The Business Times Volume 28 Issue 20

THE BUSINESS T IMES News OCTOBER 28-NOVEMBER 10, 2021

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 20

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

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Making space

In this issue

Trends 2 Contributors Opinion 6 n Couple expands Western Colorado Business Briefs coworking venture.

8 See page 2 Business People Almanac

n Healthy debate

Grand Valley health care executives share their insights about their industry as part of an annual health care summit.

n Savings expected Grand Junction residents will save on health insurance over what they would have paid without a reinsurance program.

n Ag funding

Grants offer funding for agricultural processing projects and pandemic recovery efforts in Colorado.

n Retreating rate

Bonnie Watson works at one of the five Alt Space coworking locations in Western Colorado. Watson and her husband, Brian, operate the spaces to offer resources not only to entrepreneurs starting ventures, but also remote workers looking for an alternative to home.

19

The Mesa County jobless rate has retreated to its lowest level since before the onset of the COVID pandemic.

n Inclusive efforts

21

Businesses can play a key role in changing the world in making their workplaces more equitable and inclusive.

n Are you a leader?

22

Leadership is less about ordering people around and more about helping others become leaders themselves.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

30 28 30 21-24 2-18 26-27 19-20

Photo courtesy Alt Space

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

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OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

Trends Health care executives Contributorstalk shop Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

Grand Valley providers offer collaborative approach, but also face challenges Phil Castle

The Business Times

Alt Space operates two coworking spaces in Grand Junction as well as locations in Montrose, Ridgway and Telluride. The spaces offer resources not only to entrepreneurs starting ventures, but also a growing number of remote workers looking for an alternative to home. (Photo courtesy Alt Space)

Making space

Couple expands Western Colorado coworking operation

B

rian Watson knows what it’s like to work remotely — days spent at home in pajamas with no clear boundaries between the times on and off the clock. “It can become all-consuming.”

That can make it a relief, Watson says, to go a place that’s more like an office — one that promotes a more productive effort and offers interactions with other people. No Zoom required.

Watson and his wife, Bonnie, operate five coworking spaces in Western Colorado that cater Brian Watson not only to entrepreneurs starting ventures, but also to what they say is the growing number of remote workers who’ve moved to the region and are looking for an alternative to working from home.

In the process, Bonnie Watson says they’re promoting connections that in turn promote business development in the region.

The Watsons are co-founders Bonnie Watson and co-owners of Alt Space and operate two coworking spaces in Grand Junction as well as spaces in Montrose, Ridgway and Telluride.

They purchased three of the coworking operations from Proximity, including the former Factory coworking space in the Maverick Innovation Center at Colorado Mesa University. They opened two more spaces — one in Telluride and one at 750 Main St. in downtown Grand Junction.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Chris Thomas

Bryan Johnson

For more about Alt Space, call (970) 239-1272 log on to https://altspacecowork.com or email altspacecommunity@gmail.com.

The Watsons bring to the venture experience in managing coworking spaces and business development.

Brian was among the founders of Launch West CO in Grand Junction and was involved in opening the Factory coworking space when it was located downtown. He also was among the founders of and still works for Proximity, which provides software to manage coworking spaces, including access, conference room scheduling, event management, internet access and membership billing. More than 450 coworking spaces now use the software, he says.

Bonnie works as director of the Telluride Venture Network. She manages a mentor network, boot camps, regional loan and venture funds as well as works with small businesses and startups in Southwest Colorado.

Bonnie says the couple launched Alt Space as a matter of necessity. A coworking space in Telluride closed and there was a need for a similar type of facility. Moreover, they were familiar with those operations. “That’s kind of what we do.”

When the opportunity arose, they purchased the three coworking operations from Proximity, then opened the second Grand Junction location in August.

The Watsons run one the first fully automated operations of its kind in the country, Brian says.

See SPACE page 16

STORY BY PHIL CASTLE

W. Cummings

Sharon Raggio

Jeff Kuhr

Grand Valley residents benefit from a health care industry that offers advanced services close to home and a collaborative response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the sector faces challenges, among them staffing shortages, thin margins and competition from Front Range providers, local executives say.

A panel of five health care executives answered questions about a range of subjects as part of a presentation at an annual health care summit staged by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

The panel included Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Community Hospital; Bryan Johnson, president of SCL Health St. Mary’s Medical Center; William Cummings, associate vice president of business development and rehabilitation at Family Health West; Sharon Raggio, president and CEO of Mind Springs Health; and Jeff Kuhr, director of Mesa County Public Health.

Asked to discuss some of the advantages the local health care industry enjoys, the panelists cited the level of services offered and collaborative approach.

Thomas said a “robust” system enables patients to receive even advanced services close to home.

While providers compete, they also collaborate.

Johnson agreed. “We are here for the betterment of the community.”

Kuhr said that collaboration has been especially apparent in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past 20 months. “We all work together as a single entity.”

The industry offers additional care through telehealth and services delivered through telecommunications.

“Telehealth has been awesome,” Raggio said. Computers and telephones have played an important role during the pandemic in connecting patients with behavioral health care providers.

Cummings said Family Health West relies on telehealth to provide See HEALTH page 18

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Life is Precious

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

well-rounded perspective to new Mesa County role Phil Castle

as well as New England and Canada.

Whidden said people who work in information technology aren’t just “geeks,” Frank Whidden brings what he but offer an important perspective because considers a well-rounded perspective to his they’re familiar with nearly every aspect of new job as Mesa County administrator. operations and how work gets done. They Whidden worked also tend to think about new and potentially in information better ways of doing things in asking and technology and holds answering “what if ” questions. “They know a master’s degree in how to effect change in an organization.” computer information Whidden expects to bring that same systems. But he also approach to his duties as administrator. holds a doctoral Whidden said it’s his role to help degree in applied county commissioners make and then management and implement decisions. The commissioners decision making and Frank Whidden in turn represent the residents of the worked for more than county and express their will, he said. “We 20 years as a minister. Whidden has work for the people.” worked for large and small organizations Whidden said he also considers himself in both the private and public sectors. a liaison between the commissioners and Whidden expects to draw on all of his county staff, and one of the priorities is to experiences in helping Mesa County make sure employees feel valued. Whidden Mesa Countymake Commissioner McInnis effort earlier this commissioners and carry outScott decisions. saidannounced he hopes notanonly to improve morale, yearValuing to buildstaff community halls in Clifton, De Beque, Whitewater and Loma and making the county but also take steps that will the make Mesa andemployer Mack area. estimated costthe for the effort,anincluding landfor acquisition, an of The choice is among County organization which people totals $8 million. photo by Phil priorities, Whidden(Business said. So Times is planning want to Castle) work. that results in sustainable funding and Meanwhile, Whidden expects the balanced budgets on a long-term basis. county to continue policies and initiatives Meanwhile, Mesa County will that support local business and economic continue to pursue efforts that promote a development. There are additional steps friendly business environment and that can be taken to make it easier for local economic development, Whidden said. businesses to sell products and services to Whidden officially began working as the county, he added. county administrator at the beginning of Mesa County will keep working with the year. succeedscommissioners Tom Fisher, whohave was Mountain other government entities, Elementary Schoolorganizations and within MesaHeCounty hired as county manager in Summit and institutions on fostering environment portion of the agreed to purchase 27 acres in Clifton for walking distance to a largean County, Utah. that supports existing businesses and a new community hall as well as other Clifton population.

Whidden joined Mesa County in attracts newCounty businesses, he said.

Mesa Commissioner Cody facilities.

August 2011 as information technology Whidden said there couldwill be bea “Mesa County’s Davis said public engagement director.

In April 2014, opportunities to encourage the additional priority is to build a he became deputy critical in developing the campus.

“We have county for resource been development businesses provide communityadministrator campus gatheringofand listening that to residents’ management in a staffing reorganization services to the agricultural industry well that will meet the input. We are so excited to develop aas vision that eliminated four director positions. as promote Mesa County as a distribution needs and better with our residents and businesses to create joining the County.” region. serveBefore residents in Mesa County, acenter betterfor Mesa Whidden for a company providing The important is to consider Clifton,” worked said Mesa Mesa County thing Commissioner Scott information technology services to issues from a well-rounded County Commissioner McInnis agreed. “We are in the perspective, early stages colleges and universities.

In that role, he of Whidden said.The “Welocation won’t be myopic as we Janet Rowland.

“Our this project. is still a hayfield. managed IT systems and services for look at things.” goal is to connect Nothing will be a done deal without the Rowland institutions Alabama,Janet Arizona, Illinois neighborhood’s input. ✦ Strong partnerships community inmembers The Business Times

Commissioners agree to buy Clifton property for community campus

and promote a better quality of life through accessible services and resources.”

The commissioners approved an $800,000 contract between Mesa County and Mesa County School District 51 to purchase the property Cody Davis at 3260 D 1/2 Road.The anticipated purchase date for the property is January.

The property will be used to build a community campus that will include the communty hall as well as an early childhood education center, training center and more.

The property is located near Rocky

matter when it comes to strengthening our community. We are eager to lead and innovate with the services and resources that will be provided at this campus.”

The commissioners announced in July plans to construct community Halls not only in Clifton, but also De Beque, Whitewmater and the Loma and Mack area.

The estimate cost of all four halls, including land aquisition, was estimated at $8 million.

McInnis said the project will fulfill a promise made prior to an election in 1981 in which voters approved a measure imposing a 2 percent county sales and use tax earmarked in part for capital projects.

The oil shale bust and other economic downturns that followed made it difficult to keep the promise until now, he said.

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Highline Lake State Park north of Loma will expand with the purchase of 178 acres bordering the west side of the park. The additional land is expected to help accommodate more visitors. (Photo courtesy Colorado Parks & Wildlife.)

178-acre addition expands Highline Lake State Park Colorado Parks and Wildlife has purchased property to expand Highline Lake State Park north of Loma and accommodate more visitors.

The 178 acres bordering the west side of the park cost $775,000 and were purchased with money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The land will offer additional areas for day use as well as camping, trails and wildlife habitat.

“The continued increases in visitation over the past few years really pushed our limits on capacity and became a huge issue,” said Alan Martinez, manager of HIghline Lake State Park. “During the summer months, we were closing the park most weekends because we were at capacity. The additional day-use areas and parking on the west side will alleviate some of the pressure we’ve had.”

Martinez said CPW will work on a development plan for the park over the next three months and develop a timeline for when new areas and features will be available.

Martinez said a phased approach is planned in adding a number of additional campsites to the west side and possibly a couple of yurts.

The existing 38-site campground at the park is booked every weekend from mid-March through the end of October, so additional campsites will provide more space.

The park also will extend a trail system popular with mountain bikers, work on wetland improvements and allocate 38 acres for wildlife habitat and food plots that will provide structural cover in addition to food for quail and pheasants.

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The leader of one of four Grand Junction companies to receive awards honoring fast-growing Colorado firms says he’s grateful for the recognition.

“Thank you to our customers, investors, team members, supporting cast of family members and our network of incredible work colleagues who have helped make this award a reality,” said Rob Eggebrecht, founder and chief executive officer of Cloudrise.

“Our goal for the community is to create opportunity, revenue and employment in rural communities of Colorado. We are specifically focused on assisting and developing the student community within Mesa County and the Western Slope of Colorado,” Eggebrecht said.

Cloudrise was among the winners of the 2021 Colorado Companies to Watch program. Aspen Technologies Group, Growl Agency and Phoenix Haus also won awards. MLS Senior Care and Timberleaf

Trailers were finalists.

Aspen Technologies Group provides consulting services to improve customer user experiences as well as cloud-based contact center solutions.

Growl Agency, a design and marketing firm, helps clients drive more revenue and results.

Phoenix Haus is a prefabricated home designer manufacturer that specializes in environmentally friendly homes.

Cloudrise provides a range of services to companies to assess their capability to protect data and offers them automated processes and other resources as well as management services.

Eggebrecht was named chairman of the computer science and cybersecurity industry advisory council at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. The council promotes programs and curriculums that lead to careers in cybersecurity.

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Executive of company to watch grateful for program recognition

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Office offers secure business filing services

The Colorado Secretary of State’s office provides free secure filing services for Colorado businesses registered with the office.

“Business identity theft can cause major damage to a business’s credit and standing. Secure business filing is a free tool that can be used as a level of protection for hard-working Colorado business owners to help businesses preserve their Jena Griswold good credit and good name,” said Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold.

Secure business filing provides protection using an email address and password, giving exclusive access to password holders to make additional filings or update their records. Users

can create new accounts online. Once secure business filing is set up, authorized users can be added using their email addresses.

Business identity theft is a crime in which a business’s identity is used to establish lines of credit with banks or retailers.

With these lines of credit, identity thieves buy items that can be exchanged for cash or sold. Identity theft can damage credit history, leading to denial of credit and operational problems.

The Colorado Secretary of State, Colorado Attorney General and Colorado Bureau of Investigation ID Theft Unit have developed a business identity theft resource guide to help businesses.

For more information about setting up secure business filing, visit the website at https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/ business/ProtectYourBusiness/createAccount.html.

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OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

Insurance savings expected

Grand Junction area residents will save on average 36 percent on individual health insurance next year over what the their premiums would have been without a reinsurance program.

“Coloradans in rural, suburban and urban communities are tired of paying too much for health care, and our reinsurance program delivers real relief and real savings for small businesses and Jared Polis people who don’t get their insurance through their employer,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.

Polis announced the information for approved individual and small group insurance plans and premiums for 2022.

Michael Conway For the state, residents will save on average 24.1 percent on individual health insurance over what the premiums would have been without the reinsurance program. Average savings are higher for areas of the state with higher health care costs, including Grand Junction and Summit County.

Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway said the reinsurance program as been approved through 2026 and will continue to offer savings. “It is another way we are working to help people not only afford insurance, but to get access to necessary health care.”

Colorado consumers buying individual plans in 2022 will see an average increase of 1.1 percent compared to 2021 premiums.

The number of individual plans available across the state will increase from 326 to 527.

The same eight companies from 2021 will offer individual insurance plans for 2022 — Anthem, Bright Health, Cigna Health, Denver Health, Friday Health, Kaiser, Oscar Insurance and Rocky Mountain Health Plans. In the individual market, Bright Health, Friday Health, Oscar and Rocky Mountain HMO are all adding more counties where they will sell plans.

Open enrollment for individual plans will begin Nov. 1 and run through Jan. 15.

In the small group market for employers with two to 100 employees, the overall average change in premiums will be a 4.4 percent increase over the 2021 premiums.

Twelve companies will offer a total of 553 small group health insurance plans, also an increase over the 429 plans available in 2021.

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Grants offer funding for Colorado ag processing Applications are being accepted for grants to fund agricultural processing projects and in turn strengthen supply chains in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture expects to distribute up to $2 million through the Farm-to-Market Infrastructure Grant Program to help farmers, ranchers, food processors and manufacturers Tom Lipetzky improve food systems and develop and expand agricultural value-added projects.

The Colorado Legislature enacted a measure establishing the program with the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Grants can be used only for agricultural processing projects — grading, packaging, sort, storing or

otherwise transforming plant and livestock products.

“When the pandemic showed the vulnerabilities of our local food systems, Colorado producers stepped up to fill the gaps. What we heard them say was that the ability to quickly adapt business practices to counteract global supply chain issues requires investment into new equipment and technologies,” said Tom Lipetzky, director of the markets division of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “The Farm-to-Market grants will help producers across our state create a more resilient and profitable food supply chain. We want to invest in Colorado producers to help them expand their businesses and their offerings of valueadded agricultural projects.”

Value-added products generally go through a production or manufacturing process. A product could be considered value-added if there’s been a change in the

physical state or form — such as making meat into jerky or fruit into jam. The manner of production enhances the value of the product or products are segregated in a way that increases value.

Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural processing businesses are eligible to apply if they’re residents of and operate in Colorado. The maximum grant award amount for any one project is $150,000.

Applications will be reviewed in two award periods.

Applications received by Nov. 30 will be reviewed in the first period. Applications received by Feb. 28 will be reviewed in the second period. Up to $2 million in grants will be awarded by June 30.

To apply, businesses must submit the online application form available at bit.ly/ftmgrants.

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Applications sought for grant funding to help farmers with pandemic recovery

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 15 for grants designed to help farmers growing specialty crops recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations.

“This grant opportunity will help producers who are trying to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and who are thinking creatively about how to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, sustain the livelihood of farmers and strengthen local economies,” said Jennifer Benson, a grant specialist with the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

The department accepts applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, a federal grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This application period is in addition to the annual application period that opens in December.

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.

In addition to the regular SCBGP funding authorized by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Congress awarded additional one-time funding to state departments of agriculture to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on food production systems.

Qualifying projects may focus on education, food safety, marketing, nutrition, promotion, research or trade.

Special consideration will be given to projects that facilitate recovery from COVID-19-related industry setbacks.

Grants also may be used to purchase personal protective equipment, COVIDrelated facility adjustments for worker and product safety and costs related to the vaccination of employees.

Producer groups, researchers and other industry supporters are encouraged to submit proposals.

For program guidelines and application materials, visit the CDA specialty crop block grant page or email Benson at jennifer.benson@state.co.us.

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Applications sought for Daniels scholarships Collaboration focuses on work force development

Applications will be accepted through 4 p.m. Nov. 15 for scholarships awarded to college-bound high school seniors in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

The Daniels Scholarship Program offers four-year college scholarships that provide financial and personal support focused on helping recipients succeed in college and life.

Scholarships can be used at any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States.

The annually renewable scholarships cover up to $25,000 a year in the unmet needs of students after other financial aid, scholarships and expected family contributions have been applied.

To apply for scholarships, applicants must be a high school senior graduating during the 2021-2022 academic year from a high school in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah or Wyoming. They

must be resident of one of the states and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

They must earn a minimum of a 3.0 high school grade point average on an unweighted 4.0 scale.

They must earn a minimum SAT math score of 490 and a minimum evidence-based reading and writing score of 490 or a minimum ACT score of 18 in each category.

Applicants’ parents or legal guardians must have an adjusted gross income of $85,000 or less on the 2020 tax return on which the applicant appears. The program allows $5,000 for each additional dependent and $15,000 for each additional dependent attending college on a full-time basis.

For more information about the Daniels Fund Scholarships program, log on to www.danielsfund.org.

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State agencies and other organizations in Colorado have joined in an effort to support the development of a career-responsive education and training system in the state.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment joined with the Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Department of Higher Education, Colorado Workforce Development Council, the governor’s office and businesses to create the Office of Education and Training Innovation.

“The future of education and work demand lifelong learning,” said Misti Ruthven, director of the office.

“As automation, artificial intelligence, globalization and digitalization continue to transform the labor market, workers of all ages will need to upskill or reskill in order to remain competitive in today and tomorrow’s economy. Educational institutions, working closely with their counterparts in work force and business, will play a critical role in helping them acquire these skills.”

Early goals for the effort include supporting policy, strategy and collaboration between education and business, building coherence between state agency and business efforts to connect the supply and demand sides of the economy, identifying myths and misconceptions that inform education and work force systems and aligning existing on-the-job and workbased learning programs and pilots, such as apprenticeship. This collaboration extends to partnering with CDLE Office of the Future of Work and will support the associated education focus as a coordinated approach for Colorado.

By increasing collaboration between business, education, the state and work force development, the effort will support efforts to equip Coloradans with in-demand skills.

“The creation of the office recognizes the need to fortify connections between education, work force, government and other stakeholders,” said Noel Ginsburg, chairman of the Business Experiential Leadership Commission and chief executive officer of CareerWise Colorado.

“I’m particularly encouraged by its focus on earn-and-learn programs, like apprenticeship, to create more opportunity for more people and ultimately a more equitable economy.”

Joe Barela, executive director of the CDLE, said the effort will address concerns among employers and employees related to rapid changes in the ways people work. “Through the Office of Education and Training Innovation, we seek to lessen their fears by proposing work force development solutions that will equip both with the skills, talent and resources they need to ensure our communal economic prosperity.”

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Library studio artist to host public events

Savannah Ashmore will host a series of events as the Mesa County Libraries 970West artist in residence through December.

Ashmore uses a variety of media in her artwork. She spent her childhood in Mesa County and became interested in art as a way to express what she observed in her surroundings — Savannah Ashmore from the Colorado National Monument to blooming peach trees in the Palisade area.

She graduated from the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design in 2018 with bachelor of fine arts degree in illustration.

Ashmore will offer weekly meet and greet sessions from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays through Dec. 17 at the Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio located at 502 Ouray Ave. across from the central library in Grand Junction.

She will host an all-ages open art studio set for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the community room of the central library at 443 N. Sixth St. Participants will have an opportunity to experiment with different art supplies.

Teen-agers and adults may attend a presentation on handcrafted stationery set for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 in the community room of the central library. Participants will use a variety of supplies and techniques to create stationery.

For more information about the artist in residence program, log on to the website located at https://mesacountylibraries.org/ services/970weststudio/air.

For more about Ashmore, visit the website at https://savannahashmoreart.com.

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Tickets available for Mountainfilm on Tour

Tickets are available for a virtual presentation of a selection of documentary films shown at the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride.

Tickets for the Mountainfilm on Tour are free with a suggested minimum contribution of $15 to the Western Colorado Alliance for Community Action in Grand Junction.

Tickets and additional information about the featured films are available online through the Western Colorado Alliance website at www.westerncoloradoalliance.org.

A confirmation email will include a link to access the program. The presentation will be available for viewing from 9 a.m. Nov. 11 to 11:55 p.m. Nov. 14.

More information and assistance also is available by contacting Caleb Ferganchick at the Western Colorado Alliance at caleb@westerncoloradoalliance.org.

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Gala event scheduled to benefit Roice-Hurst

A gala fund-raiser for the Roice-Hurst Humane Society animal shelter in Grand Junction will return with an additional option.

The Wine and Whiskers gala is set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 13 at Two Rivers Winery and Chateau, 2087 Broadway in Grand Junction.

“We are so excited to bring Wine and Whiskers back again this year, especially after these long 19 months of social and emotional interruption,” said Anna Stout, chief executive officer of the nonprofit animal shelter Anna Stout and adoption center.

“The gala is a wonderful opportunity to feel purposeful alongside a whole community of pet lovers who are committed to the work Roice-Hurst is doing for our community’s pets. Plus, it’s really just a lot of fun.”

General admission tickets sell for $50. VIP tickets sell for $75 and include early admission, a private wine pairing experience and engraved wine glass. In addition to wine and appetizers, the gala will include a wine pull, adoptable pets and an animal-themed silent auction.

The event also will offer a gala-to-go option for $50 for those who prefer to celebrate at home and include an engraved bottle of Two Rivers wine delivered to their doors.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Roice-Hurst Humane Society at 362 28 Road and online at the website at www.RHhumanesociety.org/wine-whiskers.

The Roice-Hurst Humane Society provides housing, individualized behavioral and medical treatment and daily care for dogs and cats as well as animal behavior counseling, adoption services and low-cost veterinary services. For more information, call 434-7337 or visit the website located at www.RHhumanesociety.org.

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Alpine Bank to pay quarterly dividends

Alpine Banks of Colorado will pay quarterly cash dividends on Nov. 1.

The bank will pay a dividend of $24 per class A voting common share and 16 cents per class B nonvoting common share. Those dividends are unchanged from dividends paid the previous quarter.

A $5.8 billion employee-owned organization headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Alpine Bank operates locations across Colorado and serves more than 160,000 customers. For more information, visit www.alpinebank.com.

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Space

Continued from page 2 Alt Space uses Proximity software to handle most functions — from memberships to access to coworking spaces to scheduling the use of conference rooms. Bonnie says members sign up online and like the self-help model.

The Watsons employ a virtual assistant who provides customer service. They also exchange memberships with people who serve as ambassadors at the coworking locations.

Those locations offer places to work, including dedicated desks, offices and conference rooms. Small rooms are available for more privacy for telephone calls. The locations also offer high-speed internet access and unlimited free coffee.

Rates for use vary from a daily drop-in rate of $30 during buiness hours to a $149 monthly flex rate that offers round-theclock access. Dedicated desks are available for $299 a month. Offices start at $650 a month. Memberships afford access to all the locations.

Alt Space will offer what the Watsons have dubbed remote work Mondays in November to let people try out the coworking spaces for free.

In addition to a place to work, Alt Space offers connections among members, the Watsons say.

A company might need a computer programmer or graphic designer for a project and find a member with those skills.

The Business Times

Connections also can lead to other collaborations and even new business ventures, Bonnie says. That promotes economic development and diversity as well as strengthens a more regional approach.

“It’s really to connect people across the Western Slope.”

While coworking spaces offer a place to work for entrepeneurs and professionals starting ventures, they’ve become increasingly popular among people who’ve been working remotely since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Watsons say.

Most Alt Space members are remote workers who’ve recently moved to Western Colorado, they say. No longer tied to an office building or even a city, they’ve come to the Western Slope in search of smaller communities and a higher quality of life. “We have people literally from everywhere,” Brian says.

Coworking spaces not only promote more productive efforts, but also offers a clearer delineation between work and home, he says.

As their coworking spaces fill, the Watsons say they’ll consider adding additional locations — but likely through management agreements with others. They say they’re more interested in managing the business rather than properties.

For now, though, they’re eager to offer an alternative to working from hone and help their members make connections.

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OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

Export grant program reinstated

A program offering funding to Colorado businesses in advanced industries to offset costs associated with exporting has been reinstated.

The Advanced Industries Export Acclerator Grant Program offers grants up to $15,000 to small and medium-sized businesses involved in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, bioscience, electronics, energy and natural resources, infrastructure engineering and technology and information.

Grants can be used to help cover the costs of participating in trade missions and attending trade shows, translation services for a contract or official document, intellectual property protection, conducting due diligence or credit reviews on potential buyers or distributors and production and design of international marketing materials. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Projects or activities must be finished by June 30.

Companies involved in exporting or considering exporting are encouraged to use the Global Consultant Network as a complement to the grant program.

The Global Consultant Network provides a network of international consultants who connect Colorado companies to global opportunities. Colorado companies have access to international consultants in major markets, including Canada and Mexico as well as Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade administers the grant program. For more information, visit the website located at https://choosecolorado.com.

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Vaccine mandate presentation planned A free presentation offering information about COVID-19 vaccination mandates is planned for Grand Junction.

The Western Colorado Human Resource Association and Bechtel & Santo law firm have scheduled the presentation for 3 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road.

Michael Santo, a partner in the firm, and his team, will offer an update on the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration employer vaccine mandate.

To register for the event or obtain more information, visit the website located at www.wchra.org/event-4541214.

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Health

Continued frrom page 2 specialty care.

Johnson said St. Mary’s collaborates with Intermountain Health Care to use remote services for intensive care, Johnson said. The services include monitoring patients and consultations with ICU physicians. The arrangement provides backup, particularly on nights and weekends, as well as offers more safe and effective care at a lower cost, he said.

The use of telehealth during the pandemic has demonstrated its growing popularity and could be used to deliver more services to patients in their homes, he said.

Kuhr said virtual visits offered through telehealth have eliminated some of the barriers people face in accessing health care and other resources.

The health care industry in the Grand Valley also faces challenges, however, the panelists said.

Asked about what keeps them up at night, Johnson said, “It’s staffing, staffing, staffing. That’s what keeps us awake at night.”

Raggio said Mind Springs Health also has experienced staffing shortages, especially for nurses, at its West Springs psychiatric hospital in Grand Junction and other operations across the Western Slope.

The panelists also cited thin margins threatened by rising costs.

While St. Mary’s Medical Center strives to maintain an overall margin of about 3.5 percent, the cost of supplies has increased 6 percent to 7 percent and the cost of labor has gone up 5 percent to 6 percent, Johnson said.

Factor in competition from Front Range providers, and it becomes more difficult for the Grand Valley health care industry to maintain some high-end service lines, he said. “They do get very, very fragile very quickly.”

Thomas said local health care providers must figure out ways to sustain

The Business Times

those services to provide local care. “It’s not an option.”

There’s continued pressure, though, to cut health care costs, the panelists said.

And that could require a more proactive approach over the long term.

Thomas said Community Hospital enjoys strong margins in part because of lower overhead costs. But it’s difficult to pass savings on to patients when the money goes instead to insurers.

Ultimately, access to preventive family care will help lower health care costs, he said. “It’s lot less expensive to stay healthy than it is to fix you.”

Johnson said the best way to lower health care costs is to promote physical and mental wellness and keep people out of the health care system. And when they do require care, it’s less costly to provide it close to home.

Raggio agreed it’s important to invest in wellness, including behavioral health.

The pandemic has only exacerbated anger, divisiveness and other issues, she said. “This has been a difficult period to get through.”

Businesses and individuals can join in efforts to curb health care costs, the panelists said, including costs associated with COVID-19.

“COVID is going to stay around,” Kuhr said, and vaccinations could be needed every year. “We’re always going to have to think about it.”

Thomas said COVID has had big effects on the local work force, but vaccinations could mitigation them. “The vaccines are working, guys.”

Cummings agreed.

“Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate.”

Moreover, there’s greater awareness now that if employees are sick, they should stay home rather than come to work, he said.

Raggio said business owners need to take care of themselves even as they strive to care for their employees.

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OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

Results of analysis detail public land camping crunch

A new analysis shows the popularity of camping on public lands skyrocketed in Colorado and nationally over the past decade, with a notable spike during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The analysis released by the Center for Western Priorities in Denver took into account public lands camping data in the lower 48 states between 2014 and 2020.

During that time, the estimated occupancy of reservable campsites in Colorado filled in summer jumped from 43 percent in 2014 to 71 percent in 2020 — a 64 percent increase in camping reservations over the six-year period, compared to 39 percent nationally.

The analysis found the COVID-19 pandemic helped drive a large bump in reservable campsite occupancy between 2019 and 2020. In Colorado, the estimated occupancy of reservable campsites filled in summer increased 20 percent from 2019 to 2020.

Nationally, growth in national park visitation was documented during the summer of 2021 as numerous national parks smashed records. Analysis showed reservable campgrounds in national parks rank among the most crowded across the country.

Analysis also showed reservable campsites in protected areas — even excluding national parks and their immediate surroundings — are more occupied during the peak season than other public lands, demonstrating the popularity of all protected lands, not just national parks.

“More people visiting, camping on, and enjoying our treasured national public lands is certainly a good thing. However, the increase in visitation can lead to serious overcrowding and strains the infrastructure and resources on public lands during the peak summer season,” said Jennifer Rokala, executive director of the Center for Western Priorities.

“The popularity of public lands in Colorado — and especially protected areas — should urge leaders to keep a good thing going by funding our land management systems and designating more protected areas to distribute visitation across different sites and seasons,” Rokala said Colorado was not an outlier among Western states. Compared to other regions of the country, the Western United States saw the biggest increase in reservable camping activity, although the trend of increasingly full campgrounds was consistent. From 2014 to 2020, there was a 47 percent increase in estimated peak season reservable campsite occupancy in the West, compared to 39 percent nationally.

Nearly a third of people living in the Western United States said that one of the top five issues that limit how often they visit national public lands is that those lands are too crowded.

Additionally, Western reservable campgrounds in or near non-national-park protected areas were reliably more popular than other public lands—which tracks with the 84 percent of those who live the West who said they support creating new protected areas.

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Mesa County RSVP offers Medicare help

Counselors with the Mesa County RSVP are available to help people enroll for Medicare.

State health insurance program counselors are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 7 or until they reach capacity. Counseling is free.

Counselors don’t sell or endorse any insurance company or product. They’re trained and certified by the state.

Enrollment is open through Dec. 7 for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 years old or older or deemed disabled. The open enrollment period also offers an opportunity to change a Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug coverage.

For more information about Mesa RSVP, call 243-9839 or visit the website located at www.RSVPGrandJunction.org.

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News Trends Unemployment Contributorsrate retreats Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac The Business Times

OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

Page 19

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings

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

n Confidence

s Consumer Confidence Index 113.8 in October, up 4.0. t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 56.1 for the fourth quarter, down 11.2. t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 99.1 for September, down 1.0.

n Foreclosures

t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 2 in September, down from 8 in September 2020. t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 2 in September, down from 3 in September 2020.

n Indexes

t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 110.35 for September, down 0.33. s Conference Board Leading Economic Index 117.5 for September, up 0.2%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 61.1% for September, up 1.2%.

n Lodging

s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $211,635 for August, up 75.9% from August 2020.

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 510 in September, down 9.9% from September 2020. s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $205 million in September, up 14.5% from September 2020.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $5.9 million for August, up 18.2% from August 2020. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.23 million for September, up 16.9% from September 2020.

n Unemployment t Mesa County — 4.8% for September, down 0.9. t Colorado — 5.6% for September, down 0.3. t United States — 4.8% for September, down 0.4.

Mesa County jobless rate falls to lowest level since onset of pandemic Phil Castle

and the option to work from home as well offered higher wages, he said.

For September, 1,020 job orders were Sept. Aug. With drops in each of the last three posted, Englehart said. That’s the lowest t Delta County 4.1 5.0 months, the unemployment rate has number since March. Through the first three t Garfield County 4.0 4.6 retreated in Mesa County to the lowest level quarters of 2021, 8,617 orders were posted. t Mesa County 4.8 5.7 since before the onset of the COVID-19 That’s nearly double the orders posted for t Montrose County 4.2 5.1 pandemic. the same span last year and more than the t Rio Blanco County 4.2 5.2 “It is a really good 6,646 orders posted for all of 2020. sign for us,” said Englehart said he expects strong hiring Curtis Englehart, director of the Mesa County to continue through the fourth quarter of 2021 to fill not only fill Workforce Center in Grand Junction. existing openings, but also seasonal positions for the holidays.

While a labor shortage persists, employers The recent openings of Dillards and Dick’s Sporting Goods at willing to offer more flexibility and higher Mesa Mall in Grand Junction and related hiring will bolster labor wages have fared better in filling openings, numbers.

Englehart said.

But the labor market also could be affected by employees who The seasonally unadjusted unemployment quit their jobs rather than comply with COVID-19 vaccination Curtis Englehart rate fell nine-tenths of a point to 4.8 percent mandates, he said. in Mesa County in September, according Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates also declined in to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor neighboring Western Colorado counties in September: six-tenths and Employment. That’s the lowest level since the rate stood at of a point to 4 percent in Garfield County, nine-tenths of a point to 4.1 percent in February 2020. At this time last year, the rate stood 4.1 percent in Delta County and 4.2 percent in Montrose County at 6.4 percent. and a point to 4.2 percent in Rio Blanco County.

For September 2021, Mesa County payrolls increased 1,136 to The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell three-tenths 73,463. The number of people counted among those unsuccessfully of a point to 5.6 percent even as nonfarm payrolls increased 5,100 looking for work decreased 630 to 3,720. The labor force, which between August and September. includes the employed and unemployed, grew 506 to 77,183.

Over the past year, payrolls have increased 102,100 with Compared to a year ago, payrolls increased 1,460. The ranks the biggest gains in the leisure and hospitality; professional and of the unemployed decreased 1,235. The labor force grew 225. business services; and trade, transportation and utilities sector.

An end to a federal stipend added to unemployment benefits Manufacturing and construction payrolls declined. motivated some people to rejoin the work force. But the latest Over the past 17 months, Colorado has regained 297,900 of numbers also reflect other factors, Englehart said. “I think it’s a the 375,800 jobs lost between February and April 2020 because of combination of things.” the pandemic and related restrictions.

What’s been a surge in job orders posted at the Mesa County The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm Workforce center has leveled off as employers fill more of those payrolls has lengthened over the past year six-tenths of an hour openings, he said. “That’s not a bad thing.” to 33.5 hours. Average hourly earnings increased $1.44 to $32.46.

Employers have responded to demands for more flexibility F The Business Times

AREA JOBLESS RATES

Consumer Confidence Index rebounds A measure of consumer confidence has rebounded on more upbeat expectations for business and labor conditions as well as plans to make big purchases and take vacations.

The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index rose four points to 113.8 in October. The gain reversed a threemonth decline. Components of the index tracking assessments of current conditions as well as short-term expectations both increased.

Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at the Conference Board, said concerns about the effects of the Delta variant Lynn Franco of COVID-19 have eased. While concerns over inflation rose to a 13-year high, the effect on confidence was muted.

“The proportion of consumers planning to purchase homes, automobiles and major appliances all increased in October — a sign that consumer spending will continue to support economic growth through the final months of 2021,” Franco said. “Likewise, nearly half of respondents said they intend to take a vacation within the next six months — the highest level since February 2020, a reflection of the ongoing resurgence in consumers’ willingness to travel and spend on in-person services.”

The business research and membership group bases the Consumer Confidence Index on the results of monthly household surveys. Economists monitor the index because consumer spending

accounts for more than two-thirds of economic activity.

More upbeat assessments of current conditions pushed up the present situation component of the index 3.1 points to 147.4.

The proportion of consumers responding to the survey upon which the October index was based who described business conditions as “good” fell a half point to 18.6 percent. But the share of those who called conditions “bad” also fell — four-tenths of a point to 24.9 percent.

The proportion of those who said jobs are “plentiful” dropped nine-tenths of a point to 55.6 percent. But the share of those who said jobs are “hard to get” fell 2.4 points to 10.6 percent.

More optimistic outlooks pushed up the expectations component of the index 4.6 points to 91.3.

The share of consumers who said they expect business conditions to improve over in six months increased 2.6 points to 24.3 percent. The proportion of those who said they anticipate worsening conditions also rose — 3.5 points to 21.1 percent.

The share of consumers who expect more jobs to become available in coming months rose 4.1 points to 25.4 percent. The proportion of those forecasting fewer jobs decreased 1.6 points to 18.3 percent.

While 18.7 percent of consumers said they expect their incomes to increase — up 1.8 points from September — another 11.3 percent said they anticipated lower earnings. That’s down a tenth of a point.

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OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

Leading index signals moderate growth ahead An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to increase, but at slower pace that reflects mounting concerns over the pandemic, inflation and supply chains.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index increased two-tenths of a percent to 117.5 in September.

A separate measure of past performance also increased, while a measure of Ataman Ozyildirim current conditions remained unchanged.

Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economic research at the Conference Board, said the latest results suggest the economy remains on a more moderate growth trajectory.

“The delta variant, rising inflation fears and supply chain disruptions are all creating headwinds for the U.S. economy.”

Still, the Conference Board forecasts 5.7 percent growth year-over-year in gross domestic product in 2021 and 3.8 percent growth in 2022, Ozyildirim said The Leading Economic Index has increased 5.4 percent over the past six months, a faster pace than the 3.7 percent gain over the six months before that.

By comparison, GDP grew at an annual rate of 6.7 pecent for the second quarter and 6.3 percent for the first quarter.

For September, six of 10 indicators of the Leading Economic Index advanced, including interest rate spread, a leading credit index, new orders for both consumer and capital goods and a new orders index. A decrease in average weekly initial claims for unemployment insurance also bolstered the index. Average weekly manufacturing hours, building permits, consumer expectations for business conditions and strock prices retreated.

The Coincident Economic Index held steady at 105.8.

The index has increased 1.3 percent over the past six months.

For September, three of four indicators advanced: nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales. Industrial production retreated.

The Lagging Economic Index rose three-tenths of a percent to to 106.5. The index has increased eight-tenths of a percent over the past three months.

For September, four of seven components advanced, including commercial and industrial financing, inventories and labor costs. A decline in the average duration of unemployment also pushed up the index. Consumer credit and the cost of services retreated. The average prime rate charged by banks remained unchanged.

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Trends Contributors Opinionworkplaces Inclusive Business Briefs Business People Almanac

OctOber 28-NOvember 10 2021

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COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction has scheduled a series of workshops offering information about startups.

Upcoming sessions of the workshop are planned for 9 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 2 and 18 and Dec. 2 at the center, located at 2591 Legacy Way. The workshops will cover the business planning process, including financing options, licensing requirements, legal structures, trade name searches and state registration. Admission is $55, which also includes admission to Fast Trac one-hour business classes.

For additional information about upcoming events as well as services and programs offered at the Business Incubator Center, call 243-5242 or visit the website located at https://gjincubator.org. n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual economic outlook luncheon for Dec. 13.

Richard Wobbekind, senior economist and faculty director of the business research division at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder, will review the latest results of an annual forecast compiled at CU. Wobbekind will discuss the economic outlook for 2022 for Mesa County as well as Colorado and the United States.

In addition, expanding businesses will be recognized at the last quarterly membership luncheon of the year.

For more information about upcoming chamber events, call 242-3214 or visit the website at https://gjchamber.org.

Businesses play an important role in changing work and the world When justice advocate Jane Elliott speaks to audiences, she often begins with a request: “I want every white person in this room who would be happy to be treated as this society in general treats our citizens — our black citizens — if you, as a white person, would be happy to receive the same treatment that our black citizens do in this society, please stand.”

Not surprisingly, no one stands. She repeats the instructions two more times with the same result. Setting the foundation for the remainder of her presentation, Elliott ends with a challenge: “Nobody’s standing here.

That says very plainly that you know what’s happening, you know you don’t want it for you. I want to know why you’re so willing to accept it or to allow it to happen for others.”

As racial and other inequities have become increasingly visible, society looks to Carlene businesses to take an active role in making Goldthwaite their workplaces and communities more open, equitable and inclusive. But his work — eliminating racism and other -isms — can seem overwhelming, especially for smaller organizations.

The Western Colorado Human Resource Association recently joined with HUB International to present a workshop in Grand Junction titled “Creating an Inclusive Culture.”

Stacy Backes, a senior human resource consultant with HUB, shared her ideas and tools to help HR professionals as well as business owners and managers embark on this journey. For organizations that have already been working on diversity, equity

and inclusion, this session offered an opportunity to assess their progress and inform their next steps.

The session provided a foundation of shared terminology and definitions before examining the business case for inclusivity — the financial benefits inclusive organizations enjoy as well as the overt and hidden costs of non-inclusion. Backes encouraged participants to consider different dimensions of diversity and encourage self-exploration to understand how their hidden biases affect their workplaces, colleagues and communities.

The Society for Human Resource Management launched in 2020 an initiative titled “Together Forward @Work” to transform organizational cultures and communities.

A website located at https://togetherforwardatwork.shrm.org provides educational opportunities, research results and best practices.

SHRM challenges its members to create better workplaces in pursuit of a better world. As an affiliate chapter, WCHRA supports and embraces this challenge and ongoing efforts to create more inclusive workplaces.

Carlene Goldthwaite is president of Create Real Growth and provides expertise to organizational leaders on diversity, inclusion, intentional culture and strategic planning.

Goldthwaite also serves as director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For more information about Create Real Growth, visit www.createrealgrowth.com. For more information about the Western Colorado Human Resource Association, visit the website at www.wchra.org.

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Economic conference planned for West Slope students Nearly 150 high school juniors and seniors from the region are expected to attend the Western Slope Economic Leadership Conference in Grand Junction.

The Freedon & Responsibility Education Enterprise (FREE) Foundation has scheduled the conference for 7:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Nov. 2 in the Colorado Mesa University Meyer Ballroom. The foundation hosts the T.K. Coleman conference as part of its mission to help students and teachers learn about economics, entreprenership, financial literacy and free enterprise.

“We are honored that business students and teachers from across the Western Slope have found the content of our

conferences valuable enough to come back year after year,” said Kelly Johnston, president of the FREE Foundation.

The conference will feature T.K. Coleman, cofounder and education director for Praxis. The apprenticeship program combines a traditional liberal arts education with academic mentoring, group discussions, practical skills training, professional development workshops and real world business exprience. Coleman also serves as director of entrepreneurial education at the Foundation for Economic Education and travels the nation teaching young people about entrepreneurism and free market economics.

The conference also will include hands-on teaching activities and competitive activities.

For additional information, www.free-dom.us.com.

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OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

Are you the best leader you’re capable of becoming?

Effective, trusted, respected and admired leadership isn’t about ordering people around like a drill sergeant.

True leadership is about helping those around you become leaders themselves — guiding them to the discovery and use of their potential. Rather than creating dependency and fear in others, true leaders mentor others to reach for more within themselves and the experience.

If you’ve ever been in a situation in which a person in a position of leadership was irrational (not calm and composed), didn’t listen well and was verbally abusive or demeaning, you understand leadership is about actions and not titles.

When a “leader” adds to the dysfunction of a situation instead of contributing to its improvement, leadership is damaged and even Marcus destroyed. People come to distrust Straub this person and loyalty evaporates.

They lose their willingness to listen to this leader. Respect for the person vanishes and along with it the desire to follow.

You’re a leader whether you’re aware of it or not. You lead at work, at home and in your community. You lead by your example in all the areas of your life. Your team members watch. Spouses, children, friends, family and people you don’t even know watch you for guidance on how to successfully navigate the professional and personal realms of life.

Is your example of leadership as solid as you’d like it to be?

To be an effective, trusted, respected and admired leader, you must consistently provide a solid example for others to follow, one that empowers others to become the best versions of themselves. Your example must be

The best leaders are aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

They know when to engage professionals to help them deal with their weaknesses and leverage their strengths. composed, egalitarian, fair, inspiring and true. One that’s proactive rather than reactive and not based in fear. The greatest leaders in history had these very same qualities that spoke to the hearts and minds of their followers.

A critical trait of being a solid leader is accountability — the ability to hold yourself to the standards of effective communication, empowerment, integrity, learning, listening, openness and teamwork. True leaders don’t need others to hold them accountable because they know the power of implementing these qualities on a consistent basis. In fact, effective, trusted, respected and admired leaders enjoy holding themselves accountable to the very best within them.

They also find pleasure in helping others to be their very best and develop constructive approaches to accomplish the transformation.

The best leaders are those who look at themselves first to make improvements. They don’t blame others. They look in the mirror, own what’s theirs to fix, do so and then work constructively with others to be accountable as well.

Leaders aren’t victims of others or circumstances and maintain their composure.

Effective, trusted, respected and admired leaders look for solutions rather being blinded by problems. They see opportunities for growth, development and improvement.

They have a “get to” attitude, are grateful for life and all that it contains and don’t take people or life for granted.

They understand the value of life, time and people.

Solid leadership in business and life begins with you and provides a consistent and credible example for others to follow. Developing the ability to lead effectively will improve your business. As your leadership becomes more effective, so will the rest of your team. The company culture will thrive as team members are inspired by your leadership. Positive energy will grow as people feel heard, recognized, supported and valued. They’ll strive to do and be their best.

There’s a tremendous need for solid leadership right now to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, political divisions and economic uncertainty. We need effective, trusted, respected and admired leaders to help us get past these problems.

The best leaders are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They know when to engage professionals to help them deal with their weaknesses and leverage their strengths.

If you aspire to be the best leader you can be, explore your resources and options and then go for it.

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.

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Page 23

Medicare options offer way to help retired employees Employers can provide a number of options to help retired employees cover gaps in Medicare health insurance.

The three main plan options are group Medicare Part C Advantage (GMA), group Medicare Part C supplement and group Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Group Medicare Advantage can be either preferred provider organization or health maintenance organization plans.

Both PPO and HMO plans typically reduce gaps in coverage associated with original Medicare. PPO and HMO plans help retirees retain the same or similar levels of medical coverage you provided before they retired.

The group Medicare HMO plan is more restrictive than the PPO plan, Janet so it could be too limiting for retirees.

Arrowood HMO plans provide coverage for members through a network of locally contracted doctors and hospitals. Such plans generally don’t provide out-of-network coverage except in emergencies.

PPO plans tend to offer more flexibility since they provide access to providers nationally in and out of network.

According to the United HealthCare’s website located at www.uhc.com, Medicare Advantage PPO plans offer the following benefits: n Effectively replaces employer plans that combine original Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan. n Combined with a Medicare prescription drug plan, these plans could offer more complete coverage than was available to employees prior to retirement n Allows members to see health care providers in and out of network. n Offers administrative and cost efficiencies to employers and plan sponsors.

Transitioning retirees to a group Medicare Advantage or supplement plan could offer significant cost savings over keeping them on your company’s regular health insurance plan.

In addition to these benefits, group plans can incorporate dental, vision and other coverages. These coverages are either not offered or are usually more limited in individual Medicare supplement (Part C) plans.

Group Medicare Part C supplement plans — also called Medigap plans — offer a number of options depending on the coverages that matter most to the insured.

For example, some plans cover the cost of a doctor’s office visit even if the amount charged exceeds the standard Medicare reimbursement rate Other plans provide a limited coverage amount — about $50,000 lifetime — for medically necessary care when out of the country.

No plan option offers a complete menu of benefits, so choosing wisely is essential. Most group Medicare Part C plans are of the HMO or PPO advantage version. When this plan is offered, it’s often a group version of the Medicare advantage plan offered by such organizations as AARP. To see plan options, check out the website located at https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/ how-to-compare-medigap-policies.

As an example of some of the advantages, a plan such as an AARP Medicare supplement plan used as group plans could offer many benefits to retirees: n No network restrictions.

n No required referrals. n Stable rates. n Multiple plan options. n Coverage and care that’s available throughout the United States. Some plans offer coverage for travel outside the U.S. n Plans are guaranteed for life as long as premiums are paid on time. n Fewer claim forms. n Value-added services, including discounts and more.

Group Medicare Part D prescription drug plans can be offered as part of group Medicare Part C plan or as stand-alone plans. These plans cover many of the gaps in original Medicare parts A and B. In addition, you can often choose a plan that accommodates specific prescription needs for unusual circumstances or combine it with a Part D wrap plan that could provide additional coverage for drugs not eligible under Part D. Transitioning retirees to a group Medicare Advantage or supplement plan could offer significant cost savings over keeping them on your company’s regular health insurance plan since the average age of employees drives costs. Retirees skew that number higher, affecting everyone on the plan. You can normally subsidize some or all of the cost or even pay the entire premium.

Some health insurance companies could tailor plans for your company. It’s worth asking.

Janet Arrowood is founder and managing director of the Write Source, a Grand Junction firm offering a range of services, including grant and proposal writing, instruction and technical writing. Reach her by email at janet.arrowood@thewritesourceinc.com. For more information, log on to www.TheWriteSourceInc.com.

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The Business Times

OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

Many factors go into hiring a personal trainer

It used to be only Hollywood celebrities who attributed their fabulously fit bodies to personal trainers. Not anymore.

People of all ages, fitness levels and income brackets hire personal trainers to help them meet their goals.

Living a healthy lifestyle has become a priority for many people, but they lack the direction and guidance they need to become successful. That’s where a personal trainer comes in.

After deciding to hire a personal trainer, it’s important to find one who constitutes the best fit for you. There are many factors to consider. Many trainers provide a wide variety of services Paula and offer different areas of expertise.

Reece Finding a trainer whose work schedule matches your schedule or fees that match your budget also are important.

First, identify what you want. What are your goals — not only for fitness, but also your overall lifestyle?

Making a change is seldom easy. You could only have the goal of being “healthy.” Your trainer can help you set realistic, attainable and specific goals. Communication is the most important step in finding a trainer. You need to be able to talk openly with this person about yourself — not only telling them why you’re there and what you want to

achieve, but also your medical history. By setting goals, you have a starting point from which to move forward.

Personal training certifications let you know your trainer has been educated in the field of exercise physiology as well as anatomy and injury prevention. Many trainers also hold four-year college degrees in fitness-related fields. Higher levels of education and experience offer additional confidence when making your choice. Some trainers also specialize in a certain area, such as nutrition, sports specific training, dealing with certain injuries or age-specific training. Seek out a trainer who specializes in the type of training you desire.

Another important factor is the availability and price of a trainer. You might want to work out two or three times a week during your lunch hours. Finding a trainer who can accommodate your schedule will set you up for success.

Price is important, too. Hiring a personal trainer constitutes an investment in you. You have options as to the frequency of your sessions. Some trainers offer a discounted package if you buy a certain number of sessions. You could even ask if a trainer will give you a free session to see their training style in action. Many trainers build their businesses through referrals, so don’t hesitate to ask for references.

Small group training offers another option. This type of training allows a personal trainer to train up to five clients in a class at the same time. This not only allows

you a chance to meet other people and hold each other accountable in class, but also reduces the cost of the sessions for participants.

There’s also workshop-style training, yet another option that’s becoming increasingly popular. A small group workshop allows a trainer to focus on a specific type of training — such as functional fitness, kettle bell, sport specific or weight loss.

Each workshop is usually six to eight weeks long.

If one of these approaches sounds appealing, find a trainer who teaches these types of sessions.

Give careful consideration to the importance of personality. Make sure your trainer’s style fits your personality style. You might want a trainer who’s more aggressive.

Perhaps your style is more relaxed and low key.

Hiring a personal trainer can help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Take time to carefully choose a trainer who will motivate you; keep you on track; and make sure your workouts are safe, enjoyable and effective.

Above all, find a trainer who inspires you.

The Mesa County population has grown 6.1 percent to 155,000 between the 2010 and 2020 census even as 16 other Colorado counties experienced declining populations.

Colorado Demographer Elizabeth Garner presented information about population and economic trends at the Western Colorado Economic Summit in Grand Junction.

For those who didn’t get a chance to attend, I’d like to share some of her report about trends for the United States, Colorado, Mesa County and Grand Junction.

Since the U.S. Census Bureau Tim recently released 2020 data, I’ve also Whitney included some additional statistics.

In Mesa County, 78 percent of the population growth between 2010 and 2020 occurred in Grand Junction. Because Grand Junction has grown faster

than the county since 2000, it has a larger proportion of the total county population — from 36 percent in 2000 to 42 percent in 2020.

Colorado now has nearly 5.8 million people, a 14.8 percent increase from the 2010 census. Because of the increased population, the state gained an eighth seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The 2020 census pegged the U.S. population at a little more than 331 million, a 7.4 percent an increase since 2010 that was the second slowest growth rate on record.

The U.S. population grows, but at a slower pace.

Growth in housing units also slowed in the past decade, while the housing vacancy rate declined. The population of metropolitan areas grew by 9 pecent, resulting in 86 percent of the population living in metro areas in 2020.

Here are some fun facts about our nation: n The largest county in 2020 remained Los Angeles County with more 10 million people. n The largest incorpoated city in 2020 remained New

York with 8.8 million people. n 312 of 384 metro areas gained population between 2010 and 2020, while 52 percent of counties saw their populations decrease n The fastest-growing metro area between the 2010 and 2020 census was The Villages in Florida, where the population increased 39 percent from about 93,000 people to about 130,000 people.

In summary, Grand Junction is still trending as a good place in which to live and work.

Paula and Dale Reece own Crossroads Fitness Centers in Grand Junction with a downtown location at 225 N. Fifth St. and north location at 2768 Compass Drive. For more information, call 242-8746 or visit the website located at www.crossroadsfitness.com.

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Latest census numbers show Mesa County keeps growing

Tim Whitney is managing broker of Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, a commercial brokerage and property management firm based in Grand Junction. Whitney has been involved in the sale, lease and management of commercial real estate in Colorado for more than 35 years.

For more information, call (970) 243-7375 or visit the website at www.CBC-Prime.com.

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Busines 26 Busines s Briefs 24 Contrib s People utors 26 News 17-20 Opinion 2-14 Trends 22-23 15-16 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

OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

Busines s Times

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Castle

Contributors Opinion Bold predictions for 2015 Make your vote count ....

While business changes, A new year Business affords it’s Briefs absolutely time for arepeats change more like not-so-bold SBA mission the same a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he B BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PPAGE age 26 22

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of people have moved to rural America to establish a livelihood fueled by entrepreneurship.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in July 2020 alone more than 550,000 new businesses were established in rural areas nationwide, a 95 percent increase over the previous year.almost always brings an opportunity for a fresh start and A new year The pandemic renewed ambition to do things better. might have forever changed the way we do business, but the one constant has been thebetter commitment In business, that usually boils down to providing customers products of the U.S. Small Business Administration to help entrepreneurs and services faster and at lower cost than competitors. Part of the process must access the resources theywhat needthey to make theirneed business dreams include listening to customers to determine actually and then comeall, true. meeting that need. After it does little good to offer the latest and greatest if Much of the agency’s work nationwide over the last 18 nobody actually wants what you’re selling. months has been to help the pandemic Just like the businesses that belong to thebusinesses group, thesurvive Grand Junction Area with such programs as the Paycheck Protection Program, of Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment Restaurant Revitalization Economic Disaster the services and resources it provides and howFund, well they match Injury with members Loan program and Shuttered Venues Operator Grants. needs. Jeff Franklin, the new chairman of the chamber board of directors, Many businesses, agricultural and non-profit organizations personifies approach in describing what entities he considers his role for the coming Amy this Lea in rural communities used these programs to retain employees year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs.

It’s a and pay everyday expenses. role with which Franklin is familiar as market president of Bank of Colorado.

More than 2.5 small business approach owners took part the in the PPP, The process willmillion take onrural a more structured in what chamber and many are now working through the forgiveness process with local lenders. plans as the resumption of a program aptly called Listening to Business. Under the Businesses that received PPP loan under $150,000 and have yet submitted program, business ownersa participate in in-depth interviews to not identify barriers to forgiveness applications, should check with their lender to see if they’re eligible growth and other problems they encounter. to use the new SBA direct forgiveness portal, a streamlined tool simplifying the The new year offers a good time to join the proverbial club. loan As forgiveness process. an advertiser or reader, what do you need from the Business Times?

Many business entrepreneurs have decided now is the time to start or expand While journals traditionally gather and report the relevant news to businesses, but need help accessing capital.

For these entrepreneurs, an SBAtrue as readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially guaranteed loan mightmake be the fit. These issuedthan by an extensive Web sites and e-mail theright dialogue moreloans, convenient ever. network participatingdon’t lenders, used to They provide long- to and Goodofpublications existcan in abevacuum. respond theshort-term needs of working capital; purchase equipment, machinery or supplies; buy real estate; advertisers and readers.

They provide what’s needed. establish a new or expand an existing business; or refinance existing So what do business you need? debt.Is there additional news coverage that would help keep you informed about business owners should know the Economic Injury Disaster Loan local Small business developments?

Are there features that would be interesting or program assist themthat with theirmake cash your flow challenges. program remains useful? Iscan there advice would jobs a little This easier? available to small businesses, including agricultural businesses and time nonprofit It’s equally important to ask what you don’t need.

With limited to organizations, until Dec. 31.

The dollar limit on these loans was raised to space be produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time and $2 million. better devoted to something else?

Entrepreneurs who isn’t? need assistance with business counseling, preparing a What’s good? What What’s needed?

What isn’t? business plan or creating projections their local SBA Let us know.

Send usfinancial an e-mail.

Commentshould online work on thewith Business Times Web resource partner, such as a Small Business Development Center.

Most of these site at www.thebusinesstimes.com. You could even write an old-fashioned letter to business have locations in rural the editordevelopment if you’d like.resources Your feedback, both positive andareas. negative, is valued and Regardless of your business location or community size, the SBA remains will be carefully considered. steadfast in helping busineses secure the capital and training they Good publications are the result of not only the efforts ofresources their staffs, butneed. also For further assistance, connectadvertisers a local SBA district office or SBA resource partner collaborative efforts involving and readers. by visiting www.sba.gov.

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

AmyIt’s Leaa isnew acting VIII, overseeing programs and year.administrator Please help usoftoSBA do Region so. services in a six-state region that includes 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. © 2021 — All rights reserved.

Yeah, now it’sofkind a weak headline It’s that time yearofwhen when last time it was a little inventive resolutions and prognostications abound. dating back to a time when school My favorite saying applied to Newpolitics Year’s were a big thing my they’re dad ranbasically for the a resolutions is in and saying board the school district needed a bunchbecause of promises to break the first week new sheriff And and more a fewpredict deputies. of January. whilethan I won’t a Solot, does Mesa whole I can pretty much accurately County.

I’ve beenthat without question nail a few things here 21 years will make the and news. You will see these are have observation pretty,one well, predictable: about■Mesa County Prediction one: School District 51 and There will be some its can’t sortleadership: of weatherI event, believe how much natural disaster or worse gotten. heinousit’s occurrence Let’s go rightwill to the where someone 50-year-old elephant in be interviewed and say Craig Hall the the disastrous the room: following: “I’ve attempts to fix the never seen anything single biggest like that in myproblem facing the district, the replacement lifetime.” It’sofasGrand if thisJunction High School.

Craig Let me get two things the openHall right person is a required out in away because I know I’ll take hits from some attendee at every news because my intent reportingthey’ve event.already While decided I understand most here is to perspective insult every teacher and employee people’s can indeed be limited of Perhaps there are their three own things. by,D51. or contained within, personal First, this isn’t an attack on theto experiences, it is too much to ask employees, teachers or principles working consult some historical perspective before every to aeducate our kids.

Like sayingday such thing? Yes, this response can ANY thereBut are lots ofitgreat apply profession, to some events. when comes people doing a great job.

But alsoI’m likepretty to weather and natural disasters, any profession, there’s a percentage sure this is simply history repeatingthat itself. doesn’t good Everyand lastmillions one of us Same asdo it ahas for job. millions of know few we could puttheinto this category. years. aMore important, planet made it!

The to email threeHow’s or four Whatteacher didn’t you werehave certain species. times to get a response.

The teacher who that for perspective? communicates through your child instead ■ Prediction two: When it comes to a of to you after you’ve reached The crime or something that occursout. between administrator who required backs theattendee bully asatmuch humans, the other all as your kid being bullied.

The idiotic, news reporting events is the person who offensive assignments that the come into your says this: “They we’re just nicest home. meway youdid agree with the people,And and tell in no I see something board across the board.

If any like this coming.”

Exactly.

No of onethese doesring amost bell,ofyou theand timeI parent when itsimilarly. comes to Second, all in favor of replacing neighbors andI’m acquaintances.

People should GJHS and have been since day one.

I just be surprised at what goes on from time to haven’t seenneighborhoods, a proposal that towns puts the time in their andneeds of students, taxpayers Mesapeople County with people they know and because are first a fiscally manner. good.inAnd for theresponsible times that they shouldn’t This brings mewith to mypoliticians, last point — be shocked — like repeat D51’s abysmal failure over 50 yearsthe to offenders and terrorists — where’s replace itsthat mostsays, urgent need.

I can’tsurprise speak interview “This doesn’t to 30 years of neglect in doing its methe in first the least.” job, but I can to thethree: last 21.

As I’ve watched ■ Prediction Something good D51’s efforts, all I’ve seen are will happen economically, andproposals the to make taxpayers paycredit for allfor theit.dreams government will take The most of D51example instead of straight-line proposal recent is agas prices, where people to GJHS. If you have, show askreplace me why I won’t credit the please president for me.

Now you might say, “Hey Craig, low gas prices. My answer is simple: this one is.” And you’d be wrong.

Government never makes the While price ofthe language every and dollar goes takes to thecredit somethingsays go down simply school and the tax paid, what for good news.

Gassunsets pricingonce is subject to it doesn’t sayfactors. is we’dNow be paying many global there for are a high school whichanswers costs attoa minimum government addressingdouble some of the average cost of high schools being them to keep prices stable for Americans, built across the country even today’s but our government has— none of in them in government-created, place. The only thingsCOVID it has ineconomy. place in the

OctOber 28-N Ovember 10, 2015 2021 JANUARY 15-28,

One argue hurt for the money D51 lusts to long could run always consumers.

Another spend on ONE building it could build three. fact is that unemployment reaches a certain Given how D51 manages buildings and level based on the economy. And while the maintenance, I guarantee wenumber need atisleast government might brag the low, three. it’s more than likely the government did If this to bond measure passes,being I’ll low something cause that number guarantee another thing: District 51 will — and not in a good way. Conversely, when NEVER ever again budget for any needs business picks up, it’s because the people it has capital or widgets special projects. whofor need to buy who were not It will use everybecause penny for andwas buying widgets thegeneral economy administrative and then come to contracting duecosts to natural (or unnatural, taxpayers to caused) pay anything it considers government reasons, decided we above and some beyond.

How do this? better buy widgets.

TheI know government Please show to medoany savings had nothing with this. account with even■ a penny to gofour: towards payingwith for Prediction In keeping athings new GJHS. The truth is, D51 had the government does, I predictnothe intention of building a new high school out government will manipulate the numbers to of its budget.

This how D51is does, and make the claim theiseconomy getting has done, business since I’ve been here. to better because of how hard it is working — many of help And all ofcommunity us “workingleaders Americans.”

Now whom I like, am friends with and agree you might say, “Craig, you always say this with of theObama time — tellingyou youdon’t this aboutmost President because is a good should oneI don’t thing. like him.” deal You’re right tell in a you sense.

It’s a bad deal. but Using leaders know the man, what I knowwho’ve of him and never met a tax dollar think his thinking, I don’t likethey it ordidn’t him one iota. of spending first instead of saving, Before you go off, however, I didn’t others like who believe certain folks and businesses President Bush and his bailouts, stimulus should given special treatment and his be abandoning the free market and to save insiders who’veAnd never beenknow told no should the free market.

I don’t him be huge red flags. either.

What the government does, and the need to elect who want only We thing it can do, isfolks hurt the economy. to change the direction of D51 and its in Unless it does nothing or put criminals grades, finances and vision jail instead of partnering withwhile them,putting nothing students first. We need Andrea Haitz, Will the government does will help. Always look Jones and Angela Lema as new voicessays to at it this way, whatever the government move D51 in this direction.

We don’t need it is doing, whatever the name of the law it more of theorsame fromthe those who is passing, whatever name or want goal of politics and other personal indoctrination the bureaucracy it is presenting to the in the classroom, theirtosocial people, expect the who polarerase opposite occur. media history to hide radical relationships I guess what I’m saying is that or say they a bloc when perhaps it’s aren’t time topart getof out of our own they’ re running as part of aofbloc while perspective.

There’s plenty history already being part ofresearch the current books and historical outproblem. there to Union-backed candidates (especially begin to understand that all of this has those whobefore. inappropriately useagain, the union happened And it will and D51 logos on their ads) are the root of whether the topic is people or government. the problem, the solution. And The bestnot recommendation is towe’ve find been toothat many of them. someelecting books oralltry whole Google AsThere’s for thearest ballot, like thing. lot of of my information onthe the previous GJHS proposals, it’s always Great Depression. The truth is it wasn’t no. to thegot evenThere’s a goodonly one one untilamendment the government Colorado Constitution I will ever vote for: involved. There’s also plenty of research The onemedieval that states ALLperiod unconstitutional on the warm when the law in the must be rescinded planet wasstate much warmer than today with forthwith along with any other laws those a whole lot less people (and warmer well laws touch. before man was here at all). And yep, Sadly, amendment willsurprised never people havethat been killing other be on a since ballothistory in my lifetime surely as people was firstaswritten. all we’ll see some is bond demand after bond Maybe research will help stop demand from D51 should this boondoggle all of these trends. Otherwise, we’ll be pass. negligence sway you to ita in sayingDon’t we’veletnever seen anything like bad vote. Make yours our lives.

And not in acount. good way.

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

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

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OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

The Business Times

Bidenomics fantasy taxing for businesses The Joe Biden administration is apparently confused about how public policy affects business and the economy.

An executive order issued in July, for example, tried to assert more regulation of business would lead to more competition in the marketplace.

That didn’t make any sense. More recently, a “fact sheet” from the administration asserts Raymond tax increases are good Keating for small business. This “fact sheet” is filled with rehashed, misleading information that tries to make it seem like President Biden’s proposed tax increases won’t touch small business and somehow or another actually would be good for small business.

The assertions include: n “According to a new Treasury Department analysis, the president’s agenda will protect 97 percent of small business owners from income tax rate increases while delivering tax cuts to more than 3.9 million entrepreneurs.” n “President Biden’s proposal to restore the corporate tax rate half way back to its pre-2018 level would not affect any small businesses that file taxes as a pass-through entity (LLCs, S-corps, and sole proprietorships). That’s nearly every small business in America.” n President Biden’s proposal to increase the top personal income tax rate “would affect less than 3 percent of small business owners.”

Sounds great, right? Well, no, it doesn’t.

Tax increases always rank as economic negatives, especially during tough economic times. That includes President Biden’s plans for tax increases on business, including jacking up the corporate income tax rate from 20 percent to 28 percent as well as pushing for a global minimum tax.

When the administration first spun the idea these tax increases would be good for small business, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council responded with an analysis showing the contrary.

Consider: If 3 percent of 30 million small businesses face higher taxes, that would still include 900,000 small businesses.

Why would it possibly be a good idea to jack up taxes on nearly 1 million small businesses? For that matter, why does it make any sense to raise taxes on large businesses, either?

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers and small business effects.

First, the White House ignores the fact most C corporations are small businesses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration defines small businesses as those having fewer than 500 employees. It turns out that

Even in politics, trying to assert increased taxes are good for small business is like saying up is down, two plus two equals three and the sun rises in the west and sets in the east.

99.89 percent of employer corporations (based on the latest Census Bureau data) have fewer than 500 employees. That’s 933,000 businesses facing a tax increase.

What about nonemployer corporations? Based on the latest Census Bureau data, another 379,000 of those businesses face a tax increase.

If 2.6 percent of pass-through small businesses face a tax increase, that’s about 790,000 businesses.

Based on these numbers, at least 2.1 million small businesses face higher taxes under the Biden plan.

Considering there are only 20,000 large business with 500 or more employees in the U.S., the ratio of small to large businesses directly affected by the Biden tax increases would be 105 to 1.

And, of course, there’s more.

The “fact sheet” ignores that President Biden and Congress have proposed a near doubling of the top federal capital gains tax rate — from a total of 23.8 percent to 43.4 percent — as well as eliminating the step-up basis in gains at death.

Given capital gains tax is a direct tax on entrepreneurship and investment, it reduces resources and incentives for starting up, building and investing in small businesses.

Given the capital gains tax isn’t indexed for inflation and most states pile on with their own capital gains levies, the Biden agenda becomes highly destructive to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Increasing personal income tax rates on upper-income earners doesn’t simply affect those earners. Many of those individuals are business owners and have the accumulated wealth to make investments in new and expanding small businesses.

Any global tax accord that seeks to set minimum rates and impose higher taxes on certain businesses — as opposed to free trade agreements to reduce taxes and other governmental burdens – works against economic growth.

Even in politics, trying to assert increased taxes are good for small business is like saying up is down, two plus two equals three and the sun rises in the west and sets in the east. It’s a bizarre fantasy no one should take seriously.

Raymond Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. For more information, log on to www.sbecouncil.org.

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Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n WEST STAR AVIATION BECOMES DEALER FOR ONBOARD CYBER SECURITY PRODUCTS

West Star Aviation has entered into a dealership agreement with CCX Technologies to sell, install and maintain onboard cyber security products.

“All this recent attention on security breaches has encouraged operators to want onboard cyber security. It’s a rising concern and an emerging trend we see escalating,” said Aaron Berg, avionics technical sales manager at the West Star facility in Grand Junction. Aaron Berg “At West Star, we work hard to lead the market.

Adding the CCX Technologies cyber security product portfolio allows us to deliver the best technological innovations to our clients.”

Chris Bartlett, president of CCX Technologies, said he’s pleased the aviation industry has recognized the need for onboard cyber security. “Having West Star join our growing team of authorized cyber security dealers gives customers greater access to our products and services. We are eager to work Chris Bartlett with their team to develop and deliver tailored onboard cyber security solutions.”

The products enable operators to monitor inflight networks with information obtained from equipment installed on aircraft.

West Star Aviation offers a range of services that include the maintenance and repair of airframes, engines and avionics as well as painting and interior refurbishments. In addition to its facilities at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, West Star Aviation operates facilities in Aspen and Denver as well as in Arizona, Illinois, Minneapolis, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. For more information, visit www.weststaraviation.com. n STAFFING SERVICES FIRM ANNOUNCES PLANS TO FOCUS ON CERTAIN POSITIONS IN MONTROSE

A staffing services firm with offices in Grand Junction and Montrose has announced additional efforts to fill skilled trades and office positions in the Montrose area.

“Due to current market conditions and the closing of Russell Stover, I’ve decided we can best serve the Montrose area by concentrating on these positions,” said Nina Anderson, owner of the Express Employment Professionals Nina Anderson franchise in Grand Junction and Montrose.

Jobs in construction; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; licensed repair trades; and manufacting remain in high demand, Anderson said. So do administrative, guest service and office jobs.

“We want to continue to help employers by taking on the burden of finding good, quality people their businesses need, and we want to assist employees in finding great companies to work for,” Anderson said.

Express Employment Professionals operates offices at 725 Pitkin Ave. in Grand Junction and 525 E. Main St. in Montrose. For more information, call 242-4500 in Grand Junction or 249-5202 in Montrose or visit https://www.expresspros.com/ grandjunctionco or https://www.expresspros.com/montroseco.

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OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

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

Regional Asbestos in Grand Junction will donate $15,000 worth of time and materials to mitigate asbestos in a house purchased by Catholic Outreach as part of its latest homeless housing project.

Shaun Witkamp, the owner of Regional Asbestos, said he wants his firm to help address a problem. “This was a team decision and Shaun Witkamp will be a team effort. We wholeheartedly believe in this mission.”

About 90 percent of the Regional Asbestos crew in Grand Junction will donate time to the project — between 8 and 30 hours for each employee.

“I called each employee personally about the project, and their generosity literally gave me chills,” said Christopher Firm, Regional Asbestos project manager.

Beverly Lampley, director of development and communication for Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, said the donation will help the group help the vulnerable. “When an organization like Regional Asbestos steps forward and uses their skills and talents, it’s incredibly helpful to our mission.”

The house contains about 900 square feet of asbestos in vinyl flooring and plaster that must be removed and disposed of under state regulations before the building can be demolished.

Witcamp said he expects the work to take about 10 days.

Grand Valley Catholic Outreach plans to construct 40 housing units on the property and complete its Mother Teresa Place project by the end of 2022.

Regional Asbestos operates locations in Grand Junction and Aurora. For more information, log on to the website located at https://regionalasbestos.com.

n COMMUNITY HOSPITAL OFFERS MOLLI SYSTEM TO IMPROVE BREAST CANCER SURGERY Community Hospital in Grand Junction offers new technology for breast cancer surgery in the MOLLI system to locate and remove small tumors.

“I want to make sure my patients have access to the best technology and the latest research,” said Dr. Courtney Fulton, a breast surgical oncologist at Community Hospital.

“I want them to have the same experience in our hospital here in Grand Junction as they Courtney Fulton would have if they traveled to a major cancer center in Denver. MOLLI helps make that possible.”

The wire- and radiation-free system includes a magnetic marker about the size of a sesame seed implanted by a radiologist before surgery. A wand enables surgeons to detemine how close they are to the marker. A tablet displays information from the wand, including a target with a millimeter measurement.

“With our advanced digital mammography technology, our radiologists are finding cancer in earlier stages, which means our surgeons are often localizing lesions that are 4 or 5 millimeters in size — smaller than a pencil eraser.”

Community Hospital serves Western Colorado and Eastern Utah with a range of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services. For more information, visit the website at www.YourCommunityHospital.com. n URANIUM MILL TAILINGS CLEANUP PROJECT PASSES 12 MILLION TON MILESTONE A project to clean up uranium mill tailings at a site near Moab, Utah, has passed another milestone in transporting more than 12 million tons of tailings to a disposal facility.

More than 1 million tons were shipped during the 2021 fiscal year alone, the largest annual amount for the U.S. Department of Energy Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action project.

“We’re excited to celebrate another Russell McCallister milestone for the Moab UMTRA project. The cleanup continues to move ahead at an accelerated rate, and we’re getting closer to completion every day,” said Russell McCallister, federal cleanup director.

Mill tailings are transported by rail in special containers to a disposal site near Crescent Junction about 30 miles away.

The project has exceeded 1,800 work days without a lost-time injury or illness, McCallister said. “I’m proud that we’ve not only reached the 12 million tons milestone, but that we’ve done it while adhering to the highest standards of safety for our workers and the community.”

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BusinessBriefs Briefs Business BusinessPeople People Almanac Business Almanac

n ACCOUNTING SERVICES SPECIALISTS EARN PAYROLL PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION

Janna Burk and Mary Nichols — client accounting services specialists at Dalby, Wendland & Co. — have received designation as Certified Payroll Professionals.

The American Payroll Association awards the certification, which verifies mastery of payroll services as well as other abilities and skills.

Burk joined Dalby Wendland Janna Burk in 2008 and brings to her duties decades of experience. She holds two associate degrees from Colorado Mesa University and a bachelor’s degree in business managment from Colorado Mountain Colllege. She’s also a QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Nichols joined Dalby Wendland in 2017. She’s worked in accounting and bookkeeping for 15 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting Mary Nichols from Colorado Mesa University. She’s also a QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Dalby, Wendland & Co. operates the largest public accounting firm headquartered in Western Colorado with offices in Grand Junction as well as Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Rifle and Telluride. The firm offers a range of accounting, auditing, bookkeeping and consulting services. For more information, call 243-1921 or visit www.dalbycpa.com. n GRAND JUNCTION REAL ESTATE FIRM HONORS ITS BEST-SELLING AGENTS Toni Heiden and Cynthia Castaneda were honored as the top-performing agents for September at Heiden Homes Realty in Grand Junction.

Heiden posted he highest dollar volume in closings for the month.

She tied with Castaneda for the most closed transacitons.

Heiden is owner and broker of the firm and brings to her duties more than Toni Heiden 40 years of experience. The Grand Junction Area Realtor Association recently named her Realtor of the Year.

She also holds emeritus status from the National Association of Realtors and as a Certified Residential Specialist.

Castaneda has worked in real estate since 2007. She also works as a C. Castaneda personal care provider.

Heiden Homes Realty operates offices at 735 Rood Ave. For more information, including listings for properties for sale and rent, visit the website at www.HeidenHomes.com or call 245-7777.

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 NUCLEAR CARE PARTNERS NAMES COLORADO ADMINISTRATOR Marcus Mauer has joined Nuclear Care Partners as Colorado administrator of the Grand Junction-based company.

Mauer previously worked for large nonprofit health organizations in supervisory and specialty levels.

He grew up in the Grand Valley and served four years in the Army as a combat medic. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Colorado Mesa Marcus Mauer University as well as certification in medical laboratory science from the Amerian Society of Clinical Pathology.

Mauer said he’s exciting to work for a company that provides in-home health services under federal laws providing benefits to those who’ve developed illnesses from exposure to radiation and chemicals. “Learning about all the work this population did in the nuclear weapons industry as well as the incredible contributions this state and even my hometown had in the effort blows me away.

I am excited to support our care teams to ensure our patients receive the high-quality care they deserve.”

For more information about Nuclear Care Partners, call 242-0900 or visit www.NuclearCarePartners.com. n ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR WORK Shay Starr, lead environmental specialist at the Mesa County Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, has received recognition for his work.

The North American Hazardous Materials Management Association presented Starr with its Outstanding Personal Service Award.

“I am very humbled and Shay Starr appreciative of receiving this special award,” Starr said. “I truly enjoy serving the community I grew up in and love interacting with the people who live and work here.”

Teresa Nees, hazardous materials manager, praised Starr. “Shay demonstrates initiative and integrity in his work, striving for safety and accuracy. He is a thoughtful sounding board for me and keeps the team headed in the right direction.”

Located at the Mesa County Landfill, the facility disposes of a total of nearly 300,000 pounds of hazardous materials and electronic wastes a year. For more information, visit www.mesacounty.us/swm/hazardous-waste.

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OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

Oct. 28 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Be Sweet Bake Shop, 150 W. Main St., Grand Junction. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Nov. 2 n Western Slope Economic Leadership Conference for high school juniors and seniors, 7:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Colorado Mesa University Meyer Ballroom, Grand Junction. www.free-dom.us.com n Business startup workshop, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org.

Nov. 4 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Rib City Grill, 455 Kokopelli Drive, Unit E, Fruita.

858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Upcoming n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon Nov. 11, Camilla’s, 206 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita, 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 11, Family Health West Arthritis Center of Western Colorado, 576 Kokopelli Drive, Unit D, Fruita. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 17, St. Kathryn’s Cellars and Talon Winery, 785 Elberta Ave. Admission $6 in advance. https://palisadecoc.com or 464-7458 n Business startup workshop, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 18, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55.

243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org. n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon Nov. 18, Cattlemen’s Bar and Grill , 1369 12 1/2 Road, Loma. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon Nov. 25, Qdoba, 401 Jurassic Ave., Fruita. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Business startup workshop, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Dec. 2, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55.

243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org. n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec, 8, Grand Valley National Bank, 600 W. Eighth St. Admission $6 in advance. https://palisadecoc.com or 464-7458 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce economic outlook luncheon, noon to 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 13, location to be announced. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 6 to 11:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org F

OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021

The Business Times

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The Business Times

OctOber 28-NOvember 10, 2021