17 minute read
Opinion
Page 22PAGE 22
The Business Times Contributors THE BUSINESS TIMES December 9-22, 2021JANUARY 15-28, 2015 Opinion Opinion Business BriefsA new year affords Business Peoplea new opportunity to meet local needs Almanac
A new year almost always brings an opportunity for a fresh start and renewed ambition to do things better.
In business, that usually boils down to providing customers better products and services faster and at lower cost than competitors. Part of the process must include listening to customers to determine what they actually need and then meeting that need. After all, it does little good to offer the latest and greatest if nobody actually wants what you’re selling.
Just like the businesses that belong to the group, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment of the services and resources it provides and how well they match with members needs. Jeff Franklin, the new chairman of the chamber board of directors, personifies this approach in describing what he considers his role for the coming year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a role with which Franklin is familiar as market president of Bank of Colorado.
The process will take on a more structured approach in what the chamber plans as the resumption of a program aptly called Listening to Business. Under the program, business owners participate in in-depth interviews to identify barriers to growth and other problems they encounter.
The new year offers a good time to join the proverbial club.
As an advertiser or reader, what do you need from the Business Times?
While business journals traditionally gather and report the relevant news to readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially true as Web sites and e-mail make the dialogue more convenient than ever.
Good publications don’t exist in a vacuum. They respond to the needs of advertisers and readers. They provide what’s needed.
So what do you need?
Is there additional news coverage that would help keep you informed about local business developments? Are there features that would be interesting or useful? Is there advice that would make your jobs a little easier?
It’s equally important to ask what you don’t need. With limited time to produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time and space be better devoted to something else?
What’s good? What isn’t? What’s needed? What isn’t?
Let us know. Send us an e-mail. Comment online on the Business Times Web site at www.thebusinesstimes.com. You could even write an old-fashioned letter to the editor if you’d like. Your feedback, both positive and negative, is valued and will be carefully considered.
Good publications are the result of not only the efforts of their staffs, but also collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers.
Like any other good business, we want to listen to our customers, find out what they need and then meet those needs.
It’s a new year. Please help us to do so. ✦ THE BUSINESSTIMES 609 North Ave., Suite 2, Grand Junction, CO 81501
TEL (970) 424-5133 • FAX (970) 424-5134
Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall Editor: Phil Castle Reach advertising at: publisher@thebusinesstimes.com Reach the editor at: phil@thebusinesstimes.com.
Subscribe or submit press releases online at www.thebusinesstimes.com
The Grand Valley Business Times, a subsidiary of Hall Media Group LLC, is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor, staff or advertisers.
Copyright © 2015 — All rights reserved.
It’s that time of year when resolutions and prognostications abound. My favorite saying applied to New Year’s resolutions is in saying they’re basically a bunch of promises to break the first week of January. And while I won’t predict a whole lot, I can pretty much accurately nail a few things that without question will make the news. You will see these are pretty, well, predictable: ■ Prediction one: There will be some sort of weather event, natural disaster or heinous occurrence where someone will be interviewed and say the following: “I’ve never seen anything like that in my lifetime.” It’s as if this person is a required attendee at every news reporting event. While I understand most people’s perspective can indeed be limited by, or contained within, their own personal experiences, it is too much to ask to consult some historical perspective before saying such a thing? Yes, this response can apply to some events. But when it comes to weather and natural disasters, I’m pretty sure this is simply history repeating itself. Same as it has for millions and millions of years. More important, the planet made it! What didn’t were certain species. How’s that for perspective? ■ Prediction two: When it comes to a crime or something that occurs between humans, the other required attendee at all news reporting events is the person who says this: “They we’re just the nicest people, and in no way did I see something like this coming.” Exactly. No one does most of the time when it comes to neighbors and acquaintances. People should be surprised at what goes on from time to time in their neighborhoods, towns and with people they know because people are good. And for the times that they shouldn’t be shocked — like with politicians, repeat offenders and terrorists — where’s the interview that says, “This doesn’t surprise me in the least.” ■ Prediction three: Something good will happen economically, and the government will take credit for it. The most recent example is gas prices, where people ask me why I won’t credit the president for low gas prices. My answer is simple: Government never makes the price of something go down and simply takes credit for good news. Gas pricing is subject to many global factors. Now there are government answers to addressing some of them to keep prices stable for Americans, but our government has none of them in place. The only things it has in place in the
Bold predictions for 2015 more like not-so-bold repeats long run always hurt consumers. Another fact is that unemployment reaches a certain level based on the economy. And while the government might brag the number is low, it’s more than likely the government did something to cause that number being low — and not in a good way. Conversely, when business picks up, it’s because the people who need to buy widgets who were not buying widgets because the economy was contracting due to natural (or unnatural, government caused) reasons, decided we better buy some widgets. The government had nothing to do with this. ■ Prediction four: In keeping with things the government does, I predict the government will manipulate the numbers to make the claim the economy is getting better because of how hard it is working to help all of us “working Americans.” Now Craig Hall you might say, “Craig, you always say this about President Obama because you don’t like him.” You’re right in a sense. I don’t know the man, but what I know of him and his thinking, I don’t like it or him one iota. Before you go off, however, I didn’t like President Bush and his bailouts, stimulus and his abandoning the free market to save the free market. And I don’t know him either. What the government does, and the only thing it can do, is hurt the economy. Unless it does nothing or put criminals in jail instead of partnering with them, nothing the government does will help. Always look at it this way, whatever the government says it is doing, whatever the name of the law it is passing, or whatever the name or goal of the bureaucracy it is presenting to the people, expect the polar opposite to occur. I guess what I’m saying is that perhaps it’s time to get out of our own perspective. There’s plenty of history books and historical research out there to begin to understand that all of this has happened before. And it will again, whether the topic is people or government. The best recommendation is to find some books or try that whole Google thing. There’s a lot of information on the Great Depression. The truth is it wasn’t even a good one until the government got involved. There’s also plenty of research on the medieval warm period when the planet was much warmer than today with a whole lot less people (and warmer well before man was here at all). And yep, people have been killing other surprised people since history was first written. Maybe some research will help stop all of these trends. Otherwise, we’ll be saying we’ve never seen anything like it in our lives. And not in a good way. Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 Copyright © 2021 — All rights reserved. or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. F ✦
And with each passing day related to COVID-19, I have more and more questions. Perhaps it’s time to start asking them directly in some way, shape or form. After all, I’ve spent 20 years as the Michael Corleone of the media mob. You know, a member of the family, but a citizen. So conversations with me have always been off the record.
This doesn’t mean I’m going to go out there looking for bad news, villains or the leftist madeup-of-whole-cloth conspiracy theories. Rather, I’d be looking for the truth whether it’s about COVID-19, Anthony Fauci, Donald Trump, Lauren Boebert, Tina Peters, Janet Rowland, Mesa County Public Health, Jared Polis, Joe Biden or any of the cast of characters or events acting or happening in our world.
Experience tells me one thing: Most of them won’t like the questions. Here’s an example from a recent local story.
I read a report in a local media source about the monoclonal antibody clinic opening in Fruita. Now, Craig Hall’s first take as a cub reporter is this is a great story. Let’s give the people a who, what, where, when, why and how of the facts from the press release. And on the basics, the news release did a decent job of explaining what monoclonal antibodies are, how they work, who the players involved are and who should be inquiring about them given their health or COVID-19 contact status — along with a quote from the Mesa County Public Health director.
Frankly, the story read like a space filler to me. And in truth, it was basically a word-for-word regurgitation of the health department news release based on what the media source felt important — because there were a few important facts left out. Let me ask you if you know any of these additional facts I’ve not seen reported since this story hit a few days ago.
Did you know monoclonal antibodies are meant to be taken within the first 10 days of having COVID-19 symptoms? I did, but I know that information from doing my own research from media sources outside our community. I also know there have been more than a few studies showing their effectiveness on recovery from COVID-19.
How about while the obese or overweight are indeed mentioned in the story, it does not include the health department’s statement including children aged 12 to 17 with a body mass index in the 85th percentile or higher for their age and gender based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines? I don’t know
Encouraging words The roads less traveled are the questions never asked for the year ahead what those guidelines are or how to figure out what percentile a child that age might be in, but that might come in handy with at
The question for Mesa County business owners and managers isn’t only least a mention . whether the upcoming holidays will be merry and bright. That’s important, How about this one? The clinic is especially for retailers. But what about 2022? no cost and you can go with or without a Fortunately, there are some encouraging words in the physician’s referral. I don’t know about you, latest business and economic forecast for Colorado. While but that’s kind of a big piece of information the COVID-19 pandemic sidetracked business and economic which seems to be missing. I am completely growth in Mesa County, the area is recovering. Moreover, the baffled as to why this was left out of the outlook is mostly upbeat. story, and it raises serious questions above Here’s the summary from the section of the forecast and beyond the ones I had. Are we trying to about Mesa County: “While the pandemic has had an impact limit appointments or a run on the clinic? on all aspects of the community, the county is recovering and Finally, the story indicated the clinic outperforming other counties and the state. The community in can do about 50 treatments per day and the Grand Valley is resilient and will continue to forge ahead possibly expand to 100 per day “depending Phil Castle in the face of adversity.” Rich Wobbekind, senior economist at the Leeds School on the availability of injections.” I don’t really need to give the follow up here, but of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder, said a number of factors bode well for Mesa County, including higher natural gas and Craig Hall I will. Why would a basic procedure for something readily available across the commodity prices. While home prices have appreciated, housing remains less planet which requires no physician referral expensive in Mesa Conty than many other areas of the state. all of the sudden have a shortage?
The business research division at the Leeds School of Business compiles the So permit me a few follow-up questions. annual business and economic forecast for Colorado with sections for various Why does this medical procedure have industry sectors and geographic regions. Business, industry and government clearance with no physician referral? Further, officials contribute to the report. why do other medical therapeutics proven
Wobbekind is expected to detail the 2022 forecast for Mesa County as well as to work — like hydroxychloroquine and the state and nation in a presentation hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber Ivermectin — which also have studies of Commerce and scheduled for Dec. 13. The economic outlook luncheon ranks shown to be effective if taken at the among the hottest-attended events of the year for the local business community. onset of COVID-19 symptoms require a I suspect this year will be no different. prescription? That is, if a patient can find a
Of course, the cover story in this very issue of the Business Times affords an pharmacy willing to fill said prescription, opportunity to read all about it. especially considering these two proven, safe
Here are some of the hightlights to keep in mind: medications are actually sold over the counter n The unemployment rate in Mesa County has dropped to 4.7 percent. in many countries? Given the success of n Tax collections, a measure of sales, have increased in 2021 by double-digit monoclonal antibodies has been known for proportions over 2020 and moved even higher than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. some time now, what took so long for Mesa n Hotel occupancy rates have increased along with lodging tax collections. County Public Health to get them available to n Real estate activity has continued to trend upward, with year-to-date dollar county residents? Finally, if this treatment is volume for 2021 surpassing the $2 billion milestone en route to a record level. at no cost, who’s paying the bill? n Businesses are still interested in relocating to the Grand Valley, even in Perhaps some of you think these the midst of a pandemic. If anything, the pandemic has prompted companies and questions harsh, sarcastic or a little over the individuals with the ability to work anywhere to move to a place like the Grand top. That’s probably because they never get Valley that offers high quality of life and ample outdoor recreation. asked at any level to the folks and departments
Plenty of challenges persist and could, God forbid, get worse. But there are in charge of the news releases. To me, that’s also words that offer encouragement. exactly why they should be asked and why our health departments, local governments and Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or health care providers should expect them. I’ve phil@thebusinesstimes.com. seen and read plenty from published, F well-respected, health experts answering them — even when using Google. The answers are out there. Answers to getting beyond COVID-19, specific health care concerns related to COVID-19 and why or why not your government and local leadership and media are giving you all the facts that are your right to know. The problem when it comes to COVID-19 is all too many, from the top down, think most of what they know you don’t need to know. Worse, no one in the media seems to care more about getting you knowledge instead of getting their access to the power. Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.
Charity better than government welfare at solving problems
Christmas is the season for giving. Just look around to observe the charitable actions not only during the holidays, but also throughout the year. The American people enjoy a reputation around the world as a charitable citizenry. Whatever the need — from accidents to disasters to homelessness — Americans generously send money, food and supplies to help at home and abroad. There’s concern, though, the trend might not continue. According to one estimate, charitable giving dropped more than $15 billion in 2018, the first decline since the Great Recession. There appear to be several reasons for the decrease: n The federal charitable giving incentive was significantly lowered under the 2017 federal tax law doubling the standard deduction and reducing the number of people itemizing deductions, n Welfare programs might crowd out private donations. Julia Bredtmann wrote in a column: “If people are only concerned with the total amount of welfare provided, they will treat government spending as a substitute for their own donations.” n With inflation soaring and taxes expected to increase, Americans will have fewer discretionary dollars to give to charitable causes.
Why is charitable giving important? According to the Almanac for American Philanthropy, philanthropy isn’t interchangeable with government spending. Howard Husock was quoted in an article in Forbes: “The more individualized attention a problem calls for, the less well-suited government is to dealing with it and the more likely that independent charitably supported groups can help.”
Because philanthropy responds quicker than government, it allows for an individually tailored approach adapted to changing conditions. Charitable giving addresses the problem without miles of bureaucratic red tape. The results of one nationwide survey found 73 percent of adults considered charities the most cost-effective way to promote social good.
Charitable giving is a voluntary action in a targeted approach to helping
Phyllis Hunsinger others. The result is recipients are grateful and recognize the assistance was given voluntarily. Donors enjoy a positive feeling knowing their gifts help the individuals or organizations of their choice.
Government welfare spending isn’t charity. Government spends money taken from its citizens through taxation, then arbitrarily designates classes of people and organizations to receive these funds. The beneficiaries of government handouts develop an attitude of entitlement. Since government is a behemoth of assorted bureaucracies, the recipients of government largess fail to recognize the money given to them is first confiscated from others. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reported: “Within the U.S. federal government programs, fraud, waste and abuse are widespread, largely unmeasured and a growing drain on taxpayers and citizens, reducing the effectiveness of government services.” Problems are better solved at the lowest level.
Christmas is a season of giving. Giving to charities addressing social needs is more efficient and effective than government programs.
Phyllis Hunsinger is founder of the Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise Foundation in Grand Junction. The FREE Foundation provides resources to students and teachers in Western Colorado to promote the understanding of economics, financial literacy and free enterprise. For more, visit www.free-dom.us.com. A former teacher, principal and superintendent, Hunsinger wrote “Down and Dirty: A ‘How To’ Math Book.” Reach Hunsinger at phyllis@free-dom.us.com. F
SHARE YOUR VIEWS
The Business Times welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns on issues affecting businesses in Western Colorado. Submissions should be emailed to phil@thebusinesstimes.com and include names and telephone numbers for verification.
