the spice of life. There’s some truth to the statement. You get stuck in your daily routine and complete many tasks without thinking about them. You eat at the same time, go to work at the same time and take out the garbage on the same day.

Think about your fitness routine.

Are you doing the same exercises, going to the same class, walking on the same treadmill or lifting the same weight for every workout? Maybe it’s time to change that routine.

Adding a little spice could turn what’s become a boring fitness routine into something more exciting and motivating. Sometimes you hear the words “change” or “different” Paula and associate them with “new” and Reece “uncomfortable.” As creatures of habit, it’s okay to like your comfort zone with its familiar surroundings, people and activities.

Although doing exactly the same thing over and over might be comforting, it also could have drawbacks.

Without variety, things can get pretty boring. It’s important to spice it up a bit.

Consider, for example, cross training. Cross training is

simply combining two or more types of physical activities and offers one way to create the change you might need.

There are numerous benefits to adding cross training to your fitness routine. First and foremost is motivation.

Keeping interested and motivated to exercise is an important piece. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t do it.

Cross training can help you burn more calories by exercising regularly and using different muscle groups.

You reduce the risk of injury by doing a variety of exercises — performing a high-impact sport like running one day followed by a yoga or Pilates class the next day, for example.

It’s simple to create a varied exercise program. Plan a complete workout that includes the three areas of physical activity: cardiovascular, strength and flexibility. Under each area, write down activities you like to do or would like to try. Some activities fit under more than one area.

Cardiovascular activities include jumping rope, riding a bike, running and walking the dog. Activities that build strength include everything from lifting weights and push-ups to yard work. Activities that promote flexibility include stretching and yoga.

Changing a routine can be beneficial in not only reducing boredom, but also increasing fitness. Our bodies are adaptive and grow accustomed to an exercise.

It becomes difficult to make changes in our bodies once they’ve adapted to a specific fitness routine. Because of this adaptive nature, it’s important to keep our bodies guessing by mixing up the exercises we perform.

How do you change your workouts? Try something new. Often times we get our minds set on what we think we can do instead of what we really could do if we tried.

If there’s a favorite exercise machine you use often and don’t want to give up, try changing the intensity, speed or grade. By gradually changing how hard you work, you’ll keep your workout challenging. Remember, though: When changing up your workout routine, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Once you choose your activities, schedule them. Allow for variety and flexibility. Experiment with different activities to find out what really interests you.

Continue to enjoy your favorite activities, but challenge yourself to try something new. Spice it up.

Residential landlords beware. If enacted, new Colorado measures could affect your ability to remove defaulting tenants and limit the fees you charge.

Here’s a brief summary of a portion of what Senate Bill 21-173 includes as currently proposed: n When a landlord removes or excludes a tenant from a dwelling without resorting to proper court procedures, it is an unfair or deceptive trade practice for the purposes of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. n After a complaint is filed by a landlord, the clerk of the court or the Tim attorney for the plaintiff shall issue Whitney a summons, including information concerning filing an answer and legal aid. A court shall not enter a default writ of restitution before the close of business on the date upon which an appearance is due.

n Provides additional details regarding the defendant’s answer. A defendant doesn’t waive any defense related to proper notice by filing an answer. The court shall set a date for trial no sooner than seven, but not more than 10, days after the answer is filed unless the defendant waives this provision and a trial is scheduled for an earlier date. In the time after an answer is filed and before a trial occurs, the court shall order the landlord or tenant to provide any relevant documentation that either party requests. n A landlord who provides a tenant with proper notice of nonpayment shall accept payment of the tenant’s full amount due according to the notice, as well as any rent due under the rental agreement, at any time until a court has ordered a writ of restitution. n Eliminates the bond requirement for the warranty of habitability and allows the tenant to assert an alleged breach of warranty of habitability as an affirmative defense. n Establishes allowable court procedures and remedies in cases of an alleged breach of warranty of habitability.

n Bans liquidated damage clauses that assign a cost to a party stemming from a rental violation or eviction action. n Prohibits rental agreements that contain one-way fee-shifting clauses that award attorney fees and court costs only to one party. n Guarantees parties to a residential forcible entry and detainer dispute the right to a trial by jury.

SB 21-173 is still subject to change, but I expect some form of the measure to become Colorado law. The provisions most likely won’t take effect until Jan. 1, so landlords will have time to adjust to the new laws.

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

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Proposed measures could affect residential landlords

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 website at www.CBCPrimeProperties.com.

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Subscribe today (970) 424-5133

www.thebusinesstimes.com

April 29-MAy 12, 2021

The Business Times

pAge 25

Contributors Opinion Bold predictions for 2015woke The difference between Debate between A newrages yearonBusiness affords Briefs more like wide not-so-bold and eyes open ...repeats misconception and reality a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PAGE age 26 22

Too often there’s a disconnection between the debate on a subject and the reality of the situation. While hopeful aspirations remain desirable, they’re ultimately worthless and even deceptive if they’re based on misconceptions.

An example that illustrates what I’m talking about — as well as one of my peeves —for is athe outcry rich A new year almost always brings an pet opportunity fresh startthe and should pay their fair share of taxes.

I’ve got no personal renewed ambition to do things better. because nottorich.

It’s important nonetheless to In business, thatstake usually boils I’m down providing customers better products acknowledge thethan rich competitors. pay far more Part thanof their of taxes. and services faster and at lower cost theshare process must According to information fromactually the Tax need Foundation include listening to customers to determine what they and then — a nonprofit, research organization based ifin meeting that need. After all, it doesnonpartisan little good tax to offer the latest and greatest Washington, D.C. — the top 1 percent of taxpayers paid nobody actually wants what you’re selling. $616 billion in income taxes in 2018.

That’s 40 percentArea of all Just like the businesses that belong to the group, the Grand Junction income taxes paid and share the tax burden borneofby Chamber of Commerce invariably starts outa larger the new yearofwith a reassessment the bottom 90 percent of taxpayers It’smembers the result of a the services and resources it provides and how well theycombined. match with Phil Castle progressive system that taxes increased income at higher rates. needs. Jeff Franklin, the new chairman of the chamber board of directors, I welcome debate with those who believe the richcoming should personifies this approach in describing what he considers his role for the pay even more in taxes and base their arguments on good reasons — not only year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a the rich afford it. While you’re atasit,market tell mepresident why a government role withcan which Franklin is familiar of Bank of hell-bent Colorado.on increasing spending regardless of the long-term ramifications needs more tax The process will take on a more structured approach in what theeven chamber revenue.

What’s the public good more efficiently achieved by government? plans as the resumption of a program aptly called Listening to Business. Under the Just drop business the argument theparticipate rich don’t pay their fair share of taxes. program, owners in in-depth interviews to identify barriers to By the way, it’s disingenuous to argue the tax code is rigged in favor of the rich growth and other problems they encounter. whenThe more than a third taxpayers tax liability new year offersofaall good time tohave join no theincome proverbial club. because of the credits and deductions that have been created or expanded in recent decades.

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

Another example that comes to mind is the outcry to end therelevant use of fossil While business journals traditionally gather and report the newsfuels. to I believe there’s an argument to be made there’s a better way to power vehicles readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially true as than gasoline diesel — that vehicles ultimately could work better without Web sites andand e-mail make theelectric dialogue more convenient than ever. producing I also believe a lot of sense to taketo advantage solar Good emissions. publications don’t exist itinmakes a vacuum.

They respond the needsofof energy, especially in powering individual homes and businesses. advertisers and readers. They provide what’s needed.

However, andneed? natural gas are used for a variety of other purposes, including So what dooilyou the manufacture of plastics make modern life possible.

Is there additional newsthat coverage that would help keep you informed about men involved in the energy industry recently pointed out in anoronline localTwo business developments?

Are there features that would bethat interesting briefing arranged by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and Western useful? Is there advice that would make your jobs a little easier?

SlopeIt’s Colorado Oil and Gas Association.

They talked specifically about thetoplastics equally important to ask what you don’t need. With limited time that go into syringes and other medical equipment that save lives as well the be produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time andasspace plastics that go into the gear that makes outdoor recreation more enjoyable. better devoted to something else?

It’s confounding to me the What’s manufacturer of What outdoor gear made with plastics What’s good? What isn’t? needed? isn’t? would refuse to allow the placement on its jackets of the a company thatWeb Let us know. Send us an e-mail. Comment online onlogo the of Business Times helps produce the petroleum used to make those jackets. site at www.thebusinesstimes.com. You could even write an old-fashioned letter to That’sifnot to mention still another use fossil fuels producing renewable the editor you’d like. Your feedback, bothofpositive and in negative, is valued and energy — the steel and fiberglass to make wind turbines, for example. will be carefully considered.

Respectful debate isare a good thingof in not bringing to fruition good ideas andbut better Good publications the result only the efforts of their staffs, also ways of doing things.

No one party or individual owns the franchise on good ideas. collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers.

It’s important, though, to base debate verifiable facts than misconceptions.

Like any other good business, weonwant to listen to rather 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. © 2021 — All rights reserved.

And yes.time It’s of a big difference.

This It’s that year when doesn’t have to be a diatribe about all the resolutions and prognostications abound. “wokeness” going around lives.

My favorite saying appliedintoour New Year’s Hell, weisget resolutions in saying they’re basically a bombarded daily byto break the first week bunch of promises news coverage of January.

Andfrom while I won’t predict a around ourIcountry whole lot, can pretty much accurately and executive nail world, a few things that without question order after the order will make news. You will see these are from unconscious pretty,the well, predictable: puppet in the White ■ Prediction one: House, from press There will bethe some release accountsevent, of the sort of weather vice president natural disasterdoing or Craig Hall the president’s job, heinous occurrence from mask mandate where someone will extension after extension be interviewed and say from our supreme ruler in Denver,“I’ve from the idiocy placed the following: on ourseen upcoming election ballots along never anything with all the new laws the Democrat-run like that in my politburo during the legislative lifetime.” introduces It’s as if this Craig Hall session, county pronouncements and person isfrom a required worthless attendee atproclamations every news about this special week and event. that special from our city reporting Whilemonth, I understand most council pot can is theindeed new savior and people’sspouting perspective be limited going the landlord literally by, or into contained within,business, their owntopersonal every Facebook experiences, it ispost too that’s mucheither to askpropped to up onto some our timelines or perspective banned frombefore our consult historical timelines.

And I’m sure saying such a thing?

Yes,I’m thismissing response can 90 percent of the sources. apply to some events.

But when it comes The point you know what woke is to weather andis,natural disasters, I’m pretty by telling you repeating and allowing surewhat thisthey’re is simply history itself. you to as see. thenmillions ask youand to not believeof Same it And has for millions your eyes as to howthe badplanet it is. And I can years.own More important, made it! sum up why they know they can do this is What didn’t were certain species. How’s one fear instilled due to Covid-19. that phrase: for perspective?

I■realize I’ll be called a conspiracy Prediction two: When it comes to a theorist. prefer to believe my between own eyes. crime or Isomething that occurs Whatthebrought this on, attendee you ask?atTruth humans, other required all is, I’ve always events felt thisisway.

I realize news reporting the person who many don’t thinkwe’re I actually consider says this: “They just the nicest the other side justway rewrite points. people, andand in no did Italking see something I’ll it’s not true — albeit it todoes no likestate this coming.”

Exactly.

No one avail.

My just about most of thefirst timeposition when iton comes to everything stated to me is to take theshould role neighbors and acquaintances.

People of sidestime runto be antagonist. surprised atThat whatway, goesboth on from through my life filter. We might notand agree time in their neighborhoods, towns with my take, butknow in nobecause way does that are with people they people make my take incorrect. good. And for the times that they shouldn’t I had professors at Colorado be shocked — like with politicians,Mesa repeat University who were amazed at my offenders and terrorists — where’s theability to advocate forsays, both“This sidesdoesn’t of an argument interview that surprise in classes. metheir in the least.” Someone had to debate, since■hardly anyone elseSomething ever spoke.

Prediction three: good But woke generation for you. will that’s happenthe economically, and the Back towill the take topiccredit at hand fearmost and government for — it. The why enemies of freedom use it. people recentthe example is gas prices, where I’vewhy been rereading book my mom ask me I won’t creditathe president for gave me when I was at a crossroads low gas prices. My answer is simple: in life, much like I am today.theTitled Government never makes price“As of a Man Thinketh,” theand book was written by something go down simply takes credit James Allen, in 1903 and filled for good news.published Gas pricing is subject to with manyeternal global truths factors.about Now how therethe arebrain affects all aspects of our lives, including government answers to addressing some of our truths are eternal themhealth. to keepI know prices the stable for Americans, because I own a 1978 but our government hasprinting none of and themthe in price That’s staying power. place.was The $1.95. only things it has in place in the

aPril 29-M15-28, ay 12, 2015 2021 JANUARY

theconsumers. third chapter, long In runrereading always hurt Another Ifact came upon this little ditty: “Thoughts is that unemployment reaches a certain of fear haveonbeen known toAnd kill while a manthe level based the economy. as speedily as a bullet, andnumber they are government might brag the is low, continually of people it’s more thankilling likely thousands the government did just as surely though rapidly.

The something to cause thatless number being low people whoinlive in fear disease arewhen — and not a good way.ofConversely, the people whoup,get Anxiety business picks it’sit.because thequickly people demoralizes the widgets whole body, and itnot lays who need to buy who were it open widgets to the entrance buying because of thedisease; economywhile was impure thoughts, notunnatural, physically contracting due to even naturalif (or indulged, will soon reasons, shatter the nervous government caused) decided we system.” better buy some widgets. The government COVID-19 real.this.

Some people will had nothing to doiswith be infected by it, while majority will ■ Prediction four: Inthe keeping with experience little to no effect on their lives things the government does, I predict the from it — same any coronavirus.

Justto government will as manipulate the numbers that coronaviruses are is worse. makesome the claim the economy getting authorofishow using theit term “disease” betterThe because hard is working to in a broad sense as it relates to fear.Now Open help all of us “working Americans.” your eyes and at ityou from the actions you might say, look “Craig, always say this of “leaders” related to COVID-19 about President Obama because youand don’t then your You’re own observations.

Because like him.” right in a sense.

I don’tI’ll never believe all that’s happened know the man,with but what I know of him and each one of us at some hadone to say, his thinking, I don’t like point it or him iota.

“That’s just not right.”

Before you go off, however, I didn’t like FromBush 15 days the spread President and to hisslow bailouts, stimulusto lockdowns to “essential” and and his abandoning the freeemployees market to save businesses to Operation Warp Speed the free market.

And I don’t know him to no holidays withgovernment family to no funerals either.

What the does, and the unless you’re a special, government only thing it can do, is hurt the economy. employee to no churchortoputnocriminals meetingin Unless it does nothing friends to limits on the people withnothing jail instead of partnering with them, which you can sit within 6 feet to 5-Star the government does will help.

Always look programs for special businesses to mask at it this way, whatever the government says shaming you don’t about others it is doing,towhatever thecare name of the law itto you want to grandma to everything is passing, orkill whatever the name or goal of forced upon us from someone’s the bureaucracy it is presenting to agenda the or need expect for control, it’sopposite all basedtoinoccur. one people, the polar thing.

Fear.

I guess what I’m saying is that And,it’s astime the book perhaps to getsays, out it ofcan ouronly own result in death.

Rapidly or atofa history slower pace. perspective.

There’s plenty Which is why we’re over a year and the books and historical research outinthere to same are still promoting beginfolks to understand that all offear. this The has only answer can beAnd in the question: happened before. it will again,What’s in all of this whether the fear topicfor is them? people or government.

How elserecommendation can a man like Bill Gates The best is to find — who wantsortotry dramatically some books that whole depopulate Google the planet and athinks can controlon the thing.

There’s lot ofhe information behaviors via vaccines become Great Depression.

The — truth is it wasn’t aeven leading investor and the expert on the got a good one until government COVIC-19 vaccine? elseofwould involved. There’s alsoWhy plenty research health andperiod business advocacy on the departments medieval warm when the groups come up with special rules forwith planet was much warmer than today acquiescing businesses follow to stay a whole lot less people to (and warmer well open struggling to make beforeabove man others was here at all). And yep, it?

Why arehave counties giving back people been proud killingof other surprised rights should have the front peoplethey since history wasbeen firston written. linesMaybe defending them from being taken? some research will help stop they will use fear we’ll againbe to all ofBecause these trends.

Otherwise, take ourwe’ve freedoms. saying never seen anything like it in Keep And yournot eyesinopen. our lives. a good way.

Craig Craig Hall Hall isis owner ownerand andpublisher publisherofofthe the Business Business Times.

Times. Reach Reach him him at at 424-5133 424-5133or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

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April 29-MAy 12, 2021

The Business Times

With expansive efforts, center gives gifts of art Ronya Anna and Jeremy Franklin

Beloved local artist Jac Kephart considered art a “wonderful gift.” The Art Center of Western Colorado (TAC) embodies the spirit of these words. To us, art is essential and for everyone. We recognize the arts and artists who make them have an impact on the daily lives of our community. For 68 years, the Art Center has promoted the arts. We’re now embarking on a new, exciting era.

Art is vital in sustaining the richness of life, providing an outlet for meaningful expression and creating purpose in the world. We recognize the arts and artists have an impact on our day-to-day lives. The phones we carry, the cars we drive and the buildings in which we live and work have all been influenced by artists who contribute to their creation and implementation From a local economic perspective, arts and cultural offerings also create better communities.

The 2017 Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study found that when we invest in and support the arts, we not only enhance our quality of life, but also invest in economic well-being. The same study concluded that communities that support arts and culture simultaneously invest in an industry that supports jobs, generates local government revenue and is vital to tourism. Arts and culture matter not only because they enrich lives, but also because they provide economic benefits to the communities they serve.

The mission of the Art Center of Western Colorado is to enrich lives by promoting the enjoyment and understanding of the arts. Driven by this mission, TAC works diligently to provide experiences in the arts that range from exhibitions featuring regional and national artists from various backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences; live performances of theatre, music and dance; and lectures and hands-on classes for people of all ages. We strive to provide a range of offerings to the community and ensure access through reasonable tuition and fees, scholarships and no-cost options.

The Art Center’s guiding principle — our “why” — is art is for everyone. This conviction lies at the heart of our three main areas of programming: exhibitions, education and events. n Exhibitions: In a normal operating year, TAC hosts an average of 24 local and national exhibitions. The annual members exhibit is an especially meaningful opportunity for amateur and youth artists in our community to showcase their work.

Additional juried exhibitions offer local residents the opportunity to enjoy the work of artists across the region, nation and globe. Our extensive permanent collection boasts more than 500 works representing Western Colorado’s artistic and cultural heritage, including Navajo weavings, historic artifacts and works by Colorado artists. These pieces are exhibited on a rotating basis, incorporated into educational programming and showcased

during lectures and other events. n Education: From kids learning the fundamentals to art-history enthusiasts to retirees fulfilling their creative dreams, all are welcomed and served by educational programs. Youth classes and camps are at capacity, with 3,000 children participating yearly. The Art for All program has given those with unique physical, developmental and social challenges the opportunity to create and be celebrated. n Events: TAC holds 11 First Fridays during the year, regularly attracting 300 plus visitors each evening. Other events include lectures, dramatic performances, private gatherings and an annual Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff.

As we look to the future of the Art Center, we’re excited for additional opportunities to serve our community.

Since its humble beginnings in 1953, the Art Center has grown from a small two-story house on Seventh Street to its current 13,000-square-foot facility. Now in its 68th year of operation, the Art Center is expanding again. We’ve embarked on a $600,000 capital project that will welcome the new Jac Kephart Gallery to our arts campus while installing a much-needed fire mitigation system and upgrading permanent collection preservation. This project will also update our Gould Gallery and provide new space for our evolving education program. The legacy of Jac Kephart will live on through these spaces.

While TAC has raised more than three-quarters of the necessary funds from generous donors, we need the support of this community to reach our critical goal of $600,000 to fully realize these improvements.

Now is the time to engage and immerse yourself in the gifts of arts.

We invite you to stop by and preview the exciting changes coming soon to our building on the southwest corner of Orchard Avenue and Seventh Street.

Come down and explore the Arts Center. Maybe you’ve hoped to visit TAC galleries, attend a First Friday, see a live concert or play or take a drawing or pottery class. Perhaps your child would appreciate the range of camps, classes and other offerings. You also could visit our website at www.gjartcenter.org to learn more or donate to support our important expansion.

All donations are tax-deductible.

Please consider visiting and supporting not only the Art Center, but also other arts and culture entities throughout our community.

Our lives and communities depend on it.

Art is essential. Art is for everyone.

Ronya Anna is vice president of the Art Center of Western Colorado Board of Trustees and leads the fund-raising campaign to make the Jac Kephart Gallery a reality. Jeremy Franklin serves as president of the board. For more information about the Art Center, visit www.gjartcenter.org.

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pAge 27

Opinion Business Briefs Subaru dealership shares the loveAlmanac Business People Page 28

The Business Times

aPril 29-May 12, 2021

NOTEWORTHY

Grand Junction Subaru donated $17,500 to Colorado Discover Ability, the latest proceeds from the Subaru Share the Love Event.

For every new Subaru sold or leased at the dealership between Nov. 19 and Jan 4, Subaru donated $250.

“I’m so proud of our team and our customers for making this another successful year for the Share the Love Event,” said Ron Bubar, owner of Grand Junction Subaru.

Based in Grand Junction, Colorado Discover Ability promotes the independence and self-confidence of people with disabilities through outdoor recreation, including Shawn Harrison, sales manager at Grand Junction Subaru, speaks at an event camping, cycling and snow and water sports. at Colorado Discover Ability. The dealership donated $17,000 to the organization, Founded in 1980, the organization has grown proceeds from its Share the Love Event. (Photo courtesy Grand Junction Subaru) beyond alpine skiing to offer year-round program and the people we serve. Providing outdoor experiences recreational programs.

Grand Junction Subaru has donated proceeds from the Share the for people of all abilities would not be possible without gracious and generous donors like Ron Bubar and Subaru of America.”

Love Event to Colorado Discover Ability for three years.

Over the years, Grand Junction Subaru has donated nearly “CDA affords people the opportunity to conquer their dreams no matter what their disabilities might be,” Bubar said. “It’s an $100,000 to local nonprofit organizations through the Share the organization that truly promotes and encompasses empowerment, Love Event. Nationwide, Subaru of America and its retailers have donated $200 million. and we are so happy to help them help others on their journeys.”

Grand Junction Subaru is located at 651 Market St. For more Kelly Collini, executive director of Colorado Discover Ability, said she’s grateful for the support from Grand Junction Subaru information, visit www.rockymtnsubaru.com.

F over the years. “This donation makes a huge difference for our n PROSTAR INTEGRATES MAPPING SOFTWARE INTO VIVAX-METROTECH UTILITY LOCATOR ProStar Holdings based in Grand Junction has announced the integration of its mobile mapping software into a utility locator device.

ProStar integrated its PointMan software into the Vivax-Metrotech vLoc3 with real time kinematic technology. The combination creates the first utility locator device with a global navigation satellite system receiver and the ability to locate buried utilities with centimeter accuracy.

Page Tucker “For the entire infrastructure and construction industry, this is a pivotal moment not only in the breakthrough technology, but the precision and real-time delivery of data where and when it’s most needed,” said Page Tucker, chief executive officer of ProStar.

Mark Drew, president of Vivax-Metrotech, agreed, “We are very excited with the vLoc3-RTK locator and its integration with ProStar’s PointMan.” Combing the locator and PointMan software means underground utilities and other infrastructure anywhere in the world can be located and the data recorded, displayed and shared from mobile devices.

ProStar provides mobile and cloud precision mapping solutions designed to locate, map and manage underground utilities and pipelines. For more information, visit www.prostarcorp.com.

SHARE YOUR NEWS The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business Briefs. Email submissions to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at the website at www.thebusinesstimes.com. n GRAND JUNCTION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL AWARDS Nominations will be accepted through May 15 for annual awards honoring businesses and individuals for their contributions to the Grand Valley.

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce will present Business of the Year awards to firms with fewer than 25 employees and those with more than 25 employees. The chamber also will present its Citizen of the Year award.

The award presentations are planned as part of the annual chamber banquet scheduled for June 11 at the Grand Junction Convention Center.

Nomination forms are available on the chamber website at https://gjchamber.org. Nominations also may be submitted directly to chamber staff.

Nominated businesses and individuals will be evaluated on the basis of why they deserve the awards and what they’ve done to make Grand Junction a stronger and more vibrant community.

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Ten businesses were recognized for expansions resulting in a total of more than $21 million in capital investments and 92 additional jobs.

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce honored the businesses during its latest quarterly membership luncheon.

Timberline Bank was recognized for constructing a $15 million building in Grand Junction and adding 12 people to its staff. The four-story, 40,000-square-foot building opened in September.

Hybrid Confections was honored for a $3 million capital investment and 14 new jobs.

The company manufactures gummies.

The Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Grand Junction was recognized for a $2 million renovation and the addition of 20 jobs.

Western Filament was honored for a $555,000 capital investment and 12 new jobs that brings staffing there to 112. The company manufactures braided, twisted, coated and dyed fibers for use in a variety of industries.

Redlands Mesa Golf Club was recognized for a $245,000 capital investment and nine additional jobs.

Hammerhead Paint Services was honored for a $125,000 capital investment and three jobs. The company offers industrial and commercial sandblasting and painting services.

Growl Agency, a design and marketing firm, was recognized for a $59,000 investment and four additional jobs.

Allure Beauty Bar was honored for a $20,000 investment and four new jobs.

Leitner-Poma of America — a Grand Junction-based company that manufactures chairlifts, gondolas and other cable transportation systems — added 10 jobs.

Orkin Pest Control added three jobs.

April 29-MAy 12, 2021

The Business Times

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Page 30

BusinessBriefs Briefs Business BusinessPeople People Almanac Business Almanac The Business Times

CMU search down to three finalists A committee searching for the next president of Colorado Mesa University has announced the selection of three finalists for the position.

John Marshall, a vice president at CMU, was selected, as was Abel Chavez, a vice president at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, and Mirta Martin, president of Fairmount State University in Fairmount, W.Va. The finalists were scheduled to participate in in-person visits to the Grand Junction campus during the week of April 16.

The new president will succeed Tim Foster, who announced he’s retiring in June after 17 years overseeing CMU. The finalists were selected from among 64 applications and after remote interviews with 10 candidates.

In addition to his role as vice president at CMU, Marshall also has led the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to bring students back to campus for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Marshall previously served as vice president for student services and director of development as well as a political science instructor.

Before joining CMU, he worked as an assistant director at the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and policy advisor to former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens.

Marshall also managed gubernatorial and congressional election campaigns.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from CMU and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado at Denver.

Chavez serves as vice president for enrollment and student success at Western Colorado University. He previously served as dean of the school of graduate studies and associate vice president for academic affairs. He also serves as an associate professor. n PROSTAR HIRES VICE PRESIDENT TO OVERSEE SALES IN CANADA Jason Martschuk has joined ProStar Holdings as vice president of sales for Canada.

Martschuk will oversee sales of the company’s PointMan mobile mapping software as well as lead efforts to increase market awareness.

Martschuk brings to the Grand Junction-based ProStar more than 20 years of experience in sales, Jason Martschuk geographic information systems and project management. He worked for Oracle, AMEC and Hexagon PPM. “When I first saw PointMan, I knew immediately that I was witnessing a technology that would forever change the industry and my career,” he said.

ProStar provides mobile and cloud precision mapping solutions to locate, map and manage underground utilities and pipelines. For more information, visit the website at www.prostarcorp.com.

Abel Chavez

John Marshall

Mirta Martin

Chavez operated a consulting firm in Denver after working as a project manager for Anheuser-Busch and Dow Chemical and engineer for Ball Corp.

He holds a bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in engineering from the University of Colorado at Denver as well as a master’s of business administration degree from the Univerity of Houston.

Martin has served as president of Fairmont State University since 2017 and served as president of Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan., from 2014 to 2016.

She also served as an education advisor to former Mexico President Vincente Fox. She was a dean and professor of management at Virginia State University and held positions at other universities in Virginia.

She previously worked in banking and held positions as senior vice president, vice president, assistance vice president and branch manager.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, a master’s of business administration degree from the University of Richmond and doctoral degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

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SHARE YOUR NEWS The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business People and the Almanac calendar of events. Email submissions to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com. n APPLICATIONS DUE JUNE 15 FOR NEXT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Applications will be accepted through June 15 for the next Mesa County Leadership Program.

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce conducts the program to encourage business participation on boards and commission as well as public policy development. Since its inception 30 years, more than 340 people have completed the program.

The program is limited to 25 participants who are expected to participate in all 10 sessions, most of them a day long. For an application or more information, log on to the website at https://gjchamber.org.

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aPril 29-May 12, 2021

April 29 n Grand Junction Master Networks referrals group Zoom meeting, 9 a.m. April 29 and May 6.

New members welcome, but only one member from a profession. 216-7723 n Palisade Chamber of Commerce free Your Community Over Coffee presentation, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Timberline Bank, 649 Market St., Grand Junction. 464-7458 or www.palisadecoc.com n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Fiesta Guadalajara, 103 U.S. Highway 50.

858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org May 4 n Bookkeeping refresher, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction.

Admission $75, which includes lunch. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Networking at Noon free gathering for members of the Fruita and Palisade chambers of commerce, noon May 4 and 11, KAFM Radio Room, 1310 Ute Ave., Grand Junction. Email reservations required. membership@fruitachamber.org May 6 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Dragon Treasure, 576 Kokopelli Drive, Unit A. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org May 12 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, 11:45 a.m., Junct’n Square Pizza, 119 N. Seventh St. Admission $18 for members, $23 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 Upcoming n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 13, Circle Park, 125 E. Aspen Ave. Admission $5 for members, $10 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Business startup webinar, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

May 18 and 19. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m., May 19, Centennial Canoe, 255 E. Second St. Admission $6. Registration required. www.palisadecoc.com or 464-7458 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce member appreciation picnic, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 26, chamber office, 432 E. Aspen Ave. Registration requested. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Business startup workshop, 8 to 8:30 p.m. June 8, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 6 to 11:30 p.m. June 11, Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Individual tickets $85. Corporate tables $950. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Business startup webinar, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

June 15 and 16. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org F

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The Business Times

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The Business Times

aPril 29-May 12, 2021