A new video touts Grand Junction as a place for opportunities — along with tax incentives for development.
Two Grand Valley groups are among the recipients of new grants intended to promote work force development.
A Grand Junction-based aviation consulting firm has passed the 50-year milestone for operations.
Colorado ranks among the top 10 states for workers looking to pursue more creative aspirations and careers.
Real estate sales still lag from last year, but the gap is likely to close because of second half slowing in 2022.
A court ruling has raised the bar for employers arguing accommodating religious activities is a hardship.
Nathan Perry, top, an economics professor at Colorado Mesa University, and Rich Wobbekind, an economist and faculty director of the business research division at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado, share their observations in a second quarter economic update for Mesa County and an index tracking third quarter expectations for business conditions statewide.
Nathan Perry, an economics professor at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, compiles quarterly economic updates for Mesa County.
Perry says indicators reflect generally good conditions with low unemployment rates and continued increases in sales, use and lodging tax collections. Growth is expected to continue in the county, although at what could be a slowing pace.
Nathan Perry quantifies the Mesa County economy with a variety of indicators and statistics. And a few encouraging words.
“I think Mesa County is doing really well,” says Perry, an economics professor at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction who compiles quarterly and twiceyearly economic updates for Mesa County and six other West Slope counties.
What’s more, Perry expects growth to continue in Mesa County, although at what could be a slowing pace — “positive, but sluggish” he says.
While he places the odds of a national recession at 50-50, he expects any downturn likely would be mild and short.
Perry recently released his second quarter update for Mesa County and talked about the results in a telephone interview with the Business Times.
With a more diversified economy, Mesa County has more closely followed national and state trends, Perry says. That’s especially true of the labor market with job gains and low unemployment rates.
See UPDATE page 18
STORY AND ILLUSTRATION
BY PHIL CASTLEColorado business leaders remain pessimistic headed into the second half of the year, according to the latest results of a quarterly survey tracking their expectations.
Leaders blamed their concerns on higher interest rates, inflation and housing costs as well as the possibility of a recession this year or next year.
The Leeds Business Confidence Index fell a point to 44.1 for the third quarter. Readings below 50 reflect more negative than positive responses to the survey upon which the index was based. Individual scores for four of six metrics declined. None of the scores topped 50.
The business research division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder calculates the index.
Rich Wobbekind, senior economist and faculty director
of the division, said leaders cited several reasons for their responses as well as challenges for the Colorado economy. Interest rates and inflation ranked as the top two reasons for their responses.
“When we asked business leaders about the state’s most pressing economic challenges in the Colorado economy, 27.4 percent noted the cost of housing was a top factor,” Wobbekind said. “Politics and labor were other top economic challenges.”
Although expectations for a recession moderated, 31 percent of leaders said they believe a downturn could occur in 2023.
Expectations for the Colorado economy fell 1.5 points to 44.9 for the third quarter. While 18.3 percent of leaders forecast moderate or strong increases, 37.7 percent predicted moderate or strong decreases. At 44 percent, the
biggest share anticipated no change.
The individual score was once again lowest for expectations for the national economy despite increasing 2.2 points to 39.3. While 17.3 percent of respondents predicted moderate or strong increases, 53.9 percent anticipated moderate or strong decreases and 28.8 percent forecast no change.
Gross domestic product, the broad measure of the production of goods and services, increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.7 percent in Colorado for the fourth quarter of 2022 and 1.7 percent year-over-year.
Personal income rose 5.9 percent during the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter a year ago. Per capita personal income increased 5.3 percent.
Nationally, GDP increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.3 percent in the first quarter of 2023.
The score was once again highest for sales, although the score fell 2.4 points to 48. While 27.8 percent of respondents expected moderate to strong increases in sales, 32.4 percent anticipated moderate to strong decreases and 39.8 percent forecast no change.
A new video touts Grand Junction as a place for opportunities — along with federal tax incentives for investments in development.
The video, produced by the Grand Junction Economic Partnership in collaboration with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, showcases the Riverfront at Las Colonias business park and the potential for additional development in seven federally designated Opportunity Zones in Mesa County.
“Our community has experienced tremendous momentum over the past few years, and many of the new investments we’re seeing are from the Opportunity Zone perspective. These designated Opportunity Zones provide a unique chance for visionary businesses to thrive and flourish,” said Curtis Englehart, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.
“This video really tells the story of who we are as a community and highlights many of our shared values. We are thankful for the support of OEDIT and the opportunity to produce this asset that will be utilized as a focal point within our marketing efforts,” Englehart said.
Jack Tiebout, senior program manager at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, said he was excited to see the Grand Junction area celebrated in the video.
“The Opportunity Zone incentive has driven over a billion dollars of needed investment into work force housing, outdoor recreation and businesses across Colorado. We have seen all three investment types in Grand Junction, which has exemplified best practices by identifying Opportunity Zone projects and businesses and working directly with investors to multiply investments in businesses and create new housing,” Tiebout said. “This video continues the great work we’ve seen in Grand Junction since the program began in 2018.”
Titled “Opportunity Awaits in Grand Junction,” the video features such local businesses and stakeholders as Bonsai Design, Camp Eddy, the City of Grand Junction and Colorado Mesa University. The video also details development in the region and areas of opportunity for additional investment and development.
Seven Opportunity Zones are located in Mesa County, including zones near downtown Grand Junction as well as zones near Powderhorn Mountain Resort and the Grand Mesa east of Grand Junction.
The Riverfront at Las Colonias south of downtown offers 140 acres for mixedused and includes a 15-acre business park. The property is already home to six businesses and the development of 322 housing units. Nearby amenities include an amphitheater, botanical garden and river park. Bonsai Design is scheduled to open a zip line this summer.
The Opportunity Zone program offers federal tax incentives for investments in what are deemed historically low-income communities. Investors can defer tax on any prior eligible gain to the extent a corresponding amount is invested in a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF).
The program is scheduled to end in 2026. The last day investors can realize a capital gain that can be put into a QOF is Dec. 31, 2026. But investors can hold an Opportunity Zone investment until 2046 to realize its full benefits. That includes the elimination of capital gains tax on the appreciation of Opportnity Zone investments.
Two Grand Valley organizations are among the recipients of new grants intended to promote work force development in Colorado.
The Family Health West Foundation received a seed grant of more than $1.5 million through the Opportunity Now Colorado program. The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce received a nearly $50,000 planning grant.
Forty-six recipients received a total of $27 million through three grant tracks to create or further partnerships among educational institutions, industry leaders and employers to develop the work force. Grant recipients are located in 19 counties and serve each of 14 regions of Colorado as well as three priority industry sectors of education, heath care and infrastructure. The recipients were selected from 425 applications from a total of more than 1,000 education and industry partners.
The grants will fund programs that create pathways between education and employment and promote opportunities for learners and earners to become more economically mobile.
A total of nearly $14.7 million was awarded in five scale grants, almost $10.8 million in nine seed grants and about $1.6 million in 32 planning grants.
The program was established by state legislation enacted in 2022 and sponsored in part by then State. Rep. Janice Rich, a Republican from Grand Junction.
“We need to create the foundation for progress and innovation,” said Rich, now a state senator. “Opportunity Now gives grantees tools that will boost the Colorado work force, including in education, health care and infrastructure.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also praised the program. “Across the state, employers are looking to hire the top talent that Colorado is known for. The Opportunity Now Colorado grant recipients announced today will help Coloradans develop the skills and experience our growing industry partners need and unlock access to good-paying jobs.”
The Family Health West Foundation will work with Colorado Mesa University, the Western Colorado Area Health Education Center and Western Colorado Community Center to provide education to students and remove barriers to careers in health care.
The Grand Junction chamber will work with CMU, Mesa County School District 51 and the Mesa County Workforce Center to help connect students and young adults with jobs and work-based learning opportunities.
Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, said partnerships between educational institutions and employers have proven apprenticeship and on-the-job-training programs create career pathways. “These Opportunity Now Colorado grant recipients will foster more of these opportunities at the regional level and contribute to a strong economy that works for everyone,” Lieberman said.
Joe Barela, executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, said grants will support work force development, including efforts to increase registered apprenticeships across the state. “At the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, we’re laser focused on preparing Colorado’s current and future work force for the high-skill and in-dmeand jobs our economy needs to thrive.”
Two additional rounds of funding will be made available through the Opportunity Now Colorado program, which the next application period opening later this summer. Applicants that didn’t receive grants in the first round will have an opportunity to leverage their initial applications in completing future applications.
Armstrong Consultants, a Grand Junction-based aviation engineering and planning business, has passed the 50-year milestone in operations.
Founded in 1973 by Ed Armstrong, what started out as a civil engineering business developed into firm specializing in planning, engineering and construction administration for airports.
Armstrong Consulting evolved alongside the aviation and transportation industry to offer services to general aviation, business jet and commercial service airports as well as military airfields. Today, the firm serves airports across the region, including a total of more than 130 clients in Colorado as well as Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, and Wyoming.
The business is expected to expand further following its acquisition late last year by H.W. Lochner, a national infrastructure consulting firm.
“Armstrong has experienced tremendous growth and expansion over the past 50 years, and we are proud of the work we have done to support so many airport communities,” said Dennis Corsi, president of Armstrong Consultants. “Moving forward, our focus will remain on providing personalized client attention and delivering the highest quality results for each airport we serve.”
Chris Nocks, engineering operations manager, agreed.
“Lochner’s acquisition of Armstrong provides our team with an expanded set of resources and capabilities that
enable us to continue to elevate our service and quality. It is an honor to celebrate 50 years in business, and we are excited about the bright future ahead.”
Armstrong Consultants has worked on a total of more than 3,000 projects at airports across the Western United States. In addition to Grand Junction, the firm operates offices in Denver and Phoenix as well as Albuquerque, N.M.; Casper, Wyo.; Reno, Nev.; and Santa Rosa, Calif.
Founded in 1944 and based in Chicago, Lochner provides construction engineering and inspection, design, environmental and planning services to the transportation industry. Lochner has supported general aviation and commercial airports since the 1960s. The company ranks 128th in the Engineering News-Record list of the top 500 design firms. F
The City of Grand Junction continues to invest in transportation projects as part of what one official considers an important part of economic development.
Improvements on 24 Road, G Road and the F 1/2 Parkway are part of 10 projects totaling more than $70 million as well as more than $83 million in improvements proposed for the next five years.
“As the Grand Junction area increases in population and attracts more visitors, transportation infrastructure takes center stage,” said Grand Junction City Manager Greg Caton.
“Improvements planned for these areas of the city will offer greater connectivity to Grand Junction’s major retail areas. In addition, easing traffic congestion enables access for visitors and community members to significant destinations like regional medical facilities and Canyon View Park, the site of local and regional sports competitions,” Caton said. “Positive economic development is also enhanced due to increased access to businesses, shopping, restaurants, lodging, activities and recreation.”
A roundabout under construction at 24 and G roads is expected to increase the capacity of traffic as well as the use of a loop in and out of Grand Junction. Paving should be complete this fall.
The F 1/2 Parkway from 24 to 25 Road and Patterson Road will improve access to and from the loop at 24 Road. The fivelane road will provide an alternative route around Patterson Road while also serving a rapidly developing area. Construction on the first phase of the project is expected to begin this fall.
By the end of this year, the city will have constructed or will be under contract for more than $42 million worth of projects since 2019.
Colorado ranks among the top 10 states in an analysis of the states with the most creative jobs.
Colorado came in eighth in the analysis with a total of 38,470 of what were deemed creative jobs and a ratio of 65.6 creative jobs for every 10,000 people.
BetMassachusetts.com, a sports betting consumer information portal, analyzed information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine which states offer the most creative job opportunities in the industry per 10,000 people — from dancing and entertainment to communications and media.
New York ranked as the most creative hot spot with nearly 215,000 creative jobs and a ratio of more than 110 creative jobs per 10,000 people. New York also had the
greatest number of editor roles in journalism and video production at more than 20,000.
California came in second in the analysis with 381,100 creative jobs and a ratio of 97.9 creative jobs per 10,000 people.
California had the highest number of producer and director roles at 49,340, media and communications roles at 17,820, art director roles at 13,600 and audio and video technician roles at 7,170.
Massachusetts placed third with 51,370 creative jobs and a ratio of 73.7 creative jobs per 10,000 people. The state offered 4,990 positions in graphic design, a total of 3,870
roles for producers and directors and 2,850 roles for editors.
Vermont finished fourth with only 4,650 creative jobs, but a higher concentration with a ratio of 71.9 jobs per 10,000 people. There were the most positions for graphic designers at 530, followed by editors at 360 and producers and directors at 200.
Utah rounded out the top five creative hot spots with 24,090 creative jobs and a ratio of 70.4 jobs per 10,000 people. There were 2,800 graphic designer roles available in Utah and a total of 1,700 roles for audio and video technicians.
In addition to Colorado, the top 10 states included Oregon, Minnesota, Montana and Washington.
West Virginia ranked last among the 50 states, followed by Mississippi, Oklahoma, Alabama and Arkansas. F
A Western Colorado coalition has scheduled a series of meetings in Pagosa Springs.
Club 20 will host its summer policy committee meetings July 13 and 14 at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to have discussions centered around some of the biggest issues impacting our region and have knowledgeable committee chairs and members to help guide our advocacy efforts throughout the state,” said Brittany Dixon, executive director of Club 20.
The agenda for July 13 will include federal updates and meetings of the telecommunications, health care and education and work force committees. A networking reception is set for 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Geothermal Greenhouse Project.
The agenda for July 14 also will include federal updates as well as meetings of the transportation and tourism and outdoor recreation committees.
The meetings also will be available for virtual participation through Zoom.
Dixon said a range of issues will be discussed during the two-day gathering, inclulding agritourism, behavioral health, rural hospital payments and transportation safety. The former director of the Colorado Department of Education will offer an update on education.
The meetings are open to the public with a lunch fee of $10. Participants are asked to register, however, at the Club 20 website at www.club20.org.
Club 20 represents businesses, individuals, governments and tribes in Western Colorado.
“Club 20 is celebrating 70 years of elevating the voice of Western Colorado through the work of our policy committees,” Dixon said.
The Mesa County commissioners oppose Proposition HH and decided to have the county join in a lawsuit to keep the tax measure off the November ballot.
Proposition HH would reduce the state tax assessment rates for residential and commercial properties, but also backfill reduced tax revenues for local governments and school and special districts with other revenue collected above constitutional limits.
The Colorado Legislature voted to put the measure on the ballot in an end-of-session push that was criticized by local Republican lawmakers.
Mesa County joined with 11 other counties and the group Advance Colorado in a lawsuit challenging the measure.
“Proposition HH allows the state to retain and spend revenues that would otherwise be refunded to residents under the Colorado Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights,” said Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel. “This provision takes away the much-needed tax refunds — recently called Colorado Cash Back — from hardworking individuals and redirects the funds to backfill to make the difference.”
Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis said Proposition HH combines multiple subjects into a single measure in violation of the Colorado Constitution. “These multiple issues need to be tackled one at a time in a thoughtful process and include public input,” Davis said. “This bundling of issues and misleading ballot language undermines
transparency and the democratic process. Voters deserve clarity and the opportunity to make informed decisions on each subject.”
Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland said Proposition HH faces legal challenges. “These legal actions highlight the questionable constitutionality and complexity of the proposal.”
Daniel said lowering property taxes at the state level — including lower taxes for seniors — should be a priority during the next session of the Colorado Legislature. “This legislation should involve local governments and the public for a real fix to skyrocketing property taxes. Locally, we are working hard to save Mesa County taxpayers money by lowering the mill levy to ease the property tax burden.”
The Joseph Center in Grand Junction has scheduled a fund-raising event for July 21.
What’s billed as the Fabulous Family Fun Food Truck Friday Fund-raiser is set to start at 5 p.m. in the parking lot in front of Big Lots at 2401 North Ave. The event will
include activities for children, an outdoor movie and food trucks serving various fare.
The Joseph Center offers services to low- income and homeless people. For more information, call 812-1709.
The City of Grand Junction has begun collecting a portion of sales taxes earmarked to support a new recreation center.
Starting July 1, city sales and use tax increased from 3.25 percent to 3.39 percent with the 0.14 percent difference earmarked to support the new rec center planned for Matchett Park.
The tax increase followed the approval of city voters in April of a ballot measure.
The tax increase will enable the city to increase debt up to $70 million to construct, equip and operate the center.
Taxes on cannabis sales in the city also will fund the facility. In addition, the city is pursuing grants to support the center.
The city issued a request for proposals for professional architectural and engineering services to design the center. The Grand Junction City Council is expected to approve a contract with the recommended architect and engineer group within the next month.
A separate request for proposals will be issued to select a construction manage and general contractor for the project. A contract with the recommended firm should come before the council within two to three months.
Design of the recreation center is expected to take about 12 months, followed by 18 months of construction. The center is expected to open by the end of 2025.
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The largest gastroenterology group serving Western Colorado has announced the addition of a physician who will offer additional services to the region.
Dr. Daniel Castresana has joined Grand Junction Gastroenterology. He practices in all facets of gastroenterology, including traditional upper endoscopy, advanced therapeutic endoscopy and complicated polypectomies as well as endoscopic ultrasound.
“Dr. Castresana is not only a wonderful addition to our team, but brings a unique skill set to our region to advance patient care,” said Dr. Brent Prosser, another gastroenterologist at Grand Junction Gastroenterology. “Patient care close to home is critical, and now patients will be able to receive advanced endoscopic care without traveling. He is a huge asset to our health care community and something patients and providers have been requesting for years. He will truly fill a large unmet need.”
Castresana said he’s excited about his new home and practice. “After crisscrossing the country over the past decade, my wife, two daughters and I are excited to call Western Colorado home. I’m excited to join such an established team of gastroenterologists and am eager to serve the medical needs of the community while enjoying all the amenities and quality of life that this beautiful area offers.”
Castresana is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine and brings to the practice varied education and experience.
After obtaining a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from Georgia Tech and a master’s degree in manufacturing management from Pennsylvania State University, Castresana received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his residency at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
For additional information about Grand Junction Gastroenterology, call 242-6600 or visit the website located at www.gjgastro.com.
He completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque. While serving as an assistant professor there, he completed a subspeciality fellowship in advanced therapeutic endoscopy and received the Distinguished Young Faculty Award.
He went on to serve as an assistant professor of gastroenterology and advanced therapeutic endoscopy at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland.
Prior to joining Grand Junction Gastroenterology, he spent three years expanding and developing the therapeutic endoscopy service line at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.
Castresana treats patients with both benign and malignant gastrointestinal disease. He specializes in interventional endoscopic therapies for complex esophageal, gastric, colonic and pancreaticobiliary diseases. He performs esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, enteral stenting, endoscopic mucosal resection techniques and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
Endoscopic ultrasound procedures help in the treatment of diseases in and around the digestive tract. The procedure combines two kinds of technology: endoscopy, which uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end, as well as ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed pictures of internal organs. This procedure can obtain tissue and provide diagnostic information in ways that traditional endoscopy and imaging cannot.
A consulting business has opened in Grand Junction to offer services to emergency communications centers and public safety advisors around the world.
Monica Million launched Million Consulting. She provides on-site evaluations of emergency communications centers to ensure they meet industry standards. She also offers assistance to public safety professionals to adopt, execute and scale with technological solutions.
Dilawar Syed has been sworn in as deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
“Syed’s demonstrated passion and experience will be a value add to the SBA as we continue to build upon the small business boom achieved during the Biden-Harris Administration,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “Deputy Administrator Syed will help the SBA as we ensure small businesses and innovative startups can access capital, grow revenues and get support and mentorship as they navigate marketplace challenges and pursue opportunities.”
Syed said he’s excited about his new duties. “I am honored to serve as deputy administrator supporting millions of small businesses across America,” he said. “I couldn’t be more ready to work alongside Administrator Guzman as we expand access to capital, networks and resources that entrepreneurs need to realize their American Dream.”
Monica MillionMillion Consulting Services recently provided on-site consultation to the C4 emergency call center in Bogota, Columbia. C4 completed a certification process that assessed operations against industry standards. As of result of the consultation and
assessment, C4 was the first emergency call center in South America to receive the certification.
In June, Million received the PowHERhouse award from the National Emergency Number Association for Women in 9-1-1. Million brings to her firm 24 years of experience, beginning with her role as a 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicator. She subsequently managed the Grand Junction Regional 9-1-1 Center and served as the first civilian deputy chief of services for her municipal police department. Monica concluded her government service as executive director of the Colorado 9-1-1 Resource Center, serving 86 centers across Colorado. She’s a past president of the National Emergency Number Association and NENA Hall of Fame inductee.
For more information about Million Consulting, visit the website at www.millioncs.com.
Syed previously worked in the U.S. Department of State, where he served as special representative for commercial and business affairs
Before that, Syed served as chief executive officer of Lumiata, an artificial intellegence health care company focused on reducing health care costs and improving patient outcomes. Previously, He oversaw business operations at Yahoo’s platform and infrastructure division and was a product manager at Siebel Systems. F
The Colorado Department of Agriculture continues to work with Mesa County entities on efforts to eradicate Japanense beetles even as local officials work with homeowners.
“Property owners in the affected areas of Mesa County understand the importance of eradicating this invasive and destructive pest early, and Mesa County secured nearly unanimous consent from homeowners and homeowners associations to treat lawns for beetle grubs in those impacted neighborhoods,” said Melissa Schreiner, an entomologist with the Colorado State University Tri-River Extension Office. “It’s important to protect the Grand Valley from this voracious pest that feeds on leaves, flowers, fruit, shrubs, perennials and turf grass. Anyone suspecting the presence of the Japanese beetle should contact their local CSU Extension for more information.”
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has worked with the CSU Tri-River Extension, City of Grand Junction and Mesa County noxious weed and pest management to support efforts to stop Japanese beetles.
“We have been working in partnership with a great local team on setting traps to measure the spread of the Japanese beetle in the affected area of Mesa County,” said Cheryl Smith, program manager in the Colorado Department of Agriculture division of plant industry. “Our plan is to treat turf before the grubs emerge and continue to trap and monitor numbers of Japanese beetles in the area to determine the best approach and efficacy of treatments.”
The first round of ground treatments started in mid-May and concluded at the end of June.
It’s estimated that 95 percent of those in the eradication zone agreed to the treatments. That means no additional enforcement will be necessary, although there’s a possibility of a second treatment this fall.
Traps were set beginning on May 16. About 400
Western Slope residents who suspect they have Japanese beetles should notify their local pest control district or Colorado State University Extension office. Those in Mesa County should contact the CSU Tri-River Extension at 244-1834.
traps were in place by the end of June. Local and state pest managers will continue to monitor the traps through summer and reevaluate this fall for next year’s eradication plan and area.
The Japanese beetle poses a threat to agriculture and ornamental horticulture on the Western Slope. The pests feed on more than 300 species of plants, many of which are essential to Western Colorado’s agricultural economy, including peaches, grapes, sweet corn, turf and many other ornamental plants in urban spaces, including turf grass.
The presence of this invasive beetle already has affected the green industry in Western Colorado. Some exports of plants out of Mesa County to areas without Japanese beetles — including New Mexico — have been denied by other states.
The Western Slope successfully staved off the beetle in the past. In 2002, a master gardener discovered the pest in the Grand Valley. The Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District eradicated the pest and reduced its population by 99 percent over five years.
Japanese beetles reappeared in 2022, likely due to transport by an unlicensed landscape contractor who violated the Japanese beetle quarantine from Front Range counties.
The City of Grand Junction is conducting an unhoused needs assessment as part of a collaborative effort to develop strategies to address local issues.
The city will join in the effort with the Grand Junction Housing Authority and Mesa County.
Components of the assessment include a community level survey, focus groups, data from state and other local service agencies as well as interviews to gather and aggregate information.
In addition, the project team will engage houseless service providers, community leaders, social support systems, behavioral health providers, law enforcement, community members and individuals who are or who have lived the experience of houselessness. These groups will help identify effective policy and program models that can be tailored to work in Grand Junction.
A housing needs assessment conducted in 2021 focused on available services and housing and found the rising cost of housing created a significant gap in affordable housing.
The results of the upcoming assessment and a strategy report will be presented to the Grand Junction City Council in the fall.
The city contracted with JG Research and Evaluation based in Bozeman, Mont., to conduct the assessment and prepare the strategy report. The OMNI institute based in Denver will collaborate on the effort.
Continued from page 2 Expectations for profits fell 1.9 points to 45.7 with 23 percent anticipating moderate or strong increases, 38.7 percent moderate or strong decreases and 38.2 percent no changes.
Expectations for hiring fell three points to 43.7 with 17.3 percent of respondents forecasting moderate or strong increases, 37.2 percent moderate or strong layoffs and 45.5 percent no staffing changes.
Wobbekind said Colorado has fared better than other states for employment recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic As of January, nonfarm employment was 2.8 percent above the prerecession peak.
As of May, the latest month for which numbers are available, nonfarm payrolls had grown 30,200 — or 1.1 percent — over the past year.
Employment growth is expected to continue in 2023, but at a slowing pace with the addition of 51,000 jobs for the year.
The score for capital expenditures rose seven-tenths of a point to 43.1 for the third quarter with 17.8 percent of respondents anticipating moderate or strong increases in spending, 37.2 percent moderate or strong decreases and 45 percent no change.
According to Dodge Data and Analytics, the nominal value of construction starts in Colorado between January and May fell 38 percent compared to the same span in 2022. The value of residential, nonresidential and nonbuilding construction all declined.
Asked to provide the reasons for their expectations, 34 percent of business leaders blamed higher interest rates and 27.2 percent cited inflation.
Wobbekind said inflation in the Denver, Aurora and Lakewood metropolitan area outpaced the nation from 2013 to 2020, but relented in 2021. Inflation in that area is expected to increase 4.3 percent for 2023.
Just 10.3 percent of leaders said they expect inflation to fall below 3 percent in 2023, but 44.9 percent anticipated inflation of less than 3 percent sometime in 2024.
Business leaders also were asked to identify what they considered the most pressing challenges for the Colorado economy. Among those who provided open-ended explanations, 27.4 percent cited housing costs, 21.3 percent politics and 20.1 percent labor.
Finally, Colorado business leaders were asked about their expectations for a recession.
While 12 percent said they believe the United States is already in a recession, 31 percent said they expect a recession in the second half of 2023. Another 19 percent said the anticipated a recession in 2024 and 16.8 percent after 2024. F
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The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate for Mesa County slipped below 3 percent at 2.7 percent in April and 2.9 percent in May. Those levels are the lowest since the jobless rate fell to 2.5 percent in September 2019, the bottom in Mesa County for county level statistics going back to 1990.
As of May, the latest month for which numbers are available, Mesa County payrolls had increased 409 over the past year to 75,058. The work force, which includes the employed and unemployed, grew to 77,327.
Perry says Mesa County employment gains haven’t been as strong as national gains, but are trending toward a 10-year high in what’s usually peak employment in the fall.
The unemployment rate remains low and the labor market tight, he says, as some employees retired and others left the work force during the COVID-19 pandemic and never returned. But those trends could keep jobless rates low if the labor market slows and mitigate the effects of a recession if one occurs.
According to information from the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the span span in 2021, the biggest job gains in Mesa County occurred in the construction, oil and natural gas and health care sectors. Construction payrolls increased 367, while oil and natural gas payrolls rose 230 and health care employment 105.
Some sectors lost jobs between the fourth quarters of 2021 and 2022, Perry says, with payroll declines of
100 in finance and insurance, 84 in retail trades and 75 in manufacturing.
With a more diversified economy, Mesa County isn’t affected as much by cycles in the energy industry. But the sector remains an important one in the region that can speed or slow broader economic trends, Perry says. Lower natural gas prices could affect exploration and production in Western Colorado and in turn the job gains the sector has experienced over the last several quarters, he says.
In addition to employment gains, other indicators also offer encouragement, Perry says. They include tax collections, which serve as a proxy for consumer spending.
Through May, Mesa County collected a total of $21.3 million in sales and use taxes in 2023. That’s up more than 2 percent from the same five-month span in 2022.
The City of Grand Junction collected a total of more than $14.3 million in sales and use taxes during the first quarter of 2023. That was up 5 percent from the first quarter of 2022. While some of the year-over-year gains can be attributed to inflation and higher prices, they also reflect
increased spending, he says.
In addition, more businesses are opening in Mesa County, Perry says.
As of May, 1,264 new entity filings from Mesa County were recorded in 2023 with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. That’s up nearly 13.4 percent from the same span last year. Business filings constitutes a leading indicator of subsequent jobs and sales.
At the same time, though, real estate sales and new home construction has slowed in Mesa County even as interest rates have increased on mortgages and construction loans, Perry says. Sales prices for homes have moderated while residential inventories have increased.
While building permits for multifamily projects have increased, permits for single-family homes have decreased, he says.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2023, Perry says he expects growth to continue in Mesa County, but at a slowing pace that reflects the effects of inflation and higher interest rates.
Speculation persists a recession could occur in the United States. But if that does occur, Perry says a downturn likely would be mild and short. There’s always a possibility something unforeseen could happen, he says. But he doesn’t otherwise expect the worse. “I just don’t see anything that’s going to cause a deep recession.”
As for Mesa County, Perry says he remains encouraged overall.
CoorsTek, a ceramics manufacturer whose operations include a facility in Grand Junction, has acquired a Kentucky business expected to further expand capacity to serve the defense industry.
CoorsTek announced it closed on the acquisition of the assets of Avon Protection in Lexington.
The acquisition is expected to expand the capacity of CoorsTek to serve the defense industry with the development and manufacturing of technical ceramic plates for body and aircraft armor. The acquisition will expand armor manufacturing capacity as well as employ more than 40 people. Additional hiring is expected this fall.
“This investment complements our overall industry portfolio, where we have invested over $50 million over the past two years, including a state-of-the-art advanced materials manufacturing campus in Benton, Ark.,” said Timothy Coors, chief executive officer of CoorsTek.
“We are excited to have the employees in Lexington join our team, along with adding the facility’s assets to our armor manufacturing business,” Coors added.
CoorsTek also operates an advanced manufacturing facility in Grand Junction that produces a variety of technical ceramics products for everything from electronics to medical devices to the armor protecting military personnel and vehicles. The company employs more than 350 at the Grand Junction facility. Staffing is expected to increase with expansions at the facility.
“I just don’t see anything that’s going to cause a deep recession.”
Nathan Perry economics professor Colorado Mesa University
s New business filings in Colorado, 55,787 in the first quarter, up 27.6 percent from the first quarter of 2022.
s Consumer Confidence Index 109.7 for June, up 7.2.
t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 44.1 for the third quarter, down 1.
s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 91 for June, up 1.6.
s Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 18 in June, up from 17 in June 2022.
s Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 4 in June, up from 1 in June 2022.
t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 114.31 for June, down 1.22.
t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 106.7 for May, down 0.7%.
t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 46% for June, down 0.9%.
s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $613,988 for the first quarter, up 6% from the first quarter of 2022.
t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 430 in June, down 13.7% from June 2022.
t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $195 million in June, down 7.6% from June 2022.
s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $14.3 million for the first quarter, up 5% from the first quarter of 2022.
t Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.45 million for May, down 0.1% from May 2022.
s Mesa County — 2.9% for May, up 0.2.
n Colorado — 2.8% for May, unchanged.
t United States — 3.6% for June down 0.1.
Real estate sales continue to lag in Mesa County on a year-over-year basis. But the gap is expected to close because of slowing that began during the second half of 2022 and makes numbers more comparable.
“It’s going to be a truer comparison,” said Annette Young, administrative coordinator at Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction
Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Junction, agreed. “I just think we’ll see a different set of comparisons.”
Young said 430 real estate transactions worth a total of $195 million were reported in Mesa County during June. Compared to the same month last year, transactions decreased 13.7 percent and dollar volume fell 7.6 percent.
A dozen large transactions worth a collective $29 million bolstered dollar volume, Young said. They included the sales of the Comfort Inn for more than $6 million, Best Western Grande River Inn for $4.65 million and a HarleyDavidson dealership for $4.4 million.
Young said transactions and dollar volume both increased in June compared to May, an uptick associated with the beginning of what’s usually a busier summer season.
For the first half of 2023, 1,874 transactions worth a combined $806 million were reported, Young said. Compared to the first half of 2022, when market activity was more robust, transactions fell 30.4 percent and dollar volume declined 29.9 percent.
According to numbers Bray & Co. tracks for the residential market in Mesa County, 315 transactions worth a total of nearly $141 million were reported in June. Compared to the same month
last year, transactions decreased 4.8 percent and dollar volume fell 3.5 percent.
For the first half of 2023, 1,393 transactions worth a total of almost $592 million were reported. Compared to the first half of 2022, transactions dropped 21.6 percent and dollar volume decreased 21.1 percent.
The median price of homes sold during the first half of 2022 was only three-tenths of a percent higher at $386,000 compared to the first half of 2022.
Residential inventory dropped in June with 430 active listings at the end of the month. That’s down 13.5 percent from the same time last year.
Bray and Young said they expect smaller year-over-year declines in monthly sales because of the slowing that began in June 2022 as rising interest rates affected the affordability of mortgages. In fact, year-over-year increases could occur, they said.
Overall, Young said she expects real estate activity to hold steady during through second half of this year. “I think it’s just going to be more of the same.”
Bray said nothing has yet changed his outlook for a sluggish first half of 2023 followed by a busier second half as higher interest rates relent and more inventory comes onto the market. “I think we’ll see some more movement.”
He also expects what were double-digit increases in home prices on a year-over-year basis to moderate to the low single digits or even lower.
Property foreclosure activity edged up in Mesa County in June, but constituted a mixed bag for the first half, Young said.
For June, 18 foreclosure filings and four sales were reported. For the same month last year, 17 filings and one sale were reported. For the first half of 2023, 131 filings and 21 sales were reported. For the first half of 2022, 137 filings and eight sales were reported. Young said many properties don’t make it through the foreclosure process as lenders work with owners. More owners have equity and can sell. F
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has increased, but still reflects concerns over inflation and labor shortages.
“Halfway through the year, small business owners remain very pessimistic about future business conditions and their sales prospects,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National Federation of Independent Business. “Inflation and labor shortages continue to be great challenges for small businesses. Owners are still raising selling prices at an inflationary level to try to pass on higher inventory, labor and energy costs.”
The NFIB reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.6 points between May and June. But at 91, the index remained below its 49-year average of 98 for an 18th consecutive month.
The NFIB bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of members of the small business advocacy organization, most of them small business owners.
Between May and June, five of 10 components of the index advanced, four retreated and one remained unchanged.
The proportion of members responding to the survey upon which the June index was based who expect the economy to improve over the next six months rose 10 points. But at a net negative 40 percent, more members anticipated worsening conditions.
A net 25 percent of members reported plans for capital outlays, unchanged from May. A net 6 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, up three points.
The share of members who said they expect increased sales rose seven points. But at a net negative 14 percent, more forecast decreased sales.
Expectations for earnings rose two points to a net negative 24 percent. Among those those reporting lower profits, 28 percent blamed weaker sales and 24 percent cited rising materials costs.
A net 15 percent of members reported plans to increase staffing, down four points from May. A net 42 percent reported hard-to-fill job openings, down two points. Among those trying to hire employees, 92 percent reported few or no qualified applicants.
A net 36 percent of owners reported raising compensation, down five points from May. A net 22 percent said they expect to raise compensation in the next three months.
The share of members reporting plans to increase inventories fell a point to a net negative 3 percent. The proportion of those who said current inventories are too low fell a point to a net negative 4 percent.
Asked to identify their single most important problem, inflation and quality of labor tied as the top responses at 24 percent for each. Taxes came in next at 15 percent.
A net 29 percent of owners reported raising average selling prices, the lowest proportion since March 2021.
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has rebounded to its highest level in 17 months on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions. Concerns remain, however, about the prospect of recession.
The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index rose 5.2 points to 109.7 in June. That’s the highest level since January 2022.
Dana Peterson, chief economist at the New York-based think tank, said the latest reading reflects improved conditions as well as more optimistic expectations for the next six months. While a component of the index remains at a level associated with recession, fewer consumers expect one compared to a month ago.
Still, fewer consumers reported plans to purchase homes and automobiles on a six-month moving average, Peterson said. Vacation plans for the next six months continue to lag.
More upbeat assessment of current conditions pushed up the present situation component of the index 6.4 points from May to June to 155.3.
The proportion of consumers responding to the household surveys upon which the index is based who called business conditions “good” rose four points to 23.7 percent. The share of
those who called conditions “bad” slipped four-tenths of a point to 16.3 percent.
The proportion of consumers who said jobs were “plentiful” climbed 3.5 points to 46.8 percent. The share of those who said jobs were “hard to get” edged down two-tenths of a point to 12.4 percent.
An improving outlook pushed up the expectations component of the index 7.8 points to 79.3. With the exception of an uptick in December, the reading has remained below 80 since February 2022.
That’s a level associated with the onset for a recession within a year.
The share of consumers who expect business conditions to improve over the next six months rose a point to 14.2 percent. The proportion of those anticipating worsening conditions fell 3.7 points to 17.7 percent.
The share of consumers who expect more jobs to become available increased 1.7 points to 15.5 percent. The proportion of those forecasting fewer jobs decreased 5.1 points to 16 percent While 16.9 percent of consumers said they expect their incomes to increase, down two points from May, 11.9 percent anticipate decreased incomes. That’s up a half point.
Asked to assess their current family financial situations, 28.5 percent of consumers called their situations “good.” That’s down seven-tenths of a point from May. The share of consumers who called their situations “bad” fell 1.3 points to 18.2 percent.
U.S. employers added more than 200,000 jobs in June as the unemployment rate retreated from a seven-month high.
Nonfarm payrolls increased 209,000 and the jobless rate edged down a tenth of a point to 3.6 percent, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Payroll gains for the previous two months were revised downward a total of 110,000 to 306,000 for May and 217,000 for April.
Nonfarm payrolls increased an average of 278,000 a month through the first half of 2023. That compared to an average monthly gain of 399,000 in 2022.
The number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work was little changed in June at 6 million. Of those, 1.1 million have been out of work 27 weeks or longer.
Another 4.2 million people were counted among those working part-time because their hours were cut or they were unable to find full-time positions.
The labor participation rate held steady at 62.6 percent for a fourth consecutive month, still below the rate posted before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. in early 2020.
Payroll gains for June were spread out among industry sectors. Employment increased 41,000 in health care, 24,000 in
A monthly index tracking labor trends continues to decline, signaling slower job growth in the Unites States.
The Conference Board reported its Employment Trends Index fell 1.22 points to 114.31 in June. The latest reading remains high on a historical level, however.
“This suggests the U.S. will continue adding jobs, just at a slowe rate,” said Selcuk Eren, senior economist at the Confeence Board.
social assistance, 23,000 in construction and 21,000 in each of the business and professional services and leisure and hospitality sectors. Government payrolls rose 60,000.
The average workweek for employees on nonfarm payrolls edged up a tenth of an hour to 34.4 hours. The average manufacturing workweek remained unchanged at 40.1 hours.
Average hourly earnings rose 12 cents to $33.58. Over the past year, average hourly earnings increased 4.4 percent.
A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to retreat, signaling slowing ahead.
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index fell seven-tenths of a percent to 106.7 in May. Separate measures of current and past conditions increased.
The leading index dropped 4.3 percent over the last six months and has declined in each of the last 14 months.
“Rising interest rates paired with persistent inflation will continue to further dampen economic activity,” said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, senior manager of business cycle indicators at the Conference Board.
The New York-based think tank projects the economy to contract over the third quarter of 2023 to first quarter of 2024 with a continued tight monetary supply and lower government spending.
For May, four of 10 components of the leading index retreated, including consumer expectations for business conditions, interest rate spread and leading credit and new orders indexes. Building permits, new orders for consumer goods and stock prices advanced. A decrease in weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits also bolstered the index. Average weekly manufacturing hours and new orders for capital goods held steady.
The Coincident Economic Index rose two-tenths of a percent to 110.2 The index increased eighttenths of percent over the past six months.
For May, three of four indicators of the index increased — nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales. Industrial production decreased.
The Lagging Economic Index edged up a tenth of a percent to 118.4. The index held steady over the past three months.
For May, four of seven components of the index retreated, including the change in cost of labor and services and commercial and industrial financing. An increase in the duration of unemployment also pulled down the index. The average prime rate charged by banks increased. Consumer credit and inventories remained unchanged.
n A variety of presentations are scheduled at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction.
Upcoming presentations on preparing cash flow budgets for small business startups are set for noon to 1 p.m. Juy 18 and Aug. 15 at the center, located at 2591 Legacy Way. Participants will learn how to complete cash flow budgets using Microsoft Excel.
The next small business startup workshop is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 3. The workshop will cover the business planning process, including financing, legal structures, licensing requirements and state registration. Admission is $55.
The United States Supreme Court has significantly raised the bar for employers arguing that accommodating religious activities creates undue hardships.
A maker meetup is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7 at the GJmakerspace at the center. The free event offers an opportunity to meet makers, discuss ideas and showcase projects. Refreshments will be served.
To register for or obtain more information about events, programs and services at the Business Incubator Center, call 243-5242 or visit https://gjincubator.org.
n The next BizMix networking event is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. July 13 at Imodi Wake Zone, 1583 Cipolla Road in Fruita.
The event will bring together members of the Fruita, Grand Junction, Palisade and Western Colorado Latino chambers of commerce as well as the Young Professionals Network of Mesa County. Admission is $10.
n The Western Colorado Human Resources Association and other co-sponsors have scheduled a free legislative update from 3:30 to 5 p.m. July 19 at the Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction.
The Bechtel & Santo law firm in Grand Junction will offer information about Colorado’s new discrimination and harassment law as well as recent changes to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
There’s room for 200 participants. A virtual presentation is planned. To register or obtain more information, log on to www.wchra.org.
n The next Coffee Club free networking meeting is set for 9 to 10 a.m. July 21 at the F Works conference room at 325 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita. For additional information, visit the website at https://fruitachamber.org or call 858-3894.
n A Colorado HR Connection webinar will offer information about programs, requirements and laws affecting employers.
The free webinar is set for noon to 1 p.m. July 25 and will cover the Colorado SecureSavings Program, earned income credit notice and changes to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The webinar will feature Kelly Murphy, a human resources business partner with Lighthouse HR Support in Grand Junction; Nina Anderson, owner of the Express Employment Professionals franchise in Grand Junction; and Michelle Ferguson, a partner with the Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe law firm.
To register or obtain more information, send an email to kelly@lhrs.net.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act requires employers to accommodate “all aspects of religious observance and practice as well as belief, unless an employer demonstrates that he is unable to reasonably accommodate an employee’s or prospective employee’s religious observance or practice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer’s business.”
In Hardison v. Trans World Airlines, Inc., a 1977 case, the Supreme Court clarified the definition of “undue hardship.” Larry Hardison objected to working on Saturdays because he considered it a day of religious observance. TWA agreed to permit the union to seek a change of work assignments. But the union wasn’t willing to violate the seniority system, and Hardison had insufficient seniority to bid for a shift with Saturdays off. TWA rejected a proposal that Hardison work only four days a week on the grounds it would impair critical functions in airline operations, and Hardison was discharged. Hardison then brought a civil action for religious discrimination against both TWA and his union.
The Supreme Court stated it would not “require an employer to discriminate against some employees in order to enable others to observe their sabbath” and held that to require an employer to “bear more than a de minimis cost in order to give [an employee] Saturday off is an undue hardship.” Hardison’s claim failed.
While TWA ceased to exist more than 20 years ago, the rule an employer need not bear more than a de minimis — too small to consider — cost when accommodating religious practices and beliefs stood for 46 years — until June 29, 2023. That’s when the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Groff v. DeJoy.
The case was factually similar to Hardison. A United States Postal Service letter carrier believed for religious reasons that Sundays should be devoted to worship and rest. Gerald Groff worked in a small rural USPS station that had only seven employees and that, at the time, didn’t make Sunday deliveries. But in March 2017, the station began making Amazon deliveries on Sundays. The station distributed Sunday deliveries among other employees, including the station postmaster. Eventually, it distributed more Sunday deliveries to carriers in nearby stations. But USPS took progressive discipline against Groff for missing work on scheduled Sunday workdays.
Groff brought a civil action against the USPS for failing to accommodate his religious practices. The United States District Court decided in favor of the USPS. The Third Circuit court held it was obligated to follow the Hardison rule. The court held Groff’s refusal to work Sundays created more than a de minimis effect on his coworkers, and excusing Groff from working on Sundays created an undue hardship on the postal station.
The Supreme Court welcomed the opportunity to revisit Hardison. Both Groff and the USPS agreed the Hardison “more than a de minimis cost” test was flawed, but disagreed on a new standard. The court noted a “patent clash between the ordinary meaning of ‘undue hardship’ and ‘more than ... de minimis.’” The court pointed out that even Hardison mentioned in passing “substantial”
costs three times and questioned whether the Hardison court ever intended to institute such a low standard for determining undue hardship.
The court held “it is enough to say that an employer must show that the burden of granting an accommodation would result in substantial increased costs in relation to the conduct of its particular business.” But the court stated that more important than finding the “favored synonym” for undue hardship, courts must apply the undue hardship test “in a manner that takes into account all relevant factors in the case at hand, including the particular accommodations at issue and their practical impact in light of the nature, size and operating cost of [the] employer.”
Where does this leave employers? Much as when employers reasonably accommodate disabilities, the employer’s burden depends on the totality of the circumstances accompanying each accommodation request. No one-size-fits-all answers exist. Still, it’s clear an employer now needs to bear greater levels of inconvenience, financial costs and adverse effects on other employees.
Cases with similar facts could result in drastically different employer obligations. An employee might argue, for example, a large employer has plenty of employees who can share the workload on a day of religious observance. The Hardison Court pointed out TWA had a pool of 200 employees qualified to do Hardison’s work. But a large employer also could have a large number of employees who want the same day off for worship. Of course, this is speculative. No undue burden exists until large numbers of employees actually request the same day off. Employers should focus on the effects of the request at the time it receives an individual request, not on speculative or vague fears as to what could or might happen in the future.
Finally, the Groff ruling doesn’t change the fact that while Title VII protects all aspects of religious observance and practice as well as belief, the belief must be a legitimate, sincerely held religious belief. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission stated in its compliance manual on religious discrimination: “Social, political or economic philosophies, as well as mere personal preferences, are not religious beliefs protected by Title VII.” Nothing in Groff forces the EEOC to revisit this guidance.
The Employers Council offers guidance to members on accommodating religious practices in the workplace. Employers Council attorneys and human resource professionals are available to advise enterprise and consulting level members on resolving workplace issues involving religious beliefs and practices.
Dean Harris is the Western Slope area managing attorney for the Employers Council. The Employers Council counsels, represents and trains member employers in all phases of employment relationships. For more information, contact Harris at (970) 852-0190 or dharris@employerscouncil.org. F
No one-size-fits-all answers exist. Still, it’s clear an employer now needs to bear greater levels of inconvenience, financial costs and adverse effects on other employees.
Your business is only one aspect of your life. You also have important relationships with family and friends as well as your health, hobbies and other interests. When you choose or unconsciously allow yourself to become consumed by business and neglect other aspects of your life, your well-being and happiness fades away.
Tremendous amounts of time, energy and effort go into running a business. With everything there is to do, it can be easy for those who own a business to sacrifice many aspects — if not the entirety — of their personal lives in the pursuit of the success they seek.
There’s no real benefit to working yourself into the ground, however. When you become worn down, your business suffers because you don’t possess the clarity, energy and composure required to provide high-caliber leadership or achieve the fulfillment or success you desire.
Conversely, there’s a tremendous benefit to everyone involved — business owners, team members, customers and families — when a balance between one’s personal life and their business is created and maintained over time.
You can’t go back and recapture those magical times in life after your children are grown. Once a divorce occurs, you can’t return to the past to make up for neglecting the marriage. When your health fails, it can be difficult — if not impossible — to get it back. The more out of balance and unhappy you are, the less your financial success will ultimately mean to you because of the tremendous price you paid — what you sacrificed along the way — to obtain it.
The interesting thing about creating balance between business and life is that in addition to improving the quality
of your life, it makes you a more productive, creative and effective business owner. When you make time to care for yourself and engage in the other aspects of your life, you recharge mentally, emotionally and physically. You have more to give. In other words, you increase your potential and the potential of your business.
When you balance business and life, you tend to treat the people in your professional and personal lives better because your perspective is clearer and your attitude more pleasant. You’re also more patient when you’re happier. When you treat people better, they have the tendency to do the same, and your relationships improve as a result.
When you go on vacation with your significant other or hike with your kids, be fully present with them. When you attend a family function, spend time with friends, go for a bike ride, read a book in the hammock, take a swim or anything else you decide to do, enjoy the moment for all it’s worth.
Taking your spouse out for your regular date night, spending quality time with your children, pursuing your passions and going on vacation aren’t synonymous with working and doing business. While it’s true you can take
your work with you on vacation, the reality is that neither will be the best they can be as long as your attention is divided between them. One must give way to the other. A working vacation isn’t a vacation. It’s working in a different location.
The secret to all of this is truly stepping away from your business when you get outside the office and engage in the rest of your life. Turn off your phone, step away from the computer, leave your business thoughts and concerns behind as much as you can — and you can much more than you realize. When you choose to do so, all the moments of your life will take on a greater meaning for you and everyone involved.
In the end, each of us is left with the sum of the moments of our life. We’ll either be pleased with the life we lived or we won’t. Live your life with the intention of achieving balance among its differing aspects. You’ll not only be successful, but also — and perhaps more importantly — happy.
As a business owner, you’re the foundation of your enterprise. The more energized, inspired and balanced you are, the stronger your company will be. When the quality of your life begins to fade, take notice 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 (970) 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com. F
The interesting thing about creating balance between business and life is that in addition to improving the quality of your life, it makes you a more productive, creative and effective business owner. You increase your potential and the potential of your business.
Many older and lower-paid employees could be eligible for health insurance from several sources in addition to group plans. Examples include Medicare and Medicaid.
According to www.medicare.gov, if someone has Medicare and such other health insurance as a group plan, retiree coverage or Medicaid, each type of coverage is called a “payer.”
When there’s more than one payer, coordination of benefits rules determine who pays first. The primary payer pays what it owes first and then sends the rest of the billed amount to the secondary or supplemental payer. In some rare cases, there also could be a third payer.
Here some scenarios employers might encounter since many people continue working after they become eligible for Medicare.
If an employee is 65 years old or older and has group health insurance through either a company plan or a spouse’s plan, these are the basic guidelines.
Note that Colorado and other states could impose additional requirements or considerations.
n If you have 20 or more employees, the group health insurance plan pays first. Medicare is the secondary payer. If the group plan didn’t pay all of the charges, the provider is supposed to send the bill to Medicare for secondary payment. Any remaining costs are normally the responsibility of the employee. If you have 20 or more employees, you must offer current employees 65 and older the same health benefits under the same conditions you offer employees under 65. If you offer coverage to spouses, you similarly must offer the same coverage to spouses 65 and older that you offer to spouses under 65.
n If you have fewer than 20 employees and aren’t part of a multi-employer or multiple employer group health plan,
Medicare pays first, and your group health plan pays second.
n If you have fewer than 20 employees, the group health plan pays first, and Medicare pays second if both of two conditions also apply. Your company is part of a multi-employer or multiple employer group health plan. At least one of the other employers has 20 or more employees
n Since many employer-sponsored group health insurance plans require employees to pay some portion of the premium, Medicare-eligible employees could choose to decline group coverage. In this scenario, Medicare is usually the primary payer. Sometimes, though, employers “encourage” Medicareeligible employees to drop company plans. Leaving a company plan isn’t inherently bad, especially since the employee must pay monthly premiums if they elect Medicare Part B and possibly a Medicare Supplement or Advantage plan. However, employers should remain cautious about offering to pay employees extra compensation tied to leaving company plans, particularly if those employees can’t afford or forego Medicare Part B and other supplemental plans.
Always check with your plan provider (insurance company) first and ask if it will pay first or second. If you need additional clarification, call the Medicare Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center at 1 (855) 798-2627.
The preceding isn’t intended as benefits, insurance, legal, tax or other advice. Always consult the appropriate professional specialists, Medicare and group health insurance providers before making benefits decisions or advising employees to leave group health insurance plans.
Janet Arrowood is founder and managing director of the Write Source, a Grand Junction firm offering a range of services, including grant and proposal writing, instruction and technical writing. Reach her at janet.arrowood@thewritesourceinc.com. For more information, log on to www.TheWriteSourceInc.com.
Colorado employers have proven their commitment to equity in the workplace, protecting employees from harassment or discrimination and ensuring their well-being. This remains paramount in not only providing safe work environments, but also improving engagement and longevity.
In August, this takes on a whole new meaning with implementation in Colorado of the Protecting Opportunities and Worker’s Rights (POWR) Act. When an employee uses the term “harassment” or “discrimination,” it provokes a closer look into the details to determine if it rises to the unlawful territory requiring more serious personnel actions or retraining needs to occur. In the past, certain elements had to be met for a violation of law to occur. With POWR, these terms take on different meanings with different thresholds.
In a nutshell, employers must consider new requirements:
n Enhanced protections against discrimination by expanding the scope of protected classes defined in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act to include marital status.
n Redefined standards of harassment that remove requirements conduct be “severe or pervasive” and instead require only the conduct be “unwelcomed.” The act states harassment “means to engage in, or the act of engaging in, any unwelcome physical or verbal conduct or any written, pictorial or visual communication directed at an individual or group of individuals because of that individual’s or group’s membership in, or perceived membership in, a protected class … .”
n A new definition of a “reasonable person” as a “reasonable individual who is a member of the same protected class.” This means if an employee finds conduct
or communication “subjectively” offensive, a reasonable individual from the same protected class must find the conduct or communication “objectively” offensive.
n Investigative procedures. In determining the level of misconduct, employers must determine the frequency of the conduct or communication, recognizing a single incident could rise to the level of harassment; how many individuals engaged in the conduct or communication; the type or nature of the conduct or communication, understanding that even though the conduct or communication was acceptable to the individual at one time, it could become unwelcomed by one or more of the participants. Additionally, the duration and location must be established, along with a determination if the conduct or communication was threatening. Further, it must be revealed if epithets, slurs or stereotypes were used that are humiliating or degrading to an individual or group of individuals. Finally, it also must be determined whether a power differential exists between the accuser and accused.
n Personnel and employment record keeping for at least five years. With regard to complaints of discriminatory or unfair employment practices, employers must maintain those records in a designated repository. This must include “the date the employer made or received the record or the date of the personnel action about which the record pertains or the final disposition of a charge of discrimination or related action, as applicable.”
n Repository information of all written or oral complaints of discriminatory or unfair employment practices, including the date of the complaint, the identity of the complaining party if the complaint was not made anonymously, the identity of the alleged perpetrator and substance of the complaint. These records aren’t considered public and may only be accessed by proper authorities.
n Non-disclosure and separation agreements that include specific wording that “expressly states that it does
not restrain the employee or prospective employee from disclosing the underlying facts of alleged discriminatory or unfair employment practice” to certain individuals. In addition, the parties must attest the agreement complies with POWR.
Now that we know the requirements, how do human resource professionals protect businesses and employees? We review written and unwritten policies to ensure we can defend the actions and practices of all our employees, but especially our leaders. If you haven’t already, it’s time to establish programs that are “reasonably designed to prevent harassment, deter future harassers and protect employees from harassment.”
To be effective, the program must:
n Ensure employers take consistent, prompt and reasonable actions to investigate all complaints of discrimination or unfair employment practices.
n Take appropriate action in response to complaints.
n Inform employees of the existence, details and requirements of the program. This includes how employees take advantage of the program and who to notify.
n Require training of all supervisory employees to reinforce the requirements and provide the necessary tools to recognize unacceptable behaviors and when an employee raises concerns that must be investigated.
Kelly Murphy works as a human resources business partner with Lighthouse HR Support in Grand Junction. She brings to her duties nearly 30 years of experience as well as designations as a Professional in Human Resources and Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional. For more information about Lighthouse HR Support, call (970) 243-7509 or visit lighthousehrs.net. F
A well thought out refresh or renovation can help you not only get your home ready for sale, but also could result in a faster sale for more money.
As marketing director at Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Junction, I’m always looking for creative and out-of-the-box ideas that benefit our agents and create ways in which they can partner with different divisions of the company.
That’s why Bray & Co. has launched a program unlike any other brokerage — Revive. From simple refreshes to total renovations, Revive brings together Bray agents and their clients to increase the appeal and value of their properties.
Bray agents can help enroll people in the Revive program and provide insights about what part of the program can most benefit them. People will then receive free, no-obligation estimates. A member of the Bray Construction & Maintenance team will contact them within one business day to discuss the scope of work and a strategic approach.
Once approved, participants will be assigned a project manager who will keep them informed and coordinate contractors and estimates. Participants will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from working with local, top-rated specialists that will tackle the project — no matter how small.
Participation in the Revive program can help maximize the price of a property. The cost of the project can be deducted from the proceeds of the sale or paid within 90 days, whichever occurs first.
Embarking on a property improvement journey allows you to improve your space according to your unique vision. From renovating such key areas in a home as the kitchen or bathrooms to installing energy efficient upgrades, there are endless possibilities to enhance living environments.
A Bray agent partnered with Bray Construction & Maintenance provides a team of skilled professionals who work with a trusted network of top-rated professionals. They provide more than 500 types of home improvement services, whether small fixes or large overhauls. Their services include deck and fence repairs and replacements, flooring, landscaping, painting, remodeling, roof repairs and window repairs. That’s not to mention junk hauling and handyman repairs.
If you’re planning to sell your home and want to update it to attract potential buyers and potentially increase its value, contact a Bray agent today to learn more about the Revive program.
Lauren Jobe is marketing director for Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Junction. For more information, call 242-3647 or visit www.brayandco.com.
More than 1,000 applications have been submitted in Mesa County in preparation for the launch of universal preschool in August. The program will provide a tuition credit for nine months of preschool.
“We’re excited that so many families have signed up for this great opportunity,” said Stephanie Bivins, director of Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families. “This program is a big investment that puts our community on the verge of knocking down barriers to access and quality care.”
Early childhood education alleviates stress for families and allows parents to join the work force. Universal preschool also injects millions of dollars into the community, in turn building a stronger economy.
Local providers — including school districts, centers and home-based child care facilities — will receive about $7 million in tuition credits. The funding will go straight
to providers, including small business owners.
Some of the providers participating in the program have never had access to this type of funding. New universal preschool provider grants will help with startup costs for things like curriculum and equipment.
While about 68 percent of available slots for universal preschool have been filled, there’s still time to apply. Families can apply online by visiting upk.colorado.gov. and clicking on register for UPK services. It’s a short application process, and families can choose multiple providers they prefer. Those who don’t have a current provider or know who’s participating can browse the system.
After applying, families will receive a notification if they’re eligible. They will also receive a notification once they’ve been matched with providers and can then accept or decline the matches.
All children in Colorado can apply the year before kindergarten and are eligible for 15 hours of preschool. Some 4-year-olds might qualify for more hours, and some 3-yearolds can access the program with a school district. Other programs might cover additional costs and extended hours.
Along with economic advantages, the program provides long-term benefits for children.
“Access to quality early childhood education ensures children have the foundation they need to enter kindergarten,” Bivins said. “Research shows children accessing high-quality preschool in the first few years of life are more likely to complete higher levels of education.” Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families, or PCF, coordinates universal preschool in Mesa County. The team is available to guide families through the process and answer questions along the way. For assistance or more information, call 248-2811 or visit the website located at https://mesacountypcf.org.
A shortage of early childhood education services hurts local families and businesses. Universal preschool offers a way in which to fill gaps in Mesa County.
Sarah Gray is a communication specialist with Mesa County Public Health. For additional information, call (970) 248-6900 or visit https://health.mesacounty.us.
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Embarking on a property improvement journey allows you to improve your space according to your unique vision. From renovating such key areas in a home as the kitchen or bathrooms to installing energy efficient upgrades, there are endless possibilities to enhance living environments.
“As America becomes predominantly made up of people who didn’t have a hand in building the system in the first place, it is producing more and more people who want to destroy the system because they don’t understand it. They don’t appreciate how fragile their freedom is, how precious their system of government, how rare their way of life. And they entertain fantasies of tearing it down. In some cases, those fantasies are becoming reality.”
— Yeonmi ParkYeonmi Park, a North Korean defector, knows of which she speaks. Her journey began with early years in extreme hardship in North Korea continuing with her escape into China as a young woman, where she was sold as a sex slave. She was introduced to a group of Christian missionaries who aided North Korean defectors in China. The missionaries helped send her to South Korea, from which she eventually made her way to America. This amazing story is chronicled in her book “While Time Remains.”
The title of her book identifies the urgency she felt in writing the book. As a new citizen, she observed that many of her fellow Americans lost the ability to appreciate the glory of this country the way she does. These same people seem unable to recognize current threats to freedoms in America. Her escape from brutal regimes to seek freedom in America was a dream come true. What has been surprising for Park are the alarming similarities between policies and developments in the United States that remind her of North Korea.
Yeonmi has experienced attempts to cancel her presentations. This is done by people who tend not to be first-generation immigrants. She observed these people seem to work mostly in schools, universities, media, large corporations, NGOs, activist organizations and government bureaucracies. “These people were born in America and have never actually lived under the kind of political and social system they believe to be superior to America’s capitalist democracy.”
Author Helen Raleigh expressed parallel thoughts in “Confucius Never Said,” a deeply personal saga of her family in China. They experienced a life of tranquility with the right to own and farm their property and provide for their family until the rise of Mao Zedong. After the communist takeover, landlords and rich farmers were rounded up to be sent to labor camps or executed.
Myriad issues and factors affect entrepreneurship and decisions to become an entrepreneur. That includes assorted aspects of a country’s culture, including what might be considered “pop culture.”
I was reminded of this when I came across an online article — titled “The TV You Watch When You’re Young Can Make You More Entrepreneurial” — about a new study at the Harvard Business Review.
What’s this about?
When Mao and the Communist Party of China took over, people never suspected his evil intent because his slogan about equality appealed to most of them. The people soon realized the heavy price that would be paid to achieve equality. His forceful redistribution policies, command economy and hought police ensured misery was equally distributed. Ordinary Chinese people were expendable, and millions perished during years of famine.
“When I read George Orwell’s ‘1984,’ it gave me nightmares,” Raleigh said. “It was exactly what my mother and millions of other Chinese people lived through.” The thought control promulgated by Mao is like the political correctness and taboo subjects in America today, she said. Losing liberty is a gradual process that usually starts with limiting freedom of expression.
Both Park and Raleigh write passionately about the dangers of overlooking the insidious regulations and limitations placed on ordinary Americans under the guise of correcting injustices and inequalities. The heavy-handed government actions they observe are all too reminiscent of their shared experiences under communism. Raleigh considers socialism a kissing cousin of communism.
It’s time to resist excessive government control and shout, “Let freedom ring.”
“I grew up in China and immigrated to the United States. I sought freedom and the American Dream and I found both … only to witness my fellow Americans throwing their freedom away with both hands.” — Helen
RaleighPhyllis Hunsinger is founder of the Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise Foundation in Grand Junction. The FREE Foundation provides resources to students and teachers in Western Colorado to promote the understanding of economics, financial literacy and free enterprise. A former teacher, principal and superintendent, Hunsinger wrote “Down and Dirty: A ‘How To’ Math Book.” Reach Hunsinger at phyllis@free-dom.us.com. For more information about the FREE Foundation, log on to the website located at www.free-dom.us.com.
Researchers Michael Wrywich and Viktor Slavtchev studied television signals in East Germany from the 1960s to 1989 as well as individual and local rates of entrepreneurship there after German reunification. The authors discovered people in households with access to West German TV broadcasts were more likely than other East Germans to launch companies later in life. That was especially true of those who were children or at the start of their careers.
That’s fascinating.
In an interview, Wrywich explained the reasons for the research: “What you observe when you’re young affects how you behave when you’re older, and that includes the professional decisions you make. We know from other research that if you grow up around lots of entrepreneurs, you’re more likely to become one yourself. My colleague and I wanted to find out whether a similar effect extends to culture — specifically, to television. We thought that if you saw people on TV acting like managers or entrepreneurs, you might think more positively about those professions. You’d also see examples of how a market economy operates.”
In looking at the former East Germany from 1993 to 2016, the authors reported the rate of business creation was more than 10 percent higher in areas that had received broadcast signals from West Germany. It was greatest among people who were children or young adults when they watched western shows. And it persisted: Areas of the former East Germany that received TV signals from West Germany are still more entrepreneurial than those that didn’t.
Wrywich explained the difference in television shows: “West German TV was a mix of domestically produced programs and American ones, such as ‘Dallas.’ The shows weren’t necessarily about entrepreneurs. It’s not as though things like ‘Shark Tank’ were airing, so East Germans weren’t going to learn how to start a business. But they could see how people made a living in a market economy and they could see that entrepreneurial behavior might lead to a fortune. East Germany aired several ideological shows. A famous one was ‘Black Channel,’ snapshots taken from West German programs and overlaid with commentary to show how bad life under capitalism supposedly was. The shows in the East were pretty uninspiring, so people tended to be drawn to western shows if they were available.”
Might there be consequences for negative portrayals of entrepreneurs and those in business in other places?
Wrywich said: “There was an interesting analysis done by a marketing firm some years ago in Germany, where there’s a popular TV detective series called ‘Tatort.’ The firm analyzed the murderers on the show by occupational background. Guess which group was in the top position? Entrepreneurs and managers. Professional gangsters were second. I don’t know if policy makers could affect such things, but our work indicates that these sorts of negative portrayals could hypothetically mean fewer new companies.”
Expanding from this study, Wrywich also pointed out that differences in even regional cultures within countries with similar laws and policies can have lasting effects on levels of entrepreneurship. “You can see this in parts of Europe and the United States that were once home to coal mines or steel factories. When the coal and steel operations began, in some cases 100 years ago, everyone worked for large companies. Very few people worked for themselves. Even after the economies of those places changed, they had relatively low levels of entrepreneurship.”
Why would such effects be long lasting? “We know that role models and peers matter,” Wrywich said. “Your chances of becoming an entrepreneur are influenced by who’s around you. But we don’t have a systematic account of how the effect continues over time.”
Wrywich added: “Place and context really matter for entrepreneurship.”
When Mao and the Communist Party took over China, people never suspected his evil intent because his slogan about equality appealed to most of them.Raymond Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy and research organization. Reach Keating through the website at www.sbecouncil.org. F Raymond Keating
Agents and teams with Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties in Colorado were among those who ranked among the top real estate professionals in the United States.
RealTrends and Tom Ferry International compiled the list of the top 1.5 percent of the 1.6 million real estate professionals in the country. The list is based on real estate sales in 2022.
Marne Harris, president of Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties and Coldwell Banker Mid-America, praised the agents and teams achieving the recognition. “Being ranked among the finest in the country is a tremendous honor, and it reflects the unwavering commitment of these agents to delivering exceptional service to their clients. We take great pride in acknowledging these agents and the dedication they have demonstrated.”
Cindy Ficklin was 142nd among individual agents ranked by transaction shares and 471st by volume.
Six agents also ranked among the top professionals by volume: Erick Fallenius, 258th; Jennifer Coulson, 393rd; Lindsay Lubrant, 421st; Annette Hejl, 574th and Todd Sieger, 604th.
The Shafter Team was eighth among medium teams ranked by transaction sides and 20th by volume.
The VCK group ranked 77th among small teams ranked by transaction sides and 229th by volume. Two other teams also made the ranking by volume: Team Yazbeck at 85th and the Valerie Meyers Team at 221st.
Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties serves Grand Junction as well as a total of 11 other markets in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Montana. For additional information, visit the website at www.cbdistinctive.com.
The Horizon Drive Association Business Improvement District in Grand Junction has launched a program offering grants to those leasing office or retail spaces within the district.
Grants will be equivalent to one month’s rent on signed, one-year lease agreements.
Grants will be awarded on an annual schedule and a first-come, first-served basis. Preferences will be given to businesses that have completed the business accelerator program at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction.
Grant applications are available from the Horizon Drive Business Improvement District and Business Incubator Center.
For more information, contact Jonathan Purdy, director of the Horizon Drive District, at jonathan@horizondrivedistrict.com or (970) 985-1833.
The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business Briefs. Email items to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com.
The Stuff the Bus school supply donation drive is under way at Mesa Mall in Grand Junction.
Sponsored by Townsquare Media, the drive will continue through July 31. Participants can drop off donations for Mesa County School District 51 elementary and middle schools at the white activity bus parked in the Clock Court of the mall at 2424 U.S. Highway 6 & 40.
The most sought-after supplies include crayons, erasers, folders, glue sticks, markers, notebooks, pencils, plastic storage bags and scissors. Supply lists are available online at d51schools.org.
Monetary donations for high schools can be made through the D51 Foundation website at d51foundation.org/stuff-the-bus.
Volunteers are scheduled to unpack the bus on Aug. 1 and organize the supplies into boxes designated for each elementary and middle school.
Parents of children in need of school supplies can request assistance by contacting the office staffs at their children’s schools.
Applications will be accepted through July 24 for positions on the Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom board of directors and advisory board.
Established in 1991, the nonprofit organization promotes agricultural literacy by providing programs and resources for preschool through 12th grade instruction. The efforts include a combination of printed and digital materials, in-person and virtual presentations and teacher development.
“This is an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals and contribute to a cause that positively impacts Colorado,” said Ashley Wilcox, president of Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom
Members of the board of directors and advisory aboard attend quarterly meetings, serve on committees and assist in planning and implementing programs and activities.
For more information or to apply for board positions, visit GrowingYourFuture.com.
Submissions will be accepted through 5 p.m. Aug. 4 for photographs for a calendar produced by the City of Grand Junction.
The calendar features photographs of the landscapes, cityscapes and events of Grand Junction and surrounding area. The calendar also includes an annual city report, a directory of city programs and services and information about volunteer opportunities on city boards and commissions
The city will mail calendars in November to households within city limits.
Photographs must be submitted electronically in JPG, PNG
or TIF formats with a minimum of 300 dots per inch resolution. Photos submitted for the calendar also could be used in marketing efforts to promote the city.
Following an initial assessment, the Grand Junction on Arts and Culture submissions will selected submissions Selected photographers will be credited by name and, if applicable, their website addresses.
To submit photos, log on to https://upload.crowdriff.com/ 2024-City-Calendar-Link.
Community Hospital in Grand Junction has once again earned statewide recognition for its efforts to promote breastfeeding.
Community Hospital received the Colorado Celebrate 6 Award of Breastfeeding Excellence from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The hospital also received the award in 2020. Community Hospital is among 14 facilities in Colorado that have received certification from Baby-Friendly USA.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized once again by the Colorado Baby Friendly Hospital Collaborative,” said Marsha Bagby, director of the Birth Place at Community Hospital. “We are committed to maintaining the prestigious baby friendly designation and fully support evidence-based maternity and breastfeeding care for mothers and babies in our community.”
The award recognizes hospitals that have implemented at least six of ten steps to increase breastfeeding success and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
“These hospitals have worked hard to create change that support Colorado families to breastfeed,” said Stacy Miller, a breastfeeding specialist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and facilitator of the Colorado Baby Friendly Hospital Collaborative.
“With over 90 percent of Colorado families choosing to breastfeed their children each year, such policies and practices are essential,” Miller said.
To learn more about labor and delivery services offered at the Birth Place at Community Hospital, visit the website at www.YourCommunityHospital.com.
Michelle Boisvenue-Fox, Amanda McQuade and Jamee Simons will be honored at an upcoming event for their professional and personal contributions in Western Colorado.
Girl Scouts of Colorado named the three Women of Distinction for 2023 and will honor them at benefit breakfast set for 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Nov. 3 at the Grand Junction Convention Center. Proceeds from the event will support leadership development programs for the more than 1,700 Girl Scouts across the Western Slope.
“I am honored to welcome this year’s class of Women of Distinction,” said Leanna Clark, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Colorado. “They are strong, bold, empowered women who represent the leadership and excellence that powers today’s world, and they are outstanding role models for our girls.”
Boisvenue-Fox serves as director of Mesa County Libraries. She brings to her duties more than 20 years of public and academic library experience. She holds a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Illinois. She’s involved with a variety of community groups, including the Art Center of Western Colorado, Bridging the Divide, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce leadership class, Suicide Prevention Coalition and Valley Creative Alliance.
McQuade works as program coordinator with Colorado State University, including nutrition education and efforts to increase access to healthy foods. She holds a doctoral degree in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She serves on several boards, including La Plaza and the Mesa County School District 51 Wellness Committee. She’s won several awards for her efforts in developing community partnerships and promoting engagement. She won the Nextstar Media Remarkable Women Award in the western regional market.
Simons is co-owner of Enstrom Candies in Grand Junction. She’s served on the boards of the Colorado Mesa University Foundation, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, HopeWest and St. Mary’s Hospital. Simons and Enstrom Candies have won numerous awards, including the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, Grand Junction Economic Partnership Spirit of Economic Development Award and Grand Junction Rotary Ethical Leadership Award.
For more information about tickets or sponsorships of the Women of Distinction breakfast, contact Martha Johnson at marthajohnson@gscolorado.org or visit the website located at www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org.
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.
Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout has been been appointed to state boards studying transportation planning region boundaries and geographic names.
The Colorado Department of Transportation named Stout to the Transportation Boundary Study Advisory Committee. The group will study the transportation planning region boundaries, taking into account such factors as commercial traffic, communities of interest, commuting, population trends, safety, tourism and vehicle miles traveled.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis appointed Stout to serve as a local government representative on the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board. The state board assists the United States Board on Geographic Names in evaluating proposed geographic and place name changes as well as name controversies. The state board makes recommendations to the governor.
Jennifer Tomaszewski has been selected as the finalist to become finance director for the City of Grand Junction. The position became open with the retirement of Jodi Welch. who worked for the city for 32 years.
Tomaszewski’s responsibilities will include accounting, budgeting, financing reporting, grant administration, payrolls and sales taxes as well as the municipal court. A certified public accountant, she previously served as assistant finance director for the City of Santa Maria, Calif.
“We are very pleased to have someone of Jennifer’s caliber as the finalist in our search for a new finance director,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to this new role in addition to providing leadership of a well-established team.”
G. Suzanne Owens-Otts of Grand Junction has been appointed to serve on the State Board of Accountancy, Owens-Otts, a professor at Colorado Mesa University, will serve as a certified public accountant on the board, which administers exams, awards certificates, regulates public accountants and acts on complaints. F
July 13
n BizMix networking event, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Imodi Wake Zone, 1583 Cipolla Road, Fruita. Event open only to participating groups. Admission $10. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214
July 18
n Presentation on cash flow budgets for small business startups, noon to 1 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org
July 19
n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County lunch conversation with Ben Smalley, chief operating officer of St. Mary's Hospital, noon. www.ypnmc.org
n Western Colorado Human Resource Association free legislative update with the Bechtel & Santo law firm, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. www.wchra.org
July 21
n Coffee Club networking meeting, 9 to 10 a.m., F Works, 325 E. Aspen Ave. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org
July 25
n Colorado HR Connection webinar on the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, Colorado Secure Savings Program and earned income credit notice, noon to 1 p.m. Email to register. kelly@lhrs.net
July 26
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce coffee and community connections event, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Timberline Bank, 649 Market St., Grand Junction. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894
Upcoming
n Welcome Thursday Friends free networking group, noon to 1 p.m. July 27, Munchies, 550 Kokopelli Drive, Fruita. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org
n Small business startup workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 3, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org
n Maker meetup, 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7, GJmakerspace at the Business Incubator Center. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org
n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County before hours event, 7 to 8:30 a.m. Aug. 9, The Coffee Trader, 2566 Patterson Road, Suite A, Grand Junction. www.wchra.org
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Aug. 10, Colorado Flight Center, 800 Heritage Way, Grand Junction. Admission $5 for members, $10 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org
n Presentation on cash flow budgets for small business startups, noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 15, Business Incubator Center,. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org
n Western Slope Young Professionals Summit, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 22, Colorado Mesa University Center, Grand Junction. Admission $75 per person, $350 for five. https://gjchamber.org or 243-5242
