The Business Times Volume 30 Issue 21

THE BUSINESS T IMES News NOVEMBER 9-22, 2023

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

VOLUME 30, ISSUE 21

THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Evidence Trends to the 2 Contributors contrary Opinion 4 Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac

In this issue

n Horizontal outlook A CMU professor expects the Mesa County economy to move more horizontally than up or down for a while.

n Moving effort

A solar generator firm has moved to Grand Junction and been accepted to join in a state tax incentive program.

n Downtown grant

A $3.2 million grant was awarded to the Downtown Development Authority for a project that will include housing.

n Smokin’ addition

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A second Smokin’ Oak franchise pizza restaurant is set to open in the Grand Valley with a location in Clifton.

n Forensic firm adds to storied history of JFK shooting.

See page 2

Knott Laboratory combined photos and other evidence with laser scans of Dealey Plaza to analyze the shots fired at President John F. Kennedy in downtown Dallas in 1963.

The findings refuted those of the commission that investigated the assassination.

n More of the same

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Higher interest rates and lower residential inventories continue to curtail real estate sales in Mesa County.

n Holiday Q&A

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Here are answers to the questions employers often pose about parties and shutdowns during the holidays.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

30 28 30 21-25 2-18 26-27 19-20

Illustration courtesy Knott Laboratory

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

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November 9-22, 2023

Trends Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

Professor: Mesa County economy holds steady Phil Castle

The Business Times

Nathan Perry anticipates local economic trends to remain more flat than move up, but they’re also unlikely to drop too far.

“I expect us to move horizontally for a while,” said Perry, an associate professor of economics at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction who prepares quarterly economic updates for Mesa County.

Nathan Perry For the third quarter, sales tax collections, a key measure of consumer spending, held steady. The labor market remained strong, but shortages kept employment levels from exceeding the 2022 peak. Higher interest rates on mortgages slowed real estate sales and home price appreciation. New home construction lagged.

Looking ahead, Perry said interest rates and inflation could relent, but the unemployment rate could tick up and consumer spending moderate.

There’s still the potential for recession, although there’s speculation a sort of “rolling recession” already has occurred that’s affected different industry sectors at different times. “I’d expect a slower 2024,” he said.

For September, Mesa County collected more than $4.2 million in sales taxes. That was a 5.1 percent decrease compared to the same month a year ago. Through the first three quarters of 2023, the county collected more than $36.7 million in sales taxes.

That’s up nine-tenths of a percent from the same span in 2022.

For the first half of 2023, the most recent numbers available, the City of Grand Junction collected nearly $28.8 million in sales taxes. That was up almost 1.3 percent from the first half of 2022.

Perry said sales tax collections should increase on a year-over-year basis given the effects of inflation in raising prices.

For September, the latest month for which estimates are available, the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate in Mesa County stood at 3.3 percent. That’s down four-tenths of a point from August, but up from the 2.7 percent rate a year ago.

Payrolls edged down 68 between September 2022 and September 2023 even as the ranks of the unemployed rose 420. The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, increased 352 to 78,031.

See ECONOMY page 14

Knott Laboratory combined high-resolution laser scans of Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas with photographs taken on Nov. 22, 1963 and other evidence to analyze the trajectories of shots fired at President John F. Kennedy.

The results of the company’s analysis refuted those of the commission that investigated the assassination.

Evidence to the contrary

Forensic firm suggests there’s more to the JFK assassination story

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early 60 years after that fateful Friday afternoon in Dallas, Stanley Stoll believes his company has produced new information about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

“The case is ongoing, but evidence strongly suggests there is more to the story in this historic event,” says Stoll, chief executive officer and principal engineer of Knott Laboratory, a forensic engineering Stanley Stoll and visualization company.

The commission assembled to investigate the assassination found Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in firing three shots that killed Kennedy and wounded Texas Gov. John Connally.

Detailing his company’s research in An illustration depicts the various trajectories of bullets fired at President an interview with the Business Times, John F. Kennedy, seated in back, and Texas Gov. John Connally in Dallas Stoll says new evidence suggests the on Nov. 22, 1963. The blue and green lines represent the trajectories from a trajectory of one of the shots was different gun believed to have been fired by Lee Harvey Oswald from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. The red line represents findings by from the other two. He offers no opinions Knott Laboratories of the required trajectory of a bullet to match an entry about the multitude of theories that have wound in Connally — and the difference in the angles. proliferated since 1963, but focuses instead on what he says is the science.

“Modern science refutes the Warren Commission’s findings.” company’s portfolio of high-profile work.

Stoll works from an office in Grand Junction in John Orr, a former U.S. Department of Justice attorney overseeing a company that’s analyzed some of the most who’s long researched the assassination, hired Knott notorious tragedies in history. That includes the car accident Laboratory to conduct an investigation to corroborate or that killed Princess Diana, the crash of an Air France Airbus contradict his theories, including conjecture a fourth shot and the collapse of two walkways in a Kansas City hotel. was fired from another location that would indicate a second Stoll considers the JFK assassination the “case of the gunman and wider conspiracy. century,” and the analysis an important addition to the See EVIDENCE page 16

STORY BY PHIL CASTLE/ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY KNOTT LABORATORY

November 9-22, 2023

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November 9-22, 2023

Solar firm moves to Grand Junction

A solar generator manufacturer has relocated to Grand Junction and been accepted into a tax incentive program.

Skyhook Solar expects to create 38 new jobs within its first four years of operation in Grand Junction.

“Skyhook is entering a critical phase of our company’s growth, and we are thrilled to announce Daniel Delano Skyhook Solar manufactures transportable, industrial-grade solar generators our move to Grand that provide power for a variety of uses, including emergency services as well Junction, Colo. — an ideal location for access as charging electrical vehicles. (Photo courtesy Skyhook Solar) to specialized resources, manufacturing and logistics,” said Daniel Delano, president, chief executive officer and 740 Scarlet St. in Grand Junction and plans to begin commercial co-founder of Skyhook Solar. production in the fourth quarter of this year.

Curtis Englehart, executive director of the Grand Junction Skyhook Solar was accepted into the Rural Jump Start Economic Partnership, hailed the announcement.

Program. The program offers a variety of incentives to participating “Skyhook Solar is an innovative and mission-driven clean energy companies, including credits on income and sales taxes, cash company that will contribute significantly to the economic base and grants and workforce development opportunities. Skyhook Solar employment of our community,” Englehart said. “Skyhook Solar’s will be eligible to receive up to $20,000 to defray startup costs as selection of Mesa County as its new headquarters is a testament to the well as $2,500 for each new hire. diversified economy we possess.”

The company is the 28th to join Rural Jump Start Program in Skyhook Solar was founded in 2019 to manufacture Mesa County since the inception of the program in 2016. transportable, industrial-grade solar generates to provide power for Businesses must add a minimum of three net new jobs in a variety of uses, including electric vehicle charging, emergency high-paying, highly skilled fields. In Mesa County, businesses also services, internet access, lighting and public spaces. must form partnerships with Colorado Mesa University through During a research and development phase, Skyhook Solar mentorship and internship opportunities as well as community deployed a total of 25 prototypes in the United States and Canada involvement. as well as five pilot units in Europe.

“The Rural Jump Start Program will provide support and an The company has deployed its solar stations in a total of 10 incredible opportunity to partner with the local community and cities in the U.S., Canada and Europe. discover new talent from Colorado Mesa University,” Delano said.

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$3.2 million grant approved for downtown development at former bus terminal site

A $3.2 million grant has been awarded for a mixed-use project in downtown Grand Junction that will combine retail space, an artist co-op and workforce housing.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission awarded the community revitalization grant to the Grand Junction Downtown Development Authority for the Terminal.

The DDA plans to use what once was the site for a Greyhound Bus Lines terminal at Fifth Street and Ute Avenue for two buildings connected by sky bridge.

“The project will revitalize historic downtown Grand Junction, provide great housing opportunities and spark a wonderful mix of commercial and fun activities,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. “This innovative project will help ensure that Jared Polis Grand Junction residents have more affordable choices to live near their jobs.”

The first building at the Terminal will house a mix of commercial uses, including a culinary operation and an artist co-op with 12 studios and a large gallery. The second building will offer additional arts, culinary and retail spaces as well as up to 90 apartments. Thirty rental units will be maintained for the local workforce.

“It is a special milestone to celebrate both the Terminal project, which will help revitalize an historic part of downtown Grand Junction, and the overall impact of the community revitalization grant program,” said Sarah Harrison, director of the program. “From Grand Junction to Naturita and Denver to Trinidad, this program has truly made a difference across the state.”

The grant for the Terminal was the final one awarded through the program, which has provided a total of $98 million to 59 projects across Of those projects, 58 percent are located in rural communities and 36 percent in historic buildings or districts. Fully 85 percent include renewable or clean energy features.

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November 9-22, 2023

Second Smokin’ Oak to open in the Grand Valley A second wood-fired pizza franchise restaurant will open in the Grand Valley.

The Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom is scheduled to open Nov. 9 in Suite A4 of the Peachtree Shopping Center, which is located at 3225 Interstate Highway 70 Business Loop in Clifton.

Another Smokin’ Oak restaurant Bob Marolf operates in the Grand Mesa Center at 2478 U.S. Highway 6 & 50 in Grand Junction.

“We are thrilled to be opening our second location in the Grand Valley and continue serving fresh, wood-fired pizza to more local residents in our community,” said Bob Marolf, the franchise owner

“We chose the Clifton site because we feel the area is underserved,” Marolf said. “There are plenty of fastfood options, but only a few full-service restaurants in the area.”

Smokin’ Oak serves wood-fired pizzas that cook in only about 2 minutes as well as salads, starters and desserts. Pizzas are made with doughs and sauces made in house and fresh-cut vegetables.

The Clifton location also will include a self-pour taproom offering a choice of craft and domestic beers, wines, ciders and mixed cocktails.

Customers will receive a bracelet with radio frequency identification that will enable them to pour anywhere from 1 ounce to 16 ounces at a time. A taproom attendant will be available to answers questions about using the tap wall as well as recommend beverages.

The Clifton location will offer an open kitchen that enables customers to watch as their pizzas are made. The restaurant will offer inside and outside seating as well as 22 large-screen televisions.

“We have seen tremendous success with the Marolfs’ first location in Grand Junction. And with the opening of their second location in Clifton, the new restaurant and its tap wall are sure to be a welcome addition to the community,” said Matt Mongoven, chief executive officer of Fourth Avenue Restaurant Group, the franchisor of Smokin’ Oak. “We are confident local Clifton families will love our concept because kids can have fun watching their food being made while parents relax with a drink from the taproom,” Mongoven said.

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November 9-22, 2023

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November 9-22, 2023

News, views New filings and advice bolster you can use Colorado

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outlook

An increase in new business filings in Colorado bodes well for further economic growth in the state.

“Colorado continues to be a great place to not only start a business, but to stay in business. I’m very excited to see our business community continue to thrive in the state,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold.

The research division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder compiles quarterly business and economic indicator reports based in part on filings recorded with the secretary of state’s office.

For the third quarter of 2023, the office recorded 43,902 new entity filings. That was an increase of six-tenths of a point over the third quarter of 2022. New filings constituted a leading indicator of subsequent business and job growth.

Compared to the second quarter of 2022, however, new filings fell 20 percent.

Richard Wobbekind, faculty director of the research division, attributed the decreased to the end of a program offering reduced filing fees. “This report reflects what we believe to be a normalization of the filings following the conclusion of the fee reduction.”

Over the year ending in the third quarter of 2023, 203,388 new entity filings were recorded. That’s a gain of 25.2 percent over the same span a year ago.

A total of 175,785 existing entity renewals were recorded for the third quarter of 2023. That’s up 2.7 percent from the second quarter and 7.3 percent from the third quarter of 2022.

For the year ending in the second quarter of 2023, 712,138 entity renewals were recorded. That’s a gain of 2.6 percent over the same period a year ago.

Business dissolution filings edged down 1 percent year-over-year with 11,495 filings during the third quarter of 2023.

A total of 959,680 entities were in good standing in Colorado as of the third quarter of 2023, up 8.5 percent from the same quarter last year.

Other indicators included in the third quarter reflected mixed signals.

Job growth continued to show signs of slowing. As of September, the latest month for which estimates were available, nonfarm payrolls increased 40,000 over the past year. The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.2 percent in September, below the national jobless rate of 3.9 percent in October.

Inflation is expected to moderate. The Consumer Price Index for a metropolitan area including Denver, Aurora and Lakewood was up 5.4 percent in September on a year-over-year basis. That compares to a 7.7 percent gain a year ago.

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November 9-22, 2023

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

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November 9-22, 2023

News, views Colorado and advice ranks 27th you can use in tax index

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Colorado ranks 27th among the 50 states in the latest comparison of how tax systems affect businesses.

Colorado fared well in the 2024 State Business Tax Climate Index for comparatively lower corporate and individual income taxes, but less so for sales taxes and unemployment insurance.

The state ranked 21st in the 2023 index.

The Tax Foundation — a nonprofit, nonpartisan tax research organization based in Washington, D.C. — compiles the index to compare states for the competitiveness of their tax codes.

The index takes into account variables in five major areas of taxation: corporate and individual income taxes, property and sales taxes and unemployment insurance.

The index compares not only how much states collect in taxes, but also how well they structure their tax systems.

“Taxes influence investment, location decisions, job creation and overall economic growth,” said Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects for the Tax Foundation.

“States with better tax structures outcompete their peers for investment and economic growth. In an increasingly mobile economy, states cannot afford to be indifferent to tax competition.”

For the 2024 index, Colorado ranked seventh for the lowest corporate tax rate and 13th for the lowest individual income tax rate. The state fared less well at 38th for property taxes, 40th for sales taxes and 44th for unemployment insurance.

Wyoming remained atop the 2024 State Business Climate Index for a 11th straight year. Wyoming imposes no corporate or individual income taxes and ranked seventh for sales tax.

South Dakota remained second and also imposes no corporate or individual income taxes. Alaska ranked third, followed

by Florida at fourth and Montana at fifth.

Alaska imposes no individual income tax or state sales tax. Florida imposes no individual income tax. Montana imposes no state or local sales taxes.

New Hampshire, Nevada, Utah, North Carolina and Indiana rounded out the top 10. Utah, North Carolina and Indiana levy all major tax types, but their rankings also reflect well-structured taxes across the board.

New Jersey remained last in the 2023 index at 50th. The state imposes some of the highest corporate and individual income taxes as well as property and sales taxes.

New York ranked 49th with the highest individual income tax and comparatively high property and sales taxes. California ranked 48th, followed by Connecticut at 47th and Massachusetts at 46th.

Maryland, Minnesota, Vermont, Hawaii and Rhode Island rounded out the top 10.

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Small Business Saturday and holiday lighting event set for Fruita

The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled annual events intended to encourage holiday shopping at small businesses while also offering a festive setting.

Small Business Saturday and a downtown holiday lighting event is set for Nov. 25.

Small Business Saturday is set for 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Businesses will remain open late and offer special deals to holiday shoppers. Artists will set up displays along Aspen Avenue to sell their work.

The downtown holiday lighting event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at Circle Park. Santa Claus will be on hand to kick off the downtown lighting display, then stick around for photos. The event also will include hot cocoa and free horse carriage rides.

For more information about these and other upcoming events, contact the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce at (970) 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org.

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November 9-22, 2023

Mineral district awards $350,000 in four grants

The Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District awarded four grants worth a total of $350,000 in its latest funding distribution.

Colorado Mesa University received a $175,000 grant to support the construction of a new performing arts center on the Grand Junction campus.

The Town of De Beque received a $75,000 grant for sidewalk improvements downtown.

Mesa County School District 51 received a $50,000 grant for a new baseball field at Palisade High School.

The Grand Junction Downtown Development Authority received a $50,000 grant for barricades for downtown events.

The Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District distributes federal mineral leasing funds to local public entities to support infrastructure, construction and public service projects that address the effects of energy development. Since its inception in 2011, the district has awarded more than $11 million to entities in Mesa County.

For more information about the district, eligibility for grants, grant cycles and upcoming meetings, visit the website at www.mesaFML.org. Information about the district also is available on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MCFMLD. F

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Economy

Continued from page 2 At 75,494, Mesa County payrolls remained in September below the 2022 peak of 75,562 reached in August.

That’s an important milestone, Perry said, because it indicates whether the labor market is growing or stagnating. It could be difficult to surpass, though, because of continued labor shortages.

For numbers between the first quarter of 2022 and first quarter of 2023, the leisure and hospitality sector gained 607 jobs, he said. That was followed by an increase of 322 jobs in retail sales and 230 jobs in mining, most of that in oil and natural gas.

Total wages increased the most in retail trades, following by mining and the health care and social assistance sector.

Higher interest rates on mortgages have slowed real estate activity as well as home price appreciation and new home construction, Perry said.

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

November 9-22, 2023

The median price of homes sold in the first three quarters of 2023 was $390,000.

That’s an increase of only eight-tenths of a percent from the same span in 2022.

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

Perry said he was most surprised by the extent of the decline in new home construction.

Through the first three quarters of 2023, 361 building permits for single-family homes were issued in Mesa County. That’s down 40.6 percent from the same span in 2022.

Over the long term, population growth is expected to fuel economic growth in Mesa County, Perry said. According to the Colorado State Demography Office, the population of Mesa County is expected to reach 162,269 in 2025, 176,032 in 2030 and 190,007 in 2035. Those gains will reflect migration from other areas of Colorado and the United States, he said.

For the short term, economic trends will remain flat. But that’s better than a recession, Perry said. “It’s positive we’re not going down right now.”

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION To view the Mesa County economic update for the third quarter, log on to www.coloradomesa.edu/business/documents/mesa-county-economicnewsletter-q3-2023.pdf

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Evidence

Continued from page 2 Combining high-definition laser scans with photographs, films and other evidence, Knott Laboratory created what Stoll terms a “digital twin” of Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas with the exact location of the presidential limousine at the moment the shots were fired.

With the ability to accurately measure distances and angles, the company tested bullet trajectories from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository, where Oswald was suspected of firing three shots. According to what became known as the single-bullet theory, one shot struck Kennedy in the back, exited his neck, entered Connally in the right armpit, exited his chest, went through his right wrist and finally embedded in his left thigh.

“The shooting position, bullet exit point on President Kennedy and entry point on Gov. Connally should all be reasonably in line,” Stoll says. “When drawing this line from the sixth-floor perch of the Texas Book Depository to the positions of the two men and their entry-exit points, we found a significant angle difference.”

For a single shot to go through JFK and Connally as detailed in the Warren Commission report, the governor would have had to been sitting 6 inches to 10 inches closer to the interior of the limousine, Stoll says. Photographs indicate that wasn’t the case.

Stoll plans to make the findings available on the company’s website in time for the 60th anniversary of the assassination on Nov. 22 and what he expects will be renewed interest in the event. He also plans to present the findings as one of the keynote speakers at a public safety and forensics conference scheduled for March in England.

Knott Laboratory is headquartered in Centennial. In addition to Grand Junction, the firm also operates offices in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins as well as locations in Atlanta and Phoenix. The firm employs a staff of 50, four of them in Grand Junction.

While the firm offers a range of services, most of them involve accident reconstruction and existing infrastructure.

The firm analyzes and reconstructs a variety of accidents — everything from car crashes to workplace injuries to shootings.

The firm also analyzes existing structures, whether that’s investigating failures, assessing current conditions or identifying potential problems.

Stoll grew up in Montrose and served in the Army. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Louisville.

He joined Knott Laboratory in 2010 as a structural engineer and moved to Grand Junction in 2013 to work at what was at that time the first satellite operation for the company. In early 2020, he joined with Mike Lowe to purchase Knott Laboratory.

Lowe serves as president.

Stoll says Colorado staff handled a lot of the research and analysis into the JFK assassination.

See EVIDENCE page 18

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November 9-22, 2023

Evidence

Continued from page 16 Stoll says he twice went to Dallas for laser scanning used to construct a digital version of Dealey Plaza.

The 36 laser scans generated a digital cloud with a total of 851 million data points about the plaza and surrounding buildings. Those points can be used to measure distances with an accuracy of within millimeters, he says.

Knott Laboratory combined that information with photographs and other evidence from the assassination, including the 8-millimeter home movie taken by Abraham Zabruder.

Using photogrammetry, a process of measuring and interpreting photographic images, as well as technique called match moving, the company was able to precisely place the presidential limousine, Kennedy and Connally into a digital recreation of the scene.

Knott Laboratory could then develop bullet trajectories between Oswald’s rifle on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository and limousine passing below, Stoll says. “Our team tested bullet trajectories using the two frames of the Zabruder film where the first shots occurred and the known entry and exit points of Kennedy and Connally.”

That’s when the difference in angles was detected.

The crucial part of the analysis of the JFK assassination — as well as other investigations in which Knott Laboratory is involved — is combining accurate digital recreations with photographic and video analysis, Stoll says.

The information not only helps in establishing the facts of the case, but also creating visualizations to present that information.

The company is often hired to determine cause and fault and then present its findings in civil and criminal trials.

Those findings are based on the scientific method and proving or disproving hypotheses, Stoll says. “The culture of the company is based on scientific accuracy.”

He also credits collaboration among the engineers, accident reconstructors, visualization experts and others who work for the company. “The power of teamwork is truly incredible.”

Knott Laboratory has developed a reputation over its more than 40 years for offering what Stoll says is the pinnacle of forensic science. The company continues to grow in offering a range of services.

For now, Stoll says he’s excited about the latest high-profile investigation for the company and findings that could change history. “It’s big information.”

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more about Knott Laboratory and its investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, log on to the website at https://knottlab.com.

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November 9-22, 2023

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Trends Contributors It’s more of the same Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings s New business filings in Colorado, 43.902 in the third quarter, up 0.6 percent from the third quarter of 2022.

Higher interest rates and lower inventories curb Mesa County sales

t Consumer Confidence Index 102.6 for October, down 1.7. t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 43.6 for the fourth quarter, down 0.5. t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 90.8 for September, down 0.5.

Pressed to assess the real estate market in Mesa County, Robert Bray needs only a few words.

“More of the same,” said Bray, chief executive officer of Bray & Co. Real Estate based in Grand Junction.

Higher interest rates on mortgages and lower inventories of homes continue to curb real estate sales by what Bray considers dramatic proportions.

Robert Bray Annette Young, an administrative coordinator at Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction who’s long tracked the Mesa County market, put it this way: “This is kind of the story we’ve been seeing for a long time.”

While buyers, sellers and lenders are finding more creative ways to complete transactions, neither Bray nor Young expect the overall situation to change any time soon.

Young said 270 real estate transactions Annette Young worth a total of $112 million were reported in Mesa County in October. Compared to the same month last year, transactions decreased 20.4 percent and dollar volume declined 22.4 percent.

Eight large transactions worth a total of $16.8 million bolstered dollar volume, Young said. They included the sale of a hotel complex for $6.35 million and retail commercial building for $2.1 million.

A luxury home in Molina sold for $1.95 million. Still, nine transactions accounted for a total of $24.5 million in October 2022.

Through 10 months of 2023, 3,097 transactions worth a collective $1.34 billion were reported, Young said. Compared to the same span in 2022, transactions fell 26.2 percent and dollar volume fell 26.6 percent.

Young attributed the declines to higher interest rates on mortgages combined with price appreciation that have made homes less affordable — beyond the means of many buyers, in fact.

n Confidence

n Foreclosures

t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 14 in October, down from 20 in October 2022. t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 1 in October, down from 2 in October 2022.

n Indexes

t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 114.16 for October, down 0.47. t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 104.6 for September, down 0.5%. t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 46.7% for October, down 2.3%.

n Lodging

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

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 270 in October, down 20.4% from October 2022. t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $112 million in October, down 22.4% from October 2022.

n Sales

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

n Unemployment t Mesa County — 3.3% for September, down 0.4. s Colorado — 3.2% for September, up 0.1. s United States — 3.9% for October, up 0.1

Phil Castle

The Business Times

According to numbers Bray & Co. tracks for the residential market, 168 transactions worth a total of more than $73.7 million were reported in October. Compared to the same month a year ago, transactions decreased 35.4 percent and dollar volume declined 28.7 percent.

Through 10 months of 2023, 2,283 transactions worth a total of nearly $984 million were reported. Compared to the same span in 2022, transactions fell 21.2 percent and dollar volume dropped 20.3 percent.

“Interest rates really have a dramatic effect,” Bray said.

Lower residential inventories provide less selection, he said.

There were 532 active residential listings in Mesa County at the end of October, less than the 587 listings at the same time last year.

Bray said many people who’d like to sell their homes are reluctant to do so because the interest rates on their mortgages are lower than what they’d pay on new loans.

Lagging new home construction has exasperated the shortage, he said. The 64 single-family building permits issued in Mesa County in October was up from 37 for the same month last year. But the 645 permits issued year to date remain 34.1 percent below 2022.

The slowing pace of real estate activity also has slowed price appreciation, he said. Through 10 months of 2023, the median price of homes sold in Mesa County was $390,000. That’s up only 1.3 percent from the same span in 2022.

But after years of double-digit year-over-year increases, the latest price is 66 percent higher than the median price five years ago and 136 percent higher than the median price 10 years ago, Bray said. While low interest rates enabled buyers to purchase more expensive homes, that’s no longer the situation, he said.

Bray said some homebuyers have turned to adjustable-rate mortgages with the expectation interest rates will drop and they can refinance. Some sellers offer to finance home purchases.

Young said she’s heard of wedding registries that now include donations for down payments on homes. “There is a creativity out there.”

But the effects of higher interest rates and low inventories on the real estate market aren’t likely to go away any time soon, Bray and Young said. Their expectation? More of the same.

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Consumer Confidence Index continues retreat A measure of consumer confidence continues to retreat on less upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions.

The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index fell 1.7 points to 102.6 in October for a third consecutive month of declines.

“Consumers continued to be preoccupied with rising prices in general and for grocery and gasoline prices in particular. Consumers Dana Peterson also expressed concerns about the political situation and higher interest rates. Worries around war and conflicts also rose amid the recent turmoil in the Middle East,” said Dana Peterson, chief economist of the Conference Board.

More than two-thirds of consumers said they consider a recession “somewhat” or “very likely,” Peterson said, although they continue to spend on goods and services. Plans to purchase automobiles and applicants trended upward over the past six months.

The New York-based think tank bases the Consumer Confidence Index on the results of monthly household surveys.

Less optimistic assessments of current business and labor conditions pulled the present situation component of the index down 3.1 points to 143.1 in October.

The share of consumers who responded to the survey upon which the October index was based who called business conditions “good” fell nine-tenths of a point to 19.1 percent. The proportion of those who said conditions were “bad” rose 2.4 points to 18.3 percent.

The share of consumers who said jobs were “plentiful” slipped three-tenths of a point to 39.4 percent. But the proportion of those who said jobs were “hard to get” also fell — 1.1 points to 13.1 percent.

A less upbeat outlook pulled down the expectations component of the index eight-tenths of a point. At 75.6, the latest reading remains below 80 — a level that historically signals a recession within the next year.

The proportion of consumers who said they expect business conditions to improve over the next six months rose 1.2 points to 16.5 percent. But the share of those anticipating worsening conditions increased more — 1.5 points to 20.2 percent.

The proportion of consumers who said they expect more jobs to become available in coming months edged down two-tenths of a point to 16 percent. The share of those forecasting fewer jobs edged up a tenth of a point to 19 percent.

While 15.6 percent of consumer said they expect their incomes to increase, 13 percent anticipated less income.

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The Business Times

U.S. payrolls and jobless rate increase Payrolls continued to grow in the United States in October, although the unemployment rate also edged up.

Nonfarm payrolls increased 150,000 and the jobless rate ticked up a tenth of a point to 3.9 percent, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Initial estimates for payroll gains for the previous two months were revised down a total of 101,000 to 297,000 for September and 165,000 for August.

With the latest numbers, payrolls have increased on average 250,000 a month over the past year.

For October, 6.5 million people were counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work. Of those, 1.3 million have been out of work 27 weeks or more. Another 4.3 million people were counted among those working part time because their hours were cut or they were unable to find full-time positions.

The labor participation rate — the proportion of the population

either working or looking for work — slipped a tenth of a point to 62.7 percent.

Payroll gains for October were spread out among industry sectors. Employment increased 58,000 in health care, 23,000 in construction and 19,000 each in social assistance and leisure and hospitality. Government payrolls increased 51,000 to return to its level in February 2020 before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Payrolls declined 35,000 in manufacturing, most of that because of a strike in the automotive industry.

The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls edged down a tenth of an hour to 34.4 hours. The manufacturing workweek held steady at 40 hours.

Average hourly earnings for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls rose 7 cents to $34. Over the past year, average hourly earnings increased 4.1 percent.

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November 9-22, 2023

Labor index drops

A monthly index tracking labor trends has retreated, signaling what could be slowing job growth.

The Conference Board reported its Employment Trends Index fell nearly a half point to 114.16 in October.

“There are signs of cooling as recent job gains have been mostly concentrated in industries facing major labor shortages,” said Selcuk Eren, a senior economist.

The index aggregates eight labor indicators. For October, six indicators declined.

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Trends Contributors Opinion It’s a holiday Q&A Business Briefs Business People Almanac

November 9-22, 2023

The Business Times

Page 21

COMING ATTRACTIONS

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

A presentation on cash flow budgeting for small businesses is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 21 at the center, located at 2591 Legacy Way. A free monthly maker meetup is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at the GJ Makerspace at the center.

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

A small business startup workshop is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. The workshop will cover the business planning process, including financing, legal structures, licensing requirements and registration. Admission is $55.

To register for or obtain more information about events, programs and services offered at the Business Incubator Center, call (970) 243-5242 or log on to the website at https://gjincubator.org. n The Western Colorado Human Resource Association has scheduled its monthly membership luncheon for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. The event will include a presentation on recruiting members of Generation Z. WCHRA members may attend at no additional charge. Guests pay $20. To register or obtain more information, visit www.wchra.org. n A free Coffee Club networking group meeting is set for 9 to 10 a.m. Nov. 17 at FWorks, 325 E. Aspen in Fruita. Josh Brady will discuss tax planning for small businesses and what’s new for 2024. For additional information, log on to https://gjincubator.org or https://fruitachamber.org. n The next Grand Valley BizMix networking event is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 at the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, 734 S. Seventh St. The event is open to members of the Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and Western Colorado Latino chambers of commerce as well as the Young Professionals Network of Mesa County.

Admission is $10. For more information, visit https://gjchamber.org. n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of commerce has scheduled its annual economic outlook luncheon for noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at a location to be announced.

Richard Wobbekind, senior economist at the research division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder, will review the 2024 economic and business outlook for the United States, Colorado and Mesa County. Admission is $25 for chamber members, $30 for others.

To register for or obtain more information about upcoming chamber events, visit https://gjchamber.org or call 242-3214.

Celebrations and shutdowns raise employment law issues The holiday season is nearly upon us. I’ve seen the TV commercials, and big box retailers have filled holiday sections with glitter and lights.

The holidays seem to arrive earlier every year. To quote Alfred, the Macys janitor from my favorite holiday movie “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947 version): “Yeah, there’s a lot of bad ‘isms’ floatin’ around this world, but one of the worst is commercialism. Make a buck, make a buck. Even in Brooklyn it’s the same.

Don’t care what Christmas stands for, a buck, make a buck.”

Dean just make It’s never too early, however, to Harris consider the questions that come up every holiday season. Let’s discuss a few of the most common I receive every year. n What do we call our party? Is it a Christmas party?

A winter solstice party? A Festivus celebration?

Employers should avoid parties or celebrations that single out one tradition, particularly if the event is held during work hours or employees are required or urged to attend. Consider events that celebrate all the faith and cultural traditions. Potlucks or buffets with different traditional foods are a lot of fun. n Can we serve alcohol at our holiday celebration?

More employers host fewer and smaller holiday celebrations. Still, many employers value the big holiday party around which the organization’s social calendar revolves. There’s no wrong answer. But there are steps employers should take to promote responsible drinking and limit liability for employees’ poor choices.

Under Colorado law, a social host is liable to third parties for injuries caused by its guests’ consumption of alcohol only when the host knowingly serves alcohol to persons under 21 years of age or makes available a place where underage persons can drink. In 2018, the Colorado Supreme Court held in Przekurat v. Torres, social hosts were responsible for injuries caused by a guest at a graduation party. The hosts knew the party was attended by numerous underage persons, but put no restrictions on serving alcohol. The host had constructive knowledge underage persons were drinking, and were held liable for an underage attendee who suffered lifealtering injuries in a vehicle accident after the party. There’s no reason a holiday celebration can’t include responsible adult drinking. Consider conducting the event at a restaurant or other venue where the venue is responsible for preventing minors from consuming alcohol. If the organization runs the event, make sure its contract with any bartending service spells out the service may not serve alcohol to minors.

Even precluding liability for wrongful acts, no organization wants irresponsible behavior or injuries to result from a holiday party. Consider giving out drink tickets that limit consumption and either allow only ticketed drinking or put the cost for additional drinks on attendees.

Consider providing rides to guests who over-imbibe.

Make sure paid or volunteer servers watch for indications of intoxication and shut down drinkers who don’t know their limits. Organizations might consider events, such as lunches or happy hours, where time limitations and settings encourage less alcohol consumption.

Limiting alcohol also helps discourage another unpleasant and potentially illegal side effect of holiday parties — sexual and other harassment claims by employees

For more on avoiding pitfalls while hosting festive fun, see page 24.

against other employees or supervisors whose inhibitions are lowered by overconsumption or the informality of a social event. Want to discourage bad behavior even more?

Invite spouses and significant others. n Our CEO likes to present an annual report during the holiday party and thank employees for their service.

Can we make the party mandatory?

This creates a new set of problems. Holding parties during work hours or hosting parties where employees are required to attend, meet and greet clients or engage in activities that look like work raise issues around employee pay and workers’ compensation claims. As a rule, an event employees are required to attend and provide service for the employer is work time, and employers could be liable to pay employees for time spent in attendance. Injuries that occur during or because of the event could create workers’ compensation claims. n We want to close for a week or two around the holidays.

Do we have to pay employees for the time we’re closed?

The short answer is no, but there are catches. An employer must pay non-exempt employees only for the time they spend actually working. Employers aren’t required to pay exempt employees for any full weeks in which they don’t perform work. But what about employees who must check email or perform minimal tasks during a seasonal shutdown? Make clear to all non-exempt employees they must report even for short periods of work so the employer can properly pay them. Employers could require exempt employees to substitute paid time off or vacation time for time missed on workdays on which they perform work. n Can I require employees to use vacation or paid time off during shutdowns?

An employer can require employees to use vacation or PTO during a shutdown even if the shutdown is imposed by the employer. The employer can always give employees the option to use PTO during the shutdown. But mandating the use of paid leave or leaving employees without pay can create morale problems, particularly in industries where seasonal shutdowns aren’t the norm. Telling employs to enjoy the holidays, but then informing them they won’t get paid places stress on employees and their families.

The Employers Council grants employees flexible holidays that aren’t limited to the holiday season, but which employees may use to take time off around the holidays.

At the least, employers should explain pay practices around shutdowns well in advance to avoid surprises.

There’s no single right answer to any of these questions for all employers. The Employers Council makes available to its members resources on how to make these decisions.

Enterprise and consulting members may contact HR professionals and attorneys directly to discuss their legal obligations and best practices for these and other issues.

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

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

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The Business Times

November 9-22, 2023

Change your perception of change and thrive Change is a reality in business whether we like it or not.

Business environments change. Economies change. Team dynamics change. Technology changes rapidly. In fact, life in general is about change. And if we habitually resist change, we limit the potential of all that’s available to us.

One reason so many people resist change is because they must change in the process. Others resist change because they focus on how hard the change will be, the possible negative outcomes and fear of the unknown. Moreover, it’s easy to become comfortable in our current circumstances, even if they don’t lead to happiness and success.

In our tendency to focus on the difficulties rather than benefits Marcus of change, we stop ourselves from Straub exploring opportunities and taking action. We avoid change because we only focus on what we perceive as the downsides of it.

This must be overcome with a more balanced perspective if you want to experience more happiness and success professionally and personally.

Honest self-appraisal is vital in choosing to make a change. As you become conscious of the negative feelings and undesirable results of your choice to avoid change, you can use that discomfort to propel yourself forward.

Most of us reach a point where we can’t take it anymore.

Getting really honest with yourself will help you reach this threshold sooner, saving precious time and resources in creating a reality you do find pleasing and rewarding.

If, during your honest self-appraisal, you find you’re not pleased with the way things are going in your business or life, choose to change how you perceive change. By doing so, you better position yourself to take actions to improve

In our tendency to focus on the difficulties rather than benefits of change, we stop ourselves from exploring opportunities and taking action. This must be overcome with a more balanced perspective if you want to experience more happiness and success professionally and personally.

your situation and experience happiness and success.

In my coaching and consulting work, I show people how their current thought and behavior patterns work against what they want — how they’re actually working against themselves and the happiness and success they desire. We then develop new thoughts and behaviors that enable them to change their realities in positive ways. The focus here is on the reasons for change, the process of change and benefits for doing so.

One example of this would be letting go a team member who possesses all the skills necessary to do the job, but whose attitude and behavior damages workplace culture, customer relations and the bottom line. If you feel an aversion to certain team members because of their negativity, then change is in order.

This personnel situation is all too common in the business world and only becomes more damaging the longer it’s allowed to continue.

Business owners and managers often avoid personnel changes because of the time, effort and money involved in

hiring and training a replacement. That’s not to mention the confrontations that can occur when letting someone go or the fear of retribution, unemployment claims and being bad-mouthed As you turn your attention from what at first appears to be the overwhelming effort involved in creating positive change and focus instead on the benefits, you’ll take on changes with an energy that makes the effort a lot less daunting than originally perceived. A major barrier to change is eliminated when you focus on how it will improve you and the situation.

If your business has hit a rough patch, your health is declining or your relationships aren’t fulfilling, use your awareness of these facts to face the reality resistance to change diminishes your happiness and success more and more each day. The next step is to seek assistance and make the needed changes.

Change is much easier when we choose to see it in a positive light. As we embrace change, we alter our perception of it from a bad thing to a positive thing filled with potential and opportunity. Human beings are amazing, and they can accomplish great feats once they open their minds to possibility and then decide to take action.

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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November 9-22, 2023

The Business Times

Page 23

Want to work in another country? Do your research Working in another country can be an exciting and life-changing — but also fraught — experience. If you’re thinking about becoming an expatriate, here are a few things to consider first.

The United States government reserves the right to tax your worldwide income. The country in which you work, with some notable exceptions, also taxes your income.

To avoid double taxation, the IRS allows for a foreign earned income exclusion of up to $120,000 (in 2023).

Who qualifies? Here is an excerpt from the IRS website at https://www.

Janet irs.gov/individuals/internationaltaxpayers/foreign-earned-incomeArrowood exclusion assuming your tax home is in a foreign country: n A U.S. citizen who is a bona fide resident of a foreign country or countries for an uninterrupted period that includes an entire tax year. n A U.S. resident alien who is a citizen or national of a country with which the United States has an income tax treaty in effect and who is a bona fide resident of a foreign country or countries for an uninterrupted period that includes an entire tax year. n Or a U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident alien who is physically present in a foreign country or countries for at least 330 full days during any period of 12 consecutive months.

You might also be able to deduct certain housing costs based on your foreign tax home.

Keep in mind taxes in most other countries are much higher than in the U.S. If you work for a U.S. company, company policies often make adjustments or give

You need permission — a visa or residency permit — to work in a foreign country. You could be limited in how long an entry visa allows you to stay.

allowances to offset these costs. But those offsets could push your earned income over the exclusion limit. If you work for a foreign company, they might not have the same offsets.

Some positions, such as those involving work for an international organization, are generally tax-free in the foreign country of residence. When you add the benefit of the foreign earned income exclusion, these opportunities can be quite lucrative. They also can be very confusing, as I discovered working for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization many years ago in Europe.

Your U.S.-based medical insurance probably doesn’t cover you in a foreign country. You could buy into the medical insurance program in your tax home, but you should research this in depth. If you work for a major U.S.based or foreign company, you probably will be offered some type of health insurance, but confirm the details.

You need permission — a visa or residency permit — to work in a foreign country. Major employers and international organizations usually take care of this requirement for you, but always check. If you organize your own overseas work experience, you could be limited in how long an entry visa allows you to stay. Many countries allow you to stay for up to 90 days, but then you must leave the country for some period of time — one to 90 days, usually — before you can obtain a new visa.

Be careful since many tourist visas don’t allow you to work legally.

While English is spoken around the world, especially in business environments, you’ll be living among local people, shopping in their stores, following their roads signs and more. If you don’t know at least the basics of the local language, you could feel isolated or run afoul of rules you didn’t know or understand.

Automobiles are expensive to buy, fuel and maintain in foreign countries. You might want to check out other means of transportation before you go to ensure you can get to and from work, housing and shopping without a car.

Living and working overseas isn’t like home. But that’s a major reason the experience can be so attractive.

Before you commit: n Read everything you can find about living in your desired country. n Watch news from your desired country on cable, satellite or a streaming service. n Take a basic language course. n Check out local schools for your children. n Seek out others who’ve had the expatriate experience, especially in your desired country. n Develop a positive attitude.

This column isn’t intended as tax or legal advice. The tax situation, in particular, is very complicated. Always consult a tax specialist with expertise in the preceding areas.

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

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The Business Times

November 9-22, 2023

When hosting festive fun, avoid HR pitfalls It’s almost the season to be jolly. And that means workplace holiday parties are just around the corner.

Festive events offer opportunities for colleagues to gather and celebrate another year of working together. But there’s a delicate dance between merriment and maintaining a professional atmosphere, ensuring your workplace holiday party is a hit while keeping human resource considerations in mind.

First, let’s look at the benefits of coming together to celebrate at events. It helps with employee Ed Krey holiday engagement and retention as well as building camaraderie. Holiday events also provide opportunities to build connections outside daily operations and deadlines. The risks associated with these events including inappropriate behavior and lack of inclusivity. Careful planning and setting boundaries help make these events what they’re intended to be — a celebration of team members.

Whether planning a virtual Kelly gathering, a party at the executive’s home Murphy or floating in and out of the conference room for food, employers should take steps to stay on budget and remain compliant with employment laws. Every detail should be examined, including attendance, catering, food allergies, invitations, menus and themes.

Should the guest list include just employees, or employee partners and families as well as clients and vendors? What’s the purpose of the event? Whether it’s a festive challenge like an ugly sweater contest or a charitable endeavor for the community’s unhoused, consider such factors as alcohol use

Careful planning and setting boundaries help make these events what they’re intended to be — a celebration of team members.

and designated ride shares. While parties can be relaxing for most, it’s crucial to be mindful of everyone’s perspectives, preferences and circumstances. Clearly communicating the purpose helps to fulfill that purpose.

Now we turn to the regulatory aspect. Before your festive event begins, take steps to avoid legal issues: n Evaluate existing policies and send reminders to employees as to clear expectations for workplace events, including holiday events. Employers should consider any possible concerns with relevant workplace policies and how they’ll be handled in the event of violations. n If employees are required to attend the party, consider employment labor laws and pay non-exempt employees for attendance. Remember, not every employee might feel the same about a holiday celebration, so keep this in mind if requiring attendance. Forcing holiday party attendance could have the opposite effect of your purpose. n Keep in mind that not all employees celebrate and could feel differently on the appropriateness of observing one holiday over another. Best practice is to keep the party general such as a winter celebration instead of a Christmas party. This allows inclusivity for people of varying backgrounds and beliefs. Without generalization, employers risk the potential for a lack of inclusion and belonging or even religious discriminatory practices. n Set the tone in the invitation. Many workplace gettogethers could host a risk of inappropriate behaviors,

especially if alcohol is involved. It’s the employer’s responsibility to reiterate the appropriate and expected behaviors, including not drinking and driving. Be sure to remind employees expectations for the workplace will be enforced at the event.

Navigating the holiday party season within smart business and HR considerations is a delicate balancing act, but it’s a crucial one for fostering an inclusive and compliant workplace. By following basic respectful steps, communicating clearly with employees and setting the example, business professionals can ensure everyone who wants to participate enjoys the festivities while upholding a safe and lawfully compliant environment.

This holiday season, let’s make sure our parties reflect our commitment to both merriment and responsibility, ensuring a festive season that brings joy to all without compromising our principles or purpose for the celebration.

And despite of some perceptions, it’s okay to invite HR. Ed Krey is owner and president of Lighthouse HR Support.

He brings to his duties experience as an unemployment insurance hearing consultant and helps clients run their businesses effectively and efficiently. Kelly Murphy is a senior human resources business partner with the Grand Junction firm. She brings to her duties more than 30 years of experience. She holds Professional in Human Resources, Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional and Advanced Workplace Investigation certifications. She’s also co-founder of the Colorado HR Connection group. Lighthouse HR Support offers a range of human resource management services to small and medium-sized businesses. For additional information, call (970) 243-7789 or log on to the website at www.lighthousehrs.net.

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The Business Times

November 9-22, 2023

Real estate slowing, not stopping The Mesa County Assessor recently released third quarter numbers reflecting similar trends in Mesa County since the second half of 2022 — a slowdown, but not shutdown, of commercial real estate sales.

Year-to-date, commercial volume in Mesa County is down around 28 percent and units are down 32 percent.

While those numbers might seem negative, it’s important to compare them to the years prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Through the first three quarters of 2023, sales volume is up 18 percent compared to the first three quarters of 2019 and 8 percent compared to the same 2018.

Darah spanInin many other metropolitan areas, office Galvin sales have slowed. But Mesa County saw the best quarter since the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in August 2022.

This can be attributed in part to the sale of the former Oddfellows Hall at 128 N. Fifth Street for nearly $4.6 million in the middle of the quarter and the sale of the also recently remodeled and almost fully leased downtown office building at 660 Rood Ave. for $1.9 million on Aug. 1.

The third quarter saw an increase in sales numbers of 9 percent and a volume increase of 39 percent compared to the third quarter of 2022. Since the commercial market was so strong at the beginning of 2022, office sales in 2023 are still down 38 percent in number of sales and 19 percent in volume when compared to the same period in 2022.

Retail sales in Mesa County took a hit in the third quarter of 2023 with a 61 percent decrease in the number of sales compared to the second quarter of 2023 and a 53 percent decline compared to third quarter of 2022. Retail sales are comparable to 2022, with year-to-date 2023 only 3 percent

behind in volume of year-to-date 2022. This can be credited to some major purchases in the first two quarters of 2023.

The resale portion of the Mesa County multi-family market has visibly slowed as many investors sit in awe of the multi-family building happening everywhere in the valley — from Fruita to downtown Grand Junction to Orchard Mesa.

The resale market is down 60 percent in volume from 2022 to 2023 and 31 percent in number of units sold. The third quarter of 2023 had the same number of sales as the second quarter of 2023 and similar numbers compared to the first quarter. So we can expect this is the new normal in multi-family sales — at least until the building craze slows.

Once higher interest rates began affecting the market, industrial and warehouse sales in Mesa County and Grand Junction slowed. Many businesses that were looking to expand have chosen to stay where they are. Industrial buildings sit on the sale market for longer as well.

Year-to-date industrial sales are down 35 percent and almost 52 percent in volume compared to year-to-date numbers in 2022.

Larger dollar sales are still happening, however. That includes the sale of 719 Arrowest Court in the north Grand Junction area for $3.88 million on Aug. 31 and the newly constructed shop and office building at 826 Justice Court that sold for $1.45 million on Aug. 29.

Despite the decline in the Mesa County commercial market in recent years, it’s still moving. Businesses and investors continue to seek new opportunities and areas to explore.

Darah Galvin is director of operations at Bray & Co. in Grand Junction. The company provides a range of services related to residential and commercial real estate, property management, maintenance and construction in Mesa County as well as Delta, Garfield and Montrose counties. For more information, call (970) 242-3647 or visit www.brayandco.com.

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Businesses can take steps to deal with drug overdose Nearly 108,00 drug overdose deaths were reported in the United States in 2022 — 32 of those in Mesa County.

A majority of the deaths were attributed to synthetic opioids.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, a synthetic opioid is a substance made in a laboratory that produces pain relief effects by targeting Brandon the same receptors in Gray the brain as natural opioids.

One of those synthetic opioids, Fentanyl, had made headlines across the nation because it’s addictive and deadly.

Just 2 milligrams of Fentanyl — the equivalent of about 10 grains of table salt — is considered a fatal dose.

Colorless, tasteless and odorless, Fentanyl can be added to illegal drugs.

In fact, many overdose deaths could be considered poisonings because the individual didn’t know what they were taking was a counterfeit pill that contained Fentanyl.

Naloxone, also known by its brand name Narcan, is a lifesaving medication

that can reverse opioid-related overdoses.

Naloxone offers an important tool to keep at workplaces. Naloxone is available over the counter or from organizations that provide free Naloxone and Naloxone training. Lyndall Young at the Western Colorado Area Health Education Center in Grand Junction provides in-depth training on how to recognize an overdose event and administer Naloxone.

It’s also important for employers to know how to support employees struggling with substance use disorders.

Mesa County offers sober living facilities, harm reduction agencies, peer support services and a variety of treatment options.

A comprehensive list is available from the Mesa County Public Health website at https://heathymesacounty.org under the our initiatives tab.

For additional information about organizations that provide Naloxone, send an email to healthinfo@mesacounty.us.

Brandon Gray is community health planner with Mesa County Public Health and co-facilitator of the Mesa County Opioid Response Group. For more information about Mesa County Public Health, call (970) 248-6900 or visit https://health.mesacounty.us.

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Contributors Opinion Bold predictions for 2015 My wishes for the morning Benefit of the business beat: A new year affords Business Briefs more another like not-so-bold repeats election day Stories that amaze and inspire after a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PAGE age 26 22

Even after nearly 25 years on the job, I’m astounded by the things I discover about businesses.

My latest surprise occurred when I received in my email inbox a news release from Knott Laboratory about another high-profile investigation in which the company was involved.

A new year almost always brings an opportunity for a fresh start and I was familiar renewed ambition to do things better. with Knott Laboratory because of a story reportedboils in early 2022 about the customers forensic engineering and In business, thatI usually down to providing better products visualization firm and Stanley Stoll, the CEO who oversees and services faster and at lower cost than competitors. Part of the process must operations to from his office in Grand Junction. include listening to customers determine what they actually need and then wasit impressed thetoscope workand thegreatest businessif meeting that need. After Iall, does little by good offerofthethelatest haswhat handled over the past 40 years, including investigations nobody actually wants you’re selling. into the that automobile accident that the killed Princess Diana, Just like the businesses belong to the group, Grand Junction Area Phil Castle the crash of an Air France Air Bus and the collapse of twoof Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment overhead walkways a Kansas Citymatch hotel. with members the services and resources it provides andinhow well they I was latest announcement. was hired needs.

Jeffflabbergasted Franklin, the by newthe chairman of the chamberKnott boardLaboratory of directors, to create a digital reconstruction of the what assassination of President F. coming Kennedy personifies this approach in describing he considers his role John for the in Dallas into 1963.

The JFK assassination.

Are you me? year: listen members, determine their needs and kidding then meet those needs. It’s a asFranklin the TV infomercials there’s more.

An analysis of the role But withwait, which is familiar aspromise, market president of Bank of Colorado. trajectory of one will of the bullets the president refuted findings of the The process take on a fired moreatstructured approach in the what the chamber Warren assembled to investigate the Listening assassination. plans asCommission the resumption of a program aptly called to Business. Under the Knottbusiness Laboratory conducted no less than 36 laser scans to in identify Dealey Plaza in to program, owners participate in in-depth interviews barriers downtown Dallas that generated a total of 851 million data points used to create growth and other problems they encounter. whatThe Stollnew called “digital twin”time accurate to the within millimeters. yeara offers a good to join proverbial club. The company combined information withwhat photographs and other evidence, including As an that advertiser or reader, do you need from the Business Times? the so-called to precisely placegather the presidential WhileZabruder businessfilm, journals traditionally and report limousine, the relevantPresident news to Kennedy and Texas Gov.isn’t Johnnecessarily Connally into the scene. readers, communication a one-way street. That’s especially true as Stoll offered no the opinions about theconvenient multitude of theories WebWhile sites and e-mail make dialogue more than ever. that have proliferated since 1963, he focused instead on the science.

That detected a Good publications don’t exist in a vacuum. They respond toscience the needs of significant in They the angles between of the shots fired at Kennedy and advertisers difference and readers. provide what’stwo needed.

Connally anddo a third shot the Warren Commission asserted wounded both men.

So what you need?

It fascinating to follow what next.keep you informed about Is will therebeadditional news coverage thathappens would help But that’s just one of the remarkable stories I’ve encountered in covering local business developments? Are there features that would be interesting or business. amazed what goesmake on here. that build gigantic useful? Is I’m there adviceatthat would yourThe jobscompanies a little easier? aquariums and the lifts thattohaul anddon’t snowboarders the slopes.

It’s equally important ask skiers what you need. Withuplimited time The to business that refurbishes massive softwareit,firm that’s revolutionized produce content and limited spaceaircraft. in whichThe to publish would time and space be the way underground infrastructure better devoted to something else? is repaired and installed. Especially around the holidays, I’m thankful for confectioner that makes What’s good? What isn’t? the What’s needed? What isn’t? what I contend is the mostLet delicious almond in the world. us know.

Send toffee us an e-mail.

Comment online on the Business Times Web I’m astounded as well by the entrepreneurs I interview.

The innovation and to site at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

You could even write an old-fashioned letter passion they bringlike. to their The risks they’re willing to take to bring to the editor if you’d Yourventures. feedback, both positive and negative, is valued and market better products and services. will be carefully considered.

IGood can only hope in reporting stories about these and staffs, these but also publications are the result of not only the businesses efforts of their entrepreneurs, readers are as astounded asand I am.

Yes. They do that in the Grand collaborative efforts involving advertisers readers.

Valley.

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

Phil It’s Castle is editor the Business Reach him at phil@thebusinesstimes.com a new year. of Please help us Times. to do so. or 424-5133. ✦ F

THE BUSINESS TIMES

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Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall

Editor: Phil Castle

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

Subscribe or submit press releases online at www.thebusinesstimes.com The Grand Valley Business Times, a subsidiary of Hall Media Group LLC, is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor, staff or advertisers.

Copyright © 2015 — AllCopyright rights reserved. © 2023 — All rights reserved.

While same, they usually It’s thatalways time ofthe year when end in moreand disappointment. resolutions prognostications abound.

“So, what are they, Craig,” youYear’s ask?

My favorite saying applied to New My desire isisalways to have citizens resolutions in saying they’re basically a vote government, fewer bunchforofsmaller promises to break the first week government powers, taxes,predict less a of January. And whileless I won’t government intrusion putting good whole lot, I can prettyand much accurately people intothings office.that without question nail a few will Now makeyou’re the news. You will see these are probably wondering I’m pretty, well, predictable: usually disappointed in ■ Prediction one: election results.

Yeah, There will be some me Just a curious sorttoo. of weather event, glance any ballot naturalatdisaster or to see what occurrence we’re voting heinous on would tell anyone where someone will we’re voting in futile be interviewed and say efforts in hopes “I’ve of the following: even down the neverslowing seen anything leviathan of my government Craig Hall like that in dominance in our lifetime.” It’s as iflives. this Craig Most we’re voting to stopHall our personofisthea time, required fellow citizens fromnews using government to tell attendee at every us what to event. do; prevent taking more reporting Whileit from I understand mostof our money in doing it;can or, worse, the people’s perspective indeedinbedoing limited things the barrel of gun to tell by, or politicians contained use within, their own personal us to do. experiences, it is too much to ask to Talksome about the lesser of two evils. consult historical perspective before Elections area the caseYes, in point. saying such thing? this response can go to events. our localBut school board applyLet’s to some when it comes races.

Yes, Iand hopenatural the “conservative” labeled to weather disasters, I’m pretty candidates I believe having a board sure this iswon. simply history repeating itself. with as suchand by progressive Samemembers as it haslabeled for millions millions of factions — like Restore the the it! years. More important, theBalance, planet made teachers’ unions andcertain our local mainstream What didn’t were species.

How’s media are as close as possible to the kinds that for—perspective? of people who believe ■ Prediction two:education When it should comes be to a about education. folks crime actual or something thatConservative occurs between also tend the to beother cautious aboutattendee spendingatand humans, required all budgets given the government penchant news reporting events is the person who for above and just beyond at epic saysspending this: “They we’re the nicest proportions. district is no people, and Our in nolocal wayschool did I see something exception.

Need proof?

Just No lookone to the near like this coming.”

Exactly. does $200 project under construction on most million of the time when it comes to Fifth Streetand because our board of education neighbors acquaintances.

People should didn’t do its job over decades ignoring and be surprised at what goes onof from time to budgeting to replace just one building. time in their neighborhoods, towns and course, schools, it goes with Of people theywith know because people are so much deeper. hardthat to believe good.

And for theIt’stimes they shouldn’t overspending biggest problem. be shocked —isn’t likethe with politicians, repeat It’s not even More— and more of offenders andclose. terrorists where’s thethe curriculum is based ondoesn’t the threesurprise R’s, but interview that says, not “This rather me in progressive the least.” policy after progressive policy. much three: of thatSomething has nothinggood to do ■ And Prediction with education.

Succinctly and put, the government will happen economically, uses schools will to get its credit claws for intoit.citizens’ government take The most lives. used toispass laws forwhere adultspeople for recentWe example gas prices, folks to why get the basicscredit of life creating for ask me I won’t theinpresident government dependency. welfare, the low gas prices.

My answerThink is simple: Medis, Socialnever Security andthe litany ofof policies Government makes price dedicated problems somethingtogopoliticians down andfixing simply takes credit — they probably created — andto for which good news.

Gas pricing is subject make forNow government many folks globalclamor factors. there areto “do something.”

The problem with government government answers to addressing some of is it’s to always to do for so. Americans, them keep willing prices stable In our schools, this but our government hasgoes nonebeyond of themthein dumbing curriculum —place whichinan place. Thedown onlyof things it has in the

N ovember 9-22, 2015 2023 JANUARY 15-28,

administration full of progressives like we’ve long run always hurt consumers. Another had largely still have in reaches District a51certain can do fact and is that unemployment serious damage to kids’ brains.And Look at what level based on the economy. while the else is going on.

School how parents government might bragisthe number is look low, after theirthan kids.likely Schools becomingdid the it’s more theare government main child care provider our country.

Need something to cause that in number being low food? meals for free along — andSchools not in aprovide good way.

Conversely, when with backpacks to take home onthe weekends. business picks up, it’s because people Now everytotime build awho school, need who need buywe widgets werewenot to put a widgets clinic in it so families have access buying because the economy was to health care.

The is contracting due to health naturalcare (or angle unnatural, made worse because Colorado, our evil government caused) in reasons, decided we legislature it proper forgovernment 12-yearbetter buy deemed some widgets.

The olds to make to medical decisions had nothing do with this. outside the knowledge of parents. parts of the ■ Prediction four:AsIndutiful keeping with leviathan, are more happy the to things theschools government does,than I predict play their role.

More government dollars and government will manipulate the numbers to programs job security for unions make the mean claim more the economy is getting and administrators, which in itturn means to better because of how hard is working more money union coffers and more help all of usinto “working Americans.”

Now progressive policies, which you might say, “Craig, youmeans alwaysmore say this progressives elected whobecause in turn pass about President Obama you more don’t laws “for the children.”

The wheelsI keep like him.”

You’re right in a sense. don’ton turning. know the man, but what I know of him and I’m not saying his thinking, I don’tthe likebackpack it or himprogram one iota. is a badyou thing. the hands of thelike Before goBut off,in however, I didn’t government, it’sand not his what it’s intended to be.

President Bush bailouts, stimulus I’m saying getting and and not his abandoning thekids freemedical market help to save mental access a badknow thing.him But how the freehealth market.

And is I don’t the schools them sure either.

Whatand thegovernment governmentdo does, and theis.

Nor I saying forthe affordable child onlyam thing it can striving do, is hurt economy. care is aitbad thing.

While we can applaud Unless does nothing or put criminals in local government efforts on child care, we jail instead of partnering with them, nothing should keep a close onhelp. leaders whilelook the government doeseye will Always taking it out the schools to the current at it this way,ofwhatever the due government says education fully it is doing,environment whatever theand name ofsupport the law it government local is passing, orhelping whatever theproviders name or and goal of those who desireittoisprovide it astowell. the bureaucracy presenting the None of this belongs in schools.

Then again, about people, expect the polar opposite to occur.

90 percent what’s in saying schoolsisshouldn’t be.

I guessofwhat I’m that And before isn’t. perhaps it’s you timesay to CRT get out of Of ourcourse, own the college course isn’t.

But its perspective.

There’s plenty of elements history are all over our curriculum — based on our books and historical research out there to previous promise local begin to superintendent’s understand that all of thistohas groups — before. and in the everyday vernacular of happened And it will again, all too many teachers. whether the topic is people or government.

A quick on statewide ballot The bestnote recommendation is to find initiatives.

I almost always prayGoogle they never some books or try that whole pass about more thing.because There’sthey’re a lot ofusually information on the government or some progressive of Great Depression.

The truth is itidea wasn’t telling live,the what you must live even a you goodhow onetountil government got with or confiscating more tax dollars.

This involved.

There’s also plenty of research equation is easilywarm understood. on the medieval periodLawmakers when the propose hundreds of laws every year with planet was much warmer than today and pass lot a bunch of them, therefore a whole less people (and warmerthewell government always needs more money. before man was here at all).

And yep, And in Colorado, has toother ask voter people have been itkilling surprised permission tohistory obtain it.

The problem is, people since was first written. too many folks vote for more government.

Maybe some research will help stop Why? See education above. we’ll be all of these trends. Otherwise, That and never no oneseen votes against like Santa saying we’ve anything it in Claus.

Except Every time. our lives.

And me. not in a good way.

Craig Craig Hall Hall is is owner owner and and publisher publisher of of the the Business Business Times.

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

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November 9-22, 2023

The Business Times

In data-driven analysis, benefits of fossil fuels still outweigh the costs

Life is all about choices. Some choices are fairly inconsequential — what sounds good for dinner, for example. But other choices could have more significant effects — like when to trade in the old car.

People make dozens of choices every day.

So do businesses.

The economic term cost-benefit analysis describes the process of comparing estimated costs and expected benefits to determine if a choice makes sense from a personal or business perspective.

If benefits outweigh Phyllis costs, it could be Hunsinger argued the choice is a good one. If costs outweigh benefits, maybe it’s necessary to reconsider the decision.

The difference between an individual’s list of pros and cons and the process businesses go through in making decisions is that a cost-benefit analysis is driven by data. But the basic principles and framework of a cost-benefit analysis can be applied to any decision-making process. The risk of a poor decision is minimized when data is used and peripheral factors considered.

One might assume decisions affecting policies at the local, state and federal levels would be made using cost-benefit analysis. It’s blatantly obvious, however, that’s not the case.

Take the war on fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels account for 80 percent of energy production worldwide, a proportion still growing despite political hostility and massive favoritism for solar and wind power.

Alex Epstein, author of “Fossil Future,” put it this way: “Solar and wind are growing fast only when given massive government preferences in the form of mandates, subsidies with no penalty for unreliability, along with crippling government punishments of fossil fuels.”

Was a cost-benefit analysis completed prior to demonizing fossil fuels? Not likely. Prior to the widescale use of coal, oil and natural gas to make the high standard of living we enjoy today possible, eight out of 10 people lived in extreme poverty. Samantha Gross at the Brookings Institute recently wrote: “The pre-fossil fuel era was not the utopia we envision.” Instead, Gross noted, most inhabitants of the world endured misery and shortened lifespans.

A cost-benefit analysis would recognize fossil fuels, like all sources of energy, have environmental effects, although to what degree remains in a question. But to focus on the costs without considering the benefits constitutes no

analysis. The massive benefits of fossil fuels are too many to innumerate.

A sampling includes heat during winter, air conditioning during summer, drinking water and sewage treatment plants, pumping irrigation water from deep wells to grow food and labor-saving machines that yield abundance and safety. These are the more obvious uses.

Seth Whitehead, executive director of Illinois Petroleum Resources, estimated in his article “Benefits of Fossil Fuels to Humanity Have Far Outweighed Negatives,” more than 6,000 everyday products are petroleum-based.

In all likelihood, mankind will discover more effective sources of energy. Until such discoveries are made, a cost-benefit analysis shows fossil fuels remain the most plentiful, reliable and cost-effective source of energy, followed closely by nuclear energy. Wind and solar energy are unreliable. The wind doesn’t always blow. The sun doesn’t always shine. This unreliability leads to excessive costs. If human flourishing is the goal, mandates shouldn’t be enacted before a solution is discovered.

Steve Koonin, author of “Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn’t and Why It Matters,” recommended a slow and steady approach instead of setting up artificial and unrealistic deadlines. Koonin contends climate alarmists exaggerate the problem to scare people into action. In Koonin’s view, policymakers eventually will get it right because … “there’s going to be a deep examination of science and the cost-benefit issues.”

Look around you. Clothing, computers, smartphones and even the plastic bag keeping your sandwich fresh for lunch include petroleum-based products. Life in the 21st century depend on these modern conveniences, and there’s no substitute for manufacturing these everyday items. Still sure it’s time to eliminate fossil fuel use?

Relying strictly on emotion can result in ruinous decisions. Conducting an unemotional, data-driven, cost-benefit analysis allows reason to direct action.

Phyllis Hunsinger is founder of the Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise Foundation in Grand Junction.

The FREE Foundation provides resources to students and teachers in Western Colorado to promote the understanding of economics, financial literacy and free enterprise. A former teacher, principal and superintendent, Hunsinger wrote “Down and Dirty: A ‘How To’ Math Book.” Reach Hunsinger by email at phyllis@free-dom.us.com. For more information about the FREE Foundation, log on to www.free-dom.us.com.

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Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n GRAND JUNCTION TECH REPAIR SHOP CHANGES NAME UNDER NATIONAL REBRANDING

Assurion Tech Repair & Solutions in Grand Junction has been rebranded to uBreakiFix by Assurion as part of a nationwide effort involving more than 700 locations.

The shop continues to offer repairs for tech devices, including game consoles, laptop computers and smartphones.

“Your local store’s sign may have changed, but our mission remains the same: Dave Barbuto to help people stay connected to the things that are important to them,” said Dave Barbuto, chief executive officer of uBreakiFix by Assurion. “For our customers, nothing changes. We’re still here to help when you’re dealing with a cracked screen, battery drainage, a virus or anything else that’s preventing you from enjoying your favorite tech devices.”

The store offers authorized repairs for Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy smartphones as well as access to Apple parts.

Customers can schedule repair appointments online or come in for walk-in services. The store offers free, no-obligation diagnostics as well as a one-year limited warranty on repairs.

In Grand Junction, uBreakiFix by Assurion is located at 2454 U.S. Highway 6 & 50, No. 115. For more information, call (970) 549-1284 or visit https://ubreakifix.com. n BURLINGTON STORES DONATES $5,000 TO SCHOOL AS PART OF GRAND JUNCTION GRAND OPENING

Burlington Stores has donated $5,000 to the Dual Immersion Academy as part of a celebration of the opening of a new location in Grand Junction.

The donation, made through the AdoptAClassroom.org national nonprofit organization, will be used to purchase school supplies.

“Our teachers were incredibly excited when they received the news, and they are eagerly preparing to provide their students with the essential resources they require this year,” said Tyler McLaughlin, principal at the Dual Immersion Academy. “The support we’ve received from Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.org is genuinely appreciated.”

Burlington Stores announced its opening at its new location on Nov. 11 in the Grand Mesa Center, 2424 U.S. Highway 6 & 50.

A grand opening set for Nov.11 will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The first 100 customers aged 18 and up will receive $10 bonus cards to use toward their purchases. On Nov. 12, customers will receive free Burlington umbrellas while supplies last.

Burlington Stores offers a varied inventory that includes women’s apparel and accessories, menswear, clothes for children and infants, footwear and home decor. For more information, visit the website at www.burlington.com.

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SHARE YOUR NEWS

NOTEWORTHY

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

Community Hospital in Grand Junction has received certification for its cardiovascular rehabilitation program.

The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation awarded the desgination, which remains valid for three years.

“The entire cardiac rehab staff has worked tirelessly to earn this certification, and we are extremely proud of the accomplishment,” said Joe Gerardi, Joe Gerardi chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at Community Hospital. “This certification is the gold standard for cardiovascular rehabilitation programs and demonstrates the high quality of care and engagement our staff provides to patients.”

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs help patients who’ve had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, heart attacks, respiratory symptons and other conditons recover faster and live healthier. The programs include counseling, education, exercise and support.

To earn the certification, Community Hospital went through an application and peer-reviewed process to assess programs for adherence to guidelines and standards developed by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and other professional societies.

A certification committee reviews applications and the association board of directors awards certifications.

Community Hospital provides inpatient care and a range of outpatient diagnostic services. For more information, visit the website located at https://yourcommunityhospital.com.

n GRAND VALLEY REAL ESTATE FIRM DONATES $18,000 TO LOCAL NONPROFITS The Christi Reece Group donated a total of $18,000 to three nonprofit organizations, the latest recipients of charitable giving by the Grand Junction real estate company.

Harmony Animal Matchmaker received $10,000, while the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association and HopeWest Kids each received $4,000 from the Circle Fund.

“We are excited to give $18,000 away this quarter,” said Christi Reece, team leader.

Christi Reece “It makes us particularly happy to give to two organizations that have never been recipients before — Harmony Animal Matchmaker and RMDSA-Western Slope. We’re so grateful we get to do this. We can’t thank our clients enough for putting their trust in us and making this possible.”

Every quarter, the Christi Reece Group donates 2 percent of earnings to local nonprofit organizations. Nominations are submitted through the Christi Reece Group Facebook and Instagram pages. Real estate clients then vote on the recipients.

Since it’s inception, the Circle Fund has contributed $321,500.

The Christi Reece Group provides real estate services in the Grand Valley and surrounding areas of Mesa County. The firm operates offices at 1601 Riverfront Drive, Suite 103. For more information, www.christireece.com. n FREDDY’s OFFERS FREE MEAL CARDS. JOINS IN BENEFIT FOR FOLDS OF HONOR Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will give meal cards for a free original double with cheese to current military personnel and veterans on Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

Through November, Freddy’s also will participate in program with Folds of Honor. Customers will have the option of rounding up the price of their orders to the nearest dollar or donate $1, $3, $5 or $10. Folds of Honor provides scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members.

In the Grand Valley, Freddy’s restaurants are located at 737 Horizon Drive and 2489 U.S. Highway 6 & 50 in Grand Junction and 3232 Interstate 50 Business Loop in Clifton.

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Palisade art gallery schedules holiday event to benefit HopeWest The Craig Gallery Palisade has scheduled a benefit holiday event.

The Put a Bow On It event is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at the gallery, 128 E. Third St. The gallery will donate 10 percent of overall sales and 100 percent of sales from pieces sporting a bow to HopeWest.

“We are so happy to be able to do this,” said Kay Crane, gallery director. “My family has been helped and comforted by HopeWest, as have so many others in the Grand Valley.”

The gallery offers a variety of pieces, including ceramics, jewelry,

November 9-22, 2023

paintings, photographs and sculptures. More than 20 artists have joined Crane and owner Tammy Craig at the gallery, including Diane and John Anglim, Lori Breitzke, Nancee Busse, Ron Cloyd, Cynthia Duff, Chris Eaton, Monica Esposito, Mary Pat Ettinger, Gail Evans, Christine Feller, Dianna Fritzler, Gayle Gerson, DJ Janowski, Gerry Jensen, Jennifer Kass, Bud Marcos, Kathryn McBride, Norm and Diane Saulnier, Sandi Seckman, Matthew Seeds, Carolyn Thome and Nina Williams.

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Business Briefs Briefs Business Business People People Almanac Business Almanac

n WEST SLOPE WOMEN AMONG WINNERS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

Bonnie Petersen, former executive director of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado and Club 20, was recognized for five decades of work promoting economic development in Western Colorado.

State Sen. Janice Rich, a Republican from Grand Junction, also was honored for efforts.

The Economic Development Bonnie Petersen Council of Colorado presented Petersen with its Chairman’s Choice Award. Rich was named Legislator of the Year.

Petersen and Rich were among the recipients of 12 EDIE awards presented at the Economic Development Council of Colorado conference in Grand Junction.

“Each of the winners represents a key piece of the complex puzzle we Janice Rich must complete to ensure an economically viable future for Colorado — from large and small communities to national corporations to local businesses to elected officials and individual professionals and advocates,” said Drew Kramer, chairman of the council board of directors.

Petersen recently retired from her position as executive director of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado. She previously served as executive director of Club 20 based in Grand Junction. She also served as a regional director on the council board of directors and was founder of an annual energy forum and expo held in Grand Junction.

Rich represents the 7th Senate District, which includes Mesa County and part of Delta County. She previously served two terms as a state representative and before that Mesa County clerk and treasurer.

The Economic Development Council of Colorado hailed Rich for her support of the creation and codification of the rural opportunity office with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade as well as state legislation reauthorizing the funding mechanism for downtown development authorities.

The Business Times

SHARE YOUR NEWS The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business People and the Almanac calendar of events. Submissions may be emailed to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submitted online at the website located at www.thebusinesstimes.com. n REAL ESTATE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS NAMED VICE PRESIDENT OF HABITAT BOARD Darah Galvin, the director of operations at Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction, was appointed vice president of the Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County board of directors.

“Habitat for Humanity has always held a special place in my heart, and I can’t think of a better way to give back to my home community than helping deserving individuals and Darah Galvin families create and build a safe and affordable place to live,” Galvin said. “Every homeowner, every volunteer, every staff member of Habitat truly believes in their mission to provide everyone a safe place to live, and I’m honored and delighted to serve on the board of directors.”

Galvin has served as the organizer for Bray Habitat builds, rallying real estate agents to contribute their time and skills to build houses to not only provide homes, but also foster collaboration among real estate professionals in the Grand Valley.

Galvin joined Bray & Co. in 2015 as a receptionist. She soon moved into the development division, assisting with applications, construction and utility coordination, planning and zoning. As part of the research division, she produces real estate and rental reports. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Colorado Mesa University.

Bray & Co. provides a range of services related to real estate, property management, maintenance and construction in Mesa County as well as Delta, Garfield and Montrose counties. For additional information, call (970) 242-3647 or visit www.brayandco.com.

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Grand Junction residents named to state boards Three Grand Junction residents were named to state boards and commission.

Jason Lemaster was appointed to the Child Support Commission to serve as a parent representative.

The commission reviews child support guidelines and issues a report every four years to the governor and State Legislature reviewing guidelines and recommending statutory changes.

Jed Balisteri was reappointed to the Justice Assistance Grant Board. Balisteri serves as a representative of community behavioral health on the board.

The board advises the Division of Criminal Justice on issues related to federal block grants designated to

improve the criminal justice system and reduce drug abuse and violent crimes.

Jennifer Medenhall was appointed to the Task Force on the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities — specifically a subcommittee on basic access to the outdoors for people with disabilities.

Mendenhall serves as a member representing adaptive outdoor recreation users, programs and trails as well as disability rights advocacy organizations and veterans service organizations.

The task force studies and make recommendations about issues related to people with disabilities.

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November 9-22, 2023

Nov. 15 n Western Colorado Human Resource Association monthly membership luncheon and presentation on recruiting members of Generation Z, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. WCHRA members may attend at no additional charge.

Guests pay $20. www.wchra.org n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County lunch conversation, noon to 1 p.m., Mesa County Workforce Center. www.ypnmc.org n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Talon Wineries, 3701 G Road.

Advance admission $5 for chamber members, $8 for others. Admission at the door $6 for members and $10 for others. www.palisadecoc.com or 464-7458 Nov. 16 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce and Fruita Monument High School job fair, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., Fruita Monument High School,1102 Wildcat Ave. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Welcome Thursday Friends networking group, noon to 1 p.m., Cattlemen’s Cafe & Catering, 436 U.S. Highway 6, Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 Nov. 17 n Free Coffee Club networking group meeting and presentation on tax planning for small businesses, 9 to 10 a.m., FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 Nov. 21 n Presentation on cash flow budgeting for small businesses, noon to 1 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction.

243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org Upcoming n Grand Valley BizMix networking event for members of the Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and Western Colorado Latino chambers of commerce and Young Professionals Network, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 29, Daily Sentinel, 734 S Seventh St., Grand Junction. Admission $10. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Free monthly maker meetup, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, GJmakerspace at the Business Incubator Center.

243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Bookkeeping bootcamp, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5, Business Incubator Center. Admission $75, which includes lunch.https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking luncheon, noon to 1 p.m.

Dec. 7, Hotel Maverick, 840 Kennedy Ave, Grand Junction. Admission $25 for chamber members, $35 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Business startup workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55.

243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Welcome Thursday Friends networking group, noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 21, Qdoba, 401 Jurassic Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 F

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November 9-22, 2023