The Business Times Volume 30 Issue 19

THE BUSINESS T IMES News OCTOBER 12-25, 2023

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

In this issue

VOLUME 30, ISSUE 19

THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Trends 2 Contributors Opinion 4 Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac It takes

n Bearish outlook

Colorado business leaders remain bearish heading into the fourth quarter, according to the latest results of a survey.

n Showcase event An upcoming conference is expected to showcase Mesa County to decision makers from across Colorado.

n Costco coming The opening of a Costco is expected to account for 275 new jobs and a capital investment of $59 million.

n Taxing matters

6

Sales tax collections lagged for Mesa County in September compared to the same month a year ago, the latest report shows.

n The i’s have it

23

When it comes to Mesa County real estate, the i’s have it — as in higher interest rates and lower inventories.

n Changing rules

25

The National Labor Relations Board has once again changed the way it evaluates workplace rules.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

34-35 32 34 25-29 2-22 30-31 23-24

a village n Improvements and

new tenants revitalizing shopping center. Page 2

Mike Park, a Realtor and property manager with the Christi Reece Group, inspects the progress inside a Family Dollar and Dollar Tree store expected to soon open in the Monument Village Shopping Center in Grand Junction.

At 20,000 square feet, the combo store will be one of the largest of its kind for the national chain. Park expects building improvements and new tenants to revitalize the center.

Business Times photo by Phil Castle

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 67 The Business Times 609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501

THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

Page 2

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Colorado business leaders “bearish” Fourth quarter survey

Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

reflects concerns over interest rates, inflation

Colorado business leaders remain pessimistic heading into the fourth quarter, according to the latest results of an index tracking their expectations.

While the economy has performed better than they anticipated, leaders remain worried about the effects of interest rates, inflation and politics.

“It is notable that a majority of business leaders reported that B. Lewandowski the 2023 economy has outperformed their expectations through the first half of the year, while still remaining bearish on their economic outlook,” said Brian Lewandowski, executive director of the business research division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

The Leads Business Confidence Index declined a half point to 43.6 for the fourth quarter. A reading below 50 reflects more negative than positive responses to the quarterly survey upon which the index is based. The business research division calculates the index.

Three of the six individual components of the index advanced and three retreated.

All six remained below 50.

Expectations for the Colorado economy rose six-tenths of a point to 45.5 for the fourth quarter with 24.3 percent of business leaders who responded to the latest survey forecasting moderate or strong increases. At 41.9 percent, more said they expected moderate or strong decreases.

And 33.8 percent anticipated no change.

The individual score was once again lowest for expectations for the national economy despite increasing nine-tenths of a point to 40.2. While 18.1 percent of business leaders forecast moderate or strong increases, 51.1 percent anticipated moderate or strong decreases. Another 30.6 percent expected no change.

The score was once against highest for expectations for sales, edging up twotenths of a point to 48.2. While 30.8 percent of leaders anticipated moderate or strong increases, 36 percent forecast moderate or strong decreases. Another 33.3 percent expected no change.

See BEARISH page 22

Mike Park, a Realtor and property manager with the Christi Reece Group, inspects the progress inside a Family Dollar and Dollar Tree store expected to soon open in the Monument Village Shopping Center in Grand Junction in what used to be a Safeway. Park expects building improvements and new tenants to revitalize the shopping center.

It takes a village Renovations and new tenants revitalizing Redlands shopping center

A

s Mike Park surveys the Monument Village Shopping Center, he sees what he considers substantial progress: landscaping, outdoor seating and paving. That’s not to mention the renovations under way inside a combined Family Dollar and Dollar Tree store he expects to soon open as anchor tenant.

Park is still looking, though, for more — a restaurant and a few other tenants that will further revitalize the retail center in the Redlands area of Grand Junction.

“It’s finding the right pieces of the puzzle to make it all come together.”

A Realtor and property manager with the Christi Reece Group in Grand Junction, Park represents and manages Monument Village Center. He works with Mike Ascione Group One Integrity Broadway, which purchased the center in early 2022.

Park is familiar with Monument Village Center not only in his role as a property manager. Before he started working in real estate, he worked in the meat department in the Safeway store that once operated there.

A lot has changed since then, he says. Most notably, a space that long remained vacant after Safeway closed finally has been repurposed. Moreover, he says new owners have brought new life to the shopping center with their investments in renovations and their commitment to creating a center that

attracts new customers and tenants.

Mike Ascione, one of the managing members of Group One, says the owners share a passion with the community to restore the shopping center to a more prominent role. “We want Monument Village to be a hub for the community — a place to gather, relax and enjoy. We have a really great foundation with our current tenants. The added convenience of shopping in the Redlands will really add to that.”

Park says Monument Village offers a number of businesses that attract customers, including a liquor store, chiropractic and counseling offices, dance studio and barbershop. Monument Village Coffee Shop constitutes a popular meeting place.

There’s room for more tenants, though, in three buildings with a total of 54,000 square feet of space, Park says.

A Family Dollar and Dollar Tree store will occupy more than 20,000 square feet of the former Safeway store. That will make the operation one of the largest of the new combo stores for the national chain, he says. He expects that operation to open before Thanksgiving and sell a variety of merchandise that will include some foods and beverages as well as household supplies, seasonal items and toys.

“It’s a what did I forget type store,” Park says will offer residents the convenience of picking up a few needed items without having to drive to a larger grocery store or department store.

See VILLAGE page 20

STORY AND PHOTO BY PHIL CASTLE

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 3

Page 4

The Business Times

The Business Times 609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 424-5133 www.thebusinesstimes.com The Business Times is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade.

Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or advertisers.

Copyright © 2023 — All rights reserved

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Conference expected to showcase the valley to economic developers

Economic Development Council of Colorado schedules Grand Junction event for Oct. 18-20 Phil Castle

The Business Times

An upcoming conference is expected to showcase Mesa County to economic development decision makers from across Colorado.

The Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) has scheduled its 2023 Drive Lead Succeed Conference for Oct. 18 to 20 in Grand Junction.

With tours, an exposition and other events, the event Curtis Englehart will draw attention to the area and its businesses, said Curtis Englehart, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. “We’re really excited to be a part of it.”

The conference will exert shortterm economic effects in bringing people to Grand Valley hotels and restaurants, Englehart said.

But the long-term effect could be more profound in bringing businesses to the area, he said.

Englehart credited Steve Jozefczyk, deputy director of GJEP and a member of the EDCC board of directors, for his role in planning the conference.

Established in 1976, the EDCC promotes economic development and represents the interests of both the public and private sectors across the state.

Members of the council come from local and regional organizations and governments, chambers of commerce, universities and private industries.

Englehart said council members include high-level decision makers.

The conference will feature a range of speakers as well as panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions.

Presentations will address such topics as housing, land use, tourism, workforce development and the changing economic climate. Nathan Perry, an economics professor at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, will moderate a panel discussion on data sources.

“Nowhere else will you find a better opportunity to collaborate and connect with a greater diversity of peers, business professionals, policy experts and others

with a stake in an economically healthy Colorado,” said Drew Kramer, an economic development program manager for the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and chairman of the EDCC. In addition to sessions at the Grand Junction Convention Center, the conference will include five interactive tours set for Oct. 18 showcasing agritourism, industry, manufacturing and new developments in the Grand Valley.

Englehart said the tours will include the riverfront and downtown areas in Grand Junction as well as Fruita and Palisade. “We’re really trying to showcase our valley from end to end.”

The riverfront tour will include the Las Colonias business park and Dos Rios development.

What’s billed as a “hidden gems” tour will include stops at the CoorsTek, Innovative Textiles and Reynolds Polymer manufacturing facilities in Grand Junction.

A tour along Main Street in downtown Grand Junction will feature the history and public art of the district.

The Fruita tour will include the Fruita Arts & Recreation Marketplace, Imondi Wake Zone, Colorado National Monument and mountain biking with Over the Edge.

The Palisade tour will include stops Peachfork Orchards & Vineyards, Whitewater Hill Vineyards and Z’s Orchard.

The conference also will include an outdoor recreation manufacturing and retail expo scheduled for 3:15 to 6:15 p.m.

Oct. 18. The expo will be free and open to the public.

More than 20 businesses from across Western Colorado are expected to participate. They’ll include seven participants from Mesa County: GJ Adventures, the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission, Loki, MRP, QuickrStuff, Roam Events and the Roam Collective and Wet Dreams River Supply.

An awards dinner and ceremony is planned at the Avalon Theater in downtown Grand Junction to recognize the achievements of economic development stakeholders and elected officials.

The EDCC contracted with Confluence Woodcraft, a custom woodworking firm operating out of the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction, to create awards featuring materials from the Grand Valley.

F

FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about the Economic Development Council of Colorado conference, including speakers and key topics, log on to https://edcconline.org/2023-dls-conference. A locals rate is available for those who want to attend for a day.

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Costco operation expected to include 275 new jobs and $59 million investment A Costco Wholesale operation opening in Grand Junction is expected to include 275 net new jobs and a $59 million capital investment.

“What this will do is bring jobs, quality jobs that pay well and have really impressive benefit packages and offer opportunities for advancement to people within this community,” said Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout Anna Stout.

Curtis Englehart, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, also hailed the development. “This is a legacy win for our community, and it speaks volumes about the positive Curtis Englehart business environment and opportunities available in the region. Costco’s presence in the Grand Junction area will not only enhance the retail landscape, it will also contribute significantly to the job creation and economic growth for Mesa County and surrounding areas.”

The new Costco will be located on the north side of 24 Road and Interstate Highway 70 and is anticipated to be open in 2026.

The Grand Junction City Council voted to approved the development on Oct. 4. In August, the council authorized the creation of a metropolitan district, allowing the developer to repay a portion of infrastructure costs on the project with sales tax revenue it would normally turn over to the city. The infrastructure will become city property.

The original deal had the City of Grand Junction forgoing $8.5 million in sales tax. After further deliberation and conversations with city and county leaders as well as the developer, the council voted

to increase the original $8.5 million in forgone sales tax up to $12.3 million.

Mark Goldberg, owner of Goldberg Properties and lead developer on the project, called the move by the Grand Junction City Council the “linchpin” of the deal.

Mesa County has pledged $200,000 towards public infrastructure improvements along with a business personal property tax incentive.

The opening of Costco is expected to bolster the Grand Valley as a regional economic hub as well as affect Mesa County through job creation, increased economic activity, investment in infrastructure and community engagement.

Costco is projected to create 275 net new jobs ranging from entry level to management with an average annual wage of $47,507.

The retailer will also bring a significant capital investment of $59 million with the development and construction of the facility.

Over the first 20 years of operation, Costo is projected to generate: n $64.2 million for Mesa County. n $11.7 million for Mesa County School District 51. n $8.3 million for the City of Grand Junction. n $2.6 million for Fruita. n $1.8 million for Palisade. n $774,000 for Collbran. n $774,000 for De Beque.

Englehart said the Grand Junction Economic Partnership worked with Costco’s developers, providing information about labor force and migration, site selection support, identification of potential incentives and connecting developers with key community stakeholders.

The effort to bring Costco to Grand Junction also was a result of collaboration among local economic development partners, he said, including the City of Grand Junction and Mesa County as well as the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

F

Tickets available for TEDx event

Tickets are available for a TEDx event scheduled for Nov. 4 in Grand Junction.

A series of presentations and stories are planned for the event at the Love Recital Hall in the Moss Performing Arts Center at Colorado Mesa University. Doors will open at 10 a.m.

TEDx events feature talks and performances by thought-provoking speakers with innovative ideas — similar to a Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) conference. But TEDx events are organized independently on a community by community basis.

The theme for the Grand Junction event will be”Breakthrough: The Power of Us.” The event will offer a range of presentations intended to spark curiosity while engaging, educating and empowering the audience.

Tickets and updates about speakers are available at the TEDx Grand Junction website at www.tedxgj.com.

F

Page 5

Page 6

The Business Times

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Mesa County sales tax collections lag in September Sales tax collections declined on a year-over-year basis for Mesa County in September, although year-to-date collections in 2023 continue to outpace 2022.

The county collected more than $4.2 million in sales taxes in September. That was a 5.1 percent decrease compared to the same month a year ago. September collections reflect August sales.

Through the first three quarters of 2023, the county collected more than $36.7 million in sales taxes. That’s up nine-tenths of a percent from the same span in 2022.

Mesa County collected another $14 million in sales taxes through the first three quarters of 2023 it distributed back to cities and towns in the county. Grand Junction received more than $8.1 million. Fruita received more than $2.5 million and Palisade nearly $1.8 million. Collbran and DeBeque each received $760,103.

MESA COUNTY TAX COLLECTIONS

Sept. 2022 Sept. 2023 Sales tax $4,471,181 $4,243,291 Use tax $413,753 $384,680 Total $4,884,934 $4,627,971

Change -5.1% -7% -5.3%

The county collected more than $2.4 million in taxes on retail sales in September, a drop of 7 percent from the same month last year. Collections decreased 13.4 percent for automobiles, 12.3 percent for home improvements and 4.5 percent for general merchandise.

Sales tax collections totaled more than $1.8 million for other industries, a year-over-year decline of 2.5 percent.

Through the first three quarters of 2023, Mesa County

collected almost $21.3 million in taxes on retail sales. That was a decrease of nearly $540,000 and 2.5 percent from the same span in 2022. A 14.2 percent decrease on tax collections on home improvements more than offset a 2.2 percent increase in tax collections on general merchandise.

Sales tax collections totaled nearly $15.5 million for other industries, an increase of 6 percent. Collections rose 10 percent for the wholesale category and 5.4 percent for the hotel and restaurant category.

Use tax collections — nearly all of it on automobiles purchased outside the county, but used in the county — totaled $384,680 in September. That was a 7 percent decline from the same month a year ago. For the first three quarters of 2023, use tax collections totaled almost $3.3 million, down three-tenths of a percent from the same span in 2022.

F

City schedules Halloween-themed meet and greet at Whitman Park

The City of Grand Junction has scheduled a Halloween-themed “Get to Know Your City” event.

The free event is set for 4 to 6 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Whitman Park.

“We are hosting this Halloween version of Get to Know Your City to include aspects that are fun and informative, with a nod to the season with tricks and treats as well as our community’s haunted Greg Caton history,” said Grand Junction City Manager Greg Caton.

“In addition to displays with information about city projects, the event showcases one of the city’s original four historic parks along with offering interactive games and a chance for kids to enjoy some of the vehicles we use in our work to keep the city clean and safe.”

The event will feature games, tricks and treats for the kids and a Touch-ATruck event on Fourth Street, which will be closed for the event. City staff will present information about projects, plans and new initiatives.

Warm cider will be served. The first 200 participants to complete their spooky bingo cards will receive a bag of treats from Caton. Displays will also include a history of buildings and locations in the community thought to be haunted.

Participants are encouraged to park in lots on Colorado Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets, at Ute Avenue and Sixth Street, the History Museum or at metered parking downtown. They should enter Whitman Park at the signal and crosswalk on the intersection of Fifth Street and Ute Avenue.

“City staff have been working hard to prepare the park for special event reservations, and we are excited to host the first event as part of our reimagining of how Whitman Park can be used by the community,” Caton said.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Now offering enhanced nationwide workers’ compensation insurance We go where Colorado business grows Pinnacol was born in Colorado, and we understand that many businesses rooted here expand and flourish across the country. We now offer enhanced nationwide workers’ comp coverage to meet the needs of Colorado’s businesses as they grow.

Page 7

Page 8

The Business Times

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Campaign under way to promote mental health

A campaign will continue through October in Mesa County to encourage conversations about mental health, self-care and a more supportive community.

Monument Health joined with Hilltop Community Resources to launch the inaugural OK2StepAway Challenge.

“In today’s fast-paced world, where the demands of work, personal life and societal pressures can often feel overwhelming, it’s crucial to prioritize mental health and well-being,” said Tyler Tyler Veatch Veatch, manager of employer solutions for Monument Health.

“The Ok2StepAway Campaign is set to run throughout the entire month of October and aims to empower individuals to embrace their mental health journey.”

Susan Volkmann, a benefits coordinator at Hilltop Community Resources who works with employees of the organization, said it’s important to prioritize emotional well-being at home and work. “The OK2StepAway Campaign is a timely and essential initiative that promotes mental health, self-care and community support,” Volkmann said.

“By embracing the weekly themes, participants can work toward a healthier work-life balance, reduce the stigma around seeking help, find solace in shared experiences and become more effective allies to those in need.”

Participants can visit the Ok2StepAway portal at https://ok2stepaway.com for resources and a step tracker. The step tracker enabled users to log their physical activity, fostering a sense of community and motivation to stay active, which in turn is known to have positive effects on mental health. The portal also offers workbooks tailored to each week’s theme.

The resources will guide individuals to find ways to step away from their daily stressors; ask for help when they need it; recognize that even if they aren’t okay, it’s okay; and support others who’re struggling.

The campaign is scheduled to culminate on Oct. 28 with a 5-kilometer event.

“In a world where mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent, the OK2StepAway campaign reminds us that it’s OK to prioritize our well-being and support others on their journey to mental wellness,” Veatch said.

Based in Grand Junction, Monument Health operates the largest clinically integrated network in Western Colorado, working with health care providers and insurance companies to improve outcomes and lower costs. For more information, visit https://monumenthealth.net.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 9

Page 10

The Business Times

More mussels found at Highline Lake Staff with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife are evaluating their next steps to eradicate zebra mussels from Highline Lake after discovering previous efforts weren’t successful.

“This is heartbreaking,” said Robert Walters, invasive species program manager.

“We knew this was a possibility, but held out hope lowering lake levels to expose shoreline and the application of EarthTech QZ would effectively eradicate the zebra mussels that were discovered last fall.”

CPW staff found additional mussels at Highline Lake west of Grand Junction during routine work to remove buoys from the water in preparation for winter. Five adult zebra mussels were found on the bottom of buoys located throughout the lake. Additional work was scheduled to remove boat docks and two CPW boats.

The docks and boats will be inspected for zebra mussels and decontaminated.

While a plan hasn’t been finalized, all options being considered likely will have significant implications for the fishery, boating and other water-based recreation at Highline Lake. They could include lowering or even draining the lake in 2024.

For now, an emergency fish salvage has been implemented. Bag and possession limits for the reservoir are removed for the duration of the salvage. Anglers can keep all of the fish they catch using lawful angling methods. All fish caught must be dead prior to leaving the lake. The fish salvage doesn’t

Five zebra mussels were found on the bottom of buoys in Highline Lake west of Grand Junction. The discovery means additional efforts will be required to eradicate mussels. (Photo courtesy R. Gonzales, Colorado Parks and Wildlife) include nearby Mack Mesa Lake, where fishing regulations remain in effect.

Zebra mussels were first discovered in Highline Lake in September 2022, prompting CPW to change the status of the lake from suspect to infested. It was the first time a body of water was categorized as infested with zebra mussels in Colorado.

Over the next several months, Highline Lake was lowered about 30 feet to expose areas along the shoreline to kill zebra mussels through the natural processes of desiccation and freezing. In March 2023, CPW applied three separate treatments of

EarthTech QZ, an EPA-registered copperbased molluscicide to the lake.

“Eradicating invasive mussels is extremely difficult, which is why we focus so heavily on preventing their introduction,” Walters said. “While this is disappointing, we are not considering this first attempt a failure. We believe if we had done nothing, we would be looking at a much larger infestation today with fewer options for eradication and a greater chance of zebra mussels spreading to other bodies of water in Colorado.”

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

New hours set at Mesa County services campus

New hours of operations soon will take effect at the Mesa County community services campus in Grand Junction.

Starting Nov. 6, the new hours will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday at the Mesa County Workforce Center located at 512 29 1/2 Road as well as Mesa County Health and Human Services at 510 29 1/2 Road.

The new hours will offer earlier access to popular services, including economic assistance as well as the public health clinic.

“The aligned hours across all buildings on campus will mean less guesswork for the community,” said Jill Calbert, human services executive director.

Todd Hollenbeck, interim executive director of Mesa County Public Health, said programs share a single purpose in empowering Mesa County residents. “This gives us an opportunity to remind the community about the resources and programs that exist to build stronger families and professionals.”

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 11

Page 12

The Business Times

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Effort passes a milestone in distributing 40,000 books

A program established to promote early childhood literacy in Mesa County has passed a milestone.

The Mesa County Imagination Library, a part of United Way of Mesa County, has facilitated the mailing of more than 40,000 books to children under 5 years old.

“We believe that reading with children from a young age is crucial in building a strong foundation for their future,” said Keira Auld, the community impact manager at United Way of Mesa Keira Auld County. “By providing access to books and promoting early literacy, we can empower children to explore, learn and develop a lifelong love for reading.”

Formerly operated as the Grand Junction Imagination Library and Lower Valley Imagination Library, United Way of Mesa County took over the program in November. Since then, the program has expanded its reach, making it accessible to families in all zip codes in Mesa County.

Each month, the program mails more than 3,400 books.

Inspired by the vision of country music icon Dolly Parton, the Mesa County Imagination Library program, in partnership with the Dollywood Foundation, offers free, high-quality books to children from birth to their fifth birthday.

For more information about the Mesa County Imagination Library or enroll a child, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com/ check-availability. By signing up, families can ensure their children receive a new, age-appropriate book delivered to their mailbox each month.

F

New book explores the history of Fruita

A new book offers a look at the past and present of Fruita.

Denise and Steve Hight wrote the book, titled “Fruita” and published by Arcadia Publishing. The 96-page book sells for $24.99.

The authors wrote two previous books and numerous articles about the history of their adopted hometown.

“Fruita” explores the origins of the town, founded by William Pabor in 1884 and designed with a compact central business area filled with shops and a park surrounded by residences.

Although Fruita has changed over the years, many downtown businesses and houses remain.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 13

Page 14

The Business Times

New program offers business support A new program intended to help Colorado communities preserve the characteristics that make them unique includes financial support for businesses with cultural, historical and social significance.

The business funding and incentives division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the Community Business Preservation Program.

“Through our work with small businesses across the state, we recognize that Colorado communities are working hard to adapt to economic changes while maintaining their cultural values and identities,” said Eve Eve Lieberman Lieberman, executive director of OEDIT. “By working with regional business communities to evolve while also protecting what makes them unique, the Community Business Preservation Program will help preserve the diversity of Colorado’s communities and build a Colorado economy that works for everyone.”

The program is designed to foster collaborative approaches to community preservation by awarding funding to groups of businesses working together to respond to changes in their communities.

Through a competitive application process, OEDIT will select five to seven main streets, culturally connected neighborhoods, districts, regions or other geographically proximate groups of businesses for grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. The funding will be paired with up to two years of training and consultation tailored to the needs of each business in that community.

To apply for grants, a cohort of two to six businesses must collaborate with a local sponsoring entity — such as a local government, economic development organization, business improvement district or community-based nonprofit — to manage the application and review process as well as any potential award. The idea is to allow communities to identify what business sectors and characteristics they most want to preserve and support them in taking steps to do so.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

For more information about the Community Business Preservation Program, visit https://oedit.colorado.gov/ programs-and-funding/grants/community-businesspreservation-program.

“A community in rural Eastern Colorado may be looking for a way to boost and preserve agricultural heritage businesses, while businesses in an urban neighborhood may be responding to changes brought by destabilizing pressures and COVID-related impacts,” said Jeff Kraft, deputy director of OEDIT and director of business funding and incentives division. “This program is meant to be adaptable to fit the needs of those who are applying for the grant so they can respond to changes in their communities and continue to thrive.”

The Community Business Preservation Program grew out of discussions with state legislators.

“Small businesses build and maintain the character of communities like Five Points and Montbello. When we ensure that Colorado’s small businesses have the tools they need to stay in their communities, we uplift the quality of life for everyone,” said State Sen. James Coleman, a Democrat from Denver. “I’m happy to see new resources prioritized to help address the barriers to prosperity that communities in Denver and across Colorado have faced for decades.”

OEDIT will implement the Community Business Preservation Program in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and Energize Colorado. Applications are open through January 2024.

To assist sponsoring entities and businesses applying to the program, OEDIT will host informational sessions and office hours, including an online informational session set for 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 30.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Library friends plan book sale for Oct. 19-21

The Friends of the Mesa County Libraries has scheduled its October book sale.

The free event is scheduled for Oct. 19 to 21 at the First Congregational Church, located at 1425 N. Fifth St. across the street from Grand Junction High School.

The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20. Books will sell for $5 by the bag from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 21. Participants should bring their own bags.

The sale will offer books for all ages — children, teen-agers and adults. Rare and collectible books also will be available.

Most books will sell for $2 or less. Cash as well as debit and credit cars will be accepted for payment.

The Smokey Bonez BBQ food truck will be open at the sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20 to sell lunches.

Proceeds from the book sale will support programs at Mesa County Libraries, including summer reading, Comic Con, Culture Fest and the discovery garden.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 15

Page 16

The Business Times

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Grand Junction among District 51 Foundation funds charging grant winners five more digital classrooms The City of Grand Junction is among 12 recipients of the inaugural round of grants intended to accelerate the transition to electric vehicle fleets in Colorado.

The grant will fund two dual-port level 2 chargers and one single-port direct current fast charger to support electric cargo vans and an electric recycling truck.

Pitkin County also received a grant to fund three dual-port direct current fast chargers to support electric public safety and operations vehicles, electric commuter fleet vehicles and heavy-duty electric equipment at three locations The Colorado Energy Office announced a total of $2.36 million in awards through the Fleet Zero-Emission Resource Opportunity program.

This funding will enable the installation of a total of 126 charging ports at 22 locations across the state, supporting at least 150 fleet electric vehicles and 10 electric transport refrigeration units over the next two years. This includes some of the first electric armored delivery vehicles, heavy-duty tractors, recycling trucks, refuse haulers, rental trucks and shuttles.

“This first round of ongoing funding from the fleet zero program represents a significant milestone for zero-emission fleets in Colorado,” said Matt Lerman, manager of the Colorado Energy Office

infrastructure program. “On average, fleet vehicles drive more miles, operate longer and contribute a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. We are excited about this important opportunity to support charging infrastructure for Colorado fleets, ensuring a more swift transition to fleet EVs and improving air quality for Coloradans across the state.”

Fleet zero funding — along with funding from a state clean fleet vehicle and technology grant program, will support the implementation of the Colorado clean truck strategy and help achieve a goal of 940,000 light-duty electric vehicles and 35,000 zero emission medium- and heavyduty vehicles on the road by 2030. Funding for the program comes from the state community access enterprise and federal congestion mitigation and air quality improvement programs.

The Colorado Energy Office prioritizes funding for projects located and operating in disproportionately impacted communities.

The Colorado Energy Office will continue to award fleet zero funding over the next decade, with $3 million allocated for the next standard funding round, which will open Oct. 16 and close Dec. 1.

F

The Mesa County School District 51 Foundation has donated a total of $35,000 to five schools to support digital classrooms.

Central and Palisade high schools, Pomona and Shelledy elementary schools and West Middle School received the latest funding for five digital classrooms.

Digital classrooms are equipped with teacher computers, prewired electrical raceways, an Aquos Board, document camera, instructional audio system and interactive video camera. Installation charges are also part of the cost associated with these classrooms. The cost for each classroom is about $7,000. Since 2019, the D51 Foundation has provided funding for 25 digital classrooms.

“We truly believe that giving our kids the best tools and environment for learning is so important in today’s world. That’s why we’re genuinely grateful to the District 51 Foundation for their donation towards making our classrooms more modern,” said Dan Burke, executive director of technology for Mesa County School District 51. “This isn’t just about new gadgets or tech. It’s about preparing our students for what comes next in their lives. The foundation’s support helps us make sure our kids have what they need to learn, grow and face the future with confidence. A big thank you to the District 51 Foundation for believing in our kids and their future.”

Tracy Arledge, principal at Central High School, also said she was grateful for the support. “We are so very appreciative of the D51 Foundation for selecting the Central High School information and technology department as a beneficiary to receive a new 21st century digital classroom. We anticipate this donation will provide real time conversation with remote experts in career fields of interest.

This will benefit our Girls Who Code Club and provide students the opportunity to share out solution sets that are much easier to read and display. Our IT teacher will now be able to provide real work examples students can see with much better visualization projected in the classroom.”

Peter Icenogle, president of the D51 Foundation, said donors make it possible for the organization to provide additional technology for classrooms.

“The foundation is always seeking to further our mission. One of the ways we are able to achieve this is through improving our community’s technical capabilities by ensuring current and future generations of students have access to updated technology and classrooms.”

Cami Kidd, principal at Shelledy Elementary, said additional technology provides teachers the tools they need to engage students and promote learning. “Technology provides opportunities for learning, inquiry, collaboration and inspiration to a world of what could be. We are so grateful to provide one of our classrooms with this innovative equipment that will be utilized for many years to come.”

F

Reminder planned for air show: Schedule breast cancer screening Caregivers from St. Mary’s Breast Care Center will hand out pink carnations and sign women up for breast cancer screenings as part of an effort planned for the Grand Junction Air Show Oct. 14 and 15.

“We know all eyes will be on the skies that weekend. Amid the celebration, we wanted to provide a gentle reminder for women to take the key step of scheduling a screening mammogram,” said Erica Kinsey, manager of radiation oncology and the breast care center. “We want women to be healthy so they can be there for the people they care about and those who rely on them.”

Intermountain Health, which operates St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction, is among the sponsors of the air show.

Women who receive their annual mammogram at St. Mary’s Breast Care Center also will benefit from new technology. The center recently introduced the Hologic 3Dimensions mammography unit. The unit uses artificial intelligence

detection technology to identify characteristics commonly associated with cancer and marks the images for more thorough evaluation by radiologists. The program also provides a score to indicate how confident that area could be cancerous.

In addition to identifying potential cancer, the software provides information that helps the team of physicians prioritize their work, knowing which mammograms need immediate attention and which could take more time to review.

Additional improvements with the new unit include the ability to produce higher resolution images and complete a scan in less time, decreasing the time the breast is compressed and increasing comfort for patients.

In the United States, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes. Survival rates have increased dramatically in recent decades thanks to increases in annual screenings. To schedule a screening, call (970) 298-6900 or visit stmarysgj.org/mammo.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 17

Oct. 18 meeting to offer information CPW reaches agreement to relocate Oregon wolves about Clifton roadway improvements

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reached an agreement to relocate up to 10 wolves from Oregon as part of efforts to reintroduce wolves in Colorado.

The wolves will be captured and moved between December and March to meet a Dec. 31 deadline imposed by the ballot measure approved by voters in 2020 to reintroduce wolves by the end of 2023.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approved a final wolf restoration and management plan in May. CPW reached a one-year agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to obtain the wolves.

“We are grateful to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for working with our agency on this critical next step in reintroducing gray wolves in the state,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “This agreement will help ensure Colorado Parks and Wildlife can meet its statutory mandate to begin releasing wolves in Colorado

by Dec. 31, 2023.”

Curt Melcher, director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, said Oregon has a long history of helping other states meet their conservation goals by providing animals for translocation efforts. “The wolves will come from northeast Oregon, where wolves are most abundant in the state and where removal of 10 wolves will not impact any conservation goals.”

CPW will begin capture operations this December, with ODFW providing assistance by sharing wolf location information and best practices for wolf capture. CPW will be responsible for costs associated with capture and transport of wolves. CPW staff will work with contracted helicopter crews and spotter planes to capture wolves Wolves will be tested and treated for disease at the source sites. Collars will be placed on wolves and physical measurements will be done in the field in Oregon.

Wolves will be placed in aluminum crates and transported to Colorado either by truck or airplane “The wolves will be released at select sites in Colorado as soon as possible once they arrive in the state to minimize stress on the animals,” said Eric Odell, CPW wolf conservation program manager Eric Odell. “We anticipate that the majority of animals will be in the 1- to 5-year-old range, which is the age that animals would typically disperse from the pack they were born in.”

F

An upcoming public meeting will offer information about road improvements and other projects in Clifton.

The meeting is set for 5 to 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 at the Clifton Branch Library, located at 3270 D 1/2 Road.

Participants at the open house style meeting will view project plans, talk with project leaders and provide comments.

“We are excited to bring these advancements to our community. As Mesa County continues to grow, it is essential to continually update and refine our infrastructure to meet the needs of our residents,” said Daniel Larkin, Mesa County transportation engineer.

“We encourage everyone to join us at the open house to learn more, ask questions and share feedback.”

The meeting will offer information about improvements to roadways in

Clifton, including: n Connection of 32 1/2 Road to E Road to improve connectivity and streamline traffic flow. n Widening of D 3/4 Road to ensure safer and smoother travel and align with Mesa County roadway standards. n Grand Valley Canal structural enhancements, including the replacement of the Grand Valley Canal structure on 32 1/2 Road with a wider structure to accommodate a new roadway layout. n Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of 32 1/2 and E roads to reduce traffic congestion. n Pedestrian-friendly facilities, including widened shoulders and pedestrian facilities through the intersection and extending north of the Grand Valley Canal.

F

Clifton library to close for HVAC installation Mesa County Libraries plans to close its new Clifton branch to visitors from Oct. 19 to 21 while a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit is installed.

One HVAC unit was installed at the new building, which opened in August.

But a second unit was delayed by supply chain issues.

The unit has been delivered and will be installed during the closure.

The drive-through window on the

south side of the Clifton branch, located at 3270 D 1/2 Road, will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 31.

Regular hours and operations at the Clifton branch are expected to resume on Oct. 23.

For more information about Mesa County Libraries, call (970) 243-4442 or visit https://mesacountylibraries.org.

F

THE BUSI OCTOBE

R 12-25,

THE DE

FINITIV

E SOUR

CE FOR

In this is sue n Bearish

ou

GRAND

tlook Colorad o remain business lead bearish the four heading ers th to the late quarter, accordiinto st results ng of a surv ey. n Sh

NES News S TIMES 2023

JUNCTIO

VOLUME

N BUSIN

ESS NE

WS SIN

CE 199

Trend Contrib s uto 4 Opinion rs Bu Bus5ines siness Briefs s People 6 It tak e 2

owcase

4

THEBUS

30, ISS

UE 19

INESSTIM

ES.CO

event An upc oming confere expecte nce d County to showcase Mes is to from acro decision mak a ers ss Colorad o.

n Accr edite

d Colorad has receo Mesa Univers for a mas ived accreditati ity in occupater’s degree progon tional ther ram apy.

n Taxin

g matte

a villagse

Sales tax rs for Mes collections lagg a compare County in Septemed ber a year agod to the same mon , the late st report th shows.

n The

i’s ha

ve it When it County comes to Mes a real esta i’s have te, the interest it — as in high rates and er lower inve ntories. n Ch anging

23

n Improv

new te ements and shoppi nants revitalizi ng cent er. Pageng 2

ru

les The Nat ional Lab Relation or s again cha Board has onc it evaluat nged the way e es workpla ce rules.

25

Mike Par with the k, a Realtor and propert progres Christi Reece Group, y manager s store exp inside a Fam inspects ily Village ected to soon Dollar and Dol the Shoppin open in lar Tree At 20,0 00 squareg Center in Gra the Monume one of nd Junctio nt feet, the the n. combo chain. Par largest of its store and new k expects builkind for the nati will be ding tenants ona to revitaliz improvemen l ts e the cen ter.

n Depa

rtm

ents Almana c Busines 34-35 Busines s Briefs 32 Contrib s People utors 34 News 25-29 Opinion 2-22 Trends 30-31 23-24 PRS U.S. POS RT STD TAG PERMIT E PAID The Bus NO. 67 609 Nor iness Times Grand Juncth Ave., Suite 5 tion, CO 81501

Expiration _________ CVV _____

Busines

s Times

photo by

Phil Cas

tle

Almana c

M

Page 18

The Business Times

OctOber 12-25, 2023

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 19

Page 20

The Business Times

Mike Park, a Realtor and property manager with the Christi Reece Group, expects to soon find a new restaurant to occupy the space at Monument Village Shopping Center formerly used by Garfield’s. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

Village

Continued from page 2 Kitchen Tune-Up, a kitchen design and remodeling business, also is expected to open at the Monument Village Shopping Center before the end of the year, Park says.

Another 11,000 square feet of space available in the former Safeway space provides what Park calls an end cap.

That means the space would offer an ideal location for a pharmacy, bank or other business that needs a drive-through operation.

Finding a restaurant to occupy a space at the shopping center previously occupied

by Garfield’s constitutes another priority, he says.

Ascione agrees. “We understand how much Garfield’s meant to the community.

We heard many stories of people traveling great distances to visit Garfield’s. Our goal and commitment is to secure a brand of equal or greater quality that the community can equally embrace.”

Park envisions still other types of businesses he believes would constitute good fits for the Monument Village Shopping Center by providing needed services and in turn drawing more traffic.

They might include an urgent care clinic or dental office, a nail salon or pet grooming firm.

The location is a good one, he says, with tens of thousands of cars driving by daily along Broadway and a median

OctOber 12-25, 2023

FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about the Monument Village Shopping Center, visit the website located at www.monumentvillagecenter.com. income of residents in the Redlands area about 30 percent higher than the average for the Grand Valley.

Renovations and other improvements that freshened the shopping center add to the attraction, he says.

Ascione says members of the ownership group talked with city and county officials as well as local residents in considering whether or not to purchase the Monument Village Shopping Center.

Shopping centers can constitute problematic investments, he says, because of the decrease in brick and mortar retail sales that’s corresponded with the increase in online sales.

But there was interest in the Monument Village Shopping Center and restoring a retail center that serves the Redlands area and Grand Valley, he says. “That’s something people want to go back to.”

Those efforts are off to a good start, Ascione says. “The center’s time has come.

This is a great community, and we’re really excited to bring new retail to the neighborhood.”

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 21

Page 22

The Business Times

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Bearish

Continued from page 2 Expectations for profits fell eighttenths of a point to 44.9 with 22.6 percent of business leaders projecting moderate or strong increases, 38.7 percent moderate or strong decreases and another 38.7 percent no change.

Expectations for hiring fell 1.9 points to 41.8 with 14.4 percent of leaders forecasting moderate or strong increases, 41 percent moderate or strong decreases and 44.6 percent no change.

Expectations for capital expenditures fell 2.2 points to 40.9 with 15.8 percent of leaders anticipating moderate or strong increases in expenditures, 45.5 percent moderate or strong decreases and 38.7 percent no change.

Asked to explain the reasons for their expectations, 33.9 percent of business leaders responding to the fourth quarter survey cited higher interest rates.

Inflation ranked a distant second with 15.8 percent of leaders citing that as a reason for their response. Inflation in the Denver, Aurora and Lakewood metropolitan area is projected to increase 3.1 percent in 2023.

The effects of politics ranked third with 10.2 percent of leaders choosing that as a reason.

Asked to identify what they considered the most pressing challenges for the Colorado economy, 31.5 percent cited housing, followed by the labor market at 14.8 percent and inflation at 13.3 percent.

Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in Colorado, increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.9 percent for the first quarter of 2023. The biggest gains occurred in the agriculture; arts, entertainment and recreation; and company and enterprise management sectors.

As of August, the latest month for which estimates are available, nonfarm payrolls increased 42,700 over the past year in Colorado. Employment increased 24,000 in leisure and hospitality, 7,200 in business and professional services and 6,400 in health services. Statewide employment is expected to increase more than 60,000 in 2023 — 2.2 percent for the year after posting 4 percent growth in 2022.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose two-tenths of a point to 3.1 percent in August, the highest level since April 2022.

Personal income, a measure of consumer strength, rose 1.2 percent from the fourth quarter to the first quarter of 2023. At $76,089, Colorado ranked eighth nationwide for the highest per capita personal income.

F

FOR YOUR INFORMATION For a complete report on the Leeds Business Confidence Index for the fourth quarter, visit www.colorado.edu/business/brd and click on the link to the index.

News Trends In Contributors real estate, the i’s have it Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 23

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings

s New business filings in Colorado, 54,890 in the second quarter, up 39.1 percent from the second quarter of 2022.

n Confidence

t Consumer Confidence Index 103 for September, down 5.7. t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 43.6 for the fourth quarter, down 0.5. t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 90.8 for September, down 0.5.

n Foreclosures

s Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 32 in September, up from 20 in September 2022. t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 3 in September, down from 14 in September 2022.

n Indexes

s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 114.66 for September, up 0.5. t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 105.4 for August, down 0.4%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 49% for September, up 1.4%.

n Lodging

s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $613,988 for the first quarter, up 6% from the first quarter of 2022.

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 298 in September, down 19.7% from September 2022. t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $121 million in September, down 26.6% from September 2022.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $43.3 million for the first half, up 2.3% from the first half of 2022. t Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.6 million for September, down 5.3% from September 2022.

n Unemployment t Mesa County — 3.7% for August, down 0.1. s Colorado — 3.1% for August, up 0.2. n United States — 3.8% for September, unchanged.

Higher interest rates and lower inventories curb Mesa County sales Phil Castle

When it comes to the Mesa County real estate market, the i’s have it — as in higher interest rates and lower inventories that have slowed sales.

“It’s more of the same — interest rates and inventories,” said Annette Young, administrative coordinator at Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction.

Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Junction, Robert Bray agreed higher interest rates on mortgages have slowed sales. But some purchasers are buying down interest rates or proceeding with transactions with the expectation they’ll refinance mortgages when rates go down.

Moreover, the escalation in home prices that continued at a double-digit pace over the past two years has slowed, Bray said.

Young said 298 real estate transactions worth a combined $121 million were reported Annette Young in Mesa County in September. Compared to the same month last year, transactions declined 19.7 percent and dollar volume decreased 26.6 percent.

Seven large transactions worth a total of $7.6 million bolstered dollar volume, Young said. They included the sale of an industrial property for $3.88 million, a farm and ranch property for $1.4 million and a house on 6 acres bordering the Colorado National Monument for $1.1 million. Still, 10 transactions accounted for a collective $24.2 million the same month last year.

Through the first three quarters of 2023, 2,806 transactions worth a total of $1.23 billion were reported, Young said. Compared to the same span in 2022, transactions were down 27.2 percent and dollar volume lagged 26.9 percent.

According to numbers Bray & Co. tracks for the residential real estate market, 219 transactions worth a total of nearly $92.5 million were reported in September. Compared to the same month last year,

transactions declined 22.3 percent and dollar volume fell 26 percent.

Through the first three quarters of 2023, 2,109 residential transactions worth a total of almost $909 million were reported.

Compared to the same span in 2022, transactions fell 20.1 percent and dollar volume decreased 19.6 percent.

Young said higher interest rates on mortgages combined with what’s been higher prices have made homes less affordable.

Moreover, existing homeowners with comparably lower-interest mortgages remain reluctant to sell their homes for fear of paying higher interest rates. Low inventories contribute to higher prices.

Bray said there were 514 active residential listings in Mesa County at the end of September. That’s down 15.3 percent from the same time last year.

New home construction continues to lag as well, he said.

Through the first three quarters of 2023, 361 building permits for single-family homes were issued in Mesa County. That’s down 40.6 percent from the same span in 2022. Builders face higher interest rates on construction loans as well as more cautions lenders and uncertainty in the market.

The pace of rising home prices has slowed, however.

The median price of homes sold in the first three quarters of 2023 was $390,000. That’s an increase of only eight-tenths of a percent from the same span in 2022, Bray said.

In contrast, home prices increased 19 percent between September 2021 and September 2022 and 13 percent for the same span between 2020 and 2021, he said.

Looking ahead, Bray said he expects year-end transactions for 2023 to come in 15 percent to 20 percent lower than 2022 even as dollar volume declines proportionally. Median home prices should remain flat or even decline slightly as inventory increases.

Interest rates could retreat during the first half of 2024, he said, although current rates remain comparable to the average over the past 30 years.

Young said 32 property foreclosure filings were reported in Mesa County in September, the most for any month this year. But only three foreclosure sales occurred. Through the first three quarters of 2023, 192 filings and 34 sales were reported. Compared to the same span in 2022, filings edged up by four and sales declined by five.

F

A measure of optimism among small business owners continues to decline on less upbeat expectations for improving conditions and persistent concerns about inflation.

The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index fell a half point to 90.8 in September. The index has remained below its 49-year average of 98 for 21 consecutive months.

“Owners remain pessimistic about Bill Dunkelberg future conditions, which has contributed to the low optimism they have regarding the economy,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the NFIB. “Sales growth among small businesses has slowed and the bottom line is being squeezed, leaving owners few options beyond raising selling prices for financial relief.”

The NFIB bases the index on monthly surveys of members of the small business advocacy group, most of them small business owners. Between August and September, four of 10 components of the index retreated, five advanced and one remained unchanged.

The proportion of NFIB members who responded to the survey upon which the September index was based who expect the economy to improve fell another six points. At a net negative 43 percent, the level remains at a recessionary level.

A net 24 percent of members reported plans to increase capital outlays, unchanged from August. A net 5 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, down a point.

The share of members who said they expect increased sales fell a point. At a net negative 13 percent, more anticipated decreased sales.

Expectations for earnings increased a point, but only to a net negative 24 percent. Among those reporting lower profits, 29 percent attributed the trend to lower sales, 20 percent blamed rising materials costs and 15 percent cited higher labor costs.

A net 18 percent of members reported plans to increase staffing, up a point from August. At the same time, though, 43 percent also reported hard-to-fill job openings, up three months. A net 23 percent of members said they plan to raise compensation in the next three months, down three points.

The proportion of members who said they plan to increase inventories fell a point to a net negative 1 percent. The share of those who said current inventories are too low rose a point to a net negative 4 percent.

Asked to identify their single most important problem, 23 percent cited inflation and 23 percent cited the quality of labor.

Another 13 percent cited taxes. A net 41 percent of members reported raising average sales prices.

F

The Business Times

Small Business Optimism Index declines

Page 24

The Business Times

U.S. payrolls surge, jobless rate steady United States payrolls increased by the largest amount in eight months even as the jobless rate remained unchanged in September.

Nonfarm payrolls grew 336,000 and the unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The September payroll gain was the largest for a single month since January. The unemployment rate remained at its highest level since February 2022.

Payroll gains for the previous two months were revised upward a total of 119,000 to 227,000 for August and 236,000 for July.

For September, 6.4 million people were counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work. Of those, 1.2 million people have been out of work 27 weeks or longer. Another 4.1 million people were counted among those working part-time because their hours were cut or they were unable to find full-time positions.

The labor participation rate — the proportion of the population

either working or looking for work — held steady at 62.8 percent.

Payroll gains for September were spread out among industry sectors. Employment increased 96,000 in leisure and hospitality — 61,000 in food and drinking places as payrolls for those businesses rebounded to levels before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.

Payrolls rose 41,000 in health care, 29,000 in professional and business services and 25,000 in social assistance. Government payrolls increased 73,000.

The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls remained unchanged at 34.4 hours. The average manufacturing workweek held steady at 40.1 hours.

Average hourly earnings for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls rose 7 cents to $33.88. Over the past year, average hourly earnings increased 4.2 percent.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Labor index rises

A monthly index tracking labor trends has increased, signaling job growth in the months ahead.

The Conference Board reported its Employment Trends Index rose a half point to 114.66 in September with gains in four of eight leading indicators.

Selcuck Eren, a senior economist at the Conference Board, said the index suggests the United States economy will continue adding jobs through the remainder of 2023 and into 2024.

F

Trends Contributors Opinion Rules change again Business Briefs Business People Almanac

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 25

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n A variety of presentations are planned at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction.

A presentation on preparing cash flow budgets for small businesses using Excel is set for noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the center, located at 2591 Legacy Way. A small business startup workshop is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 2. The workshop will cover the business planning process, including financing, legal structures, licensing requirements and state registration. Admission is $55.

A free monthly maker meetup is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at the GJ Makerspace at the center.

A bookkeeping bootcamp is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5. Participants will learn how to set up and track accounting records and what balance sheets, cash flow projections and income statements tell them about their operations. Admission is $75.

To register for or obtain more information about events, programs and services offered at the Business Incubator Center, call (970) 243-5242 or log on to the website located at https://gjincubator.org. n The Western Colorado Human Resource Association has scheduled its next monthly member luncheon for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 at the Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. The event will include a presentation on hiring overlooked workers. WCHRA members may attend at no additional charge. Guests pay $20. To register or obtain more information, log on to the website at www.wchra.org. n A free Coffee Club networking group meeting is set for 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 20 at FWorks, 325 E. Aspen in Fruita. For more information, visiit https://gjincubator.org or https://fruitachamber.org. n The Colorado HR Connection has scheduled a webinar on the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 24. To register, log on to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/ register/WN_6wBTBNa8RUqUJkeGBN3Rjg#/ registration. n The Fruita and Palisade chambers of commerce have scheduled a Community over Coffee discussion for 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 1 at Deoroco Cellars, 785 Elberta Ave. in Palisade.

The event will include conversations with local and state officials as well as a representative of U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert. The free event is open to 50 members on a first-come, first-served basis. To register or obtain more information, visit https://fruitachamber.org or www.palisadecoc.com. n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual health summit for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom.

Admission is $65 for chamber members, $75 for others. To register for or obtain more information about upcoming Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce events, log on to https://ghchamber.org or call (970) 242-3214.

National Labor Relations Board imposes workplace limitations It’s as predictable as the departure of hummingbirds and return of frosty mornings each autumn in Western Colorado. The National Labor Relations Board has once again changed the standards by which it determines whether or not workplace rules infringe on employees’ rights to engage in concerted activity to address the terms and condition of their employment.

In a ruling issued in August, the NLRB adopted a strict new legal standard for evaluating the legality of workplace rules under the National Labor Relations Act. Workplace rules have recently become a battleground as employers and NLRB debate whether rules maintain an employer’s legitimate business interests without chilling employees’ ability to voice Employers are left grappling Dean concerns. with regularly changing standards for Harris developing and enforcing their rules So, how did we get here?

For several years, the validity of workplace rules was governed by the NLRB 2004 decision in Lutheran Heritage Village-Livonia. Under Lutheran Heritage, even a rule that didn’t explicitly restrict activity protected by Section 7 of the NLRA was illegal if employees would reasonably construe the language to prohibit that activity. The NLRB proceeded to issue several decisions that baffled employers.

The board declared in 2014 a rule prohibiting “[d]iscourteous or inappropriate attitude or behavior to passengers, other employees or members of the public” was “sufficiently imprecise” it could cover any conflict among employees, including those related to working conditions. “Civility” rules were illegal because discussing discussions about workplace conditions could reasonably be expected to become contentious and uncivil. Notably, Lutheran Heritage didn’t require the NLRB to balance employee rights with even legitimate employer interests.

In 2017, the NLRB addressed what it perceived as inconsistent evaluation of workplace rules. In overturning Lutheran Heritage, the board ruled that when analyzing the legality of a rule that, when reasonably interpreted, would potentially interfere with the exercise of Section 7 rights, the board will evaluate the nature and extent of the potential effects on those rights and the employer’s legitimate justifications for the rule. The Boeing Co. ruling established three categories of workplace rules: n Some rules are lawful because they don’t, when reasonably interpreted, interfere with worker rights or employer justifications outweigh the potential adverse effects. The policy of banning cameras in the workplace without a valid business need was held to be legal. Rules aimed at maintaining basic standards of civility in the workplace were deemed legal. n Some rules warrant individualized scrutiny to determine whether they would prohibit or interfere with NLRA rights and, if so, whether any adverse effects on NLRA-protected conduct was outweighed by legitimate justifications. n Rules that prohibit or limit employees’ NLRA rights without a sufficient employer interest were illegal.

A rule prohibiting the discussion of wages was deemed illegal.

But in August, the NLRB overturned Boeing and brought back Lutheran Heritage with even greater

It’s no longer permissible to act merely reasonably. The employer must sort through any number of hypothetical workplace scenarios to determine its rules and policies offer the least restrictive alternative.

restrictions on employers. The board will no longer evaluate whether a rule would prevent or hinder a reasonable employee from engaging in protected activities.

The board will evaluate a rule from the “perspective of the economically dependent employee who contemplates engaging in Section 7 activity … .” Consequently, a workplace rule is now presumed unlawful if it has a “reasonable tendency” to chill employees from exercising their NLRA rights or otherwise has a coercive meaning regardless of the employer’s intent in establishing or maintaining the rule. “[E]even if a contrary, noncoercive interpretation of the rule is also ‘reasonable,’ the workplace rule is presumptively unlawful.”

The employer can defend its rule by proving the rule or policy “advances legitimate and substantial business interests that cannot be achieved by a more narrowly tailored rule.” It’s no longer permissible to act merely reasonably. The employer must sort through any number of hypothetical workplace scenarios to determine its rules and policies offer the least restrictive alternative.

The types of rules that could be affected include those involving: n Social media restrictions. n Workplace civility requirements. n Confidentiality of workplace investigations. n Media contact policies. n Confidentiality, non-disparagement or non-disclosure policies. n Electronic communications and computer use policies. n Dress codes. n No camera or video policies, such as the policy found presumably legal in Boeing. n Open door policies.

Employers should review employee handbooks, policies and other rules to determine whether substantial business interests justify its rules and the rules in place are the least restrictive ways to further its legitimate business interests.

The Employers Council offers members resources on how to comply with these and other legal changes.

Enterprise and consulting members may contact human resources professionals and attorneys directly to discuss legal obligations and best practices when reviewing or implementing workplace rules.

Dean Harris is the Western Slope area managing attorney for the Employers Council. The Employers Council counsels, represents and trains member employers in all phases of employment relationships.

For more information, contact Harris at (970) 852-0190 or dharris@employerscouncil.org.

F

Page 26

The Business Times

OctOber 12-25, 2023

How passionate are you about your business?

Why did you start your business? If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you wanted more control over your destiny.

Perhaps you wanted to build something that could be sold for a profit or passed down to your children. Possibly you also wanted more freedom, financial abundance and the ability to travel frequently. Maybe you wanted to make a difference in some fashion or actually enjoy what you do for a living.

How often are you so excited about your business you can’t wait to start your day? How often is just the opposite true? Do you dread even the thought of working on or in your business? Are you inspired and energized? Or does it feel like more drudgery and a burden?

Be honest here.

When you love what you do, there’s no sense of burden or There’s only enthusiasm, Marcus drudgery. passion and joy. In fact, you’ll often Straub feel better when you’re working than when you’re not. You constantly seek to improve yourself and your business, ideas flow readily and it’s fun being you in your business.

More often than not, people who start a business do so based on what they know — what they’re good at and are comfortable doing — not necessarily what they’re passionate about.

Sometimes people start a business based on a product or service they believe will make them rich, but don’t really believe in or even use themselves. This will eventually create a huge disconnect for which even riches can’t compensate. If you sell useless, low quality or defective goods and services — and you know it — your lack of integrity will catch up to you at some point, potentially

How often are you so excited about your business you can’t wait to start your day? How often is just the opposite true? Do you dread even the thought of working on or in your business? Be honest here.

destroying your business and any professional satisfaction you once felt.

Believing in the products and services you provide is necessary to enjoy owning your own business. Not only does integrity feel good, it also attracts and retains talented team members and increases the number of loyal customers you serve. Integrity increases the pleasure and success you experience in running your business.

Another key ingredient in the amount of satisfaction you derive from your business is your style of and ability to lead. If you don’t like to be a leader, don’t understand what one is or how to perform this responsibility in an effective way, the amount of fun you have while engaged in your business will suffer tremendously. Ineffective leadership constitutes one of the major pitfalls to happiness and success in business.

Effective leaders provide a consistently empowering example, use the best tools for hiring talent and invest in the development of their team members. They aren’t perfect or infallible. They’re human, but also authentic and strive to be their best and support others in doing so as well. This behavior results in greater job satisfaction, increased productivity, loyalty, retention, exceptional customer service and improved sales. Becoming a good leader takes time and effort. But as you do so, your

business runs smoother and becomes more successful.

The amount of fun you experience increases exponentially.

In addition, the quality of your team is essential to your happiness and success. All business owners understand the unending stress and challenges poor-quality team members bring to the workplace. This is a situation well worth avoiding at all costs.

The more qualified, better trained, happy and committed your team members are, the better it is for everyone involved. People who actually like and enjoy their work will perform at much higher levels than those who don’t. Hiring talented individuals is truly a science, and a qualified professional can suggest proven strategies to dramatically improve your success rate.

Through my work as a professional development coach and consultant, I’ve met many business owners who are financially successful, yet aren’t thriving. Financial success is only one aspect of your business.

When you’re passionate about your business, when you truly love and believe in what you do and are an effective leader who’s built a capable, happy and loyal team that offers exceptional products and services, greater financial rewards and enjoyment will follow.

Marcus Straub owns Life is Great Coaching in Grand Junction. His personalized coaching and consulting services help individuals, business owners, executives and companies build teams, organizations and lives filled with happiness and success. Straub is winner of the International Coach of the Year Award and author of “Is It Fun Being You?” He’s available for free consultations regarding coaching, speaking and trainings. Reach Straub at (970) 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

To lounge or not to lounge? Pros and cons Is membership in an airport or airline lounge program worth the expense? Depending on your travel reasons and frequency, the answer could be a resounding yes or equally definitive no.

As a frequent flier for 40 years, I maintained a lounge membership because of the features that supported my travel needs: a quiet place to work, internet access, exceptional customer service, a reasonable array of snacks and even meals and a place to charge my various electronics. As my travel decreased in frequency and changed from almost entirely business to mostly personal, a re-evaluation of my $500 to $600 annual Janet lounge membership was in order.

What should you consider in deciding Arrowood whether or not to pay for a lounge membership — or get a credit card that includes access or join a private club. Which lounges should you consider?

First, estimate how many times a year you — and one or two travel companions — are likely to use lounges. Determine the cost per person per visit. Then consider the perks and features you will use and their value to you. If you are at the airport at a mealtime and want a couple of drinks, using lounge facilities could be worth $40 to $50 since that’s what a light meal and two drinks might cost on the concourse. If you are traveling with a spouse or partner or associate, that’s $80 to $100. In that case, you’d recoup the cost of your membership in five to eight visits.

Second, make sure the lounges in the airports you frequent are the right lounges. Most airlines are members of an alliance, so you might be able to access a much larger network of lounges.

However, many alliance lounges don’t honor other airlines’ lounge memberships, so check.

If you have a certain status level with an alliance airline, you often can access alliance members’ lounges on the international part of your travel — sometimes the domestic portion, too — even

if you’re not a member of any alliance airline’s lounge system.

Third, consider how tight your flight connections are. If you like to book minimal connecting times and get to the airport as late as possible, will you even have time to use the lounge?

Fourth, consider alternatives to airline lounges. Many private entities now have lounges or clubs at domestic and international airports. The ways to access are varied and include courtesy of certain credit cards, pay-as-you-go and annual memberships. For many occasional business travelers seeking a quiet place to relax before or after a flight, grab a snack and catch-up on work, these clubs could be ideal.

Finally, consider the various perks in the lounges you can enter. If you’re traveling internationally or long-haul domestic, a lounge with showers and daybeds could be a fabulous benefit after many hours in transit. If you’re flying in business class, many alliance partners — and some domestic airlines — have special lounges with excellent features, great food and top-shelf drinks.

Even better, most of these special lounges don’t have members.

Access is strictly based on your class of travel.

Two warnings: n Be wary of buying one-time passes. Many airlines and other lounge providers are revamping their lounges and won’t let you use the passes if the lounge is filled up with members. This is especially true in international locations. n Check out the locations and details for each lounge you want to use during your trip. Sometimes the access rules, especially for private clubs, are different internationally and your card might not work.

Janet Arrowood is founder and managing director of the Write Source, a Grand Junction firm offering a range of services, including grant and proposal writing, instruction and technical writing. Reach her at janet.arrowood@thewritesourceinc.com.

For more information, log on to www.TheWriteSourceInc.com.

F

Page 27

Page 28

The Business Times

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Manage change to not only survive, but also thrive “Change is the only constant in life. One’s ability to adapt to those changes will determine your success in life.” — Benjamin Franklin

In today’s challenging business landscape, change is not just inevitable. It’s constant. Whether driven by global issues, market shifts or internal restructuring, businesses must adapt or risk becoming obsolete. Change management is the art and science of guiding your workforce through these transitions.

Let’s take a deeper dive into managing change. If you’re prepared, you’ll lead your organization more effectively when the time comes.

While some employees might welcome changes to address problems or promote opportunities, most individuals find workplace changes confusing, stressful and consuming. Change is met with resistance because it disrupts introduces uncertainty and can Kelly routines, be met with skepticism. The unknown Murphy is scary, even when changes promise to improve systems or processes.

By implementing a structured approach to change, businesses mitigate resistance, minimize disruptions and increase the likelihood of successful outcomes. To succeed in change management, managers must “walk the talk” in providing employees with a healthy work environment and ongoing support throughout the process.

Building relationships prior to change doesn’t hurt, either. Company culture affects how employees respond to changes. If employees trust leaders to be transparent, communicate often and have their best interests in mind, they’ll follow with less resistance when change is unavoidable or is in the best interests of the company.

Businesses often find changes necessary when looking at processes, systems and work flows.

To ensure a smooth transition, try the following action items: n Are changes necessary? Identify the problem or opportunity that prompts the consideration for change. Is there a specific problem you’re trying to address, or are you looking to seize a new opportunity? Be as specific as possible in articulating what needs to change. Analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Include key employees in the process to tap their insights. n Analyze what changes are necessary. Compare actual performance with desired performance to identify problems and opportunities. Where do you want to be?

How do you get there? n Determine the effects of changes. Examine what or who changes affect, including employees, customers, stakeholders and communities. Discuss how each group will receive changes. Determine how to mitigate negativity or fear of changes. n Develop the elements of the message. What’s the best way to address the pros and the cons of changes to each group? How will it be communicated and from who? How will feedback be received and managed? Give stakeholders the chance to ask questions and discuss concerns. Communicate with employees throughout the transition process to ensure they’re well-informed and supported. n Prepare for changes. Determine who needs training to implement changes and how that training will be delivered. Share information as soon as you can. Discuss with employees why changes are occurring and what the expectations are for the changes — improved work environment, equipment, operations or other opportunities. n Recognize achievements accomplished under the

old systems or operations. It’s important for employees to feel their hard work is still appreciated and isn’t overlooked by new systems or procedures. n Explain when changes will occur. If possible, provide employees with a timeline for when changes will take place and how long it will take for the company to prepare for them. n Implement changes in stages. If there are various phases to changes, implement them over time. This allows employees more time to grasp new concepts and ask questions. Don’t forget to celebrate the wins in the process and not only focus on challenges. n Measure success. Review the original goal and determine if the problem was resolved or the opportunity realized. Did you achieve the desired outcome? Are those outcomes sustainable? Then, continue to monitor.

Although changes constitute an inevitable part of business, how organizations manage change can make the difference between success and failure. Guided by clear principles and effective strategies, change management can help businesses not only survive, but also thrive in a challenging landscape.

Kelly Murphy is a senior human resources business partner with Lighthouse HR Support in Grand Junction.

She brings to her duties more than 30 years of experience.

She holds Professional in Human Resources, Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional and Advanced Workplace Investigation certifications.

She’s also co-founder of the Colorado HR Connection group. Lighthouse HR Support offers a range of human resource management services to small and medium-sized businesses. For more information, call (970) 243-7789 or log on to www.lighthousehrs.net.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 29

Selling a business takes planning and execution Selling a business can be a daunting task. For many entrepreneurs, it represents years of hard work and dedication.

With planning and execution, selling a business can secure a legacy and offer the owner a significant financial benefit.

Whether it’s because of retirement, shifts in the market, personal circumstances, financial constraints or the pursuit of new ventures, a clear insight into the reasons for selling will guide decisions and actions. Selling a business can be a long process, taking an average of six months to 18 months from start to finish. Having a realistic timeline and goals helps in getting the out of the transaction.

Michelle mostThe first step is presenting Urlacher a streamlined and legally sound business. This could mean resolving any lingering legal issues, updating and organizing financial records and enhancing underperforming areas of the business. A well-prepared business is more attractive to potential buyers. Getting your business professionally evaluated could also help with identifying issues to resolve and getting you a realistic and fair price range.

Identifying the right marketing strategy is essential to reach potential buyers. Options range from businessfor-sale websites and industry publications to networking events and direct outreach.

It’s crucial to assess the sincerity and suitability

Once a serious buyer emerges, it’s time for negotiations. This includes price, payment terms, transition periods and assets included in the sale. After agreeing on terms, buyers will usually want to verify the provided business information.

It’s important for sellers to cooperate during this phase while ensuring confidentiality agreements are in place.

of every interested party. By evaluating their financial standing, understanding their motivations for buying and examining their backgrounds and experiences, sellers can avoid wasting time and safeguard sensitive business information.

Once a serious buyer emerges, it’s time for negotiations.

This includes price, payment terms, transition periods and assets included in the sale. After agreeing on terms, buyers will usually want to verify the provided business information. It’s important for sellers to cooperate during this phase while ensuring confidentiality agreements are in place to protect sensitive information.

When both parties are content, they move on to the final steps. Drafting and signing the sales agreement, transferring assets and addressing such post-sale obligations as tax implications. It’s also time to notify employees, suppliers and clients.

Even after the sale, the presence of the former owner can be instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition.

Providing training, introducing the new owner to key contacts and being available to answer questions can maintain continuity and help the business flourish under new ownership.

The Bray Business Advisors Group can explore such elements as assets, business reputation, financial records, liabilities and market trends to analyze your business.

Selling a business is a complex decision. By understanding the process, business owners can navigate this journey successfully, leaving a well-nurtured enterprise that will continue to thrive.

Michelle Urlacher is president of Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Junction. She leads the support and direction of services the company offers to agents and clients. She brings to her duties more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, including positions as an analyst, appraiser, marketing director, property manager and transaction coordinator. For more information about Bray & Co. Real Estate, call 242-3647 or log on to www.brayandco.com.

F

Take action to minimize effects of respiratory illness Business owners face this fall yet another season of respiratory illness — along with the potential effects on employees. The severity will depend on several factors within their control.

Flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19 pose significant challenges to maintaining a healthy workforce. Based on a 2023 literature review in the medical journal PharmacoEconomics, “There is a consistent productivity burden of influenza ... on employees, employers and societies worldwide.” Up to 75 percent of employees miss two to days of work from flu symptoms Heather three alone each season.

Zadra Not surprisingly, employees vaccinated against respiratory illness miss less work due to the effects of those illnesses than their unvaccinated coworkers.

Mesa County Public Health makes it easy and convenient to get vaccines for flu, RSV and COVID-19.

Depending on the size of your business, MCPH providers could even come to your location to conduct on-site flu clinics. The result? Less lost work time for workers who get vaccinated and healthier employees throughout the flu season.

Mesa County Public Health offers vaccinations during regular business hours. Walk-ins are accepted for the flu vaccine. However, patients who make appointments won’t have to wait to be seen. Call (970) 248-6900 to schedule an appointment.

A drive-through flu clinic is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Oct. 21 in the parking lot of Mesa County Public Health at 510 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Participants should stay in their vehicles and bring an ID and their insurance cards.

Seniors 65 and older can also participate in a flu vaccine clinic — one including coffee and pastries — from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 23.

Flu vaccinations are typically covered by insurance.

Cost shouldn’t be a barrier, however. For those who don’t have insurance, other options are available.

The Public Health Clinic will receive limited doses

of the new COVID-19 booster by mid-October. Call (970) 248-6900 to schedule an appointment.

Finally, check out the What’s Going Around webpage under “community services” at https://health.mesacounty.us for current respiratory illness information.

To keep employees safe and healthy, consider their needs heading into the respiratory illness season. Develop or update sick leave policies that allow employees to stay home from work while sick. Ask employees who develop respiratory illness symptoms during the workday to immediately separate themselves from coworkers and go home. When possible, create policies that allow for flexibility in where and how employees complete work.

Finally, create a work environment that’s conducive to preventing respiratory illness. These include no-touch trash cans, tissues and hand sanitizer in easy-access locations and education about hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

Heather Zadra is community outreach coordinator at Mesa County Public Health. For additional information, visit https://health.mesacounty.us or call (970) 248-6900.

F

Contributors Opinion Bold predictions forpolitical, 2015 If they say it’s not It’s time to celebrate work A new year Business affords you Briefs more likebe not-so-bold repeats can sure it’s political of Hispanic entrepreneurs a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PAGE age 30 22

Aikta Marcoulier and Frances Padilla U.S. Small Business Administration

Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the many contributions, diverse cultures and extensive histories of the Latino community in the United The celebration reminds us of the American fabric of and diverse A newStates. year almost always brings an opportunity for a fresh start traditions and stories together. renewed ambition to woven do things better.

The U.S. Small Business committed to thebetter successproducts of In business, that usuallyAdministration boils down toremains providing customers Hispanic communities.

More Hispanics before are seizing open and services faster and at lower cost than thanever competitors.

Part ofopportunities the process to must new businesses.

Data shows 5 million Latino-owned businesses contribute a total of include listening to customers to determine what they actually need and then $800 billion yearAfter to theall, U.S. Colorado, Hispanics ownand nearly 73,000if meeting thateach need. it economy. does littleIngood to offer the latest greatest small businesses, thousands of workers and contributing to local economies. nobody actuallyemploying wants what you’re selling.

Both President Joe Bidenthat and SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman — the Just like the businesses belong to the group, the Grand Junction Area highest-ranking Latina in the cabinet starts — have strengthening Chamber of Commerce invariably outmade the new year withHispanic-owned a reassessmentsmall of businesses a priority.

The lastit33 months and havehow seenwell the fastest creation ratemembers of Hispanicthe services and resources provides they match with owned in more than chairman a decade, more 20 percent faster than pre-pandemic needs. businesses Jeff Franklin, the new of thethan chamber board of directors, levels.

The president set a goal of increasing by 50 thehis amount personifies this approach in describing what he percent considers role of forfederal the coming contracting going todetermine small, disadvantaged by 2025 — needs. an additional year: listendollars to members, their needsbusinesses and then meet those It’s a $100 billion for minority and other underserved businesses. role with which Franklinowned is familiar as market president of Bank of Colorado.

President Biden of anapproach interagency plan to equity, The process willdirected take onthea development more structured in what theadvance chamber justice and forofLatino communities.

The SBA established four goals: plans as theopportunity resumption a program aptly called Listening to Business.

Under the n Improve access to capital for underserved communities, Hispanic program, business owners participate in in-depth interviewsincluding to identify barriers to small business owners.

SBA isthey investing in additional technology to match underserved growth and other problems encounter. borrowers withyear Community including The new offers a Financial good timeInstitutions to join the(CFIs), proverbial club.Community Development FinancialorInstitutions (CDFIs).

Forneed borrowers, application As an advertiser reader, what do you from the Businessrequirements Times? will be simplified, datajournals will integrate automatically, high-quality While business traditionally gather aand report thecustomer relevantservice news to support will be available and the process will be street. mobile-friendly. readers,system communication isn’t necessarily a one-way That’s especially true as Expand access make to procurement andmore contracting opportunities.

SBA will enroll Webn sites and e-mail the dialogue convenient than ever. moreGood small,publications disadvantaged businesses into its business development and contracting don’t exist in a vacuum. They respond to the needs of programs, the 8(a) business program, HUBZone program and advertisersincluding and readers.

They providedevelopment what’s needed. economically disadvantaged So what do you need? women-owned small business certification program. n support and expanded access disaster assistance. will work with Is Provide there additional news coverage that to would help keep youSBA informed about its field and program offices to develop a systematic and would formal be process with itsorresource local business developments?

Are there features that interesting partners to there assist minority owned businesses withjobs disaster loans. useful? Is advice that would make your a little easier? n to business training andWith services.

SBAtime willto It’sIncrease equallyaccess important to ask counseling, what you don’t need. limited investigate innovative approaches forin reaching clients through produce content and limited space which Hispanic to publishand it, immigrant would time and space be its Community Pilot Program, Women’s Business Centers, Small Business better devoted Navigators to something else?

Development Centers, SCORE Procurement Assistance Centers.

What’s good?

What isn’t?and What’s needed?Technical What isn’t?

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we carry important workWeb of Let us know.

Send us an e-mail.

Comment online onon thetheBusiness Times honoring Hispanic culture and entrepreneurship.

Let’s giveanthanks to the generations site at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

You could even write old-fashioned letter to of who’ve buildboth thispositive country and and negative, continue to forand theHispanic editor if leaders you’d like.

Yourhelped feedback, is fight valued equality and justice.

Let’s pledge to invest in the next generation of Hispanic men will be carefully considered. and women entrepreneurs ourefforts nationof intheir their staffs, hands.but also Good publications arewho the hold resultthe of destiny not onlyofthe collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers.

AiktaLike Marcoulier is SBA administrator Denver.

Shecustomers, oversees programs any other goodregional business, we want to in listen to our find out and in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and whatservices they need and then meet thoseUtah, needs.

Wyoming.

Frances SBAus Colorado It’s a new year.Padilla Pleaseishelp to do so.District Director. For more information, visit www.sba.gov and or follow the SBA on ✦X @SBArockymtn and @SBA_Colorado.

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. © 2023 — All rights reserved.

It’s that year“they” when be?

And justtime whoof might resolutions and prognostications As history proves time and again, abound. the usual My favorite applied to teachers New Year’s suspects: Thesaying Democrat party, resolutions is in saying they’re basically unions and all those “unaffiliated,” leftist a bunch of promises toof break week candidates.

For those you the whofirst don’t of January.

AndI can while I won’t predict a know this fact, hazard a pretty whole lot, I canwhich prettysubjects much accurately accurate guess you didn’t nail attention a few things question pay to inthat yourwithout education — the will makemost the news.

Youinwill these are sub-topic affected this see column. pretty, well, Yes, thispredictable: is about Prediction one: Mesa■County School There will be some District 51 and the sort of weather upcoming schoolevent, naturalelection. disasterOr, or as board heinous our localoccurrence Democrats where someone will (seemingly) prefer becall interviewed to it, taking and theirsay the following: rightful, exalted“I’ve never in seen anything place ruling over likemasses that in using my the lifetime.” It’sforce as if this Craig Hall government Craig Hall person is a ideas required to mandate so attendee every news good theyatneed government force to be reporting event.

Whilemy I understand most implemented.

Because nearly 62 trips people’sthis perspective can indeed limited around orb have proven to mebethe left in by, or contained our great country within, believestheir itselfown our personal rightful experiences, it is too(yes, much to ask to rulers and overseers that’s intentional) consult some historical perspective before and our schools are simply another fiefdom saying such kingdom a thing? Yes, response can in the larger overthis which they reign. applythey’ll to some But necessary when it comes And useevents. any means to to weather and natural disasters, I’m pretty adorn their rightful thrones. sure For thisdecades, is simplyboth history beforerepeating I arrived itself. and Samesince, as it we’ve has forpretty millions of ever muchand hadmillions Democrat years. important, planet rule in More our school district the — up untilmade the it!

Whattwo didn’t were How’s past years.

Butcertain for localspecies.

Democrats and that for teachers perspective? radical, union minions (but I repeat ■ Prediction comes myself) this simplytwo: can’tWhen stand.itWhy elsetodoa crime or something occursBoard between you think the Districtthat 51 School has humans, the other required attendee at all all of the sudden become political?

Simple: news reporting eventsget is the Because leftists didn’t theirperson way inwho the last says this:in“They we’re the nicest election electing thosejust dedicated to riding people, andover in no didand I see something roughshod ourway youth parents. like this No one does Andcoming.” just what Exactly. have all these years of most of the time it comes to us?

Democrat rule overwhen our schools brought neighbors and acquaintances.

The only success I’ve seen is thePeople left hasshould be surprised at what goes on from timewith to totally politicized school board elections timehelp in their towns and This the of theneighborhoods, union and the local “daily.” with people they know because is literally what their candidates runpeople on: Weare good.people And for the times need who will standthat up they to theshouldn’t MAGA be shocked like with politicians, repeat school board— majority as dutifully reported offenders and terrorists where’s the by said “daily” before the— same said “daily” interviewpublished that says,its“This doesn’t surprise dutifully previously written me in the least.” endorsements by “insert candidate name here” Prediction three:know Something good in the■blank line. I don’t about you, but will happen economically, and thethere’s no other than calling them Trumpsters, government credit forthan it. The most more politicalwill termtake in our nation MAGA. recent gas prices, people Soexample exactly is who’s makingwhere the school ask meelections why I won’t credit Ithe president board political? mean, all for low gas prices.

Mythe answer is simple: evidence supports politics is being Government neverusing makes price of directed by those thethe term MAGA something go down and simply takes credit with the natural follow-up, in-depth for good news.

Gas pricing is subject to reporting of only certain candidates’ many global Now there of arethe funding.

But factors. since the purpose government answers addressing some reporting is to smearto conservatives, it ofof them tofunnels keep prices stable for course to everyone onAmericans, the opposite but our government themI in end of the spectrum.has Thenone end of where sit place. The only things it has use in place in the proudly.

I know I shouldn’t that word,

ctOber 15-28, 12-25, 2015 2023 JOANUARY

longthe runleft always hurt “left” consumers.

Another but is gonna anyways. fact is thatproudly unemployment reachesofa reasons. certain I say for the simplest level basedtheonleft thewants economy. whileI the Whatever or hasAnd wrought government might brag low, pretty much always wantthe thenumber opposite.isSo it’s more than likely above the government did back to my question related to what something to cause being rule low has a half century or that morenumber of Democrat — our andlocal not in a good way.brought Conversely, on school board us? when business up, it’s becauseusthe people Mostpicks recently, it brought a nearly who need to buy widgetshigh whoschool were not $200 million, off budget which buying have widgets thenearly economy was should beenbecause replaced 50 years contracting due to (orBut unnatural, ago at a fraction of natural the price. our leftist government reasons, wegot school boardscaused) never saved thedecided money or better buy some widgets.toThe government the money appropriated do the fiscally had nothingthing. to do Worse, with this. responsible the funding got ■ Prediction Incourt keeping with approved only afterfour: a full press from things the government does,they I predict the “community leaders” (hint, are mostly governmentrulers will manipulate the numbers to community placed in high importance make the claim guilting the economy is responsible getting by themselves) fiscally better because of how hard it is working parents and citizens into approving one ofto helpmost all ofexpensive us “working the highAmericans.” schools everNow built you say,And “Craig, alwayswhen say this in themight nation. whatyou happened aboutsame President Obama because don’t these “leaders” couldn’t getyou every like him.”

You’re right in a sense.

I don’t social program and diversity and inclusionknow 10 thepounds man, but I know of him laden of what you know what into and his 5-pound thinking,bag I don’t likeknow it or him the of you whatone intoiota. the Before you go off,They however, I didn’t like new high school? did what the left President and slandered his bailouts, knows bestBush — they andstimulus attacked andnew his abandoning the free to save the school members andmarket their families the free market.

And up, I don’t know politically.

But cheer we’ll havehim the either. What government does,toand coolest, shinythe penny high school postthe only thing do,matter is hurtifthe pictures of.itItcan won’t theeconomy. test scores Unless it does or put in go up, the kids nothing can always go criminals to the clinic jail ainstead of note partnering withofthem, nothing for doctor’s to get out attending. the government will help.

Always look And that’s alldoes our school board elections at it this way, whatever have come down to. Onethe sidegovernment wants to says it is doing, with whatever the name of the — law it experiment the latest shiny object is passing, or whatever theother nameside or goal of costs be damned — and the would the bureaucracy is presenting the like to go back to itteaching reading,towriting people, expectwhile the polar to occur. and arithmetic beingopposite fiscally responsible I guess what I’m saying that with our tax dollars.

Now whichisone is easier perhaps it’sfalsely time to get out diverse of our side own to sell? The inclusive, perspective.

There’s plenty history saying we’ll take care of your of kids’ food, books babysitting and historical out there health, and research every possible need to as beginastoyou understand of this long let us warpthat theirall minds intohas being happened before. will again, good citizens of theAnd worlditunder our rule or is topicresponsible is people with or government. itwhether we’ll bethe fiscally your tax The recommendation is to find dollars andbest bring back the curriculum which, some books or all trythese that leftists wholesoGoogle ironically, made smart they thing. There’s a lot information onhow the constantly tell you andofmandate you into Great Depression.

The truth is it wasn’t to live your life? evenYour a good untiltothe government voteone is easy decide in the got involved.

There’s also plentyConsider of research coming school board election. on the medieval period the whoever the local warm teachers unionwhen supports; planet was than today with whoever themuch “daily”warmer endorses; whoever is all a whole lot less (and warmerfrom well in on diversity andpeople inclusion mandates before wasand here at all). entity And yep, the leastman diverse inclusive (that’s people have by been surprised government, thekilling way) onother the planet; people since written. whoever wantshistory myriadwas morefirst vaccines than Maybe will help stop the three theysome had asresearch kids; whoever believes all of thesecan trends. we’ll be LGBTQ++ only Otherwise, be taught with sexually saying we’ve never seen anything it in explicit material and whoever says thelike other our lives.

And Then not invote a good way. side is political. for the other guys. publisher of of the the Craig Hall is owner and publisher 424-5133 Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com ✦ F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Mesa County taking steps to address housing needs One definition of affordability is linked to the idea households shouldn’t be cost-burdened by housing. A cost-burdened household is one in which housing costs — rent or mortgage payments plus taxes and utilities — consume more than 30 percent of monthly income.

Spending more than 50 percent of income on housing is considered a severe cost burden that puts households at risk of homelessness and restricts the extent to which families contribute to the local economy.

Homeownership rates across Mesa County have trended down since 2010. Bobbie In Grand Junction, the rate Daniel decreased from 64 percent to 58 percent and in Mesa County dropped from 71 percent to 68 percent, according to the 2021 Grand Valley Housing Needs Assessment.

Recognizing the acute need for housing affordability, the county housing ecosystem seeks opportunities for best practices and removing barriers to streamline the process.

Policies should increase the opportunity threshold for attainable housing.

It’s also important to recognize each policy or ecosystem pillar doesn’t exist independently, but as pieces of a whole. Land use and zoning plans affect the tax base and services. Partnerships and data within a community inform state and federal advocacy efforts. Federal monetary policy affects financing of new developments.

High federal spending increases inflation, leaving individuals, families and homebuilders less buying power. Local regulations affect community engagement and how quickly homes come online. Recognizing these connections is important to understanding the opportunities to foster affordability and quality.

The macro aspects of local housing policy are the foundation for generating affordability.

In new and existing developments, improper or restrictive land use can drive up costs.

Similarly, the total cost of new developments often depends on the value of the land and how much work is required to make the parcel ready for construction. Because zoning changes are quickly reflected in land prices, zoning and land use policies focus on ensuring the right development opportunities exist.

Counties have a handful of levers to influence these macro aspects, including reviewing zoning and land use policies.

In Mesa County, we promote local housing solutions by offering flexible zoning and permitting while allowing multi-family housing in commercial zones. Recognizing the need for workforce housing, we’ve endorsed accessory dwelling units — tiny homes on lots with existing houses. Modular, manufactured and prefabricated homes are permitted in all residential zones. This approach encourages innovative housing solutions to align with modern lifestyle demands.

We must understand the landscape of existing housing stock, defray upfront infrastructure costs for new projects and

constantly review processes and procedures to ensure the free market meets demands without additional barriers.

The building blocks of county infrastructure include roads; utilities like water, sewer, electricity and broadband; transit; and pedestrian pathways.

Developers typically cover the initial costs of setting up infrastructure for new properties by paying various fees, such as hookup, development and impact fees. These costs trickle down to renters or homeowners. To keep costs down for residents, we keep transportation impact fees low and don’t charge planning fees.

We enjoy more successes by promoting collaboration between the county’s infrastructure and community planning teams rather than have them work separately. We’re enhancing our residents’ experiences, streamlining processes and striving to reduce costs.

The Mesa County Planning Department transitioned our permit process to a digital format. We’ve made some permits, like those for roofing and solar, available online.

Streamlining tasks for contractors saves time and money. By adopting digital methods, builders experience fewer delays, which results in cost savings. Additionally, quicker permit approvals allow homes to reach the market faster. Given this success, we’re exploring what other building permits can be offered online.

We’re creating an affordable housing toolkit for developers and collaborating with stakeholders to provide clear information on incentives, regulations and programs that support affordable and workforce housing development.

In 2022, Colorado’s Proposition 123 was passed, allocating roughly $300 million annually for affordable housing. Mesa County and 12 other Colorado counties opted into this initiative this summer, encouraging various entities to pursue more attainable housing. By Dec. 31, 2026, Mesa County aims to leverage options for nonprofits and private entities to add or convert 253 affordable housing units with an annual target of 84 units to the market, factoring in a 3 percent yearly increase from a 2,808-unit baseline.

Mesa County is also investing in the future.

We’ve committed $5 million of our private activity bonds to homeownership programs in collaboration with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. Additionally, we’re partnering with organizations like Housing Resources of Western Colorado to make housing more attainable. These initiatives provide homeownership assistance; home renovation support; landlord-tenant relationship guidance; and other vital programs, including workforce training, crucial for attainable housing.

As Mesa County continues to grow, the necessity to facilitate an environment for positive economic health remains essential.

Homeownership and access to housing are critical components of generational and financial stability that affect everyone. The availability of attainable and workforce housing is a crucial pillar for the county to prosper.

Bobbie Daniel is a Mesa County commissioner.

Reach her at bobbie.daniel@mesacounty.us or 244-1604.

F

Page 31

Speakers to share insights at economic conference

To receive the Champion of Freedom Award from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy is noteworthy. To deliver at least 75 speeches on economics and freedom annually since 1985 in virtually every state and dozens of countries is staggering. But Lawrence Reed also has written nearly 2,000 articles for journals, magazines and newspapers in the United States and aboard.

Those accomplishments constitute merely a sampling of a legendary career for Reed, president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education and keynote speaker at an upcoming conference in Grand Junction. Reed is scheduled to deliver an address titled “The Seven Principles of Free Markets” at the eighth annual Western Slope Economic Leadership Conference set for Nov. 7 at the Colorado Mesa University Center Ballroom.

The Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise (FREE) Foundation, a Grand Junction-based nonprofit Phyllis organization, hosts the conference for high school Hunsinger juniors and seniors from Western Colorado. The FREE Foundation promotes free market concepts by helping students and teachers learn about economics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and free enterprise.

The conference combines lectures and hands-on activities to introduce students to economic principles and leadership. Speakers provided by the Foundation for Economic Education and the generosity of local donors enables students and teachers to attend at no charge.

Why is the study of economics so important? Tyler Cowen, an economics professor at George Mason University, put it this way: “Economics is everywhere, and understanding economics can help you make better decisions and lead a happier life.”

Ludwig von Mises, an economist who developed the axiom individuals act purposely to achieve desired goals, said: “Economics is not about goods and services. It is about human choice and action.”

For individuals to act purposely, they must understand basic economic principles. Although not exhaustive, these economic principles include: n The notion of scarcity, in which people must make choices involving limited resources. n All choices involve costs. n People choose the alternatives they perceive to offer the greatest excess of benefits over cost. n People respond to incentives. n Prices are powerful incentives. n Voluntary trade creates wealth.

In his keynote address, Reed will describe the philosophic and economic pillars of a free society along with the proper role of government.

The leadership portion of the conference is titled “Are Geniuses Born or Are They Made?” Tunji Adebayo, a motivational speaker, will strive to inspire students to discover their unique strengths, cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, remain motivated despite hardships, foster innovative thinking and embrace accountability.

Howard Beatty, the third presenter at the conference, has designed a game called “Economics in One Hour” to teach voluntary exchange, government actions and entrepreneurial wealth generation. Beatty will conduct two breakout sessions for student activities to demonstrate economic principles.

In discussing the importance of economic theory, Milton Friedman said: “There is no alternative way, so far discovered, of improving the lot of the ordinary people that can hold a candle to the productive activities that are unleashed by a free enterprise system.”

Students attending the Western Slope Economic Leadership Conference will learn human flourishing is the result of human action, including cooperation, free exchange, secure property rights and wealth creation. It is the wonder of free enterprise.

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. Reach Hunsinger at phyllis@free-dom.us.com. For more information about the FREE Foundation, log on to the website located at www.free-dom.us.com.

F

Page 32

Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac The Business Times

n APPLICATIONS DUE OCT. 27 FOR AGRIVOLTAIC GRANTS

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Oct. 27 for funding for projects that combine solar energy and agriclutural operations in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture expects to invest $500,000 in agrivoltaic projects that include solar energy installations with crop production or livestock grazing.

“Adding solar energy development to working farms and ranches is a unique opportunity to create multiple benefits on a single piece of land,” said Les Owen, director of the Colorado Department of Agriculture Conservation Services Division. “Funding further development and research of agrivoltaics will support both Colorado’s producers and Colorado’s renewable energy goals.”

Grants will cover the construction of agrivoltaic systems, expansion of demonstration projects, research into the costs and benefits of agrivoltaics and education and outreach efforts.

The Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office will administer the grants as part of an effort that also includes advocacy and marketing and technical assistance.

Grant applicataions, guidelines and additional information is available from https://ag.colorado.gov/ADCRO. n WINDSOR FASHIONS OPENS MESA MALL LOCATION Windsor Fashions, a retailer with more than 330 stores in the United States, has opened a store in the Mesa Mall in Grand Junction.

Windsor Fashions provides a wide selection of women’s apparel for all occasions — everything from date nights and brunch with the girls to Halloween and New Year’s Eve. The store also carries formal dresses and elegant gowns. A wedding shop offers bachelorette outfits and bridesmaid dresses.

In addition, such accessories as hats, handbags and jewelry are available.

Founded in 1937 as a family owned women’s fashion store in Southern California, Windsor Fashions since has grown to more than 330 stores with a total of 2,200 team members across the United States.

For more information, visit the website at www.WindsorStore.com.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

NOTEWORTHY

LaVonne Gorsuch, a State Farm Insurance agent, joined with the Grand Junction Fire Department to promote cooking safety and steps families can take to avoid fires. (Photo courtesy LaVonne Gorsuch Insurance Agency) n GRAND JUNCTION INSURANCE AGENT JOINS IN COOKING SAFETY AND FIRE PREVENTION EFFORT A Grand Junction insurance agent has joined in an effort to promote cooking safety and fire prevention.

LaVonne Gorsuch, a State Farm agent, donated a Fire Prevention Week kit to the Grand Junction Fire Department.

The kit includes home fire safety and prevention activities as well as information for children and adults.

The donation was part of an effort with the National Fire Protection Association promoting Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 8 to 14.

“State Farm encourages homeowners to make fire prevention an important part of their overall home safety plan,” Gorsuch said. “Fire Prevention Week reminds that cooking LaVonne Gorsuch with caution should be at the top of the list. This also is a good time to check your smoke alarms to ensure they are functioning.”

Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy for the National Fire Protection Association, said cooking fires pose a leading cause of home fires and injuries. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign works to highlight when and where cooking fires happen most often, along with simple ways to minimize those risks.”

The Grand Junction Fire Department offered a number of cooking safety tips: n Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to prevent spills and burns. n Keep a lid nearby when cooking on the stove. If a small fire starts, slide the lid over the pain and turn off the burner. n Remain in the kitchen while cooking. If you leave even for a short time, turn off the stove. n Check on cooking food regularly and use a timer as a reminder. n Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the stove and oven and from where hot foods and liquids are served. n Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, food packaging and towels — away from the stove. n Remain alert. If you’re tired or consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or oven.

For more information about cooking safety and fire prevention, visit the website at www.fpw.org.

F

A series of events raised a total of nearly $66,000 to help fund medical, dental and behavioral health care in Mesa County.

The events, marketed collectively as Edesia, raised $65,972 for MarillacHealth.

The events included the Edesia wine Anne Tally dinner and Edesia food and wine showcase at the Wine Country Inn in Palisade as well as a concert at the nearby Grande River Vineyards.

Richard and Jean Tally and their daughter, Anne Tally, own the Wine Country Inn and Grand River Vineyards.

The family launched Edesia — named after the Roman goddess of food — in 2011.

Since then, Edesia events have raised a total of more than $437,000 for MarillacHealth.

Based in Grand Junction, the nonprofit organization provides medical, dental and behavioral health care services to uninsured and underinsured patients in Mesa County.

“What you are doing here at Marillac, all the work of your doctors and dentists, helps so many people in our valley go to work every day,” Anne Tally said during a check presentation with the MarillacHealth Board of Directors. “As employers, we are grateful for the services you provide. We need you and we are honored to be able to support you with these fund-raisers and these dollars for care.”

Dan Prinster, vice chairman of the MarillacHealth board of directors, praised the efforts.

“Events like these make it easier for many patients to afford the care they need. Thanks to the Tallys and their staff for working hard to make Edesia the great fund-raiser it is.”

OctOber 12-25, 2023

The Business Times

Page 33

Page 34

BusinessBriefs Briefs Business BusinessPeople People Almanac Business Almanac

n ANB BANK ANNOUNCES PROMOTION OF NEW PRESIDENT

Todd Crowley has been promoted to president of ANB Bank and Sturm Financial Group, the bank’s holding company.

Crowley succeeds Koger Propst, who will continue as chief executive officer.

Headquartered in Denver, ANB Bank operates a total of 30 banking centers in Colorado and Wyoming, Todd Crowley including four locations in the Grand Valley. The bank has more than $3.1 billion in assets.

Crowley brings more than 30 years of experience to his latest duties, including his previous role as chief credit officer of ANB Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking.

He’s a member of the Colorado Homeownership Coalition board and a member and past president of the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association board of governors.

“Todd is a talented and dedicated community banker whose leadership will continue ANB Bank’s impact with our customers and our communities,” Propst said.

For more information about ANB Bank, log on to the website at https://anbbank.com. n HOPEWEST NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF FERRIS CARE CENTER Sandy Knapton has joined HopeWest as the new director of the Ferris Care Center in Grand Junction.

The center provides services to meet the acute and short-term needs of HopeWest hospice patients, including pain and symptom management as well as emotional and spiritual support.

A registered nurse, Knapton brings to her latest role more than 35 years Sandy Knapton of experience, including emergency medicine, home care and hospice care.

“I am honored to step into the role of director at Ferris Care Center,” Knapton said. “I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care that supports both our patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments.”

HopeWest operates an in-patient hospice center in Grand Junction and provides hospice, palliative care and grief support services in a large area of Western Colorado.

For more, call 241-2212 or visit www.HopeWestCO.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 AUDIT SUPERVISOR RECEIVES CPA DESIGNATION Erin Darnell, an audit supervisor with DWC CPAs and Advisors in Grand Junction, has received designation as a certified public accountant.

Darnell joined DWC in 2021 and since has gained experience in attest and accounting services for clients in a variety of industries. She holds a bachelor’s of business administration degree from Western Colorado University.

Erin Darnell To attain a CPA designation and Colorado licensing, applicants must pass a four-part examination with a total of 14 hours of testing. Colorado licensure also involves education, ethics discipline and experience. To maintain their licenses, CPAs most complete continuing education courses and other opportunities for professional development.

The largest public accounting firm headquartered in Western Colorado, DWC CPAs and Advisors operates offices in Grand Junction as well Glenwood Springs and Montrose. For more information, call 243-1921 or log on to https://dwcadvisors.com. n GRAND MESA PACKAGING NAMES HEAD OF SALES AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT Jonathan Mabrito has joined Grand Mesa Packaging in Grand Junction as head of the sales and marketing department.

“We are very excited to have Jonathan join our team.

Among Jonathan’s qualifications, his commitment to his clients makes him a perfect fit for our company,” said Donna Peterson, owner of Grand Mesa Packaging.

“I just like helping people and being that person who people can rely on,” Mabrito said. “That’s what I bring to my company and customers.”

Grand Mesa Packaging is located at 3199 D Road, Unit B. The company supplies a variety of packaging and shipping materials. For additional information, call (970) 856-4820 or visit www.grandmesapackaging.com.

F

Delta man elected secretary of corn promotion council Wayne Brew of Delta has been elected secretary of the Colorado Corn Promotion Council.

Brew was among three directors elected to serve in leadership positions with the council. The others are Matt Mulch of Burlington, president, and Jessica Brophy of Yuma, vice president and treasurer.

Two new directors were appointed to the council: Kyle May of Stratton and Stratton Kraft of Fort Morgan.

The Colorado Corn Promotion Council manages the 1 cent a bushel assessment on corn sales in the state used for research, market development and outreach efforts.

F

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Oct. 12 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Absolute Prestige Limousine Service, 1676 13 Road, Loma.

Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Oct. 13 n Palisade Chamber of Commerce free member appreciation harvest party, noon to 1:30 p.m., Palisade Community Center, 120 W. Eighth St. 464-7458 or https://palisadecoc.com Oct. 17 n Presentation on cash flow budgets for small businesses, noon to 1 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 Oct. 18 n Western Colorado Human Resource Association monthly member luncheon and presentation on hiring overlooked workers, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. WCHRA members attend at no additional charge, guests pay $20. www.wchra.org n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County lunch conversation, noon to 1 p.m., Trail Life Brewing and Gear Junction, 436 Main St., Grand Junction. Lunch provided. www.ypnmc.org n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Blue Pig Gallery, 101 W. Third St. Admission for chamber members $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Others pay $8 in advance and $10 at the door. https://palisadecoc.com or 464-7458 Oct. 20 n Free Coffee Club networking group meeting and presentation by Serenity Financial Solutions, 9 to 10 a.m., FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 Oct. 23 n Course on bookkeeping for child care businesses, 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24, Business Incubator Center. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org Oct. 24 n Colorado HR Connection webinar on the Family and Medical Insurance Program, 11 a.m. to noon. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_6wBTBNa8RUqUJkeGBN3Rjg#/registration n Palisade Chamber of Commerce lunch and learn presentation on member benefits, noon to 1 p.m., Wine Country Inn, 777 Grande River Drive, Palisade. Chamber members attend at no charge. https://palisadecoc.com or 464-7458 Upcoming n Welcome Thursday Friends networking group, noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 26, Dragon Treasure, 576 Kokopelli Drive, Fruita. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County after hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Edgewater Brewery, 905 Struthers Ave., Grand Junction. www.ypnmc.org See ALMANAC page 35

OctOber 12-25, 2023

Almanac

Continued from page 34 Upcoming n Fruita and Palisade chambers of commerce community over coffee discussion with local, state and national officials, 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 1, Deroco Cellars, 785 Elberta Ave., Palisade. https://fruitachamber.org or www.palisadecoco.com. n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce health summit, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 1, Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom. Admission $65 for chamber members, $75 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 2, Adobe Creek National Golf Club, 876 18 1/2 Road, Fruita. Admission $15 for chamber members, $25 for

The Business Times

others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Business startup workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 2, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Free monthly maker meetup, 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6, GJ Makerspace at the Business Incubator Center.

243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business entrepreneurship luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nov. 7, Wine Country Inn. Admission $40 for chamber members, $50 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Welcome Thursday Friends networking group, noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 16, Cattlemen's Cafe & Catering, 436 U.S. Highway 6, Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894

Page 35

n Free Coffee Club networking group meeting, 9 to 10 a.m.

Nov. 17, FWorks. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Bookkeeping bootcamp, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5, Business Incubator Center. Admission $75, which includes lunch. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 n Business startup workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Alpine Bank, 129 N. Park Square. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Welcome Thursday Friends networking group, noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 21, Qdoba, 401 Jurassic Ave., Unit 2, Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 F

Page 36

The Business Times

OctOber 12-25, 2023