The Business Times Volume 29 Issue 17 by Thin Air Web

Almanac 34-35 Business Briefs 32 Business People 34 Contributors 25-29 News 2-22 Opinion 30-31 Trends 23-24 PRSRTSTD U.S.POSTAGEPAID PERMITNO.67 TheBusinessTimes 609NorthAve.,Suite5 GrandJunction,CO81501 25 23 n Care contract n Departments 6 Business Times

n High-flying job

n Activity slowing

Colorado employers must make payroll deductions for two new programs beginning in January. photo by Phil Castle

Construction is scheduled for completion next year on a larger Mesa County Libraries branch in Clifton.

Bill McDonald, founder and chief executive officer of Phoenix Haus, displays some of the materials that go into the prefabricated homes the Grand Junction-based company designs and manufactures.

Monument Health has been awarded a contract to offer health care coverage to School District 51 employees.

Real estate activity continues to slow, but the shift is seen as a return to more normal conditions.

n In building healthy homes, firm also building a healthy business. Page 2

n Clinic coming

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994 THE B T

In this issue

Scott Sweeney brings a diverse background to his latest job as general manager of West Star in Grand Junction.

n New deductions

VOLUME 29, ISSUE 17 542

n Booking it

Business People

A new health care clinic is coming to Palisade, an effort of the town and Community Hospital to provide services.

endeavorHealthy

Bill McDonald, founder and chief executive officer of Phoenix Haus, displays some of the materials that go into the prefabricated homes the Grand Junction-based company designs and manufactures. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

Scott Sweeney has started his latest position as refurbishesthatmanagergeneralatWestStarAviation,overseeingagrowingoperationrepairs,andmaintainsa variety of aircraft at facilities at Grand Junction Regional (BusinessAirport.TimesphotobyPhilCastle)

Phoenix Haus expanding to keep pace with increased demand for unique homes

Scott Sweeney has worked in a variety of positions over the course of his 35-year career in the aviation industry — almost every job, he says, from technician to salesman to executive.

STORY BY PHIL CASTLE

At right, a crew assembles panels onsite to complete a home that meets high environmental and energy efficiency standards. (Photo courtesy Phoenix Haus)

See HEALTHY page 20

Sweeney joined West Star in 2018 to manage the company’s facilities in East Alton northeast of St. Louis.

Sweeney says he frequently draws upon those been there and done that experiences in his latest position as general manager of the West Star Aviation facility in Grand Junction. That includes collaborating with mechanics, communicating with customers and overseeing an operation with nearly 550 employees and a total of more than 290,000 square feet of hangars, shops and offices at the Grand Junction Regional Airport.

“I couldn’t ask for a better setup.”

See ROLE page 22

Building a healthy venture

West Star GM brings diverse background to latest role

Sweeney was selected in June to succeed Dave Krogman, who retired.

Phil Castle The Business Times

At the same time, though, the unique housing McDonald’s company manufactures has developed into a healthy business.

Sweeney says he hopes to build on the accomplishments achieved under Krogman’s management and maintain a reputation for offering quality workmanship and customer service. West Star has ranked as the top maintenance, repair and overhaul services provider in an annual Professional Pilot magazine survey since 2014.

Phoenix Haus, the Grand Junction-based company McDonald founded and oversees as chief executive officer, manufactures prefabricated and panelized houses that are assembled onsite. The designs, materials and construction techniques come together in homes that meet high environmental and energy efficiency standards. With the addition of even small solar energy systems, the houses achieve net zero energy use and can operate off the grid if the owners so desire, McDonald says.

THE BUSINESS TIMES BusinessBusinessContributorsTrendsNewsOpinionBriefsPeople Almanac Page 2 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

He previously managed a slightly larger facility for West Star Aviation at its corporate headquarters in East Alton, Ill. But Sweeney says he’s thrilled to work with the team at the facilities in Grand Junction — as well as live in the Grand Valley.

Phoenix Haus relocated in June to a larger facility that offers twice the space and allows for increased production to meet increasing demand, he says. The company recently started work on its 54th project and is booked through the next year, he says.

ill McDonald likes to say he’s in the business of building healthy housing.

The operation has gained recognition in other ways.

Phoenix Haus was among the winners of 2021 Colorado Companies to Watch program honoring fast-growing firms in the state. In April, McDonald received the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award from Colorado Mesa University.

40,000 square-foot hangar and another 35,000 square feet of shop and office space.

And in July, Phoenix Haus received a $250,000 investment from Greenline Ventures as part of the Greater Colorado Pitch Series.

It’s a growing operation by several measures, including not only what Sweeney says is increased demand for the maintenance, repair and overhaul services provided there, but also the impending construction of a

The clinic will be the seventh location for Community Hospital’s Grand Valley Primary Care, Thomas said. Several providers are accepting new patients.Once completed, the Palisade clinic will bring back medical services to a town that’s been without a practice for decades, Thomas said. “I think it’s going to be a real asset.”

Health care clinic coming to Palisade

issues from a well-rounded perspective, Whidden said. “We won’t be myopic as we look at things.”

A groundbreaking ceremony was planned to celebrate the impending construction of a health care clinic in Palisade.

but offer an important perspective because they’re familiar with nearly every aspect of operations and how work gets done. They also tend to think about new and potentially better ways of doing things in asking and answering “what if” questions. “They know how to effect change in an organization.”

20workeddecisionmanagementdegreeholdssystems.computeratechnologyinformationandholdsmaster’sdegreeininformationButhealsoadoctoralinappliedandmakingandformorethanyearsasaminister.

Whidden expects to draw on all of his experiences in helping Mesa County commissioners make and carry out decisions.

Valuing staff and making the county an employer of choice is among the priorities, Whidden said. So is planning that results in sustainable funding and balanced budgets on a long-term basis.

Whidden worked in

Janet

The Business Times is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor, staff or advertisers.

609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970)

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The Business Times is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or advertisers.

Telephone:(970) 424-5133

The 6,700-square-foot building will be built on the site of the old high school. The facility will house a primary and acute care clinic offering a range of

Whidden said it’s his role to help county commissioners make and then implement decisions. The commissioners in turn represent the residents of the county and express their will, he said. “We work for the Whiddenpeople.”saidhealso considers himself a liaison between the commissioners and county staff, and one of the priorities is to make sure employees feel valued. Whidden said he hopes not only to improve morale, but also take steps that will make Mesa County an organization for which people want to Meanwhile,work.

services to infants, children and adults. An acute care practice will treat minor illnesses and injuries. X-ray imaging will be Communityavailable.Hospital will lease space in the building from the Town of Palisade, providing an additional source of revenue for the town government, Thomas said. “It really is a win-win situation.”

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COMPLIMENTARYPatterson)

“The Town of Palisade is very excited to have this clinic in our town,” said Janet Hawkinson, Palisade townChrismanager.Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Community Hospital, said he was pleased the hospital will partner with the town on the project.

The Business Times

www.thebusinesstimes.com424-5133

Page 4 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022THE BUSINESS TIMES JANUARY 15-28, 2015

FAX:(970) www.thebusinesstimes.com424-5134 something

Whidden has worked for large and small organizations in both the private and public sectors.

✦

Phil Castle The Business Times

The Business Times 609 North Ave.,Suite 2, Grand Junction,CO 81501

Whidden expects the county to continue policies and initiatives that support local business and economic development. There are additional steps that can be taken to make it easier for local businesses to sell products and services to the county, he added.

Meanwhile, Mesa County will continue to pursue efforts that promote a friendly business environment and

THE BUSINESS TIMES create

other government entities, organizations and institutions on fostering an environment that supports existing businesses and attracts new businesses, he said.

opportunities to encourage the additional development of businesses that provide services to the agricultural industry as well as promote Mesa County as a distribution center for the region.

Frank Whidden the Western Slope than 100 years.

The Town of Palisade and Community Hospital were expected to host the event, which was scheduled for Sept. 13 after press deadline.

“This project underscores Community Hospital’s commitment to our patients and community partners to provide the very best health care services possible.”

FCI Constructors based in Grand Junction will serve as general contractor on the project,

ChrisHawkinsonThomas

Frank Whidden brings what he considers a well-rounded perspective to his new job as Mesa County administrator.

Whidden expects to bring that same approach to his duties as administrator.

Mesa Country contributed $1.5 million for the project, while the federal government contributed $1 million and Community Hospital $750,000.

An architectural rendering shows what a new primary and acute care clinic will look like when the 6,700-square-foot building is constructed in Palisade. (Illustration courtesy Town of Palisade)

Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Community Hospital, said the hospital submitted what he described as aggressive proposals to provide health care coverage, but a single-source plan from Monument Health the Mesa County School Board was ultimately selected.

District 51 awards health care contract to Monument Health

A Grand Junction-based organization has been awarded a contract to provide health care coverage to Mesa County School District 51 employees.

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 5

What was an exclusive arrangement was changed, though, to enable employees who receive health insurance through District 51 choices that included benefit plans offered by Community Hospital and Monument Health. Most employees stayed with Community Hospital, Thomas said.

Thurow said the new plan will save District 51 money that can be used for other purposes. “We are parents and members of this community, too, and we are extremely humbled and proud to be able to save precious district resources that can be reinvested back into achieving D 51’s core mission to engage, equip and empower our kids and teachers.”

The school board voted to go with a single-source plan from Monument Health to provide tier 1 services starting next year.

Ashley Thurow, executive director of Monument Health, said she’s excited to deepen the relationship between the organization and School District 51. “It is a privilege to serve District 51 as their partner in employee wellness and wellbeing. We know the best health care is the kind that you never need to receive.

The new benefits plan will take effect Jan. 1. Open enrollment for district employees is scheduled to begin Oct. 1.

The single-source plan will replace a dual-option plan that also included Community Hospital in Grand Junction.

Michael Pramenko

The Mesa County School Board voted to enter into final contract negotiations with Monument Health to provide tier 1 health care services to district employees. A clinically integrated network, Monument Health works with health care providers and insurance companies to improve health care outcomes and lower costs.

Prevention is so important, and the cost savings from preventing unnecessary health care expenses will directly and positively impact D 51’s budget, which allows the district to stay in control of its health insurance premiums and to relocate dollars back into classrooms.”

Thurow said those efforts result in lower insurance premiums. For 2022, co-branded products on the Connect for Health Colorado insurance exchange sold by Rocky Mountain Health Plans, a UnitedHealthcare company, were on average 8 percent lower than they were in 2021.

In addition to health care services, Monument Health also will provide its Good Life Wellness Solutions package to District 51 employees to support workplace wellness.

Monument Health promotes improved outcomes and lower spending by guaranteeing access to primary care providers, encouraging annual exams and educating members on where to go for care.

The contract is expected to offer District 51 savings as well as save employees and their families as much as $3,500 a year in lower health insurance premiums.

Ashley Thurow

An executive said he’s disappointed a decade-long relationship between Community Hospital and Mesa County School District 51 won’t continue in the same way, but hopes District 51 employees will continue to use health care services.

Thomas said Community Hospital entered into a public and private partnership in 2012 to extend health care benefits to School District 51 and other organizations. The partnership offered access to primary care providers and specialists as well as savings on the most-prescribed drugs and incentives for people to control diabetes. The program also saved School District 51 millions of dollars on health care coverage, he said. “It was really rewarding work.”

Community Hospital CEO advocates choice

Community Hospital will continue to advocate for choice in health care, Thomas said. School District 51 employees can choose to use Community Hospital as a tier 2 provider, he said, although they’ll face different deductible and co-pay levels.

“Our plan will allow D 51 to balance its budget in one year and then sustain those savings by focusing on preventive, valuebased care for its employees. This is a big win for everyone,” said Dr. Michael Pramenko chief medical officer for Monument Health.

branches behind only the central library, she said.

Phil Castle The Business Times

Cyphers said she also was thankful the new Clifton Branch Library will be part of the community campus.

Cindy Cyphers, president of the Mesa County Library District board of trustees, said she was grateful for a groundbreaking on a project that’s been planned for years. “This has been going on for a long time.”

For more information about the new Clifton branch library or to donate to the project, log on to the site at newcliftonbranch.https://mesacountylibraries.org/

Boisvenue-Fox said a new and larger library is needed to accommodate growing demand for services in Clifton. The branch is the second-busiest of the eight library

Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland said she was grateful, too. “It really is the cherry on top of this campus here.”

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Groundbreaking event heralds construction of Clifton library

Construction on the library is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2023. The rest of the nearly $27 million campus is scheduled to open in 2024.

The new Clifton library will include a community meeting space, six public study rooms, adult learning center, public computing area and dedicated areas for children and teen-agers. What’s dubbed as a community living room will offer space for reading and relaxation.

A separate groundbreaking ceremony for the campus was conducted eight days after the event for the library.

At 17,800 square feet, the new Clifton branch will be more than three times larger than the existing branch, located in 5,400 square feet of leased space in a shopping center. The new Clifton branch will be second in size to only the central library branch in Grand Junction.

Construction of the new Clifton branch is expected to cost $11.5 million.

The library will be built at 3270 D 1/2 Road on a 27-acre campus that also will include a community hall, childhood education center and training center.

The Mesa County Libraries foundation will provide $3.5 million. She said the foundation has raised $2 million, but needs to raise an additional $1.5 million.

Page 6 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

The new library was proposed for a 5-acre site near 32 and F Roads. But the library district and Mesa County Commissioners agreed instead to use 3 acres of the site on D 1/2 Road.

The Mesa County Library Public Library District will provide $8 million, money Boisvenue-Fox said the district has been saving over the years for the project. No tax increase or construction loan will be needed, she said.

Construction is scheduled for completion next year on what will be the second largest Mesa County Libraries branch to accommodate the second-busiest operation. Michelle Boisvenue-Fox, director of the Mesa County Libraries, officiated over a groundbreaking ceremony for the Clifton Branch Library. “This is a great day for a groundbreaking. This is a pretty special time for our county,” she said.

Michelle Boisvenue-Fox, director of the Mesa County Libraries, talks about the new branch library in Clifton during a groundbreaking ceremony for the facility. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 7

Travel and tourism are important contributors to a sustainable Grand Junction economy, she said. Visitor spending accounts for about a third of city sales tax revenue.

The article also mentioned a number of local businesses, including 626 on Rood, Bin 707, Castle Creek Manor Bed and Breakfast, Camp Eddy, Devil’s Kitchen, Dream Café, Foam and Folly Brewery, Grand Junction Adventures, Highlands Distillery, Hotel Maverick, Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough, Magee Adventures, Moody’s Lounge, Rimrock Adventures, Rockslide Brewery, Spoons Bistro, Taco Party, Two Rivers Winery and Chateau, Warehouse 2565 and Whitewater Hill Vineyards.

Elizabeth Fogarty

Grand Junction is described as a hidden gem in a story appearing in an international lifestyle magazine.

audience described as young, independent professionals with lofty aspirations.

Fogarty said the Red Bulletin serves as a target

Visit Grand Junction, the destination marketing organization of the City of Grand Junction, markets a variety of what Fogarty said are brand pillars that include agritourism, art, Colorado Mesa University, craft beverages, cuisine, history, lodging, outdoor recreation and retailing.

“This significant coverage by such a well-established hip brand represents Grand Junction gaining notoriety as a destination known for a variety of experiences, including epic outdoor recreation, a trendy restaurant scene, boutique lodging options including camping, Colorado National Monument and other scenic public lands,” said Elizabeth Fogarty, director of Visit Grand Junction.

The article touted Grand Junction as a high desert oasis with world class sandstone arches and some of the best rock climbing in the continental United States. The article highlighted not only the nearby Colorado National Monument, but also the Lunch Loops trail, Little Book Cliffs and McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area.

Page 8 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

Magazine story touts Grand Junction as hidden gem

The five-page article appears in the September issue of Red Bulletin produced by the Red Bull energy drink company.

“Not any one pillar is more important than the other,” Fogarty said. “Providing a voice and representing all facets of the community is why the brand is gaining in strength and increased awareness.”

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 9

successful year in Mesa County,” said Cassie Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of HopeWest.

July collections reflect June activity. August reports were unavailable as of press deadline.

The city received nearly $6 million in sales taxes from Mesa County and collected a total of almost $7.4 million in sales and use taxes earmarked for public safety and first responders.

Through the first seven months of 2022, the city collected a total of more than $44 million in sales and use taxes. Sales tax collections increased 10.8 percent compared to the same span in 2021. City use tax collections increased 72.9 percent.

Under a measure city voters approved in 2019 to double the lodging tax to 6 percent, the city divides revenues among Visit Grand Junction, the tourism and destination marketing organization, and Grand Junction Regional Air Alliance and Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission.

Grand Junction tax collections trend upward

Sales tax $6,011,238 $5,560,022 8.1%

Lodging tax $580,705 $482,801 20.3%

“HopeWest’sactivities.PACEcurrently provides wrap around care to 52 participants, with more enrollments each month,” Mitchell said. “This program truly closes a gap in care for the valley’s seniors who need a little extra support and wish to gracefully age in the comfort of their own homes. We are honored to serve seniors on an individualized level through the PACE program.”Founded in 1993, HopeWest offers services to the aging, seriously ill and grieving in Western Colorado. The nonprofit organization operates an in-patient hospice center in Grand Junction and offices in four other communities that serve an area of more than 10,000 square miles on the WesternHopeWestSlope. also operates three retail outlets, a restaurant and coffee shop, the profits from which support the organization.Foradditional information, visit the website at www.hopewestco.org.

The city collected more than $6 million in sales taxes and more than $185,000 in use taxes in June. Sales tax collections increased 8.1 percent. Use tax collections, a smaller and more volatile revenue source for the city, increased 92.7 percent.

The City of Grand Junction reported a 9.6 percent increase in its combined sales and use tax collections for July compared to the same month a year ago. Lodging tax collections rose 20.3 percent on a year-over-year basis.

Use tax $185,382 $96,221 92.7%

A Grand Junction-based organization has joined in a national celebration of programs offering all-inclusive care for the elderly.

HopeWest provides a team of health care professionals who help Grand Valley seniors with medical, emotional and social care, including doctor or health care provider visits, medication and medical equipment as well as hospital visits and nursing home stays if needed. The program also offers social

July 2022 July 2021 Change

Cassie Mitchell

The city received almost $939,000 as its share of sales tax collected by Mesa County and distributed back to municipalities in the county.

Page 10 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

Tax collections, a key measure of retail sales and lodging activity, continue to increase in Grand Junction.

The City of Grand Junction collected nearly $581,000 in lodging taxes in July, an increase over the same month last year that reflects more hotel and motel stays.

GRAND JUNCTION TAX COLLECTIONS

HopeWest offers a program of allinclusive care for the elderly (PACE) and will offer throughout September home visits, tours and opportunities to talk with enrollment specialists.“It’sexciting to celebrate our first

The City of Grand Junction also collected more than $1.2 million in sales and use taxes earmarked for public safety and first responders.

HopeWest marks first year of PACE effort

Through the first seven months of 2022, the city collected almost $2.6 million in lodging taxes, a 41.2 percent gain over the same span in 2021.

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 11

small business financing more widely available to owners who have experienced diminished access to funding, we can help the entire state thrive and strengthen our economy as a whole,” said Patrick Meyers, executive director of OEDIT.

n Nov. 2, Dragon Heating & AC, 156 S. Park Square in Fruita.

For more information about the Colorado Startup Loan Fund, visit colorado-startup-loan-fund.https://oedit.colorado.gov/

To register or obtain more information, contact the Fruita Area Chamber of Commece at 858-3894 or visit the website at htttps://fruitachamber.org.

The program will help participants develop their workforces and attain new employees through internship opportunities.

Fruita chamber offers members assistance with hiring interns

A series of classes are scheduled as part of a free program for members of the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jeff Kraft

Duran said the fund will support business owners who’ve experienced obstacles to financing, including women, veterans and minority entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses employment growth in Colorado has outpaced the national growth rate. In some sectors, such as construction, health care and retail, small businesses also make up the majority of employers, proving once again that small businesses are at the heart of the Colorado economy.”

Participants are required to attend all classes to graduate.

n Feb. 1, Growl Agency, 750 Main St. in Grand Junction.

“They bring us new options for eating out by starting food trucks, develop new lifestyle or gaming apps or start the salon that becomes a community favorite. The Colorado Startup Loan Fund will help under-resourced entrepreneurs obtain financing that they can use to launch their business and feel more financially stable as they establish and grow theirTherevenue”Colorado Startup Loan Fund was established by state legislation sponsored by State. Reps. Jennifer

The classes will cover such topics as apprenticeships, internships and job shadowing as well as employee reviews, job descriptions and on-the-job training programs.Atthe end of five months, participants will have positions defined and systems in place to hire an intern to support their operations.Theprogram is scheduled to conclude with a session set for 5:30 p.m. March 1 on the CMU campus that will include graduation as well as speed interviewing with CMU Career Services and students ready to accept internship opportunities.

The Colorado Startup Loan Fund will focus on serving business owners who’ve historically encountered barriers to bank financing, including those who might not speak English, have never carried a loan, lack traditional assets to secure financing or previously been unable to obtain a loan.

n Dec. 7, Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction.

One-hour classes will be offered along with lunch at noon once a month over five months at various locations:

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) will partner with eight lenders to manage the fund and provide loans under $150,000 and micro loans. The fund will be managed as a revolving loan fund in which each dollar will provide for multiple loans over the course of many years.

Jeff Kraft, director of the OEDIT business funding and incentives division, said the fund will help the small businesses that add to the vibrancy of Colorado communities.

A new loan fund offers new financing options for small business owners in Colorado looking to start, restart or restructure a business.

Page 12 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

Bacon and Monica Duran and State Sen. James Coleman. The measure recognizes that many entrepreneurs who filed for bankruptcy or closed their businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic could be prevented from re-entering the market due to low credit scores or other pandemicrelated financial impacts.

n Oct. 5, BBSI, 120 W. Park Drive, Suite 108 in Grand Junction.

Coleman said he was pleased to sponsor the measure.

“We know that 1.2 million Coloradans work for small businesses, which represents 48 percent of all Colorado employees,” Bacon said. “I am grateful to my colleagues for their support in passing such an important bill and establishing the Colorado Startup Loan Fund, which will help ensure that small businesses continue to be strong employers in our state.”

n Jan. 4, Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Colorado loan fund offers financing options

“Great business ideas can be found across Colorado in communities of all sizes and demographics. By making

Patrick Meyers

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 13

role at West Springs,” she said.

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of STEP funding. To date, the program has awarded $215.5 million in grants. The program remains in high demand with a combined request of more than $39 million in funds this year alone.Since its creation as part of the Small Business Jobs Act, STEP has recorded over $3.8 billion in exports with more than 12,000 small businesses receiving grants to fund their export opportunities and extend their activities across 141 countries. Last year, for every $1 in funding for STEP businesses benefited from $42 in export sales.

activity, and that translates into an increased ability to grow their revenue and contribute to a strong Colorado economy.”Frances

“As we enter fall and young people head back to school, it’s often a time when we see an increase in need for care among adolescents.”“MyNo. 1 focus right now is increasing our nursing staff through incentives, such as $20,000 sign on bonus for registered nurses and a strong starting salary of $39 per hour.”Schmalz started her nursing career at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction after receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Colorado Christian University. She also holds a master’s degree in nursing with an emphasis in psychiatric mental health from the University of South Alabama.Mind Springs Health operates the West Springs Hospital and a residential substance abuse treatment facility in the Grand Valley as well as 13 offices for outpatient treatment in a 10-county region of Western Colorado. Mind Springs Health is the largest provider of counseling and therapy for mental wellness in the region.

“Our state’s exporters sell products and services ranging from agricultural goods to aerospace components all over the globe,” Padilla said. “Exported goods from Colorado were valued at $7.8 billion. And of those exporters, 87.5 percent were small businesses.”

A $500,000 federal grant will help small businesses in Colorado with exporting.The U.S. Small Business Administration awarded the funding through its State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).

Michelle Hadwiger, director of the OEDIT global business development division, said the grant will fund important work. “Continued support from the SBA’s State Trade and Expansion Program has played a key role in helping Colorado’s small businesses expand their exporting

STEP awards help entrepreneurs enter and compete in the global marketplace by providing the information and tools they need to succeed in export-related activities. Exporting activities include participating in foreign trade missions, trade shows and market sales trips as well as

Mind Springs names director of nursing at psychiatric hospital

Page 14 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

Schmalz said changes are under way at the hospital to enhance patient care and reduce admission waiting periods.

Gabe Esparza, associate SBA administrator for international trade, praised the effort. “We are thrilled to reach this historic 10-year milestone of what has become a very impactful tool for export promotion. We are even more thrilled with the outcomes of the grants. The STEP program continues to be validated by its strengthening returns on investments, increased demand for funding and expansion of eligible small business concerns addressed.”

Jessica Schmalz

FrancesHadwigerPadilla

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Padilla, director of the SBA Colorado District Office, also said she was pleased with the latest grant and efforts to promote exports.

Colorado receives $500,000 to support export activity

Mind Springs Health has promoted Jessica Schmalz to director of nursing at West Springs Hospital in Grand tohonoredpractitioner.achargeregisteredforsinceworkedSchmalzJunction.hasatthehospital2016,caringpatientsasfirstanurseandnurseandlaterpsychiatricnurse“Iamincrediblyandexcitedtakeonaleadership

F M.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and Trade (OEDIT) will oversee the distribution and use of the grant.The SBA awarded a total of $20 million to 52 state and territory international trade agencies, the highest number of grantees since the inception of the program.

attending training workshops and designing international marketing campaigns. State government organizations manage the awards at the local level.

For more information about the State Trade Expansion Program and funding opportunities, visit www.sba.gov/STEP.

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 15

In addition to applicants, donations also are sought to continue the fund. Otherwise, the fund will run out of money after two more rounds of grants.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program was launched to quickly move $17.5 million in state stimulus funds to fuel reduction projects and increase capacity for forest restoration and wildfire mitigation.

A presentation planned at R-5 High School in Grand Junction will feature two deaf climbers who’ve reached the tops of some of the highest mountains in the world.

Typical grants range from $50 to $200. Since the beginning of 2020, a total of $14,200 has been awarded to 155 students. Grants have enabled students to participate in activities offered by Absolute Dance, Fire FC Soccer, Girls on the Run and the Outdoor Wilderness Lab.

“The Department of Corrections State Wildland Inmate Fire Teams (SWIFT) doing this work have already demonstrated excellence on other projects in our area, and we are excited to continue working with them to reduce wildfire risk in our community,” said Grand Junction Fire Chief Ken Watkins. “Without the people power provided by the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program, these projects would not be possible for the next five to 10 years.”

The Grand Junction Fire Department selected the areas in collaboration with city finance, general services, parks and recreation, police, public works and utilities departments. The fire department will manage the project.

For more information about grant applications and donations, visit the website at www.d51foundation.org.

The City of Grand Junction will receive funding for fire mitigation projects.

Ken Watkins Dan Gibbs

The city was selected as a recipient of Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program Workforce Development funding for 17 weeks of wildfire mitigation work valued at $184,212. The work will focus on the Colorado and Gunnison river corridors.

Scott Lehmann and Shayna Unger will recount their experiences on Denali, the highest peak in North America, and what it’s like to climb without the ability to hear or utter intelligible words. They’ll also discuss the importance for students to discover and pursue their passions.

Page 16 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

Grand Junction receives fire mitigation funds

Dan Gibbs, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, congratulated Grand Junction on receiving the grant. “Earlier this year I was able to visit with members of a Department of Corrections SWIFT doing similar work in Grand Junction to reduce wildfire risk in river corridors, and we

forfordueApplicationsSept.30grantsstudents

R-5 presentation features deaf climbers

Lehmann and Unger launched a project to increase access to the outdoors for the deaf and those with other disabilities. The two also seek to become the first deaf climbers to reach the summits of the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.

“So many students don’t have the funds to participate in extracurricular activities, and this makes it a little easier. It has already made such a positive difference to students throughout Mesa County,” Christensen said.

The grant fund was created by the family of Karl Bloom to help students with financial need in Mesa County School District 51 pursue extracurricular activities. Bloom was a band parent and volunteer in several programs.

“We are at the point that we need to find more donors to keep this fund available since it will run out soon. So if it is on your heart to donate to help support extracurricular activities for children, reach out to the D51 Foundation,” Christensen said.

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30 for the latest round of Bloom Where You are Planted grants from the School District 51 Foundation.

are pleased to build on that project’s success with this current grant. COSWAP was created for precisely these types of projects in mind —to enable hand crews, like SWIFT, to work on fuel reduction projects to immediately benefit communities with a focus on protecting life, property and criticalTheinfrastructure.”projectareas will cover about 70 acres and focus on removing invasive species to create shaded fuel breaks to protect infrastructure and areas with a history of fire that pose risks to people and property.

“We are thankful to the Bloom Family for their dedication to help support extracurricular activities,” said Angela Christensen, executive director of the School District 51 Foundation.

The presentation is set for 8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 23 at the school, 455 N. 22nd St.

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 17

The study of more than 3,400 adult twins by researchers at CU and the University of Minnesota offers some of the strongest evidence yet that marijuana legalization causes increased use. The study authors said it’s unlikely legalization would cause those who previously abstained from marijuana to start using it, however.

Page 18 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

Scholarship funds are raised through corporate and private donations as well as fund-raising events.

“AcrossAddiction.America, there is a trend toward using more marijuana. But we found that the change is bigger in states where it is legal,” said Stephanie Zellers, lead author and a recent University of Minnesota graduate who began the research as a doctoral student at the CU Institute for Behavioral Genetics (IBG).

Study connects legalization to increased marijuana use

Participants were asked how frequently they used cannabis before and after 2014, when Colorado became one of the first states to allow legal sales of recreational

Foundation awards scholarships

The foundation, a charitable nonprofit entity established by Pinnacol Assurance, awards scholarships to students whose parents have been seriously injured or killed on the job. The scholarships average $4,700.

twins share their genes and tend to share socioeconomic status, parental influences and community norms, they provide well-matched controls for each other, enabling researchers to minimize alternative explanations for results and get at what causes what.

marijuana. Recreational cannabis remains illegal in BeforeMinnesota.2014,there was little difference in use between states, the study found. After 2014, across all participants, residents of states where recreational use of marijuana was legalized used cannabis 24 percent more frequently than those in illegal states. When specifically comparing identical twins in which one lives in a state where marijuana is legal and the other lives in a state where it is illegal, those living in the state with legal marijuana used cannabis 20 percent more frequently, the researchers found.Because

The Pinnacol Assurance Foundation awarded a total of nearly $409,000 in scholarships to 87 students in Colorado.

For the study, Zellers and co-authors at CU Boulder, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and University of Minnesota analyzed data from two studies that have tracked twins since childhood in both states.

Residents of states where cannabis has been legalized use marijuana 24 percent more frequently than those living in states where it remains illegal, according to research conducted in part at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

“This is the first study to confirm that the association between legal cannabis and increased use holds within families in genetically identical individuals,” said co-author John Hewitt, a professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at CU Boulder and faculty fellow at IBG. “This makes it much more likely that legalization does, in itself, result in increased use.”

The research was published in the journal

Pinnacol Assurance is a leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Colorado. For more information, visit the website at www.pinnacol.com.

The scholarship program began 21 years ago with four students. Since then, the foundation has awarded a total of nearly $7 million to more than than 700 students for college and vocational training. That makes the program the largest of its kind in the United States.

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 19

Continued from page 2

says he realized it would be more effective to design and build more energy efficient and healthy homes rather than address problems with existing homes.

The company evolved from a business Bill McDonald started in 2010 to retrofit older homes to improve energy efficiency. He traced his interest back even further to his childhood, when he suffered from allergies exacerbated by dust, mildew and mold.McDonald

says the result is a home that’s not only more comfortable and conducive to health, but also uses far less energy.

In 2014, he built his first prefabricated panelized passive house — a 2,300-squarefoot home for his mother in rural Michigan. In early 2015, he purchased a century old stamping plant in downtown Detroit for manufacturing operations.

The McDonalds relocated Phoenix Haus from Detroit to Grand Junction in 2017 in part to take advantage of state and local tax incentives provided by the program, but also the proximity to the projects in which the company was involved. At that time, all of the projects were located in Colorado.

Bill McDonald says they also found in the Grand Valley access to commercial real estate and a strong labor market.

The homes are prefabricated as panels in the company’s facility in Grand Junction and then assembled onsite by contractors.

One of the biggest advantages, though, is the design and materials that go into the houses that make them energy efficient.

Phoenix Haus specializes in what’s called passive home construction, which includes an airtight building envelope that reduces heating and cooling needs. Mechanical ventilation improves indoor air quality.McDonald

Some of the models offer floor plans or accommodate what McDonald calls accessory dwelling units that allow for multiple generations of a family to live in the same home. A new model offers a co-livingSpendingspace.more time with family and friends can promote healthy living in another way, he says.

At current capacity, Phoenix Haus can handle 24 projects a year, McDonald says. Adding a second shift would double that capacity.The $250,000 investment from Greenline Ventures will help, he says, in hiring more employees to help with design and planning.Inthemeantime, McDonald says he’s happy to be in the business of building healthy housing — and happy the housing the company builds has developed into a healthy business.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Since then, Phoenix Haus has been involved with projects in nine states — most of them in the West.

Page 20 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

fraction of the time it takes to construct a house using traditional techniques. That’s an advantage in areas with short summer building seasons.

Healthy

McDonald oversees Phoenix Haus with his sister, Kate McDonald, who serves as chief operating officer.

For more information about Phoenix Haus, call (877) 548-8237 or visit www.phoenixhaus.com.

McDonald expects increasing demand for the kinds of homes Phoenix Haus offers will bolster growth for the company. But he says he wants to manage that growth in a sustainable way.

The company has developed seven models of what it terms homesteads that range in size from 900 to 3,000 square feet.

Phoenix Haus constructed a home near the Powderhorn Mountain Resort east of Grand Junction to offer prospective customers a chance to experience what it’s like to live in a passive house.

Given the central location among the mountain markets upon which Phoenix Haus has focused as well as the tax incentives offered through the Rural JumpStart Program, McDonald says Grand Junction offers a great place from which to operate. “We’re really happy to be here.”

Phoenix Haus recently relocated into a larger facility in Grand Junction in which to manufacture panelized homes. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle) At left, a crew assembles panels onsite to complete a home. Phoenix Haus offers seven models of what the company terms homesteads that range in size from 900 to 3,000 square feet. (Photo courtesy Phoenix Haus)

McDonald says that approach offers a number of advantages. The panels are manufactured indoors under an exacting process that assures precision and reduces waste. Onsite, the panels come together in

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 21

Continued from page 2

In addition, the facility is the largest fixed base operator of the company in providing fueling, deicing and other services at Grand Junction Regional Airport.

Demand for aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul services has increased, Sweeney says, along with the use of private and corporate aircraft. Owners also are motivated to upgrade their aircraft to take advantage of increasingly sophisticated technology, he says.

Role

Page 22 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

In addition to the targeted adult mosquito control treatments, the district will continue to treat breeding sites to control

The Grand River Mosquito Control District plans to continue fogging operations over the next month in areas of the Grand Valley where counts indicate above average numbers of adult insects.

The staff brings experience and skills to their jobs, too, he says. “They’re at the top of the chart for some of the best teams I’ve been involved with.”

An expansion will accommodate the trend with the

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

But airplanes that measure more than 90 feet long and come with wingspans equally large require bigger facilities, he says.

West Star will receive state and local incentives to proceed with the multimillion project.

District toadditionalschedulesfoggingcurbmosquitoes

Prior to that, Sweeney held positions as vice president of operations at Constant Aviation and vice president and general manager of AviationBeforeConcepts.that,he worked in a series of roles with Hawker Beechcraft, including general manager, vice president of customer relations and salesSweeneymanager.served four years in the Navy as an aviation electrician at the North Island complex in San Diego and aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise aircraft carrier.

The West Star facility in Grand Junction is similar to the one in East Alton in providing services for a variety of aircraft, including Citation, Challenger, Embraer, Falcon, Global and Gulfstream airplanes. The Grand Junction facility also offers some of the best crews in the nation working on Conquest, Hawker and Learjet airplanes, Sweeney says.

Scheduled for completion in 2023, the expansion will increase the total operational footprint to 365,000 square feet.

Scott Sweeney

“The product we use is EPA approved and is targeted at adult mosquitoes. If people are out and notice our trucks, we recommend they avoid driving or walking closely behind these vehicles while they are in operation,” Moore said.

In addition to expanding facilities, West Star is adding to its staff. Sweeney says he’s he’d like to hire 80 employees now and another 100 employees over the next few years.Sweeney says he prefers a leadership style in which he collaborates with employees to make changes that enable them to work more efficiently and improve the results for customers. Happy employees make for happy customers, he says.Ithelps, Sweeney says, to have a diverse background in the aviation industry and draw upon those been there and done that experiences.

Theexteriors.othertrend, Sweeney says, is the growing popularity of larger aircraft that offer more cabin space and longer range.

construction of a 40,000 square foot hangar. An adjacent, two-story building will offer an additional 35,000 square feet for back shops, tooling and offices.

The West Star facility in Grand Junction serves as a one-stop shop in offering a full range of services, he says. Many owners who bring their aircraft in for scheduled maintenance also upgrade equipment, refurbish cabins and repaint

Eight to 10 fogging operations are planned over the next month targeting areas in Fruita and Orchard Mesa as well as the area between Clifton and Palisade. The operations will be conducted after sunset and are limited to public streets and rights-of-way. Fogging vehicles feature yellow, flashing lights and the district logo.

For more information about West Star Aviation, visit the website at locations/grand-junction.www.weststaraviation.com/

“Welarvae.will continue to closely monitor the numbers. If we see a drop in temperatures and no increase in moisture levels, that should help reduce the number of adult mosquitoes,” Moore said.

“This time of year we typically are done with fogging. We see a drop in temperatures, which directly correlates with a drop in our mosquito counts. But this year is bucking the trend. With temperatures still nearing triple digits, the number of adult mosquitoes in our communities are well above average,” said Tim Moore, manager of the Grand River Mosquito Control District.

Tim Moore

Expectations for increased profits fell, however — seven points to a net negative 33 percent. Among those reporting lower profits, 36 percent blamed rising material costs and 23 percent cited weaker sales.

“Owners are managing the rising costs of utilities, fuel, labor, supplies, materials, rent and inventory to protect their earnings. The worker shortage is impacting small business productivity as owners raise compensation to attract better workers,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the NFIB.

n Real estate

Young said 396 real estate transactions worth a total of $196.1 million were reported in Mesa County in August. Compared to the same month last year, transactions fell 27.2 percent and dollar volume declined 11.3 percent.

For all of 2021, 6,193 transactions worth a total of $2.36 billion were reported, the highest level for dollar volume ever. Transactions spiked at 7,198 in 2005.

Young said higher interest rates on mortgages have slowed real estate activity, but so have higher prices for homes and inflation that’s made gasoline, food and other products more expensive.

n Mesa County — 3.7% for July, unchanged.

n Indexes

n Confidence

But Stewart Cruickshank also sees the shift as a return to more normal market conditions coming off a record-breaking pace in 2021. “We’re in third gear, not neutral,” said Cruickshank, sales manager at Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction.

Real estate activity slows

t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 41.1 for the third quarter, down 12.8.

42 percent, more of those who responded still anticipated worsening conditions.

Large transactions bolstered dollar volume — 19 transactions accounted for a combined $48.1 million. They included the sale of WoodSpring Suites for $15.3 million, the Village Fair Shopping Center for $4.1 million and commercial property along the Riverside Parkway for $3.9 million.

n Foreclosures

t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 117.1 for June, down 0.8.

A measure of optimism among small business owners has rebounded on more upbeat expectations, but concerns persist over inflation and labor shortages.

The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.9 points in August. But at 91.8, the latest reading remained below the 48-year average of 98 for an eighth straight month.

Fewer sales have bolstered inventory. As of the end of August, there were 594 active residential listings in Mesa County. That’s up nearly 48.8 percent from a year ago, but still only about two months of supply at the current pace of sales.

The proportion of respondents who said they plan to increase staffing rose a point to a net 21 percent. A net 49 percent reported unfilled job openings, unchanged from a month ago.

Real estate activity continues to slow in Mesa County as higher interest rates and inflation affect sales.

n Lodging

Cruickshank said the latest numbers are more reflective of activity before the COVID-19 pandemic and still constitute what he considers a robust market overall.

Cruickshank said builders face uncertainty as well as material and labor Homeshortages.pricescontinue to climb. The median price of homes sold during the first eight months of 2022 rose 18.5 percent to $385,000 compared to the same span in 2021.

s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $580,705 for July, up 20.3% from July 2021.

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 23

s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.8 million for July, up 6.3% from July 2021.

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 396 in August, down 27.2% from August 2021.

Phil Castle The Business Times

A net 25 percent of respondents reported plans for capital outlays, up three points from a month ago. A net 5 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, up a point.

Annette Young, administrative coordinator at Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction, said slowing could help build inventory, reduce price appreciation and make real estate more affordable. “It’s not all negative.”

Through the first eight months of 2022, 3,485 transactions worth a total of more than $1.5 billion were reported. Compared to the same span in 2021, transactions decreased 17 percent and dollar volume edged down nearly a half of a percent.

t Colorado — 3.3% for July, down 0.1.

s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 91.8 for August, up 1.9.

According to numbers Bray & Co. tracks for the residential market in Mesa County, 266 transactions worth a combined

$119.2 million were reported in August. Compared to the same month last year, transactions fell 22.2 percent and dollar volume declined 9.3 Throughpercent.thefirst eight months of 2022, 2,332 transactions worth a total of nearly $998.2 million were reported. Compared to the same span in 2021, transactions decreased 15.5 percent and dollar volume slipped 1 percent.

n Business filings

s Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 11 in August, up from 6 in August 2021.

Asked to identify their most important problem, 29 percent cited inflation — down eight points from July and the largest proportion since the fourth quarter of 1979. Another 26 percent cited quality of labor.

s Consumer Confidence Index 103.2 for August, up 7.9.

New homes construction lags. A total of 62 single family building permits were issued in Mesa County in August and 558 through the first eight months of 2022. That’s down 28.7 percent and 17 percent, respectively, from last year.

s Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 11 in August, up from 0 in August 2021.

What was a bidding frenzy for some homes has abated, Cruickshank said. While 98.7 percent of homes sold in August received list price, that’s down from nearly 100.5 percent for the same month last Cruickshankyearsaid he expects the pace of appreciation to slow, but demand to persist. Grand Junction remains an attractive place to live, he said, with comparatively lower housing prices, taxes and cost of living. “I’m excited about our future in real estate.”

Annette Young

Meanwhile, property foreclosure filings continue to increase in Mesa County, Young said.

n Sales

Through the first eight months of 2022, 168 filings were recorded. That’s up from just 19 for the same span in 2021.

The share of those who expect increased sales also rose 10 points, but was at a net negative 19 percent.

Mesa County returning to more normal conditions, managers say

s New business filings in Colorado, 39,464 in the second quarter, up 0.5 percent from the second quarter of 2021.

s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 119.06 for August, up 0.86.

n Unemployment

BusinessBusinessContributorsTrendsNewsOpinionBriefsPeople Almanac

s United States — 3.7% for August, up 0.2.

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $7.1 million for July, up 9.6% from August 2021.

BillCruickshankDunkelberg

t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $196.1 million in July, down 11.3% from August 2021.

Business index rebounds, but concerns persist

The proportion of NFIB members who responded to the survey upon which the August index was based who expect the economy to improve over the next six months rose 10 points from July to the highest level since February. But at a net negative

The NFIB bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of members of the small business advocacy group, most of them small business owners. For August, seven of 10 components of the index increased, two decreased and one remained unchanged.

n Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 52.8% for August, unchanged from July.

The increase in foreclosure sales hasn’t been as pronounced, she said, with 25 sales through the first eight months of 2022. That’s up from 13 in the same span last year. Many filings are withdrawn before the completion of the foreclosure process.

A net 53 percent of those who responded reported raising average selling prices, down three points. Price hikes were most frequent in the construction, retail, transportation and manufacturing sectors. A net 46 percent reported raising compensation.

INDICATORS AT GLANCE

The share of those who said they expect business conditions to improve over the next six months rose 3.8 points to 17.5 percent. The proportion of those anticipating worsening conditions fell nine-tenths of a point to 22.3 percent.

“But with the heandwinds in the rest of the economy already evident, expect job growth to decelerate for the remainder of the year,” said Frank Steemers, senior economist at the New York-based think tank.

A measure of consumer confidence has rebounded on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions, but concerns about inflation and recession persist.

The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls shortened a tenth of an hour to 34.5 hours. The average manufacturing work week was little changed at 40.3 hours.

The proportion of those responding to the survey upon which the August index was based who described business conditions as “good” rose 2.9 points to 19.2 percent. The share of those who said conditions were “bad” fell 1 point to 23.2 percent.

U.S. payrolls, jobless rate both increase for August

More optimistic assessments of current conditions pushed the present situation component of the index up 5.7 points to 145.4, the first gain since March.

The Conference Board reported its Employment Trends Index rose 0.86 points to 119.20 in August.

F THE BUSINESS T Business PeopleAlmanac THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994 AUGUST 25-SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 16 542 In this issuen Mixed bag indicatorsThelatestreportofeconomicforColoradodetailsadeclineinbusinessfilings,butanincreaseinemployment.n Mobility hubsA$24.2millionfederalgrantwill fund construction ColoradothemoreARiflemobilityhubsinGrandJunction,andGlenwoodSprings.federalgrantcouldprovidethan$100millionovernextfiveyearstohelpfirmsaccessfinancing.n Holding steadyThejoblessrateheldsteadyinMesaCountyinJulywithincreasesinbothpayrollsandtheunemployed.n Taxing trendsTaxcollections,ameasure climbofsalesactivity,continuetoonayear-over-year basisinMesaCounty.n Cultured effortsOrganizationsthatsaytheir cultures are likefamilymightsayinstead theirculturesarelikeacommunity. Almanac 26Business Briefs 24Business People 26Contributors 17-21News 2-14Opinion 22Trends 15-16 PRSRTSTD U.S.POSTAGEPAID PERMITNO.67 TheBusinessTimes 609Ave.,NorthSuite5 GrandJunction,CO81501 17 15 n Business funding n Departments 15 BusinessTimesphotobyPhilCastle watchdogRegional n Executive directorrelishes new rolewith group.governmentPage2 TiffanyPehlservesasexecutive director of the AssociatedGovernments of NorthwestColorado.Theorganization inandadvocatesonbehalfofcountymunicipalgovernmentstheregion. Expiration CVV

The proportion of those who said jobs were “plentiful” fell 1.2 points to 48 percent. But the share of those who said jobs were “hard to get” also fell — a point to 11.4 Morepercent.upbeat outlooks pushed the expectations component of the index up 9.5 points to 75.1. While the component rebounded from a nine-year low in July, the reading remains below 80 and suggests the risk of recession.

Lynn Franco

Professional and business services added 68,000 jobs. Employment increased 48,000 in health care, 44,000 in retail trades, 31,000 in leisure and hospitality and 22,000 in manufacturing.

The labor participation rate — the portion of the population working or looking for work — rose three-tenth of a point to 62.4 percent. That remains below the 63.4 percent level in February 2020.

Average hourly earnings for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls increased 10 cents to $32.36. Over the past year, hourly earnings have increased 5.2 percent.

The share of respondents expecting more jobs to become available rose 2.3 points to 17.4 percent. The proportion of those anticipating fewer jobs fell 1.8 points to 19.3 percent.

Consumer confidence rebounds, but recession concerns persist

“August’s improvement in confidence may help support spending, but inflation and additional (interest) rate hikes still pose risks to economic growth in the short-term,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at the Conference Board.

Labor index rises

Page 24 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

The New York-based think tank reported its Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rose 7.9 points between July and August to 103.2. The gain followed three consecutive months of declines. Components of the CCI tracking present conditions and expectations both increased.

The Conference Board bases the CCI on the results of monthly household surveys. Economists monitor the index because consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of economic activity.

Both payrolls and the number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work increased in the United States in NonfarmAugust.payrolls grew 315,000 and the unemployment rate rose two-tenths of a point to 3.7 percent, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Payroll gains for the previous two months were revised downward a total of 107,000 to 526,000 for July and 293,000 for June.With an increase of 5.8 million over the past year, total nonfarm employment now exceeds the level in February 2020 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in theForU.S.August, 6 million people were counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work, up 344,000 from July. Of those, 1.1 million had been out of work 27 weeks or longer. Another 4.1 million people were counted among those working part-time because their hours were cut or they were unable to find full-time positions.

Payroll gains for August were spread out among industry sectors.

An index tracking labor trends in the Unites States has rebounded, but the pace of job growth is still expected to slow.

BusinessBusinessContributorsTrendsOpinionBriefsPeople Almanac

For more information about upcoming events, programs and services at the Business Incubator Center, call 243-5242 or log on to https://gjincubator.org.

n The Western Colorado Human Resource Association has scheduled its next membership luncheon for 11:30 to 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Mesa County Workforce Center, 519 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. The meeting also will include a panel presentation with young HR professionals. WCHRA members attend at no additional charge. Others pay $20 to attend in person and $10 virtually. To register or obtain more information, visit www.wchra.org.

An employer that offers no qualifying plan must enroll in the program through the online portal the state will activate later this year. ALL employees that choose not to

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 25

n The Young Professionals Network of Mesa County has scheduled its next lunch conversation for noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Maverick Innovation Center, 730 Mesa Ave. in Grand Junction. Spencer Ingram, director of the Colorado Angel Network, will discuss angel investing. Lunch will be provided.

enroll must certify they offer a tax-qualified plan, have less than five employees or have been in business less than two years. Of course, the exception for new employers only delays enrollment for otherwise covered employees.

During enrollment, covered employers must supply employee information specified in the regulations so the state may provide employees with information on the program. In turn, employees may allow an automatic 5 percent pay contribution to begin, designate a different contribution amount or opt out of the program within 30 days. In addition, contributions for account holders who participate in the program for at least six months will automatically increase by 1 percent of the account holder’s wages at the beginning of each subsequent calendar year, up to a maximum of 8 percent.

Upcoming conference designed for working women

Second, employers that haven’t yet informed employees of FAMLI requirements should do so now. Employees on tight budgets will need as much time as possible to prepare for a decrease in disposable income. A full-time minimum wage employee will see a drop of about $118 per year. That isn’t a large amount for everyone, but could be for an employee working from paycheck to paycheck.

The Powerhouse Summit is set for Sept. 26 and 27 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

General admission passes start at $299. Bundled passes for two and groups of five also are available. To register or obtain more information, visit the website at https://powerhousesummit.com.Thesummitisdesignedfor business and professional women as well as work-from-home mothers and students. Speakers and presentations will offer new tools

Reservations are required. To register for or obtain more information about YPNMC events, log on to www.ypnmc.org.

employees must match that deduction.

New deductions coming

The Colorado Secure Savings Program requires most private employers with at least five employees that don’t offer a tax-qualified retirement plan to enroll in the program by Jan 1. Under the proposed Secure Savings Program regulations that could become effective as early as the date this column goes to press, a tax-qualified retirement plan means “an employee benefit plan that is qualified under section 401(a), 401(k), 403(a), 403(b), 408(k), 408(p), or 457(b)” of the IRS Code.

A class on completing Colorado sales tax returns is set for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the center, located at 2591 Legacy Way in Grand Junction.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n An upcoming Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon will include a forum for local and state candidates.Theluncheon is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Admission is $25 for chamber members, $30 for others.

Now’s the time to address two sensitive issues.

Scheduled speakers at the conference will include Casey Dittmer, a Grand Junction photographer, business coach and founder of Powerhouse Summit. In addition to her work as a photographer, Dittmer teach others how to find their creative voices and business paths.

n The Business Incubator Center has scheduled upcoming presentations on sales taxes and accounting.

Registration is under way for a two-day conference for working women.

HarrisDean

Colorado employers must make payroll deductions for two new programs beginning in January. They should prepare now by examining policies and procedures and consulting payroll vendors to ensure they follow state laws. The first program is the Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. I summarized the requirements for employers in a previous column in the Business Times available online at pay.mustemployees’beginoflocalfor-medical-leave-program.all-in-the-famli-its-time-to-prepare-https://thebusinesstimes.com/Exceptforgovernmentsthathaveoptedoutparticipation,allemployersmustwithholdingpremiumsfrompayonJan.1.Employeescontribute0.45percentoftheirEmployerswithmorethannine

Other local speakers will include Megan Alfaro, founder of Colorado Baby in downtown Grand Junction, and Terry Chase, a professor of nursing and mental health at Colorado Mesa University as well as a professional

Time running short to prepare for two Colorado programs

for professional growth as well as new mindsets and techniques for personal growth.

For more information, call 242-3214 or visit https://gjchamber.org.

coach, speaker and consultant.

These two programs impose administrative burdens on employers that require careful advance preparation. Time is running out to make important decisions on implementing these programs. The Employers Council is ready to assist its members with this process.

Dean Harris is the Western Slope area managing attorney for the Employers Council. The Employers Council counsels, represents and trains member employers in all phases of employment relationships. Contact Harris at dharris@employerscouncil.org or (970) 852-0190.

Another new program has received less notice than FAMLI. The Colorado Secure Savings Program establishes a new retirement savings program for private sector workers who don’t have access to workplace retirement savings plans.

Still other speakers at the conference will include Crystalyn Aucoin, founder of a fine line of jewelry and a speaker; Kimberly Evans, an award-winning designer in the wedding industry; Christine Fierce, owner of RichBitxh Inner Circle; Courtney Green, a professional coach of athletes, entrepreneurs and business leaders; Meredith Ryncarz, a former college art professor turned destination wedding photographer; and Merit Kahn, the chief executive officer of SELLect Sales Development.

Employees should inform employees about the program now. Hearing about the program for the first time from the state is a guaranteed recipe for confusion and discontent. The Colorado Department of the Treasury provides a succinct fact sheet employers may share with their employees at https://treasury.colorado.gov/sites/ treasury/files/CSSP_Fact%20Sheet_WorkerOutreach.pdf.Self-employedpersonsandotherswhoaren’tqualified employees — including those with less than six months of employment with an employer — may participate in the program voluntarily so long as the they meet the qualifications to open an Individual Retirement Account. Special rules apply to employers who obtain employees from an employee leasing company. The employee leasing company’s employees are considered the employees of the worksite employer, and the worksite employer is responsible for program compliance. But the worksite employer may contract with the employee leasing company to perform all or part of the program obligations. Employers who use professional employer organizations, staffing companies or other third parties for their workforce needs should contact their staffing providers as soon as possible so both employers are ready to implement the program.

First, FAMLI is specific as to how local governments choose to opt out. This isn’t a decision an administrator or human resources director can make. Opting out requires a vote of the governing body before Jan. 1. Local governments must communicate that decision to the FAMLI division beforehand. Otherwise, local governments are bound to participate for at least 180 days before they may withdraw.

An open house offering information about the workforce innovation program is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at the GJMakerSpace at the center.Thenext bookkeeping boot camp is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29. Participants will learn how to set up and track business accounting records and gain more control over their businesses through the preparation of cash flow projections and income statements. Tuition is $75, which will include lunch.

Balance work and life to avoid end-of-life regret

A business owner whose sole focus is on making as much money as possible typically believes team members should have the same focus. By forgetting these people also have desires, dreams, hopes and lives, they come to demand more and more from them. The reason is simple: When the focus is solely on success and the accumulation of wealth, the happiness and well-being of people are discounted and forgotten.

MarcusStraub

outperform competitors and generate as much profit as possible. The question is: At what cost?

Page 26 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

people who expressed this deep-seated regret acknowledged spending too much of their lives on the treadmill of work while sacrificing valuable time with their spouses, children, extended family, friends and even themselves. They also allowed their dreams and adventures outside of success to pass them by. Once gone, these moments and experiences can never be recaptured. The prevailing mantra in business is make as much money as you possibly can and achieve success at all costs. There’s no doubt the primary aim of business is to

Once my clients develop skills to balance work and life, they begin to make different choices in how they allocate their time. Through this fundamental change, they come to experience a more profound form of success

Given all the things a person could possibly regret when looking back at the lives they lived, this is a powerful and telling statement. This potential reality from the end of life points to the wisdom of taking a different and more mindful approach to work and business no matter what yourTheage.

Whichever path these young people choose, some will be consumed by work or business. Others will strike a balance between work and life, either intentionally or accidentally. This second group is likely to experience more happiness and success throughout their lives — and less regret, too. Perhaps the changing demands of this younger generation reflect this.

One aspect of my work with business owners is to help them see the bigger pictures of their lives – to discover within themselves what they value and whether or not what they’re sacrificing in their pursuit of success is acceptable to them.

Once my clients develop skills to balance work and life, they begin to make different choices in how they allocate their time.

As I reflect on my youngest daughter’s graduation from high school, I remember the excitement in the eyes of the 240 young people dressed in their caps and gowns. No doubt, some were ready for school to be over. But others were looking forward to the next chapters of their educations.

— one that still includes financial gain, often more than ever before, but doesn’t become the driving force in life. In turn, there’s a trickle-down effect on team members as their efforts to balance work and life are encouraged and supported.It’simportant to understand once your children have grown, your youth has faded and your health has deteriorated, the dreams you left behind in the pursuit of success and money can’t be recaptured. That time has passed forever. We all know people who worked their whole lives to make enough money to travel and enjoy the pleasures of life only to find that by the time they finally “arrived,” they were unable to do so because they’d waited too long.Your life is happening right now. There’s room within it for everything you desire, including making money and enjoying the multitude of other things that bring you pleasure and happiness.

The second-most cited regret of people at their end of their lives is, “I wish I hadn’t worked so much.”

Once you’re mindful about your work and life and have the skills in place to create balance, you won’t have to work so hard to experience the happiness and success you want. And at the end of your life, you won’t regret having worked too much.

Marcus Straub owns Life is Great Coaching in Grand Junction. His personalized coaching and consulting services help individuals, business owners, executives and companies build teams, organizations and lives filled with happiness and success. Straub is winner of the International Coach of the Year Award and author of “Is It Fun Being You?” He’s available for free consultations regarding coaching, speaking and trainings. Reach Straub at 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.

The prospect of becoming wildly successful financially — and the associated accolades, praise and recognition that come with it — can be addicting because it feeds the ego. As with any addiction, the pursuit can take over, blinding us to a more comprehensive view of life and all it has to offer. When this happens, we fall out of balance and limit the very happiness and success we strive to achieve.

What do all of these meetings have in common? They’re usually inconvenient, waste time and only rarelyThere’sproductive.abetter way. Ask and answer three simple questions to make meetings convenient, efficient, productive and maybe even enjoyable.

it and assign and strictly enforce speaking time limits for each attendee — including me and the colonel.

result? Better use of such scarce resources as time and people and lots less aggravation and grandstanding.

Over the course of your career, you’ll probably attend thousands of meetings — everything from one-on-one counseling sessions to heavy duty conferences. Most meetings, of course, fall somewhere in between those extremes.

Agendas and time limits make meetings work

Here’s an example.

First, substitute supervisor or management for colonel. Then substitute staff or attendee for officer. Next, develop and circulate a written agenda with speaker names and time limits. Finally, enforce adherence to both the agenda and time

Whilelimits.thepreceding isn’t a solution for every meeting, most of what I’ve suggested applies to most, if not all, meetings.Theend

Many people go to meetings because they were told to be there or don’t have much else to do. The first group of attendees could be pared back. Those deemed non-essential to the meeting could be assigned to receive the details from someone who attends. Then the actual attendee can brief his or her assignees. The second group of attendees needs one-on-one meetings with their supervisors to reassess the scope of their work assignments and job duties.

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 27

To make time limits work, we used a five-minute timer with a buzzer. When the buzzer sounded, the speaker had to stop talking and sit down. Since the colonel was fully supportive and followed the rules himself, buy-in was immediate, the meeting ended in less than an hour and the officers quickly became effective at just the facts, ma’am.

At our next staff meeting, everyone had an agenda on which they’d been given an opportunity to comment. They also were given 5 minutes to address their concerns, accomplishments and other matters. The colonel and I had the same time limit, plus and additional five minutes each to address administrative and command issues. In other words, the meeting was scheduled to last 55 minutes.

without time limits for each speaker can spiral into chaos as one or two people take over and won’t stop talking. These people interrupt and talk over others and show little regard for the information presented by otherHowattendees.doesthis approach to productivity work?

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.

I asked the colonel if this was how staff meetings always went. He said, “Yes, unfortunately.” I requested, and obtained, permission to develop an agenda, coordinate

n What’s on the agenda?

topics.Meetings

Meetings without agendas are almost certain to degenerate into aimless discussions and complaints. Having an agenda, distributing it ahead of time, soliciting input before the meeting and then adhering closely to the agenda ensures you will accomplish the goals of your meeting. With an agreed agenda, the meeting coordinator can assign time limits to each topic and speakers to those

How can this approach apply to your meetings?

n Who really needs to be there?

As the adjutant of my Army unit, I coordinated and attended weekly staff meetings. There were nine attendees, including me. When I attended my first staff meeting, it was absolute chaos and a total waste of time. Non-stop complaints, finger-pointing, moaning and more. No agenda, coordination or time limits. This resulted in a meeting that routinely lasted two hours and accomplished little.

Finally, and most important, put together an agenda, distribute it ahead of time and limit the speaking time for each participant.

ArrowoodJanet

Having an agenda, distributing it ahead of time, soliciting input before the meeting and then adhering closely to the agenda ensures you will accomplish the goals of your meeting.

n Do you really need to schedule this meeting?Istherea way to handle the items intended for the meeting without convening the usual suspects? Is it a recurring meeting that never seems to break any new ground? Could the number of attendees be reduced? Could the meeting be conducted virtually or the presentation recorded for future playback?

n In line with your company’s social event policies, host different online events — a virtual happy hour, recipe sharing time or class.

a cup of tea or snack. Better yet, take a quick walk outside. Fresh air and sunshine stimulates your body’s production of mood-boosting vitamin D and serotonin. Studies show it can lower anxiety and depression. Is it lunch time? How about a picnic outside when the weather permits? Soaking in natural rays keeps you awake and alert, increases focus and memory and breaks up the routine of sitting in the same place all day.

It’s up to employees to develop the same productive work habits at home as they established in the office.

Finally, remain connected with the outside world. It’s

It’s important to establish or re-establish routines. People prosper with boundaries, Setting that standard for home reinforces this concept.

n Create your office to-do list and prepare for meetings and other events. Don’t forget to schedule your morning and afternoon breaks and lunches when setting expectations. We all need time away from the office.

n Schedule routine group check-ins. This helps you and others feel supported. It also assists with accountability.

Commuting to an office provides structure that could be missing from your remote workday. Remaining focused at home is just as important for productivity and well-being. Those working from home often find the work-life balance pendulum swings less dramatically than making the commute each day. To quote a favorite superhero movie, however: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

easy to forget the outside world exists when working from home. Sometimes we experience interaction overload in the workplace, but the opposite could prove true at home. Maintain interactions with coworkers. Even the most introverted introverts need social connection.

n Speaking of breaks, leave your office and enjoy

Additional tips involve finding ways to stay active. In many office settings, departments share such resources as printers and shredding machines. You walk more than you think. It’s just as important to remain active at home, but it requires some creativity.

n Share calendars to allow others to view your day. Make sure your appointments or projects remain up to date so they know when you’re available for collaboration.

Working from home provokes love or hate — and not much in between. Those who appreciate remote work thrive with productivity, efficiency and engagement. But it takes balance. Without keeping track of mental, physical and social health, we could lose that balance.

n Create a room for chats during breaks or host a virtual lunch with coworkers.

n Invest in hand weights and do some chair exercises while you read work materials.

Here’s how to make the most of working at home MurphyKelly SchoppTamara

n While it’s tempting to perform household chores, save them for before or after your workday. Keep your head in the game.

n Don’t forget those ugly sweater contests for the holidays.Regardless of how you connect outside your home office, stick with workday boundaries and visit with others. And don’t forget why we have remote working in the first place — striking a balance between work and life while still getting the job done.

n A plethora of online apps are available to remind you to take breaks and get up for a walk.

Page 28 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

Kelly Murphy works as a human resources business partner at Lighthouse HR Support in Grand Junction. Tamara Schopp works there as a background screening specialist. The firm offers human resource services for small and medium-sized businesses. For more information, call 243-7789 or visit www.lighthousehrs.net.

n Set up your printer in your home office so you must get up and walk to get those extra steps.

n Join in competitions — the most creative backgrounds or a trivia question of the week.

n Start your day off right. Set the alarm. Dress for work from top to bottom. Also focus on self-care, whether that’s exercising, journaling or finishing your cup of coffee before going to the office.

n Winding down from your workday is just as important as ramping up for it. Call it quits when the workday is done. Resist working just another hour because you aren’t commuting. Use the extra time for self-care.

n Use what would be commute time for exercise. Go for a walk or to the gym or use your home equipment.

n Speaking of collaboration, work on projects together when appropriate. Many platforms provide virtual meeting rooms, shared whiteboards and versioning programs.

n Visualize your commute. Yes, from one room to another. Designate a place in your home where you work. Avoid the kitchen table or couch. Or even worse, your bed. While this provides comfy surroundings, it’s less conducive to the work mentality needed to succeed.

“For our partners in the community, this is a tool for you. We take the guesswork out of the referral and application process. Your agency will only have to remember one phone number, and we’ll take care of the rest,” said Jeff Kuhr, executive director of Mesa County PublicToHealth.getstarted, a person completes a simple form at grandvalleyconnects.com or calls (970) 683-2663.

Rates have moved higher this year based on three main factors: n Inflation.

Grand Valley Connects is a resource hub that provides services to individuals and families in Mesa County. The program has local experts, called resource navigators, who provide referrals to different services. Resource navigators stay involved until a person’s needs are met.The ultimate goal is to increase use of community services and simplify access to those services.

n The Federal Reserve increasing the Federal Funds Rate and in turn short-term interest rates.

Resource navigators will follow up using the format requested — a phone call, text or email. They can meet at Mesa County Public Health or other places where a person feelsResourcecomfortable.navigators will use their experience and network of community resources to assist with referrals and paperwork. The team will stay connected until community members are satisfied all their needs are met. Help is available for English- and Spanish-speaking individuals.Asan employer, it’s truly in your best interest to make sure your employees are thriving in all aspects of their lives. Employees who feel secure at home and in the community are more likely to be productive at work.

If you notice an employee struggling, helping them address their needs is now easier than ever. Remember, you don’t need to know about all of the resources available in the community to help your employees. You only need to know one website: grandvalleyconnects.com.

It seems as though mortgage interest rates have remained in the limelight well beyond the 15 minutes of allotted fame.

Referral management systems sometime come with problems, including poor handoffs, referral errors, lack of followup, difficulty finding the most appropriate services and lack of coordinated care. Grand Valley Connects aims to address those issues while also building a strong data system to assess which referrals are successful and better plan for specific community needs.

Sarah Gray

The knee-jerk conclusion is since rates are higher, buying a house isn’t advisable. I’m hesitant to believe that premise. Past performance might not be indicative of future results, but the fundamentals of home ownership and the American dream endure.

Homeownership remains one of the best ways for a family to create wealth. The Federal Reserve analyzes the wealth of a homeowner versus a renter every three years in its Survey of Consumer Finances. The disparity is astonishing. The median net worth of a homeowner is over 40 times that of a renter. Let that sink in for a moment. But for some reason, some headlines seem to paint a different picture for the future based on mortgage rates moving higher.

For the last couple of years, mortgage interest rates fell to all-time lows. Homeowners reaped savings from refinancing, and low rates helped homebuyers with affordability.

A healthy work force is affected more by social determinants — access to quality health care and nutritious food as well as education and economic stability — than advice in a doctor’s office.

It can be overwhelming, though, for employees to navigate these different resources and programs to find what best suits their needs — whether that’s finding child care or requesting financial help to pay for child care, accessing mental health services or applying for food assistance. The need for these services has increased over the last few years, especially for employees in industries hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 29

is unwilling to see housing crash. The Fed is navigating a narrow path where inflation moderates and housing cools. This slowdown should be welcomed, because continued double-digit appreciation affects affordability and puts homeownership out of reach for many.

The simple answer to finding solutions to these problems is Grand Valley Connects.

ChristineRansier

Group Mortgage is a full-service mortgage banker that maintains a partnership with Bray & Co. Real Estate, The Group Real Estate and Cornerstone Home Lending. Reach Ransier at (970) 964-5011. For more information, visit https://www.houseloan.com/GroupMortgage

About 10 percent to 20 percent of health outcomes are tied to medical interventions. However, 80 percent to 90 percent of our health is determined by where we live, work, learn and play. When people struggle in one of these areas, it can affect every part of theirBusinesseswell-being.

Sarah Gray is a communication specialist with Mesa County Public Health. For additional information, call 248-6900 or visit https://health.mesacounty.us.

Food, shelter and clothing remain the three basic needs regardless of interest rates or the economy. Homes remain in demand. Moreover, changing lives necessitate moves.From a long-term perspective, the interest rate environment remains attractive. Moreover, the rapid increases we saw at the start of the year have leveled off.

Christine Ransier is a loan officer for Group Mortgage and has worked in the mortgage industry since 2000.

Resource hub connects work force with needed services

From a long-term perspective, the interest rate environment remains attractive. Moreover, the rapid increases we saw at the start of the year have leveled off.

The focus on rates continued this year, but the narrative has been different with rising rates

offer resources to help employees thrive at work and home. Community resources provide additional support.

The Fed is increasing rates and reducing its balance sheet to curb inflation. Inflation is harmful to almost all aspects of the economy, but the Fed also recognizes the importance of housing. During the Great Recession, the Fed focused policy to stabilize housing. The Fed did the same thing when the economy looked fragile at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The best advice is to contact your lender to see how today’s home prices and interest rates work within your budget. The tight labor market has pushed wages higher, which helps offset some of the effects of higher rates. Many times, restructuring debts or buying down the interest rate can result in a financial situation that works in today’s market.

There’s more to home buying decision than rates

I want to emphasize there’s a distinction between a slowdown and housing crash because some online outlets want to make those scenarios synonymous.

n The Federal Reserve reducing its balance sheet by selling mortgage-backed securities

I work in the mortgage industry, and even I’m exhausted from hearing so much about interest rates. There is so much more to the home buying decision.

The latest policy aimed at controlling inflation appears to have cooled the housing market, but the Fed

A new year affords a new opportunity to meet local needs

All

So what do you need?

This brings me to our local race for Congress. We have a candidate who comes out in an ad for lower inflation, local economic growth and jobs, safer and stronger communities, affordable energy and fixing Washington, D.C., because it is broken. Boy, it’s difficult to get Lauren Boebert off message, isn’t it? Problem is, that’s not Lauren’s ad — although it certainly could be for every moment since she announced her candidacy more than two years ago. It’s the new ad for her opponent.

PAGE 22 THE BUSINESS TIMES JANUARY 15-28, 2015

The process will take on a more structured approach in what the chamber plans as the resumption of a program aptly called Listening to Business. Under the program, business owners participate in in-depth interviews to identify barriers to growth and other problems they encounter.

I realize it would be difficult to imagine for those paying scant, if any, attention to the coming election just what kind of ads Lauren’s opponent has been running. Allow me to help. They’re all attack ads about Lauren’s character, belief system and basically calling her crazy with cult-like support for Donald Trump. The crazy tag is one of the most dismissive things one can say about another because it removes humanity — hat tip to Dave Chappell. Of course, they’re mostly lies. Boebert supports many of Trump’s policies. but I have no idea the level she supports Trump the man. Knowing Lauren,

Maybe some research will help stop all of these trends. Otherwise, we’ll be saying we’ve never seen anything like it in our lives. And not in a good way.

A new year almost always brings an opportunity for a fresh start and renewed ambition to do things better.

It’s that time of year when resolutions and prognostications abound. My favorite saying applied to New Year’s resolutions is in saying they’re basically a bunch of promises to break the first week of January. And while I won’t predict a whole lot, I can pretty much accurately nail a few things that without question will make the news. You will see these are pretty, well, predictable:

Page 30 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

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BusinessBusinessContributorsOpinionBriefsPeople Almanac

609 North Ave., Suite 2, Grand Junction, CO 81501

What’s good? What isn’t? What’s needed? What isn’t?

Reach the editor at: phil@thebusinesstimes.com.

■ Prediction three: Something good will happen economically, and the government will take credit for it. The most recent example is gas prices, where people ask me why I won’t credit the president for low gas prices. My answer is simple: Government never makes the price of something go down and simply takes credit for good news. Gas pricing is subject to many global factors. Now there are government answers to addressing some of them to keep prices stable for Americans, but our government has none of them in place. The only things it has in place in the

The best recommendation is to find some books or try that whole Google thing. There’s a lot of information on the Great Depression. The truth is it wasn’t even a good one until the government got involved. There’s also plenty of research on the medieval warm period when the planet was much warmer than today with a whole lot less people (and warmer well before man was here at all). And yep, people have been killing other surprised people since history was first written.

That said, the 2022 elections once again offer up the lessers of evils and automatic re-election for too many feckless incumbents. Still, the are obvious choices between candidates who care about Americans who still stand a chance of losing to folks who only now say they care about Americans.

I should also mention our governor, whose latest ad promotes highlights that can be boiled down to distributing federal COVID funds to his favorite constituencies and giving back the money from over-taxation he’s required to by law. I mean, that is who he is. But how he says it is complete fabrication.

is owner and publisher of the Business Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

■ Prediction one: There will be some sort of weather event, natural disaster or heinous occurrence where someone will be interviewed and say the following: “I’ve never seen anything like that in my lifetime.” It’s as if this person is a required attendee at every news reporting event. While I understand most people’s perspective can indeed be limited by, or contained within, their own personal experiences, it is too much to ask to consult some historical perspective before saying such a thing? Yes, this response can apply to some events. But when it comes to weather and natural disasters, I’m pretty sure this is simply history repeating itself. Same as it has for millions and millions of years. More important, the planet made it! What didn’t were certain species. How’s that for perspective?

And go with the pumpkin spice. It’s the real deal.

While business journals traditionally gather and report the relevant news to readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially true as Web sites and e-mail make the dialogue more convenient than ever.

Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall Editor: Phil Castle

If Democrats are against cultural appropriation, they should certainly be against alien-like, persona appropriation. But many will vote for this imposter anyway. His only other beef with Lauren is another YUGE reason to vote for her: She hasn’t passed any legislation. Someone needs to tell this guy most of us don’t vote for lawmakers — we’ve elected too many of them making too many laws already. We want someone to represent us. Frankly, the new ad is proof Lauren is doing just that. Maybe Lauren should do the voiceover and provide a picture for producing the next ad?

First, the Fed chairman spoke about policy focusing on slowing the economy, which would reduce labor demand and thereby limit wage growth and bring down inflation. This confirms the Fed believes further crippling an already struggling economy makes sense. This should be deeply troubling to Second,everyone.Powellput forth that monetary aggregates don’t seem to matter anymore, or at least not right now, in terms of inflation. That, of course, raises major questions as to what exactly the Fed is doing. It would seem the only issue that matters to the Fed is manipulation of interest rates. In turn, that would point to increased attempts by the Fed to manipulate the economy and increased risks and uncertainties regarding the Fed creating economic instability by going back and forth between hitting the accelerator and brake.

Opinion

But that’s not what Democrats want us to do. They’d like to make up our minds for us. That’s why Lauren Boebert’s opponent is trying to sound just like Lauren the closer we get to the election. He knows what the people of Lauren’s district actually want for their lives, and he has to say it to get elected. The problem is, he doesn’t care what anyone wants outside of Democrat leadership. And he doesn’t realize we care.

both parties in charge together would only make things worse than I could ever imagine — although gridlock is best when it comes to government — because we’d get the worst from both parties working together to achieve their Machiavellian ways.

That’s the election environment in America today. Vote for who one is pretending to be versus who and whatever that same one says their opponent is. My solution? Pay attention to what candidates say and have said and what they do and have done. Believe your own ears and eyes.

It’s once again that time of year when you have to make a choice

Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

Raymond Keating is chief economist of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council and author of the book “The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist.” The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council is nonpartisan advocacy, research and education organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. For more information, visit www.sbecouncil.org.

long run always hurt consumers. Another fact is that unemployment reaches a certain level based on the economy. And while the government might brag the number is low, it’s more than likely the government did something to cause that number being low — and not in a good way. Conversely, when business picks up, it’s because the people who need to buy widgets who were not buying widgets because the economy was contracting due to natural (or unnatural, government caused) reasons, decided we better buy some widgets. The government had nothing to do with this.

Like any other good business, we want to listen to our customers, find out what they need and then meet those needs.

✦

It’s equally important to ask what you don’t need. With limited time to produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time and space be better devoted to something else?

■ Prediction four: In keeping with things the government does, I predict the government will manipulate the numbers to make the claim the economy is getting better because of how hard it is working to help all of us “working Americans.” Now you might say, “Craig, you always say this about President Obama because you don’t like him.” You’re right in a sense. I don’t know the man, but what I know of him and his thinking, I don’t like it or him one iota. Before you go off, however, I didn’t like President Bush and his bailouts, stimulus and his abandoning the free market to save the free market. And I don’t know him either. What the government does, and the only thing it can do, is hurt the economy. Unless it does nothing or put criminals in jail instead of partnering with them, nothing the government does will help. Always look at it this way, whatever the government says it is doing, whatever the name of the law it is passing, or whatever the name or goal of the bureaucracy it is presenting to the people, expect the polar opposite to occur.

I guess what I’m saying is that perhaps it’s time to get out of our own perspective. There’s plenty of history books and historical research out there to begin to understand that all of this has happened before. And it will again, whether the topic is people or government.

The Grand Valley Business Times, a subsidiary of Hall Media Group LLC, is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor, staff or advertisers. — rights reserved.

Heck, we’ve already had lot of that in party primaries. In Colorado, we even have a group of Republicans running — some losing and not quitting or screaming voter fraud — who’ve made an art of attacking other Republicans for not thinking, acting and speaking exactly as they demand.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell took part in an interesting discussion, courtesy of the Cato Institute, about monetary policy. A few points jumped out and raised questions in my mind as to whether or not the Fed has any idea as to what it’s doing and what are the effects of monetary policy.

TEL (970) 424-5133 • FAX (970) 424-5134

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Is there additional news coverage that would help keep you informed about local business developments? Are there features that would be interesting or useful? Is there advice that would make your jobs a little easier?

Wow. Republicans running like Democrats. Who knew?

Third, Powell was asked if the Fed will ever get back to a balance sheet aligned with history as opposed to the sky high levels of the monetary base (currency in circulation plus reserves) since 2008. His answer was striking in that Powell basically said it was unlikely the Fed would return to pre-2008 balance sheet levels. As to why, that was unclear with Powell asserting that “ample reserves” made more sense given the volatility in monetary demand. The idea the Fed’s unprecedented expansion in the monetary base over the past 14 years has contributed to uncertainty in the economy, including, to some degree, our recent bout of inflation, obviously doesn’t factor into Powell’s thinking. Or if it does, only to a periodic and mysterious degree. This, too, is troubling.

I wish I was writing today about the best, every-fall option on flavoring, because pumpkin spice is an easy choice for me. It suits my taste to a And no, I won’t get sucked into an online debate of tacos versus pumpkin spice. This is America for crying out loud! I will defend my right to enjoy the completely different flavorings of the representatives.thatIftreatsaforementionedformytastebuds.onlywecouldsayaboutourelectedTobehonest,having

Craig Hall

THE BUSINESS TIMES

RaymondKeating

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Subscribe or submit press releases online at www.thebusinesstimes.com

Bold predictions for 2015 more like not-so-bold repeats

Reach advertising at: publisher@thebusinesstimes.com

she’d look at each situation as she would policies and make up her mind in doing what’s best for her constituents.

In business, that usually boils down to providing customers better products and services faster and at lower cost than competitors. Part of the process must include listening to customers to determine what they actually need and then meeting that need. After all, it does little good to offer the latest and greatest if nobody actually wants what you’re selling.

Just like the businesses that belong to the group, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment of the services and resources it provides and how well they match with members needs. Jeff Franklin, the new chairman of the chamber board of directors, personifies this approach in describing what he considers his role for the coming year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a role with which Franklin is familiar as market president of Bank of Colorado.

It’s a new year. Please help us to do so.

Does the Fed actually know what it’s doing?

■ Prediction two: When it comes to a crime or something that occurs between humans, the other required attendee at all news reporting events is the person who says this: “They we’re just the nicest people, and in no way did I see something like this coming.” Exactly. No one does most of the time when it comes to neighbors and acquaintances. People should be surprised at what goes on from time to time in their neighborhoods, towns and with people they know because people are good. And for the times that they shouldn’t be shocked — like with politicians, repeat offenders and terrorists — where’s the interview that says, “This doesn’t surprise me in the least.”

In writing about campaigns for the coming election, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the insanity in the Pennsylvania Senate race where the Democrats are running someone whose public speaking makes Joe Biden seem like he taught Barack Obama everything he knows about eloquent rhetoric that states nothing but lasts for hours.

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The new year offers a good time to join the proverbial club.

Craig Hall

Let us know. Send us an e-mail. Comment online on the Business Times Web site at www.thebusinesstimes.com. You could even write an old-fashioned letter to the editor if you’d like. Your feedback, both positive and negative, is valued and will be carefully considered.

Unfortunately, my takeaway from this discussion with Powell was the Fed doesn’t seem to have a clue as to how to deal with inflation other than trying to undermine economic growth. That’s a dated view on inflation — that is, that inflation basically is caused by an overheated economy, including the labor market — and disconnected from an economy that’s already in a recession. These are precarious times in that the Fed, Joe Biden administration and Congress all seem devoid of economic common sense and advance policies that work against economic recovery and expansion and, by the way, price stability. That leaves people in the United States with the hope a private sector battered by public policy nonetheless has the strength and resilience to forge ahead.

I know many are going to say it’s heartless to write about stroke victims in recovery in such a harsh manner. To that, I’d stroke victims in recovery shouldn’t run for Senate. They should work on recovery. My personal knowledge tells me stroke victims lose many cerebral and physical abilities and need at least moderate, if not full-time, assistance to even attempt to live a normal life let alone run for one of the 100 highest offices in the land.

Aikta Marcoulier is administrator of U.S. Small Business Administration Region VIII. Marcoulier oversees the programs and services of the federal agency in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.sba.gov. Follow the agency on Twitter @SBArockymtn and @SBA_colorado.

More Hispanics than ever before are seizing opportunities to start businesses. The fastest growing segment of the United States population, they own and operate a total of more than 350,000 counting.3employingnationwide,businessesinturnmorethanmillionpeopleand

The ARP directly invested in our hardest-hit small businesses to ensure they could safely reopen and remain open. The ARP also bolstered the Paycheck Protection Program with an additional $7.25 billion in funding to support small businesses and non-profits that were previously excluded, such as businesses owned by women, veterans and minorities. The plan also launched the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which targeted restaurants and other hardhit food establishments, as well as the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant program.

“Decades of economic progress have been squandered,” wrote Moore, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation.

Sri Lanka isn’t an isolated case of adopting policies without considering the longer effects for all groups. Guilty of “going green” and closing coal and nuclear power plants, Germany has insufficient energy and recently announced families will have to burn wood this winter. The Netherlands have dramatically cut the components in fertilizers to protect nature reserves, reducing the amounts of livestock and agricultural products available for consumption. Against the advice of his agronomists, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau forced a reduction of chemical fertilizers. Here in the United States, the Biden administration has canceled oil and natural gas leases causing fuel shortages, yet begs Saudi Arabia to produce more oil while selling part of U.S. strategic fuel reserves to China.

businesses are in the construction and service industries, which will directly benefit from this comprehensive bill. This bill will fortify entrepreneurship, innovation and domestic supply chains and in the process strengthen our democracy by creating equitable pathways to the American dream.

As Stephen Moore wrote in “The Story of Sri Lanka,” the Asian nation enjoyed commerce, wealth and a thriving middle class. But government officials started listening to the advice of anti-growth greens. They adopted an anti-capitalist agenda and achieved the highest ESG scores in the world. They were going save the planet while gaining wealth.

A large proportion of Hispanic-owned

His lesson hasn’t been learned — as evidenced by a myriad of public policies enacted with disastrous results. One of the latest examples includes the implementation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores around the world. The scores quantify company behavior and are used by socially conscious investors to screen potential investments.

But unintended consequences followed. Sri Lanka is now in a state of economic collapse. Schools and businesses are shut down.

HunsingerPhyllis

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Nikolaos Antonakakis, an economics professor at the University of Portsmouth, said societies should rethink their approach toward environmental sustainability and promoting renewable energy resources as a reliable alternative. No country adopting ESG or green energy policies has shown economic growth. The unintended consequences of “going green” will prove as disastrous to the United States as it has in Sri Lanka.

This law not only tackles inflation and powers America’s transition to safer, cleaner energy, but also shrinks the budget deficit and — most importantly —drives down health care and energy costs for small businesses and their employees. Lower costs mean small businesses can focus on doing what they do best, creating jobs, developing talent, innovating and opening doors of growth and opportunity across our communities — including selling more American-made goods and services to the world’s largest buyer: the U.S. government.Thepresident’s policies over the last 18 months have had positive effects on Hispanic-owned small businesses.

Journalist and author Henry Hazlitt offered in his book “Economics in One Lesson” this insight. “The art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate, but at the longer effects of any act or policy,” Hazlitt wrote. “It consists in tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group, but for all groups.”

MarcoulierAikta

Phyllis Hunsinger is founder of the Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise Foundation in Grand Junction. The FREE Foundation provides resources to students and teachers in Western Colorado to promote the understanding of economics, financial literacy and free enterprise. A former teacher, principal and superintendent, Hunsinger wrote “Down and Dirty: A ‘How To’ Math Book.” Reach Hunsinger at phyllis@free-dom.us.com. For more information about the FREE Foundation, log on to the website located at www.free-dom.us.com.

National Hispanic Heritage Month offers a time to applaud the accomplishments and fortitude of our Hispanic communities as well as celebrate the American dream of small business ownership.

The Business Times welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor on issues affecting businesses in Western Colorado. Submissions should be emailed to phil@thebusinesstimes.com and include names and telephone numbers for verification.

Victor Davis Hanson, a historian at the Hoover Institution, put it this way: “Sri Lanka may be the first modern nation to adopt deliberate policies that have led to mass hunger and bankruptcy.”

In less than 20 years, the ESG movement has grown from a corporate social responsibility initiative launched by the United Nations into a global phenomenon, coercing countries to go “green” to increase ESG scores. It hasn’t taken long to see the folly of such initiatives.

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 31

Both President Joe Biden and Isabella Castilla Guzman, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, have made strengthening Hispanic-owned small businesses a priority over the last 18 months.The COVID-19 pandemic was the leading cause of business failure over the last two years. This was especially true for businesses owned by communities of color, women and veterans. The president took decisive action in partnership with Congress to implement programs and policies that bolstered millions of struggling small businesses and gave them a fighting chance to survive and thrive after the Presidentpandemic.Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which helped millions of small businesses with continued financial aid and targeted smaller minority owned firms in underserved communities. Hispanicowned businesses were some of the most severely hurt by the various lockdowns at the height of the pandemic.

in Sri Lanka as food prices rose by more than 80 percent. Angry citizens stormed the official residence, and the president resigned. Sri Lanka is under emergency law, and food is shipped in to prevent famine.

While Sri Lanka had been self-sufficient in food production, there’s now hunger. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides were banned by the former president, who “fell under the spell of Western green elites peddling organic agriculture and ESG,” wrote Michael Schellenberger, author of “The Death of Environmentalism.”Hungerexistseverywhere

Consequence of going green could prove a disastrous one Hispanic Heritage Month opportunity to celebrate small business resilience

Each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month as a time to recognize the many contributions, diverse cultures and extensive histories of the American Latino community.

Finally, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 makes urgent investments that will bring down costs, level the playing field and open historic opportunities for America’s 33 million small businesses and innovative startups — especially those businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans.

In November 2021, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law, which created enormous opportunities for minority businesses to gain access to more than $1.2 trillion in federal, state and local government contracts on a variety of projects nationwide.

NOTEWORTHY

The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business Briefs. Email items to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

The Red Hot & Bleu Steakburger features two patties topped with American cheese, a blend of mayonnaise and Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce and crumbled blue cheese.

down three-tenths of a percent. The company has made the list four consecutive years.

In the Grand Valley, restaurants are located at 737 Horizon Drive and 2489 U.S. Highway 6 & 50 in Grand Junction as well as 3232 Interstate 70 Business Loop in Clifton. For more information, visit https://freddysusa.com.

n NEW PROFESSIONAL BALLET COMPANY SETS PERFORMANCES FOR INAUGURAL SEASON

Theresa Kahl, owner of Absolute Dance in Grand Junction, and Nicole Wilkinson, an instructor there, formed the company as a nonprofit for the 2022-23 season. They reviewed applications from more than 500 dancers and contracted with eight dancers for the inaugural year.

“While the Front Range is open to multiple successful ballet companies, Western Colorado has yet to be home to one. And I feel it is time to fill that void,” Kahl said.

Colorado West Performing Arts company will present four ballets for its first season — “Cinderella;” “The Nutcracker;” “Peter Pan Ballet;” and a performance of classic, romantic and contemporary works.

The Johnson Reaphook Ranch in Mesa County was among a total of eight Colorado farms and ranches honored in a program recognizing family operations that have lasted a century or more.

n MESA COUNTY RANCH AMONG HONOREES RECOGNIZED FOR LONG FAMILY OWNERSHIPS

For tickets or more information, call 255-8322 or visit the website at www.coloradowestpac.org.

Kahl and Wilkinson grew up and trained in Grand Junction. Given the support for school performances, they decided it was time for a professional company.

Painting is scheduled for Nov. 6 to 13 at both parks.

Western Colorado 211 received nearly $100,000 under a new state law providing $1 million in funding for operational expenses of the Colorado 211 collaborative.

Western Colorado 211 connects people with resources, including information and services related to employment, food, health care, housing, substance abuse, taxes and transportation. People call 211 or visit https://wc211.org. Western Colorado 211 serves Mesa County and 15 other Western Slope counties.

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Coldwell Banker Distinctive Prime Properties ranks 255th in the RISMedia Power Broker Report for 2022.

“We’ve seen low priceinventory,appreciation, increased interest rates and many other changes to the market over the last year. Our agents have persevered and found opportunities to thrive no matter what comes their way,” said Todd Conklin, chairman of Coldwell Banker Distinctive Prime

“I’mProperties.proudto be part of a team of agents that continuously seek new and innovative ways to serve their clients. This accomplishment is a result of that dedication to exceptional service.”RISMedia based the 2022 Power Brokers list on 2021 sales volume and 2020,increasedtransactions.volumemorePropertyColdwelltransactions.BankerDistinctiveranked255thforthan$1.6billioninsalesand367thfor2,877Salesvolume18.3percentfromwhiletransactionsedged

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has introduced a new steakburger and brought back a seasonal favorite.

n COMMISSION SEEKS DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR GRAND JUNCTION PARK MURALS

Page 32 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

In addition to frozen custard and cooked-to-order steakburgers, Freddy’s serves shoestring fries, beef hot dogs and other fare. Founded in Kansas in 2002, the franchise has grown to a total of more than 440 locations in 36 states.

Color design concepts should be submitted to Marlene Godsey at marleneg@gjcity.org.

Performances will be staged in the Avalon Theater in Grand Junction as well as in Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Rifle and other Western Colorado communities.

The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture will accept applications through Oct. 25 from artists interested in creating murals at Duck Pond Park and Eagle Rim Skate Park.

The latest honorees in the Centennial Farms and Ranches program were recognized during the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. The recipients received certificates as well as signs to display on their properties.

“More and more surrounding residents are looking for more culture in Grand Junction beyond the music festivals and concerts passing through. We are ready to help cultivate the area with our company through more ballet performances,” she said.

The Johnson Reaphook Ranch in Molina has belonged to the same family since 1900.

At Eagle Rim Park, mural locations of various sizes and shapes are available. Artwork is intended to improve the park and make it a welcoming place.

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Established in 1986, the program is an effort of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado State Fair and History Colorado.“This program highlights the statewide impact and resilience of farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses, of cultures and communities,” said Kate Greenberg, Colorado agriculture commissioner. “Even with the pressures of growth, drought and climate change and uncertain economic conditions, farmers, ranchers and all who work in agriculture feed us, no matter what. It is an honor to get to celebrate them.”

A series of performances are scheduled for the first season of the Colorado West Performing Arts Company, a newly founded professional ballet company in Grand Junction.

n WESTERN COLORADO 211 RECEIVES FUNDING UNDER NEWLY ENACTED COLORADO LAW

The Red Hot & Bleu Steakburger and Pumpkin Pie Concrete will be available through Nov. 1 or while supplies last.

RedHot creates a perferct balance,” said Rick Petralia, director of menu strategy and innovation. “We’re also thrilled to be bringing back the Pumpkin Pie Concrete this year.”

Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties serves a total of 10 markets in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri and Montana The company ranks in the REAL Trends 500 as the 23rd fastest growing real estate company in the Unites States and ranked 4,314th in the latest Inc. magazine list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. For more information, Toddwww.cbcdistinctive.comvisitConklin

State Rep. Janice Rich, a Republican from Grand Junction, was among the prime sponsors of the legislation. “This has been a great service not only for Mesa County, but the entire Western Slope.”

A Grand Junction-based real estate firm once again ranks among the top 1,000 brokers in the United States.

“This richness of the crumbled blue cheese combined with the mild heat from the creamy buffalo sauce made with Frank’s

Freddy’s adds steakburger and pumpkin pie concrete to menu

The Pumpkin Pie Concrete is made with vanilla frozen custard blended with a slice of pumpkin pie and then topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.

At Duck Pond Park, the artwork will appear along the retaining wall in front of the restrooms and main entrance walking path. Artists are asked to feature local nature scenery in the design.

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 33

Sept. 16

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.

Micah Adams

n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County after hours event, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29, Warehouse 2565, 2565 American Way, Grand Junction. www.ypnmc.org

n COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT JOINS GRAND JUNCTION COMPANY

n Powerhouse Summit conference for working women, Sept. 26 and 27, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction. General admission passes start $299. Bundled passes for two and five also available.

n Bookkeeping boot camp, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29, Business Incubator Center. Admission $75, which includes lunch. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242

n BROKER ASSOCIATE DESIGNATED GLOBAL LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

Rogers said she strives to listen attentively and work diligently to help her clients get what they desire in a home. “My goal is for my clients to fully understand the process and know that they are my first priority.”

n FORMER MESA COUNTY SHERIFF HIRED TO DIRECT JUSTICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

n Class on completing Colorado sales tax returns, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.orgSept. 21

n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County lunch conversation about angel investing, noon to 1 p.m., Maverick Innovation Center, 730 Mesa Ave., Grand Junction. Reservations required. www.ypnmc.org

Micah Adams has joined Straight Up Real Estate (SURE) in Grand Junction as a commercial real estate agent.Adams specializes in commercial investment and development analysis.

He’s studying to obtain his Certified Commercial Investment Member certification.

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce quarterly membership luncheon and candidate forum, noon to 1:30 p.m., Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Admission $25 for chamber members, $30 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org

He brings to his latest position experience as a project engineer at FCI Constructors, where he worked on the R-5 High School and Orchard Mesa Middle School projects. He also worked as a real estate development manager with the Grand Junction Economic Partnership and managed the Las Colonias Development Corp. In addition, he worked for North Peak as a preconstruction manager for single-family, multi-family and commercial construction projects.

n HR CONSULTING BUSINESS HIRES BACKGROUND SCREENING SPECIALIST

“Savannah fulfilled rigorous training and production requirements in order to attain the global luxury designation,” said Todd Conklin, chairman of Coldwell Bankers Distinctive Properties. “This certification positions Savannah as a leader in luxury real estate, and I’m excited to see how it will help her continue to provide exceptional service to her clients.”

Tamara Schopp has joined Lighthouse HR Support in Grand Junction as a background screening specialist.Schopp worked for eight years for Mesa County School District 51 as a health assistant, paraprofessional in the special needs behavior program and kitchen manager. She also owned two businessesShe’sstudying to receive her Fair Credit Reporting Act certification. The FCRA governs background screening rules and regulations.

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce free class for chamber members on internship and workforce development, noon Oct. 5, BBSI, 120 W. Park Drive, Suite 108, Grand Junction. https://fruitachamber. org or 858-3893

n Western Colorado Human Resource Association membership luncheon and panel presentation with young HR professionals, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. WCHRA members attend at no additional charge. Guests pay $20 to attend in person, $10 virtually. www.wchra.org

He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Policing and Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

Savannah Rogers

n Coffee Club free networking meeting, 9 to 10 a.m., FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.orgSept.19

Page 34 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland praised the hiring. “Mesa County is blessed to have Matt leading our Criminal Justice Services Department. Not only does he bring decades of experience in the criminal justice system, he has a long history of building teams and growing leaders and is a great collaborator.”

Matt Lewis

SURE operates offices at 561 25 Road, Suite 102. For more information, call 250-9500 or visit the website located at https://suregj.com.

See ALMANAC page 35

The Coldwell Banker Global Luxury marketing program promotes luxury residential properties to affluent buyers worldwide.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction as well as associate’s degrees in construction technology and computer-aided drafting.

Tamara Schopp

n Work force innovation program open house, 4 to 8 p.m., GJMakerSpace, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 Sept. 26

https://powerhousesummit.comSept.27

Lighthouse HR Support offers a range of human resource management consulting services for small and medium-sized businesses. The firm combines under one operation what previously were Employer Representatives, Background Research and Krey Benefit Solutions. For more information, call 243-7789 or visit www.lighthousehrs.net.

Business Briefs Business People Almanac Business Briefs Business People Almanac

“I’m excited for the opportunity to return to public safety and serve the people of Mesa County,” Lewis said. “Mesa County has been an innovator in public safety, and its an honor to continue to working with them.”

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Upcoming

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., River City Sportsplex, 2515 Riverside Parkway, Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214

n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Dancing Moon Bed & Breakfast, 568 34 Road, Clifton. Admission for members $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Admission for others $8 in advance and $10 at the door. www.palisadecoc.com or 464-7458 Sept. 22

Savannah Rogers, a broker associate with Coldwell Bankers Distinctive Properties in Grand Junction, has received designation as a Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialist.

Former Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis has been hired as director of the Mesa County Criminal Justice Services Department.Inhisnew role, Lewis will work with the county commissioners, other county departments, public safety agencies and community partners to address public safety needs and services.

Lewis worked at the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years in a series of roles before his election to two terms. He also served as director of safety and security at Community Hospital in Grand Junction.

n Palisade Chamber of Commerce community over coffee event, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Oct. 13. Location to be determined. Admission $10. www.palisadecoc.com or 464-7458

n Bookkeeping boot camp, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13, Business Incubator Center. Admission $75, which includes lunch. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 F

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking luncheon, noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 27. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3893

Upcoming

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business free networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 6, Business Incubator Center. Participants should bring a salad, soup or side dish with at least six servings. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3893

September 15-28, 2022 The Business Times page 35

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce free presentation on membership benefits, 4 to 5 p.m. Oct. 25, chamber offices, 360 Grand Ave., or by Zoom. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 12, Devil’s Kitchen in Hotel Maverick, 840 Kennedy Ave. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce health summit, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26, Grand Junction Convention Center. Admission $65 for chamber members and $75 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org

Continued from page 34

Almanac

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10, Cattlemen’s Bar + Grill, 1369 12 1/2 Road, Loma Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3893

n Coffee Club free networking meeting, 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 21, FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25, Grand Junction Convention Center. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org

n Fruita and Palisade Chamber of Commerce joint business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 19, Ordinary Fellow, 202 Peach St. Admission for members $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Admission for others $8 in advance and $10 at the door. www.palisadecoc.com or 464-7458

Page 36 The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022

The Business Times Volume 29 Issue 17

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Opinion

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