The Business Times Volume 28 Issue 17

THE BUSINESS T IMES News SEPTEMBER 16-29, 2021

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

In this issue

n Appealing effort

2

A group has appealed a proposed water quality rule it contends is based on insufficient information.

n Groundbreaking

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 17

THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Providing Trends tools ofContributors the trade n With its expanding network, insurance firm ranks among fastest-growing operations in the U.S. See page 2

Opinion Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac 4

Construction is under way on a regional cancer center and medical building at Community Hospital in Grand Junction.

n Keeping the HQ

A House committee has approved an amendment intended to keep the BLM headquarters in Grand Junction.

n Taxing matters

6

Uwe Kirch runs Horizon Agency Systems and Rocky Mountain West Insurance based in Grand Junction. With an increase in the independent agents joining the network and resulting revenue, Rocky Mountain West ranks among the fastest-growing privately held firms in the United States in the latest Inc. magazine listing.

Sales tax collections, a key measure of retail activity, continue to increase, a Mesa County report indicates.

n Mixed numbers

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While residential real estate sales slowed in Mesa County, overall dollar volume continues to increase.

n Remote risks

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Employers must consider some legal and practical concerns in reducing the risks associated with remote work.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

26 24 26 17-21 2-14 22-23 15-16

Business Times photo by Phil Castle

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News

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The Business Times

SePtember 16-29, 2021

Trends Providing the tools of the trade Contributors Opinion U Business Briefs Business People Almanac Insurance network a fast-growing venture

we Kirch sees some similarities between independent insurance agents starting their own agencies and mechanics opening their own garages.

They have the expertise, but might need some tools.

Kirch runs an agency network he says provides those tools, among them access to insurance carriers offering a range of products. He also provides management and marketing assistance. “I have a garage full of tools.”

With the addition of 176 agencies over four years, the Grand Junction-based operation has become one of the fastestgrowing firms in the United States. And Kirch believes he’s just getting started.

“We don’t even feel like we’ve started to scale yet.”

Kirch is founder, president and chief executive officer of Horizon Agency Systems and Rocky Mountain West Insurance. While Horizon operates the network of agencies, Rocky Mountain West serves as a retail agency with a total of 176 branches in 45 states.

With a 655 percent increase in revenue between 2017 and 2020, Rocky Mountain West ranks 755th on the latest Inc. magazine list of the 5,000 fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. See TOOLS page 13

Uwe Kirch runs Horizon Agency Systems and Rocky Mountain West Insurance based in Grand Junction. With an increase in the independent agents joining Kirch’s network and resulting revenue, Rocky Mountain West ranks among the fastest-growing privately held firms in the United States in the latest Inc. magazine 5000 listing.

STORY AND PHOTO BY PHIL CASTLE Mark Harris, general manager of the Grand Valley Water Users Association, and Diane Schwenke, president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, were among the participants in a news conference announcing an appeal of a proposed rule affecting water quality standards in the Grand Valley.

(Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

Groups join in appeal of water quality ruling Phil Castle

The Business Times

A group of water providers, governments and business organizations have appealed a proposed water quality rule for the Grand Valley they contend is based on insufficient information and neglects longstanding improvement efforts.

“It’s an unfair way to ask the Grand Valley to deal with the problem,” said Mark Harris, general manager of the Grand Valley Water Users Association.

Harris was among the participants at a news conference conducted along the Colorado River to announce the appeal of a water quality rule proposed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) The rule would implement what are termed total maximum daily loads for what are considered pollutants to maintain water

quality standards. Those pollutants include selenium, recoverable iron and E. coli bacteria. The ruling would apply to washes and other waterways north of the Colorado River in the Grand Valley.

Harris said the appeal was filed with the CDPHE and will prevent the agency from moving forward until the matter is resolved.

Under the best circumstances, the CDPHE will change the ruling and continue to work with what Harris said are willing partners to address water quality issues in the Grand Valley.

Under the worst-case scenario, the ruling would stand and affect the Grand Valley in potentially costly ways, he said.

Diane Schwenke, president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, agreed. “We see the economic impacts.”

See APPEAL page 14

September 16-29, 2021

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Life is Precious

Serving families of the Western Slope for more than 100 years.

on regional cancer center well-rounded perspective $60 million facility scheduled to open in 2023 on to new Mesa County role Community Hospital campus in Grand Junction

Phil Castle as well as New England and Canada.

Construction is under way on a regional we look forward to serving cancer patients in The Business Times Whidden said people who work in cancer center and medical office building at the Grand Valley and surrounding areas for information technology aren’t just “geeks,” Community Hospital in Grand Junction. many more years to come.”

Frank Whidden brings what he but offer an important perspective because A groundbreaking James Pulsipher, owner of Fidelity considers a well-rounded perspective to his they’re familiar with nearly every aspect of ceremony marked the Mortgage in Grand Junction, donated new job as Mesa County administrator. operations and how work gets done. They beginning of work on $1 million to the project, the single largest Whidden worked also tend to think about new and potentially the 130,000-square-foot contribution in the more than 30-year-old in information better ways of doing things in asking and James Pulsipher history of the Community Hospital technology and holds answering “what if ” questions. “They know Regional Cancer Center Foundation. Pulsipher said residents and a master’s degree in how to effect change in an organization.” and medical office members of the business community have computer information Whidden expects to bring that same building. Located on a stake in ensuring access to high-quality, systems. But he also approach to his duties as administrator. the hospital campus on affordable health care. holds a doctoral Whidden said it’s his role to help G Road, the project is Thomas said construction constitutes Chris Thomas degree in applied county commissioners make and then set for completion in the next phase of a lengthy planning process management and implement decisions. The commissioners 2023 and expected to as well a promise to provide more space decision making and Frank Whidden in turn represent the residents of the cost about $60 million. and resources for Grand Valley Oncology worked for more than county and express their will, he said. “We “We are extremely and patients in Western Colorado and 20 years as a minister. Whidden has work for the people.” proud of this project,” Eastern Utah. worked for large and small organizations Whidden said he also considers himself said Chris Thomas, “In less than 10 years, Grand Valley in both the private and public sectors. a liaison between the commissioners and president and chief Oncology has become the premier cancer Whidden expects to draw on all of his county staff, and one of the priorities is to executive officer of center on the Western Slope because experiences in helping Mesa County make sure employees feel valued. Whidden Community Hospital. of the incredible leadership of JoAnne commissioners make and carry out decisions. said he hopes not only to improve morale, “This project is our Virgilio and the stellar team of medical and ValuingVirgilio staff and making the county but also take steps that will make Mesa JoAnne hospital’s commitment radiation oncologists and dedicated staff,” an employer of choice is among the County an organization for which people to our partners to build a state-of-the-art Thomas said. priorities, Whidden said. So is planning want to work. regional cancer center and continue to Operated by Community Hospital, that results in sustainable funding and Meanwhile, Whidden expects the develop our highly sought after cancer Grand Valley Oncology offers a range of balanced budgets on a long-term basis. county to continue policies and initiatives treatment program with the best possible cancer treatment options including medical Meanwhile, Mesa County will that support local business and economic medical and radiation oncologists in the and radiation oncology, gynecological continue to pursue efforts that promote a development. There are additional steps region.” oncology, genetic counseling, social friendly business environment and that can be taken to make it easier for local Dr. JoAnne Virgilio, medical oncologist services, clinical trials and a survivorship economic development, Whidden said. businesses to sell products and services to at Community Hospital’s Grand Valley program.

Whidden officially began working as the county, he added.

Oncology, also praised the effort. “Building Grand Valley Oncology received the county administrator at the beginning of Mesa County will keep working with the new regional cancer center has been a highest level of accreditation through a the year. He succeeds Tom Fisher, who was other government entities, organizations dream of ours since joining Community national quality assurance program. The hired as county manager in Summit and institutions on fostering an environment Hospital in 2014. Our oncology team is National Committee for Quality Assurance County, Utah. that supports existing businesses and extremely humbled by the overwhelming awarded the Patient Centered Specialty Whidden joined Mesa County in attracts new businesses, he said. support of our community. To see this project Practice accreditation.

August 2011 as information technology Whidden said there could be a F finally come to fruition is very exciting, and director. In April 2014, he became deputy opportunities to encourage the additional county administrator for resource development of businesses that provide management in a staffing reorganization services to the agricultural industry as well that eliminated four director positions. as promote Mesa County as a distribution Before joining Mesa County, center for the region.

Whidden worked for a company providing The important thing is to consider Construction is under way on renovations to the Lincoln Park stadium perspective, complex information technology services to issues from a well-rounded in Grand colleges andJunction. universities. In that role, he Whidden said. “We won’t be myopic as we project for will include bleachers at Suplizio Field, managed IT systems andThe services look at new things.” newArizona, westernIllinois bleachers at Stocker Stadium, institutions in Alabama, ✦ improvements to the southwest and northwest entryways as well as audiovisual, electrical and information technology upgrades.

Work will begin at Suplizio Field with the demolition of the stands behind home plate and along the third base line. Fencing will be installed around the stadium, and the path adjacent to the site will be closed to pedestrian traffic for the duration of the project. Work will extend to Stocker Stadium in the middle of November. The track will remain open to the public, but is Ken Sherbenou scheduled to close at that time.

The project is scheduled for completion in May. This renovations are part of a $10 million project funded by the City of Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction Baseball Committee and Mesa County School District 51.

“The Lincoln Park stadium complex is a cornerstone of this community thanks to the collaboration that enabled it and continues to improve it,” said Ken Sherbenou, director of Grand Junction Parks & Recreation Department. “We’re very appreciative to our stadium partners for their leadership to make the stadium’s positive impact upon our community as significant as possible.”

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Construction begins on renovations at Lincoln Park stadium complex

September 16-29, 2021

The Business Times

House panel approves an amendment to keep BLM HQ in Grand Valley A House committee has passed an amendment intended to keep the U.S. Bureau of Land Management headquarters in Grand Junction.

The House Committee on Natural Resources voted unanimously to pass an amendment to the concurrent resolution on the budget for the 2022 fiscal year.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican whose congressional district includes Grand Junction, pushed for the amendment. The measure prohibits the use of funds in the 2022 budget to close Lauren Boebert the BLM headquarters in Grand Junction.

“Westerners deserve a voice in the land use decisions that affect their daily lives, and it would be wrong to move the Bureau of Land Management thousands of miles away from the land it manages back to a faceless marble building in D.C.,” Boebert said. “Ninety-nine percent of the lands that the bureau manages are west of the Mississippi, and it only makes sense to keep the agency located near the communities it serves.”

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, a Republican from Arkansas who serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources, agreed. “Federal agencies exist to serve the American people. What better way to do that than by being located in the very communities they serve? The Bureau of Land Management is a critical resource for the American West and as such should remain headquartered there as a way to facilitate better communication and collaboration between federal, state and local stakeholders.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican from Washington who serves as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, said he was pleased the committee supported the amendment. “Moving the Bureau of Land Management’s headquarters to Grand Junction has proven what we know to be

true: Our lands in the West are far better managed by boots on the ground than the bureaucrats in D.C.” The Department of Interior announced in 2019 plans to relocate the BLM headquarters to Grand Junction as well as reassign BLM staff to other locations closer to public lands the agency manages.

Accounting for the higher costs of office space in Washington compared to other areas of the country as well as travel between western states and the capital, it was estimated the move could save $50 million to $100 million over 20 years.

In February, Boebert joined Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and local stakeholders in an event hosted by the Grand Junction Economic Partnership to discuss keeping BLM headquarters in Grand Junction.

GJEP calculated the initial economic contributions of the BLM headquarters in Grand Junction at $11 million.

The agency moved more than 40 jobs to Grand Junction that pay an average of $122,000 annually in wages and benefits for a total of more than $5 million.

Using an economic multiplier, BLM employees support an additional 57 local jobs through their spending in the community, resulting in a total $9 million annual employment effects.

The move also included a $1.25 million capital investment in renovating office space the BLM leases on Horizon Drive and a total of $2 million in additional economic effects.

In July, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited Grand Junction in part to announce a $6.1 million investment in a wildfire management and operations center, but also to discuss the future of the BLM headquarters.

Boebert subsequently called on Bennet and Hickenlooper to hold up the nomination of Tracy Stone-Manning as BLM director to secure a commitment to keep the BLM headquarters in Grand Junction.

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Mesa County tax collections trend upward

Tax collections, a measure of sales activity, continue to increase in Mesa County.

Mesa County reported collecting more than $3.8 million in sales tax in August, a 16 percent increase over the same month last year.

The county also collected nearly $400,000 in use taxes — almost all of it on automobiles purchased outside the county, but used in the county. That’s a 13.5 percent increase over last year.

As of the press deadline for the Business Times on Sept. 13, the City of Grand Junction hadn’t yet posted on its website its August reports for sales, use and lodging taxes August collections reflect July sales.

For Mesa County, combined sales and use tax collections in August were up more nearly $576,000 and 15.7 percent over the same month a year ago.

Tax collections on retail sales topped $1.25 million, a 10.6 percent increase over a year ago. Collections rose in nearly every category, including a 31.3 percent increase in clothing and 30.7 percent increase in health and personal care products. Collections on internet sales rose 5.6 percent.

Sales tax collections also increased on a year-over-year basis 36.7 percent on construction materials, 29.4 percent on home improvements and 25.7 percent on hotel stays and restaurant meals.

Through the first eight months of 2021, Mesa County collected a total of nearly $31.7 million in sales and use taxes. That’s an increase of more than $5.7 million and 22.2 percent over the same span in 2020.

Sales tax collections rose 21 percent. Use tax collections increased 36.2 percent.

County tax collections on retail sales exceeded $10.3 million through the first eight months of 2021, a 21.2 percent gain compared to the same span last year. Tax collections rose 46.4 percent on clothing, 40.2 percent on health and personal care products and 35 percent on internet sales.

Sales tax collections rose 36.3 percent on construction materials 33.7 percent on home improvements and 32.3 percent on hotel stays and restaurant meals.

Collections declined 49.4 percent in the oil and natural gas category and 10.9 percent in the telecommunications category.

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Staffing agency owner advises: Prepare for hiring changes

Employers can expect more applicants to fill job openings now that a $300 federal stipend added to weekly unemployment benefits has ended, according to the owner of a staffing agency in Grand Junction.

“We average filling three positions a day.

I expect that number to jump now that the stimulus program has ended,” said Nina Anderson, owner of the Express Employment Professionals franchise Nina Anderson in Grand Junction.

Employers and job seekers alike also should be prepared for new work expectations and environments, Anderson said.

Job seekers will prefer employers that emphasize the whole person, she said.

Offering days to work from home as well as flexibility for personal time to stay close to family will be important for employee retention.

Access to employee assistance programs and counseling as well as privacy in the workplace will be priorities if employers want staffs back in their physical workplaces, she said.

Employer needs have also changed, she added. While still looking for knowledge, skills and abilities, they’re also looking for employees who can remain engaged during work hours in exchange for added flexibility.

“Companies want job seekers to demonstrate high levels of customer service and show they still know how to build the internal and external relationships needed for a good functioning team,” Anderson said. “Employers are also seeking team members who can effectively communicate in a 360-degree manner.”

In the meantime, the job interview process has changed, she said.

Some employers will maintain social distancing practices by initially interviewing applicants by telephone and video, reserving face-to-face interactions for finalists.

That means hiring managers and applicants must improve their vocal and video presence, including perfecting a more engaging speech tone with minimal filler words while also improving eye contact.

Hiring managers and applicants must remain careful to listen and not respond too quickly, Anderson said.

Express Employment Professionals offers a range of temporary and permanent hiring services in a variety of fields, including administrative, commercial, marketing, sales and technical Anderson operates offices at 725 Pitkin Ave. in Grand Junction.

For more information, call 242-4500 or log on to https://www.expresspros.com/ grandjunctionco.

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NFIB to Colorado court: Affirm ruling in partners case

A small business advocacy group has filed a brief with the Colorado Supreme Court in connection with a case involving the role of general partners in businesses.

The National Federation of Small Business Legal Center filed a so-called friend of the court brief in Chan v. Heartland Energy Development Corp.

Karen Harned The NFIB supports a Colorado Court of Appeals ruling in the case, which primarily concerns whether or not general partners can actively participate in businesses using their general business

experience even if they lack industry specific experience.

“An improper application of the Colorado Securities Act in this case will directly impose hardship and increase compliance costs on small business owners,” said Karen Harned, executive director of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center.

“We are hopeful the Colorado Tony Gagliardi Supreme Court will affirm the lower court’s decision and protect Colorado small businesses from unnecessary compliance costs.”

Tony Gagliardi, state director of the NFIB in Colorado,

agreed. “This case has the potential to impact the state’s small businesses with unexpected and expensive compliance costs. Colorado small businesses urge the Supreme Court to put this issue to rest and affirm the lower court’s decision.”

The NFIB called on the high court to affirm the lower court ruling and its consideration of both the partners’ general business experience and industry specific experience.

The NFIB also filed an amicus brief with the Colorado Court of Appeals arguing state law should be clarified to reflect that sophisticated and experienced business people can frequently participate meaningfully in the operation of a business without prior specific experience in a particular industry segment.

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Grants to promote social and emotional learning in schools

Applications will be accepted through Oct. 15 for a second round of grants to promote social emotional learning in Mesa County School District 51.

Alpine Bank donated $50,000 to the School District 51 Foundation to fund the grants. The foundation will in turn award grants in various sizes to teachers, counselors and principals.

“Alpine Bank truly values education in our local communities. More importantly, we want our kids and educators to be happy and healthy,” said Tyler Dahl, the regional Tyler Dahl president of Alpine Bank in Mesa County.

“The last couple of school years have been really tough on students, teachers and families. We hope this grant will make an impact and offer a little additional support in the classroom.”

Social emotional learning is a process through which people — children and adults — acquire and apply knowledge, attitudes and skills to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve goals, develop relationships and make decisions. Social emotional learning can help students not only cope with stress, but also perform better academically.

A total of more than $25,000 in grants was awarded in May for the first round of grants. Local educators submitted more than 80 applications worth a total of more than $200,000.

“The outpouring of interest in these grants highlights both the dedication of our educators as well as the need and urgency for these kinds of programs in our community,” said Angela Christensen, executive director of the School District 51 Foundation.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity provided by Alpine Bank’s generous donation to help our educators receive the additional skills and tools to help students fill their cups,” Christensen said.

“Our kids need us now more than ever.”

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Shelter pet adoption event set for Sept. 18

The Roice-Hurst Humane Society has joined in a nationwide campaign promoting the adoption of shelter pets.

The Clear the Shelters event is usually held one weekend, but has been extended to a month to accommodate COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

In addition, a one-day adoption event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Roice-Hurst shelter at 368 28 Road in Grand Junction.

“While every day is the perfect day to give a deserving shelter pet a loving home, Clear the Shelters is a fun way to rally the whole community to come out and adopt,” said Anna Stout, chief Anna Stout executive officer of the Roice-Hurst Humane Society.

All adoption fees for available pets will be $50. All animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, making the adoption package worth between $300 and $500. Pets are available for adoption on a first-come, first-served basis.

NBCUniversal, Telemundo and its affiliated television stations, including KKCO in Grand Junction, launched the Clear the Shelters initiative in 2015, which has helped find homes for more than 500,000 pets.

“We’d love to see the shelter empty out by the end of the day, because every vacated kennel allows us to help another pet in need,” Stout said. “There are long wait lists at all the local shelters and across the state because of the impacts of the pandemic, such as people losing their livelihoods or housing, which leads to more pets ending up in shelters or rescues.”

The Roice-Hurst Humane Society operates a nonprofit shelter and adoption center that provides housing, medical treatment and care for dogs and cats as well as resources for pet owners. For more information visit www.rhhumanesociety.org F

Palisade Art Festival set for Sept. 25-26

The Palisade Art Festival, an event featuring artists from around the country displaying a variety of work, is scheduled for Sept. 25 and 26.

The free festival is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at Veteran’s Memorial Park on W. Eighth St. Participating artists will display works in 13 fine art categories that include ceramics, painting, photography and sculpture.

The festival will offer a venue for artists to sell their works and patrons to meet artists, ask questions and learn more about their techniques.

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September 16-29, 2021

Tools

Continued from page 2 Inc. bases the list on the proportion of revenue growth over the previous three years. The 2021 list is based on growth comparing 2017 and 2020. Companies apply for inclusion and report their revenues. Rocky Mountain West is one of 163 Colorado companies to make the Inc. 5000 for 2021.

“It’s pleasing yes, but more humbling,” Kirch says of his company’s inclusion.

Moreover, he says, it’s validating.

Kirch started Rocky Mountain West Insurance in 2005 after working for other insurance agencies for five years. Before that, he served a total of 13 years in the Army and Air Force.

He launched his agency network in 2017 with a handful of other agents interested in working with him to start their own businesses.

More agents joined in 2018 and 2019.

The network expanded even faster in 2020, and last year ended with 124 agencies, Kirch says. The COVID-19 pandemic motivated more people to want to go into business for themselves, he says.

The network is now up to 176 agencies — and counting — Kirch says.

The network has grown through what Kirch terms accidental marketing — word of mouth as well as what he says is a spirit of service in helping agents.

Kirch says he offers his experience in the insurance industry and connections with carriers. He also offers software to

Local businesses challenged to join in bike month event

Businesses and organizations can join in the fall edition of an event encouraging Mesa County residents to bicycle not only for transportation, but also fun and fitness.

Grand Valley Bike Month in September will include a challenge in which businesses and organizations try bike commuting anytime during the week of Sept. 19 and 25.

Participants with the highest proportion of participation will receive a traveling trophy to display in their workplaces for a year.

Bike to Work Day is set for Sept. 22 and will include free breakfasts served from 7 to 10 a.m. at three locations across the Grand Valley: n Grand Junction City Hall located at 250 N. Fifth St. n Octopus Coffee at 759 Horizon Drive in Grand Junction. n The outdoor dining area on North Mulberry Street in Fruita.

Grand Valley Bike Month also will include a ride challenge, photo contest and group rides.

For more information about Grand Valley Bike Month log on to healthymesacounty.org/bike-month or follow Mobile Mesa County on Facebook and Instagram.

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about Horizon Agency Systems, visit www.agency.builders. For more information about Rocky Mountain West Insurance, call 778-6000 or visit the website at www.rockyquote.com. help manage insurance agencies as well as assistance in setting up and maintaining websites.

In return, agents pay a portion of their commissions. But Kirch says they can make that back in volume bonuses and incentives from carriers they wouldn’t receive in operating on their own.

Independent agents enjoy an advantage, he says, in the their abilities to offer a choice of carriers that best meet the needs of their customers at what are usually lower premiums.

Rocky Mountain West offers auto, business, home and life insurance as well as other products, Kirch says. “If it’s insurance, we can do it.”

Rapid growth has come with challenges, Kirch says, among them complying with insurance licensing and regulations in 45 states and managing a growing network. While proprietary software has proved useful, he credits his staff in addressing those challenges.

“It’s 100 percent having good employees helping.”

Looking ahead, Kirch expects to push growth in his network rather than just accept growth. He eyes a market with 40,000 independent insurance agents already in business in the United States and more people entering the field.

If growth in the network and the resulting revenue continue apace, Kirch believes his operation could move even higher in the Inc. rankings for 2020 — perhaps to the top 500.

It’s a matter, he says, of providing insurance agents with the right tools.

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SePtember 16-29, 2021

Appeal

Continued from page 2 “It’s a bad rule, and we’re going to end up paying for it,” Schwenke said.

Harris said the CDPHE sets minimums for what it deems are pollutants under the federal Clean Water Act. He said he was disappointed the state agency didn’t accept offers to continue to collaborate with local water users and collect better information on which to base total maximum daily loads.

The proposed rule doesn’t take into account the amount of selenium found naturally in Grand Valley soils that’s washed into watersheds when it rains, he said. “This was a total misunderstanding of the plumbing of the Grand Valley.”

Moreover, the rule doesn’t take into account efforts that have occurred in the Grand Valley over decades to reduce naturally occurring salinity and selenium as well as other pollutants in water, Harris said. That includes lining irrigation canals and converting what were open ditches into pressured pipe systems. “Those things have made a difference.”

The Grand Valley Water Users Association continues to line the canals it operates and has converted nearly all of its laterals to piped systems, he said.

Improvements to irrigation infrastructure in the Grand Valley also have helped to reduce the amount of water diverted from the Colorado, he said. That leaves more water in the river to dilute pollutants — an important effort at a time when climate change could reduce water flows.

Rather than fight the rule once it’s implemented, Harris said it was decided to appeal it instead.

In addition to the Grand Valley Water Users Association and Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, organizations joining in the appeal included the Orchard Mesa and Palisade irrigation districts, cities of Grand Junction and Fruita, town of Palisade, Mesa County, Mesa County School District 51, Mack Airport, Housing and Building Association of Colorado, Western Colorado Contractors Association and Associated Members for Growth and Development.

Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis said the proposed rule is based on poor and missing information. “This lacks basic science.”

Shawna Grieger, executive director of the Western Colorado Contractors Association, said she’s concerned about the potential costs of implementing the rule. Those costs would not only affect contractors, but also would be passed along to businesses and individuals, Grieger said.

“This is a very big and important issue.”

Harris said he’s uncertain if it’s even possible to meet the requirements of the proposed rule.

If the rule is implemented, though, it could potentially affect the Grand Valley in varied and profound ways, he said, including everything from farming to urban development.

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News Trends Real estate numbers mixed Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

September 16-29, 2021

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INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings

s New business filings in Colorado, 39,252 in the second quarter, up 25.7% from the second quarter of 2020.

n Confidence

t Consumer Confidence Index 113.8 in August, down 11.3 s Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 67.3 for the third quarter, up 2.9. s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 100.1 for August, up 0.4.

n Foreclosures

t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 6 in August, down from 4 in August 2020. t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 0 in August, down from 2 in August 2020.

n Indexes

s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 110.37 for August, up 0.48. s Conference Board Leading Economic Index 116 for July, up 0.9%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 59.9% for August, up 0.4%.

n Lodging

s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $237,328 for July, up 119.7% from July 2020.

n Real estate

s Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 544 in August, up 0.37% from August 2020. s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $221 million in August, up 39.9% from August 2020.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $6.5 million for July, up 22.7% from July 2020. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.2 million for August, up 15.7% from August 2020.

n Unemployment t Mesa County — 6.3% for July, down 0.6. t Colorado — 6.1% for July, down 0.1. t United States — 5.2% for August, down 0.2.

Residential sales slip, but overall dollar volume gains biggest in 16 years Phil Castle

The Business Times

Robert Bray believes a slight pause in residential real estate sales in Mesa County in August could bode well for subsequent activity by replenishing low inventories.

“It’s an encouraging time for buyers,” said Bray, chief executive officer of Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction.

Meanwhile, increased commercial sales and higher prices have pushed year-over-year gains in dollar volume in Mesa County to their Robert Bray highest levels in 16 years, said Annette Miller, administrative coordinator at Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction.

Miller said 544 real estate transactions worth a total of $221 million were reported in Mesa County in August. That’s only two more transactions than the same month last year, but $63 million more in dollar volume.

Just 25 transactions accounted for a combined $48 million, Miller said. They Annette Miller included the sale of the 1,720-acre Grove Creek Ranch in the Collbran area for $6.3 million, a strip mall on Horizon Drive in Grand Junction for $3.3 million and a commercial truck center in Fruita for $2.8 million.

Through August, 4,201 transactions worth a total of more than $1.5 billion were reported in 2021. Compared to the same span last year, transactions increased 19.7 percent and dollar volume rose 42.8 percent.

The proportional gain in dollar volume was the largest since a 25.6 percent increase in year-end dollar volume from 2004 to 2005 and the midst of a natural gas development boom in Western Colorado, Miller said. “We’ve got quite a bit of commercial and also price appreciation driving that.”

If the current pace of sales continues, 2021 would end with

6,301 transactions worth a total of nearly $2.3 billion. Real estate activity peaked in Mesa County with 7,198 transactions in 2005 and $1.72 billion in dollar volume in 2006.

According to numbers Bray Real Estate tracks for the residential market in Mesa County, 318 transactions worth a total of $122 million were reported in August. Compared to the same month last year, transactions decreased 19.1 percent and dollar volume declined 9 percent.

“Buyers were taking a little pause,” Bray said. Some were likely discouraged by low inventories and competition for those homes on the market, he said.

Year-to-date residential activity in 2021 outpaces 2020, however.

Through August, 2,740 transactions worth a combined $994 million were reported. Compared to the same span last year, transactions increased 5.9 percent and dollar volume rose 25.2 percent.

At the end of August, there were 400 active listings. That’s a decrease of 7.2 percent from the same time last year. However, more than 400 new listings have come onto the market in each of the last four months.

Bray said he expects inventories to rebuild and offer more selections to buyers.

At the same time, new construction has increased. Through August, 672 building permits for single family homes were issued in Mesa County in 2021. That’s an increase of 35.7 percent over the same span last year.

Low supplies and high demand have pushed prices upward. The median price of homes sold during the first eight months of 2021 increased 16.1 percent to $325,000 compared to the same span in 2020.

Bray said the market remains strong. “It’ll still be a good year in real estate.”

Meanwhile, property foreclosure activity continues to decrease.

Miller said 19 foreclosure filings and 13 sales were reported during the first eight months of 2021. That’s down 75.3 percent and 43.5 percent, respectively from the same span in 2020. The seven resales of foreclosed properties were a fraction of all transactions and the 10 percent threshold Miller considers indicative of a healthy market.

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Index up, but so are small business concerns A measure of optimism among small business owners has increased, but so have concerns over labor and supply chain issues.

“As the economy moves into the fourth quarter, small business owners are losing confidence in the strength of future business conditions,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National Federation of Independent Business. “The biggest problems facing small employers right now is finding enough labor to meet their demand and, for many, managing supply chain disruptions.”

The NFIB reported its Small Business Bill Dunkelberg Optimism Index rose four-tenths of a point to 100.1 in August. The index is based on the results of monthly surveys of members of the small business advocacy group, most of them small business owners.

For August, five of 10 components of the index advanced, four declined and one remained unchanged.

The proportion of those responding to the survey upon which the August index was based who expect the economy to improve in coming months fell eight points. At a net negative 28 percent, more respondents expected worsening conditions.

The component has dropped 16 points over the past two months to its lowest level since 2013.

A net 30 percent of owners reported plans to increase capital outlays in coming months. That’s up four points from July, but

still historically weak. A net 10 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, down three points.

A net 32 percent of those responding to the survey reported plans to increase employment, up five points from a month ago.

A net 50 percent reported unfilled job openings, up a point to a record high for a second consecutive month. Asked to identify their single most important business problem, a record 28 percent cited quality of labor and 8 percent labor costs.

A net 41 percent reported raising compensation, up three points to a record level. A net 26 percent said they plan to raise compensation in the next three months, down a point from a record-high reading in July.

The share of those who said they expect higher sales rose two points. But at net negative 2 percent, more said they anticipated lower sales.

The proportion of those reporting higher earnings fell two points to a net negative 15 percent. Among those reporting lower earnings, 34 percent blamed higher material costs, 27 percent cited weaker sales and 9 percent attributed the change to labor costs. For those reporting higher earnings, 60 percent credited increased sales and 10 percent higher prices.

A net 11 percent of respondents reported plans to increase inventories, up five points. A net 11 percent said they consider their current inventories too low, down a point from a record reading in July.

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Page 16

The Business Times

Labor report: Payrolls up, unemployment rate down U.S. payrolls continue to grow even as the unemployment rate drops.

Nonfarm payrolls increased 235,000 and the jobless rate decreased two-tenths of a point to 5.2 percent in August, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Still, the latest payroll increase was less than half the average monthly gain of 586,000 so far this year.

Estimated payroll gains for July and June were revised upward a total of 134,000 to 1,053,000 and 962,000, respectively.

Payrolls have grown 17 million since April 2020, but remain 5.3 million below the pre-pandemic level in February 2020.

For August, 8.4 million people were counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work. Of those, 3.2 million have been out of work 27 weeks or longer.

Another 4.5 million people were counted among those working part-time because their hours were reduced or they were unable to find full-time positions.

The labor participation rate remained unchanged at 61.7 percent, still 1.6 points lower than February 2020.

Employment increased 74,000 in business and professional services, with gains in architectural, engineering and computer firms.

Payrolls rose 53,000 in transportation and warehousing and 40,000 in private

Labor index rises

An index tracking labor trends continues to increase, signaling job growth in the months ahead.

The Conference Board reported its Employment Trends Index rose nearly a half point to 110.37 in August. The index has increased for six straight months, although the rate of gains has slowed.

An increase in COVID cases could slow economic and job recovery, said Gad Levanon, head of the Conference Board Labor Markets Institute.

F education. Manufacturers added 37,000 jobs, while payrolls rose 16,000 in financial activities. Employment decreased 29,000 in retail trades and was little changed in the leisure and hospitality, construction and health care sectors.

The average workweek remained unchanged for a third straight month at 34.7 hours. The manufacturing workwork shortened two-tenths of an hour to 40.3 hours.

Average hourly earnings rose 17 cents to $30.73, the fifth consecutive month for gains.

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SePtember 16-29, 2021

Consumer Confidence Index drops

A measure of consumer sentiment has dropped to its lowest level in six months on less upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions.

The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index fell 11.3 points to 113.8 in August. That’s the lowest point since the index stood at 95.2 in February.

“Concerns about the Delta variant and, to a lesser degree, rising gas and food prices resulted in a less favorable view of current economic conditions and short-term growth prospects,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at the Conference Board.

“While the resurgence of COVID-19 and inflation concerns have dampened confidence, it is too soon to conclude this decline will result in consumers significantly curtailing their spending in the months ahead,” Franco said.

The business research and membership group bases the Lynn Franco index on the results of monthly household surveys. Consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of economic activity.

Less upbeat assessments of current conditions pulled down the present situation component of the index 9.9 points to 147.3.

The proportion of consumers responding to the survey upon which the August index was based who described business conditions as “good” declined 4.7 points to 19.9 percent. The share of those who characterized conditions as “bad” advanced four points to 24 percent.

The proportion of consumers who called jobs “plentiful” fell six-tenths of a point to 54.6 percent. The share of those who said jobs are “hard to get” rose seven-tenths of a point to 11.8 percent.

Less upbeat outlooks pulled down the expectations component of the index 12.4 points to 91.4.

The share of consumers who said they expect business conditions to improve over the next six months fell eight points to 22.9 percent. The proportion of those predicting worsening conditions rose 5.9 points to 17.8 percent.

The share of consumers who expect more jobs to become available in coming months decreased 2.5 points to 23 percent. The share of those anticipating fewer jobs increased eight-tenths of a point to 18.6 percent.

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Trends Contributors Reduce risk in remote work Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

September 16-29, 2021

The Business Times

page 17

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction has scheduled events offering information about startups and opportunities in the construction sector.

Upcoming sessions of a business startup workshop are set for 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 16 and Oct. 5 at the center, 2591 Legacy Way. The workshops will cover the business planning process, including financing options, licensing requirements, legal structures, trade name searches and state registration.

Admission is $55, which also includes admission to Fast Trac one-hour business classes.

The Small Business Development Center at the Business Incubator Center will facilitate a free Western Colorado virtual construction forum set for 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 17.

The forum will offer information about upcoming construction opportunities with general contractors and local, state and federal government agencies in the region as well as employment resources and finding good candidates for employment in the trades.

For more information about upcoming events, services and programs offered at the Business Incubator Center, call 243-5242 or visit the website at https://gjincubator.org. n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a free Zoom presentation on becoming an employer of choice.

The event is set for 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 21 and will feature Curtis Englehart, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center, and Alma Sekulich, human resource manager at Innovative Textiles in Grand Junction.

To register for or obtain more information about chamber events, call 242-3214 or visit http://gjchamber.org. n The Colorado Department of Transportation has scheduled a series of career fairs around the state, including an event set for 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at the CDOT facility located at 2328 G Road in Grand Junction.

The department seeks to hire permanent and temporary full-time and part-time highway maintenance workers.

Those who can’t attend the fairs in person can view job postings and apply online through the website at www.codot.gov/topcontent/ employment/cdot-job-openings.html

Planning and policies help in accommodating the new normal The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to the way organizations operate and employ their work forces. Some changes have heralded a new normal from which there’s no going back.

Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics, estimates that by 2025, 70 percent of the work force will work remotely at least five days a month. “I think the percentage of people with compatible jobs will expand as knowledge-based work continues to edge out jobs that require a physical presence.”

Drawing from the results of an Owl Labs remote work study in 2019, Dean Rani Molla stated even before the onset Harris of the pandemic: “[R]emote employees … make up anywhere from 5.3 percent (those who typically work from home) to nearly two-thirds (who work remotely ever) of the U.S. work force.”

Remote work isn’t simply a matter of sending employees home with laptops and cell phones. There are some legal and practical concerns many employers fail to consider in using a remote work force. n Employers must remember remote workplaces are still physical workplaces, and employers must be aware of safety issues that arise with remote work. Employers of remote employees are still required to provide safe workplaces.

As a general rule, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration doesn’t inspect home offices, hold employers liable for home offices or expect employers to inspect home offices. But for other home-based work, such as assembly or manufacturing, OSHA will conduct an inspection if an employee complains a safety or health hazard exists that could cause physical harm or pose imminent danger of harm. OSHA will only inspect employee work activities, not the entire home or furnishings. But the employer is still responsible for hazards caused by materials, equipment or work processes it provides or requires to be used in an employee’s home.

Remote employees are still covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Employers are liable for injuries that take place in locations employers authorize employees to work or expect them to work. That might be the employer’s home, but could be a neighborhood coffee shop. The key factor is whether or not employees were performing work duties when they were injured, and the injury occurred in the course and scope of employment. This is hard to monitor in the traditional workplace, where the employer controls the premises. It’s much harder to assess when employees work away from a single workplace.

Employers need not take extraordinary steps to eliminate every dog toy between a home office and coffee pot. But employers should put into place policies or agreements with remote workers that spell out reasonable safety rules. n An employee’s location doesn’t relieve an employer from providing reasonable accommodations to enable the employee to adequately perform essential job duties as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Common home office accommodations include visual aids for computer users, ergonomic chairs or computer keyboards and standing desks. n The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements to track non-exempt employees’ time, keep records of hours worked and pay overtime for hours worked over 40 in a workweek apply to remote workers. Out of sight is not out of mind. Employers must maintain adequate timekeeping systems for employees who aren’t subject to physical verification of work attendance. Employers also must remember they can’t reduce exempt employees’ salaries “because of variations in the quality or quantity of the work performed.” Employers should take corrective or disciplinary actions to address inadequate performance or attendance. n Employees may allege decisions on who may work remotely and to what extent employees may do so are discriminatory under civil rights laws. Employers should establish telework guidelines and apply them. Employers should document the reasons for a particular telecommuting decision and retain this documentation. Once telecommuting decisions are made, employers should clearly communicate with employees about how the decisions were made, what factors were considered and why a given employee was or was not selected for remote work. n Employers should check with their property damage and general liability insurance carriers to determine whether or not their policies cover remote work locations — especially if significant employer-provided materials, equipment or products are kept in employee homes.

Employers and employees alike might discover homeowner policies don’t cover employer-provided home office equipment or employer property.

Every opportunity brings new challenges. Implemented correctly, employers and employees might find remote work satisfying and productive.

Dean Harris is an attorney and Western Slope Area Manager 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 852-0190.

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Western Colorado summit to explore a range of economic issues An upcoming event will explore a range of issues related to economic development even as participants also share their ideas for what Mesa County should look like in the near future.

The 2021 Western Colorado Economic Summit is set for Sept. 30 at the Grand Junction Convention Center at 159 Main St. The summit is set for 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a luncheon and keynote presentation from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Admission is $75 for individuals, $800 for sponsored tables that each seat 10. To register or obtain more information, log on to www.westcoeconomicsummit.com.

The summit will serve as both an annual meeting for

the Grand Junction Economic Partnership and fund-raiser for the economic development organization.

Plenary and breakout sessions will cover a variety of topics, among them commercial real estate, housing needs, marijuana policies, production agriculture and workforce development.

A panel discussion will explore the future of energy development in Colorado, including coal, natural gas and oil as well as solar, wind and other renewable resources.

John Marshall, the new president of Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, is scheduled to deliver the keynote luncheon address and discuss his vision for CMU

and what changes could be in store there.

The summit also will introduce a process to envision what Mesa County should look like when the county is no longer deemed distressed under an annual assessment that takes into account such criteria as wages, income and the number of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches because of low family incomes.

GJEP also will present its annual update as well as two awards recognizing individual achievement in economic development and a business or organization for community involvement.

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Page 18

The Business Times

SePtember 16-29, 2021

Turn team members — and customers — into raving fans When customers like — or better yet, love — your business, they provide not only their patronage, but also glowing recommendations. Business owners who want to operate enterprises that thrive in easy times and survive in challenging times must consistently endeavor to turn their customers into raving fans.

I’ve encountered some business owners proud to share the feedback they’ve received from new customers over the past two years. Those customers recounted how other businesses they frequented before the COVID pandemic dropped the ball with customer service. They went on to say they felt respected, cared for and welcomed by team members at the new businesses and would now Marcus patronize them instead.

Straub How do you turn customers into raving fans? Start by turning your team members into raving fans. They interact with patrons and deliver customer service. They control the quality of the products and services you provide. If your team members don’t trust, respect, like and appreciate you, your business will suffer as a result of decreased customer satisfaction.

How do you turn team members into raving fans?

Consider their wants and needs. n People want to feel valued and appreciated. Don’t you? Now more than ever, praise your team members for jobs well done. They aren’t always going to be perfect.

But if they give their best in caring for your customers, let them know you value and appreciate them.

There are many ways to show your appreciation of your team members. Knowing what they value matters.

When a member of your team is on time, does consistently

How do you turn customers into raving fans? Start by turning your team members into raving fans. high-quality work, improves their skills and abilities and treats your customers with the utmost regard, reward them accordingly. Otherwise, they’ll work for another business and turn its customers into raving fans. n People want to be liked and accepted. This is a basic human need. We typically treat the people we like very differently from those we don’t like. When you like someone, you take an interest in them, build a relationship and care about them And they know it. They also know when you don’t like and care about them.

Your team members aren’t merely assets, resources or cogs in the wheels of your business. They’re humans with lives, challenges, fears, hopes and dreams just like you.

Take the time to get to know your people. Team members who are treated this way have a real sense of loyalty and commitment to the business and the customers it serves.

When people on your team feel cared about, they have the tendency to treat customers the same way. n People want to feel important. They want to know they matter and contribute something of value to the team.

Creating this feeling in your team members is as easy as involving them in the decision-making process. If you’re truly running the company and they’re working in operations, your team members likely will be aware of things you’re not.

Ask for, listen to and consider their comments and suggestions as you make decisions and implement changes. This doesn’t mean you’ll use or take action on every suggestion. But it does mean you think enough of

your team members — and ultimately your customers — to get their perspectives and implement their ideas when and where you can.

Team members who are treated well are typically more engaged, motivated, caring, loyal and willing to go the extra mile for the customer because the business owner does the same for them. Turnover decreases. Efficiency and productivity increase. Sales are captured, not lost, in this business model.

It’s important to realize customer loyalty starts at the top — with business owners. Who you are and how you treat people in the process of doing business determines customer satisfaction, loyalty and ultimately success. As you begin to involve, value, care for, recognize and support your team members to a greater degree, the quality of your business will rise right along with them.

As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, I urge you to understand and honor the symbiotic relationships among you, your team members and customers. When your team members are your biggest fans, they create raving fans of your customers.

Happy customers are repeat customers. They typically spend more of their hard-earned money with you and constitute a great source of referrals.

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.

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September 16-19, 2021

The Business Times

page 19

COVID requirements make travel planning essential

If you’re like most people, including me, you’re probably eager to hit the road or the air. Maybe for business or perhaps pleasure. Having just completed a trip to Europe, here are a few tips gleaned from the experience.

While passengers on the international legs of a flight will have completed a COVID-19 test and often produced a vaccination card, a top-of-the-line mask remains essential.

You’re going to be surrounded for 12 to 24 hours — or more — by people you don’t know. There isn’t much personal space, especially in economy.

What type of mask should you consider? While the hospital-grade N-95 Janet is the gold standard, non-medical grade Arrowood versions also are available. There are also N-93 or 94 masks that are almost as effective as N-95 masks. Plan well ahead of time to order a half dozen or so for each traveler. Make sure to look for masks that are made in South Korea or anywhere else but China. There are too many knockoffs coming from China. Bandannas and face shields aren’t acceptable face coverings.

Make sure you can get the required COVID test in the required time frame with results before you leave. Airlines won’t let you get any boarding passes — not even the domestic portion — without a number of forms. These can include an affidavit and either the PCR COVID test results or proof of vaccination. Monitor your airline website to make sure you provide the correct documentation. I went to the airport the day before and had a gate agent review my papers, enter them into the airline computer and ensure my passport and known traveler number were in the system. I left with my boarding passes in hand.

Keep in mind the requirements for COVID tests

can change rapidly. These requirements are set by your destination — in my case, the Netherlands. The Dutch accepted the vaccination record from the CDC or PCR test (NOT the antigen or rapid tests). But the requirement shifted the day before I left from 72 hours before departure to 48 hours. Since Mesa County Public Health takes 48 to 72 hours to get test results back, this could be a problem for those who aren’t fully vaccinated. As a precaution, I got the PCR test even though my vaccination card should have been enough.

Your destination country could require additional forms. Confirm those requirements through your airline website and check back every day, including the morning you leave. United Airlines offers a link to upload documents and confirm requirements — their “Travel Ready” feature.

Many airports have roving officials and law enforcement making sure you wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose. Some airports — including Denver International Airport — use law enforcement on bicycles. Airlines and airport personnel have been dealing with less-thancooperative passengers for more than 18 months now, and their tolerance is low. You could be escorted out of the airport or off the plane or fined for non-compliance.

My return presented another scramble to meet re-entry requirements. The U.S. accepts some rapid antigen tests, but not all of them. Abbott Labs makes an accepted test you can perform in your hotel room with an online “coach.” It takes about 25 to 30 minutes. But not all the Abbott Lab test kits qualify. The ones you can buy in Walgreens, Sam’s or other retailers don’t qualify. Your airline website should have pictures of what the accepted test kits look like. United Airlines will sell you a package of six Abbott Labs antigen tests for about $150. You can also order direct from Abbott Labs for the same price. If several people are traveling together or you plan to travel again before the kits expire, the six-kit package is useful. You must download an app and

register your kit and planned users online before departure.

If you want to take the return test at your destination, it could prove expensive. Tests cost about 200 Euros, nearly $250, for the places I checked in Amsterdam. You can do the test at the airport, but that’s even more expensive.

People returning from international destinations are likely to need the antigen test. The PCR one is OK, too.

The requirement was a test completed within three days (a bit better than 72 hours) of your first flight on your return itinerary. This is fluid, so check. The U.S. doesn’t currently accept a vaccine record in lieu of the antigen or PCR test, but that also could change. It’s possible — and increasingly likely — the U.S. and your destination country will start requiring both an antigen or PCR test and proof of vaccination.

Various officials and airlines tend to want both electronic and paper versions of everything, Scan your vaccine record and download the electronic version of your test results. Make sure the version of the test results you submit to your airline for each direction of travel is the electronic version — with the QR code, if available. You need the printed version as backup, but the airline system will probably reject a scan or photo.

Bottom line: My trip was fun, but a bit stressful. Wearing a really effective mask for almost 18 hours was uncomfortable, but doable. And if your trip takes you through Denver International, there’s a lovely outdoor patio at the west end of the B concourse, You can sit outside and take your mask off.

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 by email at janet.arrowood@thewritesourceinc.com. For additional information, log on to www.TheWriteSourceInc.com.

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Page 20

The Business Times

SePtember 16-29, 2021

Local real estate market changing for investors You hear the question from friends, family and colleagues. “How crazy is the market right now?”

The last couple of years have constituted an interesting time for all types of investments, whether that’s bonds, cryptocurrency, equities or real estate. Each investment vehicle has presented its own changes, challenges and opportunities while creating different environments for investors.

Specific to commercial real estate, Grand Junction has experienced a shift caused by internal and external factors.

Kyle Demand is high and inventory low. But Serrano there are other things to consider as an investor in Western Colorado.

Through the second quarter of 2021, we’re closing in on pre-2008 levels of commercial real estate transactions and total dollar volume in Mesa County.

Time on market has decreased. Many commercial real estate listings that had been sitting on the market for years have sold at or near asking prices. Listings priced appropriately have sold in weeks rather than months.

We’re seeing capitalization rates on properties start to decline from around 8 percent to 7 percent or below. We’re seeing buyers close on properties based on speculation or pro forma valuation models rather than historical performance or current net operating income.

The values of local property have increased, prompting

The values of local property have increased, prompting more competitive offers and wiping out a large chunk of our inventory.

more competitive offers and wiping out a large chunk of our inventory.

What’s caused these changes? A combination of macroeconomic and microeconomic variables.

The macro factors are geographically consistent, but also fall in line with our particular market. Some of these variables include the lack of inventory for commercial investments, a high number of 1031 exchange buyers, a large amount of government stimulus provided to investors and business owners and low expected returns for alternative investments.

But it’s the microeconomic attributes that separate the Western Slope from other areas and could create a shift in the outlook for many investors placing capital in our market.

There’s been an influx of people moving to Grand Junction and surrounding towns. Young professionals and retirees alike are attracted by the cost of living, price of real estate, geographical proximity, growing labor market, local recreation and attractions and overall pace of life.

In addition, we’re starting to see large institutional and equity groups come into our market to purchase

commercial real estate and complete development projects.

Grand Junction has always been a tertiary economy.

Getting deep-pocketed investment groups to commit to sales in Grand Junction historically has been challenging. That’s changing with various $2 million to $10 million commercial and multi-family sales and $10 million to $30 million developments taking form. Tax incentives for investing in businesses in opportunity zones also has played a part.

The last obvious variable has been our attractive returns relative to other primary markets. Investors drawn to Grand Junction are chasing cash flow closer to a 6 percent to 8 percent return. In other, larger markets, they see properties yield closer to 4 percent to 5 percent capitalization rates.

Low interest rates have mitigated diminished returns in some of these larger markets, but many out-of-town buyers are tired of little to no cash flow while betting all their chips on long-term equity appreciation on future sales.

Attractive returns combined with commercial development and promising growth potential in a sizable market have put Grand Junction on the map for more than just local investors. There are many indications Grand Junction will be a great place to invest for the future with substantial upside in the years to come.

Kyle Serrano is a commercial broker with Bray Commercial in Grand Junction. For more information, call 241-2909 or visit www.braycommercial.com.

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Pinnacol video offers help in setting up safer home offices

Pinnacol Assurance offers an online video designed to help employees working remotely set up ergonomic home offices and reduce the risk of injuries.

The instructional video demonstrates how employees can adjust their chairs and workstation components. It addresses chair features and adjustments, workstation setup and positioning and desk organization.

“Employers with remote employees should be looking for any new occupational risks, and it should start with an ergonomic assessment,” said Cora Gaines, a Pinnacol safety consultant. “With so much time spent at our desks and computers, it is so important to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries — which also aims to reduce stress and increase efficiency and productivity.”

Regular remote work has become an option for more Coloradans. By one estimate, at least 70 percent of the work force will work from home at least five days a month by 2025.

Long-term remote work requires appropriate equipment and adjustment to avoid the common musculoskeletal injuries that make up a large proportion of workers’ compensation injuries for office workers. Pinnacol warns that businesses that aren’t already managing this risk could find out about injuries sustained by employees after the damage already has occurred.

The largest workers compensation insurer in Colorado, Pinnacol Assurance has provided insurance and other resources to businesses for 100 years. For additional information, visit www.pinnacol.com.

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September 16-29, 2021

The Business Times

COVID and flu present double threat As Mesa County continues to see community spread of COVID-19, it’s doubly important to protect yourself from the spread of germs as seasons change and the weather cools.

From dropping temperatures to leaves turning from green to yellow, September is a month of change in the Grand Valley.

At Mesa County Public Health, September is also the month we gear up for influenza, or flu, season. Historically, we start to see cases of flu in October. Although it can be hard to predict, the peak week usually falls between December and February. In 2020, the flu season was mild, with no pediatric deaths and just 34 hospitalizations across Colorado.

Amanda Like the seasons, our mild flu season Mayle is likely to change this year because two significant respiratory illnesses — COVID-19 and influenza — will circulate at the same time. In addition, such COVID-19 precautions that kept flu season at bay in 2020 as social distancing and mask-wearing are more relaxed now, possibly resulting in a more active flu season.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s possible to contract COVID-19 and the flu at the same time.

“You can only imagine how sick you’d feel having both viruses at once. Having one is enough to cause severe illness,” said Allison Sanchez, public health clinic manager at MCPH. “Last year, we didn’t have a COVID-19 vaccine available for most of the flu season. This year, we’re lucky to have effective vaccines available for both viruses.”

With availability of the COVID-19 vaccine now in many pharmacies and retailers, getting your COVID-19 shot can be just as convenient as the flu vaccine. The CDC allows the administration of both vaccines at the same time if the patient desires to receive them that way. The COVID-19 vaccine is available for free for everyone regardless of insurance status.

Employers know sick employees affect business. Absences affect productivity and can diminish the morale of healthy employees left to pick up the slack. Some employees worried about losing pay or getting behind might come to work sick, putting others at risk and increasing the impacts for the workplace as a whole.

As with COVID-19, taking steps to protect yourself against the flu helps minimize disruptions by keeping others around you healthy. Employees who are also caregivers — for their children or elderly parents — might miss work if a family member becomes ill and needs assistance. Protecting yourself also lessens the likelihood you’ll spread the virus to vulnerable people in our community.

Some groups, including older adults and people with chronic health conditions, are more likely to experience severe flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death.

During the 2017-2018 flu season, the most significant in recent years, 232 people in Mesa County were hospitalized due to influenza.

Flu vaccine is available at MCPH as well as at several area pharmacies and health care offices throughout the season.

The MCPH clinic is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. Call 248-6900 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.

MCPH has scheduled two drive-through vaccination clinics for Oct. 16 and 23 at 510 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Registration is required. A link will be available on the MCPH website at https://health.mesacounty.us starting Oct. 1.

Amanda Mayle is communication and marketing manager for Mesa County Public Health. Connect with Mesa County Public Health on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MesaCountyPublicHealth or on Twitter @MC_PublicHealth.

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Contributors Opinion Bold predictions for 2015 Here’s the column I wanted Pandemic demonstrates A new year Business affords more Briefs like but not-so-bold repeats to write, just can’t ... need for crisis planning a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PAGE age 22

The pandemic has shown Coloradans the importance small businesses play in our local and national economies. It was critical for entrepreneurs to change their business models and pivot overnight to new ways of selling their products and services.

The U.S. SmallanBusiness Administration A new year almost always brings opportunity for a fresh highlights start and of entrepreneurs and renewal of the small renewed ambition tothe doresilience things better. as to they build back better from theproducts economic In business, thatbusiness usually economy boils down providing customers better crisis on by thecompetitors. pandemic. Part of the process must and services faster and at brought lower cost than Alhough beating thewhat pandemic is front and center moving include listening to customers to determine they actually need and in then our economy forward, our nation remains vulnerable to a variety meeting that need. After all, it does little good to offer the latest and greatest if of natural disasters, including wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, nobody actually wants what you’re selling. blizzardsthat andbelong drought. has shown that Junction up to 25 percent Just like the businesses toHistory the group, the Grand Area of businesses close disasters reopen. of Chamber of Commerce invariablythat starts outbecause the newofyear with never a reassessment All Colorado businesses should crisiswith preparedness the services and resources it provides and how welldevelop they match members thatchairman take into consideration what we learned over the last needs. Jeff Franklin,plans the new of the chamber board of directors, Frances 18 months from the what pandemic.

Here arehis sixrole simple personifies this approach in describing he considers for business the coming Padilla strategies a business can use for future crises: year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a exposure.

Know your and the role with which Franklinnis Evaluate familiar as market president of community Bank of Colorado. typesThe of disasters mosttake likely affectstructured your business.

Consider your process will on atomore approach in what theproximity chamber to flood plains, wildfire areas other hazards.

Of course, thetoCOVID 19 pandemic plans as the resumption of aand program aptly called Listening Business.

Under the remains the first exposure issue on the list. program, business owners participate in in-depth interviews to identify barriers to n Review insurance coverage.

Consult your agent to determine whether growth and other problems they encounter. yourThe coverage is sufficient.

You might flood insurance.

Check into new year offers a good time toneed join separate the proverbial club. business insurance, which you cover operating expenses As aninterruption advertiser or reader, what dohelps you need from the Business Times? if you’re forced to temporarily close.

While business journals traditionally gather and report the relevant news to n Review your supply chain.

Establish relationships with alternate vendors readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street.

That’s especially true as in case your primary isn’t available.

Place occasional Web sites and e-mailsupplier make the dialogue more convenient thanorders ever. with them so they’ll regard you as an don’t activeexist customer.

Create aThey contact list fortoimportant Good publications in a vacuum. respond the needsbusiness of contractors and and vendors to usewhat’s in an needed. emergency. Keep this list offsite. advertisers readers. you Theyplan provide n Create a crisis communications plan. At the beginning of the pandemic, So what do you need? manyIsbusiness owners have contact their there additional didn’t news coverage thatinformation would help for keep youemployees informed and about vendors.

Establish an email/Twitter/Facebook alert system, primaryorand local business developments?

Are there features that wouldkeeping be interesting secondary emailadvice addresses yourmake employees, vendors and customers. Provide useful?

Is there thatfor would your jobs a little easier? updates your customers thewhat community so they in to business It’s to equally important and to ask you don’t need.know With you’re limitedstill time and in the process of rebuilding following a crisis. produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time and space be Establish written chain betterndevoted to asomething else?of command. Let your employees know the emergency command should your business What’s chain good?ofWhat isn’t? What’s needed?

What close. isn’t? Maintain a clear leave and sick dayknow. policy during disasters.

Have a backup should your Let us Send us an e-mail. Comment onlinepayroll on theservice Business Times Web office destroyed. site at be www.thebusinesstimes.com.

You could even write an old-fashioned letter to n Develop a continuity The plan should stateand when it will be activated, the editor if you’d like. Yourplan. feedback, both positive negative, is valued and identify essential business functions and staff to carry out these functions, determine will be carefully considered. which employees will beare considered essential andstaffs, identify Good publications the resultnon-essential of not only versus the efforts of their but also records and documents that mustadvertisers be securedand andreaders. accessible to perform key functions. collaborative efforts involving Like any other good business, we want to listen to our customers, find out Frances is director of the U.S. Small Business Administration Colorado what theyPadilla need and then meet those needs. district oversees agency programs It’s and a new year. Please help us to doand so. services across the state. For more information, visit www.sba.gov. ✦ F

THE BUSINESS TIMES

609 North Ave., Suite 2, Grand Junction, CO 81501 TEL (970) 424-5133 • FAX (970) 424-5134

Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall

Editor: Phil Castle

Reach advertising at: publisher@thebusinesstimes.com Reach the editor at: phil@thebusinesstimes.com.

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

Copyright © 2015 — AllCopyright rights reserved. © 2021 — All rights reserved.

As readers know, I usually It’s many that time of year when have no problem writing whatever’s on resolutions and prognostications abound. my I also use applied hackneyed humor, My mind. favorite saying to New Year’s slathering and honed resolutionssarcasm is in saying they’rehypocrisy basically a in my columns.

Oh,to I occasionally useweek bunch of promises break the first alliteration. always use sets of three of January. And Iwhile I won’t predict a in sentences.

I read somewhere threes work whole lot, I can pretty much accurately best to make a point, nail awhen few using thingsexamples that without question stress opinions and get facts open. will make the news.

You willinto seethe these are Yetwell, today, I’d use pretty, predictable: those■atPrediction my own risk. one: You I wrote Theresee, willif be somethe column I wantedevent, to sort of weather write natural...disaster or n I’d write heinous occurrence about vacuous, wherethe someone will hypocritical Alexandria be interviewed and say Ocasio-Cortez the following: (AOC) “I’ve wearing an insulting, never seen anything tacky andinexpensive like that my white gownIt’s to as a if this Craig Hall lifetime.”

Craig Hall $30,000 person isAaPLATE required “gala” with vapid phrase “Tax the Rich” attendee at the every news looking gang-tagged across her backside. reporting event. While I understand most Forgetting she looked can like indeed a Chick-fil-A people’s perspective be limited to-go (lovely twist of irony there)personal and by, orbag contained within, their own some bad fashion experiences, it is and too political much toadvice, ask to her blindness to thehistorical real worldperspective was on display consult some before for her maskless co-mingling with the verycan saying such a thing?

Yes, this response group claimsevents. she’s against while apply she to some But when it lusting comes to become exclusive weatheran and natural member. disasters, I’m pretty the barrel the gun ofitself. sure AOC this isuses simply historyofrepeating government to not the rich, rather tax Same as it has for tax millions andbut millions of the middle and poorthe with her demands years.

Moreclass important, planet made it! to tax everything thespecies. sun or take away What didn’t wereunder certain How’s every product and freedom we need, desire that for perspective? and have a right totwo: so she and her elite to a ■ Prediction When it comes friends control allthat us occurs rubes. Tying this to crime orcan something between COVID-19 therequired budget isattendee simply evil. humans, theand other at all I’d discuss howisgovernment newsnreporting events the person who is firing who refuse take an says this:staff “They we’re justtothe nicest experimental Since thesomething people, and invaccine. no way did I see federal has noNo power to like thisgovernment coming.” Exactly. one does constitutionally this to against most of the time “mandate” when it comes individual rights and yet has upheld the neighbors and acquaintances.

People should right to “choose” ( unconstitutionally), be surprised at what goes on from time to how thisneighborhoods, occur? I can tell youand how: time does in their towns extortion. further for an expert with peopleLook theyno know because people are than “Son of atimes Bitch” the good.Joe And for the thatBiden they as shouldn’t guy to do it.— He’s been a bully (ask be shocked likealways with politicians, repeat Ukraine), and terrorists now he has a pulpit the and offenders and — where’s uses it against the people. interview that says, “This doesn’t surprise Joe using for his extortion? me inWhat’s the least.”

His go to: the threat of withholding ■ Prediction three: Something good federal money to those who will happen economically, andrefuse the to comply — be it payroll, Medicare or most government will take credit for it. The Medicaid or theismyriad federal subsidies recent example gas prices, where people from spending the trillions wepresident don’t have. ask me why I won’t credit the for I’ve never met My an actual low gas prices. answerextortionist is simple: (well, maybe one on a small scale).

But I’d Government never makes the price of have to believe one who and usessimply big business and something go down takes credit leverages taxpayer for good news.

Gas monies pricing isagainst subjectthe to citizenry is the lowest form. many global factors.

Now there are n I’d write abouttoour little dictator government answers addressing some of in Denver for prices going stable along with the same them to keep for Americans, tactic as we all knew he would given but our—government has none of them in his lustThe for only power and control allinthethe place. things it has inover place

SePtember 16-29, 2015 2021 JANUARY 15-28,

people healways feels wronged by throughout his long run hurt consumers.

Another life. be honest, that’s why most folks go fact To is that unemployment reaches a certain into revenge.

Because getting levelpolitics: based on the economy.

And whileone’s the way throughmight government force is, forisall too government brag the number low, many, thethan onlylikely way they can get theirdid way. it’s more the government What did Pontius wash his low something to cause thatPolis number being hands health workers when — andof? notFiring in a good way.care Conversely, across thepicks stateup, who to the comply business it’srefuse because people with his “emergency” orders takenotan who need to buy widgets who to were experimental I know plentywas in buying widgetsinjection. because the economy Mesa County already lost their contracting duewho’ve to natural (or unnatural, jobs as I type.

Oh sure, they decided were good government caused) reasons, we enough to some do thewidgets. governor’s work in better buy The dirty government getting the numbers hethis. needed to keep the had nothing to do with emergency going.four: NowInhe’s firingwith them ■ Prediction keeping to keepthe thegovernment numbers hedoes, needs to extend things I predict the it.

And he’s abusing the overseers of “public government will manipulate the numbers to health” do it the because he’s issimply make thetoclaim economy gettinga coward.

If COVID (orhard the itfluisor any to better because of how working other virus or“working coronavirus we’ve treated help all of us Americans.”

Now differently) didn’t sicken thissay should. you might say, “Craig, youyou, always this I’d write Obama about Mesa County. aboutnPresident because you don’t Between hospitals like him.”the You’re right and in a county sense. I don’t commissioners, I’mwhat deeply saddened and know the man, but I know of him and angered by their actions But his thinking, I don’t like and it orinactions. him one iota. such things when one’s placelike at the Before you happen go off, however, I didn’t trough is threatened.

Given how the county President Bush and his bailouts, stimulus tracks show even the and his“outbreaks” abandoningand thecan’t free market to save smallest of ones And in a hospital or medical the free market.

I don’t know him setting outside couple of contained ones either. What thea government does, and the in senior what theeconomy. impetus only thinghomes, it can just do, is hurtisthe of theseitfirings?

Healthor care have Unless does nothing putworkers criminals in done the jobofand kept folks safethem, whilenothing jail instead partnering with healing them — does and did volunteering for the government willsohelp.

Always look extra shifts, in the dangerous settings at it this way,working whatever government says and without thelaw it it is being doing,declared whateverheroes the name of the injection. we now fire forgoal this?of is passing,But or whatever thepeople name or Where are our commissioners? the bureaucracy it iscounty presenting to the Why haven’t theretocan people, expectthey the mandated polar opposite occur. be noI firings for anyone exercising guess what I’m saying is thattheir inalienable tooour busy perhaps it’srights? time toAre getthey out of own searching forThere’s anotherplenty proclamation because perspective. of history they’ve runhistorical out? Where are ourout community books and research there to “leaders” on this? Waiting begin to understand that allforofthe thisstage has and mics to be before. set up for theitDillard’s opening? happened And will again, Let’sthe face it, ifisyou giveor most elected whether topic people government. officials, bureaucrats or The appointed best recommendation is to find community emergency powers, some booksleaders or try that whole Google you canThere’s be damned an emergency will thing. a lot sure of information on the occur. since COVID worked, you can Great And Depression.

The truth is it wasn’t be further ensured we’llthe begovernment living undergot even a good one until some emergency of ouroflives.

And involved.

There’sthe alsorest plenty research if for one minute the when Republicans onyou thethink medieval warm period the (like allegedly have here) won’t dowith the planetwewas much warmer than today same once power back, I guess a whole lotthey lessget people (and warmer well you aren’t the fact Warp Speed before manseeing was here at all).

And yep,kills.

Don’t me killing started other on schools and people havegetbeen surprised their “masked” dictates lead to only people since history wasthat first written. one conclusion —research they ownwill ourhelp kids.stop Maybe some alas, I can’tOtherwise, write about these all ofBut these trends. we’ll be kinds things.

I could advertising. sayingofwe’ve never seenlose anything like it in So leave it be. ourI’ll lives.

And not in a good way.

Craig Craig Hall Hall isis owner ownerand andpublisher publisherofofthe the Business Business Times.

Times. Reach Reachhim himatat424-5133 424-5133or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

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The Business Times

September 16-29, 2021

Add property ownership to the lengthening list of endangered rights in U.S. “Within a frame of transformation, the edges of the energy system begin to soften and meld into other notions of property, beyond private resource ownership and toward conceptions of shared management and control,” said Shalanda Baker, the law professor on leave from Northeastern University and nominee to become director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Think about that statement for a moment. The right to own and use private property and other resources for personal and public benefit is an essential characteristic of a market economy.

Individual rights to own and use private Phyllis property and make Hunsinger economic choices about this property are protected by the Constitution.

So what does this aspiring bureaucrat mean when she says we need to go “beyond private resource ownership and toward conceptions of shared management and control?” Is she suggesting nationalization, the process of transforming privately owned assets into public assets by bringing them under the public ownership of a national or state government?

For the past year, the private property rights of landlords have been affected by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention edict forbidding them from evicting tenants. These orders have forced landlords to accommodate tenants who can’t pay rent with no consideration or compensation to landlords. Doesm’t this violate the notion the law protects economic choice about private property? Even after the Supreme Court ruled the moratorium on collecting rent needed congressional action before it could be implemented, the Joe Biden administration ignored the ruling and reimposed the rent moratorium in many counties in the United States.

Sean Ross of Investopedia wrote: “Private property rights are central to a capitalist economy, its execution and its legal defenses. Capitalism is built on the free exchange of goods and services between different parties, and nobody can rightfully trade property they don’t own. Conversely, property rights provide a legal framework

Losing the right to own property in the U.S. will be accomplished in the same insidious way Americans are gradually losing free speech and other rights guaranteed by the Constitution. for prosecuting aggression against non-voluntary means of acquiring resources; there is no need for capitalist trade in a society where people could simply take from others what they want by force or the threat of force. Private property promotes efficiency by giving the owner of resources an incentive to maximize its value.”

Losing the right to own property in the U.S. will be accomplished in the same insidious way Americans are gradually losing free speech and other rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Faceless bureaucrats declare some emergency du jour and trample or confiscate individual rights for the perceived good of society. Despite rhetoric about the greater good, the people who suffer most when individual rights are undermined — including the right to own property — are usually poor people, minorities and others with little political power.

When Shalanda Baker speaks of rethinking the notion of private property and the need to embrace concepts of shared management and control, does she include water? In Colorado, individuals own water.

Does she include your business? Once the erosion of individual rights begins, where will it end?

Private property rights and the market economy are at risk. Citizens must wake up.

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. For more information, visit www.free-dom.us.com. A former teacher, principal and superintendent, Hunsinger wrote “Down and Dirty: A ‘How To’ Math Book” Reach her through email at phyllis@free-dom.us.com.

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

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Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n PUBLIC ACCOUNTING AND ADVISORY FIRM OFFERS WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Dalby, Wendland & Co., a regional public accounting and business advisory firm based in Grand Junction, now offers wealth management services.

DWC Wealth Advisors integrates wealth management services with estate planning, retirement and tax services.

“The combination of having a CPA advisor and wealth advisor on the same team Chris West and collaborating to provide advice on every aspect of your tax and financial planning and legacy goals is rare and incredibly beneficial,” said Chris West, chief executive officer of Dalby, Wendland & Co. “There is oftentimes a gap in communication between tax and business advisors, the client and outside wealth advisors. We understand that the success of our clients’ finances, goals and strategies start with coordinated communication and coooperation among unified professionals Kevin Price who always have the client’s best interest and excellent service in mind.”

DWC Wealth Advisors engaged two independent financial planners — Kevin Price and Jason Stanfield — to help clients. Each brings more than 20 years of financial and wealth planning experience to their roles, including financial planning for wealth accumulation and preservation as well as investment and portfolio analysis.

DWC Wealth Advisors offers fee-based Jason Stanfield services. Advisors don’t receive commissions from selling specific investment or insurance products.

“We maintain a proactive, long-term and purpose-driven planning approach with our wealth services versus a beat-the-market mindset,” West said.

For more information, visit www.DWCWealthAdvisors.com. n APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH OCT. 15 FOR LATEST BRAY CARES FOUNDATION GRANTS Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Oct. 15 for the latest round of grants from the Bray Cares Foundation.

Grants of $500 to $5,000 will be awarded to qualified, tax-exempt organizations working to address housing needs in Mesa County. Grants will target projects that provide emergency shelter and rent assistance, offer affordable housing for those dealing with special needs and help seniors and veterans stay in their homes.

Now in its third year, the Bray Cares Foundation has awarded a total of $40,000 in grants. The foundation plans to award $35,000 this year to bring total grant distributions to $75,000 in celebration of the 75th year of business for Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction.

Bray Real Estate established the Bray Cares Foundation and works with the Western Colorado Community Foundation to raise funding and award grants to address housing needs in Mesa County.

For more information, including grant applications, log on to https://wc-cf.org/nonprofits/grantmaking/BrayCares.

The Business Times

SePtember 16-29, 2021

SHARE YOUR NEWS

NOTEWORTHY

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

A Colorado real estate investment firm has secured a $15 million loan to construct an apartment complex and RV park in Grand Junctiion.

Four Points Funding received the loan from FirstBank for the Eddy at Grand Junction. The project will include a 96-unit apartment complex and 74-unit RV park.

“Grand Junction has all the key fundamentals to benefit from the migration to Colorado’s Western Slope,” said Stephanie S. Copeland Copeland, a partner at Four Points Funding. “Good schools, exceptional hospitals, outdoor recreation, a recently expanded airport and a growing small business community make Grand Junction an attractive place for young people and families seeking an alternative to the density of the Denver and Boulder markets.”

Stacey Novak, vice president at FirstBank, said she was excited to work with Four Points Funding on the project.

“We’ve been watching Grand Junciton’s growth trajectory for some time and recognize how much housing resources are needed to help this wonderful community continue to be a great place to live, work and play for many Coloradans. We know Fourt Points will make a sizable impact, and are excited to bring their vision to life.”

Four Points Funding focuses on Colorado projects located in opportunity zones offering tax incentives for investments. Most of those projects involve multifamily housing developments in areas experiencing rapid population and economic growth.

For more information about Four Points Funding, log on to www.fourpointsfunding.com.

n PUBLIC FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN UNDER WAY FOR TWO RIVERS WILDFIRE COALITION A public fund-raising campaign is scheduled to continue through Sept. 30 for the Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition.

The Western Colorado Community Foundation will match donations up to $5,000. Funding also will enable the coalition to pursue larger grants.

A collaborative effort of federal, state, local, nonprofit and private agencies, the coalition strives to protect Mesa County communities and natural resourcs through wildfire fuels reduction projects as well as response and recovery.

“Our next step is to bring in grant monies to support mitigation across land ownership in our high-risk communities,” said Pete Firmin, fund-raising and grants chairman of the Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition.

“So many of these grants require a match or they reimbuse costs, and we need this seed money to make that happen.”

Emily Orbanek, programs director for the Western Colorado Community Foundation, said the foundation was pleased to support the coalition. “The coalition’s work is urgent as Western Colorado grapples with more frequent wildfires.”

For more information about the coalition and its fund-raising campaign, visit www.TwoRiversWildfireCoalition.org. n ROCKY MOUNTAIN GUN CLUB ANNOUNCES IT’S CLOSING GRAND JUNCTION FACILITIES Rocky Mountain Gun Club has closed its indoor ranges and other facilities in Grand Junction.

The club announced the closure in a news release, citing challenges over the past two years. “This is a heartbreaking reality for us all, ownership, members, staff and the community we serve.”

The club announced plans to reimburse unused membership dues as store credit or cash, contact the owners of consigned items to return their items as well as arrange with storage tenants to move their recreational vehicles and boats.

The actions are scheduled for completion by Sept. 30.

For more information, call 523-7642. n WESTERN COLORADO UNIONS SPONSOR MOBILE COVID VACCINATION CLINIC The Western Colorado Trades and Labor Assembly will join with Colorado WINS, the International Brotherhood of Electricians, IBEW Local 111, CEA and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment to sponsor a mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Grand Junction.

The CDHPE vaccine bus will offer free vaccinations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 19 in the former Sutherland’s parking lot at 2405 Patterson Road. No appointments, health insurance or identification cards will be required.

Incentives will be offered, including vouchers for fishing licenses and parks passes.

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BusinessBriefs Briefs Business BusinessPeople People Almanac Business Almanac

n GRAND JUNCTION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES PROMOTION AND ADDITION

Candace Carnahan has been promoted to vice president of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kirstin Maska has joined the chamber as workforce development coordinator.

“I am excited for the changes that we have made internally,” said Candace Carnahan Diane Schwenke, president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our members will not only see the quality of our service to them continue, but can expect that service to grow.”

In her new role, Carnahan will oversee business retention and expansion activities as well as fund-raising and programing.

She’s worked with the chamber Kirstin Maska more than six years, handling events, communications, marketing and programming. She’s a graduate of the Western Association of Chamber Executives Chamber Academy and was named to the WACE Emerging Leaders Council.

“Promoting a strong business climate and a healthy economy is something I am passionate about and am excited to contribute to for the foreseable future,” she said.

Maska previously worked as a youth coordinator at the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction and served as a volunteer mentor for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.

For more information about the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, call 242-3214 or visit the website at htttps://gjchamber.org. n GRAND JUNCTION ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP HIRES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Matt Bell has joined the Grand Junction Economic Partnership as business development manager.

Bell works with Steve Jozefczyk, deputy director of GJEP, to support businesses through expansion and relocation, providing information and assistance with government relations, incentives, industry connections and real estate.

Matt Bell Prior to joining GJEP, Bell worked nearly five years as a sales and marketing representative for a power tool company.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction in business administration and sports management.

GJEP promotes the economic vitality and quality of life in Mesa County by supporting capital investment and job creation through a range of free services. For more information, call 245-4332 or visit the website located at www.gjep.org.

The Business Times

SHARE YOUR NEWS 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. n GRAND JUNCTION AUTHOR RELEASES FIRST ROMANCE NOVEL IN SERIES Grand Junction author Terri Benson has released a new novel in conjunction with the Champagne Book Group.

“The Angel and the Demon,” the first book in the Lead Me Into Temptation Series, tells the story of Angelique Lawson, a 24-year-old spinster responsible for getting Demon Daugherty healthy enough to hang. The man isn’t a murderous train Terri Benson robber, though, but the owner of the railroad and a nearby gold mine.

The novel is available in electronic format through online and traditional book sellers. A paperback edition will be available in the near future.

The novel is the second historical romance for Benson, who also wrote “An Unsinkable Love” based on the Titanic disaster.

Benson expects to release a mystery later this year titled “Pickup Artist” through Literary Wanderlust.

A life-long resident of Grand Junction, Benson has written nearly 100 articles and short stories. She’s a member of the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime and teaches classes on writing fiction at Western Colorado Community College.

For more information, visit the website located at www.terribensonwriter.com. n TWO GRAND JUNCTION WOMEN APPOINTED TO STATE BOARDS Barbara Brewer of Grand Junction has been reappointed to a four-year term on the State Board of Equalization.

Bridget Reyes of Grand Junction has been appointed to the HIV Alliance for Prevention, Care and Treatment.

Brewer, a former Mesa County assessor, serves on the State Board of Equalization as a representative with knowledge of property taxation. She’s one of two governor appointees on the five-member board.

The board reviews the valuations of real and personal property and changes valuations to equally distribute the state tax burden.

Reyes will serve a term on the HIV Alliance expiring Feb. 27, 2024.

The HIV Alliance promotes prevention, care and treatment programs for HIV and AIDS and advises the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on issues, trends and policies pertaining to HIV and AIDS in the state.

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SePtember 16-29, 2021

Sept. 16 n Business startup workshop, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Koko’s Tavern, 152 S. Mesa St., Fruita. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Sept. 17 n Free Western Colorado virtual construction forum offering information about construction opportunities and finding employees, 9 a.m. to noon. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org.

Sept. 21 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce free Zoom presentation on becoming an employer of choice, 10 to 11 a.m. Registration required. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 Sept. 23 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Be Sweet Bake Shop, 150 W. Main St., Grand Junction. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Sept. 29 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce free presentation on the benefits of chamber membership, noon, chamber offices, 360 Grand Ave., and online through Zoom. http://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business wine tasting and tour, 3 to 6 p.m., Colterris Winery, 3907 N. River Road, Palisade.

Admission $25 to $99. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 Upcoming n Western Slope Economic Summit, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30, Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Admission $75 for individuals, $800 for sponsored tables for 10. www.westcoeconomicsummit.com n Colorado Department of Transportation career fair, 3 to 6 p.m., Sept. 30, CDOT facility located at 2328 G Road, Grand Junction. n Business startup workshop, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Oct. 5, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55.

243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org. n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Oct. 7, Fiesta Guadalajara, 103 U.S. Highway 50, Fruita.

858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business free networking lunch, noon, Oct. 7, JXN Station, 571 21 Road, Grand Junction.

Participants should bring a salad or side dish to share with six servings. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20, Basecamp RV Resort, 985 N. River Road. Admission $6 in advance.

464-7458 or https://palisadecoc.com F

September 16-29, 2021

The Business Times

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Page 28

The Business Times

SePtember 16-29, 2021