THE BUSINESS T IMES News JUNE 17-30, 2021
THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994
In this issue n On the rise
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Real estate sales continue to increase in Mesa County, although gains also reflect pandemic effects a year ago.
VOLUME 28, ISSUE 11
THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM
Trends Energetic effort
n Mesa County joins in C-PACE program offering Contributors financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. See page 2 Opinion 4 Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac
n At the heart of it Community Hospital has opened a cardiovascular procedure center offering a range of services.
Solar panels are among the renewable energy and efficiency improvements eligible for financing under the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program now available in Mesa County.
n Taking flight
Frontier Airline has launched the latest addition to commercial air service at Grand Junction Regional Airport.
n Winning efforts
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Timberline Bank and Mobility Driven are among the winners of awards from the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce.
n Taxing matters
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Tax collections, a key measure of sales activity, continue to rise in Grand Junction and Mesa County.
n Curious?
Research shows the benefits businesses enjoy when leaders promote curiosity in the workplace.
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n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends
30 28 30 21-25 2-18 26-27 19-20
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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times
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June 17-30, 2021
Real estate Trends transactions Contributors on the rise Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac Year-over-year gains also reflect the effects of pandemic in 2020 Phil Castle
The Business Times
Energetic effort
Solar panels are among the renewable energy and efficiency improvements eligible for financing under the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program now available in Mesa County. (Business Times photo illustration)
Mesa County joins in program offering financing for improvements
T
racy Phillips has high hopes for a program offering financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Mesa County. “It’s fantastic Mesa County is among the participants,” says Phillips, director of the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program in Colorado. Mesa County Commissioners voted in April to opt into the program, joining 36 other counties across the state. Phillips offered an overview of the program during an online presentation Tracy Phillips hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. C-PACE offers the owners of eligible commercial and industrial buildings up to 100 percent financing for renewable energy, energy efficiency and water conservation projects, he says. Financing is available for agricultural properties as well as industrial and retail properties, hotels, multi-family housing, offices and buildings used by nonprofit organizations. Private providers offer capital with competitive interest rates and payment terms of up to 25 years, Phillips says. Payments are collected as part of the county property tax assessment process — tying the financing to buildings and not owners, he says. Assessments transfer when buildings are sold. Participating counties levy a service fee of up to 1 percent of the assessment. Although not required by the terms of the program, savings realized through renewable energy and efficiency
FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program in Colorado, visit the website at https://copace.com. improvements often exceed the assessments, Phillips says. That makes C-PACE attractive not only to the owners of buildings interested in improving their properties, but also investors. The program also benefits contractors that work on the projects, he says. Financing is available through C-PACE for nearly any project that results in utility cost savings, Phillips says. That includes solar panels and other forms of renewable energy. That also includes heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems as well as insulation, lighting, roofing and water pumps. In addition, financing has been used to install electric vehicle charging stations. Financing also covers anything related to the projects, including architectural and engineering services and energy audits. C-PACE financing has been used in Western Colorado for such projects as the new headquarters of the Mayfly fly fishing equipment manufacturer in Montrose, an organic fruit farm in Paonia and winery and art gallery in Delta County. Some of the traditional aspects of lending still apply, Phillips said. Providers evaluate the ratio of the loan to the value of the property. See ENERGETIC page 16
STORY BY PHIL CASTLE
Real estate sales continue to increase in Mesa County, although the latest gains also reflect the effects of the pandemic a year ago. Local activity is expected to continue to increase in the second half of 2021 even as growing demand and low supplies push up prices. “I think it’s going to be a fairly good year, Lynn Thompson a fairly strong year,” said Lynn Thompson, president of Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction. Annette Miller, the administrative coordinator at Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction agreed, even though low residential Annette Miller inventories and the rising price of construction materials present challenges. Miller said 549 transactions worth a total of $185 million were reported in Mesa County in May. Compared to the same month last year, transactions rose 58.2 percent and dollar volume increased 74.5 percent. The gains were large in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions on real estate activity a year ago, Miller said. For a while, real estate showings and open houses were prohibited. A dozen large transactions accounted for a total of more than $17 million in sales in May 2021, including the sale of a warehouse on 7.5 acres on South 15th Street for $2.5 million, the Glacier Ice Arena on the Riverside Parkway for $2 million and a building that formerly housed the W.W. Peppers restaurant on Horizon Court for nearly $1.6 million. Through the first five months of 2021, 2,386 transactions worth a combined $807 million were reported, Miller said. Compared to the same span in 2020, transactions rose 31.5 percent and dollar volume increased 44.9 percent. If that pace were to continue through 2021, the year would end with 5,726 transactions worth a total of more than See REAL ESTATE page 18
June 17-30, 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 more than county and express their will, he said. “We 20 years as a minister. Whidden has work for the people.” worked for large and small organizations Whidden said he also considers himself 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 Dr. Thomas Tobin, chief officerwant at Community priorities, Whidden said. Somedical is planning to work. Hospital in Grand Junction, leads a tour through the control room of a newly opened that results in sustainable funding and Meanwhile, Whidden expects the cardiovascular procedure center. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle) balanced budgets on a long-term basis. county to continue policies and initiatives Meanwhile, Mesa County will that support local business and economic continue to pursue efforts that promote a development. There are additional steps friendly business environment and that can be taken to make it easier for local economic development, Whidden said. businesses to sell products and services to Whidden officially began working as the county, he added. county administrator at the beginningPhil of Castle Mesa County will keep working with the year. He succeeds Tom Fisher, who other The was Business Timesgovernment entities, organizations hired as county manager in Summit and institutions on fostering an environment County,Joe Utah. that treatment supportsat existing businesses and Gerardi knows what it’s like to receive the Whidden joined Mesa County in attracts new businesses, he said. new cardiovascular procedure center at Community Hospital August 2011 as information technology Whidden said there could be a — albeit as a simulated patient rather than an actual one. director.“The In April 2014, he became deputy opportunities to encourage the additional team was outstanding,” said Gerardi, chief operating county administrator forat the resource development officer and nursing officer Grand Junction hospital.of businesses that provide management a staffing reorganization agricultural industry as well Gerardiin participated in an exercise services testing to thethecenter thatand eliminated four director positions. as promote Mesa County as a distribution staff before the official opening on June 1. Gerardi also Before joining Mesa County, center for the region. participated in an event showing the center to local media. Whidden worked for a company The inimportant The cardiovascular centerproviding is one of only five Western thing is to consider information technology to issues from“There’s a well-rounded perspective, Colorado and two in theservices Grand Valley, he said. Joe Gerardi colleges and universities. In that role, he Whidden said. “We won’t be myopic as we definitely a need in the valley for this facility.” managed IT systems and services for look at things.” The center, an $8 million project constructed on the main institutions in Alabama,Hospital, Arizona,offers Illinois level of Community a range of interventional ✦ The Business Times
Community Hospital opens cardiac center
and diagnostic care, including angioplasty, catheterization, pacemaker implantation and stress testing. The center includes a cardiac catheter lab as well as rooms for conducting stress tests and rehabilitation. The center also enables Community Hospital to further expand its service lines, Gerardi said. The center supports the hospital’s new cardiology program, called Grand Valley Cardiology, and two cardiologists — Dr. Richard Garmany and Chris Thomas Dr. Todd James. A board-certified cariologist, Garmany has practiced in the Grand Valley for nearly 14 years. An interventional cardiologist, James moved to the area in May to join Community Hospital. Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Community Hospital, praised the effort. “We are extremely excited to open our new state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab as we expand our newest service line at Community Hospital with Dr. Garmany and Dr. James,” Thomas said. “Expanding our service lines and providing patients a choice as to where to receive health care locally has been a top priority, and we are humbled by the overwhelming support we have received over the years from patients and providers alike.” F
June 17-30, 2021
The Business Times
Angela Padalecki, executive director of the Grand Junction Regional Airport, introduces Daniel Shurz, center, senior vice president at Frontier Airlines, and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis during a celebration of the inaugural Frontier flight from Denver to Grand Junction. (Business Time photo by Phil Castle)
Added routes take flight at Grand Junction airport Phil Castle
The Business Times
Angela Padalecki sees Grand Junction as not only a destination in its own right, but also the center of region that includes national parks and a variety of outdoor recreation. “We’re a destination surrounded by destinations,” said Padalecki, executive director of the Grand Junction Regional Airport. And that’s just one of the attributes that’s helped attract additional commercial air service, she said. Frontier Airlines launched the latest addition on June 8 with its inaugural flight from Denver International Airport to Grand Junction. The passengers aboard that flight included Daniel Shurz, a senior vice president at Frontier, and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. Shurz said thrice-weekly service offers an affordable option to travel to Denver and brings more tourists to Grand Junction and Western Colorado. Polis said the new service and added connectivity makes Grand Junction that much more attractive to businesses, which in turn promotes economic development. “It’s the start of something special and exciting for Mesa County,” he said. Denver-based 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 airline serves a total of about 100 destinations in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. The inaugural Frontier flight into Grand Junction followed by a month the start of service between Grand Junction See AIRPORT page 14
Airport receives statewide award
The Grand Junction Regional Airport has earned recognition for its contributions to air transportation in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics named Grand Junction Regional Airport the 2021 Colorado Airport of the Year. The award was presented during a meeting of the Colorado Aeronautical Board conducted in conjunction with the Colorado Airport Operators Association spring conference in Telluride. The division presents the annual award to recognize public use airports that contribute to a safe, efficient and effective statewide system through collaboration, investment and advocacy. The Grand Junction Regional Airport is the largest airport on the Western Slope and third-largest statewide. According to an analysis of the economic effects of Colorado airports, Grand Junction Regional Airport supports 3,399 jobs, accounts for nearly $190 million in annual wages and $$711 million in business revenue statewide. The airport has under taken a series of improvement projects, including the construction of a new aircraft run-up area as well as the rehabilitation of aircraft aprons. A new primary runway is planned for construction north of the existing runway. F
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Page 6 Jim Pedersen, the co-chief executive officer of Timberline Bank, stands outside the entrance to the bank’s newly constructed headquarters in Grand Junction. The four-story building offers 40,000 square feet of space. The building also constitutes another milestone for the Western Colorado bank and its growing operations. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)
The Business Times
June 17-30, 2021
Chamber awards bank, mobility firm Timberline Bank and Mobility Driven are among the latest winners of annual awards presented by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce honoring community service. Timberline Bank was named the large business of the year. Mobility Driven, a firm launched by Robert Dittmer, was selected as the small businesses of the year. The awards were presented during the Robert Dittmer annual chamber banquet. Founded by employees and investors in 2004, Timberline Bank operates locations in Grand Junction as well as Aspen and Montrose. In 2020, the bank moved into a new four-story headquarters in Grand Junction. The building includes a community room available for free use to nonprofit groups. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Timberline Bank processed nearly 2,200 Paycheck Protection Program loans worth a total of almost $200 million. Over the past two years, the bank has contributed a total of more than $300,000 in sponsorships and donations to local groups.
Bank staff from the president to tellers volunteer their time and serve on the boards of a variety of local organizations, including the Western Colorado Latino Chamber of Commerce, Riverside Education Center and Young Professionals Network of Mesa County. Dittmer launched Mobility Driven in 2015 to serve clients with mobility issues — providing options to make their homes more accessible or adapting their vehicles. The company also works on recreational vehicles. Mobility Driven sponsors a downtown car show to provide a family event while also raising awareness of advances in the adaptive industry. Dittmer serves on the board of Blood Brothers, an organization dedicated to helping people with physical disabilities restore their mobility and independence. Dittmer also sponsors and partners with Colorado Disability and partners with Agribility, an organization that helps farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities. Partnerships and sponsorships also have benefited the Center for Independence, Hilltop Community Resources and the MS Society. F
June 17-30, 2021
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June 17-30, 2021
Sensor firm approved for incentive program A Grand Junction-based company that’s developed sensors for a range of applications has been approved to participate in a tax inventive program. The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved Hayden Data Systems to participate in the Rural Jump-Start Program. The Grand Junction Economic Partnership assisted with the process. “We are very pleased with the local support from GJEP and the approval of our Jump-Start application. This encouraging support will help Hayden Data to grow our presence in Grand Junction and to contribute our share to the economic development of the region,” said Steve Whitehurst, chief executive officer of Hayden Data Systems. The company has developed sensors to monitor power poles for structural failures, fires and other problems. The sensors also can be used for a variety of other purposes, from monitoring oil and natural gas wells to collecting weather information. Whitehurst traced the origin of the company and its sensors to Australia and Ian Puddy, who serves as chief technology officer. Puddy saw the need for a way to monitor power poles after wildfires in 2009 burned more than 1,700 square miles, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and killed 173 people. Utilities were found culpable of starting 11 of the 15 fires. Puddy subsequently developed a device to monitor power poles and detect problems before they failed and caused fires. Power pole sensor prototypes were built and tested in Australia. Whitehurst, who’s long worked as a computer programmer and manager, said he became interested in the effort and traveled to Australia to meet with Puddy and the utilities with which he was working. Whitehurst said he was convinced of the potential for the devices and entered into a business partnership. Hayden Data was incorporated in 2020 and
headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., to work with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Tennessee Valley Authority to develop production models of the device and standards for using the devices to monitor utility poles. The company maintains its main U.S. operation in Grand Junction, however, including administration, assembly and research and development. The company operates additional testing facilities in Mesa and Delta counties. Hayden Data Systems has partnered with Acom Unlimited, a Grand Junction manufacturer, to produce the boxes that house the sensors. Acom Unlimited was approved for the Jump-Start program earlier this year. Together, Hayden Data Systems and Acom Unlimited expect to create about 60 jobs and contribute about $19 million to the local economy over their first two years. Hayden Data Systems is the 20th company to be approved for the Jump-Start program in Mesa County and the third this year. Of those, 15 remain in operation. “Jump-Start has been a huge success in Mesa County,” said Steve Jozefczyk, deputy director of GJEP. “Considering almost all of these businesses are startups and nine out of 10 startups fail, a 75 percent success rate is phenomenal. The program has had a significant impact on the diversification of our economy and the growth of high-income, innovative industry sectors.” Through the program, companies receive a 100 percent credit on income and sales taxes for four years with an opportunity to extend that for an additional four years. Participants are also eligible for special cash grants. Businesses must add a minimum of three net new jobs in high-paying, highly skilled fields. In Mesa County, businesses also form a partnership with Colorado Mesa University through mentorship and internship opportunities as well as community involvement. F
Steve Whitehurst, chief executive officer of Hayden Data Systems, displays one of the sensors his company has developed to monitor power poles for structural failures, fires and other problems. The sensors can be used for everything from monitoring oil and natural gas wells to collecting weather data. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)
June 17-30, 2021
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June 17-30, 2021
Two join land trust conservation department David Varner and Alyssa Clarida have joined the Colorado West Land Trust to help staff and landowners with conversation efforts. Based in Grand Junction, Varner works as a conservation specialist, helping staff and landowners design resource protection strategies that fit with existing uses while ensuring future viability. David Varner Working out of Paonia, Clarida serves as a land steward, monitoring conserved properties and helping landowners improve natural resources. “We are excited that Alyssa and David have joined the land trust team,” said Rob Bleiberg, executive director of the Colorado West Land Trust. “They bring
with them outstanding skills, strong commitments to conservation and a love of Western Colorado landscapes.” Varner has worked on conservation projects throughout the Western United States as well as Mexico and South Asia. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Montana State University and worked as a seasonal field biologist before studying coastal stream restoration at Alyssa Clarida Humboldt State University. Varner said he considers his latest position an opportunity to make a difference in Western Colorado. “I can think of no better place where I can help protect the special cultural and natural resources of Western Colorado than at Colorado West Land Trust as their new
conservation specialist,” he said. Clarida previously worked for the Colorado Department of Agriculture and conservation districts on the Western Slope. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geographical and environmental studies from Augustana College. “As CWT’s new land steward, I get the incredible opportunity to help foster the longevity of working landscapes,” Clarida said. “I look forward to working alongside the passionate conservationists that help keep Western Colorado unique.” Based in Grand Junction, the Colorado West Land Trust has conserved a total of more than 125,000 acres of agricultural lands, open spaces and wildlife habitat in Mesa County and five other Western Slope counties. For more information, visit https://cowestlandtrust.org. F
Ready to take the Plunge? Bike trail open
The first phase of the Palisade Plunge, a 32-mile mountain bike trail from the top of the Grand Mesa to the town of Palisade, has opened. Completion of the second phase is scheduled for the end of July. “The Palisade Plunge exemplifies how a community can come together and create something special for the community and visitors,” said Greg Wolfgang, U.S. Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction field manager. “This project will have positive impacts to the Grand Valley for generations.” The Palisade Plunge trail is the result of a collaboration between the BLM and U.S. Forest Service as well as the City of Grand Junction, Grand Junction Economic Partnership, Town of Palisade, Mesa County, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association. Phase one of the trail begins on Lands End Road about 3 miles below the Lands End Observatory and traverses over 17 miles from the forested slopes of the Mesa to a classic desert canyon at Highway 6 and the Palisade Rim Trailhead. This section of the Palisade Plunge navigates remote, backcountry terrain with some sections of extreme exposure recommended only for experienced riders. Trail users should use the U.S. Forest Service Wild Rose recreation site for parking. The Wild Rose site can only be accessed from the bottom of Lands End Road off U.S. Highway 50 south of Grand Junction. Commercial shuttle service also is available. Trail enthusiasts are encouraged to consider their experience, skills and preparedness before taking the Plunge. They should bring plenty of food and water, appropriate clothing and bike repair supplies. For additional information on the Palisade Plunge and a list of shuttle service providers, log on to the website located at www.Palisadeplunge.com. F
June 17-30, 2021
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June 17-30, 2021
CMU Foundation among recipients of latest grants from Pinnacol
The Colorado Mesa University Foundation in Grand Junction is among the recipients of the latest grants from Pinnacol Assurance. The workers compensation insurer awarded a total of nearly $300,000 grants to 14 nonprofits. Edie Sonn, the vice president of communications and public affairs at Pinnacol Assurance, said the grants promote business and work force development — and also support Edie Sonn organizations working to create opportunities for people of color. “Although Colorado’s economy is beginning to bounce back from the global pandemic, nonprofits that serve local communities need more support than ever,” Sonn said. “Rising to meet that need, we also evolved our community grant making to reflect our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” Sonn said. The CMU Foundation will use the grant to support health care work force training programs. Other grant recipients include: n Associated General Contractors of Colorado to offer scholarships in construction apprenticeship and trade programs. n Colorado Agricultural Leadership Group to offer leadership training in rural communities. n Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges to offer scholarships at rural colleges. The largest workers compensation insurer in Colorado, Pinnacol Assurance has provided insurance and other resources to businesses for 100 years. For more information, visit www.pinnacol.com. F
Grant to fund work at Corn Lake pier
A nearly $17,000 grant will fund renovations to the fishing pier at Corn Lake near Clifton. The Great Outdoors Colorado board awarded a $16,912 grant to the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to repair the pier. The footer and stemwall of the pier will be raised to the desired grade to address problems with cracking and shifting. That will improve access to the pier, which is designed to accommodate the disabled. The grant adds to the $46 million Great Outdoors Colorado has invested in projects in Mesa County, a portion of proceeds from the Colorado Lottery earmarked for parks and open spaces in the state. F
June 17-30, 2021
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Fire trucks create an arch of water to celebrate the arrival of the inaugural Frontier Airlines flight from Denver International Airport to the Grand Junction Regional Airport. Frontier (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)
Airport
Continued from page 5 and Southern California. Avelo Airlines, a new airline based in Burbank, offers that service four times a week. Counting Frontier and Avelo, six airlines offer services at Grand Junction Regional Airport. Padalecki said the airport is the smallest in the United States with six carriers — three of them low-cost carriers.
She attributed that distinction to a number of factors, including the proximity of national parks and other destinations as well as a rebound in leisure travel following the COVID-19 pandemic. She said she’s hopeful for even more service, including a route to San Francisco. F
June 17-30, 2021
CMC exec appointed to also lead commission
The leader of a college with 11 campuses across Colorado has been appointed chairwoman of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. Carrie Besnette Hauser will serve as chairwoman of the commission until 2023. The commission also elected Charles Garcia as the vice chairman and Luke Schafer as secretary. The commission Carrie Hauser is comprised of 11 governor-appointed members and sets regulations and policies for state parks and wildlife programs. Hauser is president and chief executive officer of Colorado Mountain College, which is headquartered in Glenwood Springs and operates campuses there and at 10 other locations. CMC has offered outdoor education for decades, including programs and degrees in outdoor recreation leadership, sustainability studies, ecosystem science and management, avalanche science and ski area operations. Hauser, a resident of Garfield County, is also an outdoorswoman and athlete. Hauser was appointed to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission in 2017 and served as vice chairwoman and representative for outdoor recreation and use of parks. She succeeds as head of the commission Marvin McDaniel, whose term expires in July. Garcia has served on the commission as a sportspersons representative since 2018. He’s past president of the Colorado Bar Association and chairman of a standing committee of the American Bar Association. He lives and works in both Denver and Grand County. Schafer was appointed to the commission as a member at large in 2018. He’s West Slope director of Conservation Colorado and lives in Moffat County. He advocates for public lands, waters and wildlife. “The diverse experience among our newly elected commission leaders is invaluable to CPW as we discuss initiatives and decisions that impact how our state’s public lands and wildlife populations should be managed,” said Dan Prenzlow director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “We now look forward to continuing our important conversations regarding how our agency maintains our parks, conservation programs, wildlife legacy and provides varied outdoor recreation activities for all Coloradans under new commission leadership,” Prenzlow added. F
June 17-30, 2021
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June 17-30, 2021
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Continued from page 2 Mortgage holders on buildings must provide written consent and will consider the effects of C-PACE financing on the value of collateral and ability of a borrowers to repay loans, Phillips says. Improvements usually increase the value of the properties. While capital providers prefer larger projects, Phillips says there are opportunities as well with medium and smaller projects. It’s more challenging to finance smaller projects in rural areas, but Phillips says he’s hopeful a fund can be established to bundle smaller projects and sell the portfolios to bigger lenders. There’s an additional step in the process in Mesa County in that the county must review and approve applications. But the county has been “very responsive” he says. The Colorado C-PACE program has completed a total of $147 million in financing for 93 projects, Phillips says. With more than 40 participating lenders and 260 registered contractors, the Colorado program is one of the most active in the United States, he says. But Phillips expects those numbers to grow in part because of the participation of Mesa County and other counties. “We’re very excited Mesa County opted in.” F
BLM transfers engine to Fruita fire district
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management transferred a fire engine to the Lower Valley Fire Protection District in Fruita to improve responses to wildfires. The engine was transferred under the BLM Rural Fire Readiness program to provide equipment to local wildland firefighting partners at no cost. “The BLM works closely with the Lower Valley Fire Protection District to suppress wildland fires that threaten communities, property and, in some cases, natural resources. This engine will augment Lower Valley’s wildland fire response capabilities, allowing us to further enhance our effective wildland firefighting partnership,” said Thomas Hayes, fire management officer with the BLM Upper Colorado River District. The BLM accepts applications from local fire departments and rangeland fire protection associations for available vehicles, equipment and supplies. Fire departments and rangeland fire protection associations must have an cooperative fire response agreement with the BLM, serve rural communities, have wildland fire protection responsibilities and respond to wildland fires in support of BLM when available and as needed. More information on the RFR program is available from the webpage located at https://www.blm.gov/programs/ public-safety-and-fire/rural-fire-readinessprogram. F
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June 17-30, 2021
Real estate
Continued from page 2 $1.9 billion, exceeding what ultimately was a record year in 2020. According to statistics Bray Real Estate tracks for the residential market, 335 transactions worth a collective $127 million were reported in May. Compared to the same month last year, transactions rose 25.5 percent and dollar volume increased 69.3 percent. Thompson said May last year marked a low point for real estate activity in the midst of the pandemic — “2020 was something nobody’s ever seen before.” Year-over-year decreases were among the biggest in Mesa County since the oil shale bust in the 1980s and Great Recession a decade ago. Through the first five months of 2021, 1,567 residential transactions worth a total of $554 million were reported. Compared to the same span in 2020, transactions rose 16.6 percent and dollar volume increased 39.9 percent. Residential inventories remain low — at least by one measure. At the end of May, there were 216 active listings. That’s less than half the 555 listings at the end of May 2020. Thompson said inventory is actually larger, but homes sell quickly when they come on the market. “It’s not staying on the shelf.” Growing demand driven in part by buyers moving into Mesa County and low supplies have pushed up prices, he said. The median price of residential transactions during the first five months of 2021 increased 18.1 percent to $320,000. New construction has helped to meet demand. A total of 409 building permits for single family homes were issued in Mesa County through the first five months of 2021, up 46.6 percent from the same span a year ago. Miller said she expects more existing homes to come on the market during what’s usually a busy summer reason. But builders face challenges in constructing new homes in rising material prices and labor shortages. Meanwhile, property foreclosure activity remains nearly nonexistent. Miller said eight foreclosure filings and 12 foreclosure sales were reported through the first five months of 2021. The eight resales of foreclosed properties constituted only 2.3 percent of all transactions, a fraction of the 10 percent threshold Miller considers indicative of a healthy market. F
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News Trends Contributors Sales tax collections rise Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac
June 17-30, 2021
The Business Times
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INDICATORS AT A GLANCE
n Business filings s New business filings in Colorado, 44,740 in the first quarter, up 32.2% from the first quarter of 2020.
n Confidence
t Consumer Confidence Index 117.2 in May, down 0.3. s Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 64.4 for the second quarter, up 16.5. t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 99.6 for May, down 0.2.
n Foreclosures
n Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 2 in May, unchanged from 2 in May 2020. s Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 2 in May, up from 0 in May 2020.
n Indexes
s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 107.35 for May, up 3.04. s Conference Board Leading Economic Index 113.3 for April, up 1.6%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 61.2% for May, up 0.5%.
n Lodging
s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $142,536 for May, up 189.8% from May 2020.
n Real estate
s Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 549 in May, up 58.2% from May 2020. s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $185 million in May, up 74.5% from May 2020.
n Sales
s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $5.83 million for May, up 57.7% from May 2020. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.23 million for May, up 48.1% from May 2020.
n Unemployment t Mesa County — 6.8% for April, down 0.4 n Colorado — 6.4% for April, unchanged. t United States — 5.8% for May, down 0.3.
Year-over-year increases also reflect the effects of pandemic in 2020 Tax collections, a key measure of sales activity, continue to increase in Grand Junction and Mesa County. The City of Grand Junction and Mesa County reported large, year-over-year gains in collections in May, although the gains also reflect the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic a year ago. The city collected nearly $4.9 million in sales taxes in May, an increase of 61.2 percent compared to the same month a year ago. The city received another $860,000 as its share of sales taxes collected in Mesa County, a 42.2 percent increase. The county collected more than $3.9 million in sales taxes in May, a 43.8 percent increase from a year ago. May collections reflect April sales. The city collected a total of more than $5.8 million in sales and use taxes in May, an increase of $2.1 million and 57.7 percent over the same month last year. Use taxes, a smaller and more volatile revenue source, increased 35.3 percent. While city sales and use tax collections for May have trended upward over the last five years, 2020 was the exception with a nearly 20.4 percent drop from 2019. For the first five months of 2021, the city collected a total of more than $27 million in sales and use taxes. That’s an increase of more than $4.9 million and 22.1 percent over the same span in 2020. A 24.3 percent increase in sales tax collections more than offset a 15.7 percent decrease in use tax collections. Mesa County collected a total of more than $4.2 million in sales and use taxes in May, an increase of almost $1.4 million and 48.1 percent over the same month a year ago. Use tax collections — most on automobiles purchased outside the county, but used in the county — rose 132.2 percent. County sales and use tax collections for May 2020 were down 11.8 percent from May 2019. For May 2021, county tax collections on retail sales topped $1.3 million, an increase of 39.3 percent over a year ago. Collections rose for every category, including a 208.5 percent increase in clothing, 112 percent increase in sporting goods and 28 percent increase in internet sales. County tax collections also increased on a year-over-year
Lodging tax collections rebound in Grand Junction
Lodging tax collections, a measure of hotel and motel stays, have rebounded in Grand Junction. The City of Grand Junction collected $142,536 in lodging taxes in May, an increase of $93,359 and 189.8 percent over the month a year ago. May collections reflect hotel and motel stays in April. The increase also reflects, though, a downturn in hospitality businesses last year attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. Collections for May 2020 were down nearly 61.2 percent from May 2019. Still, collections for May 2021 were up 6.7 percent from May 2019. Through the first five months of 2021, the city collected $456,267. That’s an increase of $88,373 and 24 percent over the same period in 2020. F
basis 79.6 percent on restaurant meals and hotel stays, 54.3 percent on automotive sales and 45.8 percent on home improvements. Collections dropped 43.9 percent in the oil and natural gas sector. For the first five months of 2021, Mesa County collected a total of more than $18.7 million in sales and use taxes, an increase of nearly $3.6 million and 23.7 percent. Sales tax collections rose 22.4 percent, while use tax collections jumped 41.2 percent. The county collected more than $6.4 million in taxes on retail sales during the first five months of 2021, a 26.9 percent increase over the same span in 2020. Collections rose 53.2 percent for internet sales, 40.8 percent for sporting goods and 47.3 percent for clothing. Tax collections increased 40.6 percent on the sale of home improvements, 31.2 percent on automobiles and 25.4 percent on restaurant meals and hotel stays. F
Small Business Optimism Index retreats A measure of optimism among small business owners has retreated even as a growing proportion of them struggle to fill job openings. The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index fell two-tenths of a point to 99.6 in May. The index remains above its 47-year average of 98. “The labor shortage is holding back growth for small businesses across the country,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the NFIB. “If small business owners could hire more workers to take care of customers, sales would be higher Bill Dunkelberg and getting closer to pre-COVID levels.” Other challenges persist, Dunkelberg added. “Inflation on Main Street is rampant, and small business owners are uncertain about future business conditions.” The NFIB bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of members of the small business advocacy group, most of them small business owners. For May, five of 10 components of the index advanced, three retreated and two remained unchanged. A record 48 percent of those who responded to the survey upon which the May index was based reported unfilled job openings, up four points from April.
Asked to name their single most important business problem, 26 percent cited labor quality and 8 percent cited labor costs. A net 27 percent reported plans to increase staffing, up six points. A net 34 percent reported raising compensation, the highest level in a year. A net 22 percent said they expect to raise compensation in the next three months. Meanwhile, the share of those who expect the economy to improve dropped 11 points. At a net negative 26 percent, more respondents indicated they expect worsening conditions. A net 27 percent reported plans to make capital outlays, unchanged from April. A net 13 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, down a point. The proportion of respondents reporting higher earnings fell four points. At a net negative 11 percent, more reported lower earnings. Of those reporting lower earnings, 38 percent blamed weaker sales. Of those reporting higher earnings, 60 percent cited increased sales. A net 2 percent said they expect higher sales over the next three months, up a point. A net 6 percent reported plans to increase inventories, up a point. A net 8 percent said their inventories are too low, also up a point. F
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The Business Times
U.S. jobless rate down, payrolls up The monthly unemployment rate in the United States has dropped to its lowest level in more than a year as payrolls continue to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobless rate retreated three-tenths of a point to 5.8 percent in May, the lowest level since March 2020. Nonfarm payrolls increased 559,000. Estimated payroll gains for April and March were revised upward 27,000 to a total of more than 1 million. Still, nonfarm employment is down 7.6 million, or 5 percent, from its pre-pandemic peak in February 2020. For May, 9.3 million people were counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work. Of those, 3.8 million have been out of work for 27 weeks or longer. Another 5.3 million people were counted among those working part-time because their hours were reduced or they were unable to find full-time positions. The labor participation rate edged down a tenth of a point to
61.6 percent, 1.7 points lower than February 2020. Payroll gains were spread out among a number of industry sectors in May. Employment increased 292,000 in leisure and hospitality as pandemic restrictions eased in restaurants and bars. Still, employment in the sector remains 15 percent below February 2020. Employment increased 144,000 in public and private education, 46,000 in health care and social assistance, 35,000 in business and professional services and 23,000 in manuacturing. Employment decreased 20,000 in construction and 6,000 in retail trades. The average work week remained unchanged at 34.9 hours for a third straight month. The manufacturing workweek lengthened a tenth of an hour to 40.5 hours. Average hourly earnings rose 15 cents to $30.33. F
June 17-30, 2021
Labor index rises
A measure of labor conditions in the United States continues to increase, signaling job growth. The Conference Board reported its Employment Trends Index rose more than three points to 107.35 in May. The index has increased faster over the past three months than in any other three-month span. “This marked acceleration suggests historically strong job growth in coming months,” said Gad Levanon, head of the Conference Board Labor Markets Institute. F
Trends Contributors Opinion did all that Curiosity Business Briefs Business People Almanac
June 17-30, 2021
The Business Times
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
n The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction has scheduled events offering information about valuations and startups. A free business valuation presentation is set for 2 to 3:30 p.m. June 29 at the center, 2591 Legacy Way. The presentation will cover listing prices, acquisition financing and selling within an industry. Upcoming business startup workshops are scheduled for 1 to 3:30 p.m. July 7 and 9 to 11:30 a.m. July 20. The workshops 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 A free six-week online course will offer information about starting a child care business. The Leading Edge course is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays June 22 to July 27. The course is designed to help entrepreneurs in the child care industry gain an understanding of business fundamentals, including legal structures, accounting and marketing. Business consultants will offer continued training and support. The course is limited to 20 participants. To register or obtain more information, contact the North Metro Denver Small Business Develipment Center through the website at https://northmetrosbdc.com. n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its next quarterly membership luncheon for noon June 17 at the Bookcliff Country Club, 2730 G Road. The event will include a presentation by Shane Kinkennon on business leadership. Admission is $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. To register for or obtain more information about chamber events, call 242-3214 or visit https://gjchamber.org. n The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual banquet for 5:30 to 10 p.m. July 31 at the Fruita Community Center, 324 N. Coulson St. Individual tickets for chamber members sell for $50. Sponsored tables for eight sell for $500. To register for or obtain more information about chamber events, call 858-3894 or visit https://fruitachamber.org.
Research reveals benefits of promoting curiosity in workplace
You’ve likely heard curiosity killed the cat, but there’s more to the story. Francesa Gino, a Harvard Business School professor and researcher, found a treasure trove of benefits organizations enjoy when leaders promote curiosity in the workplace. Among them, we find such gems as: n Better decision-making. Curiosity helps us avoid default explanations confirming what we already believe as well as conclusion-jumping based on stereotypes. n More creativity and innovation. From artists on Etsy to workers in a call center, people who score high on measures of curiosity also Rebecca score high on measures of creativity Weitzel and customer service. In addition, curiosity relates to better overall performance as determined by supervisors. n Less conflict. Curiosity fosters empathy and interest in others. This paves the way for better interactions and fewer conflicts between people in a group or team. n Improved team performance. Curiosity improves communication and active listening among team members, which contributes to improved results. To benefit from this bounty, leaders must first recognize that while most say they want team members to ask questions and discover new territory, most organizations are structured in ways that discourage such actions. Two things strangle curiosity in the workplace: fear and our tendency to overvalue efficiency. Fear is typically shaped as a belief that curious team members are more difficult to manage, cause conflict and increase costs. This belief causes leaders to impulsively reject new ideas — even good ones — and remain tethered to a past where businesses wither and die. Efficiency might have reigned supreme in the industrial age by helping factories reduce costs and increase profits. Now, however, overvaluing efficiency blinds us to new trends and solutions that, if explored and acted upon, could propel us into the future. Over time, the pressure organizations exert on people to work fast and hit short-term targets crowds out time and energy for thinking and innovating. To overcome these challenges and cultivate curiosity, leaders should ask more questions, hire curious people and promote learning goals. Consider the following suggestions: n Ask more questions. Eric Schmidt, former chief executive officer of Google, once said, “We run this company on questions, not answers.” Rather than show up to team meetings with a PowerPoint or pre-baked ideas, ask questions. What is one
thing you know that I don’t know about (fill in the blank)? What is one thing I can do to make things better for you and our customers? What is one thing we should pursue or do differently to remain relevant? Then listen. Show you listened by incorporating answers in follow-up communications. Credit team members’ suggestions for any related initiatives. Operationalize the process of asking “why is that?” five times in a row to get beyond surface explanations for an issue and uncover the root cause. n Hire curious people. It’s reasonable to believe hiring for experience guarantees future performance. A recent analysis of 81 independent studies published in Personnel Psychology showed there’s virtually no relationship between pre-hire experience and performance or turnover. Just because someone has spent years doing a particular job doesn’t guarantee they’ve done it well. It’s equally possible they’ve developed bad habits, lost enthusiasm or failed to upgrade their skills to keep pace with evolving industry standards. Hire for curiosity instead. The ability to learn is the metaskill of our time. And curiosity precedes learning. To screen for curiosity, pay as much attention to the types of questions candidates ask as the answers they give. Ask candidates what excites them about the future of their job or industry. Use validated curiosity assessments. Post the job with a bit of obscure trivia that might pique the interest of the curious. n Promote learning goals. Just as setting a goal to reduce consumption of Pepsi works better for weight loss than setting a goal to lose 10 pounds. A body of research shows that in the workplace, such learning goals as building skills, increasing competence or committing to new practices lead to better results than results-focused goals. Consider rewarding learning behaviors as much as results. Hold supervisors accountable for helping team members develop learning goals. Invest in coaching for key team members. Hire subject matter experts to train your team. If you’re uncertain whether acting on these suggestions will yield results, start with one: get curious. Although you’ve heard curiosity killed the cat, you might not know satisfaction brought it back. Perhaps satisfying your curiosity can bring back your organization, too.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
defeat the Colorado Treatment of Animals Initiative on the 2022 election ballot. Activities on June 23 will include a current issues and awards breakfast followed by the business session. The convention also will include a reception and banquet with live music and dancing. The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association serves as an advocate for a growing and profitable beef industry in the state. F
Rebecca Weitzel is president and co-founder of Good Life Wellness Solutions, which provides workplace well-being programs and an online wellness platform tailored to small businesses. She also serves as director of people operations at Hilltop Community Resources. With a master’s degree in organizational psychology and training in behavior design, she helps people and organizations thrive. Contact Weitzel at rebecca@goodlifewellnesssolutions.com or rebeccaw@htop.org or visit the website located at www.GoodLifeWellnessSolutions.com. F
Colorado Cattlemen’s Association convention coming to Grand Junction The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association has scheduled policy discussions, a trade show and symposium as part of its upcoming convention in Grand Junction. The convention is set for June 21 to 23 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel at 743 Horizon Drive. The event will open June 21 with grassroots policy development through 10 steering committees. Participants will share their perspectives on policies affecting the association and industry. The event will continue June 22 with networking
To register for obtain more information about the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association 2021 convention, call (303) 431-6422 or log on to www.coloradocattle.org. at a trade show followed by an annual ranching legacy sypmposium. The symposium will include sessions on strategic partnerships and alignments as well as efforts to
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The Business Times
June 17-30, 2021
Does resistance to change limit your success? If your business has stalled or is failing, your health is declining or your relationships are unfulfilling, you can use your awareness of these situations to face the reality your resistance to change diminishes your happiness and success more and more each day. A primary reason many people resist change is because they must change themselves. Others resist change because they focus on how hard they believe the change will be, the possible negative outcomes and fear of the unknown. Moreover, we can become comfortable with the status quo, even if it doesn’t produce happiness and success. In focusing on the difficulties Marcus of change rather than the benefits, Straub we prevent ourselves from exploring opportunities and taking action. Basically, we avoid change because we only focus on what we perceive as the downside. We must embrace a more balanced perspective of change to experience increased happiness and success both personally and professionally. Change is a reality in business, whether we want it or not. Business environments change. Economies change. Team dymanics change. Technolgy changes rapidly. Life in general is about change. If we habitually resist change, we limit the potential of all that’s available to us personally and professionally. Honest self-appraisal is essential in making a change. As you become conscious of the negative feelings and undesirable results of your choice to resist change, you can use that discomfort to propel yourself forward. Most of us reach a point where we “can’t take it anymore.”
As you turn your attention from what at first appears to be the overwhelming effort involved in making changes and focus instead on the benefits, you’ll take on change with an energy that makes the process seem a lot less daunting.
Getting really honest with yourself will help you reach this threshold sooner, saving precious time and resources in creating a reality you do find pleasing and rewarding. If, during your honest self-appraisal, you find you’re not pleased with the way things are going in your business or life, change how you perceive change. You’ll better position yourself to take actions to improve your situation and enhance your feelings of happiness and success. In my coaching and consulting work, I show people how their thought and behavior patterns work against what they want — how they’re actually working against themselves and the happiness and success they desire. We then develop new thoughts and behaviors that allow them to change their realities in positive ways. We focus on the reasons for making changes, the process of change and the benefits for doing so. One example of this would be to let go a team member who possesses the skills to do the job, but whose attitude and behavior damages corporate culture, customer relations and the bottom line. If you walk into your business and feel an aversion to certain team members because of their negativity, then a change of some sort is
in order. This situation is common in the business world, and it becomes more damaging the longer it’s allowed to continue. Business owners and managers typically avoid personnel changes because of the time, effort and money involved in hiring and training a new person. There’re reluctant to face the tough talk or confrontation that can accompany letting someone go. They fear retribution, unemployment claims and being bad mouthed. As you turn your attention from what at first appears to be the overwhelming effort involved in making changes and focus instead on the benefits, you’ll take on change with an energy that makes the process seem a lot less daunting. In other words, a major barrier to change is eliminated when you focus on how it will improve you and the situation. Change is much easier when we choose to see it in a positive light. As we embrace change, we alter our perception of it from a bad thing to a positive thing filled with potentiality and opportunity. Human beings are amazing, and they can accomplish great feats once they open their minds to possibility and then take action. 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. F
June 17-30, 2021
The Business Times
What’s your business worth?
Business valuation mixes art and science in considering a number of factors that go into determining what a business is worth. Why do you need a business valuation? There are many reasons, but the most common include: n Set a fair market value for sale. n Set a fair market value for a loan. n Determine the value of a business interest as part of a buy-sell agreement n Determine the value of a business interest for estate tax or other tax purposes. This column will focus on business valuations for buy-sell agreements. Janet If you’re establishing a buy-sell agreement, Arrowood you probably need some way to fund each owner’s financial obligation. Before any owner commits to buying another owner’s interest, you must have a mutually agreed upon value for the business or a method to calculate the value. What goes into determining the value of a business? What methods are used to calculate business value? Here are some of the typical factors that enter into a business (non-farm/non-ranch) valuation calculation as expanded from https://fitsmallbusiness.com/business-valuation-calculator: n How long the business has been in continuous operation with essentially the same mix of products, services and markets. n Net profit, generally over a three- to five-year period. n Trends for revenues, profits, markets and other factors. n Website traffic. n Online and offline sales network. n The type of business model the company uses and how that compares with other companies with similar profiles; experiences; and markets, products and services. n If the company serves a niche market, how dominant the company is in that market and the stability of the market. n Main competitors and whether or not one of them could become a potential purchaser of the business. n Cash, real estate and other tangible and intangible assets. One of the simplest ways to calculate the approximate value of your business is through seller’s discretionary earning (SDE). You basically calculate what a buyer would see from the business when you add back to your earnings, other perks, tax payments and many of the items you took as business deductions and then apply a multiplier. Think of this earnings as the amount a potential buyer gets if he or she doesn’t spend revenue on non-essentials in the same way you do. Some of these “add-backs” might include:
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If a business is highly dependent on you or another owner, it can’t be easily transferred to new ownership and the valuation will suffer.
n Owner or owners salaries. n Perks for personal travel reimbursement or vehicle payments. n Personnel in non-essential positions. n Such non-cash expenses as depreciation and amortization. n Leisure activities, club memberships and gifts. n Charitable donations. n Personal expenses — such as the purchase of a personal vehicle or medical expense reimbursement — included on the business tax return. n Such non-essential travel expenses as attending conferences, continuing education seminars and trade shows or exhibiting at these events. n One-time expenses unlikely to reoccur. Such expenses as rent, salaries for necessary staff and taxes aren’t included in the SDE calculation. The SDE multiplier is typically between one and four times the result of the amount of SDE. This factor is industry driven, but also into account such difficult to value or quantify considerations as company size, geographic location, good will, industry, market risk and the tangible and intangible assets of the business. According to BizBuySell (www.bizbuysell.com), the biggest factors influencing the SDE multiple are usually owner risk and industry outlook. If a business is highly dependent on you or another owner, it can’t be easily transferred to new ownership and the valuation will suffer. If you’re selling a business in an industry or area expected to grow in the near future, the SDE multiple will be higher. Business valuation worksheets are available online. These make a good starting point, so you only include what’s normal in the SDE and don’t overlook anything. Always consult an appropriately credentialed valuation professional as well as licensed insurance, legal and tax advisors when seeking a viable business valuation. Janet Arrowood is founder and managing director of the Write Source, a Grand Junction-based firm that offers a range of services, including grant and proposal writing, instruction and technical writing. Reach her at janet.arrowood@thewritesourceinc.com. For more information, visit www.TheWriteSourceInc.com. F
RentaSpace.DiegoCorp.com
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June 17-30, 2021
Pay transparency law survives challenge Submissions The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (EPEW) went into effect in Colorado at the beginning of the year, prohibiting wage discrimination because of sex and creating new obligations for employers to promote pay transparency. On May 27, EPEW survived its first legal challenge in a decision by Judge William Martinez in the federal court for the District of Colorado. I still receive inquiries from employers unfamiliar with EPEW, so it’s worth going over the basics. EPEW is split into two parts. The first part prohibits employers from paying different wages on the basis of sex or sex plus another protected status to employees who perform Dean “substantially similar” work. Wages may differ Harris between employees performing substantially similar work if the disparity is justified by one or more of the following factors: n Seniority or merit systems. n A system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of production. n The geographic location where work is performed. n Education, training or experience to the extent they’re reasonably related to the work in question. n Travel if the travel is a regular and necessary condition of the work performed. The key here is the factor must entirely explain the disparity. An employer with a seniority system that includes raises at certain anniversaries for all employees complies with EPEW. Asserting only that Bob the Builder has been with the company longer than Caitlyn the Carpenter won’t justify the disparity. The second part of EPEW prohibits employers from: n Seeking the wage rate histories of prospective employees. n Relying on prior wage rates to determine wage rates. n Discriminating or retaliating against prospective employees for failing to disclose their wage rate histories. n Retaliating against or interfering with employees who disclose, compare or discuss employee wage rates. The second part of EPEW also imposes new requirements on employers to promote pay transparency, including posting and promotion requirements. EPEW requires every job posting to include: n The hourly rate or salary compensation (or range thereof) the employer offers for the position. n A general description of any bonuses, commissions or other forms of compensation offered for the job. n A general description of all employment benefits the employer offers for the position, including health care benefits, retirement benefits and any benefits permitting paid days off. The law is silent on whether an employer can list benefits on a single webpage rather than repeating them in every online job posting. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employement takes the position that an employer may do so only if the reader may access the benefit description with a single click without exiting the general postings.
EPEW also requires employers to make reasonable efforts to post promotional opportunities with the applicable pay and benefits to all employees at the same time, not only to employees who qualify for the promotion. A promotional opportunity broadly exists any time an employer has or anticipates a vacancy in an existing or new position that could be considered a promotion for one or more employees in terms of compensation, benefits, status, duties or access to further advancement. In the case of Rocky Mountain Association of Recruiters v. Scott Moss, a non-profit trade organization whose membership consists of recruitment and executive search firms asserted the second part of EPEW and its regulations violated the U.S. Constitution by compelling speech and enacting legislation affecting interstate commerce. The trade organization requested injunctive relief preventing enforcement of EPEW while the civil action wound through litigation. The court found the Rocky Mountain Association of Recruiters didn’t demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits and denied the request for an injunction, leaving EPEW intact for now and likely after the litigation is resolved. So, what steps should employers take to comply with EPEW? n Check job postings to make sure proper information is included. Every day I see incomplete job postings that don’t comply with EPEW. n Write job descriptions for all positions and appropriate pay ranges. This is critical to avoid pay disparities for organizations that might have previously relied on candidates’ salary history to set wages in a new position. n Examine application and interview processes. Eliminate any inquiries on salaries paid by previous employers. EPEW provides a “good faith” defense limiting damages to employers who conduct a pay equity analysis. Employers should: n Gather raw compensation data. n Break the work force into smaller groups for comparison. n Conduct a reasonable comparison of jobs and job groups (EPEW requires employers with 50 or more employees to run a regression analysis). n Review disparities to see if they’re explained by one of the six allowable factors. n Make equity adjustments for any pay disparities not explained by an allowable factor. The Employers Council offers pay equity analyses. For employers that wish to strike out on their own, the Employers Council provides resources on conducting pay equity analyses. A final reminder: Employers Council members and non-members still have time to register for the Employment Law Update set for June 17 and 18. The update will address employment topics and recent developments in employment law. To register or obtain more information, visit https://info.employerscouncil.org/elu-2021. Dean Harris is an attorney and Western Slope Area Manager for the Employers Council. The Employers Council counsels, represents and trains member employers in all phases of employment relationships. Contact Harris at 852-0190 or dharris@employerscouncil.org. F
due June 25 for SBA competition
Submissions will be accepted through June 25 for a competition designed to promote organizations supporting entrepreneurs. The U.S. Small Business Administration will award a total of more than $5 million in cash prizes through its Growth Accelerator Fund Competition and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Catalyst Program. “The Growth Accelerator and SBIR Catalyst programs are important parts of our efforts to support high-tech, deep-tech startups by developing a network that targets the unique needs of pre-revenue, R&D-focused businesses,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. The Growth Accelerator Fund Competition will award prizes of $50,000 to accelerators, incubators and other programs proposing assistance to entrepreneurs involved in science, technology, engineering and math research and development. Successful applicants will focus their efforts on women and minority entrepreneurs and those developing technology to address policy issues. Seven additional prizes of $150,000 will be awarded through the Small Business Innovation Research Catalyst Program to partnerships and collaborations that support small businesses involved in technology transfer. Applicants must submit a 12-slide presentation addressing the relevant elements of their proposals and a video narrative of no more than 90 seconds. Competition rules, requirements and additional information are available online at www.sbir.gov/accelerators. F
June 17-30, 2021
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Many factors make Grand Valley attractive We’re all ready to put the COVID-19 pandemic in our collective rearview mirror. Many businesses have closed — some permanently. A fragmented work force and degraded academic system are among just a few of the other aftermaths. The pandemic also has given us some time to reflect on our lives — a search for value that’s caused an upheaval like no other. With the ability to telecommute, many people look for communities that bring that value to their lives. The migration has been apparent in Grand Junction. We see more and more out-of-state license plates and engage in more and more Brian Bray conversations with new neighbors. The resounding message: People are moving to Grand Junction to get away from the crime, pollution, traffic and other baggage that comes with big city life. Increased liquity constitutes another driving metric. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 20 percent of Americans put their stimulus checks into savings and more than 50 percent paid down debt. Credit card debt is down 12 percent to 15 percent from a year ago, according to CreditCards.com. Each round of stimulus checks was allocated differently between expenses, debt payoff and savings. Habits also varied among social classes. In most cases, however, the additional money provided increases
in income, savings and spending. While the deployment of this liquidity takes many forms, money is being pumped into our economies at an astounding rate. For communities like Grand Junction, the bang for the buck on housing remains attractive for outsiders looking in. In the same search for value, investors look at places like Grand Junction as new hot spots for deploying capital. First it was toilet paper, now it’s jobs. America faces a labor shortage. The retail and service sectors suffer the most. There are myriad reasons why someone might not to return to work. Many make this choice for financially rational reasons: unemployment benefits, low wages, lack of affordable childcare and sufficient savings to take time off or retire. Other notable reasons include health concerns, a continued desire to work from home and dissatisfaction with their most recent employment. How are employers enticing employees to return to work? Many employers have increased minimum wages. Starbucks has plans for $15 an hour. Chipotle, McDonald’s, Target and Walmart are already there. There’s also talk of increasing the minimum wage for federal contractors to $15 an hour. When wages aren’t enough of an incentive, employers offer referral and signining bonuses. The Colorado Jumpstart program promises $1,200 to unemployment benefit recipients who return to work and stay on the job at least eight weeks. Some employers also see the benefits of moving their work forces to communities that offer better lifestyles. This element seems to have an intrinsic value that exceeds the compensation conversation from the past. When
employees have the outdoor experience Western Colorado has to offer in their back yards, that tends to draw a different value association into the conversation. Maybe everything isn’t about money, but rather the lives we lead. Issues with construction and manufacturing supply chains constitute yet another topic of conversation. These disruptions have direct ties to the pandemic and labor shortages. Of course, geopolitical factors and natural disasters also played roles. Such commodities as agricultural products, lumber, semiconductors and steel are in short supply, In turn, prices are rising — in some cases dramtically. By one estimate, lumber prices have increased about 250 percent. This being said, slowing in commodities futures trading indicates there’s less confidence prices will continue to increase at such rates. An evening out will play a positive role in the continued growth of the Grand Valley, which still has a price point that’s a fraction of what many are used to in large cities or mountain towns. What does this all mean for Grand Junction? It feels as though we’re in a perfect storm. With large tech employers looking to move sizable work forces, the liquidity in the market, the affordability of our community and all the lifestyle amenities, many likely will make Western Colorado their new home. Brian Bray is managing broker of Bray Commercial in Grand Junction. For more information, call 241-2909 or visit www.braycommercial.com. F
Vaccination best defense against COVID-19 variant Many counties and states across the country have experienced declines in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths — including Colorado as a whole. Mesa County doesn’t follow that trend, however. Driven by multiple highly infectious variants and a relatively low vaccination rate, Mesa County had the second-highest one-week COVID-19 incidence (infection) rate and highest one-week COVID-19 related hospitalization rate in the state. Colorado had the third-highest one-week COVID-19 incidence rate in the country, though most counties are seeing improvement. We’re the Jeff Kuhr exception. The COVID-19 variant I’m most concerned about in our community is the delta variant, formally known as the India (B.1.617.2) variant. This variant is more contagious and transmissible, particularly among children and young adults age 12 to 20. A recent study in
India found the variant was 50 percent more contagious than other COVID-19 strains. Studies also indicate that variant strains pose a higher risk of hospitalization in unvaccinated individuals. Mesa County was the first location in Colorado where the delta variant was detected. The variant now accounts for more than 6 percent of all infections in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since it was first detected in our county a little more than a month ago, this highly transmissible variant has spread rapidly. There are now 125 identified cases of the delta variant in Mesa County residents. Not all positive cases are sequenced for variants, meaning the actual number of infections is much higher. The best defense against COVID-19 and associated variant strains continues to be vaccination. Our local data shows vaccination effectively fights variants, including the delta variant. Mesa County Public Health wants to make it as easy as possible for those in the business community to get vaccinated. The department offers on-site vaccination
clinics. Employers of any size can request a vaccination event free of charge. All staffing, logistics and vaccine supplies are provided. The enrolling employer will just need to advertise the free, on-site vaccination opportunity to their employees or members. In addition to free on-site vaccine clinics, guidance on vaccine promotion for employees is available. Contact us at covidvaccination@mesacounty.us or 248-6900 for more information. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is considered a personal decision, but I strongly encourage you not to look at it that way. Instead, consider it a caring, selfless decision. Think of it as a way to protect our neighbors and our most vulnerable, like children who can’t get vaccinated yet and people advised to wait on getting the vaccine due to health reasons. The only way out of the pandemic is together. Jeff Kuhr is executive director of Mesa County Public Health. Connect with the health department through social media on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MesaCountyPublicHealth and Twitter @WeAreHealthyMC. F
Contributors Opinion Bold predictions for 2015 PR isn’t just about public relations, Statistically speaking, A new year Business affords it’s Briefs alsolike about public responsibility more not-so-bold repeats numbers can mislead a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES
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It’s been said facts are stubborn things, but statistics are pliable. In other words, statistics mean never having to say you’re certain. British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli was famously credited for lumping in statistics with lies and damned lies. Given the number of humorous A new year almost always brings an opportunity forquotes a freshabout start statistics, and to make up a statistic about quotes about renewed ambition toit’s do tempting things better. I’d estimate percent of them arebetter funny.products In business, thatstatistics. usually boils down to67 providing customers I’m competitors. a big fan of statistics. They’re useful and services faster and atJoking lower aside, cost than Part of the processa must tool for thetoeditor of a business journal to report important include listening to customers determine what they actually need and then news.all, But tool, statistics be used meeting that need. After it like doesany little good to offermust the latest andproperly. greatest if Otherwise, there’s the potential for abuse and, ultimately, nobody actually wants what you’re selling. deception. matter, too,the of Grand context. Just like the businesses thatThere’s belongthe to the group, Junction Area All this comes mind as I report the latest statistics of Chamber of Commerce invariably startsto out the new year with a reassessment for realitestate activity and tax Mesa County. the services and resources provides and how wellcollections they matchinwith members by the proportional gains from May 2020 to needs. Jeff Franklin,Judging the newsolely chairman of the chamber board of directors, Phil Castle May 2021, real estate sales and tax collections have personifies this approach in describing what he considers his role for the increased coming by jaw-dropping amounts. year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a estate transactions increased percent on a of year-over-year basis, role Real with which Franklin is familiar as 58.2 market president Bank of Colorado. whileThe theprocess dollar volume ofon those transactions jumped 74.5inpercent. Aschamber for sales will take a more structured approach what the tax collections, the City of of aGrand Junction a 61.2 percent increase and the plans as the resumption program aptly reported called Listening to Business. Under Mesa County reported a 42.2 percent increase. program, business owners participate in in-depth interviews to identify barriers to Then personal Year-over-year lodging tax collections in growth andthere’s other my problems theyfavorite. encounter. Grand Junction jumped whopping percent. club. Now, I don’t have any The new year offersina May good atime to join 189.8 the proverbial idea As exactly how big or an reader, increasewhat is required to reach thethe whopping but it’s an advertiser do you need from Businesslevel, Times? got to be a lot. Right? While business journals traditionally gather and report the relevant news to Considered by themselves, those statistics create a paint-by-numbers readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especiallypicture true as of a red-hot economy. Web sites and e-mail make the dialogue more convenient than ever. Of course, those statistics offerinonly part ofThey the picture. real Good publications don’t exist a vacuum. respondThankfully, to the needs of estate activity andand tax readers. collections have increased Mesa County. But the gains for May advertisers They provide what’sinneeded. 2021So were sodo bigyou in part because the numbers for May 2020 were so small. what need? Think back to a year agocoverage and the effects of the COVID-19 Is there additional news that would help keep youpandemic informed and about related restrictions. For a time,Are realthere estate showings open wereor local business developments? features that and would behouses interesting prohibited. Moreadvice peoplethat were hunkered downjobs at home than traveling and staying useful? Is there would make your a little easier? in hotels and motels. That’stopart theyou context consider, asterisk It’s equally important ask of what don’ttoneed. Withthe limited timeforever to attached to comparisons between 2021 and 2020. produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time and space be more accurate assessments the larger the sample betterFortunately, devoted to statistics somethingoffer else? size What’s and the good? longerWhat the term involved. isn’t? What’s needed? What isn’t? Consider, for Send example, estateComment activity in May on 2021 May 2019. Let us know. us anreal e-mail. online thetopped Business Times Web Andatbywww.thebusinesstimes.com. the end of 2019, the numberYou of could transactions climbed in Mesa County to to its site even write an old-fashioned letter highest level in more than a decade. The same thing holds true for tax collections, the editor if you’d like. Your feedback, both positive and negative, is valued and which May 2021 topped those for May 2019. That’s context, too. will beincarefully considered. Statistics can be funny things. sensethe of efforts that word, I suppose. Good publications are the resultInofevery not only of their staffs, but also But here’s yetefforts another quote that’s both funny and true: 99 percent of all statistics collaborative involving advertisers and readers. onlyLike tell 49 of thebusiness, story we want to listen to our customers, find out anypercent other good 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.
But in this day much of PR It’s that time ofand yearage, when has becomeand plausible repudiation.abound. resolutions prognostications How’s that, Craig? Well,toconsidering My favorite saying applied New Year’s I’m surrounded it daily in mybasically job, I a resolutions is inby saying they’re see thisofinpromises many ways and forms everyweek bunch to break the first time I open And my inbox. it’s by a of January. while Whether I won’t predict commission, omission flat out diversion, whole lot, I can pretty or much accurately it happens the time. nail a few all things that without question Back the when I was will make news. You will see these are wasting money to pretty, well, predictable: get my degree at the ■ Prediction one: University of Phoenix There will be some scam a college, one sort ofofweather event, of the required natural disaster classes or was public relations. heinous occurrence To thissomeone day, it’s the where will only class that applied be interviewed and say to vocation“I’ve for the themy following: past years. Let’s never21seen anything Craig Hall look at what I found like that in my about the definition of lifetime.” It’s as if this Hall public related toCraig its current state. person relations is a required Public relations (PR) is the practice attendee at every news of deliberately the releasemost reporting event.managing While I understand and spread of information between an people’s perspective can indeed be limited individual or organization (such a by, or contained within, their ownaspersonal business, government agency or nonprofit experiences, it is too much to ask to organization) and the public to affect consult some historical perspective before public saying perception. such a thing? Yes, this response can the events. sad truth. it couldn’t applyThat’s to some ButAnd when it comes be further from the truth as far asI’m what I to weather and natural disasters, pretty took away thehistory one valuable class at sure this is from simply repeating itself. the college where weeknights gets of Same as it has for five millions and millions you three credits. Because just used theit! years. More important, the Iplanet made one which my takeaway from Whatword didn’t werewas certain species. How’s the To me, public relations is about thatclass. for perspective? the truth. Like it or not,When we’llitall havetotoa ■ Prediction two: comes face eventually. also explains crimeitor somethingWhich that occurs between corporate and government avoidance humans, the other required attendee at of all it. let’s getevents back toisthe while newsSo reporting thetruth person who touching the other thenicest press says this:on “They we’rePR just—the release. Nowinallnopublic relations memos people, and way did I see something are press releases, alldoes press likeindeed this coming.” Exactly.but Nonot one releases are public relations. Presstoreleases most of the time when it comes should be simple. They informPeople the media neighbors and acquaintances. should someone or some entity has story time that to be surprised at what goes ona from could worthy of coverage. towns We getand those time inbetheir neighborhoods, all thepeople time atthey the know Business Times.people You know with because are what? Mostfor arethe indeed covering. good. And timesworth that they shouldn’t To answer another I get all the time, be shocked — likequestion with politicians, repeat many pressand releases become cover stories. offenders terrorists — where’s the But there also times when surprise a press interview that are says, “This doesn’t release is aleast.” “new definition” public relations me in the ploy ■ —Prediction that is when it isn’t an ad disguised three: Something good as advertisement. And both willanhappen economically, and of thethose go right into will the trash. And the government take credit forbiggest it. The most violators? Government and big business. recent example is gas prices, where people Forwhy recent reference, let’spresident just say for ask me I won’t credit the coronavirus. think of a worse low gas prices.I can’t My answer is simple: example across themakes boardthe at all levels Government never price of showing public has credit somethingwhere go down andrelations simply takes been fueled by Gas lie after lie,isdiversion for good news. pricing subject to after and contradiction manydiversion global factors. Now there areafter contradiction. government answers to addressing some of first,prices let’s go backfortoAmericans, the innocent themBut to keep stable days when my eyeshas were opened from but our government none of them in the two examples usedit on never-toplace. The onlywe things hasthose in place in the
June 15-28, 17-30, 2015 2021 JANUARY
get-the-time-back-Wednesday-nights in long run always hurt consumers. Another “college” the Exxon Valdez oila spill fact is that— unemployment reaches certain and space shuttleAnd explosion. levelChallenger based on the economy. while the Those examples menumber the second government mighttaught brag the is low, most valuable lesson: really have it’s more than likely theYou government did to dig down into both that PRsnumber to get tobeing the truth. something to cause low Let’s wandering, three-hour — and nottake in athe good way. Conversely, when tour of thepicks Exxon and itsthe unmitigated business up,Valdez it’s because people disaster. only thing needed who needHere’s to buythe widgets whoExxon were not to say: “Our boatbecause wrecked, wrong guy buying widgets thethe economy was was at the helm El Capitan was contracting due cause to natural (or unnatural, hammered we’ll reasons, pay to clean up the governmentand caused) decided we mess.” Butsome what widgets. did we get? better buy TheDiversion, government deflection and had nothing tooutright do with lies. this.This goes to the heart■ofPrediction why my version public relations four: Inofkeeping with is aboutthe thegovernment truth. It always out.the In things does,comes I predict the end, the PR didthe Exxon moreto government willcampaign manipulate numbers harm good.the economy is getting make than the claim not forget other of to betterLet’s because of howthe hard it issides working the disaster, theAmericans.” environmentalist helpValdez all of us “working Now and you disaster-response might say, “Craig, PR youcampaigns. always say this How times were because you toldyou it would aboutmany President Obama don’t take decades for right Prince like him.” You’re in William a sense. ISound don’t to recover? Yetbut it only a few yearsand know the man, whattook I know of him for the watersI don’t to recover, his thinking, like it contradicting or him one iota. the environmentalist PR while wildlife Before you go off, however, I didn’t like benefitted fromand the his clear PR winner of the President Bush bailouts, stimulus disaster, the makersthe of free Dawn dish soap. and his abandoning market to save To know allAnd that,I one to put the free market. don’thad know himin some to knowdoes, the simple either.time Whatand theeffort government and the truth. It wasit Exxon’s only thing can do, isfault, hurt environmental the economy. groups the end times and thein Unless overhyped it does nothing or put criminals free marketof came up withwith a ton of solutions jail instead partnering them, nothing to But that’s notwill what youAlways heard, is it? thehelp. government does help. look As for thewhatever Challenge I says at it this way, the disaster, government can this up in a the fewname words. It was it is sum doing, whatever of the law it the government’s fault.the I’llname simply ask of is passing, or whatever or goal one question: Doit you know why the bureaucracy is presenting to the Challenger exploded? am betting no. In people, expect the polarI opposite to occur. a nutshell, government I guessthe what I’m sayingbanned is thata most important theofmanufacture perhaps it’scomponent time to getinout our own of the O rings on theplenty booster perspective. There’s ofrockets. history The component in question? books and historical researchAsbestos. out there to the government knew beginWorse, to understand that all of this the hasnew O rings wouldn’t up.will What did it do? happened before. hold And it again, It believed internal PR that all was safe whether theitstopic is people or government. in spite objections to the contrary. And Theofbest recommendation is to find it tookbooks forever to come out. some or for try the thattruth whole Google The truth is simple: Challenger exploded thing. There’s a lot of information on the because the government banned product Great Depression. The truth is itawasn’t it hadapreviously approved for safe use.got even good one until the government Hear any examples of that lately? involved. There’s also plenty of research So,medieval is anyonewarm surprised on the periodwhen whena good the chunk themuch public has little no faith in planet of was warmer thantotoday with the response to COVID-19? who’s a whole lot less people (and Look warmer well running the PR: before man was the heregovernment at all). Andand yep,big business, particularly big other pharma. people have been killing surprised Diversions, half-truths andwritten. people since history was first contradictions leave many with no idea Maybe some research will help stop what’s goingtrends. on. The reason forwe’ll lackbe of all of these Otherwise, trust is we’ve simple.never The public doesn’t like believe saying seen anything it in it knows truth. PR sucks. our lives.the And not The in a good way. Craig Craig Hall Hall isis owner ownerand andpublisher publisherofofthe the Business Business Times. Times. Reach Reachhim himatat424-5133 424-5133or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. F ✦
June 17-30, 2021
The Business Times
Do government programs actually solve any problems? About 2,200 federal assistance programs were available to the American public in 2013, according to Government Book Talk. It appearss that was the year the publication stopped counting, because programs weren’t enumerated in recent publications. It’s likely safe to assume many programs have since been added. The General Services Administration has a database of programs and publishes an annual guide titled “Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.” Programs are provided primarily Phyllis under the departments Hunsinger of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior and Justice. A myriad of problems exist in any society, but can government programs solve them? Consider the so-called war on poverty launched in the 1960s. Despite billions spent on numerous programs in the ensuing years, the poverty rate in the U.S. remains between 11 percent and 15 percent of the population. The amount of taxpayer dollars spent to reduce poverty continues to increase with no measurable improvement. It appears the programs are by design either self-defeating or self-perpetuating. Legislation enacting new welfare assistance programs passes with seemingly no integration with existing programs, leading to duplication of services and an expansion of eligible participants without addressing root causes. Poverty is defined as not having enough possessions or income to cover basic needs — sometimes so extreme a person lacks food, clothing and shelter. According to the Federal Safety Net: “Young people can virtually assure that they and their families will avoid poverty if they follow three elementary rules for success: (1) complete at least a high school education, (2) work full time, (3) wait until age 21 and get married before having a baby. Based on an
analysis of Census data, people who followed all three rules had only a 2 percent chance of being in poverty and a 72 percent chance of joining the middle class.” If these rules reduce poverty, it seems government programs could be designed to promote those behaviors. William J. Wilson, a professor and sociologist at Harvard University, reported research that indicated recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) preferred work to welfare and would accept jobs that didn’t result in slipping deeper into poverty. The design of the programs penalizes recipients trying to secure entry level employment instead of giving recipients a boost as they enter the work force. This discourages work to such an extent many recipients in the last two generations have never worked. Other programs inhibit having a father in the home because aid is only given if the mother is a single parent — the more children in the household, the more aid. Ian Rowe wrote for the Fordham Institute in 2020: “The power of the two-parent home is not a myth,” a statement he supported with data. Why not design welfare programs to encourage family units? Politicians evoke the same tired phrases each election about the need for more money to fight poverty and inequity, yet welfare programs never change despite data showing they could be more effective. Is it possible politicians are less interested in solving the problem of poverty and more interested in using the issue for campaign rhetoric? Phyllis Hunsinger is founder of the Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise Foundation in Grand Junction. The FREE foundation provides resources to students and teachers in Western Colorado to promote the understanding of economics, financial literacy and free enterprise. For more information, visit www.free-dom.us.com. A former teacher, principal and superintendent, Hunsinger wrote “Down and Dirty: A ‘How To’ Math Book” Contact her by email at phyllis@free-dom.us.com. F
Need more housing? Give money to builders To the editor: After attending a state of the valley presentation where local government officials explained that they rate “attainable housing” as a top priority, it occurred to me that there might be a simple way for local governments to financially assist with this issue: give money to construction companies. The City of Grand Junction, for one, has delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars to local businesses, nonprofit organizations and Colorado Mesa University — just during the past pandemic-impacted year — in an effort to purportedly meet the needs of the jobless and to boost the local economy. Our latest problem, the rapid rise in housing prices, is undoubtedly caused in part by high demand and low supply. But developers in town explain that they can only
Letter to the editor build so many houses due to the escalating cost of materials and due to higher building impact fees imposed by Grand Junction City Council over the past 18 months. Would it be so crazy for the city to start sending money to these home-producing and job-producing companies that must raise the price of houses to meet higher construction costs — before the companies even consider the supply and demand issue? Such a program would be more than an act of charity — it would be a direct stimulus that could help level off the price of housing over time while speeding up the construction of more affordable houses. Michael Moran, Grand Junction F
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Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac The Business Times
n FAMILY HEALTH WEST ANNOUNCES PLANS TO CLOSE ASSISTED LIVING CENTER IN FRUITA
Korrey Klein
Lori Randall
William Cummins
Jason Davis
Family Health West plans to soon close its assisted living center in Fruita and relocate the 50 residents there to other facilities. Korrey Klein, president of Family Health West, said the Oaks has gone beyond its useful life. The center was constructed in the 1980s using salavaged materials from oil boom man camps. “After a thorough discovery process, we have concluded that the ongoing repairs and maintenance required by the facility would not be prudent.” Lori Randall, chief operating officer, said the limitations of the facility hampered efforts to provide quality care. “Higher-quality care facilities are available locally, and that’s what these residents deserve.” William Cummins, associate vice president of business development, said the cost or providing care at the Oaks outpaces government reimbursements. “We are reimbursed at roughly half the cost of care. You cannot continue operations in an aging facility where no reserve capital is available for ongoing upkeep and improvements.” Jason Davis, associate vice president of support services, said the staff at the Oaks will be offered other positions with Family Health West. “We are actively working with staff for placement opportunities within the organization.” Klein said Family Health West will continue to operate the Willows, a secure assisted living facility, as well as explore other ways to serve the older population. “Our commitment to elder care has not diminished.” Family Health West operates the Colorado Canyons Hospital and Medical Center in Fruita as well as provides a range of health care services through other practices and facilities. For more information, call 858-3900 or visit www.fhw.org.
n BUSINESSES JOIN IN PROJECT TO INSTALL SOLAR-POWERED CHARGING STATION Five businesses joined in a project to install a solar-powered charging station at West Middle School in Grand Junction. Alpine Bank, Capco, High Noon Solar, Reynolds Polymer and West Star Aviation partnered with Mesa County School District 51 in the project. The Western Colorado Community Foundation Conservation, Outdoor Recreation and Environment Fund provided $3,000. Located in an outdoor commons area, the station enables to students to charge cell phones and other devices using electricity generated by solar panels. “We put great emphasis on these local community projects and value our involvement with each and every one, while also improving our impact on the environment,” said Kraig Meyer, director of environment, health and safety at the West Star Aviation facility in Grand Junction.
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n ROICE-HURST HUMANE SOCIETY MARKS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF RESOURCE CENTER The Roice-Hurst Humane Society marked the fifth anniversary of establishing its Animal Resource Center and efforts to strengthen bonds between pets and their owners. Since it was established in June 2016, the center has provided pet behavior and training classes; free and low-cost spay, neuter and vaccination clinics; crisis boarding; and thousands of pounds of pet food. Anna Stout, chief executive officer at Anna Stout Roice-Hurst Humane Society, said the center was established to avoid situations in which pets are brought to the shelter because of problem behaviors or medical needs their owners can’t afford. “It’s painful to watch someone give up a pet they love because of circumstances they can’t control,” Stout said. “We realized that one way or another, we were going to provide those resources like behavior training or medical care to that pet, whether it was in our care of the owner. It made more sense to provide them to the owner so that the bond didn’t have to be broken and at the same time the shelter saved the cost of sheltering that pet.” The Roice-Hurst Humane Society operates a nonprofit shelter and adoption center that provides housing, medical treatment and care for dogs and cats as well as resources for pet owners. For more information about the organization and Animal Resource Center programs and services, visit www.rhhumanesociety.org or call Ashley DiGardo at 434-7337, extension 103. n CASA OF MESA COUNTY AMONG RECIPIENTS OF TACO BELL FOUNDATION GRANTS Court Appointed Special Advocates of Mesa County is among the latest recipients of grants awarded by the Taco Bell Foundation. The $2,840 grant will help fund advocacy and resources that educate and inspire the next generation of leaders. “We are honored to partner with the Taco Bell Foundation in championing the success and dreams of our young people,” said Joy Thompson, executive director of CASA of Mesa County. “The vision we share with the Taco Bell Foundation is one in which every young person has access to the therapeutic and educational resources they need to have a brighter future.” Jennifer Bradbury, interim executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation, said a total of $10 million was distributed to more than 400 organizations through the local grants program. “Together with these organizations, we work to break down barriers so students nationwide can continue creating and innovating. This $10 million is going back to those in our local communities who are most hungry to learn.” CASA of Mesa County supports court-appointed volunteers who serve as advocates for abused and neglected children. For more information, visit www.casamc.org. F
June 17-30, 2021
NOTEWORTHY
Community Hospital in Grand Junction has once again been recognized as a Health Links Certified Healthy Workplace Leader, a designation that reflects efforts to foster a culture of health and safety. “We are extremely proud to have earned this certification for the fifth year in a row,” said Lana Birch, wellness coordinator at Community Lana Birch Hospital. “It’s because of our staff’s engagement in our wellness program that we are able to achieve this distinquished recognition and intergrate wellness into our workplace culture.” Tawny Espinoza Tawny Espinoza, vice president of business development at Community Hospital, agreed. “To receive this recognition five years in a row speaks volume in terms of our commitment to championing health and wellness in our organization and throughout the community,” she said. Health Links is a program of the Center for Health, Work and Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health. An online tool assesses participating businesses on their health and safety efforts. Advisors offer assistance and connect businesses with resources. The Certified Healthy Workplace Leader is the highest level of recognition offered through the program. Community Hospital serves Western Colorado and Eastern Utah with a range of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services. For more information, visit the website at www.YourCommunityHospital.com.
June 17-30, 2021
The Business Times
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Health exec, young professional awarded The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce awarded two people for their efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeff Kuhr, executive director of Mesa County Public Health, was named Citizen of the Year. Emma Leenerman, an alumni coordinator who helped coordinate COVID-19 testing at Colorado Mesa University, Jeff Kuhr was recognized as Young Professional of the Year. The awards were presented during the annual chamber banquet. Kuhr has served as executive director of Mesa County Public Health since January 2010. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Kuhr and his department faced what he viewed as both a public health and economic crisis. Kuhr helped set up COVID-19 testing sites and then a vaccination site. He also worked with CMU and Mesa County School District 51 to offer in-person instruction. Mesa County Public Health joined with the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and other partners to n GRAND VALLEY POWER SPECIALIST WINS COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS Dana Pogar, a communications specialist at Grand Valley Power in Grand Junction, has received national recognition for her work. Pogar received two Gold Awards in the 2021 Spotlight on Excellence Awards program sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and Naitonal Rural Electric Coopertive Association. Grand Valley Power also Dana Pogar received a Gold Award. Pogar received an award in the best wild card category for her crisis communications efforts during the Pine Gulch Fire in 2020. “Our top concern during the blaze was ensuring the health and safety of first responders, line crews and community members,” she said. “Communication was vital during this time as the conditions of the fire evolved rapidly.” Christmas Wharton Pogar received an award in the best individual ad category for her cooperative youth tour ad. Grand Valley Power received an award in the best event category for a Halloween safety and member appreciation event organized by Pogar and Christmas Wharton, comunications manager. Grand Valley Power gave away more than 600 goodie bags in a curbside grab-and-go event. Organized in 1936, Grand Valley Power serves more than 18,000 consumers in Mesa County and surrounding areas. For more information, log on to www.gvp.org.
implement the Mesa County Variance Protection Program— also called the 5 Star Program. Under the program, businesses submited a safety plan to Mesa County Public Health. A Mesa County Public Health representative visited establishments and audited their procedures as they related to the Emma Leenerman pandemic. Businesses that received certification were allowed to operate at less restrictive levels. The program also enabled people to know which businesses followed guidelines and practices intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. The program served as a model that was implemented statewide. Leenerman has served as coordinator of alumni engagement at CMU since July 2017. In 2020, she volunteered to coordinate COVID-19 testing on the campus. She helped set up a drive-through testing site and recruited CMU staff, faculty and students to administer tests. The site administered more than 80,000 tests and played a role in enabling CMU to offer in-person instruction. F
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 OWNER OF REAL ESTATE FIRM HONORED AS BEST-SELLING AGENT FOR MAY Toni Heiden, owner and managing broker of Weichert Realtors-Heiden Homes Realty in Grand Junction, was honored as the top-performing agent in May. She posted the most closed transactions as well as the most new listings for the month. Heiden brings to her duties more than 40 years of experience in the real Toni Heiden estate industry in Mesa County. The National Asssociation of Realtors awarded her emeritus status. She also holds emeritus status as a Certified Residential Specialist. The U.S. Commerce Association has honored Heiden three times with the Best of Grand Junction Award in the real estate agents and managers category. The award recognizes excellence in marketing as well as community service. Weichert Realtors-Heiden Homes Realty operates offices at 735 Rood Ave. For more information, including listings for sale and rent, visit www.heidenhomes.com or call 245-7777. F
June 17-30, 2021
June 17 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Connections meeting, 8:30 to 11 a.m., Timberline Bank, 649 Market St., Grand Junction. Chamber members attend at no charge, others pay $5. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Grand Junction Master Networks referrals, 9 a.m. June 17 and 24. 216-7723 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Rib City Grill, 455 Kokopelli Drive, Unit E. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce quarterly membership luncheon and presentation on business leadership, noon, Bookcliff Country Club, 2730 G Road. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business, 3 to 6 p.m., Jet Boat Colorado, Interstate Highway 70 Exit 62, De Beque. Admission $15. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 June 22 n Networking at Noon free gathering for members of the Fruita and Palisade chambers of commerce, noon June 22 and 29, KAFM Radio Room, 1310 Ute Ave., Grand Junction. Email reservations required. membership@fruitachamber.org n Free six-week online presentation on starting a child care business, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays starting June 22. 243-5242 June 24 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Qdoba, 401 Jurassic Ave. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 June 29 n Free business valuation presentation, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m., ERES Grand Mesa Industrial Park, 3199 D Road. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org Upcoming n Business startup workshop, 1 to 3:30 p.m. July 7, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m. July 8, Copper Club Brewing, 153 N. Mulberry St. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, 11:45 a.m. July 14, Golf Course at Redlands Mesa, 2325 W. Ridges Blvd. Admission $18 for chamber members, $23 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Business startup workshop, 9 to 11:30 a.m. July 20, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org F
June 17-30, 2021
The Business Times
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The Business Times
June 17-30, 2021
