Business Briefs

The Business Times SePtember 15-28, 2022 n NEW PROFESSIONAL BALLET COMPANY

SETS PERFORMANCES FOR INAUGURAL SEASON

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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

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

For tickets or more information, call 255-8322 or visit the website at www.coloradowestpac.org. n COMMISSION SEEKS DESIGN CONCEPTS

FOR GRAND JUNCTION PARK MURALS

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Opinion Business Briefs

Business PeopleSHARE YOUR NEWS The Business Times welcomes submissions for Almanac NOTEWORTHY free publication in Business Briefs. Email items to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com. n MESA COUNTY RANCH AMONG HONOREES

RECOGNIZED FOR LONG FAMILY OWNERSHIPS

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. 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. 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.” The Johnson Reaphook Ranch in Molina has belonged to the same family since 1900. n WESTERN COLORADO 211 RECEIVES FUNDING

UNDER NEWLY ENACTED COLORADO LAW

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. 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.” 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. F A Grand Junction-based real estate firm once again ranks among the top 1,000 brokers in the United States. Coldwell Banker Distinctive Prime Properties ranks 255th in the RISMedia Power Broker Report for 2022. “We’ve seen low inventory, price appreciation, increased interest rates and many other changes to the market over the last year. Our agents Todd Conklin have persevered and found opportunities to thrive no matter what comes their way,” said Todd Conklin, chairman of Coldwell Banker Distinctive Prime Properties. “I’m proud to 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 transactions. Coldwell Banker Distinctive Property ranked 255th for more than $1.6 billion in sales volume and 367th for 2,877 transactions. Sales volume increased 18.3 percent from 2020, while transactions edged down three-tenths of a percent. The company has made the list four consecutive years. Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties serves a total of 10 markets in Colorado, Idaho, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has introduced a new steakburger and brought back a seasonal favorite. The Red Hot & Bleu Steakburger and Pumpkin Pie Concrete will be available through Nov. 1 or while supplies last. 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. 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. “This richness of the crumbled blue cheese combined with 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, visit www.cbcdistinctive.com. the mild heat from the creamy buffalo sauce made with Frank’s

Freddy’s adds steakburger and pumpkin pie concrete to menu 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.” 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. 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. F