A Grand Valley chiropractic practice will soon mark 25 years of providing caring services to its patients.
n Bank in the park
A groundbreaking ceremony was set to celebrate the construction of OakStar Bank in the Las Colonias business park.
An effort between Mesa County School District 51 and ranchers has
n Workforce month
A range of events and other activities are scheduled in Mesa County as part of workforce development month.
n Mixed results
Real estate sales were something of a mixed bag with more transactions, but a decrease in dollar volume.
n No noncompete
A court has struck down a ban on agreements that prohibit employees from taking jobs with competitors.
the
Ice so nice it’s worth the price Entrepreneur
THE BUSINESS TIMES News Trends Contributors
starts venture to supply quality cocktail ice
Chris Bonds held in a gloved hand the end result of a long process of freezing and sawing. The cube sparkled under the fluorescent lights like a diamond. A big diamond.
After 25-year practice, he’s still got your back
Randy Roman brings to his chiropractic practice the same exuberance he exhibited when he opened his Grand Junction office nearly 25 years ago.
In that intervening span, Roman Family Chiropractic moved from a cramped space on Seventh Street to a spacious facility on Patterson Road. Staffing increased from Roman and his wife, Tricia, to 13 employees. Services expanded to include not only adjustments, but also massage therapy and nutrition.
What hasn’t changed, Randy Roman said, is a mission of outreach, education and caring he described as “reach, teach and touch people.”
Nor the effusive passion he brings to his efforts that make even the most Pollyannaish optimists look by comparison like embittered cynics. The animated way in which he talks and the broad smile seemingly affixed to his face.
Tricia Roman said her husband is like that all the time — not just for work or an interview for a newspaper story. “He never has a bad day. He lives his life really grateful.”
Randy Roman said he might slow down a bit, but has no plans to retire from what he considers a calling. “I’m excited for my past. But what really gets me going is our future.”
He said there’s a possibility a daughter and nephew could join the practice — adding yet another meaning to the family part of Roman Family Chiropractic. “What a joy that would be.”
Randy and Tricia Roman opened the practice on Sept. 17, 1999 after relocating to Grand Junction from Atlanta.
Randy Roman received a doctorate in chiropractic from Life University in Marietta, Ga., and worked six months with another chiropractor. He said he soon realized he wanted to work for himself and live in a place that afforded a better quality of life.
See BACK page 12
Almanac
Bonds eyed the cube through his safety goggles and smiled. It was just the right size and flawlessly clear. No cracks or air bubbles. In other words, the perfect complement to premium cocktails and other upscale drinks.
Bonds launched Grand Valley Ice to supply hand-cut, premium-quality ice to bars, restaurants and liquor stores. He’s confident there’s ample demand for his products.
For one thing, he owns the only company between Denver and Salt Lake City providing clear ice. For another, the response from prospective customers has been encouraging, he says. “It’s been overwhelmingly positive.”
Moreover, Grand Valley Ice has been accepted into two programs designed to help startups just like his — the incubator program at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction as well as the Rural Jump-Start Program offering cash grants and tax credits.
See ICE page 14
Randy and Tricia Roman have operated Roman Family Chiropractic in Grand Junction for 25 years. What started in a 600-square-foot office with no employees since has grown into an operation in a 2,500-square-foot facility with 13 employees. The couple attribute the longevity of the practice to their fath and a holistic approach to caring for patients.
(Business Times photo by Phil Castle)
Phil Castle The Business Times
STORY AND PHOTO BY PHIL CASTLE
Chris Bonds inspects a block of ice that will be cut into crystal-clear, 2-inch cubes for premium drinks and sold to bars, liquor stores and restaurants. Bonds started Grand Valley Ice to fill what he sees as a growing need.
The Business Times 609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 424-5133
An architectural rendering shows what the OakStar Bank building will look like when the facility is completed in the Riverfront at Las Colonias business park. The 12,000-square-foot building will include the bank operation as well as restaurant, retail and office space. (Illustration courtesy OakStar Bank.)
Groundbreaking effort: Bank building to open at local business park
A groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled to celebrate the construction of a new bank building in a riverfront business park in Grand Junction.
The ceremony was set for Sept. 10 shortly after the press deadline for the Business Times.
OakStar Bank plans to build a 12,000-square-foot building at the Rivefront at Las Colonias development. The building will house the bank as well as restaurant, retail and office space.
“OakStar Bank is committed to serving our community while providing a different and dynamic banking experience,” said Clay Tufly, market president. “Our choice to build at Las Colonias is based on the same belief. We are excited to create this experience on the banks of the Colorado River and thank our loyal community members who have afforded us this opportunity.”
OakStar Bank opened a location in Grand Junction in 2021 out of a building at 501 Main St. Based in Missouri, OakStar Bank also serves communities in Missouri and Kansas.
The Grand Junction Economic Partnership and Las Colonias Development Corp. worked with OakStar Bank to select the site and lease property.
Curtis Englehart, executive director of GJEP, welcomed OakStar Bank as one of the anchor tenants at Las Colonias Park. “Their decision to build here is a strong indicator of the region’s growth and the continued appeal of this area. We are grateful for their investment in this community.”
What was once a blighted riverfront area that required cleanup was developed into 140-acre mixed-use space with a 15-acre business park, a public park, amphitheater and 332-unit housing development.
Clay Tufly
Curtis Englehart
Bring a Cow to School: Collaborative efforts add local beef to D 51 meals
What started out as an idea conceived by a Grand Valley rancher became a reality when locally sourced beef was provided to Mesa County School District 51 and then served to students.
“From the onset, this has been a collaboration between the school district and our local ranchers, 10 of whom ended up participating in this year’s program,” said Janie VanWinkle, a Grand Valley rancher and beef producer who’s also a fellow with the AgriWest initiative.
“Well all agree that it’s incredibly rewarding to know where your beef is going. But to see the direct benefit it’s providing to local students, now that’s just amazing. And the meatloaf was delicious, too,” VanWinkle said.
Locally sourced beef — 7,000 pounds in total — will be in the rotation for District 51 meals seven times throughout the school year. Beef provided to the district came from cattle that received a body score from a veterinarian of five or greater, which indicates healthy animals.
Dan Sharp, director of nutrition services for District 51, said the partnership offers a win-win situation. “Partnering with local ranchers allows us to provide our students with fresh, nutritious meals that not only support their health, but also strengthen our community. We are excited about the opportunity to offer meals that are both high in quality and locally sourced.”
VanWinkle said she first thought of what she dubbed the Bring a Cow to School initiative in 2019.
In addition to Janie and Howard VanWinkle, participating ranchers included Angelina and Joe Kellighan of Kellighan Farms, BJ and Sharah Russsell of Russell Cattle Co., Brian Koetter and Lindsey Weber, Charles and Angie Burenheide of Bar G Ranch, Kim and Debbie Albertson, Chuck Nichols and Vicky Law, Porter
Erickson enjoys a school lunch featuring meatloaf served as part of a collaboration between Mesa County School District 51 and 10 ranchers to use locally sourced beef.
Brisco of Regenerative Meats, Brady and Hayley Pearson of Razor Creek Beef and Jeff Snyder.
Janie VanWinkle said she’s passionate about connecting consumers to high-quality beef as part of her work with the AgriWest initiative.
The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction launched the AgriWest initiative with a federal grant from the Economic Recovery Corps. The goal is to gather stakeholders in the agriculture sector to identify and address problems that could affect the industry. VanWinkle provides planning and technical assistance during a 2.5-year fellowship.
According to numbers from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, the number of small, family owned and operated farms are declining, VanWinkle said. That makes initiatives that promote sustainability important.
See COW page 10
Colt
Janie VanWinkle
Observance promoting workforce development
An observance of Workforce Development Month that will include job fairs, career days and other events will continue in Mesa County in September.
Heather Nara, the director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction, said the observance highlights the resources available for job seekers and employers.
“The Mesa County Workforce Center is a vital community asset that helps build a skilled workforce and facilitates meaningful employment opportunities,” Nara said. “Through a range of services including career counseling, skills training, job placement assistance and employer partnerships, we empower individuals to achieve their career goals and contribute to the economic vitality of our region.”
The center will join with Colorado Mesa University, Mesa County School District 51 and others in observance of Workforce Development Month.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared September Workforce Development Month. During the month, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and its partners will highlight resources employers, workers and communities can use to grow businesses, advance careers and promote economic prosperity. Resources will include information about in-demand skills and growing industries, labor market trends and upcoming training sessions and events.
“It’s our duty to ensure the 3.2 million Coloradans participating in the workforce are aware of the services available to them regardless of where they are in the career journeys,” said Joe Barela, executive director of the CDLE. “We want both employers an job seekers across the state to know that we’re here for them so all Coloradans can continue to thrive and prosper.”
In Mesa County, School District 51 has scheduled a workforce development day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 12 at CMU.
The Mesa County Workforce Center has scheduled a fall job fair for 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at the center, 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Early access for veterans will begin at 12:30 p.m.
An open house is set for 2 for 4 p.m. Sept. 25 at the center.
Heather Nara
Center wins four awards for quality health care
MarillacHealth has received four awards recognizing the efforts of the Grand Junction-based center in providing health care services.
The Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced MarillacHealth received awards for improvement in the areas of access, quality, equity and information technology.
“MarillacHealth is committed to continuous quality improvement in every way possible,” said Carol Coates, quality director. “We are honored to be recognized for several of the many ways we strive to improve access and delivery of quality health care for our community.”
MarillacHealth received:
n The access advancer award for growth in the population of patients served from 9,800 patients in 2022 to 13,512 patients in 2023.
n The health disparities reducer award for progress in improving outcomes in at least two areas for one or more racial or ethnic groups.
n The advancing health IT award for progress in using information technology in delivering health care services.
n The addressing social risk factors award for ongoing work in gathering social risk information from patients to support improved outcomes.
MarillacHealth provides a range of health care services to low income, uninsured and underinsured residents of Mesa County.
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 also operates health centers at Grand Junction and Central high schools. Services also are provided at outreach locations, including the Grand Valley Catholic Outreach Day Center as well as Western Colorado Pediatrics.
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 conclude in late summer 2025. The new center will be located near the Mesa County Workforce Center as well as Mesa County Public Health. F
Grand Valley ranks among top wine-growing regions
The Grand Valley has received more recognition as a wine-growing region.
The Grand Valley American Viticultural Area was named one of the top 10 wine regions in 2024 in the results of a ranking published by USA Today. A panel of wine and travel experts selected nominees, which were then ranked by readers.
“The Colorado Wine Industry is thrilled that USA Today readers have recognized the quality and the energy embodied in Colorado’s Grand Valley AVA,” said Kyle Schlachter,
executive director of the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board. “World-class wines that can only be grown on the terraces above the Colorado River make the Grand Valley one of the preeminent wine regions in the country for wine lovers to visit and explore.”
The Grand Valley is home to more than two dozen wineries and grows more than 75 percent of the grapes used for the 165 wine producers in Colorado.
Continued from page 5
“I often talk about success in agriculture using the three-legged stool metaphor,” VanWinkle said. “You can’t be successful without considering the economics, the social impact and our environment. In other words, as producers we need to be able to make a profit, feed people and care for the planet or it won’t be a sustainable industry.”
As part of the AgriWest initiative, VanWinkle recently conducted a meeting with more than agricultural 100 producers from western Colorado to discuss obstacles to sustainability.
“As we move into the next phase of our work with AgriWest, we know that helping our producers remain sustainable, profitable and in operation will be critical,” VanWinkle said.
Six months into her fellowship with AgriWest, VanWinkle said she’s pleased with the progress so far. “As we hear from more voices, we will continue to better understand the needs for each sector of agriculture, but the themes around business and succession planning, breaking down cultural barriers and having our local voices inform national policy decisions are rising to the top. And I am excited by that, because despite our differences in how we produce food, there are a lot of commonalities we can begin to rally around and solve for.”
Back
Continued from page 2
Randy Roman said he found in Grand Junction a place in which he could ride mountain bikes and ski — sometimes on the same day. “We love living here. We live where people come to go on vacations.”
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Roman Family Chiropractic is located at 2584 Patterson Road, Suite D, in Grand Junction. For more information or an appointment, call (970) 243-8896 or visit the website located at https://romanfamilychiro.com.
Roman Family Chiropractic opened in a 600-square foot space in an office complex on North Seventh Street. Seven years later, the operation moved into a newly constructed building on Patterson Road with 2,500 square feet. The operation expanded further over the years with the addition of 13 employees, including massage therapists. Tricia Roman serves as business manager.
The practice provides a range of services, including treatments for injuries and chronic conditions as well as
help in improving athletic performance. The practice also offers massage therapy, assistance with nutrition and healthy aging. A digital X-ray offers state-of-the-art diagnostic services.
Randy Roman said he believes the body is capable of healing itself and advocates for chiropractic care over drugs. Surgery should be a last resort, he said.
He also stressed a long-term approach to health care that extends beyond six visits to a lifetime. He said many of the patients he treated when he opened the practice still come to him for care. “I like the long game. Seeing people, anticipating needs, exceeding expectations.”
The Romans attributed the success and longevity of the practice to that approach as well as their religious faith.
At the same time, the practice has received recognition for community service, including food and toy drives. The Colorado Chiropractic Association named Roman as its Chiropractor of the Year for Community Service. Roman also received the Rising Star Chiropractor of the Year Award from the CCA.
Tricia Roman said caring for others — physically and in other ways — is important. “The heart is happiest when it beats for others.”
And so the practice and mission goes on, the Romans said. And for Randy Roman, with the same exuberance he exhibited when he opened his Grand Junction office nearly 25 years ago.
Ice
Continued from page 2
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
For more information about Grand Valley Ice and its products, call (970) 814-4424.
Bonds started Grand Valley Ice in May to meet what he observed as a need for clear ice that goes into crafting quality cocktails and other beverages. Customers seeking premium drinks and experiences — and sharing their photos on Instagram and other social media platforms — have come to demand premium ice, he says. “It’s become something of a thing.”
Some bars and restaurants make their own clear ice in small batches, but it’s a labor- and time-consuming process, Bonds says. The closest businesses that make clear ice on a commercial scale are located in Denver and Salt Lake City.
“I’m excited to provide something to Mesa County that’s new and can help with our place in the state as a tourist destination,” he says. “I’ve seen bar professionals in the area working to improve the quality of their ice for premium drinks, and Grand Valley Ice provides a solution for them.”
A 20-year veteran of the Air Force, Bonds relocated to the Grand Valley seven years ago and worked with several local manufacturers before starting his own manufacturing business of a different sort.
Bonds filters Grand Junction tap water already judged in a competition conducted by the American Water Works Association as some of the best tasting anywhere.
He uses a Clinebell freezer to create blocks of ice measuring 40 inches long, 30 inches wide and 10 inches deep. The machine freezes the water in 40-gallon containers from the bottom up to create clear ice without cracks or bubbles.
Bonds then uses a band saw to cut blocks into 2-inch cubes — what he says are the perfect size for an old-fashioned glass. He also cuts ice into spears measuring 1 inch by 1 inch by 5 inches.
While he expects to initially serve bars, restaurants and liquor stores in the Grand Valley, Bonds expects to expand his operation within the first year to serve customers in Aspen, Glenwood Springs and other areas of the Western Slope. He plans to purchase another
freezer to increase capacity as well as hire employees to help with the operation.
Grand Valley Ice was accepted into the incubator program at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction and operates out of a 600-square-foot space in the center. Bonds says he’s grateful for the below-market rent as well as the consulting he receives through the program. “They’re outrageously accommodating.”
In addition, Grand Valley Ice was accepted into the Rural Jump-Start program. The program offers cash grants up to $20,000 to offset startup costs and up to $2,500 for each new hire. The program also offers tax incentives. To qualify for the program, businesses must be new to Colorado, add to the economic base and create a minimum of five new jobs.
The Grand Junction Economic Partnership assisted Bonds with his application.
“We are excited to see Grand Valley Ice grow in Mesa County,” says Curtis Englehart, executive director of GJEP. “Programs like Rural Jump-Start have proven to be invaluable tools in helping innovative companies get started and achieve sustainable success in our community. We look forward to continuing to work with Grand Valley Ice and supporting their development.”
Dalida Sassoon Bollig, chief executive officer of the Business Incubator Center, also praised the effort. “We’re thrilled to see an Air Force veteran like Chris making meaningful strides in our community, and we’re proud that our partners at GJEP help program brings like the Rural Jump-Star into play. This collaboration is a great example of how working together can fuel entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in Mesa County.”
At the current capacity, Bonds says he can make 4,000 ice cubes a week. Holding one of those cubes in his gloved hand, he says he’s pleased with the results of his efforts so far. It’s just the right size and flawlessly clear. The perfect complement to a premium cocktail. F
Chris Bonds, owner of Grand Valley Ice, inspects a sheet of clear ice as he cuts a large block of ice into the 2-inch cubes he sells to bars, restaurants and liquor stores.
(Business Times photo by Phil Castle)
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
s Consumer Confidence Index in 103.3 in August, up 2.4
t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 50.6 for the third quarter, down 3.1.
t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 91.2 for August, down 2.5.
News Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac
n Foreclosures
t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 10 in August, down from 17 in August 2023.
t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 2 in August, down from 3 in August 2023.
n Indexes
s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 109.04 for August, up 0.33.
t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 100.4 for July, down 0.6%.
s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 47.2% for August, up 0.4%.
s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for services, 51.5% for August, up 0.1%.
n Real estate
s Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 370 in August, up 4.5 percent from August 2023.
t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $163 million in August, down 4.6% from August 2023.
n Sales
s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.8 million for July, up 1.4% from July 2023.
n Unemployment
s Mesa County — 4.6% for July, up 0.2.
s Colorado — 3.9% for July, up 0.1.
t United States — 4.2% for August, down 0.1.
Real estate stats mixed
Mesa County transactions up in August, but total dollar volume down
Phil Castle The Business Times
Real estate activity constituted a mixed bag in August in Mesa County with a year-over-year increase in transactions, but a decrease in combined dollar volume.
Residential sales declined as the inventory of homes continued to trend upward.
Stewart Cruickshank, sales manager at Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Junction, said the latest numbers reflect what’s been a mostly flat market limited in part by higher interest rates on mortgages. That trend likely will continue through the end of the year before improving next year.
Demand persists, though, Cruickshank said, with some homes attracting multiple offers.
Jenn Hardy, marketing director for Fidelity National Title in Colorado, said 370 real estate transactions worth a total of $163 million were reported in Mesa County in August. Compared to the same month a year ago, transactions increased 4.5 percent, but dollar volume decreased 4.6 percent.
Fourteen large transactions worth a total of $22.8 million bolstered dollar volume, Hardy said, including the sales of property near G and 24 Roads in Grand Junction for more than $5.3 million, a home on 35 acres on E 3/4 Road for $2 million and two homes on 12.3 acres on C 1/2 Road for nearly $1.7 million.
Through the first eight months of 2024, 2,530 transactions worth a total of more than $1.2 billion were reported. Compared in the same span in 2023, transactions increased 2.3 percent and dollar volume rose 4.5 percent.
According to numbers Bray & Co. tracks for the residential
market, 264 transactions worth a total of nearly $115.7 million were reported. Compared to the same month a year ago, transactions decreased 2.9 percent and dollar volume dropped 1.5 percent.
Through the first eight months of 2024, 1,858 transactions worth a total of nearly $830 million were reported. Compared to the same span in 2023, transactions declined 2.1 percent even as dollar volume edged up 1.4 percent.
Darah Galvin, operations manager for Bray & Co., said she was encouraged by continued increases in residential inventories. At the end of August, there were 596 active listings in Mesa County. That’s up 21.4 percent from a year ago and offers buyers more selection. Still, that represents only about a two-month supply at the current pace of sales, less than the six-month supply indicative of a balanced market.
The median price for homes sold in August fell 2.4 percent to $387,000 compared to a year ago. But the median price of homes sold during the first eight months of 2024 increased 1.7 percent to $396,000 compared to the same span in 2023.
High interest rates on mortgages continue to affect the real estate market, especially for first-time home buyers, Cruickshank said. But many transactions aren’t affected by interest rates, including those involving buyers with cash or those with significant equity in their homes, he said.
Cruickshank and Galvin said the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee is expected to cut a key short-term interest rate when it’s scheduled to meet Sept. 17 and 18. The Fed could cut the rate by a quarter point, but it’s uncertain.
Additional uncertainty over the coming presidential election also effects the real estate market, even on a local level.
But Cruickshank said he remains optimistic what’s been a flat market will improve next year.
Meanwhile, property foreclosure activity continues to decline. Hardy said 126 foreclosure filings and 22 foreclosure sales were reported in Mesa County during the first eight months of 2024. Compared to the same span in 2023, filings decreased 21.2 percent and sales fell 29 percent.
Small Business Optimism Index retreats
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners decreased even as uncertainty and concerns over inflation increased.
The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index fell 2.5 points between July and August to 91.2, more than erasing a 2.2-point gain the month before. The index has remained below its 50-year average of 98 for 32 consecutive months.
A separate index tracking uncertainty rose to 92, the highest level since October 2020.
“Historically high inflation remains the top issue for owners as sales expectations plummet and cost pressures increase,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the NFIB. “Uncertainty among small business owners continues to rise as expectations for future business conditions worsen.”
The NFIB bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of members of the advocacy group, most of them small business owners.
For August, eight of 10 components of the index retreated while only two advanced.
The proportion of NFIB members who responded to the survey upon which the August index was based who expected the economy to improve fell six points from July. At a net negative 13 percent, more anticipated worsening conditions.
A net 24 percent of members reported plans to make capital outlays over the next six months, up a point. A net 4 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, down a point.
The share of members who expected increased sales dropped nine points. At a net negative 18 percent, more anticipated decreases.
The proportion of those who reported increased earnings fell seven points. At a net negative 37 percent, the reading stood at its lowest level since March 2010. Among those reporting lower profits, 31 percent blamed lower sales and 17 percent cited rising materials costs.
A net 13 percent reported plans to increase staffing, down two points from a month ago. A net 40 percent reported hard-to-fill job openings, up two points. Among those trying to hire in August, 90 percent reported few or no qualified applicants.
The share of members reporting plans to increase inventories fell three points to a net negative 1 percent. The proportion of those who said current inventories are too low slipped a point to a net negative 5 percent.
Asked to identify their simple most important problem, 24 percent of NFIB members cited inflation, 21 percent the quality of labor and 13 percent taxes.
A net 20 percent of members reported raising average selling selling prices. Price hikes were most frequent in the finance, retail, construction and manufacturing sectors.
S. Cruickshank
Jenn Hardey
Bill Dunkelberg
Darah Galvin
U.S. payrolls grow, but at slower pace
Payrolls continued to grow in the United States in August, but at a slower pace than average monthly gains over the past year.
Nonfarm payrolls increased 142,000 and the unemployment rate edged down a tenth of a point to 4.2 percent, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Payroll estimates and the jobless rate are based on separate business and household surveys, respectively.
Initial estimates for payroll gains for the previous two months were revised downward a total of 86,000 to 89,000 for July and 118,000 for June.
Based on the latest numbers, payrolls have increased an average of 202,000 over the past year.
For August, 7.1 million people were counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work. Of those, 1.5 million have been out of work 27 weeks or longer.
Another 4.8 million people were counted among those working part-time because their hours were reduced or they were unable to find full-time positions.
The labor participation rate — the proportion of the population working or looking for work — held steady at 62.7 percent. The rate has changed little over the past year.
Payroll gains for August were spread out among industry sectors. Employment increased 34,000 in construction, 31,000
Employment Trends Index rises
A monthly index tracking labor trends rebounded in August, signaling job growth in the United States.
The Conference Board reported its Employment Trends Index rose more than three-tenths of a point to 109.04.
Mitchell Barnes, an economist at the New York-based think tank, said the gain — only the second in 2024 — indicates that though labor market is slowing, the pace isn’t likely to accelerate.
in health care and 13,000 in social assistance. Employment decreased 24,000 in manufacturing, reflecting layoffs in durable goods industries.
The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls edged up a tenth of an hour to 34.3 hours. The average manufacturing workweek edged up a tenth of an hour to 40 hours.
Average hourly earnings for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls increased 14 cents to $35.21. Over the past year, wages increased 3.8 percent.
Consumer confidence improves
A measure of consumer confidence increased as more upbeat assessments of business conditions outweighed concerns over the labor market.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index advanced 1.4 points between July and August to 103.3. Components tracking current conditions as well as short-term expectations increased. The New York-based think tank bases the index on the results of monthly household surveys.
Dana Peterson, chief economist at the Conference Board, said consumers continued to express mixed feelings in August. “Compared to July, they were more positive about business conditions, both current and future, but also more concerned about the labor market.”
More upbeat assessments of current conditions pushed up the present situation component of the index 1.3 points to 134.4.
The proportion of consumers responding to the survey upon which the August index was based who called business conditions good rose 1.6 points to 20.8 percent. The share of those who called conditions bad fell a half point to 17.7 percent.
The proportion of consumers who said jobs were plentiful retreated six-tenths of a point to 32.8 percent. The share of those who said jobs were hard to get edged up a tenth of a point to 16.4 percent.
Consumers also were more optimistic in their short-term outlooks, pushing up the expectations component of the index 1.4 points to 82.5. The component has remained above 80 for two months. Readings below 80 usually signal an impending recession.
The share of consumers who expected business conditions to improve over the next six months rose 3.2 points to 18.4 percent. The proportion of those who expected worsening conditions fell six-tenths of a point to 15.6 percent.
The share of consumers who expected more jobs to become available rose nine-tenths of a point to 16.1 percent. The proportion of those anticipating fewer jobs rose more — 1.1 points to 17.5 percent.
While 16.9 percent of consumers expected their incomes to increase, 12.7 percent anticipated decreases.
Dana Peterson
COMING ATTRACTIONS
n The next Coffee Club meeting is set for 9 to 10 a.m. Sept. 20 in the FWorks meeting room at 325 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita.
The free meetings offer networking and educational presentations. To obtain more information, visit https://fruitachamber.org or https://gjincubator.org.
n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a quarterly membership luncheon and candidate forum for Sept. 23.
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The event is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Grand Junction Convention Center located at 159 Main St. Candidates in the upcoming general election will face questions about their positions on issues affecting the Grand Valley and business community.
Admission is $25 for chamber members, $35 for others. For more information about chamber events, call (970) 242-3214 or visit https://gjchamber.org.
n The Mesa County Women’s Network has scheduled its next workshop for 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at Abstract & Title Co. of Mesa County, 2464 Patterson Road in Grand Junction.
Michaelle Smith, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, will lead an exploration of the ways people filter information and experiences as well ways in which to listen in more powerful ways.
Members may attend at no additional charge. Guests pay $35. To register or obtain more information, visit www.mcwn.us.
n The Western Colorado Human Resource Association has scheduled its next monthly membership meeting for Oct. 15.
The meeting is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mesa County Workforce Center located at 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. The meeting will include a presentation on diversity. Members may attend at no additional charge. Guests pay $20. To register or obtain more information, visit www.wchra.org.
n The next Grand Valley BizMix event is set for Oct. 30.
The event is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Timberline Bank, 649 Market St. in Grand Junction. The event is open to members of the Fruita, Grand Junction, Palisade and Western Colorado Latino chambers of commerce.
Admission is $10. To register or obtain more information, call (970) 242-3214 or visit https://gjchamber.org.
Noncompete ban nullified
Texas court ruling also has implications for federal rulemaking
A federal court has struck down a proposed rule that would have banned noncompete agreements that bar employees from taking jobs with competitors.
Dean Harris
In Ryan LLC v. Federal Trade Commission, the federal court for the Northern District of Texas struck down the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed rule that would have banned noncompete agreements.
Published April 23, the final rule would have banned the use of noncompete clauses nationwide, classifying such clauses as an unfair method of competition under Section 5 of the FTC Act. But the court held the noncompete rule exceeded the FTC’s statutory authority under the FTC Act and was arbitrary and capricious.
First, the court relied in part on the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Loper Bright Enters. v. Raimondo that held that where statutes are ambiguous, courts owe no deference to federal agencies’ interpretations of laws. In Ryan LLC, the federal court went one step farther. It pointed out the scope of agency action is governed the Administrative Procedure Act, and the “APA thus codifies for agency cases the unremarkable, yet elemental proposition … that courts decide legal questions by applying their own judgment. It specifies that courts, not agencies, will decide ‘all relevant questions of law’ arising on review of agency action.”
Thus, the law reigns in government agencies that attempt to fill in the gaps left by Congress in drafting laws or adopting rules that exceed the scope Congress intended. Of course, this limits federal agencies’ ability to adopt substantives rules in areas in which Congress hasn’t spoken. Federal agencies likely will exercise caution in enacting rules in areas that affect employers, including employment and tax laws.
Second, the ruling in Ryan LLC returns the regulation of noncompete agreements to states. Only a few states ban noncompete agreements entirely, but most put some restrictions on the use of noncompete agreements.
Colorado applies stringent restrictions to the use of noncompete agreements. In Colorado, only two types of noncompete agreements are legal.
Noncompete agreements with “highly compensated employees” are allowed if the purpose of the agreement is to protect trade secrets — so long as the agreement is no broader than necessary to protect an employer’s legitimate interest in protecting its trade secrets. The salary threshold for 2024 is $123,750 annually, so noncompete agreements are prohibited for all but a small percentage of Colorado employees.
The Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics determines the threshold amount each year. And agreements not to solicit an employer’s customers are legal if the employee restrained makes at least 60 percent of the salary threshold listed above. In 2024, that amount is $74,250 annually.
Employers should note that several types of agreements that were lumped into noncompete agreements are excluded from the definition of noncompete agreements by recent state legislation. Employers may recoup educational and training costs from employees who leave employment within two years of receiving such training. This recovery is limited to the prorated amount of training costs remaining, and recoupment cannot violate the Fair Labor Standards Act or Colorado Wage Act.
An employer could only deduct the remaining prorated amount of training costs if the employer entered into a written agreement with the employee to deduct those costs, and the deduction could not result in the employee making less than minimum wage on his or her final paycheck.
Also, Colorado expressly permits employers to make and enforce reasonable confidentiality provisions relevant to the employer’s business that doesn’t prohibit disclosure of information arising from the worker’s general training, knowledge, skill or experience — whether that information was gained on the job or elsewhere. But an employer may not protect information that’s readily ascertainable to the public or a worker otherwise has a right to disclose as legally protected conduct. For example, an employer could not prohibit an employee from disclosing his or her final salary or the fact they brought a complaint of sexual harassment to the employer. This exception is broad, much broader than the definition of “trade secrets.” While an employer can rarely enter into an agreement that prevents an employee from seeking other employment, the employer still can protect proprietary information.
Employers drafting noncompete agreements should consult legal counsel to make sure the agreements comply with recent changes to Colorado law. The Employers Council makes available to members on its website whitepapers on restrictive covenants for all of the core states it serves. Consulting and enterprise members may discuss the use of noncompete agreements with legal services attorneys.
Dean Harris is Western Slope area managing attorney for the Employers Council. The Employers Council counsels, represents and trains member employers in all phases of employment relationships. Contact Harris at dharris@employerscouncil.org or (970) 852-0190.
Colorado ranks fourth in analysis of the best states for startups
Colorado ranks fourth in a new analysis of the best states in which to start a business.
Lendio, an online loan marketplace targeting small business owners, analyzed 10 metrics to determine the ranking, including small business lending, cost of living, real estate data, educated worker migration, corporate tax rates and state-level incentives for business owners.
Colorado moved up two spots from sixth to fourth in the 2024 ranking. Colorado ranked seventh nationally for the issuance of small business loans, with 27 small business loans per 100,000 residents. The state also had the seventh highest amount of venture capital per $1 million in gross
domestic product. The state offers 38 incentives programs.
The state imposes a comparatively low 4 percent corporate income tax rate. Half of small business startups in Colorado remained in operation after five years.
Florida moved up one spot to the top ranking in the 2024 analysis with a 5.5 percent corporate tax rate and a migration of companies and consumers to the state. Texas moved down one spot to second. North Carolina moved up two spots to third.
Florida, Texas and North Carolina fared well in the ranking with lower taxes, an influx of movers to these states, sufficient business funding and higher amounts of
personal consumption expenditures. South Carolina, Ohio, Georgia, Massachusetts and Utah and Oklahoma rounded out the top 10 best states in which to start businesses. Hawaii ranked as the worst state in which to start a business, followed by New Hampshire and Nebraska. The bottom three states fared less well in the ranking because of low business funding and venture capital availability, limited local incentive programs, high tax rates and high costs of living. Oregon, Wisconsin, Kentucky, New Jersey, Alabama, Louisiana and South Dakota rounded out the bottom 10.
Foster symbiotic relationships and thrive
There’s a commonly held belief that business success results from selling as many products or services as possible to as many consumers as possible at the highest prices possible while also paying the lowest costs possible to make as much money as possible.
Following this limited perspective of success leaves everyone involved feeling taken advantage of; undervalued; used; and, most importantly, unhappy.
Truly successful businesses aren’t just money making machines. They also represent tremendous opportunities to make life more pleasant and the world a better place — if they’re used for such noble causes.
In my work with companies over the past 21 years, I’ve repeatedly witnessed the dramatic differences between businesses that truly care about their team members, customers and community and those that don’t.
A truly successful business — one that benefits the many and not merely the few — strives to create as much happiness and success as possible for customers, team members, business owners and the community while generating profits in the process. This balanced approach takes all players into account, spreading the fruits of everyone’s labor far and wide for the betterment of the whole.
It all begins with the lifeblood of any successful business — its customers. If they’re not happy with the products and services provided to them in exchange for their hard-earned money, they won’t return — or, for that matter, speak very highly of your company.
As you consider your customer base, it’s important to see them as human beings who’ve chosen to do business with
When you operate from the mindset others want to enjoy happiness and success the same as you, you treat people differently.
you and not dollar signs to add to your bottom line. When customers are valued and treated with respect, integrity and care, they become raving fans of you, your team and your business. The happiness and success of everyone increases.
The same principle applies to your team members. Without them, your company wouldn’t function. Without their dedication, it would be impossible to operate a highquality business. Their agreement to devote large portions of their lives to help you in exchange for earning a living shouldn’t be taken for granted. Like you, your team members have dreams of happiness and success. Their families depend on them just as yours depend upon you.
Your team members serve as a conduit between your business and customers. They’re not cogs in the wheel of business, they’re humans. The more you care for your team members, the more they’ll care for you. When you value and treat them with dignity, they will give their best to you and your customers. The happier they are, the stronger your business will be and the more success everyone will enjoy.
When you operate from the mindset others want to enjoy happiness and success the same as you, you treat people differently. Through this larger perspective, team members and customers cease to be objects necessary to achieve your financial dreams. Instead, they become vital links in a chain that creates happiness and success throughout the process of doing business.
Of course, you can’t please everyone. Some team
members and customers will never be satisfied with even your exceptional efforts. In the pursuit of greater happiness and success, you’ll need to let certain team members and customers go.
However, companies that operate from a win-win-win perspective where happy customers, team members and owners succeed are the most rewarding companies to do business with, work for and run. These businesses give as well as receive.
There’s more to business success than profits, status, prestige and power. Conducting business in ways that honor and support everyone who contributes their time and resources to its well-being positions a company to serve the greater purpose of creating happiness and success in the world. Its mission becomes a more encompassing endeavor, one not solely focused on generating wealth for owners and investors.
You, your customers and team members and are all in business together. It’s a symbiotic relationship. When you operate from this balanced perspective — one that takes into account the best interests of everyone involved and not just yours – your business will produce happiness and even more success while also improving the quality of life and the world.
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
Ownership filing deadline approaches
If you operate a registered business and don’t fall under any of the exceptions, you must provide some critical information to the federal government before Dec. 31 to avoid potentially large fines.
This reporting requirement is part of the Corporate Transparency Act. If your business is registered as a corporation, partnership or limited liability company in the United States, you must report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a part of the U.S. Department of Treasury.
The filing process is simple. Information about filing available online at the website at https://boiefiling.fincen.gov.
Money laundering and other fraudulent activities cost federal, state and local governments vast amounts of money, time and resources. Over the years, banks and other financial institutions have faced increased reporting requirements to identify and stop fraudulent activities.
The Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act were enacted to limit such common types of fraud as money laundering. But these laws weren’t enough. The federal government developed the FinCEN to gain a better understanding of who owns businesses and insights into potentially illegal activities.
There are 23 exceptions to those that must file with FinCEN — https://fincen.gov/boi-faqs#C_2]. These exempt entities are primarily in financial and accounting areas, with a few additions like inactive entities. Generally, the filing requirements apply to companies with 20 or fewer employees. The large operating company exemption requires the business to employ more than 20 full-time employees and doesn’t permit consolidation of this employee count across multiple entities.
Filing is simple and quick. There’s no filing fee. But the filing must be completed online at www.fincen.gov/boi. Failing to file or
Failing to file or providing false information could result in civil penalties of $500 a day. Businesses have until Dec. 31 to file.
providing false information could result in civil penalties of $500 a day. Businesses have until Dec. 31 to file with the FinCEN.
You could be solicited by so-called FinCEN consultants who offer to handle the filing for you in exchange for a fee. There’s no requirement or need to use outside services. Unfortunately, whenever the federal government imposes a filing requirement, there are always people who try to profit from inexperience.
One of the aspects of the FinCEN filing is providing BOI. A beneficial owner is an individual who owns, directly or indirectly, a quarter or more of the company. Ownership includes equity, options, voting rights, capital or profit interest and control of convertible instruments. BOI also applies to anyone who exercises substantial control over a company, even if they own a smaller share than the 25 percent threshold.
Sole proprietors or entrepreneurs who aren’t registered with the Colorado Secretary of State and are 100 percent owners don’t have to file with the FinCEN.
If your business was established in 2024, you must also disclose additional information to FinCEN about the person who made the registration application. There are no annual filing requirements once an initial report is made, but FinCEN must be updated whenever there’s a change in beneficial ownership.
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.
$125,000.00
Janet Arrowood
Strategies for developing leaders from within
Leadership development constitutes a cornerstone of success for any organization. By equipping employees with the skills and knowledge to guide teams, make decisions and drive growth, companies ensure a thriving future. Investing in leadership development not only prepares individuals for greater responsibilities, but also strengthens the organization as a whole.
Gina Archuleta
Here’s how employers can nurture leadership from within their ranks.
n Identifying employees who show promise is the first step in cultivating leadership. Those with strong communication skills, problemsolving abilities and proactive attitudes often display the potential to become effective leaders. Recognizing these traits early enables employers to focus development efforts where they will have the greatest effects. Training and education play a crucial role. Offering workshops, seminars and online courses on such essential topics as team management, conflict resolution and strategic planning helps employees build a solid foundation of leadership skills.
n Mentorship programs and other opportunities for experience also are vital. Pairing emerging leaders with seasoned mentors provides guidance, support and valuable insights. Mentors share their experiences and help mentees navigate the challenges of leadership. Encouraging employees to take on more responsibilities — leading projects or managing teams — offers practical experience in a supportive environment, allowing them to practice leadership and build confidence.
n Creating a positive workplace culture and offering clear career advancement opportunities are essential for
nurturing leadership. A supportive environment where employees feel valued and motivated to grow fosters a culture of leadership. Regular feedback, recognition of achievements and a commitment to a healthy work-life balance encourage employees to take initiative and develop their potential. Knowing there are clear paths for career growth, such as promotions or special projects, keeps employees motivated to improve their leadership skills.
n Don’t overlook technology and continuous learning. Performance tracking tools, virtual reality simulations and online collaborative platforms make learning more engaging, enhancing the development process. Encouraging continuous learning through access to resources like books, articles, podcasts and webinars helps employees stay current with the latest leadership trends and practices, ensuring they remain adaptable and ready to face new challenges.
Leadership development is equally important for small businesses, which often operate with limited resources. Even with budget constraints, small businesses can foster leadership by adopting creative and cost-efficient strategies. Leveraging internal expertise, offering cross-training opportunities and using online resources help small businesses build a culture of growth and leadership.
n Small businesses can start by tapping into the knowledge and experience of current leaders through internal training sessions and knowledge-sharing meetings. This approach not only builds leadership skills, but also strengthens team cohesion and a sense of shared purpose. Encouraging cross-training gives employees a broader understanding of the business and helps them prepare for leadership roles.
n Create a collaborative work environment where employees share ideas and work together on projects. Team-based projects and group problem-solving sessions foster creativity and innovation, providing
practical opportunities for employees to hone leadership skills. Job rotation — allowing employees to work in different departments or roles — further enhances their understanding of the business and prepares them for leadership positions.
n Using readily available online resources offers another avenue for leadership development. Free or low-cost webinars, online courses and e-books provide valuable learning opportunities without significant financial investments. Additionally, recognizing and rewarding employees who demonstrate leadership qualities through awards, public acknowledgment or additional responsibilities fosters a culture of leadership and sets a standard for others to aspire.
n Feedback is crucial for continuous development. Constructive feedback sessions help employees reflect on their performance and identify areas for improvement, fostering a culture of ongoing development and building stronger, more capable leaders.
Leadership development isn’t just about preparing individuals for higher roles. It’s about creating a robust and resilient organization. By focusing on leadership growth, companies large and small ensure they’re well-positioned for success in a changing business landscape. Through thoughtful strategies and a commitment to nurturing talent, employers can develop the leaders of tomorrow.
Gina Archuleta is a human resources business partner with Lighthouse HR Support, a Grand Junction-based firm offering human resource services for small and medium-sized businesses. She brings to her duties more than 17 years of HR experience. For additional information, call (970) 243-7789 or visit the website at www.lighthousehrs.net.
Commercial real estate market remains active
The commercial real estate market in Mesa County is in a dynamic phase shaped by several factors influencing both demand and supply. While there are challenges to navigate, the market remains active.
The commercial real estate market saw a modest downturn during the second quarter of 2024, with total sales volume and transaction value lagging behind 2023 levels. Despite this, certain segments of the market — including notable property sales — continue to provide optimism.
One of the key indicators of the market’s overall performance — sales volume — fell significantly in the second quarter of 2024. Yearto-date figures reveal a 21 percent drop in sales volume compared to the same period in 2023, with total sales decreasing from $115.7 million to $91.7 million. This sharp decline can be attributed to a shift toward lower-priced property sales in 2024, a departure from higher dollar transactions in 2023.
The number of sales recorded saw only a minimal change, dropping just 1 percent year over year, with 100 commercial property sales recorded in the first half of 2024 compared to 101 in the first half of 2023. While properties are still changing hands at a healthy rate, the overall value of those transactions has decreased.
Several significant property transactions stood out during the second quarter of 2024. A newly constructed Starbucks building on Horizon Drive was sold for more than $5 million, one of the highest-value transactions for the quarter. The Horizon Drive building that houses the
Bank of the San Juans sold for $1.1 million, while the Grand Villa Care Facility changed hands for $5 million.
The commercial real estate market doesn’t operate in isolation. Broader economic trends affect the market, including consumer spending and employment stability. Consumer spending in Mesa County has trended slightly upward in 2024, with a 2.7 percent increase in sales tax revenue compared to 2023.
Even as the market for commercial real estate sales has softened, there’s been a modest decline in new commercial development activity. Commercial building permits have decreased by 19 percent, with four fewer permits issued in 2024 compared to 2023. This suggests a temporary slowdown in new construction potentially linked to rising interest rates and construction costs.
The availability of commercial properties on the market has increased. As of the second quarter of 2024, there were 222 active commercial listings and 165 active leases in Mesa County. Both figures represent an increase over Q2 2023 and Q1 2024, indicating a growing inventory of properties available for sale or lease.
Increasing demand for industrial and warehouse space drives the market. This sector has remained resilient in the face of broader economic uncertainties. Local businesses are expanding, and national companies are showing interest in establishing logistics centers in Mesa County. Vacancy rates for industrial properties are at historic lows, putting upward pressure on lease rates. Investors are capitalizing on this trend with new developments.
The retail real estate sector in Mesa County has experienced mixed conditions. While brick-and-mortar retail has seen a decline in certain areas, such as bigbox stores, there’s been a resurgence in smaller, niche
businesses and experiential retail. Food and beverage establishments, particularly those with outdoor dining, have seen steady demand as consumers seek social experiences. Retail spaces that blend physical and digital experiences or cater to specific needs perform well.
New construction in the commercial market has seen an uptick, especially in the industrial and multifamily sectors. However, rising construction costs and supply chain disruptions have caused delays in some projects. Developers are navigating these challenges by focusing on cost-effective solutions and sustainable building practices.
Investors are keeping a close eye on Mesa County as a region with growth potential. Such challenges as rising interest rates and inflation temper enthusiasm in some quarters. Despite these hurdles, local investors continue to be active, particularly in the industrial and multifamily sectors. The appeal of long-term growth coupled with Mesa County’s strategic location and economic diversity continues to draw attention from regional and national investors.
The commercial real estate market remains active with a steady number of transactions and an increase in property listings. As consumer spending continues to rise and employment remains stable, there’s cautious optimism the market could rebound in the second half of 2024. The key will be balancing the increased inventory of properties with potential demand from businesses and investors looking for opportunities in a changing economic environment.
Stewart Cruickshank is sales manager for the residential and commercial real estate divisions of Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction. For more information, call (970) 242-3267 or visit www.brayandco.com.
Employers can join in local efforts to lower suicide risks
Mesa County Public Health prepares an annual report in collaboration with the Mesa County coroner and Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
The group collects and analyzes information to understand local suicide trends. Findings inform prevention efforts.
“Our biggest takeaway from this year’s report is the suicide death rate in Mesa County has stabilized in recent years, but remains higher than both the state of Colorado and the United States,” said Shae Lynn Watt, data team lead at Mesa County Public Health.
Feeling connected to other people — at work or in a neighborhood or cultural group — lowers the risk of suicide.
“The workplace is connected to a person’s overall well-being. For businesses, the goal can be to foster a
work environment in which employees can openly discuss mental health and access resources they need to reduce their risk factors,” Watt said.
Another key finding in the report is firearms are responsible for half of suicide deaths in Mesa County. Men are nearly three times more likely as women to use a firearm in a suicide death.
Local businesses are involved in an innovative program in Mesa County and Colorado to address this issue. Gun shops and pawn shops participate in Colorado’s Gun Shop Project, providing information about suicide risk and distributing gun locks to encourage safe storage.
There are other resources in the community to share with your employees as well. Education and awareness are key to making sure people at risk of suicide get help.
Mesa County Opioid Response Group partners provide community training and substance abuse recovery support. Grand Valley Connects, a resource navigation program at Mesa County Public Health, assists people
with complex needs. A variety of free suicide prevention and intervention training programs also are available. Community members are encouraged to choose a training that fits their needs so they’re prepared if a family member, friend or someone at their workplace needs support.
Fostering an open workplace and sharing these resources could make a difference in the life of someone experiencing a suicidal crisis.
Visit our website to learn more about available resources and explore the data in the annual suicide report — https://bit.ly/3AN3aSK. If you’re struggling or know someone who needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, text CO to 741741 or call 988.
Sarah Gray is a communication specialist with Mesa County Public Health. For additional information, call (970) 248-6900 or visit mesacounty.us/public-health. F
Sarah Gray Stewart Cruickshank
In business and life, eschew obfuscation
Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac
A new year affords a new opportunity to meet local needs
As both the editor of a business journal and something of a grammar curmudgeon, I loathe the ways in which the elegant language of Shakespeare is abused. Confusion over there, their and they’re. Subject-verb disagreement. Incorrect capitalization. The use of literally rather than figuratively. Don’t even get me started on Oxford commas. I loathe them, too.
A new year almost always brings an opportunity for a fresh start and renewed ambition to do things better.
Phil Castle
But what really twists my knickers are the buzzwords and jargon that emerge from the business world when just the opposite should be commonplace. Owners and managers adept at selling products and services in straightforward and compelling fashion should be no less proficient in communicating with employees and motivating them.
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.
As is so often the case, I’m wrong. And I’m not the only one who’s disgusted.
Careerminds.com — an outplacement, leadership and career development services provider — conducted a survey of 3,000 employees to ask them about the most detested buzzwords and jargon used by their managers.
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.
Drum roll, please. Here, in reverse order, is the list of the top 10 business buzzwords Colorado employees most dislike: Spidey sense. Idea harvesting. Mission critical. Deliverables. Push the envelope. Effective acclerationism. Act your wage. Bleeding edge. Change agent. And the most despised phrase of all: balls in the air.
The new year offers a good time to join the proverbial club.
Giving them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps owners and managers use these abhorrent words and phrases with the best intentions. They believe they’re motivating and even inspiring employees. Or they suppose they appear more professional or intelligent. As employees confirm over and over, they don’t.
As an advertiser or reader, what do you need from the Business Times?
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.
I contend as a journalist just the opposite holds true. Whether they’re speaking with customers, investors or especially employees, owners and managers should consider what they want and then ask for it as clearly as possible. To keep it simple.
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?
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?
But don’t take just my words for it. In a news release announcing the results of its survey, Careerminds.com offered this advice: “Managers should take a moment to assess the language they use in the workplace. It’s crucial to recognize that the words we choose can significantly impact team morale and motivation. By opting for clear and meaningful dialogue over jargon, leaders can foster a more inclusive engaging and productive environment.”
Two more words come to mind.
What’s good? What isn’t? What’s needed? What isn’t?
More than two decades ago, I worked for a time for a regional agricultural weekly newspaper based in Oregon. The publisher at the time used to come into the newsroom every morning with a pot of coffee to fill the mugs of the reporters who worked there. We hailed this congenial man as a prince. He hung a sign in his office displaying those two important words: eschew obfuscation.
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.
That was good advice back then for newspapers reporters. It remains good advice these days for business owners and managers.
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
609 North Ave., Suite 2, Grand Junction, CO 81501 TEL (970) 424-5133 • FAX (970) 424-5134
Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall Editor: Phil Castle
When you can’t go Fourth and you can’t take the Fifth
Bold predictions for 2015 more like not-so-bold repeats
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:
Many will read this and think, “Sounds like Craig needs to cunningly wax philosophic to extricate himself from a deplorable situation.” And while I used a similar line in referring to Barabas (oh, those old playwrights and their symbolism) in Marlowe’s, “The Jew of Malta” for a term paper more than 40 years ago, this column refers to nothing of the sort. Not even close.
My headline for this column refers to what used to be a couple of innocuous, one-way thoroughfares in good ol’ River City and the not-so-obvious hazards to public health, progress and our West Slope way of life these two roads represent.
Craig Hall
Craig Hall
Then again, this is what happens when you elect Democrats. It always becomes about monuments to their rule, doing something in the name of progress and the next shiny thing for which they can spend confiscated public funds. Envy of what “real, big cities do and we haven’t yet” is a powerful aphrodisiac to those who seek glory in cornerstones and in front of microphones.
■ 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?
I’m not saying plenty of Republicans don’t do it. We have the example of the second most famous theatergoer in Republican lore who abandoned our congressional district for safer passage to re-election after going scorched-earth on the folks who squeaked her in the last go-round. But if we’re being honest, Democrats are so much better at it.
Which brings me to the newest, Olympic-level slalom course in the mountains of Colorado, Fourth and Fifth streets and the obstacle courses they’ve become under the leadership of the Grand Junction Politburo also known as city council. And coming soon, the bunny slope version known as the Seventh Street project. After all, we simply can’t tolerate the devastating numbers these Autobahns of death have thrust upon the unwitting citizenry of Grand Junction and its visitors.
■ 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.”
■ 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
And now, many visitors will never visit downtown because they can’t drive their vehicles down two of the main corridors in and out of there unless they use the most favored mode of transportation desired by Beijing and our city council: the bicycle. And that’s only if one’s two-wheeler doesn’t get picked off by an opening passenger door in your bike lane — or conversely, for those lucky enough to have a pregnant (preferably electric) roller skate of a vehicle and one doesn’t lose their driver’s side door by opening it into the narrowed golf cart lane created by all the poles in the middle of what used to be perfectly working streets as we used to call them — as a driver attempts to do the impossible: parallel park.
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.
■ 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.
Yeah, it’s a mouthful. Then again, so is any reasoning our city council will give as to why these projects keep moving forward. Even after the outcry and harsh criticism of the initial Fourth Street debacle, council feigned a second “listening tour” and went right ahead and began ruining Fifth Street. More insulting, council will tell you it did its due diligence and talked to more than 600 people who thought their Cancun condo presentation during the downtown farmers market was the panacea to all that ails driving and parking downtown would be henceforth and forever solved if only we planted some white PVC pipes in the middle of the road. Or they forgot to mention that last part. Perhaps the attendees who take time to talk with city planners at civic events while stuffed with kettle corn, carrying bags (hopefully not plastic) of corn and crops “tchecking out the tchotchke” and tie-dye aren’t the best source of information on life-altering changes to make councilmembers feel better about themselves and their desire to say, “See that? I did that. My name is on the plaque as proof.” And, no, I don’t have anything against farmers market attendees. But I’ve indulged in the atmosphere myself, especially when it comes to kettle corn. I’m not doing interviews. Call me crazy — many will — but I would have discussed these projects with oh, I don’t know, downtown merchants and businesses owners, the folks who own the buildings and yes, even us rubes in the suburbs. Maybe even consider our first responders and their needs? You know, the people affected. But like all projects of massive need solving problems that aren’t real, the work began faster than you could start digging before sunup the morning after the yes vote for the mobile home, theater adjacent, on Seventh and Main. Oh yes, solving problems that don’t exist while acting like big city folks who have the coolest, latest ideas put into action is an disease more infectious than any lab-created coronavirus when it comes to politicians. Like skateboard parks for the homeless (thank the Lord we are saving countless lives in solving the backups onto First Street for those in line for the skateboard park over there) and Taj Mahals as learning centers (wait until D51 finds out Montrose is proposing a high school to cost $200 million). Politicians will never be able to spend enough or put into place obvious stupidity fast enough for the common good. The more politicians spend and do, the more speeches they can give and the bigger the monuments. After all, it’s why they ran.
Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at (970) 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. F
Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.
With strings fully attached, federal government grants infringe on states’ rights
States, counties, cities, schools and recreation districts are among the plethora of entities that apply for grants for special projects. If grants are awarded, there’s cause for celebration and local media takes notice.
Following a complex and timeconsuming application process, the federal government awards significant funding to selected state and local governments and programs.
The American Heritage dictionary defines a grant as giving funds for a specific purpose. Grants aren’t paid back. Grant programs require the funds to be spent according to the specifics of the programs. Private grants from corporations and philanthropists are different from federal grants and aren’t addressed in this column. Government grants come from tax collections and budget allocations. These grants are authorized, targeted at specific goals and appropriated as bills enacted through Congress. Applying for and receiving federal grants has become commonplace for state and local governments. But the practice didn’t began until after the Great Depression and the election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
According to the 2022 summary report on the Citizens Against Government Waste website, President Lyndon Johnson instituted in the 1960s a form of coercive federalism by using grants to force states to fund his administration’s policy priorities. The establishment of Medicare and Medicaid combined with the expansion of federal housing programs increased the role of the federal government and allowed it to make further inroads into state affairs.
Granting federal money to states has evolved since it was introduced in the early 1930s. Janelle Fritts, a policy analyst with the Tax Foundation Center for State Tax Policy, described the role federal grants play in state funding in a February 2020 article titled “Which States Rely the Most on Federal Aid.” Federal aid is allocated to states for a variety of purposes, primarily to supplement state funding on projects deemed to be of a national interest. Fritts delineated the differences between federal competitive grants and grants awarded according to formulas established by law. She noted that states that rely heavily on federal grants tend to have sizable lowincome populations and comparatively lower tax revenues.
The expansion of federal grants to states blurs the division between federal and states rights as established by the Constitution. A Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Dole deemed it
constitutional for the federal government to attach conditions to grants to states as long as they’re reasonable. This ruling allowed the federal government to design and implement policy preferences that could be inconsistent or contradictory from one administration to the next.
Donald J. Mizerk, a notable litigator of patent infringement and author of “The Coercion Test and Conditional Federal Grants to the States,” said the reasoning behind the South Dakota v. Dole ruling was that state and local governments could theoretically decline participation in federal grant programs. In reality, do these entities have the option to decline? Have state and local governments become dependent on grant funding as a substitute for sound budgeting?
The 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.”
Accepting and using grant money to subsidize state and local budgets sets the stage for states to abdicate their constitutional rights. The state and local governing powers have preferred government largesse with strings attached to having less funding and more freedom to design projects. The federal government has perfected this managed funding to states for more than 90 years.
It is understandable why states and local governments apply for grants. Refusing to participate in the grant application funding process because it will compromise independence and negate the constitutional rights of states will do nothing to change the way government operates. That train left the station far too long ago. Grant applications will continue, and the receipt of grant funding will still be celebrated.
“When all government, domestic and foreign, in little as in great things, shall be drawn to Washington as the center of all power, it will render powerless the checks provided of one government on another, and will become as venal and oppressive as the government from which we separated.” — Thomas Jefferson
Phyllis Hunsinger is founder of the Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise Foundation in Grand Junction. The FREE Foundation provides resources to students and teachers in Western Colorado to promote the understanding of economics, financial literacy and free enterprise. A former teacher, principal and superintendent, Hunsinger wrote “Down and Dirty: A ‘How To’ Math Book.” Reach Hunsinger by email at phyllis@free-dom.us.com. For more information about the FREE Foundation, log on to www.free-dom.us.com.
Phyllis Hunsinger
n WESTERN COLORADO HEARING CLINIC JOINS IN EFFORT TO OFFER TINNITUS TREATMENT
Opinion Business Briefs Business People
Western Colorado Hearing Clinic has joined in an effort to meet growing demand for a tinnitus treatment device.
Neuromod Devices, a medical technology company that developed the Lenire tinnitus treatment device, partnered with Western Colorado Hearing Clinic to offer the device.
“We are thrilled to be offering this technology in our clinic for our patients,” said Jennifer BeBee, a doctor of audiology who owns Western Colorado Hearing Clinic. “Tinnitus can be incredibly frustrating and disruptive to a person’s life. Being able to offer an at-home treatment device that has proven to be effective at relieving tinnitus is incredibly rewarding.”
Tinnitus — commonly known as ringing in the ears — is a brain signaling condition that causes people to perceive sound with no external source. It’s estimated tinnitus affects 25 million people in the United States.
Lenire works by delivering mild electrical pulses to the tongue. Combined with auditory stimulation through headphones, the treatment promotes changes in the brain to relieve tinnitus.
To receive more information about Western Colorado Hearing Clinic or schedule an appointment, visit www.wchearingclinic.com or call (970) 549-4660.
n BUSINESSES SOUGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN WESTERN SLOPE FOOD BANK CHALLENGE
Registration continues through Sept. 13 for a competition challenging businesses to help address hunger.
Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope will stage the two-month competition.
“We’re really excited to kick off this new challenge and work alongside incredible partners across our community to provide nutritious and meaningful food to kids, families and individuals,” said Gabriela Garayar, senior development manager with Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope. “At the end of the competition, the ultimate victory is in the collective effort to alleviate food insecurity across the Western Slope.”
Participating businesses will earn points in the competition by conducting virtual food drives, collecting individual donations, logging volunteer hours at the Western Slope Etkin Family Distribution Center in Grand Junction, posting information about the challenge on social meeting and attending a kickoff party scheduled for Sept. 19. At the end of the challenge, Food Bank of the Rockies will announce an overall winner as well as recognize the best virtual food drive and most volunteer hours logged.
To register for the challenge, call (970) 438-4214 or send an email to wsvolunteer@foodbankrockies.org.
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n WESTERN COLORADO PEDIATRICS DONATES TO EFFORTS ADDRESSING CHILD HUNGER
Western Colorado Pediatrics donated $5,460 to a program providing food to children who might otherwise go hungry.
A division of Primary Care Partners, Western Colorado Pediatrics made good on a promise to donate $5 for every well-child checkup completed between July 1 and Aug. 1 to the Kids Aid backpack program.
The program provides backpacks filled with food to students in Mesa County School District 51 schools who might not have access to meals over weekends.
Dr. Megan Stinar, a pediatrician with Western Colorado Pediatric Associates, said the program is important. “Child hunger has a profound impact on health and academic performance, and when children don’t have consistent access to nutritious meals, their ability to focus,learn and thrive is significantly diminished.”
Tessa Kaiser, executive director of Kids Aid, welcomed the effort and donation. “We’re so grateful we connected in this community because we can’t serve all these people alone. We’re grateful for the support. This is going to go a long way. Kids are going to be nourished internally.”
Primary Care Partners includes nine physician-owned divisions operating at three locations across the Grand Valley. PCP provides a range of health care services to people across Western Colorado and Eastern Utah.
n SMALL BUSINESS REGISTRATION UNDER WAY FOR FREE SBA CYBER SECURITY SUMMIT
Registration is under way for a free small business cyber security summit scheduled for Oct. 16 and 23.
The U.S. Small Business Administration will host the summit and offer presentations by cyber security experts as well as practical advice and interactive forensic assessments. Participants also will have an opportunity to network.
By one estimate, the cost of cyber crimes against small businesses reached $4.57 billion in 2023.
To register for the summit or obtain more information,visit https://bit.ly/SBACyberSummit2004.
Colorado Lottery posts record sales and distribution
The Colorado Lottery posted record sales of nearly $901 million and a record distribution of more than $196 million for the 2024 fiscal year.
“Our goal to become a $1 billion lottery is in our sight with this year’s tremendous revenue success,” said Tom Seaver, director of the Colorado Lottery. “And we’ll soon surpass the $200 million mark for our proceeds partners that support our state’s parks, recreation, open space and wildlife preservation projects.”
Two Mega Millions and one Powerball jackpot that exceeded $1 billion each drove a significant boost for sales, with more than $312 million in sales across all jackpot games. Scratch products still constitute the largest revenue generator with sales of more than $588 million.
Since 1983, the Colorado Lottery has returned more than $4.2 billion to improve parks, trails and open spaces in the state. F
NOTEWORTHY
Community Hospital in Grand Junction is among the hospitals that received the highest rating in a national assessment of quality and safety standards.
Community Hospital received a five-star quality rating for 2024 in the Hospital Compare assessment by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Community Hospital has received the rating three times since 2020.
“We are incredibly proud to be a CMS five-star quality rated hospital,” said Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Community Hospital. ”Our entire staff works tirelessly to ensure the highest quality care possible. Receiving a five-star quality rating from CMS underscores our steadfast commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients.”
The Hospital Compare assessment rated more than 4,800 hospitals nationwide based on a total of 46 measures in five core areas, including patient experiences, timely and effective care, unplanned hospital visits, payment and value of care. Community Hospital met or exceeded standards in each of the core areas. Out of 4,800 hospitals, 381 received the five-star rating. Only 17 hospitals in Colorado received the rating.
“People frequently tells us that once they come to Community Hospital, they won’t go anywhere else,” Thomas said. “Providing high-quality care for the best value in the market remains a top priority for Community Hospital.”
For more information about services offered at Community Hospital, visit YourCommunityHospital.com.
Chris Thomas
Jennifer BeBee
Megan Stinar
Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac
Business Briefs Business People Almanac
n DOCTORS JOIN HEALTH CARE TEAMS AT PRIMARY CARE PARTNERS PRACTICES
Drs. Antancio Gomez and Maxwell Stephens have joined family medical practices operated by Primary Care Partners in Grand Junction.
Gomez joined the health care team at Tabeguache Family and Sports Medicine. Stephens joined the Western Colorado Physicians Group. They’re both seeing new patients.
Gomez is certified in family and sport medicine. He focuses in sports medicine on return-to-play practices and concussions.
He holds a medical degree from the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine in Puerto Rico.
After undergoing family medicine training at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center of the Permian Basin, he completed a sports medicine fellowship with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in McAllen.
Stephens practices outpatient primary medicine as well as focuses on reproductive health, women’s health and obstetrics and health care in rural and underserved areas.
He received his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. He completed his residency and board certification in family medicine at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction.
Gomez sees patients at the Primary Care Partners Care Village at 3150 N. 12th St. Call (970) 256-5201 for an appointment. Stephens sees patients at 1120 Wellington Ave. Call (970) 241-6011 for an appointment.
Primary Care Partners includes nine physicianowned divisions operating at four locations across the Grand Valley. PCP provides a range of health care services to 55,000 people across Western Colorado and Eastern Utah.
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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 REAL ESTATE FIRM ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF THREE AGENTS
Christy Anderson and Daniel Giner have joined Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction. Derrick Snider has returned to the firm in a new role with the commercial division.
“We are thrilled to welcome Daniel and Christy to the Bray family and to have Derrick return to us in a new capacity,” said Stewart Cruickshank, sales manager at Bray & Co. “These talented agents embody our commitment to providing personalized, professional and community focused service.”
Anderson will team up with Andrea Haitz to provide services to clients. Anderson also works as a teacher.
Giner previously worked as a paramedic. He’s bilingual, bringing to his duties additional communication skills in serving clients.
Snider will join the GSD Team lead by Katie Davis.
Bray & Co. operates residential and commercial divisions along with property management, construction and development divisions. For more information, call (970) 242-3647 or visit www.brayandco.com.
Canvas Credit Union announces new CEO
Chad Shane has been appointed chief executive officer of Canvas Credit Union.
The credit union operates 35 branches across Colorado, including branches in Grand Junction and Fruita.
Shane brings to his latest duties more than 30 years of business experience. He’s held a series of positions with Canvas Credit Union, including chief lending officer, senior vice president, vice president of lending and assistant vice president of lending and business development.
Shane said he was honored with his selection as CEO.
“I have been a long-time leader at Canvas and have experienced first hand how special this organization is. This team inspired me every day with their dedication to uplifting our members and communities,” Shane said. “Together with our dedicated team, we will keep leading with our hearts, fostering a culture of care and driving meaningful impact across Colorado.”
What was Western Rockies Federal Credit Union based in Grand Junction merged with Canvas Credit Union based in Englewood in 2022.
Canvas Credit Union has more than $4.5 billion in assets and serves more than 300,000 members. For more information, visit www.canvas.org.
Sept. 12
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Rocky Mountain PBS and The Muse, 158 S. Park Square. Admission $5 for chamber members, $15 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894
Sept. 18
n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Palisade Pizza and Pour House, 785 Elberta Ave. Members pay $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Others pay $8 in advance and $10 at the door. www.palisadecoc.com
Sept. 20
n Coffee Club free networking event, 9 to 10 a.m., FWorks meeting room, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or https://gjincubator.org
Sept. 23
n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce quarterly membership luncheon and candidate forum, noon to 1:30 p.m., Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Admission $25 for chamber members, $35 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org
Sept. 24
n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce members only business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., VanWinkle Ranch, 2043 N Road, Fruita. Admission $10. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org
Upcoming
n Welcome Thursday Friends free networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 26, Ale House, 2531 N. 12th St., Grand Junction. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce women in business networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 3, Karma Kitchen, 229 E. Aspen Ave. Members attend at no additional charge. Others pay $10. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org
n Mesa County Women’s Network workshop on questioning thinking and improving listening, 6 p.m. Oct. 8, Abstract & Title Co. of Mesa County, 2464 Patterson Road, Grand Junction. Members attend at no additional charge. Guests pay $35. www.mcwn.us
n Western Colorado Human Resource Association monthly membership meeting and program on diversity, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15, Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. Members attend at no additional charge. Guests pay $20. www.wchra.org
n Welcome Thursday Friends free networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 24, Strayhorn Grill, 445 Kokopelli Blvd., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894
n Grand Valley BizMix event for members of the Fruita, Grand Junction, Palisade and Western Colorado Latino chambers of commerce and Young Professionals Network of Mesa County, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30, Timberline Bank, 649 Market St., Grand Junction. Admission $10. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org F
