The Colorado economy is sending mixed signals, according to the midyear update of an outlook report
An institution offering a range of education programs has a new name, but the mission of learning remains the same.
A new executive director has been appointed to oversee the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board.
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The Colorado secretary of state has joined in an effort opposing an acquisition that would consolidate food retailing.
The monthly jobless rate continues to trend upward in Mesa County, although slow job growth is expected.
Thaddeus Shrader, chief executive officer and co-owner of Bonsai Design, speaks at an event celebrating the opening of Riverfront Zip Adventures and a zipline spanning nearly 1,200 feet from Eagle Rim Park and over the Colorado River to a landing pad erected outside the company’s headquarters in Los Colonias Park.
chief executive officer and co-owner of Bonsai Design, speaks at a celebration of the opening of Riverfront Zip Adventures and a zipline spanning 1,200 feet from Eagle Rim Park and over the Colorado River to a landing pad outside the firm ’s headquarters in Los Colonias Park.
STORY ANDBonsai Design has constructed ziplines and outdoor adventure courses in some far-flung locations. But the company completed one of its latest projects closer to home — just outside its Grand Junction headquarters.
Officials with Bonsai Design and the City of Grand Junction officially celebrated the opening of Riverfront Zip Adventures and a zipline that runs nearly 1,200 from Eagle Rim Park atop a bluff across the Colorado River to a landing pad in Las Colonias Park.
Thaddeus Shrader, chief executive officer and co-owner of Bonsai Design, says the project constitutes another milestone for a firm that started 19 years ago out of a garage and a van and now serves as anchor tenant of a business park. “After many years of installations in communities all over the country, it’s a pleasure being able to design and build a zipline in the place we’ve made our home for the last two decades.”
Ken Sherbenou, parks and recreation director for the City of Grand Junction, calls the project a culmination of years of work between Bonsai Design and the city to design and build Los Colonias Park and the zipline. “This has been a long time coming.”
The city entered into an agreement with Bonsai Design that included a
PHOTO
BY PHIL CASTLELocated at 1601 Riverfront Drive, Riverfront Zip Adventures offers zipline tours from noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For more information or reservations, call (970) 628-0293 or log on to www.riverfrontzip.com.
low-cost lease, $1 million contribution toward the construction of new facilities and waiver of real and business property taxes over a 10-year period.
Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout says collaborations among public, private and nonprofit partners turned an area that once included a junkyard and rendering plant into an area that features a 5,000-seat amphitheater and river park. And now, a zipline.
“Now, it’s an incredible asset,” Stout says. “This is not just an incredible amenity for the city. It symbolizes our city coming together and having a vision for who we are.”
Bonsai Design designs, builds and installs adventure courses and ziplines for customers around the world. By one estimate, more than 1 million people have experienced the company’s attractions.
See ZIPPING page 18
The Colorado economy is sending mixed signals with continued growth in production and high levels of labor force participation, but flagging employment growth.
“Businesses continue to indicate a desire and need to hire more workers. But the slow net migration to Colorado has contributed to the sustained worker shortage in the state in 2023,” said Brian Lewandowski, executive director of the business research division at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
The division recently updated its Colorado Business Economic Outlook report for 2023.
The update cited increases in gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the state. Colorado continued to fare well for high levels of labor participation, annual pay and personal income.
But the update also revised downward projected job growth for the year. Heading into the year, nonfarm payrolls were forecast to increase 57,100 in Colorado. The updated report projected employment growth at 54,400 with gains in nine industry sectors, but losses in two other sectors.
GDP increased at an annual, inflation-adjusted rate of 1.9 percent during the first quarter of 2023. The largest gains were reported for the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting; arts, entertainment and recreation; and management of companies and enterprises sectors. The largest losses occurred in the construction and finance and insurance sectors.
Colorado ranked fourth nationally for its labor force participation rate — the proportion of the population either working or actively looking for work.
The state ranked seventh for average annual pay and eighth for per capital personal income.
Colorado fared less well for year-over-year employment growth, ranking 44th in June.
See OUTLOOK page 16
An increase in new business filings in Colorado bodes well for continued economic growth — as well as an indication slowing job growth reflects labor shortages.
“The growth in establishments and strong underlying components of the labor market suggest the slowdown in job growth appears to be a labor supply issue rather than a signal of business distress,” said Brian Lewandowski, executive director of the business research division at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
The division tracks quarterly business and economic indicators based in part of filings recorded with the Colorado secretary of state’s office. See FILINGS page 14
An institution that offers a range of career and technical education programs has a new name and new sign on the outside. What goes on inside the Grand Junction campus continues.
“Learning is learning,” said Alison Griffin, chairwoman of the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees.
And for many students at what’s now CMU Tech, that learning comes at no direct cost to them, said Brigitte Sundermann, vice president for community college affairs at CMU.
Griffin and Sundermann were among the officials who joined in a ceremony to unveil the new sign at CMU Tech, a division of CMU.
CMU President John Marshall said the name change from what was Western Colorado Community College culminated a year-long initiative called Forming the Future. The process involved students, faculty, staff and CMU trustees as well as community members.
The change highlights the importance of career and technical education programs and a commitment to preparing students for jobs in a variety of industries, he said.
Griffin said CMU Tech constitutes the latest iteration of 40 years of efforts to bring together various educational and training programs at one location in the Grand Valley. “This is the beginning of the next 40 years of success.”
CMU Tech offers 30 certificate and associate degree programs, concurrent enrollment to high school students and
For additional information about programs and training offered at CMU Tech, call (970) 255-2600 or log on to the website located at www.coloradomesa.edu/tech.
a variety of noncredit professional and personal development courses.
Sundermann said college enrollment has doubled over the past 10 years even as high school enrollment has tripled.
Many of the programs are available at no cost, she said, include those offering training for such high-demand fields as construction, early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement and nursing.
A new mobile learning lab will support welding and commercial driver license training programs. Another mobile learning lab offering mechatronics courses to high school students, adult learners and employees enrolled in company training.
Instructors at CMU Tech come from industry and know what students need to succeed on the job, Sundermann said. “I think that’s key.”
In addition, CMU Tech offers businesses customized training. It’s usually a matter of a business owner or manager calling to inquire about setting up training, she said. “The answer is yes.”
Marshall said the name change constitutes another step in continued efforts at CMU Tech. “This really is just the beginning and the next phase of this journey.”
A man who’s worked 13 years as marketing coordinator of the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board has been appointed as executive director of the organization.
Kyle Schlachter succeeds Doug Caskey, who retired after serving 23 years as director.
“Stepping into the leading role at the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board will allow me to continue working with Colorado’s wine growers, vintners, sommeliers and other industry partners to grow and develop our state’s dynamic wine industry,” Schlacter said. “We produce world-class wine in Colorado, and I am eager to help our producers let the world know.”
A part of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the board promotes the development of grape and wine production in the state. Schlacter will oversee efforts to promote viticultural and enological research, integrate the wine industry into state tourism programs and advocate for winemakers.
Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture
Kate Greenberg praised Schlachter’s selection. “Kyle’s knowledge of the wine industry and his proven ability to lead make him the perfect fit for the role and for the future of Colorado wine. Kyle has been an ambassador for the Colorado wine industry for more than a decade, and we are looking forward to what he can accomplish in his new role.”
Schlacter worked 13 years as marketing coordinator of the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board. He previously worked at a wine and spirits retailer. He’s also contributed to the wine industry as a writer. His work has been published in Decanter, Sommelier Journal and Wine Spectator.
He was selected by Wine Enthusiast in 2017 as one of the 40 Under 40 Tastemakers.
In 2021, he became the first popularly elected mayor of Littleton.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Denver as well as a master’s degree in geography from the University of Tennessee.
When the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board was created in 1990, there were only seven wineries and fewer than 100 acres of grapes planted in Colorado. Today, there are more than 160 licensed wineries and nearly 1,000 acres of grapes under cultivation in the state.
According to the results of a study conducted in 2017, the wine industry contributes more than $300 million a year to the Colorado economy.
F
Mind Springs Health has entered into a one-year agreement in which St. Mary’s Medical Center will help manage a psychiatric hospital in Grand Junction.
The agreement fulfills a conditional licensing requirement imposed by the state on West Springs Hospital.
Mind Springs reached the management services agreement with St. Mary’s, now part of the Intermountain Health system.
“This agreement represents an opportunity to partner with St. Mary’s and Intermountain Health to create additional positive change within the walls of West Spring Hospital,” said John Sheehan, chief executive officer of Mind Springs. “By working with St. Mary’s, we can impact more patient lives positively.”
Bryan Johnson, president of St. Mary’s, said Mind Springs is a part of the area health care continuum that should be supported. “It’s vital that the community step up to offer support at this time,” Johnson said. “Intermountain Health has strong behavioral health expertise in house that we will tap into for this work.”
Under the agreement, St. Mary’s and Intermountain Health will provide resources to support operational oversight at West Springs Hospital.
That addresses the conditional licensing requirement imposed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment following state audits.
“We produce world-class wine in Colorado, and I am eager to help our producers let the world know.”
Kyle Schlacter
An economic development agency in Colorado is among six recipients of federal grants for a pilot program to assist small businesses with cybersecurity.
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade will receive $1 million in funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration for the program.
The U.S. Small Business Administration will host a free virtual cybersecurity summit every Wednesday in October at which public and private sector experts will help small businesses avoid cyber attacks. To register, visit www.sba.gov/business-guide/manageyour-busines/strengthen-your-cybersecurity.
expansion across Colorado, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, Hawaii and Wyoming,” Guzman said.
The other five recipients of $1 million each were the Indiana Economic Development Corp., Ohio State University, Old Dominion University, State of Hawaii Cybersecurity Assistance for Small Businesses and University of Wyoming.
Isabella Casillas“Cyber threats can be devastating to small businesses. The SBA’s second cohort of cybersecurity pilot grantees will help our small businesses avoid dangerous cyber attacks that can create costly disruptions to their businesses and our nation’s supply chains and digital infrastructure,” said
Guzman, administrator of the SBA.
“The SBA’s cybersecurity for small business program leverages the full power of our state governments, territories and institutions of higher learning to provide turnkey timely solutions to small businesses. And I am excited to see this
An FBI report estimated the cost of cyber crimes against small businesses in the United States at $2.4 billion in 2021. Small businesses constitute attractive targets because they have information criminals want, but often lack the security of larger businesses.
According to the results of an SBA survey, 88 percent of small business owners said their operations were vulnerable to cyber attacks. F
The Colorado secretary of state has joined in an effort opposing a proposed acquisition that would further consolidate the retail food industry.
Jena Griswold and six other secretaries of state submitted a letter to the chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission opposing Kroger Co.’s planned $24.8 billion acquisition of Albertsons Cos. Secretaries of state from Arizona, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont also pushed for the FTC to block a deal they said would result in one entity controlling nearly a quarter of the U.S. retail food market.
Jena GriswoldGriswold and the others questioned whether the merger would result in higher prices and plans to close stories would limit access to food in some communities. Moreover, they raised concerns about the effects of the deal on farmers, small businesses and other suppliers that rely on a competitive market.
“Massive corporate consolidations raise prices and put an even greater burden on American families who are already struggling to pay bills and keep food on the table,” Griswold said. “The federal government must step in to ensure that corporate greed does not result in executives and shareholders enriching themselves while hardworking Americans pay artificially high prices for basic necessities.”
In a written statement, Kroger disputed those arguments. “Kroger looks forward to realizing the compelling benefits this merger will offer, including enhancing competition, lowering prices for customers, improving access to fresh food, creating opportunities to continue investing in our associates and securing the long-term future of union jobs.”
According to the statement, Kroger expects to complete the merger in early 2024.
A Grand Junction-based company offering technology to help manage streaming video on mobile devices continues to grow thanks in part to incentives, grants and private investments.
“It is truly amazing to build a new tech venture in the state of Colorado and even more so to do it in Grand Junction. Once we moved Sky Peak Technologies to the Western Slope, we had more access to things like capital, grants, mentoring and support than we did on the Front Range,” said Cat Coughran-McIntosh, chief executive officer and co-founder of Sky Peak Technologies.
Sky Peak Technologies offers an on-device smart content shaping solution that provides mobile network operators and mobile virtual network operators a way to manage streaming video on mobile devices. The solution offers an up to 88 percent reduction in the resources needed to deliver data-intensive content.
Demand has increased worldwide for data-intensive content, CoughranMcIntosh said. By one estimate, there are 8.3 billion smart devices, each capable of connecting to data-intensive content at the push of a button.
“We have a value proposition for operators all over the world whether they are on a new 5G network or an older legacy network,” she said. “We have been building a pipeline of customers on every continent.”
The firm added two engineers during the second quarter — including one from Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction — bringing the total staff to eight.
“I am very excited to announce not only the growth of our product development team, but also the hiring of our first CMU engineering student, Blake Rhyner,” Coughran-McIntosh said. “What makes Blake’s hire so special are the state programs that made this possible, including the Rural Jump-Start Program and the CMU/CU Boulder engineering partnership.”
Sky Peak Technologies was accepted into the Rural Jump-Start Program in 2021. The program offers participating companies a 100 percent credit on income and sales taxes for four years with an opportunity to extend that for an additional four years. Participants are also eligible for special cash grants.
Businesses must add a minimum of three net new jobs in high-paying, highly skilled fields. In Mesa County, businesses also must form partnerships with CMU through mentorship and internship opportunities as well as community involvement.
Steve Jozefczyk, deputy director of the Grand Junction Economic
Partnership, helped Sky Peak Technologies apply for the program. “In addition to the lucrative tax credits and grant benefits, the RJS program establishes a pipeline between CMU students and our local businesses, providing the support needed for their workforce needs,” Jozefczyk said. “With Sky Peak Technologies’ inclusion into the RJS program, CMU students now have a direct connection to an innovative tech company with great potential for scaling. We are excited to witness their growth and the impact they will have on Mesa County’s economy.”
Don McIntosh, chief operating officer and co-founder of Sky Peak Technologies, agreed. “As our engineering needs grew, we networked with the CMU placement office and attended university sponsored events to meet graduating students. We discovered a lot of talent.”
Sky Peak Technologies also received a grant through the State Trade Expansion Program. The program helps small businesses learn the basics of exporting, participate in foreign trade missions and trade shows and develop international marketing campaigns.
Coughran-McIntosh said her firm used funds to attend the MNVO World Congress in Amsterdam. “Being able to attend this show put us face-to-face with current and new customers, resulting in several new contracts and proof of concept studies. It also allowed us to join international conservations about mobile communications policies and opportunities for our technology to help solve them.”
Sky Peak Technologies also was among the winners of seed funding in the 2021 Greater Colorado Pitch Series. The annual event involves providers offering capital for companies in various stages of startup and development. F
“It is truly amazing to build a new tech venture in the state of Colorado and even more so to do it in Grand Junction.”
— Cat Coughran-McIntosh, chief executive officer Sky Peak Technologies
An annual event planned for downtown Grand Junction will offer participants food, music and an opportunity to learn more about United Way of Mesa County and the nonprofit organizations United Way supports.
The third annual Unity in Community Festival is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 31 at Seventh and Main streets. The event is free and open to the public.
“Our Unity in Community Festival not only serves as our 2023 fund-raising campaign season kickoff, but also as an opportunity for our community to come learn about our organization, the vital health and human service programs we help support through grant funding and the four new direct service programs that are now offered by United Way of Mesa County,” said Keira Auld, community impact and marketing manager for United Way of Mesa County.
“We are thrilled to say we have 32 local nonprofits joining us this year,” Auld said. “We encourage anyone and everyone to stop by, enjoy the festivities, meet the local agencies that help thousands of our friends and neighbors each year and learn how to get involved.”
The festival will feature tacos from Armando Tacos and cold treats from Kona Ice as well as live music from Tim + Richard. The event also will include a balloon twister, climbing wall, face painting and photo booth.
The festival and activities are free thanks to the support of FCI Constructors in Grand Junction.
For more information about United Way of Mesa County, call (970) 243-5364, or visit www.unitedwaymesacounty.org. It’s also possible to follow United of Way of Mesa County on Facebook and Instagram.
The Home and Building Association of Western Colorado seeks builders and sponsors for its upcoming home show.
The 42nd annual Parade of Homes is scheduled for Oct. 6 to 8 and 13 to 15. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
For more information, contact the HBA at (970) 245-0253 or send an email to office@hbawesternco.com.
Tickets are on sale for a benefit concert for MarillacHealth and the health care services it provides in Mesa County.
The Live in the Grapevines concert is set for Aug. 26 at Grande River Vineyards, 787 Grande River Drive in Palisade. The gates will open at 6 p.m. The concert will begin at 7.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to support a great organization that serves so many patients from Palisade and all over the county,” said Dan Vice, manager of Grande River Vineyards.
General admission tickets sell for $25 in advance and are available for purchase online at https://marillachealth.org/concert. Tickets will sell for $30 at the gate.
VIP tickets sell for $50 and include access to a VIP tent with its own seating, bar, parking and dedicated restrooms.
The concert will feature Joey Rowland and the Over & Under Band performing classic and new country western music.
Vice said food trucks will serve fare. Grande River wines, beer and water. Outside food and beverages won’t be allowed. Participants are asked to leave their dogs at home.
The concert is the second of two fundraising events for MarillacHealth. In April, the Wine Country Inn in Palisade hosted Edesia, an event highlighting food and wine.
Timberline Bank and St. Mary’s Medical Center will serve as presenting sponsors of the concert. The Colorado Housing and Financing Authority and Mesa Benefits will serve as stage sponsors.
MarillacHealth provides a range of behavioral, dental and mental services to uninsured and underinsured patients in Mesa County.
A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for Aug. 29 to commemorate the completion of a new path along 24 Road in Grand Junction.
The detached concrete path runs alongside 24 Road from Patterson Road north to Canyon View Park and includes lighting and a pedestrian bridge.
The ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 10 a.m. at the shelter near the handball court at Canyon View Park.
The project was designed to provide more access for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling between Mesa Mall and Canyon View Park. A planned extension south of Mesa Mall will connect to the Riverfront Trail.
The last phase of the project was partially funded by a multi-modal options fund grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation through the Mesa County Regional Transportation Planning Office.
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For the second quarter of 2023, the secretary of state’s office recorded 54,890 new entity filings. That was a decrease from a record first quarter, but also a 39.1 percent increase over the second quarter of 2022.
New filings constitute a leading indicator of subsequent business and job growth.
“Colorado’s continued growth is a positive sign for our economy, our businesses and our workers,” said Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “We must continue to capitalize on Colorado’s strong business environment and work to ensure Colorado remains one of the most business-friendly states in the nation.”
Of the new entity filings for the second quarter, 47,272 were for domestic limited liability companies. Another 3,295 were for domestic corporations and 979 for nonprofit corporations.
Over the past year ending in the second quarter, 203,145 new entity filings were recorded. That’s a increase over the first quarter as well as 29.5 percent gain over the same period a year ago.
A total of 171,081 existing entity renewals were recorded for the second quarter of 2023. That’s down six-tenths of a percent from the second quarter of 2022.
For the year ending in the second quarter, 700,160 entity renewals were recorded. That’s a 1.1 percent increase over the same span a year ago.
However, dissolution filings also edged up on a year-over-year basis, climbing three-tenths of a percent to 11,785 in the second quarter. For the year ending in the second quarter, 50,694 dissolution filings were recorded. That’s up 12.4 percent over the same period a year ago.
A total of 945,849 entities were in good standing in Colorado as of the second quarter of 2023, up 9 percent from a year ago.
Lewandowski said inflation continued to relent. The Consumer Price Index for the Denver, Aurora and Lakewood metropolitan area was up 5.1 percent in May compared to the same month a year ago.
Growth continued in gross domestic product, personal income and retail sales, but at a slower pace, he said.
For July, nonfarm payrolls in Colorado increased 38,800 over the past year, a gain of 1.4 percent that lagged behind national job growth of 2.2 percent.
But with a statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate holding below 3 percent for 15 consecutive months, slow job growth appears to be a result of labor shortages rather than a softening labor demand, Lewandowski said.
Continued from page 2
As of July, the latest month for which estimates are available from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, nonfarm payrolls grew 38,800 over the past year.
Employment increased 18,000 in leisure and hospitality, 8,900 in professional and business services and 2,800 in health services. Employment decreased 7,100 in financial services, 3,000 in construction and 2,000 in the information sector. Payrolls also decreased 5,400 in the trade, transportation and utilities sector.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose a tenth of a point. But at 2.9 percent, the latest rate remained below 3 percent for a 15th consecutive month.
In Mesa County, nonfarm payrolls increased 577 over the past year. The seasonally unadjusted jobless rate edged up a tenth of a point to 3.7 percent.
According to the revised forecast for Colorado, the largest employment gains for 2023 are projected for the mining and logging, leisure and hospitality and government sectors. Smaller gains are projected for the education and health services, professional and business services and information sectors. Payrolls are expected to edge up in the construction sector as well as the trade, transportation and utilities sector. Job losses are forecast for the financial activities and manufacturing sectors.
A separate measure of confidence among business leaders calculated by the business research division at the Leeds School of Business reflects concerns about higher interest rates, inflation and housing costs.
Although expectations for a recession moderated, 31 percent of leaders said they believed a downturn could occur in 2023.
The Leeds Business Confidence Index fell a point to 44.1 for the third quarter of 2023. Readings below 50 reflect more negative than positive responses to the survey upon which the index was based. Individual scores for four of six metrics declined. None of the scores topped 50. The outlook remained pessimistic looking ahead to the fourth quarter.
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Many of the nearly 70 projects Bonsai Design has completed are located in Colorado. They include a zipline tour at the Telluride Ski Resort and in Colorado Springs, sky bridges and ziplines at the Broadmoor resort and an adventure tower at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
In Grand Junction, the project features a dual zipline that runs from a launch site at Eagle Rim Park 1,180 feet over the Colorado River and Butterfly Lake to a landing tower in Las Colonias Park. Tours end with a 30-foot rappel off the tower.
Sarah Shrader co-founded Bonsai Design to design and install aerial adventure courses. Her husband, Thaddeus, joined the business after retiring as an airline pilot.
Bonsai Design received the Company of the Year Award from the Economic Development Council of Colorado. Bonsai Design also was selected as a winner in the Colorado Companies to Watch program honoring fastgrowing firms in the state and a runner-up in the Wright Awards program.
Bonsai Design has grown over the years and operated out of several locations in Grand Junction, including the former Union Station downtown. The company constructed a new headquarters as the anchor tenant of the business park at Las Colonias Park.
Bonsai Design was involved in designing Los Colonias Park and has worked with the Grand Junction Economic Partnership to recruit additional companies to locate in the business park there.
Thaddeus Shrader says he’s grateful for what constitutes an important milestone for his company and Grand Junction. “I feel lucky to be part of the efforts to make this an amazing place where people want to come and play and stay.”
Get ready to experience a vibrant celebration of community and creativity at the 2023 Alpine Bank Fruita Fall Festival hosted by the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce! This year’s festival promises to be new and exciting, with a “Paint the Town” theme that will fill the streets with color and excitement.
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, downtown Fruita will come alive at the 108th annual Fruita Fall Festival with a range of colorful activities and events. From the third annual art walk to our new art competition, there will be plenty of opportunities to unleash your inner artist and get creative. But that’s not all – visitors can also explore the local vendors, food trucks, and handcrafted goods that make the Fruita Fall Festival special all while you enjoy live musical performances throughout the day. And of course, no Fruita Fall Festival would be complete without fun games and activities for all ages.
So, mark your calendar and get ready to “Paint the Town” at the 2023 Alpine Bank Fruita Fall Festival. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or simply looking to have fun with friends and family, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Come and be a part of a community-wide celebration of creativity and fall fun!
A river park near downtown Grand Junction was open longer this summer as a result of higher flows in the Colorado River.
The River Park at Las Colonias offers a venue in which to float, paddle and play in a channel created at Las Colonias Park. Last year, restrictions closed the channel in late July. This year, the diversion remained opened until Aug. 20, making for the longest season since the park opened in 2020.
“For much of the summer, the River Park at Las Colonias consistently saw about 500 visitors a day playing, paddleboarding, tubing, kayaking and otherwise enjoying safe, easy access to the Colorado River,” said Ken Sherbenou, parks and recreation director for the City of Grand Junction. “It is always sad to see summer fun come to an end at the river park, but it is necessary in order to protect this unique habitat for local wildlife.”
Under the requirements of a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, any time the Colorado River flows below 810 cubic feet per second, the River Park channel must be cut off from the main channel to protect critical habitat for wildlife, including four endangered fish species. The City of Grand Junction places sandbags at the entrance of the River Park to keep water in the main river channel.
Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout receives some assistance in gearing up to try out the new zipline at Riverfront Zip Adventures. Stout was among the city officials who rode the zipline following a celebration of its opening. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)
The $1.2 million river park project was funded by grants from Great Outdoors Colorado and the Colorado Water Conservation Board as well as the City of Grand Junction, Colorado Basin Roundtable, Downtown Grand Junction and One Riverfront.
FRIDAY 9/22
3:00pm - Booths Open
5:00pm - Beer Garden Opens, Fruita Napa What the Fest Brew Fest
5:30pm - Family Health West Outhouse Races begin on Aspen
7:00pm - Tim & Richard on Civic Center Stage, presented by Coloramo Federal Credit Union
8:30pm - Hazel Miller Band on Civic Center Stage, presented by Coloramo Federal Credit Union
10:00pm - Festival Closes
SATURDAY 9/23
7:30am - Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast at Circle Park
8:30am - Atlasta Solar Center Farmers Market opens at Circle Park
10:00am - Grand Valley Bank Parade begins
11:00am - Fruita Thrift Shop History Fair begins at Cavalcade
11:00am - Bank of the West Cornhole Tournament at Civic Center Park
11:40am - Civic Center Park Secret
12:00pm - Mesa Benefits Baking & Canning Contest judging begins
12:00pm - Grand Valley Bank Parade Winners Announced at Civic Center Stage
12:30pm - Sweet and Simple Cupcakery
Cupcake Eating Contest at Mulberry Stage
1:30pm - Chow Down Fruita Pet Show at Mulberry Stage
1:30pm - Sam Wayt on Civic Center Stage, presented by FCI Constructors
2:00pm - Misti Dawn on Civic Center Stage, presented by FCI Constructors
3:00pm - Courtney Grieger on Civic Center Stage, presented by FCI Constructors
3:30 - Baking & Canning Contest Winners Announced on Civic Center Stage
4:00pm - Enstrom Candies Beard Rally on Civic Center Stage
4:00pm - Art Walk on Mulberry Street opens
5:00pm - Ragged Union at Civic Center Stage, presented by FCI Constructors
6:30pm - Blue Canyon Boys at Civic Center Stage, presented by Chesnick Realty
8:30pm - Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts at Civic Center Stage, presented by FCI Constructors
10:00pm - Festival Ends
Learn more about Fruita Fall Festival at fruitafallfestival.com.
s New business filings in Colorado, 54,890 in the second quarter, up 39.1 percent from the second quarter of 2022.
n Confidence
s Consumer Confidence Index 117 for July, up 6.9.
t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 44.1 for the third quarter, down 1.
s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 91.9 for July, up 0.9.
t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 12 in July, down from 20 in July 2022.
s Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 7 in July, up from 6 in July 2022.
s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 115.45 for July, up 1.89.
t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 105.8 for July, down 0.4%.
s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 46.4% for July, up 0.4%.
s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $613,988 for the first quarter, up 6% from the first quarter of 2022.
t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 300 in July, down 24.2% from July 2022.
t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $131 million in July, down 22.9% from July 2022.
s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $43.3 million for the first half, up 2.3% from the first half of 2022.
s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.8 million for July, up 0.3% from July 2022.
s Mesa County — 3.8% for July, up 0.1.
s Colorado — 2.9% for July, up 0.1.
t United States — 3.5% for July down 0.1.
The unemployment rate continues to trend upward in Mesa County, although slow job growth also is expected in the months and years ahead.
The seasonally unadjusted jobless rate edged up a tenth of a point to 3.8 percent between June and July, according to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
The unemployment rate has increased a total of more than a point since falling in April to 2.7 percent and the lowest level in more than three years. For July 2022, the rate was lower at 3.3 percent.
Between June and July 2023, Mesa County payrolls increased 295 to 74,440. But the number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work also increased — 112 to 2,962. The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, grew 407 to 77,402.
Over the past year, payrolls increased 577. The ranks of the unemployed increased 467. The labor force grew 1,044.
Lindsay Bullock, manager of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction, attributed higher unemployment rates to a number of factors. The jobless rate typically jumps in June as high school and college graduates enter the work force, but don’t immediately find jobs.
Bullock said demand that increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and kept local manufacturers busy since has relented. As a result, those employers haven’t refilled open positions.
Labor demand as measured by the number of job orders posted at the Mesa County Workforce has decreased.
For July, 742 job orders were posted for a total of 1,551 openings. That’s down from 851 orders for a total of 1,571
openings posted during the same month a year ago. Through the first seven months of 2023, 5,295 job orders were posted. That’s down from 5,819 orders posted during the same span in 2022.
Demand remains strongest in the health care and service sectors, Bullock said.
Looking ahead, Bullock said she expects the labor force to increase, although by small amounts. The monthly jobless rate typically trends downward through the remainder of the summer and fall, she said. “I don’t see any huge spikes in our unemployment rate.”
Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates constituted something of a mixed bag for neighboring Western Colorado counties in July. The jobless rate rose two-tenths of a point to 3.5 percent in Montrose County and slipped a tenth of a point to 3.5 percent in Rio Blanco County. Rates held steady at 3.8 percent in Delta County and 2.9 percent in Rio Blanco County.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up a tenth of a point to 2.9 percent. The rate has remained below 3 percent for 15 consecutive months.
Nonfarm payrolls increased 800 between June and July as an increase of 2,700 government jobs more than offset a decrease of 1,900 private sector jobs.
Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls increased 38,800. Employment increased 18,000 in leisure and hospitality, 8,900 in professional and business services and 2,800 in health services. Employment decreased 7,100 in financial services, 3,000 in construction and 2,000 in the information sector. Payrolls also decreased 5,400 in the trade, transportation and utilities sector.
The labor force particpation rate — the share of the population either working or actively looking for work — remained unchanged for a third straight month at 68.7 percent.
The average workweek for Colorado employees on private, nonfarm payrolls lengthened four-tenths of an hour to 33.5 hours. Average hourly earnings rose $1.31 to $35.91.
Sales tax collections continue to trend upward in Mesa County, although not for all retail or industry categories.
The county collected more than $4.4 million in sales tax in July, an increase of four-tenths of a percent over collections for the same month last year. July collections reflect June sales.
The county collected more than $28.3 million in sales taxes through the first seven months of 2023, a gain of 1.8 percent over the same span in 2022.
Mesa County collected another $10.7 million in sales taxes through the first seven months of 2023 it distributed back to a total of five cities and towns in the county. Grand Junction received more than $6.2 million, Fruita nearly $2 million, Palisade almost $1.4 million, and Collbran and DeBeque about $586,000 each.
The county collected more than $2.5 million in taxes on retail sales in July, a drop of 2.4 percent compared to the same month a year ago. Collections decreased on a year-over-year basis for six of eight categories, but increased 14.5 percent on sales of food and beverages. Collections held steady on sales of health and personal care items.
Sales tax collections totaled more than $1.9 million in July for other industries with a 17.1 percent year-over-year gain in the wholesale category and 4.3 percent gain in the hotel and restaurant category. Collections dropped 7 percent in the manufacturing category and 9 percent in the construction category.
For the first seven months of 2023, the county collected nearly
$16.5 million in taxes on retail sales, a 2.1 percent decline from the same span in 2022. Collections rose 3.4 percent on the sale of general merchandise and 10.7 on the sale of food and beverages, but fell 15.5 percent for home improvements and 4.7 percent on automobiles.
The county collected nearly $11.9 million in sales taxes from other industries through the first seven months of 2023, a 7.6 percent increase over the same span in 2022. Gains in the wholesale, hotel and restaurant and utilities industries more than offset losses in other industries.
Use tax collections — nearly all from automobiles purchased outside Mesa County, but used inside the county — totaled $337,786 in July. That’s a decline of four-tenths of a percent from the same month a year ago. For the first seven months of 2023, use tax collections totaled more than $2.5 million. That’s also a decline of four-tenths of a percent from the same span in 2022.
A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to decline, signaling slowing and what could be a recession.
The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index decreased four-tenths of a percent to 105.8 in July. A separate measure of current conditions increased. A measure of past conditions remained unchanged.
The Leading Economic Index fell 4 percent over the past six months and has declined for 16 months. That’s the longest streak since 2007 and 2008, a period leading up to the Great Recession.
Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, senior manager of business cycle indicators for the Conference Board, said
the index suggests economic activity is likely to slow and descend into a mild contraction in the months ahead. The Conference Board forecasts a short and shallow recession in the fourth quarter of 2023 to first quarter of 2024.
However, the Coincident Economic Index indicates current conditions remain favorable, she said.
Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the U.S., grew at an annual rate of 2.4 percent in the second quarter.
For July, five of 10 indicators of the Leading Economic Index retreated, including consumer expectations for business conditions, interest rate spread, leading credit and new orders indexes and weekly manufacturing hours. New orders for capital goods and stock prices increased. A decreased in claims for unemployment benefits also bolstered the index. Building permits and new orders for consumer goods held steady.
The Coincident Economic Index rose four-tenths of a percent to 110.5. The index increased seven-tenths of a percent over the past six months.
For July, all four indicators of the index advanced — industrial production, nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales.
The Lagging Economic Index remained unchanged at 118.3. The index slipped a tenth of a percent over the past three months.
For June, four of seven indicators of the index rose, including the average prime rate charged by banks, consumer credit and inventories. A decrease in the duration of unemployment also bolstered the index. The cost of labor and services retreated as did commercial and industrial financing.
n A variety of presentations are scheduled at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction.
A maker meetup is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 4 at the GJmakerspace at the center, 2591 Legacy Way. The free event will offer an opportunity to meet makers, discuss ideas and showcase projects. Refreshments will be served.
The next small business startup workshop is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 7. The workshop will cover the business planning process, including financing, legal structures, licensing requirements and state registration. Admission is $55.
A presentation on using Microsoft Excel to prepare cash flow budget for small business startups is set for noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 19.
The next Leading Edge business planning and management course is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Sept. 20 to Dec. 6. The 11-week course will teach participants how to start or grow a business based on a business plan. In addition to classroom instruction and written materials, the course will include three hours of individual consulting. Admission is $275, $100 for each additional participant from the same business.
A bookkeeping bootcamp is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21. Participants will learn how to set up and track accounting records and what balance sheets, cash flow projections and income statements tell them about their operations.
To register for or obtain more information about events, programs and services offered at the Business Incubator Center, call 243-5242 or visit https://gjincubator.org.
n The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a presentation on maximizing membership benefits. The free event is planned for noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 12 at FWorks, located in the Fruita Civic Center at 325 E. Aspen Ave. For more information about upcoming chamber events, call 858-3894 or log on to https://fruitachamber.org.
n The next Coffee Club meeting is set for 9 to 10 a.m. Sept. 15 at FWorks. The business networking and educational event is free. No registration is required.
Running a small business can be a rewarding endeavor, but also comes with a host of responsibilities that include managing human resources and navigating employment laws. While corporations often have dedicated HR departments to handle these matters, small businesses might not have the resources to support such a structure. That makes understanding the basics of HR and employment law crucial for complying with laws and regulations, avoiding legal pitfalls and creating a positive work environment. Here are 10 considerations:
n Hiring and onboarding: Small businesses should start on the right foot by following proper hiring and onboarding procedures. This includes creating clear job descriptions; conducting fair interviews; and providing new hires with information about company policies, expectations and benefits. A well-structured onboarding process sets the tone for a positive work experience and fosters employee engagement.
n Classification of employees: Understanding the classification of employees is vital for complying with employment laws. Employees are typically classified as either full-time or part-time and, in some cases, as exempt or non-exempt from overtime pay regulations. Misclassifying employees can result in legal consequences.
n Wage and hour laws: Small businesses must follow federal and state wage and hour laws, including minimum wage requirements and overtime pay. Keeping accurate records of employee hours worked and wages paid is crucial for demonstrating compliance and avoiding potential disputes.
n Anti-Discrimination and anti-harassment: Small businesses must create workplaces free from discrimination and harassment. Familiarize yourself with federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on such factors such as age, gender, race and religion as well as disability. Implement clear anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and provide training to employees to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace.
n Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Even small businesses are subject to the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act, which allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. Understand the requirements of FMLA and ensure you provide the necessary documentation and
support to employees who qualify for leave.
n Safety and health regulations: Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment constitutes a legal obligation for all businesses regardless of size. Familiarize yourself with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and implement necessary safety protocols. This not only protects your employees, but also reduces the risk of potential legal actions.
n Employee records and documentation: Even without a dedicated HR department, small businesses must maintain accurate and organized employee records. This includes contracts, performance reviews, disciplinary actions and any other relevant documentation. Proper recordkeeping demonstrates consistent treatment of employees and can be crucial in case of legal disputes.
n Termination procedures: Terminating employees is never an easy task, but following proper procedures remains crucial to avoid legal issues. Document performance issues, offer clear feedback and provide opportunities for improvement before considering termination. Ensure termination decisions are based on objective criteria and avoid discrimination.
n Employee benefits and policies: Small businesses may offer such benefits as health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. Clearly communicate these benefits to employees to avoid misunderstandings. If you’re unsure about benefit regulations, consider consulting legal or HR professionals for guidance.
n Consulting professionals: While small businesses might not have full-fledged HR departments, it’s wise to seek professional guidance when dealing with complex employment law matters. HR consultants and legal experts can provide valuable insights and ensure your business remains compliant.
Even if a small business lacks a dedicated HR department, understanding the fundamentals of HR and employment law remains crucial. By following proper hiring practices, complying with employment laws and creating a positive work environment, small business owners can establish a strong foundation for success.
Jenny Kelly, a Society for Human Resource Management certified professional, serves as director of public relations and marketing for the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For additional information about the organization, visit www.wchra.org.
Customer service constitutes one of the most important attributes of a truly successful business. The unfortunate truth for consumers, however, is customer service is all too often lacking or nonexistent. When this is the case, customers take their business and favorable opinions elsewhere.
Take a moment and consider your recent experiences with businesses. Out of your last 10 experiences, how many stood out as exceptional? How many were mediocre or average? How many were downright poor? I suspect the majority of your experiences were mediocre or average, a few were poor and even fewer exceptional.
Now, reflect on the qualities that defined each of these experiences. Did you feel welcomed and appreciated?
Were you treated with dignity and respect? Did the products or services you purchased exceed your wants and needs? Will you buy from this business again? Did they provide a good value? Are you happy you did business with this establishment? Would you, without hesitation, refer your family and friends to do business with them, too?
In your honest answers to these and other questions you ask yourself lie the secret to greater professional success. By understanding what you value most in your experiences and duplicating them for customers, your business will stand out in a good way. You’ll benefit from more referrals and become more successful.
Consumers have a variety of businesses from which to choose in purchasing products or services, and they’re increasingly discerning with their hard-earned money. It’s crucial to consistently deliver high-quality products and services to stand out in a positive way.
Consistency in other key areas is equally vital to operating and building a standout business. It’s your steadfast commitment to consistency and excellence that enable you to maintain that position over time.
Here are some issues to consider:
n A caring team: When a company hires managers and team members who care, they create a team of people who hold themselves personally accountable to delivering exceptional customer experiences. But when team members don’t work with the intention of being their best and caring for customers — both in their attitudes and behaviors — customers feel it. Reputations are ruined and revenues lost.
n Exceptional customer service: Creating an exceptional customer service experience on a consistent basis begins with the owners. When those who brought the company into existence are integrity based and endeavor to give their customers more reasons to say yes and fewer reasons to say no, the likelihood of becoming an extraordinary company increases.
n Training and skill development: If your goal is to help your team members be their best on a consistent basis, it’s imperative to offer ongoing training and skills development in communication, customer service, leadership, listening, relationship-building and sales. Effective training will position your company to operate at the highest standards and meet and even exceed the desires of your growing clientele. By instilling and supporting a positive mindset and then helping them develop the necessary skills, your caring team members will deliver exceptional experiences each and every time they interact with your valuable customers.
n Making it right: Operating a standout company isn’t about being perfect. It is, however, about the pursuit of excellence and giving your absolute best day
in and day out. When you or your team members drop the proverbial ball with a customer, your integrity must step in no matter what. You must make it right for the customer who makes operating your business possible in the first place.
Remember: Your business can consistently deliver high-quality products and services for years. But it only takes one paltry experience for a regular customer to stop doing business with you and then share that negative experience with countless others. It costs next to nothing to earn high-quality referrals from your customers. But it’s very costly to have consumers think poorly of you and your business.
Exceptional companies stand out in a positive way in the hearts and minds of their customers. They accomplish this feat by delivering high-quality customer service experiences on a consistent basis.
It is the quality of each customer experience that matters most. The critical ingredients include exceptional people, exceptional products and exceptional services. Get these right on a consistent basis, and your business will always stand out as one of the greats in the hearts and minds of your customers.
Marcus Straub owns Life is Great Coaching in Grand Junction. His personalized coaching and consulting services help individuals, business owners, executives and companies build teams, organizations and lives filled with happiness and success. Straub is winner of the International Coach of the Year Award and author of “Is It Fun Being You?” He’s available for free consultations regarding coaching, speaking and trainings. Reach Straub at (970) 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com. F
During the conversion to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses might have dropped workers’ compensation insurance. Working remotely didn’t preclude the requirement to carry workers’ comp, but many employers stopped the coverage as a cost-saving mechanism. As more workers return to the office or job site, you should think about resuming this mandatory insurance coverage.
According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE): “If your business needs workers’ compensation insurance and does not have it, you will be subject to fines of up to $500 per day and possibly having your business shut down. If someone gets hurt on the job, you will also have to pay the entire cost of the claim yourself, as well as a 50 percent increase in benefits for failing to carry insurance.”
The requirement to carry workers’ comp applies to all Colorado employers. With two notable exceptions, you must cover anyone who gets paid to work for you, regardless of whether the work is part-time, full-time or done by family members.
The two exceptions? Officers of corporations and members of LLCs and subcontractors who are true independent contractors.
What happens if you’re an officer of your corporation or member of your LLC? You could choose to skip workers’ comp coverage — but only for yourself. Each member of the LLC or officer of the corporation must choose or reject workers’ comp for themselves. If you’re the sole employee, you must fill out and file the form on the CDLE division of insurance website at https://codwc.app.box.com/v/WC43-Coverage-Rejection-LLC.
If a person is a true subcontractor or independent contractor, you aren’t their employer — although you might consult an attorney or tax advisor to make sure. You don’t have to provide workers’ comp for subcontractors and independent contractors.
However, this is an area fraught with land mines and legal consequences. At a minimum, you need to ensure these workers are either officers or members of their own corporations or LLCs or covered elsewhere. In either case, you need written proof of the opt out for officers and members or proof of coverage.
While you’re verifying the status of your subcontractors and independent contractors, you might want to complete an IRS Form SS-8 — https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-ss-8. If the subcontractor or independent contractor doesn’t meet all the criteria on the form, they’re likely not an independent contractor, and you must provide workers’ comp.
To be doubly sure of their status, the IRS website offers this option: Firms and workers can file a Form SS-8 to request a determination of the status of a worker for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding. Filing a Form SS-8 means you or the firm ask the IRS to establish if the services you provide to the firm are those of an employee or independent contractor.
Choosing to opt out of workers’ comp comes with potential legal, tax and insurance consequences. Always consult the appropriate advisors before making that election.
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. F
The requirement to carry workers’ comp applies to all Colorado employers. With two notable exceptions, you must cover anyone who gets paid to work for you.
According to DDI research, 57 percent of employees who quit their jobs do so because they can no longer put up with their bosses. Another 32 percent of the employees have considered or are seriously considering leaving because of their managers.
Diversity in the workplace and letting people bring their whole selves to the workplace have become hot button topics. Since most of what I write about concerns how to improve organizational processes and procedures, I’d like to look at these type of topics through an economic lens.
actively not engaged. Actively engaged employees will return 202 percent, not engaged employees 50.8 percent and actively not engaged employees 17.2 percent.
embrace or adopt another’s position, religion or viewpoints. Perhaps a little more empathy in the workplace — and in society at large — is really what we need.
Communication is key, but so is a sense of understanding. If I tell you something, but you’re not willing to consider where I’m coming from, then what’s the point of saying anything?
Allow people to bring their whole selves into work. Sure, they might have differing opinions. But so do your customers.
Your organization is a microcosm of the society in which you operate. Want to maximize your return? Invite the largest amount of people under your tent.
Tim HaggertyGallup estimates that employee disengagement costs U.S. business between $450 billion and $550 billion a year due to poor productivity. While 32 percent of employees are actively engaged in work, 50.8 percent of employees aren’t engaged and 17.2 percent are actively not engaged.
If you apply a return on investment strategy to wages and benefits, the more employees return for each $1 spent the better. If you dig deeper, you can find information relating to the amount of return you’re getting for employees who are actively engaged, not engaged and
In other words, for every $1 you spend on actively engaged employees, you see a $2.02 return. Employees who aren’t engaged return 51 cents for every $1 invested in them. Employees who are actively not engaged return 17 cents on the dollar.
It gets worse. For every employer who has an average of 100 employees, there’s a pretty good chance the employer has at least three disgruntled employees. One disgruntled employee will cause a loss in revenues of up to 15 times that employee’s yearly wages and benefits.
The answer? Empathy.
Empathy enables us to feel connected — one with an other. Nowhere does empathy imply one has to fully
Tim Haggerty and his wife, Bernadette, operate a consulting firm based in Grand Junction that helps clients transition from command and control to servant leadership and change the view of wages and benefits from expenses to investments. Haggerty brings to the venture more than 40 years of experience in operations management and a record of decreasing costs while increasing productivity and revenue. He also serves as vice president of the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club. Reach him at info@timothyhaggerty.com, (610) 737-0496 or www.timothyhaggerty.com
What if I told you there was an exercise machine that burns calories to help you lose weight, strengthens and tones muscles and provides a great cardiovascular workout — in other words, a total body workout? You’d probably say, “Tell me more.”
There is such a piece of equipment — a rowing machine. Just a few years ago, rowing machines could be found near the back wall in health clubs and you never saw anyone using them. Why the change in popularity? The secret of it’s amazing benefits has been revealed.
The No. 1 reason why more people don’t hop on rowing machines is simple: They don’t know how to use them. Almost anyone can figure out how to walk on a treadmill or pedal a recumbent bicycle. A rowing machine takes a little more finesse, but you’ve got this. Let’s go over of the benefits for choosing a rowing machine for your workout, basic rowing techniques, avoiding common mistakes and ways you can start rowing today.
As a non-impact exercise, rowing is easy on the back and joints and an excellent form of exercise for older
fitness enthusiasts. Rowing burns substantial calories, making it a great tool for weight loss. Since rowing is an endurance exercise, there are cardiovascular benefits, including improved lung, heart and circulation systems. Because rowing involves almost every major muscle group, stronger, toned muscles are another benefit. Rowing works both the upper body (shoulders, arms and back) and lower body (legs, hips and buttocks) with each stroke. It’s also a performance abdominal exercise since the core remains engaged throughout the exercise. Learning proper rowing technique isn’t as difficult as it seems. According to Concept2, a maker of rowing machines, there’s a four-step process to the rowing stroke:
n The catch: This is your starting position where your legs are compressed, arms extended and you’re gripping the handle.
n The drive: Focus on pushing with the legs first, next pivoting backward at the hips so your shoulders pass your pelvis (you should be in a slight lay back) and then pulling the arms into your chest.
n The finish: This is where the abs stabilize the body and the glutes and quads are contracting as well as the biceps and back muscles.
n The recovery: This is the final stage where the arms are pushed away from the body and the torso moves
forward as you slide up to the catch position.
Some of the most common rowing technique mistakes are to row only with your arms or hunch your back during the stroke. It takes practice to get the sequence down and create a smooth stroke.
There are many ways to incorporate rowing into your exercise routine. It can be performed as a warmup prior to a strength training class or as a cooldown. You might choose to row during a high-intensity interval training program in which you engage in short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by short periods of slower-paced rowing. You might incorporate rowing as your primary cardiovascular workout as you would exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill.
Rowing machines are used by everyone from cardiac rehabilitation patients to Olympic athletes. Because of the wide range of health benefits associated with rowing, you might consider making rowing part of your lifelong fitness routine.
Paula and Dale Reece own Crossroads Fitness Centers in Grand Junction with a downtown location at 225 N. Fifth St. and north location at 2768 Compass Drive. For more information, call 242-8746 or visit the website located at www.crossroadsfitness.com.
Communication is key, but so is a sense of understanding. If I tell you something, but you’re not willing to consider where I’m coming from, then what’s the point of saying anything?
In the intricate dance of global economics, every policy move carries a melody that resonates both in the present and future. The recent announcement by the Joe Biden administration to impose tariffs on can-making metal imported from China, Germany and Canada shines a spotlight on economic development and effects that ripple across various sectors and timeframes.
In the immediate sphere, the new tariffs create a dissonance that resonates across the canning industry. Food companies brace for the repercussions. The higher costs of can-making metal could lead to elevated prices for canned goods. This is particularly concerning given the inflationary pressures already eroding consumer purchasing power. The short-term result triggers a tug of war between the need to support domestic manufacturers and concerns about exacerbating inflation, in turn casting uncertainty over the balance between economic protection and affordability.
In the realm of entrepreneurship and small businesses, the effects are multidimensional. On one hand, domestic metal manufacturers could see an uptick in demand, aligning with the administration’s worker-centric trade policy. This potentially could provide opportunities for these businesses to expand operations and boost local economies.
Small businesses reliant on canned products will face a complex challenge. Higher production costs driven by increased tariffs might force them into a corner where maintaining competitive prices becomes an intricate puzzle. The creativity and adaptability that define entrepreneurship will be tested as these businesses strive
to strike a balance between quality and affordability while maintaining customer bases.
Looking beyond the immediate horizon, the implications of these tariffs ripple through the waters of economic development. The administration’s dual aims of supporting United States manufacturers and guarding against inflation draws attention to the tightrope policymakers walk to safeguard both short-term gains and long-term stability.
The historic trilateral agreement forged at Camp David among the U.S., Japan and South Korea adds an intriguing layer to the discussion. The focus on cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, joint military exercises and missile defense showcases the multifaceted nature of international collaboration.
While seemingly distant, the tariff move finds resonance in the broader context of strengthening alliances and securing national interests.
While the Consumer Brands Association estimate of potential price hikes raises alarms, it’s vital to consider all the factors at play. That includes the complexity of the investigation process, the balancing act of domestic priorities and effects on global relationships.
As these tariffs affect the economic landscape, they embody the intricate choreography of governance. In the grand concert of international relations, policy decisions are more than individual notes. They’re part of an
evolving composition that shapes economic development, trade dynamics and the futures of entrepreneurs and small businesses. The challenge remains for policymakers to maintain this intricate balance, ensuring the harmonious development of the economy is the ultimate crescendo.
In this orchestra of economic and geopolitical dynamics, the concept of kismet emerges. A word borrowed from Arabic, kismet signifies destiny or fate. This same term that colloquially represents destiny as a preordained path also carries the connotation of division and allotment of portions to various actors. It serves as an evocative reminder that while we strive to navigate the vessel of economic development, there are forces at play beyond our immediate control.
As we navigate the complexities of international trade, tariffs and partnerships, we find ourselves at the crossroads of calculated policies and unforeseen outcomes. Just as kismet involves both destiny and allotment, our economic landscape is shaped by what we can influence and what remains enigmatically beyond our reach.
In the tapestry of economics, each decision, like a portion allotted, weaves into a larger narrative, ultimately shaping the fate of nations, industries and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives them.
Dalida Sassoon Bollig, chief executive officer of the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction, is an experienced strategist with demonstrated work in international affairs. She brings to her duties experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, leadership, partnerships, public policy and trade. For additional information about programs and services offered at the center, call 243-5232 or visit https://gjincubator.org. Reach Bollig by email at dbollig@gjincubator.org. F
As we navigate the complexities of international trade, tariffs and partnerships, we find ourselves at the crossroads of calculated policies and unforeseen outcomes.
Both the legislative and executive branches of the Colorado government are full of well-intentioned people who routinely pass laws and introduce programs with the intention of correcting economic or social ills. However well-intentioned these efforts might be, often the prescribed government solution doesn’t solve the issue. At times, the solution can end up making the original problem even worse.
Few sectors of the economy are immune from this tendency for government intervention. In an effort to arrest the gestating costs of health insurance, the Legislature created at the direction and encouragement of the Colorado Division of Insurance a state-backed health insurance option. All carriers doing business in Colorado were required to offer individual and small group plans known as the “Colorado Option.” The idea was quite simply the government plans would bring generous benefits to consumers with lower premiums. The crafters believed this would put downward pressure on consumer prices for private plan offerings.
Unfortunately, the real world doesn’t work that way. The state-backed plans did indeed put financial pressure on the marketplace, enough so it contributed to making Colorado a risky place to sell health insurance. The plans have not, however, reduced prices for consumers.
An actuarial study conducted earlier this year by NovaRest on the Colorado Option found the program failed in reducing the cost of health insurance. In nearly every county of the state in every health insurance tier, the Colorado option wasn’t even the least expensive plan offered. Furthermore, the study found few of the Colorado Option plans introduced to the market met the state-mandated 5 percent premium reduction target for the first year.
It’s no great mystery as to why this was so. The Colorado Option was developed and designed by well-meaning bureaucrats to offer generous benefits with artificially low mandated premiums. This approach conflicts with the realities of economics. One of the reasons health care has become so expensive over the decades is because of the overregulation of governmental entities. For years, governments have on one hand piled on new mandates on both insurance carriers and health care providers and then on the other hand tried to address rising costs with arbitrary and artificial price controls. Price controls don’t reduce costs. All they do is hide them. Someone somewhere still pays — either through higher prices or reduced services.
While the Joe Biden administration, many in Congress and an assortment of extreme green activists seek to end the use of oil and natural gas, the American people show themselves to be far more sane in the results of a new poll conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute.
Among the key findings in the survey of more than 2,000 registered voters conducted in June with a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points:
n 88 percent of voters who responded to the survey agreed it’s important the United States produces oil and natural gas.
The Colorado Option hasn’t worked because the premise for the program was unsound. No amount of official government wishing, mandating or price setting can make it so. The fact an insurance plan is created and backed by the state government doesn’t exempt it from the laws of economics.
At a public hearing held by the Division of Insurance a few weeks ago, backers of the Colorado Option opined the reason the government plans didn’t sell well was because insurance brokers failed to market them aggressively. That’s not true. They were offered, just as other plans were. They didn’t sell well because the state one-size-fits-all plans failed to meet the needs of Colorado citizens and in most cases were priced higher than private plans.
The Division of Insurance has alternated between trying to desperately spin the Colorado Option as a success while simultaneously blaming everyone for its failures — insurance brokers and carriers as well as doctors, hospitals and patients.
The real reason for its shortcomings is its unrealistic structure. What the Colorado Option has contributed to is the exit of several insurance carriers from the state. In the end, this reduces competition rather than enhancing it. The plans mostly failed to hit their statutory 5 percent premium reductions in the first year. This makes it unlikely the plans will reach the more aggressive price reduction goals of 10 percent and 15 percents for years two and three, respectively. In response to these potential shortfalls, the Division of Insurance is reportedly considering more regulations and price controls on hospitals to rectify the problem.
Price controls and cost-shifting aren’t going to fix the structural issues inherent in the Colorado Option. Nor will they provide a sustainable solution to the problem of rising health care costs. Instead, like most well-intentioned government solutions, they will bring on a flurry of unintended consequences.
State Rep. Rick Taggart, represents District 55. A Republican from Grand Junction, he serves on the business affairs and labor: finance; and transportation, housing and local government committees.
n 90 percent agreed producing oil and natural gas strengthens the U.S. economy.
n 88 percent agreed oil and natural gas production could help lower energy costs for American consumers and small businesses.
n 85 percent agreed oil and natural gas production makes the U.S. more secure against actions taken by nations like China and Russia.
n 80 percent supported the development of U.S. energy infrastructure.
n 83 percent agreed the government should consider economic data when developing regulations affecting energy production.
For good measure, it’s worth noting that when we’re talking about oil and natural gas production, we’re also talking about small businesses.
According to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the latest available:
n Fully 81.3 percent of firms in the oil and natural gas extraction sector had fewer than 10 employees and 88.9 percent had fewer than 20 employees. Another 95.5 percent had fewer than 100 employees and 98.1 percent fewer than 500 employees.
n Among firms that drill oil and natural gas wells, 69.9 percent had fewer than 10 employees and 80.1 percent fewer than 20 employees. Another 93.8 percent had fewer than 100 employees and 97 percent fewer than 500 employees.
n Among firms engaged in support activities for oil and natural gas operations, 68.7 percent had fewer than 10 employees and 80.1 percent fewer than 20 employees. Another 94.7 percent had fewer than 100 employees and 98.4 percent fewer than 500 employees.
n The proportions were somewhat smaller for firms involved in constructing oil and natural gas pipelines and related structures, with 43.5 percent of firms with fewer than 10 employees and 57.1 percent with fewer than 20 employees. Another 83.9 percent had fewer than 100 employees and 94.6 percent fewer than 500 employees.
n For oil and natural gas field machinery and equipment manufacturers, 39.3 percent had fewer than 10 employees, 55.8 percent had fewer than 20 employees, 81.1 percent fewer than 100 employees and 91 percent fewer than 500 employees.
The American people have also have made it clear they support small businesses. Small businesses led the way in a recent Gallup poll as the institution in the U.S. earning the greatest confidence. Specifically, small business led the way with the highest degree of confidence — that is, a great deal or fair amount — among the American public at 65 percent. In contrast, 8 percent of Americans reported a great or fair amount of confidence in Congress.
Perhaps it’s time for our elected officials to listen more to the American people about energy than anti-energy activists. After all, the views of the American people turn out to be far more sound on the economics of energy.
Raymond Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy and research organization. He’s also the author of “The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist.” Reach Keating through the website at www.sbecouncil.org.
The Colorado Option hasn’t worked because the premise for the program was unsound. No amount of official government wishing, mandating or price setting can make it so.
An annual drive to stuff the bus with school supplies gathered enough to fill 36 boxes that will in turn go to students in need at Mesa County School District 51 elementary and middle schools.
The Grand Junction drive also collects monetary donations for District 51 high schools to purchase supplies and raised a total of $3,435.
The event is a collaboration of District 51, the District 51 Foundation, Mesa Mall and Townsquare Media. Major sponsors for the fund drive included Community Hospital and Academy Mortgage.
“On behalf of the D51 Foundation, I want to thank Townsquare Media and Mesa Mall for their continued support of our D51 students,” said Angela Christensen, executive director of the foundation. “Thank you to all the donors and supports — especially Community Hospital and Academy Mortgage — who know how much it means to start off the school year with brand new supplies.”
Natalie Redding, marketing director of Townsquare Media, also praised the effort. “For over 20 years we have hosted Stuff the Bus in an effort to set our kids up for a successful school year. Townsquare Media is continually humbled by the outpouring of support we get every year, and we are grateful to be a part of this amazing community.”
The latest edition of the annual Colorado Hay Directory is now available, offering information to connect producers and buyers.
The directory offers information about hay producers and brokers as well as companies that provide related products and services. The directory offers information by region for the type and amount of hay available and bale types and sizes.
“The annual hay directory can save time for producers looking to find hay products in their part of Colorado,” said Danielle Trotta, senior marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “The directory is a great way to help connect producers with growers. This helps build out valuable connections to grow a stronger agricultural community.”
The directory is available at https://ag.colorado.gov/markets. To request a copy or obtain more information, call (303) 869-9175 or send an email to Loretta.Lopez@state.co.us.
The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business Briefs. Email items to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com.
Registration is under way for the second session of a training series for nonprofit organizations involved with behavioral health. The Business Incubator Center has scheduled the series for 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 5 to Oct. 17 at the center, 2591 Legacy Way in Grand Junction.
There’s no cost for agencies and institutions to participate, but space is limited. To register or obtain more information, log on to https://gjincubator.org.
Participants will receive classroom instruction in such areas as budgeting, business planning, credentialing, human resources and operational management. Participants also will receive an additional 16 weeks of one-on-one consulting with industry experts.
n APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH SEPT. 30 FOR HORIZON SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB GRANTS
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30 for the Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club grant program.
The grant program funds efforts to meet community needs, particularly organizations that support the club’s focus areas of children’s education and literacy, youth leadership and development and hunger abatement.
Grant guidelines and applications are available online at the website at portcal.clubrunner.ca/3268 or by sending an email to carmen.shipley@imail.org.
n NOMINATIONS DUE BY MIDNIGHT SEPT. 8 FOR LATEST AUTOMOBILE GIVEAWAY
Nominations will be accepted through midnight Sept. 8 for a program that will award a person an automobile.
Antonelli’s Advanced Automotive and MBC Grand Radio in Grand Junction will join in the effort to award a 2005 Ford Explorer that comes with free oil changes for two years. Nominations should explain in 150 words or less why a particular person deserves or needs a vehicle and how that person has a giving heart and will use the vehicle to help others. Nominations should be emailed to wheelstoprosper@gjradio.com.
Tickets are on sale for a community dinner promoting agriculture and local businesses.
The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled the From Soil to Supper event for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Fruita Civic Center, 325 E. Aspen Ave.
Tickets sell for $80 and include a three-course meal, educational presentations and live music. Tickets and more information are available at https://fruitachamber.org.
Cattlemen’s Cafe & Catering will serve a meal showcasing
ingredients from Grand Valley producers. Copper Club Brewing in Fruita will serve beverages. The Killens will perform live music. The event will feature four speakers: Greg Bolton, owner of Western Slope Worms; Lowell King from Hit the Hay Farm; Janie VanWinkle, co-owner of the VanWinkle Ranch; and Alisha Wenger, executive director of the Community Food Bank. The four will discuss the importance of supporting local farmers and ranchers.
A Grand Junction-based insurance firm continues to rank among the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, according to the latest list compiled for a national publication.
Rocky Mountain West Insurance moved up 61 spots to 505th in the Inc. magazine 5000 for 2023.
Inc. ranks the fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. by percentage of revenue growth over the previous three years. The 2023 ranking is based on the percentage of revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. Companies had to report a minimum revenue of $100,000 in 2019 and minimum revenue of $2 million for 2022.
Companies apply for inclusion in the Inc. 5000 and report their revenues.
A retail insurance agency with branch agencies across the country, Rocky Mountain West Insurance reported a 1,161 percent increase in revenue from 2019 to 2022.
A total of 132 Colorado companies made the Inc. 5000 list for 2023 with a median growth of 239 percent. They accounted for more than 15,000 jobs. Of the Colorado companies on the 2023 list, 82 were repeat honorees and 21 newly founded firms.
Crusoe Energy, a Denverbased company that captures natural gas that would otherwise be emitted to generate electricity to run computer data centers, was the top-ranked Colorado firm at 49th.
Nationwide, Inc. 5000 companies reported a median growth of 219 percent with a collective $358 billion in 2022 revenue. The firms accounted for a total of nearly 1.2 million jobs.
Rocky Mountain West Insurance operates offices at 627 Grand Ave. For additional information, visit the website at www.rockyquote.com or call (970) 778-6000.
Aug. 24
n Welcome Thursday Friends free networking group, noon to 1 p.m., Camilla’s Kaffe, 206 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894
Aug. 26
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Soil to Supper community dinner featuring locally sourced foods, educational presentations and live music, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Fruita Civic Center, 325 E. Aspen Ave. Tickets $80. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org
DWC CPAs and Advisors promoted six members of the staff to new positions with the Western Colorado public accounting and advisory firm.
Sarah Fisher was promoted to principal. A certified public accountant, Fisher has worked on the tax team since 2001, focusing on business tax planning, family owned firms and financial planning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on accounting from Colorado State University.
Erin Darnell was promoted to aduit supervisor. She joined the audit team in 2021. Darnell provides services to clients in a range of industries, including the finance and health care sectors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in acounting and economics from Western Colorado University.
Kevin Rosson also was promoted to audit supervisor. Rosson joined the audit team in 2019. Rosson provides services to clients in the construction, energy and health care industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of La Verne and master’s degree in public accounting from Colorado State University Global.
Megan Lawson was promoted ot tax senior. She joined
Breeana Gumpert has joined the Colorado West Land Trust as director of development for the Grand Junction-based organization.
Gumpert brings to her duties experience as associate director of development at the Pablove Foundation in Los Angeles and director of alumni relations at Flrintridge Sacred Heart Academy. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northeastern University.
Gumpert succeeds Mary Hughes, who’s worked with the Colorado West Land Trust more than 15 years. Hughes plans to beging working part-time in September as a development officer, continuing to build relationships with supporters while helping to organize events.
Colorado West Land Trust has conserved a total of more than 131,000 acres in Mesa County and other Western Slope counties.
The organization operates offices at 1006 Main St. For more information, call (970) 263-5443 or visit the website located at https://cowestlandtrust.org.
DWC as an intern and now works with agricultural producers, nonprofits and clients from other industries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public accounting from Colorado Mesa University as well as a master’s of business administration degree from CMU.
Zach Thomas also was promoted to tax senior. Thomas joined DWC in 2021 and works with individuals, partnerships and S corporations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public accounting from CMU.
Darby Russell was promoted to senior bookkeeper. Russell brings to her duties more than a decade of experience. She works with tax and bookkeeping teams to deliver services to diverse clientele. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and master’s degree in organizational leadership from Colorado Christian University.
DWC CPAs and Advisors operates the largest public accounting firm headquarted in Western Colorado with offices in Grand Junction as well as Glenwood Springs and Montrose. The firm offers a range of accounting, advisory, audit, tax and wealth management services. For more information, call 243-1921 or log on to www.DWCAdvisors.com.
The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business People and the Almanac calendar of events. Email submissions to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com.
Three Grand Valley residents have been appointed to state boards.
Ken Haptonstall of Grand Junction was reappointed to the Business Experiential Learning Commission as a representative of the education sector. The commission promotes experiential learning opportunities for the workforce.
Kathy Hall of Grand Junction was named to the Task Force on the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities. The group studies and makes recommendations on issues involving the disabled.
Sarah Wood of Fruita was named to the Council on Creative Industries, which promotes the development of the arts and humanities throughout the state.
Aug. 29
n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Timberline Bank, 649 Market St. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214
Aug. 31
n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County after hours event, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Basecamp Beer Works, 2575 U.S. Highway 6&50, Unit C, Grand Junction. www.ypnmc.org
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business painting class, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., The Muse at the Fruita Arts Recreation Marketplace, 160 S Park Square. Admission $25 for chamber members, $35 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894
Sept. 4
n Maker meetup, 6 to 8 p.m., GJmakerspace at the Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org
Sept. 5
n Strategic training course for agencies and institutions, 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 5 to Oct. 17, Business Incubator Center. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242
Sept. 7
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m., location to be announced. Admission $15 for chamber members, $25 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org
n Business startup workshop, 2 to 4 p.m., Business Incubator Center. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org
Sept. 12
n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce free presentation on maximizing membership, noon to 1 p.m., FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org
Sept. 13
n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County before hours event, 7 to 8 a.m., Copeka Coffee, 1012 N. Fifth St.,Grand Junction. www.ypnmc.org
n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon to 1 p.m., Edgewater Brewery, 905 Struthers Ave. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org
