The Business Times Volume 29 Issue 22

In this issue

n No water, no farm

n Mixed results

Planning proceeds on a new community recreation center in Grand Junction funded in part by a proposed sales tax hike.

n Jobless rate up

Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n Taxing matters

n Hire a vet

News Trends

Happy holidays ahead?

Leaders of local business groups expect coming season really will be the most wonderful time of the year

The leaders of Grand Valley business groups remain optimistic the upcoming holidays really will be the most wonderful time of the year.

Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

Leaders say there’s still pent-up demand for personal holiday experiences following the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. A myriad of events are planned mixing seasonal celebrations with shopping opportunities. There’s also growing awareness — along with additional efforts — to promote the benefits of patronizing local businesses. Challenges persist, among them rising prices for food and fuel. Businesses continue to face supply chain issues and labor shortages. But the outlook remains upbeat.

“Overall, the local feeling is, I think, optimistic,” says Candace Carnahan, president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kayla Bowers and Jessica Burford — executive directors of the Fruita and Palisade chambers, respectively — agree. So does David Goe, community engagement manager at Downtown Grand Junction. “We are all really excited for the season this year.”

Jay Greenberg, general manager at Mesa Mall in Grand Junction, says the mall is fully occupied and additional carts and tables will sell merchandise over the holidays. “We are looking for a very, very strong Christmas season.”

The National Retail Federation forecasts retail sales in the United States during November and December to reach a record range of $942 billion and $960 billion. That would be an increase of 6 percent to 8 percent over 2021 that defies inflationary challenges.

“The overall outlook is generally positive as consumer fundamentals continue to support economic activity,” says Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist of the retail trade association. “Despite record levels of inflation, rising interest rates and low levels of confidence, consumers have been steadfast in their spending and remain in the driver’s seat.”

The results of a holiday spending survey conducted by the Conference Board revealed consumers intend to spend less on holiday gifts, but more on other items.

See HOLIDAYS page 18

Holly Cremeens greets a cow on the Grand Valley property where she and her husband, Mark, live and operate Brands 2S Meat. The couple raises grass-fed beef sold directly to consumers. The operation depends, Holly Cremeens said, on the water that irrigates the property.

STORY BY PHIL CASTLE

Producer: Water crucial for agricultural business

Phil Castle The Business Times

Holly Cremeens draws no distinction between the water that irrigates the Grand Valley agricultural property where she and her husband, Mark, live and the business they operate there. “There’s no water, there’s no farm.”

That’s why she closely follows developments related to water and says she’s increasingly alarmed about a future that includes threats to divert water from Western Colorado to slake the growing thirst of the Front Range or allow more water to flow downstream to lower basin states.

Cremeens deems the threats more like fear tactics in the Grand Valley, though, because of the quantity of the water available in the Grand Valley and the rights to that water. “For our valley, that’s just not true. ”

The rights held by Grand Valley water associations and irrigation districts date back more than a century and hold seniority over rights established afterward, she said. Under Colorado law, those who’ve held official rights the longest are the last to be cut off from supplies during shortages.

Moreover, Grand Valley rights precede a 1922 compact prescribing water allotments among Colorado River basin states.

The holidays bring a myriad of attactions to downtown, including events and promotions as well as the Christmas tree standing next to the Chrome on the Range bison scuplture. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

(Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

Kayla Bowers

Jessica Burford

Candace Carnahan

David Goe

Jay Greenberg

The Business Times

609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 424-5133 www.thebusinesstimes.com

The Business Times is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade.

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

Copyright © 2022 — All rights reserved

Colorado report offers mixed economic news

An increase in new business filings bodes well for continued job growth and improving economic conditions in Colorado, according to the latest results of a quarterly report.

But even as new businesses open, existing business close. Concerns about inflation and other challenges continue to dampen expectations.

“Our latest data shows Colorado’s economy continues to excel relative to the nation. However, business leaders still remain pessimistic of the short-term economic outlook,” said Rich Wobbekind, senior economist and faculty director of the business research division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

The division prepares the report based in part on business filings with the Colorado secretary of state’s office.

The third quarter report offers much to celebrate, said Jena Griswold, secretary of state. “With the state’s GDP, employment, income and labor force all ranking above the national average, we must ensure Colorado’s working families and business community thrive.”

According to the latest report, 43,657 new businesses, nonprofit corporation and other entity filings were recorded during the third quarter. That’s an increase of 10.6 percent over the second quarter and 14.5 percent over the third quarter of 2021.

The increase defied what’s usually a seasonal decrease between the second and third quarters.

A total of 162,414 new entity filings were recorded over the year ending in the third quarter, up 3.8 percent from the same period a year ago.

New entity filings constitute a leading indicator of subsequent business and job growth.

For the third quarter, 163,807 existing entity renewals were filed. That’s down 4.8 percent from the second quarter, but up 1 percent from the third quarter of 2022.

For the year ending in the third quarter, 694,194 existing entity renewals

FOR

were filed. That’s an 8.6 percent increase from the same span a year ago.

A total of 884,284 businesses, corporations and other entities were in good standing as of the third quarter of 2022, up 5.2 percent from a year ago.

Trademark and trade name filings also increased on a year-over-year basis in the third quarter.

Dissolutions and delinquencies rose as well, though, an indicator of business stress.

There were 11,614 dissolution filings in the third quarter, up 27.1 percent from a year ago. Over the year ending in the third quarter, there were 47,564 dissolution filings, up 21.7 percent from a year ago.

There were 790,719 delinquencies, an increase of 10.1 percent from a year ago.

Other economic indicators monitored in the report also were mixed.

Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the state, declined at an annual rate of 2 percent in the second quarter, the latest quarter for which information is available. Still, GDP increased 3 percent year over year.

Colorado ranks eighth among the 50 states for per capital income of $73,357 and first for per capital income growth of 6 percent.

According to the Baker Hughes Rig Count, the number of active rigs in Colorado doubled between October 2021 and October 2022 to 22.

Challenges persist, however, among them inflation.

The Consumer Price Index for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood region was up 7.7 percent in September compared to the same month a year ago. Retail gasoline prices were up 1.8 percent in October compared to a year ago, but down 24.7 percent from a spike in June.

The latest results of a quarterly survey of Colorado businesses reflected more pessimism heading into the fourth quarter.

The Leeds Business Confidence Index fell 1.3 points to 39.8 for the fourth quarter. That’s the fourth-lowest reading in the 20-year history of the index. Readings below 50 reflect more negative than positive responses.

Along with the overall score, individual scores for each of six metrics the index tracks remained below 50 in the fourth quarter. While expectations for the state and national economies increased, expectations for capital expenditures, hiring, profits and sales all decreased.

New business filings increase in third quarter, but worries dampen short-term expectations

Rich Wobbekind

Jena Griswold

Mama Ree’s brings fare as well as redevelopment to North Avenue location

A restaurant serving pizza and beer along with other fare has opened in Grand Junction.

Mama Ree’s Pizza & Brewhouse is located at 644 North Ave. in a renovated space that previously housed the REI Co-op.

“When given the opportunity to create this amazing experience for our community, we were excited to enhance the growing culinary offerings in Grand Junction while also filling a need for larger gathering places you can enjoy with your friends, families and co-workers,” said Sandra Weckerly, owner of Mama Ree’s Pizza & Brewhouse.

“This location is an important part of our North Avenue corridor, and we are already seeing a fresh activation and buzz around this vital artery at the center of our valley,” Weckerly said.

Honoring the legacy of her great grandmother, nicknamed Mama Ree, the restaurant will feature slow-rise dough as well as ales made in house.

The menu includes a variety of specialty pizzas as well as the option for customers to choose their toppings. A range of beers, wines and cocktails also are available.

A ribbon cutting ceremony with the Grand Junction Area Chamber of

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Mama Ree’s Pizza & Brewhouse is located at 664 North Ave. in Grand Junction. Hours of operation run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit the website at https://mamarees.com.

Commerce was scheduled for Nov. 22 after press deadline.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mama Ree’s Pizza & Brewhouse to our restaurant scene, just in time for the holiday season.” said Candace Carnahan, president and chief executive of the Grand Junction chamber. “We are grateful for businesses like this that our community can enjoy with their family and friends while supporting local, keeping important dollars within Mesa County all year long.”

Carnahan said the opening is significant for other reasons, too. “The redevelopment of this cornerstone property along with the nearly 50 jobs created makes this a prime example of the amazing growth our community continues to experience. The commitment of existing business owners to expand and invest further shows a confidence in the overall health of our economic future.” F

GVP seeks applicants for youth events

Grand Valley Power based in Grand Junction will accept applications through Jan. 9 from students interested in participating in upcoming events.

Grand Valley Power will sponsor three high school juniors or seniors to attend either the youth tour set for June 12 to 18 in Washington, D.C. or cooperative youth leadership camp set for July 15 to 20 at the Glen Eden Resort near Steamboat Springs.

Students attending the youth tour will learn about cooperatives, talk with elected officials and visit monuments and memorials. More than 1,800 students from across the country are expected to participate.

Students attending the leadership camp will learn about issues affecting the electric industry, raft the Colorado River and tour a coal mine. A total of nearly 100 students from four states are expected to participate.

Applications are open to high school students who’ll be at least 16 years old at the time of the tour and camp and whose parents or legal guardians are members of Grand Valley Power. Along with applications, students must submit a 500-word essay.

For applications or more information, visit the website at www.gvp.org/youthleadership-programs.

Mama Ree’s Pizza & Brewhouse has opened in Grand Junction. The restaurant is located at 644 North Ave. in a renovated space that previously housed the REI Co-op. (Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

Sandra Weckerly

Grand Junction council adopts rec center plan

Planning is moving forward to construct a community recreation center in Grand Junction that could be funded in part by an increase in sales taxes.

The Grand Junction City Council adopted a community recreation center plan for a facility to be constructed at Matchett Park with funding by taxes on cannabis sales and a proposed 0.15 percent sales tax increase that could appear on the municipal election ballot in April.

“At meetings and in response to the survey, community members were very clear about the need for a community recreation center,” said Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout. “We believe this plan is a strong one. And with the support

of our community in April, we hope to see the Grand Junction Community Recreation Center finally become a reality.”

The city council is scheduled to review a draft ballot proposal at a Dec. 7 meeting. If approved, the measure would appear on the April ballot.

Early in 2021, the council adopted a parks, recreation and open space master plan in which a community center was the highest priority.

Early this year, the city commissioned a study conducted by professors from Colorado Mesa University that showed strong support for a community recreation center and a willingness to fund a center.

The council appointed a subcommittee of members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with Dr. Bill Findlay as chairman and charged them with guiding the

creation of a community recreation center plan.

The advisory board made several recommendations to the council on the site location, building size and funding plan for a community recreation center.

The board further recommended the council adopt the center plan and direct staff to draft language for the ballot measure.

“The planning for the CRC builds off decades of previous studies and lessons learned about the process to engage the community in the decision-making process. One of the goals of the 2022 CRC plan was to retain the best aspects of previous plans and bring the strongest possible plan to the community for consideration,” Stout said. “We believe Dr. Findlay and members of the PRAB have done just that.”

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Process continues to award licenses for cannabis stores in Grand Junction

The process to determine licenses for cannabis stores and co-located medical and retail outlets continues in Grand Junction.

So far, 21 applications have been approved for a randomized selection process, while 13 applications are pending and three have been denied.

“It is important to ensure the review and selection process is fair for all those who applied to participate in the selection process for a cannabis license. In order to do that, we must allow enough time for our hearing officer to schedule and conduct the hearings for all the applicants,” said Grand Junction City Clerk Amy Phillips.

The city clerk’s office received 47 applications prior to a June 8 deadline. A group of city representatives conducted an initial review of the applications for completeness and code compliance.

Hearings are expected to continue through December and potentially into the first part of 2023. Once the hearing process is complete, a randomized selection process will be conducted to select the 10 applicants to receive a license.

Applicants receiving a license will have up to one year to open their stores.

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Anna Stout

Amy Phillips

Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club awards $35,300 in grants

The Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club of Grand Junction awarded a total of $35,300 in grants to 14 not-for-profit organizations in Mesa County.

The Club serves local charities and international projects. Club members support these efforts with personal contributions and fund-raising, including the annual A La Mode, an event featuring desserts, wines and savory foods.

The grants ranged from $1,000 to $6,500 and funded efforts to end hunger, promote education and literacy, provide housing resources and encourage youth leadership and development.

“These organizations are doing great work in our community, and we are proud to support their efforts,” said Sara Russell, president of the Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club. “We want to thank our members, club sponsors and everyone

that participates in our fund-raising activities for making these grants possible.”

The latest grant recipients were: Clifton Christian Church Food Bank, Child & Migrant Services, Community Food Bank, Cycle Effect, Doors to Success, Diabetes Counts, Dyslexia Foundation, Friends of Youth & Nature, Grand Junction High School Tiger Boutique, Imagination Library, Mutual Aid Partners, RiversEdge West, Riverside Educational Center and Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition.

The Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Venue at Fisher’s, 625 24 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Guests are welcome. For more information visit https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3268.

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Schools recognized for student achievement

Three Grand Valley schools are among the winners of a new awards recognizing student achievement since 2019.

Chatfield and Rocky Mountain Elementary and Bookcliff Middle School received Governor’s Bright Spot Awards. The schools also received $50,000 in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds to use for expanding student resources, faculty development and other opportunities to promote learning.

A total of 21 schools across Colorado received awards. The winners also included Grand Mesa Choice Academy in Delta.

“Congratulations to these schools that have shown strong improvements in results despite the pandemic, and to all those that worked to advance students’ learning over the past three years,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. “The unprecedented challenges schools faced through the pandemic were difficult to navigate, but your schools, teachers and communities showed incredible resilience, and I am honored to highlight you all.”

To qualify for the grants, schools must have advanced more than two bands on their performance frameworks since 2019.

Winning schools will determine the use of funding. Eligible uses include behavioral and mental health services, faculty development, strategies to address emergencies and other school improvements.

“I look forward to seeing how you utilize the funding to keep uplifting your students and advance learning,” Polis said. “Investing in education ensures Colorado youth are able to thrive and access the highquality education they deserve.”

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Applicants sought for Pinnacol scholarships

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 15 for Pinnacol Foundation scholarships.

The foundation awards scholarships to children of parents who were injured or killed in work-related accidents in Colorado.

Scholarships are available to applicants age 16 to 25. Funds may be used for fouryear or two-year colleges as well trade programs. The average award is $4,700.

Since 2000, the Pinnacol Foundation has awarded a total of $7 million to nearly 700 students.

For additional information, visit the website at www.pinnacolfoundation.org or call (303) 361-4775.

Jared Polis

Study: Colorado second best state to start a business

Colorado ranks second among the best states to start a business, according to a new study evaluating a combination of factors.

HOW STATES RATE

Forbes Advisor conducted the study, taking into account a total of 18 metrics across five categories — business costs, business climate, financial accessibility, economy and workforce. The metrics included taxes, wages, business survival rates, per capital gross domestic product and personal expenditures, cost of living, unemployment rates and proportion of workers with college degrees.

Colorado scored a 98 out of a possible 100, faring best for business costs and business climate. Colorado fared

well in the analysis with one of the nation’s lowest business formation fees and the ability to launch businesses in widely restrictive industries such as recreational cannabis. Colorado ranked first for startup density.

Colorado posted a net increase of more than 9,000 small businesses over the

past year with an 81.9 percent survival rate.

Colorado ranked high along with Massachusetts and Connecticut with more than 40 percent of the population having a college education.

Indiana ranked in the analysis as the best place to start a business with a combination of low taxes and cost of living with a high proportion of working age people in the population.

North Dakota ranked third in part because of its low corporate and personal income tax rates. Pennsylvania was fourth in part because of its availability of resources and funding for entrepreneurs. South Dakota rounded out the top five.

New York ranked as the worst state to start a business with a high cost of living and unemployment rate and comparatively low business surivival rate.

New Mexico finished next to last in the analysis, while Vermont, Michigan and Oregon rounded out the bottom five.

Home care agency among recepients of West Slope grants

SummitWest Care based in Grand Junction was among the latest recipients of grants to support efforts to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers.

SummitWest Care received a $25,000 grant, one of eight grants worth a total of nearly $240,000 the NextFifty Initiative awarded to Western Colorado organizations.

SummitWest Care will use the grant to provide medical and non-medical services to older adults, including those with low incomes and disabilities as well as those living in rural areas.

Formerly Home Care of the Grand Valley, SummitWest Care provides services and resources that help people remain at home.

A Colorado-based private foundation, the NextFifty Initiative funds efforts to sustain quality of life for people 50 and older.

“Organizations serving older adults have consistently told us that flexible funding is the most helpful and beneficial to their work. But it’s also the most difficult to obtain,” said Chandra Matthews, director of programs for NextFifty. “Our flexible support grant opportunity was created to make it easier for organizations to build their capacity, apply funds where they’re needed most and focus their efforts on the older adults they serve.”

The other seven grant recipients were:

n Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia.

n Gunnison Valley Housing Authority.

n Montezuma County Senior Services Agency for efforts to serve older adult populations.

n Pathfinders psychological support program for cancer and chronically ill patients in Pitkin County.

n Pine River Shares initiative addressing the needs of older adults in rural areas of La Plata County.

n Savings Collaborative in Garfield County.

n Second Chance Human Society providing services in Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties.

Here are the top and bottom five rankings in the analysis of the best states to start a business:

South Dakota 50. New Jersey

Colorado ranks 10th in new measure of prosperity

Colorado ranks 10th in a new measure of prosperity that takes into account business, education, governance and other factors.

The American Dream Prosperity Index was released by the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream in partnership with Legatum Institute.

According to the index, the United States continues to experience an increase in prosperity despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation and a slowing economy. Prosperity isn’t distributed equally, however, eluding some rural areas and minority populations.

“While our nation faces many challenges, including record inflation, increased gun violence and a deteriorating mental health landscape, we are encouraged by the resiliency of communities across our country as they work to create prosperous lives for their residents,” said Kerry

Healey, president of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream. “The American Dream Prosperity Index was founded on the principle that better data leads to better decisions and outcomes. It is our goal to make this report one of the most important tools for local, state and federal lawmakers and civic leaders.”

Colorado ranked 10th overall among the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Colorado ranked first in business environment, seventh in education, eighth in governance, ninth in natural environment and 11th in social capital. Since 2012, Colorado has seen the most improvement in social capital. Colorado fared less well in ranking 28th for personal freedom, 34th for infrastructure and 41st for safety and security.

Massachusetts ranked first in the index, followed by Connecticut, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Utah.

Vermont, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Washington also made the top 10.

Mississippi ranked last overall, followed by Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia and New Mexico.

With the exception of North Dakota, all states have increased their prosperity, according to the index. But prosperity remains unequally shared across and within states.

For most people, 2022 was a year of progress as the United States continued to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic However, this increase in prosperity was tempered by rising gun violence in nearly every state. Also detrimental to the nation’s prosperity is the deteriorating mental health of America, marked by a rise in suicides and opioid-related deaths. F

Film festival tour includes a stop in Grand Junction

An annual festival showcasing films featuring outdoor sports, remote locations and environmental issues is scheduled to return to Grand Junction.

A stop on the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is set for Feb. 24 and 25 at the Avalon Theater, 645 Main St. The doors will open at 6 p.m. The films will begin at 7 p.m. A total of 18 different films will be shown over the two evenings.

Tickets sell for $25 plus fees. Tickets and information is available from the Avalon Theater at www.avalontheatregj.com.

The Rotary Club of Grand Junction and News Channel 5 will bring the film festival to the Grand Valley as a fund-raising event.

Proceeds from the event will support the Colorado Canyons Association, Colorado Mesa University International Student Program, Colorado National Monument Association and Western Colorado Conservation Corps.

Films that will be shown in Grand Junction were selected from among those entered in the annual Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival in Canada.

With stops planned in a total of about 550 communities in more than 40 countries across the globe, the film festival tour reaches a combined audience of more than 550,000. F

Restoration firm expands in Montrose

A national construction firm specializing in repairing residential and commercial property damage has expanded operations with a new facility in Montrose.

Paul Davis Restoration completed a 15,000-square-foot expansion within the new flex buildings on the Colorado Outdoors campus.

Built by Paul Davis of Western Colorado employees, the facility will serve as the company’s Western Slope headquarters as well as house a warehouse, storage and offices.

The facility also will include a showroom for the company’s new Fireline System using ultrasonic technology to provide precision cleaning without causing damage.

A ground opening is planned for the first week of December. The company is recruiting new employees.

“We have and plan to continue to hire as many trades locally as we can, and want to begin servicing Montrose and the surrounding regions as soon as possible,” said Glenn McCuen, vice president and general manager of Paul Davis Restoration of Western Colorado.

Dennis Shamshuryn, the local owner, said he’s impressed with Montrose. “We plan to use the location in Montrose as our

main office serving the Western Slope and Telluride, focusing on the Montrose community first, and then begin expanding into all western territories.”

David Dragoo of Colorado Outdoors said the campus offers a compelling environment for businesses. “This is fundamentally a community connected by entrepreneurs, and we are excited to bring Paul Davis to Montrose. It is a much needed service for the region.”

The 160-acre campus includes more than 40 acres of open space as well as walking trails, wildlife corridors and a restoration project for river recreation.

Founded in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration operates a network of more than 300 independently owned and operated franchises in the United States and Canada. The company partners with insurance adjusters and homeowners to clean and recover items while also reducing restoration costs.

The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., where it also operates a center to train professionals in the area of emergency restoration, reconstruction and remodeling.

For more information, visit https://pauldavis.com.

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Area food bank gears up to offer holiday fare

Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope based in Grand Junction offers holiday food items for mobile pantries and its hunger relief partners across the region.

“Anyone can experience hunger, and we are here to help during these challenging times,” said Sue Ellen Rodwick, director of Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope.

Those looking for food assistance during the holidays can find a distribution near them by entering their ZIP codes or addresses at foodbankrockies. org/food or foodbankrockies.org/comida, Rodwick said.

Information also is available at visitfoodbankrockies.org/food or by calling (970 ) 464-1138.

Such holiday food items as instant potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned pumpkin and gravy mix are available, but cost the Food Bank about 25 percent more to purchase this year, she said.

Such food items for Navidad as dried corn husks, masa flour, spices and dried chili peppers also cost more with the inflation rate at a 40-year high. Food Bank of the Rockies is paying upwards of 70 percent more on food to distribute in the community, she said.

Those who’d like to give a financial gift during the holiday season to Western Slope community members or volunteer should visit foodbankrockies.org/ws for more information.

Library joins in effort to aid people in need during the holidays

Mesa County Libraries has once again joined with Grand Valley Catholic Outreach to help families in need during the holidays.

Through Dec. 5, “giving trees” decorated with gift requests from underprivileged Mesa County residents of all ages will be set up at the central library in Grand Junction as well as branch libraries in Clifton, Fruita, Orchard Mesa and Palisade.

Participants select tags describing gifts to purchase. Participants provide library staff with their contact information, purchase the gifts and bring them back, unwrapped, to the library with the tag attached before Dec. 5.

All beneficiaries of giving tree gifts are Catholic Outreach clients and Mesa County residents.

For more information, call 243-4442 or visit www.mesacountylibraries.org.

Sue Ellen Rodwick

Water

Continued from page 2

The Cremeens operate Brand 2S Meat, raising grass-fed beef they sell directly to consumers. The couple owns 22 acres and leases another 150 for the operation.

The Cremeens raise about 60 head of cattle a year without the use of antibiotics, chemical de-workers, growth hormones or other vaccinations. They feed their animals on pastures grown without chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.

“We try to go all natural,” Holly Cremeens said.

The techniques produce what she said is more tender and flavorful beef that’s also healthier. The techniques also reduce operational costs.

Water to irrigate pastures and grow hay remains essential, she said. “If there’s no water, we’re not doing anything.”

That’s why she says she’s worried about discussions to divert more water to the Front Range or send more water downstream to satisfy the terms of the Colorado River Compact.

A lot of Western Colorado water already is diverted over the Continental Divide to the Front Range, and more divisions are proposed, Cremeens said. Yet, about half of that water is used for landscaping, she said.

Colorado historically has delivered far more water to lower basin states than what was required under the terms of the compact. But lower basins states have used far more water than what they were allotted, she said.

In the Grand Valley, Cremeens said it’s important for water organizations, elected officials and others to stand up for the continued use of water protected under senior water rights and disspell what she said are fear factors.

To do otherwise would be illegal, she said.

“The time has come to let the information out,” she said.

It should be a nonpartisan issue, she said, to protect the water needed to continue raising cattle, growing peaches and winegrapes and producing other foods in the Grand Valley.

“It’s about keeping the heritage of the valley,” Cremeens said.

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News, views

Holidays

Continued from page 2

According to the holiday spending survey, U.S. consumers reported they expected to spend an average of $613 on holiday gifts this year, down $35 from last year. But they also indicated they expect to spend an average of $393 on nongift items — up $19 from last year as a result in part of higher food prices.

Small Business Saturday — an annual event promoting shopping at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — resulted in estimated sales of $23.3 billion in 2021, up 18 percent from the year before.

In the Grand Valley, the leaders of business groups say there’s a sense the coming holidays will offer a return to a more typical season and customers are eager for that experience.

“People are just so ready to truly enjoy the holidays,” Burford says.

In Palisade, what’s billed as an art and chocolate walk returns after a two-year hiatus.

Burford says the event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 26, coinciding with what’s also Small Business Saturday. Stores and vendors will offer free chocolates. Participants who get their cards punched can turn them in for a drawing for a basket of art, chocolate and other goodies.

The Palisade chamber will host the Olde Fashioned Christmas Dec. 2 and 3. The event will include a tree lighting ceremony and parade of lights on Dec. 2. The event will continue Dec. 3 with a breakfast with Santa, artisan market, gingerbread contest and soup challenge.

In Fruita, Bowers says Small Business Saturday activities will run from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26 and include an art walk, horse-drawn carriage rides, downtown holiday lighting and photos with Santa.

A number of holiday promotions also are planned, she says, including Thursday discounts for customers who live in the 81521 ZIP code. The chamber will host what’s dubbed as 25 days of Griswold Christmas

based on the “Christmas Vacation” movies. A cardboard cutout of Clark Griswold will show up in 25 different businesses over the course of the event.

Bowers said she’s hopeful Small Business Saturday and the holiday season will be successful. “I feel very confident our small business are going to have a really good year.”

Downtown Grand Junction will host one of the biggest holidays events of all in the Grand Valley in the 40th annual Parade of Lights starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 3.

Goe said the parade will include 100 lighted entries and is expected to attract more than 30,000 people. “It’s a pretty big impact for downtown.”

Downtown businesses owners will bring back the Spirit of Christmas Walk from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9.

More than 300 entertainers are expected to perform along Main Street and in downtown businesses. Participating businesses will remain open until 8:30 p.m. and serve complimentary beverages and other holiday treats.

Goe said other promotions will offer shoppers opportunities to win prizes, including gift boxes from downtown businesses and downtown staycations.

At Mesa Mall, Santa will be on hand through Christmas Eve. Photos with Santa can be booked online.

Greenberg says the attraction to new tenants as well as strong anchor tenants at the mall bodes well for holiday sales. “We’re just really excited for the season.”

Carnahan says the Grand Junction chamber promotes not only Small Business Saturday, but also small business patronage year-round because of the benefits to those enterprises and the community.

By one estimate, 70 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the community, she says.Those businesses in turn spend that money on local wages and taxes as well as support charitable organizations and causes.

MAKE THE MOST OF SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

According to the National Federation of Independent Business, here are five ways shops and restaurants can make the most of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26:

n Stay on top of your social media. If you’re on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter, post often to promote Small Business Saturday deals. Use the hashtags #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat so shoppers can find you easily.

n Showcase merchandise that makes for great gifts. Group items on a table with a sign saying they would be the perfect gift for mom or grandparents.. Restaurants can offer Small Business Saturday specials and gift cards.

n Offer doorbusters. Chain stores know a great way to drive shoppers to their stores is by offering exclusive deals at different times of the day. There’s no reason small businesses can’t do the same thing.

n Partner with nearby businesses. Pool resources to buy advertising promoting the neighborhood as a shopping destination or team up with other merchants on in-store promotions. For example, if someone buys a shirt at one shop, tell them about the great deal on shoes next door.

n Don’t forget to tell your regular customers about Small Business Saturday. Put a sign in your shop and flyers in bags reminding folks to come back the Saturday after Thanksgiving for exclusive deals.

Trends

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings

s New business filings in Colorado, 43,657 in the third quarter, up 14.5 percent from the third quarter of 2021.

n Confidence

t Consumer Confidence Index 102.5 for October, down 5.3.

t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 39.8 for the fourth quarter, down 1.3.

t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 91.3 for October, down 0.8.

n Foreclosures

s Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 20 in October, up from 1 in October 2021.

t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 2 in October, down from 3 in October 2021.

n Indexes

t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 119.57 for October, down 1.16.

t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 114.9 for October, down 0.8%.

t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 50.2% for October, down 0.7%.

n Lodging

t Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $488,019 for October, down 3.84% from October 2021.

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 339 in October, down 29.4% from October 2021.

t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $144.3 million in October, down 29.3% from October 2021

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $7 million for October, up 10.4% from October 2021.

s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.7 million for October, up 8.6% from October 2021.

n Unemployment

s Mesa County — 3.8% for October, up 0.4.

s Colorado — 3.6% for October, up 0.2.

s United States — 3.7% for October, up 0.2.

Unemployment rate rises

Latest Mesa County labor estimates better than last year, however

Castle Business Times

The unemployment rate seesawed back up in Mesa County even as payrolls and the overall labor force declined between September and October.

AREA JOBLESS RATES

Oct. Sept.

s Delta County 3.6 3.3

s Garfield County 3.2 2.8

s Mesa County 3.8 3.4

s Montrose County 3.2 3.0

But the latest jobless rate remains below this time last year. And there are other indications employers enjoy more success in filling openings, said Lindsay Bullock, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. “I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

s Rio Blanco County 3.8 3.6

Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

flexibility that allows them to work from home at least part of the time, she said.

Bullock said she expects labor conditions to remain about the same in Mesa County through the end of the year. The jobless rate typically spikes in January with post-holiday layoffs and the effects of winter weather on outdoor work.

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates also increased in neighboring Western Colorado counties between September and October — up two-tenths of a point to 3.2 percent in Montrose County and 3.8 percent in Rio Blanco County, up three-tenths to 3.6 percent in Delta County and up four-tenths to 3.2 percent in Garfield County.

The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate rose four-tenths of a point to 3.8 percent in October, according to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The increase follows two months of decreases. At this time last year, the rate stood at 4.5 percent.

Between September and October, Mesa County payrolls decreased 842 to 75,947. The number of people counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work increased 254 to 2,974. The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, declined 588 to 78,921.

Over the past year, though, payrolls swelled 1,378 or 1.8 percent. The ranks of the unemployed fell 577. The labor force grew 801.

Bullock said the number of job orders posted at the Mesa County Workforce Center has declined from last year. But that’s an indication employers are filling more openings.

For October, 693 job orders were posted, a drop of almost 35.2 percent from the same month a year ago. Through the first 10 months of 2022, 8,134 orders were posted. That’s down 16 percent from the same span in 2021.

Bullock said job vacancies persist, however, especially in the health care sector. But retailers gearing up for the holiday shopping season have fared better this year with hiring.

In other industry sectors, job applicants are looking for

Elsewhere in Colorado, seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates ranged from 1.7 percent in Baca County in the southeast corner of the state to 7.3 percent in Huerfano County in the southcentral part of the state.

Among metropolitan areas, unemployment rates ranged from 2.8 percent in Boulder to 5.5 percent in Pueblo

The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose two-tenths of a point to 3.6 percent.

According to the latest results of statewide household surveys, the Colorado labor force increased 1,900 between September and October even as the ranks of those looking for work increased 6,800. According to the results of business surveys, nonfarm payrolls grew 17,700.

Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls increased 116,200 with the biggest gains in the professional and business services, leisure and hospitality and educational and health services sectors. Payrolls declined 1,400 in financial activities.

Over the past 30 months, Colorado has added 455,700 nonfarm payroll jobs. That more than offsets the 374,500 jobs lost in March and April 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

The average workweek for Colorado employees on private, nonfarm payrolls increased over the past year four-tenths of an hour to 33.8 hours. Average hourly earnings rose $2.58 to $35.27. F

Sales tax collections continue upward trend

Sales tax collections, a key measure of retail activity, continue to trend upward in Grand Junction and Mesa County.

The City of Grand Junction reported a 10.1 percent increase in sales tax collections in October compared to the same month last year. Mesa County reported an 8.3 percent year-over-year gain. October reports reflect September sales.

City lodging tax collections dropped in October, although yearto-date collections in 2022 outpace 2021.

The City of Grand Junction collected more than $5.9 million in sales taxes, an increase of nearly $544,000 over what was collected a year ago. The city also received almost $987,000 as its share of sales tax Mesa County collects and distributes back to municipalities, an 18.7 percent increase.

The city collected nearly $144,000 in use taxes, a 19.5 percent decline from a year ago.

Through the first 10 months of 2022, the city collected almost $53.7 million in sales taxes. That’s an increase of more than $5 million and 10.4 percent over the same span in 2021. The city collected more than $8.8 million as its share of county sales tax, a gain of 11.8 percent. Use tax collections rose 37.7 percent to more than $1.3 million.

Mesa County collected more than $4.3 million in sales taxes in October, an increase of more than $330,000 compared to the same month last year.

The county also collected more than $386,000 in use taxes, nearly all of that assessed on automobiles purchased outside the county, but used inside the county. That’s an increase of 12.1 percent over the same month last year.

County tax collections on retail sales exceeded $2.4 million, an increase of 5 percent. Collections increased 2 percent on hotel stays and restaurant meals, 9 percent on manufacturing and 14.6 percent on telecommunications.

Through the first 10 months of 2022, county sales tax collections topped $40.7 million, an increase of almost $4 million and 10.8 percent over the same span in 2021. Use tax collections increased 4.2 percent to almost $3.7 million.

Year-to-date tax collections on retail sales grew 7.6 percent to nearly $24.3 million. Collections increased for every other industry category, including gains of 8.1 percent in the hotel and restaurant category, 14.7 percent in manufacturing and 22.9 percent in telecommunications.

Grand Junction lodging tax collections, a measure of hotel and motel stays in the city, topped $488,000 in October. That’s a decrease of nearly $19,500 and 3.8 percent from the same month a year ago.

Year-to-date lodging tax collections totaled nearly $4 million. That’s an increase of more than $841,000 and 27 percent from 2021.

Phil

Lindsay Bullock

Index signals possible recession

An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to retreat, signaling a possible recession.

The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) declined eight-tenths of a percent to 114.9 in October. The index has dropped in each of the last eight months.

Separate

measures of current and past conditions increased in October.

“The downturn in the LEI reflects consumers’ worsening outlook amid high inflation and rising interest rate as well as declining prospects for housing construction and manufacturing,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economics at the Conference Board.

Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the country, is projected to increase 1.8 percent in 2022 over 2021. But a recession is expected to start around the end of the year and continue through mid-2023, Ozyildirim said.

The LEI decreased 3.2 percent over the past six months. That compares to a 0.5 percent gain over the previous six months. Weaknesses among leading indicators have become more widespread.

For October, six of 10 components of the index declined, including building permits, consumer expectations, leading credit and new orders indexes and stock prices. An increase in initial claims for unemployment insurance also pulled down the index. The interest rate spread and new orders for consumer and capital goods increased. Average weekly manufacturing hours held steady.

The Coincident Economic Index (CEI), a measure of current conditions, increased two-tenths of a point to 109.3. The CEI rose 1.1 percent over the previous six months.

For October, three of four components of the CEI advanced: nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales. Industrial production declined.

The Lagging Economic Index (LAG), a measure of past performance, edged up a tenth of a point to 116.3. The LAG increased 1.5 percent over the past three months.

For October, four of seven components of the LAG advanced: average prime rate charged by banks, consumer credit, commercial and industrial financing and inventories. The change in labor costs and services pulled down the index, as did an increase in the average duration of unemployment.

Ataman Ozyildirim

Trends

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Business Incubator Center has scheduled presentations on startups, social media marketing and bookkeeping.

The next session of a business startup workshop is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at the center, 2591 Legacy Way in Grand Junciton. The workshop will cover business planning, financing options, legal structures, licensing requirements, state registration and trade name searches. Admission is $55.

A workshop on using social media marketing to grow businesses is scheduled for 3 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6.

A bookkeeping boot camp is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Participants will learn how to set up and track business accounting records and gain more control over their businesses through the preparation of cash flow projections and income statements. Tuition is $75, which includes lunch.

For additional information about upcoming events, programs and services at the Business Incubator Center, call 243-5242 or visit https://gjincubator.org.

n The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business has scheduled its end of year party for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Venue at Fischer’s, 625 24 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Admission is $25, which includes food and one beverage.

For more information, contact the chamber at 858-3983 or https://fruitachamber.org.

n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual economic outlook luncheon for noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Mesa County Workforce Center at 512 29 1/2 Road.

The event will feature Richard Wobbekind, senior economist and faculty director with the business research center of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Admission is $25 for chamber members, $30 for others.

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

n The next Coffee Club free networking meeting is set for 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 16 at the FWorks coworking space at 325 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita.

Hiring? Consider a vet

Veterans bring skills, leadership and teamwork to workplace

There are many good reasons Mesa County employers should consider hiring military veterans — from the skills they bring to their duties to the leadership and integrity they bring to the workplace.

Here’s my list of the top 10 reasons to hire a vet:

Contributors Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n Accelerated learning curve. Vets have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts.

n Leadership. The military trains people to lead by example, to delegate, motivate and inspire.

n Teamwork. Veterans understand the value of teamwork.

Smith

n Diversity and inclusion in action. Veterans know how to work side by side with all individuals in the workforce.

n Performance under pressure. Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources.

n Respect for procedures. Veterans have a unique perspective on the value of accountability.

n Technology and globalization. Veterans are aware of the international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry.

n Integrity. Veterans know what it means to put in an honest’s day work.

n Triumph over adversity. Veterans have proven their mettle in mission-critical situations demanding endurance, stamina and flexibility.

n Finally, if veterans are hired in our community, it helps prevents homelessness and gives them a sense of pride. Veterans have a hard time asking for help. Hiring veterans prevents them from having to apply for public assistance. Veterans age 18 to 24 years old face additional barriers because all many of them know is a military lifestyle. Hiring a veteran in that age group gives them a sense of purpose and a focus. It also keeps our veterans in our community.

Fortunately, help is available to veterans and eligible spouses to find meaningful employment and training opportunities and to connect them with businesses and training providers in Western Colorado.

The Jobs for Veterans State Grant program provides federal funding, through a formula grant, to 54 state workforce agencies to hire dedicated staff to provide individualized career and training-related services to

veterans and other eligible people.

I work for the Colorado Department of Labor Employment under the grant program as a state consolidated veteran services representative.

Consolidated veteran services representatives provide individualized career services to veterans with significant barriers to employment, with the maximum emphasis directed toward serving veterans who are economically or educationally disadvantaged. Veterans with barriers include homeless vets and vocational rehabilitation clients.

In addition, I conduct outreach to employers and business associations and engage in advocacy efforts with hiring executives to increase employment opportunities for all veterans and encourage the hiring of disabled veterans.

I work out of the Mesa County Workforce Center located at 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. For more information or an appointment, call me at (970) 248-7560.

Michael Smith works as a consolidated veteran services representative for Mesa County. He brings to his duties experience as an employment specialist at the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction and workforce development specialist at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center in Colorado Springs. He served in the Army as a combat engineer stationed in Colorado and Korea. His column was provided by the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For additional information, visit the website at www.wchra.org.

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Michael

Consolidated veteran services representatives provide individualized career services to veterans with significant barriers to employment, with the maximum emphasis directed toward serving veterans who are economically or educationally disadvantaged. Veterans with barriers include homeless vets and vocational rehabilitation clients.

Exceptional service depends on caring approach

If you desire to be truly successful, you must grow your company through the attraction and retention of customers. If you intend to take your company to new heights — to rank among the exceptional — you must turn your attention to the level of care you and your team provide and the genuine relationships you build.

Think about the last time you received exceptional customer service. Reflect on the ways you enjoyed the moment — how pleasant it was, how satisfied you were, how good you felt and how the experience endeared you to the business. I’d venture to guess you’re likely to spend your hard-earned money with this amazing company again and will tell others about it, too.

visiting businesses. They’re filled with excitement, joy, hope and relief. Do you and your team meet them with gratitude and a desire to make their lives better? If you do and keep it up, you’ll build lasting relationships that benefit everyone.

Given all we’ve gone through together the past two and a half years, hopefully there’ll be more appreciation, gratitude and mutual respect for business owners, team members and customers. There’ll be no more taking others for granted now that we’ve been reminded we truly need each other.

Marcus Straub

Now, consider a time when you received a paltry customer service experience that left you feeling uncared for, unsatisfied and unhappy. Left with a bad taste in your mouth, it’s likely you won’t do business with this company again. If you haven’t already, you’ll advise friends and family not to do business with it either.

As a business owner, which of these experiences do you want to provide your customers?

The primary ingredient in delivering consistently exceptional customer service is demonstrating first and foremost you care about your customers. Revenues are important, no doubt. But if you don’t truly care, you’ll earn less revenue than what’s possible or none at all. The difference between an exceptional customer experience and an awful one lies in the level of care provided to the customer by each person in your business who contributed to the experience.

Here’s the key: To earn the loyalty of faithful customers, you — as owner — must first care deeply about them and the quality of their experience with your business. Caring in business is expressed in both word and deed and is a direct byproduct of the attitudes and behaviors of the people who own and operate the company.

Whether you truly care about your customers or not, they can sense it.

As a business owner with a profound and innate level of caring, you’ll hire as many team members as you can who also care deeply and will treat each member of the team with consideration and respect. In turn, they’ll rise to the occasion and share this same good feeling with customers. The result will be exceptional experiences.

The more you and your team care about customers — and consistently demonstrate it — the higher their level of satisfaction will be with you, your products and the services you provide. Not only will you become the primary solution to fulfill their purchasing wants and needs, you’ll also become the well-deserved recipient of their gracious comments and referrals.

Having emerged from the social distancing imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are again

Here are two main points to remember. When business owners care about people, they position their companies to create happiness and satisfaction as well as profits. When team members feel truly cared for by the owners and managers they work for, they pass this feeling along to customers who in turn care about the companies and provide repeat business.

The ultimate key to your lasting business success lies in a simple and timeless rule: Treat people the way you want to be treated, and better is a superior choice. The only way to achieve this is if you truly care. How deeply you care will determine the amount of business that comes full circle back to you.

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

The ultimate key to your lasting business success lies in a simple and timeless rule: Treat people the way you want to be treated, and better is a superior choice. The only way to achieve this is if you truly care.

Monitoring also a security measure

Your employees could be the best, most trustworthy group on the planet. But working remotely, particularly at home, poses a unique set of security related problems. Sometimes monitoring software is needed to ensure the security of company operations and protect trade or other secrets.

According to information cited by EnterpriseAppsToday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation saw a 300 percent increase in reported cybercrime attacks since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s predicted the United States will be a soft target for more than half of cybercrime attacks in another five years.

Why are you and your employees such a soft target? Because your home and other remote working environments — think coffee shops, airport lounges and libraries — aren’t secure. Too many people use older versions of Windows or Apple operating systems. Routers still have factory security codes that can be found online. Most people use passwords that are weak and easy to guess. Security software is out of date or non-existent. Computers could be compromised with viruses, trackers and malware.

How can you manage these shortcomings and avoid problems? Hire an information technology firm or use your in-house IT assets to ensure remote employees are:

n Using the latest version of their operating systems. You could have to get additional licenses since employees could be working on home computers. Then you need to ensure employees load and update software.

n Changing passwords frequently and making passwords lengthy and complicated. Using a child’s or pet’s name, their birth date or the name of their high school or university doesn’t cut it. Think about a new account you established and what sort of requirement it had for your password. Probably something like:

Passwords must be at least 10 characters long with at least one capital letter, one number, one special symbol and no words.

n Not sharing computers with children or other risky users. Children are notorious for going to websites they shouldn’t and clicking on cool looking icons. Those icons are a surefire way for viruses, malware and tracking software to insinuate themselves into computers.

n Running daily virus, malware and tracking software scans. Monitoring software that tracks the websites your employees visit could be valuable from a security perspective since this tracking enables your IT team to quickly assess potential security problems.

In addition, your IT team can proactively block access to selected URLs and extensions, ensure the websites visited have valid and current security certificates and preemptively block known or potentially risky websites.

If your employees use or could use personal computers for part or all of their work activities, insist the preceding measures are implemented.

To protect employees’ privacy when they’re using their computers for personal activities, your IT team can set up a partition with a separate password that’s not tracked but still secure.

As with other forms of monitoring, transparency dictates employees know they’re being monitored. This monitoring is especially important when you’re trying to make your company systems as secure as possible. An informed employee is more likely to buy in to the need for security compliance.

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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Janet Arrowood

Now’s the time to consider less taxing strategies

Rising interest rates, inflation and market volatility make tax planning more essential than ever for taxpayers looking to manage cash flow and pay the least amount of taxes possible.

As the end of the year approaches, now’s the time for individuals to review their 2022 and 2023 tax situations and identify opportunities and strategies to reduce, defer or accelerate their tax obligations based on their particular circumstances. Here are some things to keep in mind:

n Timing income and deductions: Taxpayers should consider whether they can minimize tax bills by shifting income or deductions between 2022 and 2023. Ideally, income should be received in the year with the lower marginal tax rate and deductible expenses should be paid in the year with the higher marginal tax rate. If the marginal tax rate is the same both years, deferring income from 2022 to 2023 will produce a one-year tax deferral. Accelerating deductions from 2023 to 2022 will lower the 2022 income tax liability.

n Five actions to consider to reduce or defer taxes: 1. Delay closing capital gain transactions until after year end or structuring 2022 transactions as installment sales so the gain is deferred past 2022. 2. Consider whether to trigger capital losses before the end of 2022 to offset 2022 capital gains. 3. Defer commission income by closing sales in early 2023 instead of late 2022. 4. Accelerate deductions for such expenses as mortgage interest and charitable donations — including donations of appreciated property — into 2022 subject to adjusted gross income limitations. 5, Evaluate whether non-business bad debts are worthless by the end of 2022 and should be recognized as short-term capital loss.

On the other hand, taxpayers who’ll be in a higher

tax bracket in 2023 might want to consider ways to move taxable income from 2023 into 2022 so taxable income is taxed at a lower tax rate.

n Long-term capital gains: The long-term capital gains rates for 2022 and 2023 are either 0 percent, 15 percent or 20 percent depending on the income tax bracket. In addition, capital gains could be subject to an extra 3.8 percent net investment income tax.

Strategies to potentially lessen your exposure or help avoid long-term capital gains include holding capital assets for more than a year — more than three years for assets attributable to carried interests — so the gain upon disposition qualifies for the lower long-term capital gains rate versus short-term capital gain rates; developing long-term deferral strategies for capital gains, such as reinvesting capital gains into designated qualified opportunity zones; investing in and holding qualified small business stock for at least five years before selling; and charitable donations of appreciated property to avoid long-term capital gains.

n Retirement plans: For annual contributions to qualified retirement plans and individual retirement accounts before year end, ensure you contribute the maximum amount allowed. In 2022, an employee can contribute $20,500 — $27,000 if age 50 or over and the plan allows catch up contributions

— to a 401(k) or 403(b) plan. For 2023, these limits will be $22,500 and $30,000, respectively. If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, consider a deductible contribution to a traditional individual retirement account of up to $6,000 — add an additional $1,000 for taxpayers 50 or older — by end of the year.

The SECURE Act provides some opportunities as well. Provisions permit a penalty free withdrawal of up to $5,000 from traditional IRAs and qualified retirement plans for qualifying expenses related to the birth or adoption of a child after Dec. 31, 2019. The $5,000 distribution limit is per individual, so a married couple could each receive $5,000. Provisions also allow individuals to contribute to their traditional IRAs in or after the year in which they turn 70½. The age for required minimum distributions from tax-qualified retirement plans and IRAs rose from age 70½ to age 72 for individuals born on or after July 1, 1949. Generally, the first RMD for such individuals is due by April 1 of the year after the year in which they turn 72. Individuals age 70½ or older also can donate up to $100,000 to a qualified charity directly from a taxable IRA. Although a charitable deduction can’t be claimed, the amounts are not included in taxable income and can be used to satisfy the RMD for the year.

Each taxpayer’s situation is unique. Always consult with your trusted advisor when making tax and financial decisions regarding any of the above items.

Sarah Fischer is a certified public accountant and associate principal at Dalby, Wendland & Co. Fischer specilizes in tax planning and consulting services for small businesses, families and high net worth individuals. Headquartered in Grand Junction, Dalby, Wendland & Co. operates the largest public accounting firm headquartered in Western Colorado. For more information, call 243-1921 or visit the website located at www.DalbyCPA.com.

Culture of greatness depends on disciplined people

Jim Collins demonstrates in his book “Good to Great” if you want a culture of greatness, you must surround yourself with disciplined people.

What is this discipline? It’s when people are engaged in processes of disciplined thought and then take disciplined approaches to their tasks. These individuals work within the framework of a well-defined set of accountability and responsibility.

Few companies move from good to great because they respond to growth and success in the wrong way. The entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by imagination, creativity and daring moves into uncharted waters. We’re jazzed by the highs we get when we move into areas we never thought we’d be able to get into.

If we’re not disciplined, though, the complexity brought on by moving into uncharted waters will exceed the capabilities of those in the organization. These complexities could even exceed our own capabilities and lead to problems we never anticipated: problems with customers, scheduling and cash flow. What once was fun and exciting becomes a gnarled ball of issues that drain passion and energy.

The original members of the team, those who were really charged up at the onset, begin to wonder what happened. Comments like “this isn’t fun anymore” are uttered out loud. Complaints about nonsensical tasks increase. That old creative magic wanes. As Jim Collins points out: The cancer of mediocrity begins to grow in earnest.

That’s the beginning of the end.

Bureaucracy begins to smother the entrepreneurial spirit. Good people leave. Worse, the better employees suffer the slow process of death by a thousand cuts as they begin the quiet quitting process. This leaves you working with fewer great employees and settling for good to less than good employees.

Mediocre companies build bureaucracies to manage the small proportion of wrong people on the bus. This in turn drives even more of the better employees away, increasing the need for even more bureaucracy. The spiral continues until it’s a better proposition to either sell the company or close.

Head this off at the proverbial pass now. Don’t wait until bureaucracy begins to show interest. Avoid bureaucracy by creating a culture of discipline. When you have your original entrepreneurial spirit coupled with a culture of discipline, you get a magical alchemy of superior performance and sustained results.

Stop hiring for skills.

Start hiring for attitude.

The right attitude can overcome any deficiency in skills. Hire the right person with the right attitude, then find a way to make them comfortable and competent with required skills. Get the right people on the bus first, then put them in the right seats. Move the wrong people off the bus. Next, establish a process of disciplined thought: Everyone seeing things the same way in the same light.

Every good-to-great company must maintain unwavering faith it will prevail in the end regardless of the difficulties. At the same time, you must maintain discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality whatever those might be. You must remain faithful

you’ll create a path to greatness.

Of utmost importance, you must remain disciplined as you search for and understand you organization’s hedgehog concept — the core value proposition or the primary thing you do well.

Finally, it’s time for a well-defined and disciplined course of action. You need a clearly defined map everyone understands.

Mediocre companies try skipping the first parts and jump directly to the map. That won’t work if you have people on your bus unwilling to even look at the map. Disciplined action without disciplined people is a disaster waiting to happen.

Discipline by itself can’t guarantee success. Global competitiveness could stunt your organizational performance. The point is in getting self-disciplined people who are engaged and empowered on the bus and getting the wrong people off the bus. Develop the framework of a consistent and disciplined system designed around your hedgehog concept and you’ll be well on your way from good to great.

Tim Haggerty and his wife, Bernadette, operate a consulting firm based in Grand Junction that helps clients transition from command and control to servant leadership and change the view of wages and benefits from expenses to investments. Haggerty brings to the venture more than 40 years of experience in operations management and a record of decreasing costs while increasing productivity and revenue. Reach him at info@timothyhaggerty.com or (610) 737-0496. More information is available at www.timothyhaggerty.com

Sarah Fischer

Tim Haggerty

Taxpayers should consider whether they can mimize tax bills by shifting income or reductions between 2022 and 2023. Ideally, income should be received in the year with the lower marginal tax rate and deductible expenses should be paid in the year with the higher marginal tax rate.

Winter is coming: Prepare now for seasonal fun

When leaves fall and days shorten, some people look begrudgingly at the changing seasons. But others are filled with anticipation as their favorite winter activities loom closer.

It’s important for winter sports enthusiasts to train and do specific conditioning exercises. After the spring and summer off season, muscles could need time to adjust. Starting off the winter season with an injury would put a damper on the fun. It’s important to do sport specific conditioning to reduce the risk of injury and increase performance and enjoyment.

important for winter sports enthusiasts to train and do specific conditioning exercises. After the spring and summer off season, muscles could need time to adjust. Starting off the winter season with an injury would put a damper on the fun. It’s important to do sport specific conditioning to reduce the risk of injury and increase performance and enjoyment.

offers SkiErg machines that replicate the motion of crosscountry skiing and target the muscles used for this sport. The machines are popular for their ability to work legs, core and arms in a smooth, continuous motion.

n Ice skating: Balance constitutes an important factor in ice skating. Whether it’s figure skating or a hockey game, there’s no skating without balance. Depending on your expertise, flexibility also could be beneficial. Figure skaters and hockey players must be flexible and agile. Bosu balls offer a great training tool to warm up those muscles while also improving balance.

n Hiking: While some may think this is an activity for seasons other rather than winter, hiking remains a good option most days in the Grand Valley. Wear warm layers and bring hiking poles to make the trek more enjoyable.

n Skiing and snowboarding: Conditioning for these sports involves a variety of physical skills, including agility, balance, endurance, flexibility and strength. Muscular strength improves your ability to maintain control while skiing or boarding in uneven terrain. All the major muscle groups of the body, especially the core, are involved. Some exercises include a single leg squat or weighted quadriceps squat. Pilates or yoga offer a good compliment to muscle training to increase core strength, maintain better balance and improve overall flexibility.

Reece

n Sledding: Some people underestimate the difficulty of this most basic of winter sports. While sledding is often

viewed as child’s play, it’s a fun activity for all ages. But just pulling your sled up that big hill constitutes a fitness feat that’s overlooked. Cardio endurance and leg strengthening exercises can help prepare for a day of sledding with the family.

n Cross-country skiing: This is a great cardiovascular workout. Like most cardio-related sports, endurance training is a must. To prepare for this fun winter sport, train with your favorite cardio exercises appropriate for your impact level. The elliptical is a great option for low impact and can be adjusted for almost every fitness level. Crossroads Fitness

Winter could be the most awaited time of the year with so many activities in which to partake. Preparing physically will make the season all the more fun. Make time for training and conditioning exercises so you won’t miss out on the adventures that entice us, entertain us and keep us fit.

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

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Growth in U.S. commercial real estate activity slowing

There’s clear evidence growth in commercial real estate activity in the United States is starting to slow.

A recent report from the National Association of Realtors written by Nadia Evangelou, senior economist and director of forecasting, detailed the situation:

“After the strong rebound for the U.S. economy in 2021, growth in 2022 has slowed in the face of rising inflation, the household income squeeze and geopolitical events. While the economy continues to deal with elevated inflation, data shows a slowdown in the growth of commercial real estate. Demand for apartments and office spaces is lower compared to previous quarters.

“While the industrial boom continues to show no signs of stopping, multifamily absorption and rent growth are decelerating. Multifamily absorption in the last four quarters was below the pre-pandemic levels, in the range of 60,000 to 70,000 units. In the meantime, rents rose year over year at a slower pace, by less than a double-digit percentage for the last two quarters. However, multifamily

housing demand remains relatively strong. Given rising mortgage rates and home prices, people may be forced to rent for longer due to decreasing affordability.

“As the country navigates hybrid work, the office sector continues to struggle. In Q3 2022, about 1.34 million more square feet of office space was vacant and placed on the market than were leased. Although more people returned to their offices, after four quarters with positive net absorption, demand for office space dropped as net absorption turned negative again. As a result, the market’s net demand for office spaces decreased relative to supply, and the vacancy rate rose to 12.4 percent in Q3 2022 from 12.3 percent in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, the office sector has the highest vacancy rate across all sectors of the commercial real estate market.

“Retail sales — excluding gas, auto and non-store retailers — advanced to $383 billion in August, a 19 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels (August 2019). As a result, net absorption increased to 23.3 million square feet in the third quarter of 2022, a 22 percent increase from the second quarter. Meanwhile, neighborhood retail that offers in-person services continues to advance even faster. Net absorption for neighborhood centers rose by 35 percentage points compared to the year’s second quarter.

“The industrial sector continues to outperform. Demand is robust as net absorption was nearly 425 million square feet in the last 12 months ending in Q3 2022. Although demand may have tapered, the volume of industrial space absorbed continues to be double that of pre-pandemic times. As a result, this sector had the lowest vacancy rate, at 4 percent, of any other sector in the commercial real estate market. As demand remains strong, rent growth of industrial spaces continues at historic highs, rising by a double-digit percentage (12 percent) in Q3 2022. Meanwhile, rents are rising even faster for logistics space by 13.5 percent year-over-year.”

In summary, investors might want to look for commercial real estate that’s normally recession proof — specifically multifamily or industrial properties with quality tenants.

Tim Whitney is managing broker of Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, a commercial brokerage and property management company based in Grand Junction. He’s been involved in the sale, leasing and management of commercial real estate in Colorado for more than 35 years. For more information, call 243-7375 or visit www.CBC-Prime.com. F

Paula

It’s

Tim Whitney

A bizarre strategy to reduce inflation

The Federal Reserve announced on Nov. 2 it would raise the federal funds rate by 0.75 percentage points to a targeted range of 3.75 to 4 percent.

The Fed stated: “The committee anticipates that ongoing increases in the target range will be appropriate in order to attain a stance of monetary policy that is sufficiently restrictive to return inflation to 2 percent over time.”

A 2 percent inflation rate would be welcome. But how the Fed is trying to get there amounts to an economic mess. Indeed, it’s hard to follow the Fed’s reasoning. Nonetheless, this is how the so-called “thinking” regarding how to fight inflation has gone for a long time.

Consider the current situation as summarized in the Federal Open Market Committee statement: “Recent indicators point to modest growth in spending and production. Job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remains elevated, reflecting supply and demand imbalances related to the pandemic, higher food and energy prices and broader price pressures. Russia’s war against Ukraine is causing tremendous human and economic hardship. The war and related events are creating additional upward pressure on inflation and are weighing on global economic activity.”

There are issues worth raising here.

First, the Fed doesn’t acknowledge any culpability on its part for generating high inflation. But when we consider inflation is mainly a monetary phenomenon, here’s a case of the Fed playing pass-the-buck politics. That, of course, is not new with this Fed.

Second, as for the sources for our current bout of inflation, the Fed points mainly to pandemic-related imbalances, Russia’s war and vague mentions of higher food and energy prices and “broader price pressures.”

Hmmm. If that’s the case, how then will the Fed jacking up interest rates to slow the economy — which already is doing poorly as we suffer through stagflation — solve our problem of inflation? How exactly do higher interest rates rectify pandemic problems (think supply chains and the need for more workers) and war? Of course, the Jay Powell-led Fed might simply resort to taking a sledgehammer to the economy in the hopes of restoring supply and demand balance? In fact, that seems to be the case.

As the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council has noted before, the only productive thing the Fed has been doing since late last year is starting to rein in its 14-years-long, mind-blowingly excessive growth in the monetary base — currency plus bank reserves. There’s a great deal to be done on that front, to say the least.

Meanwhile, Congress should act, not by browbeating the Fed or injecting itself into monetary policy decisions (we don’t need even more politics in monetary policy decisions), but instead by restoring the Fed’s main purpose.

Congress imposed the Fed’s dual mandate of price stability and maximum sustainable employment in 1977. The amended Federal Reserve Act reads the Fed must “maintain long run growth of the monetary and credit aggregates commensurate with the economy’s long run potential to increase production, so as to promote effectively the goals of maximum employment, stable prices and moderate long-term interest rates.”

This has been a source of policy mischief and much distraction from the lone job a monetary authority actually can influence, at least in a positive way, and that’s price stability. Return the Fed to the lone goal of price stability, and that in turn will serve as part of the foundation for a strong, healthy economy.

Raymond Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. His latest book is titled “The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist.” The SBEC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy, education and research organization working to protect small business and promote entrepreneurship. For additional information, log on to the website at www.sbecouncil.org.

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Raymond Keating

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n GRAND JUNCTION EYE CARE PRACTICE HOSTS FREE CLINIC FOR MORE THAN 200 PATIENTS

Rottman Eye Care in Grand Junction joined with Vision Health International to host a free clinic.

Team members and volunteers cared for more than 200 patients in one day, providing exams as well as prescription glasses, reading glasses and sunglasses.

“Rottman Eye Care is improving lives through vision beyond clinic walls,” said Dr. Randy Rottman, an opthalmologist who founded Rottman Eye Care in 2007. “We saw a need for this type of clinic in our community, and we wanted to be the organization to fill that void. It is an honor to provide eye care to the underserved community here in Grand Junction.”

The free clinic was the second in which Rottman Eye Care teamed with VHI to offer services. VHI has worked on clinics in other locations in Colorado, Connecticut and Florida.

“I will never forget the first time I volunteered at this eye clinic,” said Shane Spehar, an opthalmic technician supervisor at Rottman Eye Clinic. “I had the opportunity to deliver a patient his first set of glasses when he could not afford them before. I will always remember his face lighting up, saying ‘So this is what it is like to see.’ From that point on, I knew I wanted to help my community by giving them the gift of sight.”

Rottman Eye Clinic provides medical and general eye care to adults and children, including corneal conditions, detection and management of macular degeneration and cataracts, diabetic care, specialty contact lens evaluations and vision exams. For more information, visit https://rottmaneyecare.com.

n MONTROSE KOA JOURNEY CAMPGROUND RECEIVES 2022 PRESIDENT’S AWARD

The Montrose Black Canyon National Park KOA Journey Campground has once again received the Kampgrounds of America President’s Award for quality operations and customer service.

“Our campground owners and their employees work tirelessly to ensure every guest has a truly exceptional camping experience. It’s a pleasure to recognize their dedication,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and chief executive officer of Kampgrounds of America.

The President’s Award is presented to campgrounds that meet quality standards and receive high score on customer surveys.

Now in its 60th year, KOA operates a total of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds.

The Montrose Black Canyon National Park KOA Journey Campground is located at 200 N. Cedar St. For more information, visit https://koa.com/campgrounds/montrose-black-canyon-natl-park.

n DESIGNS ACCEPTED THROUGH NOV. 30 FOR 150TH ANNIVERSARY LICENSE PLATES

Entries will be accepted through Nov. 30 in a competition to develop commemorative license plate designs for the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood.

Divisions are open to entrants under 13 and those 13 and older. Up to 10 finalists will be selected in each division with a public vote among the top three designs. Winners will receive a commemorative license plate and $1,000.

For more information — including terms, conditions and templates for submissions, log on to https://dmv.colorado.gov/ historiccolorado. Designs and entry forms should be emailed to dor_HistoricColorado@state.co.us.

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n PINNACOL ASSURANCE ONCE AGAIN HONORED FOR CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP

Pinnacol Assurance once again has been named an honoree of the Civic 50 Colorado program.

CSR Solutions of Colorado and Points of Light conduct the program to showcase corporate citizenship and how companies can help their communities. A workers’ compensation insurer, Pinnacol Assurance has received the award four straight years.

“We are honored our civic engagement is being recognized as it reflects our culture of caring for the health and safety of our communities, a healthy business climate and Colorado’s workforce,” said Wes Parham, vice president of public affairs for Pinnacol Assurance. “We’ve been a community leader in Colorado for more than 105 years, and we committed to continued investment in our state as a core part of our mission.”

For 2021, Pinnacol awarded more than $500,000 in grants to programs protecting the health and safety of employees, helping injured workers return to work and promoting a robust business climate. The Pinnacol Foundation awarded nearly $350,000 in scholarships to children of workers who were killed or injured on the job. Pinnacol and its employees donated a total of more than $270,000 to nonprofits and charities. Employees contributed 1,150 hours in volunteer service.

Pinnacol Assurance operates the largest workers compensation insurance carrier in the state. For additional information, log on to www.pinnacol.com.

n ALPINE BANK FURTHER EXPANDS OPERATIONS WITH OPENING OF BRANCH IN FORT COLLINS

Alpine Bank will further expand its operations in Colorado with the opening of a branch in Fort Collins.

“As a longstanding Colorado bank, we’re excited to now have a presence in northern Colorado,” said Matt Teeters, regional president of Alpine Bank. “Fort Collins is a dynamic community, and we look forward to meeting and serving the individuals, businesses and organizations that make it a great place to live and work.”

As part of a grand opening celebration set for Dec. 3, Alpine Bank will donate $2,500 each to RamStrength and Bike Fort Collins, two nonprofit organizations.

Headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Alpine Bank has more than $6.2 billion in assets, operates banking offices across Colorado and serves more than 170,000 customers. For more information, visit www.alpinebank.com. F

NOTEWORTHY

Business People Almanac

An annual benefit chili cookoff raised $7,500 for efforts supporting Grand Valley women with breast cancer.

The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the Cups for a Cure and joined with the Copper Club Brewing Company in Fruita and Timberline Bank in Grand Junction in presenting the event.

Allie Daniel, owner of the Happy Trails Colorado T-shirt shop in downtown Fruita, founded the event to help women in their fight against breast cancer.

“It takes a community to fight cancer. A fund-raiser full of fun and chili is the least we can do to show those across our community that are fighting this battle that they’re not alone. Their community is behind them.”

Proceeds from the Cups for a Cure were donated to the Family West and Community Hospital foundations to help fund their efforts to provide services and other resources to residents with cancer.

Proceeds from the event were raised through a chili cookoff with tasting tickets, a silent auction, a “bust the bra” event and additional contributions from the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce, Copper Club Brewing Company and Timberline Bank.

The event featured chili from a total of 10 local businesses and restaurants. Flavors Grille placed first, followed by the Flying Pig restaurant at Community Hospital in second and Camilla’s Kaffe in third. The other participants were Cattlemens Bar & Grill, Copper Club Grill, Dango Burrito, Fruita chamber, Mike’s Famous Chicken, Skip’s Farm to Market and Suds Brothers Brewery.

Wes Parham

Matt Teeters

Allie Daniel

Business Briefs

Business People Almanac Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n FAMILY HEALTH WEST EXECUTIVE AWARDED FOR INSPIRING LEADERSHIP

Dr. Korrey Klein, president and chief executive officer of Family Health West in Fruita, received recognition from a national health care firm.

Custom Learning Systems presented Klein with a Summit Award as the most inspiring leader.

CLS works with health care networks across North America to help them change cultures to become employers and providers of choice as well as deliver care with kindness. Family Health West engaged with CLS in 2020.

“It’s both humbling and a great honor to receive this award,” Klein said. “Leading such a great organization is my privilege, and I look forward to the future of health care at Family Health West.”

Lori Randall, executive vice president of operations at Family Heath West, said Klein is committed to the organization and its employees. He personally administered COVID-19 vaccinations in the first clinic set up in Mesa County at the onset of the pandemic and participates in every service excellence event. “It is hard to find this kind of leader in health care today. It’s an honor to work with a leader like Dr. Klein, and I am happy and proud that he is the recipient of this award,” Randall said.

Family Health West operates a 25-bed hospital, emergency room and network of specialty clinics. For more information, visit https://fhw.org.

n DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HIRES FIRST EMERGENCY RESPONSE

COORDINATOR

Dan Frazen has been hired to serve as the first agriculture emergency coordinator in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture created the position to improve emergency response capabilities. Frazen will lead response to hazardous incidents that affect agricultural communities and coordinate with other government agencies and stakeholders for disaster management.

Frazen will serve on multiple emergency planning teams and respond to myriad threats, including wildfire and drought, proactively strengthening Colorado’s agricultural resilience through coordination, mitigation and recovery efforts.

Frazen is a Colorado certified emergency manager, certified fire investigator and incident command system instructor. He recently graduated from the Federal Emergency Management Agency advanced academy.

He brings to his position almost 30 years of public safety and emergency response experience. He previously served as emergency manager for the City of Greeley.

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The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business People and the Almanac calendar of events. Email submissions to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

n GRAND VALLEY FINANCIAL ADVISOR JOINS GOLDEN STATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Kreat Lewis, president and wealth advisor of Crossroads Wealth Advisors in Grand Junction, has joined Golden State Wealth Management.

“With Crossroads, I am looking forward to offering my clients a greater sense of flexibility when it comes to planning for their retirement or assisting in protecting their loved ones,” he said. “It’s important to me that I work closely with my clients to further develop strategies to help them pursue their financial goals.”

Lewis worked more than 20 years as a financial advisor with Edward Jones and holds the accredited asset management specialist designation.

Daniel Catone, founder and chief executive officer of Golden State Wealth Management, said he’s excited to see where Lewis takes Crossroads Wealth Advisors. “His focus, organization and hardworking demeanor is a testament to how well he can build his independent business. We are more than pleased to have Kreat be a part of the Golden State family.”

Crossroads Wealth Advisors is backed by LPL Financial, an independent broker dealer and Golden State Wealth Management, an investment advisor with more than $1.5 billion in assets under management.

Crossroads Wealth Advisors is located at 2777 Crossroads Blvd., Suite 6. For more information, call (970) 200-2973 or visit www.crossroads-wealth.com.

n GRAND JUNCTION MEN NAMED TO EQUALIZATION BOARD, GRANT COUNCIL

Two Grand Junction men were named to the State Equalization Board and Judicial Assistance Grant Council.

Bernie Buescher was appointed to the equalization board as a designee of Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. Buescher succeeds Richard Garcia of Denver, who resigned.

The board reviews the valuations of real and personal property and changes valuations to ensure the state tax burden is equally and fairly distributed.

William Sightler III was reappointed to the Justice Assistance Grand Board for a term expiring in 2025.

The board advises the Division of Criminal Justice on issues related to federal grants designated to improve the criminal justice system and reduce drug use and violent crimes. F

Dec. 1

n Business startup workshop, 2 to 4 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction, Admission $55. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business end of year party, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Venue at Fisher’s, 625 24 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. Admission $25, which includes food and one beverage. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3893 Dec. 6

n Workshop on using social media marketing to grow a business, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Business Incubator Center. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Veterans in Business free monthly muster, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Aspen Street Coffee, 136 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3893

Upcoming

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Alpine Bank, 125 N. Park Square. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3893

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce economic outlook luncheon, noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. Admission $25 for chamber members, $30 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org

n Bookkeeping boot camp, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13, Business Incubator Center. Admission $75, which includes lunch. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242

n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 14, Rockslide Brew Pub, 400 Main St. Admission $20 for chamber members, $23 for others. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org.

n Western Colorado Human Resource Association end of year celebration, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Venue at Fischer’s. WCHRA members attend at no additional charge. Others pay $10. www.wchra.org

n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Orchard River View, 3926 U.S. Highway 6 & 24. Advance admission $5 for members, $8 for others. Admission at the door $6 for members, $10 for others. 464-7458 or www.palisadecoco.com

n Coffee Club free networking meeting, 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 16, FWorks coworking space, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. 858-3893 or https://fruitachamber.org

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking luncheon, noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 22, Qdoba Mexican Eats, 401 Jurassic Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3893

n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12, Fruita Community Center, 324 N. Coulson St. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3893 F

Dan Frazen

Korrey Klein

Kreat Lewis

Lori Randall

Daniel Catone