Opinion

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The Business Times Contributors THE BUSINESS TIMES OctOber 27-NOvember 9, 2022JANUARY 15-28, 2015 Opinion Opinion Business BriefsA new year affords Business Peoplea new opportunity to meet local needs Almanac

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

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

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

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

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

As an advertiser or reader, what do you need from the Business Times?

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

Good publications don’t exist in a vacuum. They respond to the needs of advertisers and readers. They provide what’s needed.

So what do you need?

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

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

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

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

Good publications are the result of not only the efforts of their staffs, but also collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers.

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

It’s a new year. Please help us to do so. F ✦ THE BUSINESSTIMES 609 North Ave., Suite 2, Grand Junction, CO 81501

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Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall Editor: Phil Castle Reach advertising at: publisher@thebusinesstimes.com Reach the editor at: phil@thebusinesstimes.com.

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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 — All rights reserved.

It’s that time of year when resolutions and prognostications abound. My favorite saying applied to New Year’s resolutions is in saying they’re basically a bunch of promises to break the first week of January. And while I won’t predict a whole lot, I can pretty much accurately nail a few things that without question will make the news. You will see these are pretty, well, predictable: ■ Prediction one: There will be some sort of weather event, natural disaster or heinous occurrence where someone will be interviewed and say the following: “I’ve never seen anything like that in my lifetime.” It’s as if this person is a required attendee at every news reporting event. While I understand most people’s perspective can indeed be limited by, or contained within, their own personal experiences, it is too much to ask to consult some historical perspective before saying such a thing? Yes, this response can apply to some events. But when it comes to weather and natural disasters, I’m pretty sure this is simply history repeating itself. Same as it has for millions and millions of years. More important, the planet made it! What didn’t were certain species. How’s that for perspective? ■ Prediction two: When it comes to a crime or something that occurs between humans, the other required attendee at all news reporting events is the person who says this: “They we’re just the nicest people, and in no way did I see something like this coming.” Exactly. No one does most of the time when it comes to neighbors and acquaintances. People should be surprised at what goes on from time to time in their neighborhoods, towns and with people they know because people are good. And for the times that they shouldn’t be shocked — like with politicians, repeat offenders and terrorists — where’s the interview that says, “This doesn’t surprise me in the least.” ■ Prediction three: Something good will happen economically, and the government will take credit for it. The most recent example is gas prices, where people ask me why I won’t credit the president for low gas prices. My answer is simple: Government never makes the price of something go down and simply takes credit for good news. Gas pricing is subject to many global factors. Now there are government answers to addressing some of them to keep prices stable for Americans, but our government has none of them in place. The only things it has in place in the

Bold predictions for 2015 more like not-so-bold repeats long run always hurt consumers. Another fact is that unemployment reaches a certain level based on the economy. And while the government might brag the number is low, it’s more than likely the government did something to cause that number being low — and not in a good way. Conversely, when business picks up, it’s because the people who need to buy widgets who were not buying widgets because the economy was contracting due to natural (or unnatural, government caused) reasons, decided we better buy some widgets. The government had nothing to do with this. ■ Prediction four: In keeping with things the government does, I predict the government will manipulate the numbers to make the claim the economy is getting better because of how hard it is working to help all of us “working Americans.” Now Craig Hall you might say, “Craig, you always say this about President Obama because you don’t like him.” You’re right in a sense. I don’t know the man, but what I know of him and his thinking, I don’t like it or him one iota. Before you go off, however, I didn’t like President Bush and his bailouts, stimulus and his abandoning the free market to save the free market. And I don’t know him either. What the government does, and the only thing it can do, is hurt the economy. Unless it does nothing or put criminals in jail instead of partnering with them, nothing the government does will help. Always look at it this way, whatever the government says it is doing, whatever the name of the law it is passing, or whatever the name or goal of the bureaucracy it is presenting to the people, expect the polar opposite to occur. I guess what I’m saying is that perhaps it’s time to get out of our own perspective. There’s plenty of history books and historical research out there to begin to understand that all of this has happened before. And it will again, whether the topic is people or government. The best recommendation is to find some books or try that whole Google thing. There’s a lot of information on the Great Depression. The truth is it wasn’t even a good one until the government got involved. There’s also plenty of research on the medieval warm period when the planet was much warmer than today with a whole lot less people (and warmer well before man was here at all). And yep, people have been killing other surprised people since history was first written. Maybe some research will help stop all of these trends. Otherwise, we’ll be saying we’ve never seen anything like it in our lives. And not in a good way. Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 Copyright © 2022 — All rights reserved. or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. F ✦

Yes, I know the headline hits Democrats hard. But accuracy does that.

And with a hat tip to the Democrat reader who took the time to write me a letter full of inferences about my character and intellect while pointing out how bad a few inferences in my previous column regarding government and its closely guarded secrets (irony much?) were, I’m not disparaging my Democrat and independent readers and friends. In that column, I was simply writing what I thought about a government full of secrets AND Democrats and Republicans. That’s my job on this half page of space Phil lets me fill twice a month.

Today, I’m simply writing my thoughts on the rare, strange phenomenon of Democrat leaders willing to compromise when they’re losing or out of power — not attacking readers and friends.

When Democrats win and gain majorities, they tend to quote their esteemed extremist-in-chief Barack Obama and say, “I won.” And ignore anyone who disagrees with them — especially the ones who voted for them, who generally seem to miss this fact — and start the tyranny engines without a care for freedom or inalienable rights. Here’s another Obama quote on compromise, “….we can’t have special interests sitting shotgun. We gotta have middle class families up in front. We don’t mind the Republicans joining us. They can come for the ride, but they gotta sit in back.” The middle class that Democrats have been destroying for decades is allowed to join, they just can’t be Republicans or allow your special-interest, single-issue you elected them on along for wherever they’re driving the country. Not what I’d call inclusive. Seems kinda all-ornothing to me.

Do I even need to point out Obama’s Jim Crow-esque inference toward anyone who thinks differently? Worse, there’s no “separate but equal” under Democrat rule. If you attempt to use your freedoms to counter them, the only back of the bus you’ll see is when it backs you over. But when far leftists get elected, they demand every far left position to appease their myriad, singleissue voter base. Common sense says you can’t make everyone happy. Ye, getting elected means Democrats can’t compromise on any issue. Single-issue voters and their lust for power won’t allow it.

That’s why Democrat leaders say freedom lovers are the biggest danger to America. It hurts their chances of getting elected and ruling over the masses. If too many of their single-issue voters think outside of what Democrat leaders are doing beyond their issue, they wouldn’t

Some key questions at an important time vote Democrat. So, once again, as Democrats are getting You know it’s bad when Democrats want compromise shellacked in polls and this coming election,

I’m inclined to write columns offering at least somewhat upbeat perspectives. their leaders start to talk about compromise. That’s a reflection in part of what could be considered my hopelessly naive nature. Democrats create focus groups dedicated But also my desire not to pile on to the challenges so many already face. to balance in governing, they talk about Consequently, I generally avoid columns about politics reaching across the aisle and they literally run and especially elections. There’s sufficient mud to go around for office using their Republican opponent’s without me slinging any more. While I certainly hold opinions talking points word for word hoping to attract about candidates, I’m reluctant to make endorsements. One of votes and showing how they care about the most precious freedoms of living in the United States is the voters they’ll gladly step on once elected. freedom to choose who represents us — hopefully as a result of I had another reader — by the way, informed decisions. Voters don’t need my say-so. Out of fear of what I see as increasingly worrisome Craig Hall both readers cited here enjoy the stories in my paper — call me to discuss my column trends — even the growing prospects for some dystopian calling on Tina Peters to resign. He said he future — I’m making an exception for this election. Not to agreed with me on those points. Fair enough. Phil Castle endorse specific candidates. But to plead with voters to more carefully consider their choices based on the answers to what Now some might say this was a compromise from the left. I can assure you it wasn’t. This I believe are three crucial questions. caller also stated he disagreed with me on n How do candidates from one political party view those in the other party? pretty much everything else I’ve ever written. Do they disagree with their ideas and general approaches to government, but also So his call to me was prefaced on one point: welcome them as participants in a process to make things better? Or do they view I agreed with how he thinks on one topic. the other party as the enemy, devoid of any good ideas or redeeming qualities? While that brought some curiosity to Worse still, do they view the other party as an existential threat? Despite any the phone call, the next topic brought a lot. political differences, far more unites most people than divides them. Regardless The caller attempted to direct me to a local of their affiliations, most people want the same basic things: the means to provide group dedicated to “restoring the balance” in homes and food for their families and safe places in which to care for their children. governance. I had a look-see. What do you n Why do candidates seek election? Most will answer they want to serve and know? Its website has more than a few links help make things better. Some actually do. But others are motivated by their own to Democrat-friendly press stories and its interests. They want to gain acclaim, wield power or perhaps enrich themselves. membership seems to lean quite a bit one way. I always look for servant leaders in those who seek public office — those aspiring Yes, there are a few, known, local, Republicans to lead, but to do so in ways that best serve their constituents. Those who care in their ranks as there always tends to be “gomore about the people they represent than their own aspirations. It’s tragic servant along-to-get-along” folks on the right. Plus, if leaders remain in such short supply in politics. you name yourself restorethebalance.org, well, n What character do candidates possess? Qualifications and experience constitute who can argue with that? important attribute. What knowledge and skills do they bring to their positions? Me, that’s who. One of the first things I I contend character constitutes an even more important attribute. Elected officials learned about partisan politics is whatever a confront novel issues and decisions for which they’re unprepared. They must rely political entity names something, be assured instead on their character — their commitment to do the right things. of opposite intentions and results. Go ahead,

In addition to considering questions about candidates, voters should ask think of any recent bill passed by Congress questions about themselves. Why do they choose the candidates they do? Party and look at the result. If that doesn’t loyalty? Fear? Or do they believe a candidate actually constitutes the best selection? convince you, nothing can. And if the

I’m not about to tell anyone who to vote for. I’m only asking people to national politics of compromise don’t show consider how they vote and why. And begging them to vote. To participate in the you what’s up, here’s some local flavor. process and avail themselves of one of our most important freedoms. When I see local, leading Democrats who’ve spread the vilest “stories” about Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times. Reach him at phil@thebusinesstimes.com Republicans running for office on or 424-5133. membership roles of a “centrist” group, I know what’s up. Just like when I see Lauren Boebert’s conservative positions appropriated by her Democrat opponent. — who also allowed those vile stories — I know what’s up. And when I finally see local press coverage — all of the sudden —about dirty politics only after Republicans treat Democrats the same way Democrats have been treating Republicans since election cycles began, I clearly see what’s up. When Democrat leaders seek compromise, they are losing. This time when Republicans win, give Democrats no quarter. Unconditional surrender is the only compromise. Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

Critical minerals really are: EV development depends on reliable supply chains

Colorado recently received $57 million from the federal government to help the state transition to the use of more electric vehicles (EVs). The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program established by last year’s bipartisan infrastructure law will help states like Colorado build charging stations along interstate

Baron Hill corridors and is part of the Biden administration’s goals of reducing climate emissions.

However, limited access in the United State to essential critical minerals could imperil state and national plans for EVs and charging networks.

While electric vehicles offer a promising new means of affordable transportation, manufacturers still need critical minerals to build batteries for those EVs. Charging stations aside, we won’t be able to roll out EVs without enough batteries. Fortunately, the government can help by establishing strong supply chains to meet rising demand. We must act swiftly. Without access to a reliable supply of critical minerals, our EV goals will fail.

China is the world leader in producing and processing critical minerals. Public officials are aware of this dynamic, as an early executive order from President Joe Biden outlined the importance of establishing stronger critical mineral supply chains. In a June 2021 report, the White House outlined China’s control of this sector, noting the overwhelming majority of lithium and cobalt run through Chinese state-owned companies.

Fortunately, the federal government is working to challenge Beijing’s market control. The U.S. Department of Energy will launch a $675 million effort to strengthen critical mineral supply chains. Part of the DOE’s efforts is to develop domestic processing and production capacity. The goal is to strengthen America’s position as a global manufacturing leader.

While well intended, the U.S. isn’t equipped to produce the critical minerals we rely upon other countries to develop. We can look at China’s control of cobalt as an example. Even though the Democratic Republic of Congo possesses most of the world cobalt reserves, China dominates the processing of cobalt. China’s market dominance is in part embodied by their extensive facilities, although China’s part is massively distorted because of state-directed subsidies and other cases of market manipulation. Even if the U.S. were to open more mines domestically, refining and processing these critical minerals would be prohibitively expensive.

The smartest move forward is for lawmakers to collaborate with publicly traded multinational corporations and foreign countries that already have reliable supply chains of critical minerals. This approach would help quickly and effectively establish resilient supply chains for American manufacturers. The good news is the Biden Administration is warming to this approach and moving away from focusing only on efforts to reshore critical mineral production and processing.

As for an example on this point, President Biden’s Executive Order 13953 states America “recognizes the continued importance of cooperation on supply chain issues with international partners and allies.” Developing these partnerships will ensure manufacturers can build EV batteries so Americans can enjoy the benefits of important projects like Colorado’s NEVI segment.

A steady and reliable supply chain of critical minerals constitutes the foundation of EV manufacturing and development. Collaborating with multinational companies with reliable access to critical materials will allow the U.S. to manufacture the products of tomorrow like EVs and provide more efficient and energy efficient transportation. Prioritizing this strategy will also help the U.S. prevent China from solidifying its hold on global critical mineral production and processing.

Colorado and the nation are on the cusp of building a modern charging network for the next generation of EVs. To realize that dream, the U.S. must build a diverse and reliable supply chain of critical minerals and materials.

Baron Hill represented Indiana’s 9th Congressional District and served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He was a member of the Blue Dog Caucus of moderate Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Senate candidate offers “real deal” qualifications

When I was growing up, we’d use the phrase a person was the “real deal.” In my neighborhood, that might have been the highest compliment one could receive. It meant the person was authentic and genuine. Joe O’Dea, who’s running for the U.S. Senate in Colorado, is the “real deal.” O’Dea is sincere when he says he is running to be “a voice for working Americans.” He can relate to blue-collar workers because he was one and in his heart will always be one. Prior to starting his construction business, Joe was a union carpenter and worked in the trades for a number of years. He understands getting his hands dirty and having them calloused at the end of a long day. More importantly, he appreciates the challenges many blue-collar workers deal with each day. He faced many of those same trials when he was starting out and working as a construction worker. When O’Dea indicates he can appreciate the issues facing Greg public safety and the difficult job law enforcement confronts each day, he’s being honest. O’Dea was raised by a Denver police

Fulton officer. Having a father in law enforcement means he heard and saw daily what was involved. More importantly, he recognizes one of the foremost concerns at this time is public safety. He realizes it’s important we support those in law enforcement, but also ensure they interact responsibly in that role. O’Dea understands the difficulties and problems of small businesses. That’s because he started one with only he and his wife before growing his business to more than 300 employees. As he built his business, he experienced firsthand the problems many small businesspeople do related to financing, staffing, competing with larger businesses and complying with a myriad of state and federal regulations. He appreciates the impact government has on small businesses and the difficulties new regulations and laws pose for them. O’Dea comprehends the challenges working class families face in our state. That’s because he grew up in one and witnessed daily the balancing acts the majority of our state’s households face. One could see, then, the impact of inflation and difficult choices it forced his parents and others to make. Facing similar levels of inflation today, he understands how families must grapple with rising food, gas and housing costs. O’Dea appreciates our state’s diverse population. His wife, Celeste’s, grandparents immigrated from Mexico. Her story is as impressive as his in regard to achieving the American dream. As a teenager, she cleaned homes, worked in fast food and then retail. She was a good student and attended CSU, where she received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and worked for 25 years in the medical technology field. While many speak of diversity in the workforce, O’Dea’s company is a model for others. The majority of O’Dea’s workforce at his company, Concrete Express, are Hispanic. His company has uplifted the lives of many of his employees. O’Dea is one of those rare candidates who’s his own man. While he’s a Republican, he holds views that don’t conform with certain party positions. He’s indicated he’ll listen to both sides and not be one to vote the party line. Whether Joe O’Dea wins or loses, he’ll remain the same authentic guy he’s always been. It’s in his DNA, as it is with others who are the “real deal.”

Greg Fulton is president of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, an organization that represents more than 650 companies involved or affiliated with the industry across Colorado.

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