The Business Times Volume 28 Issue 24

THE BUSINESS T IMES News DECEMBER 23, 2021-JANUARY 5, 2022

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 24

THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Engineering Trends 2 his efforts Contributors Opinion 4 Business Briefs 6 Business People Almanac

In this issue n Growing gains

A CU economist foresees what he describes as a strong growth phase ahead for the Mesa County economy.

n Expansive effort West Star Aviation announces plans to expand its facilities in Grand Junction to keep pace with growing operations.

n Taxing matters Colorado ranks 20th among the 50 states in the latest comparison of how tax systems affect businesses.

n Holding steady

15

The jobless rate remains unchanged in Mesa County even as labor demand remains strong.

n New chairman brings curiosity and team approach to his role with local chamber.

Page 2 Ivan Geer, principle at River City Consultants, will serve as the next chairman of the Grand Junction chamber board.

n Still uncertain

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The only thing certain about COVID vaccination mandates is uncertainty over their implementation.

n Boss or leader?

18

Are you a boss or a leader?

Important distinctions can affect employees and, in turn, business success.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

26 24 26 17-21 2-14 22 15-16

Business Times photo by Phil Castle

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

Trends Growth phase foreseen for ContributorsMesa County Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac But pandemic and inflation remain challenges in 2022, according to CU economist Phil Castle

The Business Times

Ivan Geer, principle and engineering project manager at River City Consultants, will serve as the next chairman of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Geer says one of his roles during his year-long term will be to ensure all voices are heard in directing chamber efforts.

Engineering efforts

Chamber chairman brings curiosity, team approach to role

I

van Geer enjoys his career as an engineer because, he says, he likes to learn how things work and solve problems. He also prefers a team effort over top down management.

It’s an approach Geer says he brings not only to his role as an owner of River City Consultants in Grand Junction, but also his roles on the governing boards of various organizations.

And it’s an approach he says he expects to bring to his upcoming term as chairman of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

While the local business climate remains conducive to continued growth, challenges persist, he says. They include the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as inflation and labor and housing shortages.

Change itself constitutes a challenge.

But the chamber is well-suited to address those challenges and serve as a business advocate, Geer says.

“We’re not afraid to tackle anything.”

Geer starts his year-long term in January. He will succeed Katie Powell, president of Munro Companies.

Geer says one of his duties will be to ensure all the voices on the chamber board are heard and the process remains transparent. One of the strengths of the chamber, he says, is the diversity of voices engaged in what is sometimes respectful dissent. “The small business voice is as big as the big business voice.”

Otherwise, Geer says he expects the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce to continue to do what it does best in serving as a catalyst for growth,

“This is one of the most relevant chambers in the nation.”

Ivan Geer a convener of leaders and groups and a champion for businesses and the community.

He cites as an example chamber involvement in a program implemented in the midst of the pandemic allowing businesses following public health guidelines and safety practices to operate under less stringent conditions. The Mesa County 5 Star program became a model for efforts elsewhere in Colorado and other states.

“This is one of the most relevant chambers in the nation,” he says.

Geer also cites the chamber’s role in appealing a proposed water quality rule imposing maximum levels for selenium and other pollutants in the Grand Valley. The proposed rule doesn’t take into account the amount of selenium found naturally in Grand Valley soils washed into the watershed. The resulting standards, he says, aren’t physically possible to meet.

Geer serves as a principle and engineering project manager with River City Consultants. Geer and Jeffrey Mace own the firm, which provides a range of surveying and engineering services to private and public-sector clients throughout Western Colorado.

See ENGINEERING page 12

STORY AND PHOTO BY PHIL CASTLE

Rich Wobbekind foresees good things in the year ahead for the Mesa County economy and local businesses.

“Right now, the economy here looks to be in a very strong growth phase,” said Wobbekind, senior economist at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

The agriculture, energy and tourism sectors are expected to fare well in 2022 and bolster the economy even as wages and incomes rise. Increases in Rich Wobbekind building permits and bank deposits also bode well, Wobbekind said.

Challenges remain, though, among them the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. That’s not to mention what could be additional challenges not yet known.

The business research division at the Leeds School of Business compiles an annual business and economic forecast for Colorado with sections for various industry sectors and geographic regions. Business, industry and government officials contribute to the report.

Wobbekind detailed the forecast for Mesa County as well as the state and nation during a presentation hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

The broad measure of goods and services produced in Mesa County rebounded in 2021 from a decrease in 2020, he said.

The seasonally unadjusted jobless rate dropped from a high of 12.8 percent in April 2020 to 4.7 percent in November 2021, the latest month for which estimates are avalable.

Overall employment has grown over the past year with gains in warehousing and business and professional services. Employment remains down in the mining and leisure and hospitality sectors. Wages and personal income remain strong, Wobbekind said.

“Life is pretty good based on those indicators,” he said.

Building permits, an indicator of construction activity, are up, as is the value of residential and nonresidential construction and infrastructure.

The number of passengers using commercial air service at the Grand Junciton Regional Airport has increased. So has the count of drilling rigs operating in Western Colorado, he said.

Bank deposits, a proxy for subsequent lending activity, have increased as well, he said. “This is a good sign.”

As for Colorado, Wobbekind said the forecast calls for nonfarm payrolls to grow 73,900 in 2022 as the state finally recoups jobs lost because of the pandemic and related restrictions. Gains are expected in each of 11 industry sectors.

The leisure and hospitality sector likely will realize the biggest gain at 31,700 jobs, but also suffered the biggest decrease in the pandemic.

See GROWTH page 14

December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

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Life is Precious

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

well-rounded perspective announces expansion Newnew 40,000-square-foot hangar planned to Mesa County role for growing operation inas well Grand Junction Phil Castle as New England and Canada.

The Business West Star AviationTimes has announced plans to expand its facilities in Grand Junction keep pace brings with its what growing Frankto Whidden he aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul considers a well-rounded perspective to his business. new job as Mesa County administrator.

The plans worked include Whidden a new 40,000-squarein information foot hangar and withholds an technology square aadditional master’s35,000 degree in feet of shopinformation and office computer space. systems.

But he also also holdsWesta Star doctoral plans to inexpand its degree applied facilities in Illinois and management Tennessee.making and Jim Rankin decision Frank Whidden “This expansion worked for more than planyears is our as most aggressive Whidden investmenthas in 20 a minister. our future date,”and saidsmall Jim Rankin, chief worked fortolarge organizations executive ofand the company. in both theofficer private public sectors.

“We are expects committed to implementing Whidden to draw on all of his sustainable growth that benefits our experiences in helping Mesa both County customers andmake our and employees. very commissioners carry out I’m decisions. proud of West 1,500 the employees Valuing staffStar’s and making county whoemployer have continued an of choiceto is provide among our the unique, industry experience to priorities, Whiddenleading said. So is planning our customers during these dynamic that results ineven sustainable funding and times. These expansion projects will ensure balanced budgets on a long-term basis.

WestMeanwhile, Star Aviation will positioned Mesabe well County will to meet customer demand the nexta continue to pursue effortsneeds that for promote five years and beyond.”environment and friendly business The expansion at Whidden Grand Junction economic development, said.

Whidden officially began working as county administrator at the beginning of the year. He succeeds Tom Fisher, who was hired as county manager in Summit County, Utah.

Whidden Mesa County in Four Grandjoined Junction-based companies August 2011 as information technology rank among the top 200 private firms in director.

April 2014, he latest became deputy Colorado,Inaccording to the results of county administrator an annual magazine listing. for resource management staffing reorganization Compiledinfora Colorado Biz magazine, that eliminated four the 2021 rankings aredirector based onpositions. self-reported joining Mesa County, grossBefore revenues for 2020. Companies must be Whidden worked for a company headquartered in Colorado to makeproviding the list. information technology services to Dalby, Wendland & Co., a public colleges and universities.

In that role, he accounting and business consulting firm, managed ITThe systems and services for ranked 59th. firm reported a 13 percent institutions in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois increase in gross revenues between 2019

will Whidden accommodate aircraft. larger said large people who A work in interior shop, composite shop tool information technology aren’t justand “geeks,” room are planned. but offer an important perspective because Scheduled for completion 2023, they’re familiar with nearly every in aspect of the expansion the operational operations andwill howincrease work gets done. They footprint forthink Westabout Star new Aviation to nearly also tend to and potentially 380,000 square feet. things in asking and better ways of doing At East Alton, the expansion will answering “what if ”Ill., questions.

“They know include a 40,000-square-foot hangar and how to effect change in an organization.”

48,000-square-foot paint hangar.

Whidden expects toshop bringand that same At Chattanooga, the expansion approach to his dutiesTenn., as administrator. will Whidden include asaid newit’s40,000-square-foot his role to help hangar an another 17,000 feet county with commissioners make square and then of shop anddecisions. support space as well as the implement The commissioners lease of represent an existing in turn the20,000-square-foot residents of the hangar. county and express their will, he said. “We Star Aviation offers a range workWest for the people.” of services the maintenance Whiddenthat saidinclude he also considers himself and repair of airframes, engines and a liaison between the commissioners and avionics as well as painting and interior county staff, and one of the priorities is to refurbishing.

In addition to its Whidden facilities make sure employees feel valued. at Junction saidthehe Grand hopes not only toRegional improveAirport, morale, West Startake Aviation operates in but also steps that will facilities make Mesa Aspen as well in Arizona, Countyand an Denver organization for aswhich people Illinois, Minneapolis, Missouri, Tennessee want to work. and Texas.

Meanwhile, Whidden expects the Thetocompany ranked the top county continue has policies andasinitiatives maintenance, repairbusiness and overhaul services that support local and economic provider for eight yearsare in an annual survey development.

There additional steps conducted Professional magazine. that can beby taken to make itPilot easier for local F businesses to sell products and services to the county, he added.

Mesa County will keep working with other government entities, organizations and institutions on fostering an environment that supports existing businesses and attracts new businesses, he said. between 2019 and 2020 to more than Whidden said there be a $7 million, but fell four spots incould the ranking. opportunities to encourage the additional Comfort Keepers employs 250 people. development of businesses that provide Rocky Mountain West Insurance made services to the agricultural industry well its first appearance in the ranking at as 180th. as promote Mesa County as a distribution The firm reported revenues of more than center for the region.a 452 percent increase $2 million in 2020, The important thing is to consider over 2019. issues from insurance a well-rounded perspective, A retail agency with branch Whidden said.

“We won’t be myopic as we agencies across the country, Rocky Mountain look at things.”

West Insurance ranked 755th in the Inc. magazine list of the ✦5,000 fastest-growing

Grand Junction companies rank among top private firms

and 2020 to $19.8 million, but fell five spots in the 2021 ranking. The company has made the list eight consecutive years.

Dalby, Wendland & Co. operates the largest public accounting firm headquartered in Western Colorado with offices in Grand Junction as well as Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Rifle and Telluride and a total of 93 employees.

Bray & Co., a real estate and property management firm, ranked 71st in its first appearance on the list. The company reported more than $13.8 million in revenues in 2020, down 4 percent from 2019.

Celebrating its 75th year in business in 2021, Bray & Co. employs 110 people.

Comfort Keepers, a home care services provider, ranked 109th. The firm reported a 28 percent increase in revenues

private companies in the United States for 2021. The firm employs 12 people.

Other companies headquartered in Western Colorado also made the 2021 list of the top private firms in the state.

Alpine Bank made its first appearance on the list at 33rd. The bank reported revenues of more than $51.1 million in 2020, down 12 percent from 2019.

Headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Alpine Bank operates locations across Colorado and employs 790 people.

Mayfly Outdoors, a fishing equipment manufacturer based in Montrose, ranked 74th. The company moved up three spots with revenues of nearly $12.9 million, up 30 percent. Mayfly Outdoors employs 109 people.

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

The Business Times

Fruita business approved for Jump-Start program A Fruita-based firm that’s developed software to reduce mobile data consumption has been approved to participate in a state tax incentive program.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved Sky Peak Technologies for the Rural Jump-Start Program.

Sky Peak Technologies plans to open a new office in Fruita and hire at least five software developers. The company is working with Colorado Mesa University to recruit talent.

The firm has developed proprietary software to reduce mobile data consumption and costs for mobile operators. Earlier this year, the company won the Greater Colorado Pitch Series held in conjunction with West Slope Startup Week.

The Rural Jump-Start Program offers participating companies a 100 percent credit on income and sales taxes for four years with an opportunity to extend that for an additional four years.

Participants are also eligible for special cash grants.

Businesses must add a minimum of three net new jobs in high-paying, highly skilled fields. In Mesa County, businesses also must form partnerships with CMU through mentorship and internship opportunities as well as community involvement.

Sky Peak Technologies is the fourth

company approved to join the Rural Jump-Start Program in Mesa County since August.

The other three companies are: n Valkyrie Recovery Systems, a firm providing parachutes and other fabric devices to slow down and safely land rockets, aerial vehicles, payloads and satellites designed to re-enter the atmosphere. Launched this year in Grand Junction, the company expects to double its staff in 2022 as well as bring in interns from the CMU engineering program. n Lyttle’s Fleet, a manufacturer that relocated to Grand Junction from California.

The firm provides upfitting for large vehicle manufacturers, installing truck beds and handling other finishing work. The company has several large contracts under way. n SCOR’D, a company that’s developed an application connecting consumers with socially responsible companies. The firm is looking for office space and employees to run and improve the technology.

Three more companies were approved earlier this year to participate in the Rural Jump-Start Program — Eco Super Structures, Hayden Data and Acom Unlimited.

Since the program started in 2015, 25 companies have participated in the program in Mesa County.

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

Colorado ranks 20th in state business tax comparison Colorado ranks 20th among the 50 collect in taxes, but also HOW STATES RATE states in the latest comparison of how tax how well they structure systems affect businesses. their tax systems.

Here are the top and bottom Colorado fared well in the comparison Colorado has ranged five rankings in the 2022 State for lower corporate and individual income between 19th and 23rd in Business Tax Climate Index: taxes, but less so for property and sales the index since 2014.

1. Wyoming 46. Maryland taxes and unemployment insurance.

For the 2022 index, 2. South Dakota 47. Connecticut The Tax Foundation — a nonprofit, Colorado ranked sixth for 3. Alaska 48. California nonpartisan tax research organization the lowest corporate tax 4. Florida 49. New York based in Washington, D.C. — compiles rate and 14th for the lowest 5. Montana 50. New Jersey the State Business Tax Climate Index to individual income tax rate. compare states for the competitiveness of The state ranked fared less their tax codes. The index takes into account variables well at 34th for property taxes, 38th for sales taxes and in five major areas of taxation: corporate and individual 41st for unemployment insurance taxes. income taxes, property and sales taxes and unemployment Wyoming remained atop the index for a ninth straight insurance. The index compares not only how much states year. Wyoming imposes no corporate or individual income

taxes and ranks sixth for sales tax.

South Dakota remained second and also imposes no corporate or individual income taxes. Alaska ranked third, followed by Florida at fourth and Montana at fifth. Alaska imposes no individual income tax or sales tax. Florida imposes no individual income tax. Montana imposes no sales tax.

New Jersey remained last in the 2022 index at 50th.

The state imposes some of the highest corporate and individual income taxes as well as property and sales taxes.

New York ranked 49th with the highest individual income tax and comparatively high property and sales taxes.

California ranked 48th, followed by Connecticut at 47th and Maryland at 46th.

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

News, views Airport to get and advice $2.2 million you can use federal grant

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The Grand Junction Regional Airport will receive more than $2.2 million in the first year of federal grants for airportrelated projects.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has given us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build safer and more sustainable airports that connect individuals to jobs and communities to the world,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“With this new funding, urban, regional and rural airports across the country now can get to work on projects that have waited for years, modernizing their infrastructure and building a better America.”

The federal legislation allocates $15 billion over five years for airportrelated projects as defined under airport improvement grant and passenger facility charge criteria. The money can be used for runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects.

The Federal Aviation Administration estimated the backlog of airport projects totals $43.6 billion.

For the 2022 fiscal year, $2.89 billion has been made available to airports around the nation. Airports will submit proposals to the FAA for review in coming weeks.

Colorado airports will receive a total of more than $86 million.

Grand Junction Regional Airport will receive $2,242,202.

Elsewhere in Western Colorado, grants will range from $2,582,155 for the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport to $157,000 for Blake Field in Delta. The Eagle County Airport will receive $1,899,256, the Montrose Airport $1,795,211 and Rifle Garfield County Airport $295,000.

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Construction begins on art center project

A groundbreaking ceremony kicked off construction on a new gallery and other improvements at the Art Center of Western Colorado in Grand Junction.

The project will include a 1,700-squarefoot gallery named in honor of Grand Valley artist Jac Kephart.

The project also will include a new space for education programs, updates to the Gould Gallery, the installation of a fire mitigation system to protect the building and collections and upgrades to the permanent collection preservation.

The expansion will be the latest for the Arts Center, which has grown over 68 years from a two-story house to a 13,000-squarefoot arts campus The Art Center continues a $600,000 capital campaign for the Jac Kephart Gallery and other improvements. For more information or donation, visit the website at https://gjartcenter.org/kephartproject.

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

News, views Grants fund and advice Mesa County you can use conservation

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projects

A total of nearly $133,000 in grants have been awarded to fund four conservation projects in Mesa County.

The Great Outdoors Colorado board of directors approved the grants as part of a partnership with the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA).

The program funds the employment of Scott Segerstrom conservation corps for natural resource and outdoor recreation projects.

“These resources will result in communities safer from wildland fire, waterways flowing free from invasive species and enhanced recreational infrastructure to support our outdoor economy,” said Scott Segerstrom, executive director of the CYCA. “Most importantly, this partnership will create hundreds of jobs that will be filled by youth and young adults recruited from communities across the state. The professional development and leadership growth they experience will be the amazing legacy of this investment.”

A grant of $53,670 was awarded to the Colorado West Land Trust for watershed restoration and habitat enhancement projects at Pinyon Mesa. A Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC) crew will work for six weeks to install structures in meadows and stream corridors, remove invasive vegetation and fencing and stimulate aspen growth. The projects are part of a multi-year collaboration with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Mountain Island Ranch, RiversEdge West, Trout Unlimited and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

A grant of $31,920 to Mesa County Public Health will employ a WCCC crew to build 4 miles of trail at the North Fruita Desert Special Recreation Management Area.

The trail is a high priority in a master plan for the area.

A grant of $28,350 to Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest Management will employ a WCCC crew for three weeks for tamarisk removal and treatments along the Dolores River.

A grant of $18,900 to the Town of Palisade and its partners from the Desert Rivers Collaborative and RiversEdge West will employ a WCCC crew for two weeks for tamarisk and Russian olive removal at Riverbend Park.

Great Outdoors Colorado allocates a portion of proceeds from the Colorado Lottery to preserve and enhance parks, wildlife areas and open spaces. Since 1992, GOCO has funded a total of more than 5,500 projects in all 64 counties of Colorado.

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

Engineering

Continued from page 2 River City Consultants has been involved in major projects in the region, including the Redlands Mesa golf community and other residential and commercial developments as well as more recently a compressed natural gas project in Grand Junction.

Geer joined the firm in 2016 and subsequently joined Mace as owners as part of a succession from older partners to younger partners.

Geer says he wears a lot of proverbial hats as an owner of an engineering firm, including not only administration, but also human resources, client relations, project management and design.

He says he prefers a team approach to a hierarchical structure. “Everybody’s role is critical in the products we produce.”

Geer grew up in Grand Junction and attended the University of Notre Dame. He says he initially considered a career as a doctor, but switched his course of study to apply an analytical skill set that fits well with engineering.

He says he enjoys learning how things work — including the important infrastructure people take for granted.

There’s another aspect of engineering he enjoys. “You’re always solving problems.”

He worked for a decade with a firm in Wisconsin, then decided to return to the Grand Valley.

He worked for Grand Junction Pipe and then Summit Materials as a project manager and aggregates manager, which he says provided him experience on the materials side of the business.

In addition to his work at River City Consultants, Geer also has served on the boards of a number of local organizations, including the Grand Junction Economic Partnership and HopeWest. He serves as chairman of the Grand Junction Housing Authority.

He joined the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce board three years ago.

He says it’s important to give back, but he also enjoys working with organizations with good missions and staff. Moreover, public service affords another opportunity to learn how things work.

The chamber plays an important role in promoting the strength of local businesses, which he says promotes the strength of the community.

The outlook is encouraging, he says, as the Grand Valley grows and a more diverse economy attenuates what had been a boom-and-bust cycle. “Overall, I think it’s a super strong business climate.”

It’s also one with challenges, he says, among them a pandemic, inflation and labor and housing shortages. Moreover, the pace of change has accelerated. “Change is the biggest challenge.”

But the chamber can help businesses respond to those challenges.

As for his role, Geer says he’s an engineer. One who enjoys learning how things work and solving problems.

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

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Mesa County tax collections keep trending upward A key measure of sales activity continues to increase in Mesa County.

The county reported a 15.3 percent increase in sales and use tax collections in November compared to the same month a year ago. November collections reflect October sales.

As of press deadline, the City of Grand Junction hadn’t yet posted its latest tax report on its website.

Mesa County collected a total of more than $4.2 million in sales and use taxes, an increase of nearly $558,000 compared to November 2020. Sales tax collections rose

15.8 percent. Use tax collections — most on automobiles purchased outside the county, but used in the county — rose 10.6 percent.

Tax collections on retail sales totaled more than $1.35 million, a year-over-year increase of 17 percent.

Collections on internet sales rose 18.2 percent.

Sales tax collections increased 18.4 percent on home improvements and 13.7 percent on restaurant meals and hotel stays. Collections slipped 1.1 percent on automobiles.

Through the first 11 months of 2021, the county

collected a total of nearly $44.5 million in sales and use taxes. That was an increase of more than $7.5 million and 20.5 percent over the same span in 2020. Sales tax collections rose 19.9 percent. Use tax collections increased 26.9 percent.

Year-to-date collections rose 19.1 percent on retail sales to nearly $14.4 million. Collections on internet sales rose 29 percent to more than $2.6 million.

Sales tax collections rose 28.7 percent on home improvements as well as restaurant meals and hotel stays.

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Growth

Continued from page 2 Professional and business services are expected to add 8,200 jobs, followed by government at 7,000, education and health services at 5,900 and financial activities at 5,100. Payrolls are forecast to grow 4,900 in the trade, transportation and utilities sector and 4,000 in construction. At 600 each, the smallest job gains are expected for the natural resources and mining and information sectors.

Labor shortages likely will limit what would be additional gains, Wobbekind said. “We don’t see the workers right now.”

Housing shortages also will present challenges, he said. While construction has filled some of the gap, it hasn’t made up what he called a significant deficit.

Higher prices have spurred activity in the energy sector in Colorado, and the natural resources and mining sector is expected to add back jobs for the first time in two years, he said. Colorado ranks fifth nationally for crude oil production and seventh for natural gas production.

Wobbekind said he also expects a good year ahead for the agriculture industry, although drought remains a concern.

The United States has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels for many economic measures, he said. Gross domestic product is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4 percent in 2022.

Full employment is expected to return by the end of 2022, a year ahead of what many economists forecast. “This has really been kind of miraculous,” he said.

Between October and November, the U.S. jobless rate fell four-tenths of a point to 4.2 percent. Employment has increased 18.5 million since April 2020, but remains 3.9 million lower than February 2020.

At the same time, wage compensation has climbed to its highest level ever, Wobbekind said.

Labor shortges persist, however, and businesses struggle to hire and retain employees, he said.

Inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index was 6.8 percent higher in November than the same month last year, he said. “This is ugly and you know it.”

Concerns over inflation have affected consumer condidence, which could in turn reduce consumer spending and business investment.

Wobbekind said he expects supply chain issues to be worked out by the third quarter of 2022, but continue to present challenges until then.

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News Trends Contributors Jobless rate holds steady Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac The Business Times

December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

Page 15

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings t New business filings in Colorado, 38,211 in the third quarter, down 1.2% from the third quarter of 2020.

n Confidence

t Consumer Confidence Index 109.5 in November, down 2.1. t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 56.1 for the fourth quarter, down 11.2. s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 98.4 for November, up 0.2.

n Foreclosures

s Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 3 in November, up from 2 in November 2020.

n Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 0 in November, unchanged from 0 in November 2020.

n Indexes

s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 114.49 for November, up 1.46. s Conference Board Leading Economic Index 119.9 for November, up 1.1%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 61.1% for November, up 0.3%.

n Lodging

s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $249,464 for October, up 75.5% from October 2020.

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 440 in November, down 6% from November 2020. s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $170 million in November, up 11.1% from November 2020.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $6.39 million for October, up 17.8% from October 2020. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.2 million for November, up 15.3% from November 2020.

n Unemployment n Mesa County — 4.7% for November, unchanged. t Colorado — 5.1% for November, down 0.3. t United States — 4.2% for November, down 0.4.

Labor demand remains strong, especially in the health care sector Phil Castle

over the same span in 2020 and 46 percent increase over the same period in 2019.

Englehart said the volume of job Nov. Oct. The monthly unemployment rate orders has increased to the highest level s Delta County 4.4 4.0 remains unchanged in Mesa County even he’s seen in the five years he’s worked as s Garfield County 4.2 4.1 as labor demand remains strong, especially director. n Mesa County 4.7 4.7 in the health care sector.

While job orders are spread out among s Montrose County 4.3 4.0 The labor force most industry sectors, the majority come s Rio Blanco County 4.6 4.1 continues to grow, from health care, he said. “It’s a dire need positioning the county right now.” well for the year ahead, said Curtis Englehart, Englehart encouraged students and retirees considering director of the Mesa County Workforce Center working part-time to apply for positions in health care and help in Grand Junction. “I’m hopeful we can keep fill that need. They can call the Mesa County Workforce Center at up this momentum.”

248-7560 to talk with an employment specialist.

The seasonally unadjusted jobless rate Looking ahead, Englehart said he expects the jobless rate remained unchanged between October and to hold steady or perhaps decline slightly for December. He also Curtis Englehart November at 4.7 percent, according to the expects the typical spike in the rate in January, then a gradual latest estimates from the Colorado Department decline in 2022. of Labor and Employment.

Between October and November, seasonally unadjusted The jobless rate has dropped more than three points since unemployment rates increased in neighboring Western Colorado January with declines in eight out of the last 10 months. At this counties — a half point to 4.6 percent in Rio Blanco County, time last year, the rate stood at 6.7 percent. four-tenths of a point to 4.4 percent in Delta County, three-tenths Between October and November, Mesa County payrolls of a point to 4.3 percent in Montrose County and a tenth of a point increased 127 to 73,896. The number of people counted among to 4.2 percent in Garfield County. those unsuccessfully looking for work also rose — 40 to 3,639.

The state seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell three-tenths of a The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, point to 5.1 percent as nonfarm payrolls grew 9,800. increased 167 to 77,535.

Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls increased 117,500 with Compared to a year ago, payrolls increased 1,668 even as the the biggest gains in the leisure and hospitality; professional and ranks of the unemployed decreased 1,557. The workforce edged business services; and trade, transportation and utilities sectors. up 111 for a fifth consecutive month of year-over-year gains.

Construction employment declined 1,400.

Englehart said lower jobless rates in recent months more Over the past 19 months, Colorado has regained 322,000 of the accurately reflect labor market conditions.

375,800 jobs lost between February and April 2020 at the onset of Labor demand as measured by the number of job orders posted the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. That job recovery at the Mesa County Workforce Center continues to increase, he rate of 85.7 percent exceeds the national rate of 82.5 percent. said.

The average workweek for employees on private nonfarm For November, 1,102 orders were posted, a nearly 61 percent payrolls shortened 1.2 hours over the past year to 33.1 hours. increase over the same month a year ago. Through November, Average hourly earning increased $1.78 to $33.05.

10,788 orders were posted in 2021. That’s an 80 percent increase F The Business Times

AREA JOBLESS RATES

Small Business Optimism Index edges upward A measure of optimism among small business owners has edged up, but also reflects record-low expectations for improving conditions.

“As the end of the year nears, the outlook for business conditions is not encouraging to small business owners as lawmakers propose additional mandates and tax increases,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National Federation of Independent Business.

“Owners are also pessimistic as many continue managing challenges like rampant inflation and supply chain disruptions.”

The NFIB reported its Small Business Bill Dunkelberg Optimism Index rose two-tenths of a point to 98.4 in November.

The small business advocacy group bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of members, most of them small business owners. For November, four of 10 components of the index increased, four declined and two remain unchanged.

The proportion of those responding to the survey upon which the November index was based who said they expect the economy to improve in coming months fell a point from October to a net negative 38 percent and a tie for the lowest reading in the 48-year history of the index.

A net 27 percent of respondents reported plans to increase

capital outlays, down four points. A net 10 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, unchanged.

A net 25 percent reported plans to increase staffing, down one point. A net 48 percent reported unfilled job openings, also down a point.Asked to identify their single most important business problem, 29 percent cited quality of labor and 9 percent cost of labor.

A net 44 percent of respondents said they raised compensation, a record-high proportion. A net 32 percent said they expect to raise compensation in the next three months, also a record.

The share of those who said they expect more sales rose two points to 2 percent.

The share of those reporting higher earnings remained unchanged. But at a net negative 17 percent, a bigger share reported lower earnings. Among those reporting higher earnings, 61 percent credited sales volume. Of those reporting lower earnings, 32 percent blamed the cost of materials and 25 percent lower sales.

A net 10 percent reported plans to increase inventories, up two points. A net 15 percent said they consider current inventories too low, up six points.

A net 59 percent of respondents reported raising selling prices, an increase of six points from October and the highest reading since 1979. Price hikes were most frequent in the wholesale, construction and manufacturing sectors.

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Page 16

The Business Times

December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

Leading index forecasts continued U.S. growth An index forecasting economic widespread, however.

INDEXES AT A GLANCE conditions in the United States continues Gross domestic product, to increase, signaling growth in the months the broad measure of goods Here are the readings for ahead. and services produced in the the three Conference Board The Conference Board reported its U.S., grew at an annual rate economic indexes for November: 2 percent in the third quarter Leading Economic Index rose 1.1 percent s Leading Index 1.1% to 119.9 in November. A separate measure and 6.7 percent in the second s Coincident Index 0.3% quarter. of current conditions also increased, while t Lagging Index 0.1% For November, eight a measure of past performance edged down. of 10 indicators of the The Leading Economic Index has advanced nine straight months, but remains below its index advanced, including average weekly manufacturing previous peak in February 2020 and the onset of the hours, building permits, interest rate spread, leading credit COVID-19 pandemic. and new orders indexes, new orders for consumer goods Over the past six months, the index rose 4.6 percent, and stock prices. A decrease in average weekly initial slower than the 4.9 percent gain in the six-month period claims for unemployment benefits also bolstered the index. before that. Strengths among the leading indicators remained Consumer expectations for business conditions retreated.

New orders for capital goods held steady.

The Coincident Economic Index rose three-tenths of a percent to 106.7. The index increased 2 percent over the past six months.

For November, all four indicators advanced: industrial production, nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales.

The Lagging Economic Index slipped a tenth of a percent to 107.2. The index has increased 1.3 percent over the past three months For November, three of seven indicators advanced: commercial and industrial financing, consumer credit and inventories. Labor and services costs declined. An increase in the average duration of unemployment also pulled down the index. The average prime rate charged by banks held steady.

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Trends Contributors Opinionuncertainty Mandate Business Briefs Business People Almanac

December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

The Business Times

Page 17

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual banquet as well as its trip to the Colorado Legislature.

The banquet is set for 6 to 11:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Grand Junction Convention Center located at 159 Main St. The fund-raising event will include networking and the presentation of Businesses of the Year and Citizen of the Year awards. Advance registration and payment are required. Fees can’t be canceled or refunded 14 business days prior to the event. Substitutions and special assistance requests may be made up until seven business days prior to the event.

The annual legislative days trip to the Colorado Capitol in Denver is set for Feb. 24 and 25.

The trip will feature conversations with legislators, including a dinner with more than 30 lawmakers.

To register for or obtain more information about upcoming chamber events, call 242-3214 or visit https://gjchamber.org. n The next Coffee Club meeting is set for 9 to 10 a.m.

Jan. 21 at the FWorks coworking space at 325 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita.

A collaborative event organized by FWorks, the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce and Business Incubator Center, the meeting will offer coffee, networking and a discussion of small business issues. The event is free for Fruita chamber members and $5 for others.

For additional information, call 243-5242 or log on to the website at http://gjincubator.org.

Employers face changing circumstances with COVID-19 vaccinations The status of COVID-19 vaccination mandates has been confusing to say the least. Here’s a look at federal and state mandates as well as exemptions A minimum of three federal mandates affect most employers in the United States.

President Joe Biden announced on Sept. 9 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would institute an emergency temporary standard mandating COVID vaccinations. OSHA issued a standard on Nov. 4 that requires most private employers with 100 or more employees to mandate the following: and enforce a vaccination Kelly policyn Implement that requires mandatory COVID Murphy vaccinations or covered employees who aren’t vaccinated to submit to weekly testing with negative results and wear a mask in the workplace. n Require employees who aren’t fully vaccinated to test at least once every seven days before reporting to work. n Provide employees a reasonable amount of time to obtain vaccinations, including up to four hours of paid time off outside of established leave plans. Employers also must David provide paid sick leave to recover from any Scanga side effects from the vaccination if necessary. n Keep records of acceptable proof of vaccination and rosters of employees indicating their vaccination status, COVID test results and work- related COVID fatalities, injuries or hospitalizations. n Report work-related COVID fatalities to OSHA within eight hours of being informed of the deaths and report any work-related in-patient hospitalizations within 24 hours of learning about the admissions.

Biden’s executive order on Sept. 9 also required federal workers and contractors to receive COVID vaccinations. On Sept. 24, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force promulgated its COVID workplace safety guidance for federal contractors and subcontractors. The guidance was updated as late as Nov. 24. The guidance required covered federal contractors to have employees fully vaccinated by Dec. 8. Covered federal contractors include subcontractors, even if they’re small businesses.

On Nov. 4, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued regulations requiring COVID vaccinations for most health care

Until these matters are resolved, employers must wait. It’s recommended, though, that employers prepare for the mandates by drafting policies and plans for implementation even if it proves a futile process. workers at health care facilities certified by CMS. The regulations apply to both clinical and nonclinical staff. That includes employees, licensed practitioners, students, trainees, contractors and others with direct or indirect contact. That also includes contractors who provide treatment or services to the facility. The regulations require the vaccination series be completed by Jan. 4.

At this point, each of the three federal mandates have been enjoined by federal court rulings and still face a minimum of 34 lawsuits. On Dec. 8, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution to repeal the emergency temporary standard drafted by OSHA. President Biden promised to veto the measure if it passes the House and reaches his desk.

Until these matters are resolved, employers must wait. It’s recommended, though, that employers prepare for the mandates by drafting policies and plans for implementation even if it proves a futile process.

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment seems more stable in its regulation mandating COVID vaccinations for all licensed health facilities.

On Aug. 30, the CDPHE adopted a rule mandating facilities to implement and enforce a policy to guarantee 100 percent of their employees, direct contractors and support staff obtain full COVID vaccinations or approved exemptions for religious or medical reasons.

The rule requires individuals who have the potential for exposure to clients of the facility or to infectious materials, contaminated surfaces or contaminated air comply with the vaccinaiton mandate. We know employees in the health care setting are exposed. But what about independent contractors, volunteers and those not directly involved in the patient care? The following individuals need a closer look: n Students, trainees and residents. n Independent practitioners and nursing and agency staffs. n Support staff or volunteers who could be exposed to COVID in or outside of the facility.

See MANDATE page 21

Page 18

The Business Times

December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

To lead or to boss? That’s an important question If you’re like most people, you’ve worked for a variety of business owners and managers over your lifetime. A few probably stand out in your mind as people you enjoyed working for, while others created an unpleasant work environment. There’s likely no doubt in your mind about the type of person for which you’d prefer to work.

There’s a vast difference between being a leader and being a boss.

Leaders collaborate, guide, influence, inspire, mentor and support others to foster movement in a desired direction. Conversely, bosses often control, domineer and use fear and intimidation to get ever more out of the people they oversee.

Leaders are service-oriented and see themselves as part of a team.

Marcus With this mindset, there’s no need Straub for blame, only a collaborative effort on a shared mission. Bosses tend to be self-centered and power hungry. They believe they’re special and stand above everyone else. Because there’s no team concept, they play the blame game.

Leaders view team members as human beings with their own hopes, dreams and desires. Leaders coach their people in the pursuit of achieving their goals and help them become more than they were. Bosses see people as objects in their pursuit of success, riches and power. They drive their people and use them up along the way.

Leaders foster goodwill and enthusiasm, creating an environment where their teammates want to give as much as possible. Leaders realize they don’t have control over others and endeavor instead to help their people gain more self-control, make better decisions and become leaders themselves. Bosses rely on authority and fear to make

Leaders foster the best in others, treating people like valuable human beings capable of accomplishing great things.

individuals do more and more for as little as possible.

Bosses believe that when their people are intimidated and afraid, they’re in control.

Leaders give credit where it’s due and readily accept responsibility as part of the team. They work with their people for solutions and inspire others through their positive example of personal accountability and teamwork. Bosses love to take all the credit for things that go well and none of the accountability for things that don’t. To maintain their authority and control, they believe they can never be at fault.

Leaders recognize that when a person receives quality instruction and training, understanding and efficiency are created. Leaders also know that sharing their time and knowledge helps their people become more competent and. therefore, confident. Conversely, bosses like to tell others how to do things rather than get involved and demonstrate the process. They’re more interested in exerting power and control than teaching others how and why something should be done.

Leaders rely on the intelligence of their team members, understanding no one person knows it all. They seek out and welcome the ideas of others, knowing this contributes to the overall success of the team. Bosses, on the other hand, believe they know it all and they’re the only ones with the answers.

They don’t welcome the knowledge of others, which leaves their people uninspired and disheartened.

Leaders willingly assist in the empowerment of their team members — and, therefore, the entire company —

and lead everyone to increased happiness and success.

Rather than simply bossing people around, leaders assist others in becoming their best. Bosses tend to disempower and demoralize individuals, making them and their company less of what they could be.

Through their commitment to communication and mentoring, leaders foster the best in others, treating people like valuable human beings capable of accomplishing great things. Through their lack of appreciation and dictatorial management, bosses lay the foundation for more absenteeism, disloyalty, distrust, resentment and turnover and less efficiency, performance and productivity.

The biggest difference between these two management styles is a leader empowers team members and inspires them to personal and professional greatness, while a boss disempowers people to wield control over them.

Are you a leader or a boss? If you recognize the need or desire for leadership development, take the powerful step of working with a qualified professional to become a respected leader on your team.

The admired leaders among us believe in and value human beings and work diligently to help their team members become leaders in their own right. Bosses do not.

Marcus Straub owns Life is Great Coaching in Grand Junction. His personalized coaching and consulting services help individuals, business owners, executives and companies build teams, organizations and lives filled with happiness and success. Straub is winner of the International Coach of the Year Award and author of “Is It Fun Being You?” He’s available for free consultations regarding coaching, speaking and trainings. Reach Straub at (970) 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

The Business Times

Page 19

Better habits lead to greater business success Have you set goals for your business? Have you planned how you’ll achieve those goals? Consider this simple, five-step process to help you focus and get ready for a great new year. n Create a specific, measurable goal or set of goals. Such goals as join more organizations, attend chamber of commerce business after hours events or become active in a professional association are too vague. It’s too easy to come up with an excuse for not meeting such nebulous goals.

Consider these goals instead. And write them down so you can monitor your progress.

Janet Chose and join two organizations Arrowood — one civic and one professional—by Feb. 1. Attend at least one function, committee meeting, conference or similar event each month for each organization Volunteer for at least one committee for each of the two organizations and attend at least three out of every four meetings. Schedule these meetings in your calendar or electronic organizer system.

Make quantifiable goal-setting and writing down these goals a habit. Do it right away. One approach I’ve used for years is to set aside the first 30 to 60 minutes of each workweek to write down my goals and tasks for the week, check them off as I complete them and then review these accomplishments at the end of the week. Anything that’s not completed can be either deleted as not important or carried over as a priority for the next week. n Use cues to keep yourself focused on your goals.

Writing down goals and tasks provides a cue to ensure you actually do what you intended. Using such electronic

Highly effective, successful business owners develop and implement productive habits to focus and streamline their business activities.

reminders as a calendar alarm helps get you where you committed to be and on time. Another example of cueing harks back to the “write it down” system I just mentioned.

If you make time to quantify your goals and tasks, log them and validate their completion, you form a valuable habit that will make you more focused, productive and far more effective at work.

Setting and following cues leads to specific plans and goals and ensures task completion. This focus helps you anticipate issues and problems and work around them or push through them. n Emphasize consistency and repetition. Repetition can be boring, but also makes tasks easier since they become less complex with each repetition.

If your goal is to develop and implement a living business plan, having a set schedule for reviewing, validating and updating that plan is essential. Rereading what you’ve already seen several times isn’t very exciting.

But making this a regular, consistent task creates a process. This process leads to a habit of regular reviews and updates of your plan, in turn making it a truly useful business tool. n Remain flexible. You need focus, routine and repetition to form effective business habits. But at the same time, you must remain flexible enough to adapt to and thrive with change. A consistent routine usually equates to efficiency.

But if the activity becomes too rote, you could lose sight

of other opportunities, focusing on efficiency instead of effectiveness. Adding flexibility to your business routines, but still focusing on quantitative goals and tasks, can increase both effectiveness and overall results.

If you regularly schedule a team meeting for 8 a..m.

Mondays, change the time and day to 1 p.m. Tuesday for one or two weeks. Consider adding a few extra people or a short business-building presentation by an outsider to shake things up without breaking the habits you’ve formed. n Build an outside support team. Outside advisors bring different perspectives to your business. These advisors might include your accountant and lawyer, but also could include other business owners, mentors or members of you social network. A team approach is often key to business success.

Consult with these people to discuss problems or exchange ideas. Meetings should be regular, structured and scheduled.

The bottom line?

Highly effective, successful business owners develop and implement productive habits to focus and streamline their business activities. Developing a new habit isn’t easy since it goes against the grain for so many of us. But the end results are so worthwhile.

A new year is starting, so maybe now is the time to lay the groundwork for greater business success through more effective, focused habits.

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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Page 20

The Business Times

December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

Resolve to achieve SMART goals in 2022

We’re approaching a new year and the overwhelming tradition of making resolutions.

It seems Jan. 1 has become the day when we compile our lists and proclaim this will be the year we change our lives for the better. Losing weight, breaking bad habits and saving money usually top the lists.

Will this year’s list look like last year’s list? For most of us, they’ll be very similar. So why are New Year’s resolutions unsuccessful? Simply put, it’s because there’s no plan to follow.

Paula This year, don’t call it a New Year’s Reece resolution list. Call it your goals list.

The reason I encourage the change is this: Goals work. Goals mean action. Goals involve a plan.

Most of us make a list for the grocery store or errands to run or create an agenda for a meeting. These activities have one thing in common — they detail what needs to be done and how we intend to do it. You set goals each day whether they’re written down on paper or compiled in a mental list in your head.

When you write your goals list for 2022, begin by asking yourself some basic questions. Why do you want to achieve these goals? How will it change your life if you do?

This year, don’t call it a New Year’s resolution list. Call it your goals list.

The reason I encourage the change is this: Goals work. Goals mean action. Goals involve a plan.

The second step is to prioritize the items according to what’s most important. Limiting a goals list to only a few items you’re really serious about will make it easier to devote the time and attention needed to make you successful.

Take one item at a time and turn it into a goal. Perhaps you’ve written down that your No. 1 goal is to lose weight.

Try using the SMART system when writing your goal. n Beginning with “S,” make your goal specific. You might write down your top goal is to “lose weight.” How much? n The “M” stands for measurable. You have to be able to measure your progress. n The “A” stands for attainable. Divide a big goal into smaller goals. Remember the joke about how to eat an elephant? The punch line: One bite at a time. n The “R” stands for reasonable. Many people set

unrealistic goals. Create a goal you can actually see yourself completing. n The “T” stands for timely. Goals take time to achieve. You need to know how much time you’re willing to spend to achieve your goal. Most importantly, give yourself a timeline of when you want to achieve it.

Another important factor in realizing your New Year’s goals is accountability. You must hold yourself accountable. Decide ahead of time each week what you plan to do. Take two group exercises classes, attend a strength training class or exercise with a buddy, for example. Tell someone who’s close to you about your plan, then ask for help in keeping on track.

Setting goals that follow the SMART plan and holding yourself accountable will lead to success. Planning and commitment make the difference between realizing the goals you want to achieve to enhance your life or waiting until January 2023 and putting the same items back on your list. Challenge yourself this year to set goals, not resolutions.

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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Higher prices affect economic and commercial real estate outlook What’s the outlook for the economy and commercial real estate in 2022?

Let’s start with some information about the economy. The cost of everything seems to be rising quickly.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed that in its latest numbers for the Consumer Price Index. The index has increased 6.8 percent compared to a year ago. That increase doesn’t include housing and other non-consumables that have climbed substantially as well.

Tim The CPI serves as a means for Whitney adjusting income payments. According to the BLS, more than 2 million workers are covered by collective bargaining agreements tying wages to the CPI. The index also affects the income of almost 80 million people as a result of statutory action,

including 47.8 million Social Security beneficiaries, 4.1 million military and federal civil services retirees and survivors and 22.4 million food stamp recipients.

Some private firms and individuals use the CPI to keep rents, royalties, alimony payments and child support payments in line with changing prices. With few exceptions, it looks like everyone is getting a raise, although I suspect they aren’t getting enough to keep up with the real cost of inflation. Real average earnings for all employees decreased four-tenths of a percent in November.

The Federal Reserve has announced plans to start tapering bond buying and could increase interest rates three times over the next year to try to tame inflation. To me, it feels like too little too late. Expect prices to continue increasing early next year. Maybe we should all just start wearing those whip inflation now buttons that came out during the Gerald Ford presidency.

How does this affect the outlook for commercial real estate next year? Landlords with leases including CPI

increases are well positioned, and investor demand for quality real estate will continue. Overall, most properties will increase in value in 2022, albeit at a slower rate than 2021, with investment in multi-family leading the way.

Industrial will fare well, and retail properties should continue to rebound with a pickup in new construction.

Office properties will struggle, and hotels might not fully recover until 2023.

Depending on the effects of the COVID pandemic, it looks like we’ll be moving in a positive direction in 2022.

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

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

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Mandate

Continued from page 17 Employers must understand not only which mandates apply to them, but also how to handle religious and medical exemption requests. Employers should first review the applicable mandates and determine how the requirements deal with exemptions. Second, employers must determine how to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII and other anti-discrimination laws when implementing vaccination mandates.

In Colorado, the CDPHE indicates each facility may determine the criteria as long as it is documented.

Federally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidance for employers handling employee requests for religious exemptions. Specifically, they stated employees must inform the employer of the request based on a conflict with a sincerely held belief, practice or observance. In their own form — found at www.eeoc.gov — the EEOC requires employees to identify the following: n What requirement, policy or practice conflicts with the sincerely held belief, practice or observance. n The nature of the sincerely held belief, practice or observance that conflicts with the requirement. n What specific accommodations or modifications the employee requests.

The CDPHE has more stringent requirements for medical exemptions, including a form signed by a Colorado licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse such as a nurse practitioner or a certified midwife. This form must indicate the individual is medically contraindicated to the vaccine as described specifically in the product label for FDA-approved vaccines.

To comply with federal law, employers should require appropriate documentation from health care providers when employees request an accommodation due to a medical reason.

Given the changing environment, employers should connect with legal counsel, human resource consulting firms and government websites to remain informed.

Kelly Murphy works as a human resources business partner with Lighthouse HR Support in Grand Junction. She brings to her duties nearly 30 years of experience as well as designations as a Professional in Human Resources and Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional. She also serves on the Western Colorado Human Resource Association board of directors. David Scanga is managing shareholder of the Hoskin, Farina & Kampf law firm in Grand Junction. His practice includes business, employment and health care law. He’s a frequent presenter to groups on employment and health care law issues. This column was provided by the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For more information, visit www.wchra.org.

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The Business Times

Page 21

Contributors Opinion Bold predictions for 2015 Merry Christmas to all, A new affords I’ve gotyear goodBusiness reason more Briefs not-so-bold and alike curious newrepeats year a new opportunity to love this season Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he B BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PPAGE age 22 22

I suspect I’m no different than any other child who grew up believing Christmas was the holiday around which the entire kid year revolved. Better than Halloween. Better even than birthdays.

What’sbrings not to an love?

The festive A new year almost always opportunity fordecorations. a fresh startThe and family The food. And, of course, the pile of presents renewed ambition togatherings. do things better. theboils tree. down Even the agonizingcustomers wait for Christmas In business, thatunder usually to providing better products morning was worth enduring because and services faster and at lower cost than competitors. Partofofthe thejoyous process must discoveriestoI determine knew awaited It was magical. include listening to customers whatme. they actually need and then stillit remember Christmas wasgreatest maybe 5. meeting that need. After Iall, does little agood to offerEve thewhen latestIand if I was snuggled into bed, but way too excited to sleep. nobody actually wants what you’re selling.

Suddenly, wastoa loud thumpthe onGrand the roof above Area my Just like the businesses thatthere belong the group, Junction bedroom as if a heavy object landed there.

A sleigh perhaps?

Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment of I squeezed shut eyes bigwell as saucers, fearful even a furtive the services and resources it provides andas how they match with members Santa outside window would send him away needs. Jeff Franklin,glimpse the new of chairman of the my chamber board of directors, Phil Castle beforeinhe deliveredwhat the goods.

I concede the possibility it personifies this approach describing he considers his role for the coming wasn’t Santa. I their remain convinced year: listen to members, determine needs and thenotherwise. meet those needs. It’s a three years since then.

I’m almost fossilized at this role I’ve with lived whichnearly Franklin is score familiar as market president of Bank of Colorado. point.

I suppose don’t qualify as a kid anymore.

I’d like in to what believe, The process Iwill take on a more structured approach the though, chamber I’m least at heart. way or the called other, IListening still loveto Christmas. forthe plansatas the young resumption of aOne program aptly Business.Just Under different program, reasons. business owners participate in in-depth interviews to identify barriers to Don’t meproblems wrong. I like But I’m more grateful these days for the growth andget other theypresents. encounter. love The and new thoughtfulness behind gifts.

Presented choice, club.

I’d rather give than year offers a good time to join the the proverbial receive.

It’sadvertiser more fun.or reader, what do you need from the Business Times?

As an Above all, I lovejournals Christmas for the opportunity holiday affords news to to While business traditionally gather and the report the relevant reflect the best gifts ofisn’t all — relationships.

That includes family, friends true as readers,oncommunication necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially and othersmake of all the sorts.

But that alsoconvenient includes those Websignificant sites and e-mail dialogue more than with ever.whom it’s a privilege work.

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That’s news a tremendous there.

Is there additional coveragegift thatright would help keep you informed about Print journalism with real print — and real I’dinteresting assert — or local business developments? Are there features journalism, that would be constitutes a team sport.that That includes myeasier? boss, Craig Hall, to useful?

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What’s good? What isn’t?ofWhat’s What It’s isn’t?

None it would though, wereonline it not for the Business businesses and Web Let usof know.

Sendbeuspossible, an e-mail.

Comment on the Times organizations that advertise in the Business Times. has never letter been to site at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

You could even Your write support an old-fashioned more important —like. or, for that matter, more the editor if you’d Your feedback, both appreciated. positive and negative, is valued and most important people of all involved in this process are readers. will The be carefully considered.

Those who carve time out schedules to read what appears pages and Good publications are of thebusy result of not only the efforts of theiron staffs, but also the website. You remain the reason I do what do. collaborative efforts involving advertisers and Ireaders.

Happy Christmas to all.

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

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

THE BUSINESS TIMES

609 North Ave., Suite 2, Grand Junction, CO 81501 TEL (970) 424-5133 • FAX (970) 424-5134

Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall

Editor: Phil Castle

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

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

Copyright © 2015 — AllCopyright rights reserved. © 2021 — All rights reserved.

Holiday wishes will when appear. But not It’s that time of year until after I and address a personal issue that resolutions prognostications abound. arose after my column was published in My favorite saying applied to New Year’s the last issue. resolutions is in saying they’re basically a I got a call bunch of promises to break the first week from a friend about of January.

And while I won’t predict a cancelling whole lot, Ihis can pretty much accurately subscription.

Granted, nail a few things that without question his was You will see these are willsubscription make the news. ending at thepredictable: end of pretty, well, the year.

One wayone: or ■ Prediction the other, There willthe be timing some was perfect related to sort of weather event, the column and or this natural disaster matter. know this heinousIoccurrence because I do all will the Craig Hall where someone subscription billing be interviewed and say — tardy “I’ve and a the albeit following: little But I actually know when neverscattered. seen anything most subscriptions are coming due. Either like that in my that meansIt’s I am lifetime.” as ifkinda this smart or need way Craig more Regardless, I’mHall glad personsubscribers. is a required my friendatcalled. attendee every news I wantevent. readers to know this is a most reporting While I understand gentleman for whomcan I have the be greatest people’s perspective indeed limited respect.

He helped me attheir someown of the by, or contained within, personal lowest pointsitofismy andto experiences, tooseparation much to ask divorce and stayed in touch with mebefore off consult some historical perspective and on such during my recovery. friendships saying a thing?

Yes, thisAsresponse can go, ours to theBut point in which he apply to evolved some events. when it comes sought my and counsel on matters ofI’m concern to weather natural disasters, pretty to him. a genuine foritself. sure thisHe is has simply historyconcern repeating our community, is millions a man ofand faithmillions and — of Same as it has for obviously —important, not afraid the to get intomade the it! years. More planet mire speak hiscertain mind. species.

Gee, it’sHow’s no Whatand didn’t were wonder we hit it off. that for perspective?

He called metwo: to speak mind. to a ■ Prediction Whenhis it comes For those who don’tthat know me as well, it’s crime or something occurs between one of thethereasons I write. Iattendee truly enjoy humans, other required at all the conversations I have with folkswho who news reporting events is the person take the time to call write. says this: “They we’reorjust the Well, nicestmost of them.and More than a few people, in no way did Iare seesimply something folks ranting and, Exactly. yes, yelling at me for like this coming.”

No one does stating in an opinion most ofmy the opinion time when it comes tocolumn.

Selfishly, for a writer to know neighbors it’s andgood acquaintances.

People should they’re beingatread. a healthy, be surprised whatThat goessaid, on from time to public is a good thing.

Especially time indebate their neighborhoods, towns and when the public being abusedpeople like itare is with people they is know because today by our good. And forleaders. the times that they shouldn’t But I digress. be shocked — like with politicians, repeat Now and backterrorists to the phone call and offenders — where’s the why it’s stayedthat with me“This the past two surprise weeks. interview says, doesn’t It’s thethe why in why he wanted to cancel me in least.” his subscription.

He said I went too far ■ Prediction three: Something good this time. Ineconomically, my defense, and I acknowledged will happen the in my column questions asked government willthe take credit forI it.

The most might be “harsh, sarcastic over the recent example is gas prices,orwhere people top.” mostthe ofpresident you know, ask meI also why know, I won’tas credit for much my writing is layered with low gasofprices.

My answer is simple: sarcasm.

While it’smakes a talent, I really Government never the price of need to work ongo it down goingand forward. something simplyAnd takesjust credit what wasnews. over Gas the top, youisask?

One for good pricing subject to word: hydroxychloroquine.

A word, many global factors. Now there are according the toptomen in charge of of governmenttoanswers addressing some our COVID-19 themdisastrous to keep prices stable forpandemic Americans, response, we dare not but our government has speak. none of them in you’re youitknow a place.IfThe onlyme, things has inthat’s placefor in the

December 23, 2021-J anuary 5, 2015 2022 JANUARY 15-28,

good reason — in this case a good, really long run always hurt consumers.

Another bad fact one. is that unemployment reaches a certain friend and I spent a good levelWhile based my on the economy.

And while the amount of time talking about that word, government might brag the number is low, one thingthan waslikely missing our (and those it’s more the in government did yelling) phone call:that questions. caselow something to cause numberIn being you don’t the way. headline of my last — and notrecall, in a good Conversely, when column less traveled are businesswas: picksThe up, roads it’s because the people the never asked. whoquestions need to buy widgets who were not I love questions.

And me, buying widgets because thebelieve economy was Icontracting question EVERYTHING to me. due to natural (orsaid unnatural, Literally everything.

As soondecided as the sound government caused) reasons, we hits my ears, mywidgets. brain isThe already looking better buy some government at topic from hadthe nothing to do the withopposite this. point of view.■It’s asking where holes are.

Prediction four: Inthe keeping with It wants know who,does, what,I when things thetogovernment predictand the where this information camethe from.

It’s to government will manipulate numbers how And onisthe dark makemy thebrain claimworks. the economy getting side myof head the other question: betterinside because howishard it is working to Why? help all of us “working Americans.” Now Whilesay, I got my friend’s why,say what you might “Craig, you always this Iabout neverPresident got wasObama why the why from because you don’t his view.right Andinwhy the why likepoint him.”of You’re a sense.

I don’t was regarding mine.ofEvery knowdismissed the man, but what I know him and reference from my like end itwas met one withiota. the his thinking, I don’t or him refrain stating no matter how muchlike we Before you go off, however, I didn’t talked, hisBush mindand wasn’t going to change.

President his bailouts, stimulus That’s bugs me And, NO. It’s and hiswhat abandoning themost. free market to save not because I couldn’t change hishim mind. the free market.

And I don’t know Another reason I write is not so much to either. What the government does, and the change people’s minds, butthetoeconomy. open them. only thing it can do, is hurt Why is onnothing my mind is not because Unlessthis it does or put criminals in I lost 25 bucks a year. Forwith the them, record, this jail instead of partnering nothing was about paying forwill mailing the paper, the government does help. Always look not reading it.theIt government was because at it stopping this way, whatever says Iitdidn’t make my friend curious enough is doing, whatever the name of the law it to look intoorwhat millions and millions is passing, whatever the name or goal of across the planetit have.

If my friend the bureaucracy is presenting to the had taken roadthe lesspolar traveled, I would have people,the expect opposite to occur. had answers and gladly givenis them.

I guess what I’m saying that But the questions were never perhaps it’s time to get outasked. of our own PerhapsThere’s my inability my perspective. plentytoofpique history friend’s interest is onresearch me. Maybe books and historical out I’m therenot to writing enough stoking begin toconvincingly understand that all oforthis has curiosity much And as I’dit hope. happenedasbefore. will again, Ask the mytopic youngest — who has a whether is people or government.

VERY different world view thanis Itodofind — The best recommendation what alwaysorcome back to inGoogle our many some Ibooks try that whole conversations. about the thing. There’s aGet lot curious of information onother the side why someThe think differently.

Greatand Depression. truth is it wasn’t At least she finally accepts it’s a sensible even a good one until the government got thing to do. involved.

There’s also plenty of research It’smedieval my hopewarm over the pastwhen 21 years on the period the I’ve helped many warmer of you do thetoday same.with planet was much than After all,lot theless questions stop on well a whole people don’t (and warmer Dec. 2021. before31,man was here at all). And yep, Stay safe, healthy andother curious this people have been killing surprised holiday season.

Thank you forwritten. making the people since history was first Business Times anresearch integral part your Maybe some will of help stop life. all of these trends. Otherwise, we’ll be In this season giving, curiosity saying we’ve neverofseen anything like is it ain most precious our lives.

And gift. not in a good way.

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

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

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

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Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n GRAND JUNCTION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS BUSINESSES FOR EXPANSIVE EFFORTS

Six businesses were recognized for expansions resulting in a total of nearly $3 million in capital investments and 40 additional jobs.

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce honored the businesses during its latest quarterly membership luncheon.

Networks Unlimited was recognized for moving into larger and renovated quarters at 515 S. Seventh St. in downtown Grand Junction. At 18,000 square feet, the building offers three times more space than the former location for the information technology services firm. The project cost $2.4 million and resulted in four more jobs.

Bank of Colorado was honored for opening a branch location at 2452 Patterson Road near Mesa Mall. The branch opened in remodeled quarters on the first floor of the four-story building.

The project cost $250,000 and resulted in three new jobs.

Timberleaf Trailer was recognized for an expansion involving a $155,000 capital investment and five new jobs.

Land Title Guarantee Co. was honored for a $95,000 remodeling project at its operation at 2454 Patterson Road. Six employees were added to the staff.

The Christi Reece Group real estate firm was recognized for a capaital investment of $82,424 and the addition of two jobs.

Maid 2 Impress was honored for 20 additional jobs.

The latest expansions bring the numbers for 2021 expansions recognized by the chamber to more than $34 million in capital investments and 171 additional jobs. n RESULTS OF EMPLOYEE TURNOVER SURVEY CONFIRM NEED FOR BETTER PAY AND BENEFITS

The results of a survey confirming increased employee turnover also confirm the importance of higher wages and more flexibility, according to the owner of staffing service franchise in Western Colorado, “Colorado has the highest quit rate in the nation. Companies need to consider becoming an employer of choice in their communities by offering competitive salaries and benefits along with flexible work-life balances,” said Nina Anderson Nina Anderson, the owner of an Express Employment Professionals franchise with offices in Grand Junction and Montrose.

Express Employment Professionals commissioned the Harris Poll to conduct the survey of more than 1,000 hiring decision makers in the United States.

Of those responding, 42 percent reported increased employee turnover costing businesses an average of $26,511 annually in recruiting costs abd lost productivity. For 21 percent of the respondents, the cost to replace employees topped $50,000 a year.

The most common reasons employees cited for leaving were more advancement opportunities and better pay and benefits.

Express Employment Professionals has a total of more than 830 franchises in the United States and four other countries.

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

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SHARE YOUR NEWS

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

n ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEALTH PLANS DONATION TO SUPPORT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS Rocky Mountain Health Plans in Grand Junction has donated $300,000 to fund youth development efforts across Western Colorado.

The donation to the YouthZone will help the Glenwood Springs-based organization expand its services to school-based settings and deliver mental health and substance abuse support to least 470 youth and their families a year.

“There couldn’t be a better time to increase support for youth mental health,” said Jami Hayes, executive director of YouthZone.

“This generous support from Rocky Mountain Health Plans will help us serve more young people as we’re seeing the needs skyrocket.”

Alyssa Rose, executive director of Rocky Mountain Health Plans community and state, said health care providers have seen a growing need for mental heatlth and substance abuse support for youth and families. “We are honored to support YouthZone and expand access to mental health services to meet the needs of youth who need support.”

Rocky Mountain Health Plans, a UnitedHealth Group company, completed a $5 million pledge to establish the Healthy Youth/ Strong Colorado Fund in partnership with the Colorado attorney general’s office. The donation is part of a $30 million contribution

by UnitedHealth Group to nonprofit organizations in Colorado to promote health equity.

The donation follows a $50 million payout from a lawsuit against the federal government seeking unpaid funds from an Affordable Care Act program.

Funding also was allocated to three youth corps, including the Western Colorado Conservation Corps based in Grand Junction.

In addition, funding will promote science, technology, engineering and math education among women and people of color to diversify the health care work force as well as other programs across the Western Slope. n NOMINATIONS DUE JAN. 6 FOR AWARDS HONORING BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 6 for annual awards honoring businesses and individuals.

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce will present Business of the Year awards to firms with fewer than 25 employees and those with more than 25 employees. The chamber also will present its Citizen of the Year award.

The award presentations are planned as part of the annual chamber banquet scheduled for Jan. 28 at the Grand Junction Convention Center.

Nominated businesses and individuals will be evaluated on the basis of why they deserve the awards and what they’ve done to make Grand Junction a stronger and more vibrant community.

Nomination forms are available on the chamber website at https://gjchamber.org.

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

NOTEWORTHY

A Grand Junction-based environmental and regulatory compliance services firm has acquired another environmental services company.

HRL Compliance Solutions announced its acquisition of Storage Tank Technology.

“I am very excited about Herman Lucero the potential and added value this acquisition will provide to not only our combined client base, but also to our employees,” said Herman Lucero, founder and owner of Brett Redd HRL Compliance Solutions.

Brett Redd, the previous owner of Storage Tank Technology, agreed. “Same great company, same great people, lots of new capabilities.”

Discussions about the acquisition started in 2019, were put on hold during 2020 and then resumed in 2021.

The acquisition was finalized on Dec. 1.

Lucero said the acquisition strengthens the services and skills HRL Compliance Solutions offers as well as blends skills and disciplines the two companies couldn’t provide operating individually.

HRL Compliance Solutions operates offices in Western Colorado as well as New Mexico and Pennsylvania.

The firm provides drilling, engineering, environmental and regulatory consulting, field services and unmanned aerial systems imagery to clients in a variety of industry sectors across the country.

For more information, about HRL Compliance Solutions, visit www.hrlcomp.com.

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BusinessBriefs Briefs Business BusinessPeople People Almanac Business Almanac

n REALTORS GROUP ELECTS CHAIRMAN AND BESTOWS ITS ANNUAL AWARDS

Tyler Harris, a broker associate at Bray & Co. Real Estate, has been elected chairman of the Grand Junction Area Realtor Association board of directors.

New board members were inducted and annual awards presented during a banquet.

Harris succeeds Amanda Potter with Keller-Williams as chairman.

Tyler Harris The other newly elected board members are Ron Sechrist with Bray, Thomas Barkoczy with Red Glasses Real Estate and Jimmy Kleager with Coldwell Banker Dinstictive Properties. Rick Reynolds, a home mortgage constulant with Wells Fargo, was elected the affiliate director on the board.

Majorie Genova with RE/MAX 4000 was re-elected to serve as the Colorado Association of Realtors director.

Toni Heiden, owner and managing broker of Heiden Homes Realty, was named Realtor of the Year. Westin Peace, a broker associate with Bray, was named Rookie of the Year. Lori Carlston-Thompson with Allstate Insurance was named Affiliate of the Year. Brenda Case of Back to Basics Realty received the Realtor in Action Award. Mutual Aid Partners received the Community Service Award.

For additional information about the Grand Junction Area Realtors Association, visit the website located at www.gjrealtors.org. n NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE ON AG WATER QUALITY PANEL Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 31 for volunteers interested in serving on the Agricultural Water Quality Advisory Committee.

The 14-member committee offers guidance to the Colorado Department of Agriculture on issues affecting water quality.

“The Agricultural Water Quality Advisory Committee members serve a critical role of advising the department of agriculture on how to address ground and surface water quality issues. They also give input on proposed and ongoing program activities and, most importantly, provide a local perspective to a statewide program,” said Rob Wawrzynski, agricultural chemicals and groundwater protection program manager.

“Advisory committee members help foster dialogue about addressing water quality issues by communicating the program’s work to the industries they represent and by soliciting industry feedback,” Wawrzynski said.

Nominations are sought for members of the committee representing agricultural chemical suppliers, agricultural producers, commercial pesticide applicators, the green industry, municipal and stormwater users and water resource professionals as well as the general public.

For additional information about how to apply as well as a link to applications, log on to the Agricultural Water Quality Program website located at https://ag.colorado.gov/awqac.

The Business Times

SHARE YOUR NEWS The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business People and the Almanac calendar of events. Email submissions to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com. n PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT JOINS TEAM AT GRAND JUNCTION GASTROENTEROLOGY Leah Barjenbruch has joined Grand Junction Gastroenterology has a physician assistant.

She brings to her duties more than five years of experience as a physician assistant as well as national certification.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the Leah Barjenbruch Nebraska Medical Center.

“Leah is a great addition to our team. She has a background in family medicine and truly brings a comprehensive health care approach to our patients and clinic,” said Dr. Philip Sarges, a gastroenterologist at Grand Junction Gastroenterology.

Barenbruch said she’s excited about her new position well as living in the Grand Valley. “I feel like I hit the jackpot. The team at Grand Junction Gastroenterology is phenomenal and Western Colorado is a beautiful place to live and practice.”

Grand Junction Gastroenterology is located at 1035 Wellington Ave. For additional information, call 242-6600 or visit www.gjgastro.com. n REAL ESTATE FIRM ANNOUNCES TOP AGENT AND ASSOCIATION INDUCTION Toni Heiden was honored as the top performing agent for November at Heiden Homes Realty in Grand Junction.

Kyle Rivera, another agent at the firm, was inducted into the Grand Junction Area Realtor Association.

Heiden, owner and broker of Heiden Homes Realty, posted the most Toni Heiden closed transactions and new listings.

Rivera joined the firm earlier this year. He also attends Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, where he studies business. He brings to his job experience in communication and negotiations.

Heiden Homes Realty operates offices at 735 Rood Ave. For more information — including properties for sale and rent — call 245-7777 Kyle Rivera or visit the website located at www.heidenhomes.com.

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022

Dec. 23 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Be Sweet Bake Shop, 150 W. Main St., Grand Junction. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Dec. 30 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon, Suds Brothers Brewery, 127 E. Aspen Ave. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Upcoming n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon Jan. 6, Rib City Grill, 455 Kokopelli Drive, Unit E, Fruita.

858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking lunch, noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 6, JXN Station coworking space, 571 25 Road, Grand Junction. Participants should bring a soup, salad or side dish to share. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Business startup workshop, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 6, Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce free presentation on railroad freight logistic challenges for the Grand Valley, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 11, Colorado Mesa University Center ballroom.

Registration required. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon meeting, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jan. 12, Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza, 2478 U.S. Highway 6 & 50, Unit B. Admission $18 for members, $23 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking lunch, noon Jan. 13, Camilla’s, 206 E. Aspen Ave, Fruita. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours event, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 13, Fruita Civic Center second-floor conference room, 325 E. Aspen Ave. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Coffee Club Networking Group, 9 to 10 a.m.

Jan. 21, FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave. Fruita.

858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Zoom presentation on chamber membership, noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 25. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 6 to 11:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce annual trip to the Colorado Legislature in Denver, Feb. 24 and 25.242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org F

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December 23, 2021-January 5, 2022