Three local state legislators each scored 85 percent or higher on an assessment by a small business organization.
n Routes take flight
Breeze Airways expects to launch two new routes that will bring additional service to Grand Junction Regional Airport.
MarillacHealh has broken ground on a new health care center in Grand Junction that will offer a variety of services.
n Going downtown
Hilltop Community Resources announced plans to purchase a downtown building that formerly housed Wells Fargo Bank.
n June jobless jump
The monthly jobless rate once again jumped in June in Mesa County, according to the latest state estimates.
n Using AI for HR
Write track for buying a home
Page 2
Ficklin
Photo courtesy Cindy Ficklin
Write track
Best-selling Grand Valley real estate agent literally writes the book for homebuyers
Cindy Ficklin has spent the past two decades concurrently pursuing careers as both an educator and real estate agent. She combines those passions in her latest effort: a book she’s written and published to provide what she considers important information to homebuyers, particularly first-time homebuyers.
Her primary motivation? “To help and to educate the public,” says Ficklin, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties based in Grand Junction. The book helps prospective buyers avoid costly pitfalls, she says, especially at a time when real estate laws and regulations are changing.
THE BUSINESS TIMES News Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People
The book, titled “The Smart Way to Buy a House For First-Time Homebuyers,” is available in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon. A book launch is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at Bookcliff Country Club, located at 2730 G Road in Grand Junction. The event is open to the public. Copies of the book will be available.
Ficklin draws on nearly 20 years of experience in the Grand Valley real estate industry. She was named salesperson of the year at Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties in 2020 with more than $22 million in sales volume. She was honored again in 2022. In 2023, she received the International President’s Elite Award for ranking among the top 1 percent of 100,000 Coldwell agents worldwide.
Ficklin says she closed $8.5 million worth of real estate transactions in the second quarter of 2024 alone, one of the biggest quarters for sales of her career.
Ficklin says her mentor, the late Sharon Vaughn, was known for saying, “Be honest, trustworthy and work extra hard for people, and you’ll always have a heck of a business.”
See WRITE page 14
STORY BY PHIL CASTLE
Local legislators score high on NFIB voting record
Three state legislators from western Colorado each received a score of at least 85 percent on an assessment of their votes on key measures as compiled by a small business advocacy organization.
The National Federation of Independent Business released its voting record for the latest legislative session based on votes on 14 measures ranging from workforce development to employer mandates.
“Though the General Assembly advanced a handful of reforms that support the small business economy, far too many bills that increase the cost of doing business were sent to Gov. (Jared) Polis’ desk and signed into law,” said Tony Gagliardi, state director of the NFIB in Colorado.
“At a time when Coloradans can least afford higher prices, next session the General Assembly ought to reverse course and ease the regulatory burden so that Main Street can continue to create jobs, raise wages and invest in our communities,” Gagliardi added.
State Sen. Janice Rich, a Republican from Grand Junction who represents the Seventh District, voted in agreement with NFIB positions on the 14 measures
85 percent of the time. State Rep. Rick Taggart, a Republican from Grand Junction who represents the 55th District, also scored 85 percent on the record. Matt Soper, a Republican from Delta who represents the 54th District, scored 92 percent on the record. He didn’t vote on one of the measures, but voted in alignment with NFIB positions on the other 13 measures.
Ten members of the Colorado Senate and 17 members of the Colorado House received scores above 80 percent. Only one legislator — State Rep. Mike Lynch, a Republican from Wellington and a member of the NFIB, received a perfect score of 100 percent.
The NFIB voting record for the latest session was based
on votes on 14 measures considered in both the Senate and House. The NFIB supported a no vote on 10 of the measures and a yes vote on the remaining four. Gov. Polis signed 11 of the measures into law and vetoed two of them.
The NFIB opposed measures that:
n Require employers to notify employees of the availability of federal and state earned income tax credits.
n Enables people with disabilities to file complaints for alleged public accommodation discrimination directly with district courts without first exhausting all remedies.
n Requires paid family and medical leave benefits be based on the average earnings of all jobs an employee holds.
n Prohibits employers from requesting information on employment applications about prospective employees’ ages and dates of attendance of educational institutions.
n Requires employers to follow guidelines for each job or promotion opportunity to ensure pay equity.
n Amends state anti-discrimination laws to establish harrasment as a discriminatory or unfair practice.
n Makes general contractors liable for unpaid wages if a subcontractor fails to pay workers.
n Prohibits employers from disciplining employees for failing to attend employer-sponsored meetings to discuss labor organization, religious or political matters.
See VOTING page 12
Cindy Ficklin works as an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties based in Grand Junction. Ficklin wrote and published a book providing information to first-time homebuyers. (Photos courtesy Cindy Ficklin)
Janice Rich Rick Taggart Matt Soper
Tony Gagliardi
New routes take flight at Grand Junction airport
Breeze Airways plans to offer service to Las Vegas as well as Hartford, Conn.
Breeze Airways plans to launch two new routes that will bring additional commercial service to the Grand Junction Regional Airport.
The airline plans to offer nonstop service between Grand Junction and Las Vegas as well as one-stop service to Hartford, Conn. Both routes are scheduled to begin Jan. 9 with Thursday and Sunday flights.
Angela Padalecki, executive director of the Grand Junction Regional Airport, said she was grateful for the additional routes.
“Las Vegas is our top city pair, with more travelers flying between Grand Junction and Las Vegas than anywhere else. Breeze’s new service will give travelers a nice, new option.”
David Neeleman, founder and chief executive officer of Breeze Airways, said the new routes will add to service the airline offers between Grand Junction and Orange County and Santa Ana in southern California as well as San Francisco.
“We’re excited to offer our Grand Junction guests new opportunities for affordable, yet elevated, travel experiences.”
Based in Salt Lake City, Breeze Airways offers a total of more than 170 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes between a total of 56 cities in 29 states. Breeze focuses on service between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. The company operates Airbus A220-300 and Embrarer 190-195 aircraft. Breeze Airways offers passengers bundled and a la cart options and no change or cancellation fees up to 15 minutes prior to departure. Breeze Airways has twice been recognized by readers of Travel + Leisure as one of the top five U.S. airlines.
Breeze Airways launched service at Grand Junction Regional Airport on Feb. 6 with flights between Grand Junction and Orange County and Santa Ana in southern California as well as flights between Grand Junction and Provo, Utah. Breeze added seasonal service between Grand Junction and San Francisco on May 22.
Take a seat: Airline awarded for comfort
Breeze Airways was recognized for offering what passengers rated as the best airline seat comfort in North America.
Breeze Airways received a 2024 APEX Award. The awards were based on passenger ratings of a total of nearly 1 million flights operated by more than 600 airlines worldwide.
Breeze operates Airbus 220-300 aircraft that feature a 137-seat cabin layout with Ascent, extra legroom and economy seating. Ascent seating includes 12 recliner-style Safran Z600 seats with 20.5 inches of width, 39 inches of seat pitch and footrests. The airline also offers 125 Safran US Z110i seats with 18.8 inches of width — 45 with extra legroom and 80 with standard legroom.
“On behalf of all our amazing team members and our seat partner Safran, I’m extremely proud to accept this award,” said David Neeleman, chief executive officer of Breeze Airways.
Angela Padalecki
David Neeleman
An architectural rendering shows what the MarillacHealth center will look like when the 27,000-square-foot facility opens on 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction late in the summer of 2025. (Image courtesy MarillacHealth)
Marillac breaks ground on a new health center
Facility expected to open in late summer 2025
MarillacHealth has broken ground on a new health center in Grand Junction that will offer in one location a variety of services.
The organization purchased a 4.5-acre site at 512 29 1/2 Road from Mesa County. Construction is set to begin this summer and conclude in late summer 2025. The new center will be located near the Mesa County Workforce Center as well as Mesa County Public Health.
“This is a perfect location to place a health center that can be on a campuslike setting with employment and training services, public health ... and other social services,” said Kay Ramachandran, chief executive officer of MarillacHealth.
The 27,000-square-foot facility will offer integrated medical, dental and behavioral health services as well as a drive-through pharmacy. In addition, MarillacHealth will join with Colorado Mesa University Tech to include an office, classroom and clinical training resources for a new dental hygienist training program.
The building is expected to cost about $21 million. A capital campaign is under way and so far has raised nearly $13 million.
U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper support an application for a
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
For more information about contributions to the capital campaign for the MarillacHealth center, contact Kristy Schmidt at Kristy.Schmidt@marillachealth.org or (970) 200-1630. For more information or to schedule an appointment with MarillacHealth, visit www.MarillacHealth.org or call (970) 200-1600.
$2.5 million grant through a congressionally directed spending fund.
Support also has been secured from foundations, businesses and individuals.
MarillacHealth provides a range of health care services to low income, uninsured and underinsured residents of Mesa County. The organization serves more than 12,000 individuals a year.
MarillacHealth operates facilities at 2333 N. Sixth St., 2139 N. 12th St. and a site at Mesa County Public Health in Grand Junction. The organization operates a health center at Central High School and will open a center at the new Grand Junction High School in August.
Services also are provided at outreach locations, including the Grand Valley Catholic Outreach Day Center as well as Western Colorado Pediatrics.
K. Ramachandran
Hilltop plans to buy downtown building
Hilltop Community Resources announced plans to purchase a building in downtown Grand Junction to combine in one location various offices, departments and programs.
Hilltop reached an agreement to buy a building at 359 Main St. that previously housed Wells Fargo Bank. Bray Commercial Real Estate listed the property for $5.9 million.
The 52,000-square-foot office building sits on 1.86-acres and includes nearly 100 parking spaces.
Mike Stahl, chief executive officer of Hilltop Community Resources, said the downtown building will be large enough to consolidate multiple facilities, including the family resource center located at 11th Street and Colorado Avenue.
The center serves about 2,400 people a year. Increasing demand for services prompted plans to expand programs and staffing. But the organization faced the structural limitations of remodeling a 99-year-old building, Stahl said. “As good stewards
of our resources, we identified a more cost-effective solution by contracting to purchase the Wells Fargo Bank building.”
The downtown building will accommodate most of the family resource center services as well as corporate and information technology offices. More than 100 employees are expected to work in the building.
Housing multiple programs and departments under one roof will enhance collaboration, Stahl said. The larger facility will increase teamwork and learning, foster inclusivity and support a professional employee experience. The high visibility location on Main Street will encourage community engagement while providing easy access to public transportation, he said.
Founded in 1950, Hilltop Community Resources provides a range of human service programs ranging from prenatal health care to assisted living communities for older adults. F
Foundation and Chevron offer support to responders
Chevron and Intermountain St. Mary’s Foundation each donated $25,000 to support the mental health needs of crews with CareFlight of the Rockies.
A total of $50,000 was awarded to the CareFlight of the Rockies critical incident stress management team to provide behavioral health support to first responders who handle life-threatening medical situations. CareFlight of the Rockies provides air ambulance services in western Colorado as well as eastern Utah and parts of New Mexico.
“The situations we as first responders encounter leave a lasting mark on us as caregivers,” said Kelly Thompson, a flight nurse and chief of operations for CareFlight of the Rockies. “In our smaller, rural communities, we’re often providing care for, and sometimes losing, people we know personally. And afterward, that can make an already traumatic situation we experience even more difficult emotionally.”
The critical incident stress management team is comprised of 10 first responders who provide focused debriefings and listening sessions after especially traumatic events.
“CareFlight is one of the most important components of this region’s medical response capabilities, and Chevron is proud to have supported this team for many years,” said Cary Baird, stakeholder engagement and social investment advisor for Chevron. The largest oil and natural gas producer in Colorado, the company employs about 1,000 people in the state.
“We now have an opportunity to dedicate our funding to the critical incident stress management team to ensure these dedicated caregivers receive the support and relief they need to deal with the incidents they witness on a regular basis,” Baird said.
Carmen Shipley, executive director of philanthropy for Intermountain St. Mary’s Foundation in Grand Junction, said the foundation matched the Chevron donation to provide for the next three years a licensed clinical counselor trained in first responder trauma therapy
The counselor will offer counseling as well as work with the stress management team to provide education, training and other resources to help first responders recognize and address behavioral health challenges in themselves and other team members.
Mussels detected in Colorado River and Highline Canal
Zebra mussels were discovered in the Colorado River and Government Highline Canal, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced.
With single detections in both waters, these locations are now considered suspect for the presence of zebra mussels. CPW initiated an invasive species rapid response plan. More sampling is underway to determine if the classification should be changed to positive — a designation following two or more subsequent sampling events detecting mussel veligers.
“This challenging discovery has ecological and economic impacts not only on the Grand Valley, but
potential statewide impacts as well,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis “CPW is committed to working with all of our partners as we work to better understand the extent of this discovery and the next steps in protecting the natural resources and infrastructure.”
Zebra mussels pose ecological effects. The establishment of zebra mussels in the Colorado River is likely to hurt native fish populations due to their filterfeeding strategies that strip essential prey items, such as plankton, from the water. Slower-moving sections of the Colorado River — including pools, eddies and backwaters — are especially prone to invasion.
Zebra mussels also pose a risk to infrastructure that pulls water from the Colorado River. Female zebra mussels can produce up to 1 million eggs in a spawning season. As they mature, mussels bond to surfaces with byssal threads,
making them extremely difficult to remove. This rapid reproduction coupled with their attachment by byssal threads can lead to clogged water infrastructures creating long-term maintenance issues.
On July 1, staff from the CPW aquatic nuisance species (ANS) team collected a plankton sample from the Government Highline Canal near Clifton. The sample was evaluated at the ANS lab in Denver, where a suspected single zebra mussel veliger was found. The sample was then sent to the CPW aquatic animal health lab for further analysis. On July 9, the lab notified Robert Walters, invasive species program manager, the sample was positive for zebra mussel DNA.
On July 8, CPW ANS staff collected plankton samples from two locations in the Colorado River upstream of the See MUSSELS page 12
BLM announces proposed changes to oil and gas plans to protect habitat
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management proposed changes to resource management plans for oil and natural gas development to promote conservation of wildlife corridors and big game habitat on public lands in Colorado.
The BLM coordinated with the state of Colorado, tribes, local governments and citizens to create and evaluate alternative management approaches for oil and gas development to minimize effects on high priority habitat for big game species.
“The BLM is at the forefront of big game habitat conservation efforts for public lands in Colorado, taking this transformational step to align management with the state of Colorado, which has some of the strongest protections for wildlife in the U.S.,” said Doug Vilsack, state director of the BLM in Colorado.
Migratory patterns require minimal disturbance to migration corridors to allow big game species to access sparsely available wintering habitats. With consideration of multiple uses of public land and consistent with existing rights, the plan would also require oil and gas operators to develop and implement mitigation plans to minimize and offset direct, indirect and cumulative effects.
Under the preferred alternative, where lands remain open to oil and gas leasing under existing resource management plans, the BLM would prescribe measures consistent with state regulations to conserve seasonal habitats and connectivity within big game high priority habitat in support of Colorado Parks and Wildlife big game population objectives.
Authorizations for new oil and gas facility locations within high priority big game habitats would be avoided when density exceeds one active oil and gas location per square mile or contributes to an increased density beyond one active oil and gas location per square mile.
The plan, associated documents and instructions for filing a protest are available at the BLM national NEPA register.
Jeff Davis
Construction firm marks 50 years in business
Keystone Custom Builders has scheduled a ceremony to celebrate 50 years of business in the Grand Junction area.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for 11:30 a.m. July 25 at 1226 Ute Ave.
Founded in 1974, Keystone Custom Builders provides both residential and commercial construction services.
“It’s a rare form for any construction company to make it past the first few years, let alone 50 years, all the while staying true to their heritage and the principles that founded them. We are very proud to be among the minority of builders on the Western Slope that have delivered a half century of the very best construction services,” said Jarred Eddy, president and chief executive officer of Keystone Custom Builders.
“We are here thanks to our loyal clients’ decision to trust us with their design and build needs and the amazing people that
make up our team. We are clearly focused on a future where Keystone Custom Builders continues to deliver an amazing customer experience by putting the clients’ priorities and best interest ahead of every decision made and every action taken, with complete transparency,” Eddy said.
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce will join in the celebration.
“We’re pleased to have Keystone Custom Builders as a chamber member,” said Candace Carnahan, president and CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful for businesses like this that keep our community moving forward and our economy strong.”
For more information about Keystone Custom Builders, visit kcbgj.com or call (970) 243-9428.
City seeks comments on Seventh Street transportation
The City of Grand Junction seeks public comments on options for establishing and improving low-stress transportation facilities along Seventh Street.
Community members can participate in a feasibility study by commenting on their experiences traveling along the Seventh Street corridor between Horizon Drive and the Riverfront Trail — whether biking, walking or driving a car.
Community members can provide comments on EngageGJ.org or visit pop-up booths during such community events such as Market on Main.
Additional comments can be provided by taking a short online survey that closes July 31.
“The 2023 Grand Junction bicycle and pedestrian plan identified Seventh Street as a key north-south corridor through the urban core. We look forward to the community’s input into how the corridor can be transformed to safely serve all modes of travel,” said Trent Prall, engineering and transportation director for the City of Grand Junction.
A steering committee was selected from members of the community who have specific interests in travel along Seventh Street and will guide study goals in relation to the pedestrian and bicycle plan as well as recommend facilities, identify high-risk locations, review information received during the public outreach and other tasks.
The steering committee will work with the project team and consultant, KLJ Engineering, and be supported by city staff with expertise in transportation, planning, emergency response and urban forestry.
Through the One Grand Junction Comprehensive Plan and Grand Junction pedestrian and bicycle plan, the City of Grand Junction has identified the need to continue to develop a safe, balanced and well-connected transportation system that enhances mobility of all modes along with the importance of installing low-stress, high comfort bike facilities along the city’s active transportation corridors. F
Women’s network plans summer mixer
The Mesa County Women’s Network has scheduled a summer mixer.
The event is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 31 at Highlands Distillery, located at 782 24 Road in Grand Junction.
The event will feature appetizers. Beverages will be available for purchase.
The event is free for network members and $15 for guests. For tickets or more information, visit www.mcwn.us.
The Mesa County Women’s Network empowers women through networking, professional development and community engagement.
Firm selected as property manager for apartments
Griffins/Blessing was selected as property manager for Nexus Apartments, a 122-unit apartment and townhome community near Canyon View Park in Grand Junction.
“Griffins/Blessing is a trusted partner that supports the owner’s multifamily assets, and our teams work diligently to enhance their value with professionalism and integrity,” said Tom Polewchak, regional vice president of Multifamily Services.
“This is our 13th community on the Western Slope and fourth partnering with Four Points Funding.”
Nexus Apartments offers a mix of one and two bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhomes with washers and dryers, walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances and floor plans that range from 628 to 1,350 square feet.
Located in Colorado Springs with additional offices in Denver, Griffins/Blessing manages more than 11,000 apartment units and almost 6 million square feet of commercial space. Four Points Funding focuses on multifamily and outdoor hospitality properties in Opportunity Zones. F
Continued from page 8
Grand Valley Water Users Canal diversion. On July 10, ANS technicians identified single suspect zebra mussel veligers in both samples. The samples were sent to the aquatic animal health lab for confirmation. On July 11, the lab confirmed the samples were positive for zebra mussel DNA.
A veliger is the free-floating larval stage of the mussel. At this stage of their life cycle, zebra mussels can only be seen under a microscope. No adult zebra mussels have been found at this time at either location.
“We are disappointed in the situation we find ourselves in,” said Ed Warner, area manager of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Western Colorado Area Office. “We know how much effort CPW has put into keeping the Colorado River clear of zebra mussels. This is an extremely difficult scenario for all who rely on the Upper Colorado River system. We look forward to partnering with CPW, our stakeholders and all involved to do what we can to address the situation.”
Tina Bergonzini, general manager of the Grand Valley Water Users Association, called the zebra mussel detection devastating.
“Having our canal and the Colorado River test positive increases the threat of this invasive species and could impact everyone in the Grand Valley. From irrigation to drinking water, the ramifications cannot be
Mussels Voting
Continued from page 2
n Grants the state attorney general oversight of agreements between employers and employees concerning reimbursement for educational or training should employees leave prior to a certain time.
n Establishes an environmental justice task force within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to study the effects of air pollution.
The NFIB supported measures that:
n Requires electronic equipment manufacturers to provide
underestimated or overstated. Our efforts, alongside our partners at CPW and the BOR, will be increased to protect our infrastructure, the livelihoods of so many and water security for us all.”
CPW staff will continue working the Bureau of Reclamation and Grand Valley Water Users Association on the next steps. Signs alerting the public of the river status will be posted at river access points from De Beque Canyon to the Loma Boat Ramp.
“Detecting mussels in the Colorado River highlights how critical it is for boaters, paddlers, anglers and any person recreating in Colorado’s waters to do their part in preventing the spread,” Walters said.
CPW encourages anyone boating, floating, paddling or fishing in the Colorado River to clean, drain and dry their vessels and equipment, including motorized boats, rafts, paddle boards, kayaks and fishing gear after exiting the river.
CPW is evaluating options for the future management of Highline Lake based on this new information. Updates regarding access, fishing regulations and water management will be provided once those decisions have been made.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife drained Highline Lake west of Grand Junction as part of additional efforts to eradicate an infestation of zebra mussels there.
third-party shops with resources to repair equipment. Manufacturers must provide parts, software and tools at a cost no higher than they charge authorized repair centers.
n Transfers $3.6 million from the general fund for a program to address workforce shortages.
n Establishes that vendors using data from geographic information systems to calculate sales and use taxes are relieved from liability if the data is erroneous.
Write
Continued from page 2
Before she transitioned into the real estate business on a full-time basis, Ficklin worked as a teacher and principal in Denver and Grand Junction. In the Grand Valley, she worked as assistant principal at Chatfield Elementary in Clifton and then high school principal for the Division of Youth Corrections.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with double majors in management and marekting. She holds two master’s degrees in education and educational leadership.
Ficklin says it was difficult leaving teaching and working with students, but discovered she also enjoyed real estate sales and working with clients.
Ficklin says she drew on her experiences in real estate in writing a book for homebuyers. The 15 chapters in the book cover such topics as selecting real estate agents and lenders, inspections, appraisals, due diligence, seller concessions, insurance and closings.
Every chapter includes what Ficklin says are horror stories to detail what could happen if homeowners don’t avoid pitfalls in the home buying process.
She stresses the importance of interviewing real estate agents and checking the references of past clients before signing a contract with an agent. She also stresses the importance of meeting deadlines so the earnest money that accompanies an offer isn’t forfeited.
Problems also can arise, Ficklin says, when homebuyers sign a contract with one agent, but then work with another agent to make an offer a home — a listing agent, for example.
It’s important as well for homeowners to keep apprised of new regulations and laws changing real estate transactions.
While higher interest rates on mortgages and uncertainty have slowed real estate activity in Mesa County, demand remains strong, Ficklin says.
People continue to relocate to the Grand Valley, she says, because they discovered they can work remotely while also enjoying what she says is the best outdoor recreation in the world.
Moreover, the Meaa County economy is far more diverse and, therefore, resilient.
Ficklin also serves as a hearing officer on the Mesa County Board of Equalization and Abatement, making recommendations on property valuation appeals.
She’s working to complete a doctoral degree in psychology.
And she’s writing more books in what’s billed as her Cindy says series — including a book on selling homes she says can help sellers realize tens of thousands of dollars more on their transactions. “It will make a big difference.”
In addition, Ficklin says she plans to write books to help teachers and parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
For now, Ficklin continues to combine her passions for education and real estate to help her clients buy and sell homes.
INDICATORS AT A GLANCE
n Business filings
t New business filings in Colorado, 45,150 in the first quarter, down 19.2% from the first quarter of 2023.
n Confidence
t Consumer Confidence Index 100.4 in June, down 0.9.
t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 50.6 for the third quarter, down 3.1.
s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 91.5 for June, up 1.
News Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac
n Foreclosures
t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 13 in June, down from 18 in June 2023.
t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 2 in June, down from 4 in June 2023.
n Indexes
t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 110.27 for June, down 0.77.
t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 101.1 for June, down 0.2%.
t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 48.5% for June, down 0.2%.
t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for services, 48.8% for June, down 5%.
n Real estate
t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 322 in June, down 25.1 percent from June 2023.
t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $147.7 million in June, down 24.4% from June 2023.
n Sales
t Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.7 million for June, down 1.1% from June 2023.
n Unemployment
s Mesa County — 4.4% for June, up 0.3.
n Colorado — 3.8% for June, unchanged.
s United States — 4.1% for June, up 0.1.
June jobless rate jumps
Gain attributed to grads entering workforce occurs in Mesa County
Phil Castle The Business Times
The monthly unemployment rate jumped again in June in Mesa County, a seasonal increase that’s been attributed in the past to high school and college graduates entering the workforce, but not yet finding jobs.
The seasonally unadjusted jobless rate rose three-tenths of a point between May and June to 4.4 percent, according to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. At this time last year, the rate was lower at 3.9 percent.
Despite gains in each of the last two months, the latest unemployment rate remains below the 4.7 percent posted in February, the high so far for 2024.
Between May and June 2024, Mesa County payrolls increased 327 to 72,993. But the number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work also increased — 273 to 3,348. The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, grew 600 to 76,341.
Over the past year, payrolls decreased 103 even as the ranks of the unemployed increased 345. The labor force grew 242.
The monthly jobless rate typically jumps between May and June in part because high school and college graduates enter the workforce, but don’t immediately find jobs.
The latest increase wasn’t as pronounced as last year, though, when the monthly unemployment rate increased eight-tenths of a point.
Following the June jump, the monthly unemployment rate typically trends back down in Mesa County through the summer and fall.
Employment estimates for July are scheduled for publication Aug. 16.
Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates increased in three neighboring western Colorado counties in June — four-tenths of a point to 4.4 percent in Rio Blanco County, two-tenths of a point to 4.1 percent in Delta County and a tenth of a point to 3.8 percent in
Montrose County. The jobless rate slipped two-tenths of a point to 3.4 percent in Garfield County.
The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate held steady at 3.8 percent even though nonfarm payrolls rose 1,400 between May and June.
By comparison, the national jobless rate edged up a tenth of a point between May and June to 4.1 percent.
According to the latest results of household surveys, the number of employed people in Colorado rose 2,600 to more than 3.1 million, which represents 65.3 percent of the state population 16 years old and older.
The number of unemployed people in the state increased 800 to 124,400.
The unemployment rate held steady in part because of rounding.
The labor participation rate — the proportion of the population working or looking for work — remained unchanged at 67.9 percent. That’s higher than the national labor participation rate of 62.6 percent.
According to the latest results of separate business surveys, nonfarm payrolls grew 1,400 between May and June to nearly 3 million.
Private sector payrolls increased 600, while government payrolls increased 800. Employment increased 1,200 in other services, but decreased 1,100 in construction.
Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls grew 40,900 for an annual rate of job growth of 1.4 percent.
Employment increased 12,500 in educational and health services, 8,000 in professional and business services and 4,200 in financial activities. Employment decreased 4,000 in construction and 3,000 in information. Payrolls declined 6,000 in the trade, transportation and utilities sector.
The average workweek for Colorado employees on private, nonfarm payrolls lengthened an hour over the past year to 34.2 hours. Average hourly earnings increased $2.80 to $37.98. F
Mesa County sales tax collections edge upward
Sales tax collections, one measure of retail activity, edged upward in Mesa County on a year-over-year basis.
The county collected more than $4.3 million in sales taxes in June. That’s an increase of almost $4,000 and a tenth of a percent over the same month a year ago. June collections reflect May sales.
Tax collections on retail sales topped $2.5 million in June 2024, an increase of 2.4 percent over the same month in 2023. Increases in tax collections on the sales of clothing, home improvements and general merchandise bolstered the gain.
Mesa County collected more than $1.8 million in taxes on sales in other industries in June, a 2.9 percent decline over the same month a year ago. Decreased collections in the manufacturing, oil and natural gas and wholesale sectors more than offset increased collections in the hotel and restaurant, medical and utilities sectors.
Through the first half of 2024, the county collected nearly $24.5 million in sales taxes, an increase of more than $603,000 and 2.5 percent over the same span in 2023.
Mesa County collected a total of almost $9.3 million in sales taxes it distributed back to cities and towns in the county, including nearly $5.4 million to Grand Junction, almost $1.7 million to Fruita, $1.1 million to Palisade and $506,218 each to Collbran and De Beque.
Year-to-date tax collections on retail sales rose 2.8 percent to top $14.3 million. Increased collections on the sale of clothing,
MESA COUNTY TAX COLLECTIONS
June 2023 June 2024 Sales taxes $4,341,321 $4,345,077 s 0.1%
taxes
$389,142 t 13.1%
$4,789,070 $4,734,219 t 1.1%
home improvements and general merchandise more than offset decreased collections on automobiles and sporting goods.
Year-to-date tax collections on sales in other industries exceeded $10.1 million, a 2.1 percent gain. Increased collections on sales in the hotel and restaurant, medical and rental sectors more than offset decreased collections on the construction, oil and natural gas and wholesale sectors.
Use tax collections — nearly all of them on the sales of automobiles purchased outside the county, but used in the county — totaled $389,142 in June. That was a 13.1 percent drop compared to the same month a year ago.
Through the first half of 2024, use tax collections totaled almost $2.3 million, a 4.1 percent increase over the same span in 2023.
Rural economic index still negative
A monthly index tracking the rural economy in Colorado and nine other states remained in negative territory for an 11th straight month.
The overall reading for the Rural Mainstreet Index fell four-tenths of a point between June and July to 41.7. That’s the lowest level since November and below growth-neutral 50.
The overall reading for Colorado fell 4.4 points, but at 52.3 remained at the highest level among the 10 states.
Ernie Goss
Ernie Goss — an economics professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., who compiles the index — attributed the decline in the Rural Mainstreet Index to weak agricultural commodity prices, slower agricultural equipment sales and declining farm exports.
Goss bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of bank executives in rural areas of the 10-state region dependent on the agriculture and energy sectors.
In Colorado, the farm and ranch land price index dropped
6.9 points to 54.6 in July. The new hiring index fell 1.2 points to 53.1.
According to separate information from the International Trade Association, year-to-date exports of agricultural goods and livestock from Colorado in 2024 were up $105.7 million — nearly 200 percent — compared to the same period in 2023.
Across the region, a component of the index tracking confidence fell nine-tenths of a point to 28.3, the lowest level this year. “Weak agricultural commodity prices and farm exports, combined with downturns in farm equipment sales over the past several months continue to constrain banker confidence,” Goss said.
A new hiring component rose 2.3 points to 50.
The home sales component tumbled 29.2 points to 33.3, while the retail sales component fell 2.2 points to 39.1.
The loan volume component fell 11.8 points to 67.4.
The component for farm and ranching land prices rose 2.3 points to 52.2.
The component for farm equipment sales fell 12.8 points to 19, the lowest level in more than seven years.
Leading index signals slowing in U.S. growth
A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to retreat, signaling what could be slower growth.
The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) decreased two-tenths of a percent to 101.1 in June. Separate measures of current and past conditions increased.
Justyna ZabinskaLa Monica, senior manager of business cycle indicators at the Conference Board, said the latest decline in the index reflects gloomy consumer expectations, fewer new orders and more claims for unemployment benefits. Because of a slower rate of decline, however, the long-term growth of the LEI is less negative.
“Taken together, June’s data suggest that economic activity is likely to continue to lose momentum in the months ahead,” she said.
The Conference Board forecasts growth in gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the country, to slow to an annual rate of 1 percent in the third quarter.
Over the past six months, the LEI has declined 1.9 percent, less than the 3.8 percent drop over the six months before that. Weakness among leading indicators remained widespread, though.
By comparison, GDP grew at an annual rate of 1.4 percent in the first quarter and 3.4 percent in the fourth quarter.
For June, six of 10 indicators of the LEI increased — average weekly manufacturing hours, building permits, a leading credit index, new orders for both capital and consumer goods and stock prices. Consumer expectations for business conditions, interest rate spread and a new orders index decreased. An increase in initial weekly claims for unemployment benefits also pulled the index down.
The Coincident Economic Index rose three-tenths of a percent to 112.6. The index increased six-tenths of a percent over the past six months.
For June, all four indicators of the index advanced — industrial production, nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales.
The Lagging Economic Index edged up a tenth of a percent to 119.5. The index rose three-tenths of a percent over the past three months.
For June, four of seven indicators of the index increased, including commercial and industrial financing, consumer credit and inventories. A decrease in the average duration of unemployment also bolstered the index. Changes in the cost of labor and services pulled down the index. The average prime rate charged by banks remained unchanged.
J. ZabinskaLa Monica
COMING ATTRACTIONS
n The Business Incubator Center has scheduled a class about using artificial intelligence as well as a business planning course.
A free introductory class for entrepreneurs about using AI and ChatGPT is set for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 25 at the FWorks coworking space at 325 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita.
The effects of AI on HR
Business Briefs
Artificial intelligence offers many benefits, but also poses some risks
requires careful design, continuous monitoring and regular updates to AI models. Organizations must prioritize transparency and accountability to build trust in AI-driven HR practices.
Business People Almanac
The next Leading Edge business planning course is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Aug. 28 to Nov. 13 at the Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way in Grand Junction. Admission is $275 and $100 for each additional participant from the same business.
To register for or obtain more information about events, services and programs offered at the Business Incubator Center, call (970) 243-5242 or log on to https://gjincubator.org.
n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled an energy summit for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 14 at Colorado Mesa University. Admission is $65 for chamber members, $75 for others.
For more information about upcoming chamber events, call (970) 242-3214 or log on to the website located at https://gjchamber.org.
n The next Coffee Club free networking meeting is set for 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 16 at FWorks.
The meeting will include a presentation by Renaya Demarest, managing director of the Growl Agency, about marketing technology and trends.
For information, log on to https://gjincubator.org or visit https://fruitachamber.org.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has brought significant changes to various industries. Human resources is no exception. AI has transformed HR practices by enhancing efficiency, improving decision-making and providing valuable insights into workforce management. However, the integration of AI in HR also presents challenges that must addressed to maximize potential benefits while mitigating risks.
AI streamlines the recruitment process by automating such time-consuming tasks as resume screening and initial candidate assessments. Advanced algorithms analyze resumes and identify the most suitable candidates based on predefined criteria, significantly reducing the time and effort of HR professionals. Moreover, AI-driven tools enhance the candidate experience by providing timely updates and personalized communication throughout the hiring process.
Maintaining high levels of employee engagement and retention is crucial for organizational success. AI plays a significant role in this area by analyzing employee sentiment and engagement levels through such data points as surveys, social media activity and performance metrics. By identifying patterns and trends, AI provides HR professionals with insights into areas that could require attention, enabling proactive measures to boost engagement.
In addition, AI personalizes learning and development programs for employees. By analyzing individual performance data and career aspirations, AI recommends tailored training modules and career development opportunities. This personalized approach not only enhances employee satisfaction, but also contributes to their professional growth, ultimately leading to higher retention rates.
AI also facilitates more effective performance management by providing data-driven insights into employee performance. AI tools track key performance indicators, generate performance reports and even predict future performance based on historic data. This enables managers to make informed decisions regarding promotions, training and development opportunities.
Personalized learning experiences powered by AI enhance employee development. AI recommends tailored training programs based on individual skill gaps and career aspirations. This not only improves employee skills and knowledge, but also aligns their development with organizational goals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
AI presents challenges for HR, though. One of the major concerns is the potential for bias in algorithms. If the data used to train AI models reflects biases, the AI system could perpetuate or even amplify biases in decision-making processes. Ensuring fairness and mitigating bias
The integration of AI in HR involves the collection and analysis of vast amounts of employee data. This raises concerns about privacy and security. Organizations must implement robust data protection measures and follow relevant regulations to safeguard sensitive employee information. In addition, employees should be informed about how their data is used and the benefits of AI in HR to alleviate concerns and promote acceptance.
The adoption of AI in HR requires a shift in organizational culture and mindset. HR professionals must be trained to use AI tools effectively and understand limitations. This includes fostering a collaborative environment in which AI is seen as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. Successful change management involves clear communication, ongoing support and involving employees in the transition process. Organizations should consider the following best practices for implementing AI in HR to leverage the full potential while addressing challenges. Start with clear objectives by defining specific goals for implementing AI — improving recruitment efficiency or enhancing employee engagement, for example. Ensure data quality for accurate AI predictions and decisions. Invest in data cleansing and validation processes to ensure data used for AI training is accurate and representative. Develop ethical guidelines for AI use. Focus on fairness, transparency and accountability. Regularly audit AI systems to detect and mitigate biases. Foster collaboration among HR professionals, data scientists and AI experts to ensure the successful integration of AI in HR practices. Cross-functional teams provide diverse perspectives and expertise. Encourage continuous learning and adaptation. AI constantly evolves. Stay up to date with the latest advancements and continue to adapt AI strategies to meet changing organizational needs and regulatory requirements. AI has the potential to revolutionize HR by enhancing efficiency, improving decision-making and offering valuable insights. However, organizations must address challenges related to bias, data privacy and change management to fully realize those benefits. By implementing best practices and fostering a collaborative approach, organizations can harness the power of AI to create more effective and inclusive workplaces.
Jenny Yeager, a certified human resource professional, is administrative liaison with Insight Financial Solutions in Grand Junction and a board member of the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For more information, visit https://wchra.org. F
Jenny Yeager
Data Support Specialist
Business Partner
True success and happiness a balancing act
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 of their personal lives in the pursuit of success.
There’s no real benefit to working yourself into the ground, however. When you become fatigued, your business suffers because you don’t possess the clarity, composure and energy necessary to be the caliber of leader required and create the level of fulfillment and success you desire.
Conversely, there’s a tremendous benefit to everyone involved — business owners, team members, customers and families — in creating and maintaining a balance between personal and business lives.
Your business is only one aspect of your life. You also have the important relationships you share with family and friends, your health, passions, hobbies and interests. When you deliberately or unconsciously allow yourself to become consumed by business and neglect these other aspects of your life, your well-being and happiness fades away.
You can’t go back and recapture those magical times in life after your children are grown. Once a divorce occurs, it’s impossible to return to the past and 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 to obtain it.
The interesting thing about maintaining balance between life and business is that in addition to improving the quality of your life, it also allows you to become a more
When you make time to care for yourself and engage in other aspects of your life, you recharge mentally, emotionally and physically. You have more to give. In other words, you increase your own potential and, therefore, the potential of your business.
productive, creative and effective business owner. When you make time to care for yourself and engage in other aspects of your life, you recharge mentally, emotionally and physically. You have more to give. In other words, you increase your own potential and, therefore, the potential of your business.
When you’re in balance with your life and business, you tend to treat the people in your personal and professional lives better because your perspective is clearer and your attitude more pleasant. You’re more patient and happier. When you treat people better, they tend to do the same and your relationships improve as a result.
When you go on vacation with your significant other or skiing with your children, 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 work and 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 merely 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 for everyone involved.
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 take action.
In the end, each of us are left with the sum of the moments of our lives. We’ll either be pleased with the lives we lived or we won’t. Live your life with the intention of creating balance among its differing aspects and you’ll not only be more successful, but also — and perhaps more importantly — happier.
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.
Marcus Straub
Six revival tips for small businesses
The past few years have constituted trying times for small businesses and their owners. COVID, escalating property prices, fluctuating markets, inflation, rising interest rates and more have taken a toll on businesses in general and small businesses in particular. There’s no better time to get back to the basics. Here are some revival tips and reminders.
n Network. Get out and meet other business owners and potential clients. Reconnect with existing clients and customers. Reactivate your memberships in chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and professional and trade associations. Get on the committees and boards of the organizations you support. Go to conferences and conventions. Exhibit at trade shows.
n Elevator speech. Refresh your 60-second to 90-second elevator speech. You only get to make a first impression once, so make it count. Focus on the three things you do best or the three types of potential clients or customers you want to meet. Make each word count. Avoid laundry lists of services or products. People remember things best in lists of three — or occasionally four — or less.
n Give, give and get. People tend to respond more favorably to outreach and networking if you start by offering or giving something — on at least two occasions — before asking for help, referrals or business. When you talk with someone, focus on that person and not yourself. Ask how their business is going and how you can help them revive and grow. People like to talk about themselves and their businesses and interests. Almost everyone will then ask you about your business and goals. If they don’t, you could always gently slip in an idea or two.
n Listen twice as much as you speak. As the saying goes: “You have two ears and one mouth.” Hence the suggestion you should spend twice as much time listening as speaking. Again, people like to talk to other people who ask questions, offer ideas and focus on them.
An
annual review of your business plan and goals is ideal. If you haven’t been doing that review, now’s an excellent time to update your plan and goals.
Do everything possible to avoid talking over someone.
n 80/20 rule. As you reassess where your business stands and where you want to take it, look at your existing clients or customers and your potential clients and customers. Assign each one a category of current client, prospect or suspect. Keeping in mind that 80 percent of your business comes from 20 percent of your clients or customers, allocate each contact in these three categories to the 80 percent group or 20 percent group. The clients, customers or prospects to focus on will usually be the ones in the 80 percent of revenue group. You might still work with the 20 percent group, but you also might consider referring them to fellow business owners better able to meet their needs.
n Revisit and refresh your business plan. An annual review of your business plan and goals is ideal. If you haven’t been doing that review, now’s an excellent time to update and refocus your plans and goals. Your business plan is your road map. You need it to talk with lenders and investors, prioritize activities and expenditures and assess what is and isn’t working.
There’s no time like the present to realign and reinvent your business, preparing it — and you — for the next few years of change.
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.
Janet Arrowood
Helping entrepreneurs builds prosperous future
Entrepreneurship drives economic growth and prosperity. When entrepreneurs start new businesses, they create jobs, increase demand for goods and services and generate new revenue streams. This leads to economic growth and increased prosperity for all.
Dalida Bollig
Innovation drives gains in productivity. Much of this innovation comes from entrepreneurs and new businesses.
A strong entrepreneurial ecosystem attracts new businesses and talent, initiating a cycle of economic development. Programs and services that support small businesses, robust infrastructure planning and policies fostering a healthy business environment are essential to encourage a diverse business landscape.
While not all small businesses exert the same economic impact, they serve as the foundation for larger companies, contributing to a healthier economy overall. Small businesses also provide opportunities for entrepreneurs who might not have the resources to start larger companies.
Since I’m traveling as I write this column, I decided to share economic development initiatives from a couple of European countries and draw parallels to Colorado initiatives.
Starting with my homeland, Sweden has focused its efforts in recent years on supporting startups in artificial intelligence and technology. Sweden stands out with its robust support for tech startups through the Startup Sweden program. This initiative offers mentorship, access to funding and international exposure, positioning Sweden as a global innovation hub.
As we reflect on these international examples and our local efforts, we should ask ourselves: How can our community better support entrepreneurship? What policies and initiatives can we implement to foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem?
In 2023, Sweden experienced a 7 percent increase in startup formation, particularly in financial and health technology. The country’s investment in digital infrastructure and a strong emphasis on research and development have been key drivers of this growth.
Greece, a country that’s been recovering from a prolonged economic crisis, has made significant strides with its Elevate Greece initiative. This program supports the startup ecosystem through funding opportunities, tax relief and networking events aimed at attracting domestic and international investors.
In 2023, the startup sector in Greece grew 12 percent, with notable successes in the agriculture and tourism technology industries. The government’s focus on creating a business-friendly environment has been pivotal in this resurgence, providing a model for economic recovery and growth.
In Colorado, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) plays a similar role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The advanced industries accelerator program provides grants and other resources to startups in such key sectors as aerospace,
bioscience and advanced manufacturing. This mirrors Sweden’s focus on tech and innovation, supporting Colorado’s position as a leader in high-tech industries.
Similarly, the network of Small Business Development Centers in Colorado offers one-on-one business consulting and training programs to help small businesses navigate challenges — akin to the Elevate Greece initiative. These efforts ensure entrepreneurs have the support and resources they need to succeed, fostering a resilient and dynamic business environment.
Entrepreneurship thrives when government policies and economic development organizations work together to increase resources available to entrepreneurs and protect against economic slumps. Supporting entrepreneurship drives innovation and creates jobs, leading to a stronger and more prosperous community.
As we reflect on these international examples and our local efforts, we should ask ourselves: How can our community better support entrepreneurship? What policies and initiatives can we implement to foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem?
By fostering curiosity and inspiring action, we can navigate and overcome economic challenges, building a brighter future for our community.
Dalida Sassoon Bollig, chief executive officer of the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction, is an experienced strategist with demonstrated work in international affairs. She brings to her duties experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, leadership, partnerships, public policy and trade. For additional information about programs and services offered at the center, call (970) 243-5232 or visit https://gjincubator.org. Reach Bollig by email at dbollig@gjincubator.org.
Do your employees know the game of business?
Back in 1992, Jack Stack wrote and published “The Great Game of Business” to offer a new approach to business.
Also known as “GGOB” or open-book management, the concept involves literally opening the books to the entire organization. In equipping everyone with the ability to read financial statements and make financial decisions, they gain a stake in the operation.
Stack is founder, president and chief executive officer of SRC Holdings. His book details the journey of SRC from a failing business to one of the most successful companies in America. More than 30 years later, I still recommend the book as a fascinating read for anyone interested in innovative business practices.
As we shift from command-and-control thinking to more servant leadership mindsets, it’s critical to treat employees as if they’re the true leaders of the organization.
I’ve written and spoken at length about the fact that everyone in your employ is a leader.
Sure, some are leading initiatives you don’t want. But overall, everyone has just as critical an effect on your business as you do. Each day, your employees make
As we shift from command-andcontrol thinking to more servant leadership mindsets, it’s critical to treat employees as if they’re the true leaders of the organization.
conscious or unconscious decisions that change your bottom line.
When going into different businesses, I find it intriguing how employees either don’t know the financials of that business or business leaders treat those finances as if they’re national secrets.Yet, these are the same employees who run their own lives and balance their own checkbooks.
OK. I get it. Some people are better at this than others Some understand numbers better than others.
But the bottom line is this: If these are the same employees you’re empowering and engaging to run the business, why shouldn’t they have information that enables them to make informed decisions?
It takes some conviction on your part. And some patience for sure.
You begin by answering the following question: How much is your time worth? Few business leaders take time
to answer that question. Hypothetically, if you’re time is worth $1,500 an hour or more, why are you bothering with decisions that only yield you $100?
Empowering and engaging your employees to understand the true costs behind your business as well as what you expect them to return to you for the wages and benefits you pay them allows everyone to raise the bar. Don’t believe it’s possible? Do you believe this is some sort of pipe dream?
Right now you can purchase a copy of “The Great Game of Business” for as little at $3.95 on eBay. Hurry while supplies last and before fall arrives. Come fall, Starbucks will charge $6.95 for a pumpkin spiced latte.
Timothy Haggerty and his wife, Bernadette, operate a consulting firm based in Grand Junction that helps clients transition from command and control to servant leadership and change the view of wages and benefits from expenses to investments. Haggerty brings to the venture more than 40 years of experience in operations management and a record of decreasing costs while increasing productivity and revenue. He also serves as president-elect of the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club. Reach him at info@timothyhaggerty.com, (610) 737-0496 or www.timothyhaggerty.com F
Cardiovascular exercises really get the heart pumping
It’s no secret: To keep healthy, we must move our bodies every day. Movement strengthens our muscles, including our heart. Did you know the heart muscle is the only muscle that never stops working?
Cardiovascular exercise keeps your heart strong. Learning what cardio exercise is and why it’s important is the first step. From there, you can explore ways of getting cardio exercise in the gym and some tips on making your experience the most enjoyable and beneficial it can be.
Simply put, cardio exercise raises your heart rate. When you go for a run or walk up and down stairs, you’re performing cardio. The stronger your cardiovascular system becomes, the more capillaries you have delivering oxygen to the cells in your muscles, where these cells then burn more fat.
A strong cardiovascular system means more than just weight loss. Cardio exercises strengthen the heart and lungs, increase bone density, reduce stress, improve sleep and decrease the risk of heart disease. The list goes on. Most important, cardio makes your body more efficient in your day-to-day living.
Cardio exercise should be personalized. Begin by finding your target heart rate. This will give you a starting point to make sure your workout is not only beneficial, but also safe. To calculate your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220. To find your target heart rate, multiply your maximum heart rate by 0.55 and 0.85. This is the range where you will find the most benefit to your workout.
A heart rate monitor offers an important tool to track your heart rate throughout your workout. It can record the amount of time you exercise in your zone and how many calories you burn. If you don’t have a heart rate monitor or fitness band that measures heart rate, consider buying one.
Cardio exercise can be done inside and outside. It’s a personal preference. Both offer advantages. Cardio equipment in a health club is intended specifically for exercise. Each machine is designed to imitate your body’s natural movements. Understanding what each machine does will help you decide which one works best for your body and goals. Ideally, it will be a combination of a few of them.
Start with the treadmill. It simulates walking and running. This machine has both incline and speed adjustments. By increasing the incline of the bed of the treadmill, you’ll feel as though you’re walking uphill. This will also increase your heart rate. Try to use the handles for balance only, not support. When you use the treadmill without holding on, you’re engaging your core muscles to stay balanced.
An elliptical machine offers a non-impact form of exercise. This cardio machine is a good alternative for people who have joint or back issues. This machine can provide upper and lower body strengthening and conditioning. You can set the resistance for a harder workout as well as the cross ramp for an increased incline.
The recumbent bike is another beneficial cardio machine. It works the gluteal muscles. This bike allows you to change the level of resistance.
Other cardio machines include the adaptive motion trainer that can vary from stepping to running with stride length. The rowing machine offers a great cardio intensity workout.
Cardio exercise is only one of the four cornerstones of exercise, but one of the most important. There are various ways to increase your heart rate. Choose one that best suits your body and fitness goals. By choosing exercises you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to consistently do them. The benefits of cardio exercise far exceed just weight loss.
Paula and Dale Reece own Crossroads Fitness Centers in Grand Junction with a downtown location at 225 N. Fifth St. and north location at 2768 Compass Drive. For more information, call 242-8746 or visit the website located at www.crossroadsfitness.com.
Timothy Haggerty
Paula Reece
Opinion
And you actually believe your job is that stressful?
Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac
A new year affords a new opportunity to meet local needs
I complain a lot — at least to anyone willing to put up with my incessant whining — about the stress I endure as editor of a business journal. My stress varies in intensity from merely bothersome to full-blown apocalyptic depending on how much work I have to complete and how close the next deadline looms.
A new year almost always brings an opportunity for a fresh start and renewed ambition to do things better.
According to the results of one study, however, my occupation doesn’t make the list of most stressful jobs. Not even close.
In business, that usually boils down to providing customers better products and services faster and at lower cost than competitors. Part of the process must include listening to customers to determine what they actually need and then meeting that need. After all, it does little good to offer the latest and greatest if nobody actually wants what you’re selling.
Phil Castle
Dolman Law Group — www.dolmanlaw.com — conducted research to rank the most stressful jobs, taking into account median salaries, average work hours as well as unemployment rates and the proportion of people changing jobs after the first two years. The rankings also considered unique stress factors.
Some of the results weren’t too surprising — at least to me. But other results were.
Just like the businesses that belong to the group, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment of the services and resources it provides and how well they match with members needs. Jeff Franklin, the new chairman of the chamber board of directors, personifies this approach in describing what he considers his role for the coming year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a role with which Franklin is familiar as market president of Bank of Colorado.
The process will take on a more structured approach in what the chamber plans as the resumption of a program aptly called Listening to Business. Under the program, business owners participate in in-depth interviews to identify barriers to growth and other problems they encounter.
The new year offers a good time to join the proverbial club.
As an advertiser or reader, what do you need from the Business Times?
Steelworker ranked as the most stressful job of all with a combination of physical demands, workplace hazards and long shifts. Moreover, steelworkers earn a lower annual median salary of around $58,000. In other words, hard and dangerous work for comparatively lower wages. By the way, 29 percent of steelworkers change jobs after two years. Firefighter also ranks among the top five most stressful jobs because of physical danger, long shifts and comparatively lower wages. Again, not surprising. The threat of serious injury or even death would stress me out. What was more surprising was some of the other occupations that made the list.
While business journals traditionally gather and report the relevant news to readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially true as Web sites and e-mail make the dialogue more convenient than ever.
Good publications don’t exist in a vacuum. They respond to the needs of advertisers and readers. They provide what’s needed.
Surgeon ranked second in part because of long working hours that include 12- to 28-hour shifts as well as the responsibility for their patients’ health and even lives. But unlike steelworkers and firefighters, surgeons are compensated for the stress and education required with the highest annual median salary of all the jobs on the list at nearly $240,000.
So what do you need?
Is there additional news coverage that would help keep you informed about local business developments? Are there features that would be interesting or useful? Is there advice that would make your jobs a little easier?
Anesthesiologists ranked third for many of the same reasons as those that apply to surgeons. But anesthesiologists are also compensated comparatively well with annual median salaries of $208,000.
Lawyers ranked sixth on the list for such stress factors as pressure and the amount of documents and information with which they deal. Half of lawyers change jobs after one to two years, the highest proportion of any of the occupations in the ranking.
It’s equally important to ask what you don’t need. With limited time to produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time and space be better devoted to something else?
What’s good? What isn’t? What’s needed? What isn’t?
Let us know. Send us an e-mail. Comment online on the Business Times Web site at www.thebusinesstimes.com. You could even write an old-fashioned letter to the editor if you’d like. Your feedback, both positive and negative, is valued and will be carefully considered.
Good publications are the result of not only the efforts of their staffs, but also collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers.
Other stressful occupations ranked in the study included security guard, clinical social worker and patrol officers. But not, as I noted, newspaper editor Kidding aside, I love my job. I get paid to meet business owners and managers and tell their stories. Despite the mostly self-imposed stress of deadlines, it’s rewarding stuff. And I wouldn’t want to change jobs. Unless, that is, there was an opening for a lion tamer. Or a lumber jack ... .
Like any other good business, we want to listen to our customers, find out what they need and then meet those needs.
It’s a new year. Please help us to do so. ✦
Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times. Reach him at (970) 424-5133 or phil@thebusinesstimes.com. F
THE BUSINESS TIMES
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Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall Editor: Phil Castle
Bold predictions for 2015 more like not-so-bold repeats
Joe Biden’s body lies a mouldering in the office?
Yes, I know it goes, “John Brown’s body lies a-mouldering in the grave ...” from the top 10 hit from the 1860s. But for you progressives reading this, it’s a play on words.
It’s that time of year when resolutions and prognostications abound. My favorite saying applied to New Year’s resolutions is in saying they’re basically a bunch of promises to break the first week of January. And while I won’t predict a whole lot, I can pretty much accurately nail a few things that without question will make the news. You will see these are pretty, well, predictable:
I also know someone wrote a neat book back in the day about how Democrats and Bill Clinton treated his old Commerce secretary, Ron Brown, during his tenure and after his death titled “Ron Brown’s Body.” Humor me today because it applies to President Joe Biden.
Craig Hall
Most important, John Brown, Ron Brown and now Joe Biden all have one thing in common. How the Democrat party looked at them and their usefulness to the cause.
Craig Hall
■ Prediction one: There will be some sort of weather event, natural disaster or heinous occurrence where someone will be interviewed and say the following: “I’ve never seen anything like that in my lifetime.” It’s as if this person is a required attendee at every news reporting event. While I understand most people’s perspective can indeed be limited by, or contained within, their own personal experiences, it is too much to ask to consult some historical perspective before saying such a thing? Yes, this response can apply to some events. But when it comes to weather and natural disasters, I’m pretty sure this is simply history repeating itself. Same as it has for millions and millions of years. More important, the planet made it! What didn’t were certain species. How’s that for perspective?
John Brown tried to provoke an insurrection against slaveowners and the South, so he was bad for the cause. Ron Brown was about to testify against the Clintons and their corruption while in power, so he was bad for the cause. And poor old Joe Biden was going off script while losing the few marbles he had left and had the audacity to outlive the party plan — or not make it to the planned finish, pick your poison — for the cause by going off-script and worse, he lost it in private instead of a public forum where Democrats could use the sympathy card to their advantage. Oh, they’ll still try. So it appears Joe outlived his usefulness.
■ Prediction two: When it comes to a crime or something that occurs between humans, the other required attendee at all news reporting events is the person who says this: “They we’re just the nicest people, and in no way did I see something like this coming.” Exactly. No one does most of the time when it comes to neighbors and acquaintances. People should be surprised at what goes on from time to time in their neighborhoods, towns and with people they know because people are good. And for the times that they shouldn’t be shocked — like with politicians, repeat offenders and terrorists — where’s the interview that says, “This doesn’t surprise me in the least.”
You might note John Brown died at Harper’s Ferry fighting the Democrats’ cause of the time: slavery. You’d be correct. Yet, the Democrats rode his hanging — after his capture by the hands of soldiers in Robert E. Lee’s command, ironically — to garner more protection for the institution of slavery, slaveholders and of course the handful of states soon to be in rebellion to the Union and also against something brand new at the time: Republicans.
You might inquire what Ron Brown’s sin was. Well, that would be exposing the corruption with the Clintons. And if you ever read the book, Ron Brown had a lot to say — none of it any good. The most telling part, even more telling than asking why someone moved the single, directional beacon to the airport on a cloudy day — modern airports use two beacons for straight lines, safe flight paths, etc., for a reason — was Bill Clinton laughing and yucking it up leaving Ron’s funeral and upon spotting Ron’s family did Oscarworthy acting to go into tears mode. Maybe Bill was imagining it was Hillary’s funeral? Ron never got the chance to testify. Years later, Republicans found out Hillary was the worse actor in Clinton lore.
■ Prediction three: Something good will happen economically, and the government will take credit for it. The most recent example is gas prices, where people ask me why I won’t credit the president for low gas prices. My answer is simple: Government never makes the price of something go down and simply takes credit for good news. Gas pricing is subject to many global factors. Now there are government answers to addressing some of them to keep prices stable for Americans, but our government has none of them in place. The only things it has in place in the
Now to Ol’ Sheriff Joe who,
long run always hurt consumers. Another fact is that unemployment reaches a certain level based on the economy. And while the government might brag the number is low, it’s more than likely the government did something to cause that number being low — and not in a good way. Conversely, when business picks up, it’s because the people who need to buy widgets who were not buying widgets because the economy was contracting due to natural (or unnatural, government caused) reasons, decided we better buy some widgets. The government had nothing to do with this.
according to Barack Obama, should never be underestimated to “F” things up and who’s face should be on milk cartons everywhere, is about to make his dust cloud over the piles of Democrat castoffs in history is indeed, “f-ing” things up for Democrats. You might think Joe is doing his patriotic duty in putting the country above party and politics, but you’d be wrong. Heck, even Richard Nixon got on camera — his sweaty upper lip’s biggest enemy in 1960 and let’s be honest again, he was no looker — and resigned the actual office. So why didn’t Joe go public in his campaign withdrawal? Why did he put out a note on what appears to be personal stationery with a signature that doesn’t match how he signs things on this particular announcement? To their credit, every Republican is asking these questions. Which begs the most important question: Where is Joe Biden?
I can only see two answers given to how Joe’s been handled the past four-plus years. The first answer is he’s practicing for the most important speech of his life where he not only explains his withdrawal from the coming election but also resigns his office and Democrats want to keep him on script much better than his debate performance. Hate to say it, but he can’t any longer, and hiding him isn’t making things better with independent voters. Yes, I know Democrat voters don’t care as long as their party is forcing their beliefs on the populace. They’ll vote for a cackling hyena if asked, so hiding Joe for another week matters little to the base. The second answer is certainly more sinister, even for politics. And it’s that Joe is incapacitated and can’t perform his duties, even something as basic as withdrawing from the coming election. But Democrats, as they tend to do, jumped the gun and put out the announcement anyway, and they’re scrambling over what to do next. Want to know how I know this is probably the right answer? Here’s why. There isn’t one “mainstream” news organization headline asking where Joe Biden is as I type this column. Even on the Drudge Report — which I rarely look at — has all these headlines about Kamala (and the breaking one on the Secret Service head resigning) rising and not one link related to Joe.
For Democrats, the last thing they need is “Joe’s soul marching on.” It will expose them completely. Maybe, and finally, Republicans will use the Battle Hymn version and swing “His terrible swift sword” at the enemy and the nation can sing in refrain, “Glory, glory, hallelujah!”
■ Prediction four: In keeping with things the government does, I predict the government will manipulate the numbers to make the claim the economy is getting better because of how hard it is working to help all of us “working Americans.” Now you might say, “Craig, you always say this about President Obama because you don’t like him.” You’re right in a sense. I don’t know the man, but what I know of him and his thinking, I don’t like it or him one iota. Before you go off, however, I didn’t like President Bush and his bailouts, stimulus and his abandoning the free market to save the free market. And I don’t know him either. What the government does, and the only thing it can do, is hurt the economy. Unless it does nothing or put criminals in jail instead of partnering with them, nothing the government does will help. Always look at it this way, whatever the government says it is doing, whatever the name of the law it is passing, or whatever the name or goal of the bureaucracy it is presenting to the people, expect the polar opposite to occur. I guess what I’m saying is that perhaps it’s time to get out of our own perspective. There’s plenty of history books and historical research out there to begin to understand that all of this has happened before. And it will again, whether the topic is people or government. The best recommendation is to find some books or try that whole Google thing. There’s a lot of information on the Great Depression. The truth is it wasn’t even a good one until the government got involved. There’s also plenty of research on the medieval warm period when the planet was much warmer than today with a whole lot less people (and warmer well before man was here at all). And yep, people have been killing other surprised people since history was first written. Maybe some research will help stop all of these trends. Otherwise, we’ll be saying we’ve never seen anything like it in our lives. And not in a good way.
Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.
Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at (970) 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. F
Cautious consumers take cues in following business concerns
Key reports indicate consumers worried about where the
U.S. economy is headed
The consumer sits in an interesting place in the United States economy. Consumer spending accounts for nearly 70 percent of gross domestic product — the broad measure of goods and services produced in the country. Moreover, consumption constitutes the endpoint of the economic process. But the consumer also is, as I have argued many times, a follower. That is, consumers take their cues largely from businesses, entrepreneurs and investors.
If entrepreneurs are starting businesses, businesses and investors are investing in innovations and expansions and businesses are hiring, consumers feel secure and optimistic and spend accordingly. However, if businesses aren’t be created, investment lags or businesses aren’t hiring or they’re laying people off, consumers rein in their spending.
So, where is the consumer of late? Let’s consider three key reports.
n The GDP report for the first quarter of 2024 showed that growth in real personal consumption expenditures (PCE) slowed markedly. Growth in real PCE registered a seasonally adjusted annualized rate 1.5 percent in the first quarter. That was down from 3.3 percent in the fourth quarter and 3.1 percent in the third quarter.
n The latest measure of consumer confidence from the Conference Board ticked down in June and continued to show consumers were split over where the economy is now and where it might be headed. The divergence between the two components of the Consumer Confidence Index — the Present Situation Index and Expectations Index — persisted. The Consumer Confidence Index moved down from 101.3 in May to 100.4 in June. The Present Situation Index based on consumer assessments of current business and labor market conditions moved up from 140.8 in May to 141.5 in June. The Expectations Index — which reflects the short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions — decreased from 74.9 in May to 73 in June.
n Then there’s the latest read on consumer credit outstanding from the Federal Reserve. In May, revolving credit — mainly credit cards — grew at an annualized rate of 6.3 percent. Meanwhile, nonrevolving credit — including automobile loans and all other loans not included in revolving credit, such as loans for mobile homes, education, boats, trailers or vacations, but not loans secured by real estate — grew by only 1.4 percent. It should be noted both forms of credit experienced slow growth or contraction in the previous two months, with revolving credit growth registering -0.8 percent in April and 1.6 percent in March, and nonrevolving credit growth coming in at 2.4 percent in April and -1 percent in March. Keep in mind these measures reflect changes in nominal dollars. Once inflation is considered, the real changes are diminished.
While these various data aren’t in complete agreement, the overarching message seems to be consumers are cautious or worried about where the economy is headed.
That has been the same message delivered by small business owners in various surveys, including the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council small business check up surveys conducted over the course of the past year. The results of a new survey will once again report widespread worry about the direction of the economy.
Consumers take their cues from businesses.
Raymond Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council and author of a series of books titled “The Weekly Economist” offering quick reads to help people think like an economist. For additional information, log on to the website at https://sbecouncil.org.
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The Business Times welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor on issues affecting businesses in western Colorado. Submissions should be emailed to phil@thebusinesstimes.com and include names and telephone numbers for verification.
Raymond Keating
n PALISADE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES RETURN OF CENTURY OLD PEACH CELEBRATION
Opinion Business Briefs Business People
A more than century-old celebration of Palisade peaches is scheduled to return Aug. 8 to 18.
Palisade Peach Days will feature many of the events that have become a tradition, but will be spread out over 10 days this year.
“This has been a very well-loved event that continues to grow year after year,” said Jessica Burford, president and chief executive officer of the Palisade Chamber of Commerce. “We have been working closely with the Town of Palisade to make the event better fit the needs of our community while creating even more opportunity for our guests to join in the celebration.”
The Just Peachy 5K, Peach Days Parade and Palisade High School band car show are set for Aug. 10. But the Palisade Peach Festival is planned for Aug. 16 and 17.
“Events being spread out will give people the opportunity to join in festivities that best fit their interests and schedules without completely overwhelming our residents and town infrastructure,” Burford said. “We are very exited to extend the celebration of the peach harvest in this way.”
More information about Palisade Peach Days, including a scheduled of events, is available at palisadepeachfest.com.
n
ALPINE BANKS OF COLORADO ANNOUNCES PAYMENTS OF QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDENDS
Alpine Banks of Colorado announced plans to pay quarterly cash dividends on July 29.
The bank announced plans to pay a dividend of 20 cents per class B nonvoting common share — equal to 1/150th of the amount for each share of Class A voting common stock. A cash dividend of $30 will be paid for each class A voting common share. Those dividends are unchanged from the previous quarter.
A $6.5 billion employee-owned organization headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Alpine Bank operates locations across Colorado. For additional information, visit the website located at www.alpinebank.com.
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The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business Briefs. Email items to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com.
n DONATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH JULY 29 FOR STUFF THE BUS SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
Donations will be accepted through July 29 for the annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive.
Donations can be dropped off at the white activity bus parked in the Clock Court at Mesa Mall, 2424 U.S.Highway 6 & 50 in Grand Junction.
Supply lists are available at d51schools.org/schoolsupplies. The most sought-after supplies include colored pencils, crayons, erasers, folders, glue sticks, headphones, Kleenexes, markers, notebooks and Ziploc bags.
On July 30, volunteers will unpack the bus and organize donations into boxes designated for each elementary and middle school in Mesa County School District 51. Monetary donations will support high schools and can be contributed through the D51 Foundation website at d51foundation.org/stuff-the-bus.
Parents in need of supplies can request assistance by contacting the office staff at their children’s schools.
n APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH SEPT. 3 FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MESA COUNTY ADULTS
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 3 for scholarships for adult residents of Mesa County.
The Western Colorado Community Foundation will award fresh start scholarships of up to $5,000 to adults attending or planning to attend a community college, technical school or training course. For applications and more information, visit the website at wc-cf.org/scholarships.
The Western Colorado Community Foundation manages more than 330 charitable funds totaling almost $170 million and awards more than $6.6 million annually in scholarships and grants.
F
Les Schwab expands network with Delta tire center
Les Schwab has opened a new store in Delta, further expanding the network of independent tire dealers.
The Les Schwab Tire Center is located at 678 Stafford Lane and is open from 8 am. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
The new location includes seven interior bays to serve not only passenger cars and trucks, but also large trucks and commercial fleet vehicles. The store employs 14 people.
Kelcey Derrick relocated to Delta to serve as store manager. He brings to the position more than 17 years experience with Les Schwab.
“Our customers count on us to look them in the eye, shake their hands and do what we say we’ll do,” Derrick said. “We know we can make a positive difference for the people of Delta. And our commitment to service extends beyond customers. We’re also dedicated to supporting our employees and communities, and we look forward to doing that here in Delta.”
In addition to tires, Les Schwab offers batteries, custom wheels and shocks as well as alignment, brake and oil change services designed to make sure vehicles operate properly and safely.
A total of more than 520 Les Schwab Tire Centers are in operation in Colorado as well as Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and Utah. The centers employ a total of more than 8,000 people.
Les Schwab was recognized in the 2024 Forbes Best Customer Service list as first for auto repair and maintenance and sixth overall.
The company established a profit-share program in 1954 and today shares about half of profits with employees through health benefits, bonuses and retirement programs.
For more information about Les Schwab Tire Centeres, visit www.lesschwab.com.
NOTEWORTHY
Western Implement, a Grand Junction business operated by four generations of the same family, celebrated 65 years in business.
Volney Coleman and his son, Leroy, opened what started out as a Ford tractor dealership in 1959. Western Implement was located for a year on the west side of Grand Junction and then relocated to 2919 North Ave., where the business continues to operate. A second Western Implement location opened in Montrose in 2007.
“I literally grew up in this business. Western Implement has always been a huge part of my life,” said Dylan Coleman, owner and operator. “I watched three generations before me grow the business and navigate with changing times, the needs of our community and the people we serve. The loyalty and trust among the generations of customers and employees has been our foundation. We wouldn’t be here without them.”
The business started out as a tractor and farm implement dealership, but since has evolved in also offering construction and landscaping equipment as well as clothing, hardware and tack.
“We are truly the go-to hardware store in the region,” Coleman said. “We understand the importance of meeting our customers’ needs, and that’s what sets us apart. We are here to offer expert guidance and knowledge to our customers. And over time, we have built and maintained incredible relationships with our customers. Often, they become our friends.”
For more information about Western Implement, log on to www.westernimplement.com.
Dylan Coleman
Jessica Burford
Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac
Business Briefs Business People Almanac
n GRAND JUNCTION BOOKKEEPER RECEIVES ACCOUNTING DESIGNATIONS
Darby Russell, a senior bookkeeper with DWC CPAs and Advisors in Grand Junction, received the Associated Charter Management Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant designations.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants awards the designations in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Darby Russell
To receive the Chartered Global Management Accountant designation, applicants must have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in accounting and finance, pass a 90-minute exam and up to nine hours of additional case study exams.
Russell’s accounting and bookkeeping career spans nearly a decade. She works with the DWC tax and bookkeeping teams to provide services to clients in multiple industry sectors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and master’s degree in organizational leadership.
DWC CPAs and Advisors operates the largest public accounting firm headquartered in Western Colorado with main offices in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs and Montrose. The firm offers a range of services, including accounting, auditing, business consulting, tax planning and wealth management. For more information about DWC CPAs and Advisors, call (970) 243-1921 or visit the website located at https://dwcadvisors.com.
n SUPERVISING PUBLIC DEFENDER APPOINTED TO MESA COUNTY
COURT
Scott J. Burrill has been appointed to the Mesa County Court in the 21st Judicial District.
Burrill succeeds Craig P. Henderson, who was appointed to the 21st Judicial District Court.
Burrill previously worked as a supervising deputy state public defender in the Grand Junction office of the state public defender. Before that, he worked as a deputy state public defender in the Grand Junction and Montrose offices. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law.
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The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business People and the Almanac calendar of events. Submissions may be emailed to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submitted online at the website at www.thebusinesstimes.com.
n GRAND JUNCTION WOMEN NAMED TO LOTTERY AND INTERAGENCY BOARDS
Christian Reece and Jennifer Cutts of Grand Junction were named to state boards.
Reece was appointed to the Colorado Lottery Commission. She’ll serve a four-year term as a representative of the public on the commission, which governs the operation of the lottery and conducts hearings on licenses for lottery sales.
Cutts was reappointed to the Interagency Coordinating Council for a two-year term as a representative of providers of early intervention services. The council advises the Colorado Department of Human Services on implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and support and services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
n FRUITA
MONUMENT GRADUATES RECEIVE ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS
Four Fruita Monument High School graduates received scholarships offered through the Fruita Rotary Club and Western Colorado Community Foundation.
Connor Percival and Chloe Wayt each received $2,000 Fruita Rotary Club Career Pathways scholarships awarded to students furthering their eduation outside of a four-year degree program. Percival plans to pursue an associate’s degree in machining at Colorado Mesa University Tech. Wayt plans to study digital film production at CMU Tech.
Nayeli Flores received the Fruita Rotary Club Marge Miller Scholarship. Flores plans to study civil engineering at Colorado School of Mines.
Grant Balzer received the Fruita Rotary Club Mike and Felicie Williams Scholarship. Balzer plans to study civil engineering at CMU.
Artist proposals sought for roundabout installation
Proposals will be accepted through Oct. 4 for public artwork for a roundabout planned at Horizon Drive and G Road in Grand Junction.
Proposals should reflect the theme of outdoor recreation as well as complement nearby roundabout installations. Artwork must be installed by July 2025.
“The city’s commission on arts and culture seeks artwork that embodies creativity, whimsy and innovation while upholding the highest standards of quality, permanence and general appeal,” said Ken Sherbenou, director of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation. “We are very proud of the city’s public art program featured
in roundabouts and throughout our downtown, which is made possible in large part thanks to the city’s 1 percent for the arts program.”
Interested artists should apply by submitting letters of interest, resumes, proposals and images of their original works to Haley Van Camp at haley.vancamp@gjcity.org.
The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture will select the artist to complete the project.
Funding for the project will come from the Horizon Drive Business Improvement District and city funding for the acquisition and display of art in public places. F
July 25
n Welcome Thursday Friends networking group, noon to 1 p.m., Qdoba, 401 Jurassic Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894
n Introductory class for entrepreneurs on using artificial intelligence and ChatGPT, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org
July 31
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce coffee & community connections event, 8 to 10:30 a.m., Timberline Bank, 649 Market St., Grand Junction. Event free for chamber members, $20 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org
n Mesa County Women’s Network summer mixer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Highlands Distillery, 782 24 Road, Grand Junction. Members attend at no charge, guests pay $15. www.mcwn.us
Aug. 1
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m., Base Camp Provisions, 155 N Mulberry St., Fruita. Event free for members, $10 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org
Upcoming
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 8, Absolute Prestige Ranch, 1351 Q Road, Loma. Admission $5 for chamber members, $15 for others.858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org
n Mesa County Women’s Network workshop on navigating internal and external conflicts, 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 13, Abstract & Title Co. of Mesa County, 2464 Patterson Road, Grand Junction. Admission $35 for non-member drop-ins. www.mcwn.us
n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce energy summit, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 14, Colorado Mesa University. Admission $65 for members, $75 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214
n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 14, Warehouse 25 Sixty-Five, 2565 American Way. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org
n Coffee Club networking meeting and presentation on marketing technology and trends, 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 16, FWorks. https://fruitachamber.org or https://gjincubator.org
n Western Colorado Human Resource Association summer summit, 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 21, Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. Admission free for members, $20 for others. www.wchra.org.
n Leading Edge business planning course, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Aug. 28 to Nov. 13, Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Admission $275, $100 for each additional participant from the same business. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org F
