Economy Progress

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San Luis Valley

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2015

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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Economy/Retail Progress

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Valley gas prices are below average

SAN LUIS VALLEY— Gas is cheap in the Valley.

In Alamosa County on Jan. 21 prices were $1.85 for regular grade, $2 or less for midgrade and $2.30 or less for premium, according to the Gas Buddy website’s statistics. The state’s average cost for regular grade was recorded at $1.89, and the nation’s at $2.05.

One year ago, the average cost of a regular gallon of gas in Colorado was $3.19, and across the county it was $3.28.

On Jan. 21, the current crude price is around $46, according to the statistics and the cost is trending upward.

Gas prices are more expensive in Walsenburg, Salida and Pagosa Springs, according to the statistics. Averages are coming in around $1.94, $2.11 and $2.05 for a regular gallon, respectively.

Across the state line, prices are cheaper, according to the statistics. In Taos, the cost is $1.79 per regular gallon, and to the north, Denver prices are anywhere between $1.90 and $2.20.

Gas prices are down 4.5 cents nationally from the week prior’s averages, down 37.6

cents from last month’s averages and down $1.23 from last year’s averages, according to the data. The highest average this year was on Jan. 1, $2.26, and the highest recorded average in past years was on July 16, 2008 when the national average price for a regular gallon of gas was $4.10.

Gas prices are at their lowest level since May 2009, according to reports, and experts have issued a warning telling motorists that they might not stay so low for long. Oil prices could shoot up faster than anticipated, as they did in 2009, following the Great Recession.

The combination of robust U.S. crude oil production growth, a return of Libyan production, despite recent setbacks, weakening expectations for the global economy, particularly in China, and seasonally low refinery demand has reduced oil prices, according to industry expert reports. The growth in U.S. production is because of the shale oil boom in the Midwest.

Falling energy prices are being cited for boosting the confidence of consumers because they are spending less to fill up their cars or Photo by Lauren Krizansky heat their homes, according to reports.

Gas prices in the Valley were some of the lowest in the state on Jan. 21.

With PILT and SRS Unemployment remains waning, counties must high in San Luis Valley rethink funding

BY TERESA L. BENNS

SAN LUIS VALLEY —Data gathered by Headwaters Economics shows that a projected reduction of Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds and the potential loss of Secure Rural School (SRS) allotments will soon force Valley counties to tighten their belts.

Headwaters Economics is an independent, nonprofit research group that works to improve community development and land management decisions in the West. For more information on county payments, see: http://headwaterseconomics.org/land/county-payments-research.

According to the Durango Herald, PILT funding for 2015 was included in the passage of the $1.1 million “Cromnibus” bill. Congress allotted $372 million this year for PILT. Another $70 million was designated for PILT from the National Defense Authorization Act, bringing the total to $442 million.

This exceeds by over $5 million the record $436.9 million PILT allotment approved by Congress in February of last year.

Colorado received $34.5 million in PILT funds in 2014. Saguache County has tentatively budgeted $700,000 in PILT funds this year. A map featured at http://azdailysun. com/news/local/counties-secure-federal-landfunding-for/article_80b881d2-511a-5fef-8a5642619cf84863.html shows that Saguache County will receive anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million in PILT funds.

The Headwaters report estimates that Saguache County will rake in about $1,069,176 million in PILT finds this year, including SRS funds. This is less than half of 2013-2014 funding for the program, meaning the county’s $700,000 budgeted PILT amount may exceed what they actually receive. During the past three years, the Center School District alone has benefitted at a level of just around $800,000 per year from SRS funding.

This does not include funds received annually by the county for Moffat, Mountain Valley, Sangre de Cristo and Gunnison schools. The SRS funds for 2012 totaled $1,776,440.

Unlike PILT, however, the Secure Rural Schools program was initiated only as a temporary fund for counties to help compensate for major declines in timber-related revenues.

The Four Forest Restoration Initiative, by its very nature a stewardship-type venture, will help create funding to replace SRS, but will not equal the income created by the county’s forestry-related industry in its heyday.

While the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) officially expired this year, Congress is now working to revive it for one more year. “The latest news I‘ve heard is that Congress is expecting something by the end of the month,” Center Consolidated Schools Superintendent George

Welsh said. But action on the bill could come as late as March, he added.

The Headwaters group initially reported that owing to a two-year lag in the PILT formula, counties would not be compensated by PILT once SRS payments expired. It is not clear how re-funding SRS for an additional year will affect PILT. But, the report continues, even extending SRS at lower levels is unlikely to solve the underlying problem that payments are not leveraging desired outcomes. Creating jobs and improving forest health to affect the economic transition could be better accomplished by extending SRS along with an array of existing successful programs, such as the Collaborative Landscape Restoration Initiative, Forest Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Initiative, Priority Watershed Restoration funding and stewardship contracting authorities.

Even if SRS and PILT are extended for another five years, dollar amounts will change drastically. And the reason these dollar amounts will change for Saguache and other counties is partly because fewer dollars are available to less densely populated counties. The funding is based on economic performance and growth in the county, household income, education levels and other economic factors, standards which Saguache County and much of the Valley fail to meet.

For this reason the Headwaters report lists Saguache and five surrounding counties as some of the worst performing in the state and likely to receive the most drastic cuts in PILT (and SRS) funding, (20 to 22.6 percent).

This explains some of the topics addressed specifically in Saguache County’s recent draft Strategic Plan.

“I would say there is argument that investing SRS dollars in school helps [prepare students for jobs in the county that would replace SRS revenues] as we are preparing 21st century workers in careers related to technology and vocations,” Welsh commented. “However, I am not aware of what the county may be doing to invest these dollars for economic development. I think our attitude at Center Schools regarding SRS funding is that its intent was to build a bridge for rural districts with a lot of forestland to get from one side of the Great Recession to the other.

“The dollars have certainly done that for us in Center Schools,” Welsh continued. “An authorization for one more year would be wonderful. However, we are finally starting to see state revenues pick up and we have great hopes that state funding will soon be able to replace this federal stream of funding if it goes away.”

(Lisa Cyriacks provided documentation for this article.)

SAN LUIS VALLEY—With the reopening of the mushroom farm at Alamosa and new businesses opening in some locations, the San Luis Valley retains the highest unemployment in the state.

New statistics show that, while Colorado’s unemployment fell to 5.3 percent in 2014, most of the high unemployment is clustered in southern Colorado, with the Valley lagging behind in new jobs.

Conejos County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 10.7 percent, while Costilla County dropped 5 points from its historic high of 15.1 percent in January of 2011.

Statewide, non-farm payroll jobs decreased 2,500 over the month from October to November to 2,457,300 jobs, according to the survey of business establishments.

Private sector payroll jobs decreased 3,700 and government increased 1,200 over the month.

According to the survey of households, the unemployment rate decreased two tenths of a percentage point in November to 4.1 percent.

The last time the Colorado unemployment rate was as low as 4.1 percent was January 2008.

The numbers still show slow job growth in the state, which has dropped from its historic high of 9.1 percent in October 2010.

San Luis Valley economy still falls behind that in other parts of the state. After slowing in the second half of 2013, the region’s labor market and consumer spending made only small gains through the first half of 2014.

After a drier than usual 2013, agricultural production is expected to rebound, while the housing market slowed as the number of residential construction permits has declined.

The region’s labor market is still lower than the rest of Colorado. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, after declining in each of the last four years, including a 2.6 percent drop in 2013,

nonfarm employment was up 1.1 percent in the first seven months of 2014 compared with the same period in 2013.

Through July, the regional unemployment rate was 8.1 percent.

Although the rate has been steadily declining since 2011, it is still among the highest rates for any region in the state. Labor market data for rural areas can contain meaningful measurement error and is frequently revised.

In addition, due to its reliance on agriculture, the region’s economy experiences different trends than more urban areas of the state.

Over the last few years, the region’s unemployment rate has remained high even amidst a shrinking labor force.

Measured by retail trade sales, consumer spending is trending upwards. After increasing only 1.4 percent in 2013, sales have increased 2.4 percent through the first quarter compared with the first quarter of 2013.

An interesting factor in this economy is the increase of the state and federal minimum wage, effective Jan. 1.

The federal minimum wage had been $7.25 per hour, lower than the 2015 Colorado state minimum wage of $8.23. Covered employers in Colorado will now be required to pay their employees the higher value.

Tipped employees also saw an increase. If an employee is covered by government minimum wage laws, the employer must pay the higher minimum wage for tipped employees.

The federal tipped minimum wage was $2.13 per hour, less than the 2015 Colorado tipped minimum wage of $5.21 per hour. Beginning Jan. 1, covered employers in Colorado had to pay their tipped employees the higher value of $5.21 per hour.

If an employee’s tips combined with the employer’s cash wage of at least $5.21 per hour do not equal the minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference in cash wages.

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Key small business resolutions for 2015

BY MATT VARILEK

Like personal resolutions to eat healthy or get fit, New Year’s resolutions for small business owners can lead to increased sales and greater profitability.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources to help entrepreneurs to put their resolutions into action. A 2014 Constant Contact, Inc. survey showed 53 percent of small business owners make New Year’s resolutions to boost their businesses. Consider the following ideas from a network of small business experts for your own list of resolutions in 2015: 1. Give your business plan a facelift. Business plans are a useful tool for anticipating future scenarios and how your business will respond. But even the finest forecasters get some predictions wrong. Consider your business plan a living document and review it regularly. Update the plan to reflect how the business has evolved in terms of technology, product diversification, marketing strategies, and owner experience.

2. Understand the Affordable Health Care Act (ACA). Small firms with fewer than 50 employees are not required by the ACA to provide health insurance to their employees.

That’s 96 percent of all businesses. However those that voluntarily choose to provide coverage have the options of doing so through each state’s small-business health insurance marketplace. Starting January 1, 2015, employers

with 100 or more full-time employees now have specific Employer Shared Responsibility Rule (ESRR) requirements. Employers with 50-99 full-time equivalent employees will have until 2016 before the ESRR applies.

3. Get a financial check-up. Business owners should review their company’s profit and loss statements, balance sheet, and other relevant financial indicators on a regular basis. For many, this is second nature. But for some, a review of the company’s financial health is long overdue.

Like driving without a dashboard, failure to study your financials can lead to missed opportunities or more serious problems.

4. Take a hard look at what worked and what didn’t. Did you buy too much of the wrong inventory? Did you make hiring decisions that adversely affected the business? Are you working too many hours at the business and need to hire more help? Are you putting too many hours into the business and neglecting your family? Should you create a new marketing strategy or revamp last year’s model? It’s easier said than done, but confronting these tough questions in an honest way can lead to continuous improvement and great success in the future.

5. Find a mentor that you trust. Mentors can provide a fresh perspective on tough issues like the ones mentioned above. They can also provide business owners with a wide range of advice including business strategies, financial

counseling, and commons sense solutions to everyday problems. They provide someone you can discuss sensitive issues with in confidence. Consider using a SCORE or Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselor to fill this role. They’re experienced.

They’re confidential. And in most cases, they’re free.

6. Embrace online sales and social media. A 2013 study by Forrester Research Inc. showed that by 2017 nearly 60 percent of all U.S. retail sales will involve the web. This trend only seems to be accelerating. Successful small firms maintain a web presence where customers can purchase items online, or find a retail location. The cost of creating a web presence is far out-weighed by the potential new customers ready to buy your products or services on-line, often from markets well outside your geographic home. Let 2015 be the year you create or refresh your business’s web presence.

7. Embrace innovation and creativity. Differentiate your small business from the competition by embracing innovation and creativity every day. Feature the products that can’t be found at the local mega mall. Create the kind of unique customer experience that serves as a destination for shoppers not content with pointing and clicking in solitude.

For more information on how SBA can help your business keep its New Year’s resolutions, visit www.sba.gov<http://www.sba. gov>/co or call the Colorado District Office

Matt Varilek at 303-844-2607.

Matt Varilek serves as the Small Business Administration’s Region VIII administrator and is based in Denver. He oversees the agency’s programs and services in Colorado, Montana, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

He can be reached at Matthew.Varilek@sba. gov

SLV Development Resources Group releases report

BY HEW HALLOCK SAN LUIS VALLEY— With the beginning of the new year, the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group (SLV DRG) and the San Luis Valley Council of Governments (SLV COG) have the opportunity to reflect on the successes of the previous year, recognizing the organizations’ financial investments and the commitment of individuals toward the San Luis Valley’s future.

The SLV DRG serves as the economic and community development agency for the Region 8 Economic Development District of Colorado. Its service area is comprised of six counties: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Rio Grande, Mineral and Saguache.

The SLV COG is composed of the six counties and 18 municipalities in the San Luis Valley. Its purpose is to promote regional cooperation and coordination among local governments and between levels of governments enabling members to respond effectively to local and regional issues of this regional community.

This annual report presents the successes and work of the SVLDRG and SLVCOG during the past year.

Programs SLV DRG and SLV COG are responsible for programs that assist in business growth and investment and for initiatives that seek to improve the economic condition of the region. Those programs and initiatives include:

Find Business in your backyard.

www.shoppelocal.biz

• San Luis Valley Business Loan Fund • San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone • Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies • Demographic Data and Research • Transportation Planning • Workforce • Tourism • Broadband Communication San Luis Valley Business Loan Fund The San Luis Valley Business Loan Fund, also known as the revolving loan fund, provides gap funding for businesses in the San Luis Valley seeking to start up, expand or retain present business status.

Since its creation in 1985, the fund has made 248 loans totaling over $15 million and created or retained 1,346 jobs in the San Luis Valley. The loan portfolio has grown

from $72,000 and two loans in 1985 to $3.8 million and 43 loans in 2014. In 2014 alone, the fund made loans to 14 businesses totaling $2,327,457, leveraged $4,269,335 in private funding and created or retained 307 FTE jobs.

Of particular note, in 2014, the San Luis Valley Business Loan Fund made a loan to the Colorado mushroom farm that enabled the reopening of the Rakhra Mushroom Farm in Alamosa and returned 250 jobs to the region. The loan, for $1 million, was one of the largest loans ever made in Colorado through the state’s revolving loan program.

The number of jobs created in the Valley was equal to the creation of 14,000 jobs in the Denver area, according to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone Since 1994, The San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone has provided over $28.5 million in investment tax credits to businesses throughout the San Luis Valley. Those credits come from capital investments of over $933.6 million made by Valley businesses to improve their operations.

In 2014 alone, business in the Valley received $1.137 million in investment tax credits through the San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone. That represents $37.9 million in qualified capital investments made during the year by 332 businesses. The Investment Tax Credit is one of several tax credit incentives available to Valley businesses through the San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone designed to encourage job creation and business investments in the San Luis Valley.

Please see SLV DRG on Page 4

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SLV DRG

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Continued from Page 3

Besides the Investment Tax Credit, other tax credits available are the Job Training Tax Credit; the New Business Facility Tax Credit, which includes credits for new jobs created, an additional credit for new jobs created by agricultural processors, and an additional credit for health insurance for each news job; the R&D Increase Tax Credit; the Vacant Building Rehabilitation Tax Credit; Manufacturing and Mining Sales and Use Tax; and a tax credit for Contributions to Enterprise Zone Projects.

Collectively, the tax credits offered through the San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone returned $1,610,487 to Valley businesses and individuals in 2014.

As an Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone, the San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone offers additional credits for jobs created and for new jobs in agricultural processing. The San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone is one of 16 enterprise zones and two sub-zones authorized

by Colorado’s Urban and Rural Enterprise Zone Act of 1986 that established a program for the designation of state enterprise zones.

The program is administered through the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

To be designated an enterprise zone, a region’s population cannot exceed 80,000 in urban regions and 100,000 in rural regions.

Regions with high unemployment rates, low per capita income and slower population growth may be granted Enhanced Zone status by the Economic Development Commission.

All six counties of the San Luis Valley and 18 municipalities are designated as the San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone, meaning many businesses located in the region are eligible

SLV DRG Executive Director Michael Wisdom

for the available tax credits.

For more information, contact the SLV DRG at 589-6099.

Hew Hallock is the Director of Research for the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group and the San Luis Valley Council of Governments.

Stay safe this winter with home heating tips Courtesy Photo

Mary Domito will be opening Alamosa Home in May in downtown Alamosa.

New furnishings store coming to Alamosa ALAMOSA — Mary Domito, who started Taos Lifestyle 10 years ago, announces the opening of a new store in Alamosa in May. Alamosa Home will be located in the historic Masonic building on Main Street, across from San Luis Valley Brewing Co. “I’m an entrepreneur by nature, so I always look for ways to build my business. A second store in Alamosa, the central hub of the San Luis Valley, fits my business model as a dominant retailer in a geographically protected market. Alamosa Home fills this market niche for our types of home and sleep products,” Domito said.

Brand Name products and lines offered at Alamosa Home will include iComfort/ Serta, La-Z-Boy, Tempurpedic, and American Leather.

Domito aka “Mattress Mary®” is confident that her second location benefits the Alamosa market. “Product pricing, quality and selection are key, and this second location gives me buying leverage. I can then be competitive with big box stores in larger market areas.”

Excellence in customer service is a priority for Domito. “Each customer is the only reason we are here. We want to become friends and caring for our customers is key for us. We all work to create a successful, vibrant, healthy community economy.”

Domito has earned her reputation for customer service. Following are a few of the titles awarded to Mary and her team: • 2014 – Best of Taos - 1st Place - People’s Choice Award - Best Home Furnishings Store •2014 – 2006 - Nine Consecutive Best of

Taos - 1st Place - People’s Choice Award Best Place to Buy a Mattress • 2013 Community Against Violence Community Hero Award • 2013 Albuquerque Business First- Top CEO Award • 2012 – July 21st- Mary Domito Day in Taos as proclaimed by Mayor Darren Cordova for expanding her business during the recession while also giving back to the community Domito believes in community involvement and plans to be active in Alamosa.

“Community engagement is important to me. I enjoy being involved in my community and want to give back in ways that make a difference. Opening Alamosa Home allows me to build a great local business, while creating jobs, contributing to the local economy and being involved with my community, all of which I love doing. My Alamosa Home team and I look forward to being active members of the Alamosa business community.”

Christopher O’Bryan has been with Taos Lifestyle for six years and will be the store manager at Alamosa Home.

“Christopher has 20 plus years of furnishings and retail experience. He understands our business model and is charged with taking care of our Alamosa customers. He and his staff will work hard to give you great reasons to shop with us each time you need home and sleep products A grand opening celebration is currently planned for May 16 and will feature live music, food and special Pre-Memorial Day sale prices.

COLORADO—Home heating is a saving grace this time of year.

But for as much comfort as it provides us, it also exposes certain safety hazards.

According to the American Red Cross, home heating is one of the leading causes of house fires in the U.S. Those at LEAP want to make sure to keep Coloradans warm and safe during the next few months. LEAP is the Colorado Department of Human Services’ Low-income Energy Assistance Program that provides cash assistance to help Coloradans pay a portion of winter home heating costs.

“Home heating safety is simple but crucial,” LEAP Manager Aggie Berens says. “We encourage everyone to follow a few simple steps to make sure their home heating doesn’t put them at risk.”

The following home heating safety tips come from the American Red Cross, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Fire Protection Association.

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.

• Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any fireplace embers are extinguished before going to bed or leaving your home.

• Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (like a ceramic tile floor). Keep them off of carpets or rugs and away from bedding or drapes. Also keep children and pets away from space heaters.

• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.

• Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire in your fireplace and catch sparks and rolling logs.

• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys and furnaces professionally inspected and cleaned once a year. Ensure that these devices are properly vented.

• Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use. Don’t substitute.

• Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation by installing battery-operated detectors. Test these alarms regularly.

• Defer to skilled professionals to install permanent heating equipment, water heaters and central heating units to ensure code and manufacturer’s instructions are properly followed.

Home heating help Heating your home during wintertime is expensive. If you’re struggling to pay your heating bills, LEAP can help.

LEAP provides cash assistance to help hard-working families and individuals pay winter home heating costs or help with broken furnaces or wood stoves. This year the average benefit for people who qualify is expected to be $439 per household.

The program has several eligibility requirements. Applicants must be Colorado residents and U.S. citizens or legal aliens.

They also need to provide a copy of a valid identification and a completed affidavit to comply with Colorado Revised Statutes regarding documentation of lawful presence.

Applicants also must be responsible for paying heating costs, either directly to a utility company or to a landlord as part of rent. Applicants’ income cannot exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty index.

People interested in applying can call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to order a mailed application. Alternatively, applications are available at every county department of social or human services, most utility companies, and many community agencies, like Catholic Charities. Applications also can be downloaded from www.colorado.gov/cdhs/leap.

LEAP accepts applications until April 30.

People eligible for LEAP may also qualify for other benefits, like the Crisis Intervention Program, which helps repair or replace the home’s primary heating system; or the Weatherization Program, which improves energy efficiency in homes. Colorado also offers a rebate of property tax, rent and heat expenses to low-income seniors and disabled persons. Please visit the Colorado Department of Revenue’s website at https://www.colorado. gov/pacific/tax/property-tax-rent-heat-creditptc-rebate-file for more information and the rebate application booklet.

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La Jara business rapidly growing

LA JARAâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;A small business based in La Jara is proving that a San Luis Valley company can â&#x20AC;&#x153;play with the big boys.â&#x20AC;?

Dee Espinoza founded Espinoza Cultural Services, LLC (ECS) in 2010. Espinoza ran the company by herself out of her La Jara home for the first two years. She now employs 13 full-time professionals (although some are seasonal) and three part-time. ECS recently purchased and renovated a vacant historic building in downtown La Jara and has opened offices in Wheat Ridge, Colorado and El Paso, Texas. They currently have employees working in six states.

ECS provides cultural and natural resource regulatory compliance services to local, state and federal agencies and commercial clients, such as engineering and environmental firms. The work is highly specialized and all of ECSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key staff must meet or exceed the Secretary of the Interiorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Qualifications for archaeologists, historians and archeological historians. While they do considerable work in Colorado, many of the projects they work on are out of state and located as far away as Louisiana.

In their industry, ECS regularly competes against large companies that have decades of experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our industry is very geographical,â&#x20AC;? says Espinoza, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t boast a long list of projects in each geographic area as some companies can, but our staff has experience in nearly every state and territory of the U.S.â&#x20AC;? In order to compete, ECS provides clients with personalized attention and is responsive to their project needs by implementing change orders immediately. They also keep their overhead low so they can offer more competitive prices than large companies can. ECS has strong relationships with other small firms, such as RMC Consultants, Inc., to create all the â&#x20AC;&#x153;benefitsâ&#x20AC;? of a large company in a small package.

In addition, ECS obtained several certifications from the Small Business Association that have helped them to win a growing number of contracts with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest customer, the federal government. These certifications include Economically Small Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), Minority-Owned Small Business and Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone). Most significantly, they are currently the only small business in the San Luis Valley that is in the SBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8(a) Business Development Program, which provides small businesses that are socially and economically disadvantaged with a broad scope of assistance so they can gain a foothold in government contracting.

The 8(a) program allows participants to receive sole-source contracts and they can also form partnerships to go after larger prime contracts as a team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It took four total months to get our 8(a) and, within one month, we had the first 8(a) contract,â&#x20AC;? said Espinoza, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Within the first two months of 2014, we had more contracting revenue than we had the whole last four years combined.â&#x20AC;? Over the course of 2014, business has grown exponentially with the help of several large contract wins. ECS has recently been awarded work with the National Parks Service for compliance related to the gulf oil spill, a four state yearlong contract with the Forest Service for cultural resource work and a tribal monitoring contract for a water line in South Dakota. They are also team members on two large, multi-year contracts: one for the Navy (NAVFAQ SW) and one for the BLM (for southeast New Mexico). ECS currently holds eight multi-year contracts, providing stability for long-term growth.

Opening their new office in La Jara and bringing professional jobs to the area has long goals for ECS, which strives to make a positive impact on the local economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The extra distance we travel to keep business here in the Valley is our trade off to do our part to stimulate the local economy,â&#x20AC;? says Espinoza.

Espinoza is a trustee with the town of La Jara where she helps the community and local businesses. She has also served on the board of directors for the Conejos County Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Julian Espinoza, are opening a BMX track in partner-

Courtesy Photo

Pictured left to right are Esteban Salazar, John Zachman and owner Dee Ann Espinoza. ship with the town, and they also participate in the La Jara Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market. Julian, also a business owner, operates J.E.A.R. Auto Restoration in a 2,100 shop in downtown La Jara. Supporting each other has been a key component to developing each of their businesses.

Espinoza first sought assistance from the San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center in 2011. At the time, she needed help completing her business plan and wanted

guidance in government contracting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For new businesses, I think the SBDC provides a wealth of information through counseling and classes,â&#x20AC;? says Espinoza. When Espinoza was a home-based business, she would use a small conference room at the SBDC office in Alamosa for business meetings and once held a meeting at the Pueblo SBDC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think one thing people should take away from my experiences with the SBDC is that it is only helpful if you take advantage of the services,â&#x20AC;?

explains Espinoza, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uniformly my experiences with my local Alamosa SBDC office, the office in Pueblo, and the SBA offices in Denver and San Francisco is that they are a bunch of nice folks that want to see you succeed. They might not always have the answers to your questions or have the resources to help you out, but they can definitely point you in the right direction.â&#x20AC;?

For more information on ECS, see their website at www.ecs-arch.com.

The Colorado LEAP program is a federally funded state-supervised, countyadministered system and is designed to assist with your winter heating costs. The LEAP Program eligibility period runs from November 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015.

Eligibility Requirements, you may be eligible for LEAP assistance if: 1. You are a U.S. Citizen and a resident of Colorado 2. You pay heating fuel costs directly to an energy provider or pay the cost of heating your dwelling with your rent, or in addition to rent in a non-subsidized dwelling 3. Your gross monthly household income is within the guidelines set annually (see below). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Householdâ&#x20AC;? means the people who UHVLGH ZLWK \RX ZLWKLQ \RXU GZHOOLQJ DW ZKLFK \RX UHVLGH DQG DSSO\ IRU DVVLVWDQFH DQG IRU ZKRP \RX DV DSSOLFDQW DUH Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDOO\ responsible for. The maximum gross monthly income is based on 150% of the federal poverty level as listed in the table below.

Household Size

Monthy Gross Income 150% of the Poverty Level

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Each additional person

$1,459 $1,967 $2,474 $2,982 $3,489 $3,997 $4,504 $5,012 $508

LEAP is designed to help eligible households with winter home heating costs.

LEAP is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating.

For questions, inquiries, broken heater/furnace issues, contact HEAT HELP. 1-866-432-8435

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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Shining Country Station open in Moffat

MOFFAT — The highway community of Moffat welcomes a new restaurant sure to attract truckers and those traveling Highway 17 on the way to Alamosa, Saguache and other destinations.

Located on County Road T in Moffat just one-eighth mile east of Highway 17, the new Shining Country Station BBQ Restaurant is now open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Breakfast is served every day until 11 a.m., featuring homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, Mirage Trading Post coffee, breakfast burritos, omelets, and fresh-baked goods including cinnamon rolls, banana bread, brownies, cookies, and fruit shortbread bars.

After 11 a.m., enjoy house-smoked ribs, chicken or delectable pulled pork.

Sample fresh house-made sides such as home fries, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad or macaroni and cheese as well as deli subs and sandwiches, burgers, burritos, and fajitas.

Courtesy photos

Vegetarian? Shining Country staff makes great salads, veggie sandwiches and omelets. For that special treat, ask to have any baked goods turned into a sundae by adding ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate or caramel syrup.

Pies are available by order. Call 719-496-

0979 for details.

Having a party? The restaurant hosts events for up to 25 people or will deliver food to the client’s site so they can enjoy their guests. Shining Country also carries Scanga Premium meats and cheeses for customers’ party tray needs.

Fort Garland shop ‘stirs up the pot’

BY SYLVIA LOBATO COSTILLA COUNTY— An old store building in Fort Garland isn’t going to pot yet.

Following a discussion at a January 20 board meeting about water rates and tap fees for the proposed marijuana operation planned by Casey Gibbs and family in the old Hoagland Store building, the Costilla Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) backed off making any decision until the operation was in place.

While members of the audience wanted to impose higher than normal tap and use fees, fearing that it would make Fort Garland into a “Mecca for marijuana growing operations,” Commissioner Joe Gallegos said that wouldn’t happen because the county has a limit on it.

He continued that, in terms of economic development, “Costilla County needs to have something happening. It’s an opportunity to have business come here,” bringing with it money and jobs.

“It will help out the community in income and other ways,” he said.

The end result was that no fee structure would be addressed until later on.

A much-anticipated public hearing on the business resulted in a packed house and then a buzz of disappointment when the BOCC went into executive session to discuss ground rules for the hearing, then learned it couldn’t be held.

County Attorney Edwin Lobato pointed out that a “miscommunication” with Land Use Administrator Matthew Valdez resulted in a letter of approval erroneously being sent out. While the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval, there is a zoning issue that must be addressed before the matter progresses any more.

The part of Fort Garland where the growing operation is planned is zoned commercial and industrial, Lobato said, but under current codes, growing facilities must be in areas zoned agricultural unless permitted by a special review.

General sale of marijuana is approved in

Photo by Sylvia Lobato

The 1910 building located across from the old fort in Fort Garland is the proposed location of a marijuana growing operation.

Fort Garland, he said, but growing is not.

In Colorado, hemp can be grown as an agricultural product, but the jury is still out on its cousin cannabis sativa, also known as marijuana.

A district court ruling elsewhere in the nation ruled that marijuana is an agricultural product.

Lobato recommended that the hearing be continued and that Valdez get back with Gibbs and resolve the zoning issue.

“The board can’t consider this application until the zoning issue is resolved,” Lobato advised.

The question of whether the growing operation is an agricultural one and not an in-

dustrial application may rest on semantics.

Agriculture implies that a crop must be planted in the soil, while Gibbs’ proposed operation does not. The plants would be grown using hydroponic methods and would be shielded from view.

Concerns voiced after the meeting included a possible impact on the Fort Garland Museum, availability to youngsters and moral issues.

The building in which the operation is planned was built around 1910 and had been empty, save for an antique store that didn’t last long. Its status as a historic structure has yet to be defined.

There are two marijuana dispensaries in the area, one in the center of Fort Garland and the other between that unincorporated community and the town of Blanca.

The county will determine water availability, though the Fort Garland Water and Sanitation District may ring in on tap and use fees. Gallegos noted that changing those rules may be prohibitive.

The water hearing was closed, so no further comment will be taken. The land use issue is alive and well, so members of the audience were encouraged to attend the planning and zoning and land use commission meetings.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Economy/Retail Progress

Page 7

The Cabin dishes out the goods

BY LYNDSIE FERRELL

SOUTH FORK— As one of the few retail shops in South Fork The Cabin has made a name for itself among visitors and locals alike.

Owner Vicky Phillips has been a part of the community for many years. Having owned the shop for almost 15 years, Phillips has found a home here in the tiny town of South Fork and had previously owned and operated a farm further down the Valley for some time.

The Cabin, a wilderness home accent, offers a unique twist on southwestern home decoration, garden equipment, trinkets, kitchen supplies and so much more. Every item in the shop has an eclectic approach to modern day nostalgia. Something special welcomes every customer that comes to visit in South Fork.

Whether purchased as a gift or a treat for themselves, customers leave The Cabin with a smile.

The Cabin was originally in a smaller log building on the west side of the river, but has moved to a larger building and new location next to the Carnegie Library. The new location has more room, though it is hard to tell from the wide variety of objects to look through. The building has a rustic, vintage Colorado feeling as patrons walk through the door.

Phillips has recently become part of the South Fork Board of Trustees, having been elected to as a chair in October. According to her request to be elected, Phillips felt it was time to become more involved in her community and was eager to serve on the board.

The vacant seat became available after Trustee Richard Hayes resigned from his term due to illness. Phillips will serve the remaining time on Hayes term and can re-run during the next election.

Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell

In 2014 Phillips was instrumental in getting a sign successfully installed at the South Fork of the Rio Grande. For several years many did not know the name of the river, since there was no sign proclaiming the name.

New website highlights careers in advanced manufacturing industry COLORADO— The Colorado Helps Advanced Manufacturing Program (CHAMP) has launched a new interactive website to help job seekers and college students learn about and transition into careers in Colorado’s booming advanced manufacturing industry, Dr. Nancy McCallin, President, Colorado Community College System announced. The site, MfgWorksCO.com features a suite of interactive tools ranging from Career Maps to Skills Crosswalks to help users better understand the job prospects in advanced manufacturing and the skills and education necessary to take advantage of these growing job opportunities.

In making the announcement, McCallin said, “Today Colorado is in the midst of a manufacturing revolution. Thanks to a surge of new technologies and innovations, today’s manufacturing industry hardly resembles the gritty shop floors of the past. Advanced manufacturing predominantly is centered on innovative technologies and state-of-the art facilities. The industry requires sophisticated skills that translate into rewarding careers and high salaries. We created this site so that users can better understand the opportunities available and the steps they need to take to move into these satisfying and well-paying careers.”

At Trinidad State, training is available in machining and welding.

The site: www.MfgWorksCO.com was created by a team that included the Colorado Community College System, the Colorado Workforce Development Council, Manufacturer’s EDGE, The Manufacturing Institute, Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, and 28 leading manufacturers in Colorado Peter Hancock from Aerotek, a Colorado manufacturing company that helped build the site, said, “There is a tremendous opportunity in advanced manufacturing here in Colorado, but many people still think of the industry in terms of outdated stereotypes that are simply

not true. Advanced manufacturing today brings together new technologies and cuttingedge materials to make the products that shape our quality of life and to create new products that will make our lives better.”

Added Stephanie Steffens, Director of the Colorado Workforce Development Council, “We are excited about the resources available at the site, particularly because it all fits in perfectly with the Governor’s Blueprint for economic development within the state.

The jobs in advanced manufacturing have the potential to deliver rich, meaningful careers to workers in Colorado who can point with pride at the products they helped create.”

The website is designed for students, workers, and veterans in Colorado to help them learn about the many educational and career opportunities available to move into, or upward, or across, in advanced manufacturing.

Some of the features of the site include: Skills Crosswalks, to help workers who seek to move into advanced manufacturing careers understand how the skills they have fit into a new career path and what additional educational training and skills they will need to accomplish the move.

Job Types with rich detailed job descriptions for workers and students outlining what it is like to work in these advanced manufacturing roles for those who are curious about the kinds of jobs in advanced manufacturing.

A Career Map which helps the user visualize an entire industry and learn what educational paths to follow to move upward or laterally.

A special section created specifically for veterans where they can see how the skills and training they acquired while serving our country can help qualify them for a career in advanced manufacturing. Today’s manufacturing jobs are perfect for transitioning service members and veterans who can be employed and live comfortably in a growing career field with relatively little post-service training required.

Please see WEBSITE on Page 8

The Cabin is a large part of the community, having taken part in several of the area’s events, such as the Winter Festival this past December. Phillips is proud to state that she owns the business free and clear of debt, which is

something not many can say. The Cabin offers visitors and locals a touch of variety in every day shopping. The trinkets and treasures hidden within the shop are known for putting smiles on many faces.

Write your own Classified Ad Regular Classified Ad Deadline-Thursday 5 p.m.

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Garage Sale Ads: 15 words or less for 1 week $ 12 + 35¢ each additional word.

Free ads: Lost & Found • Non Commercial items Sold for $50 or less • Any Item or Animal being given away. (Private party only) Call 719-852-3531 for details.

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Mail with check or money order to: Valley Publishing Classifieds, P.O. Box 607, Monte Vista, CO 81144 Or drop by at 835 First Avenue

Page 8

Economy/Retail Progress

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

New 2 U Sports open in Del Norte

BY JOHN MCEVOY DEL NORTE – “Less paying and more playing” is owner Kevin Moore’s motto and reason for opening up a used sporting goods sale and rental business in Del Norte.

“I opened the store in mid-November and things are going pretty good,” said Moore. “I set my expectations and goals pretty low to start with, because of the small size of the store and the economy being as it is.”

Moore said things were going as he expected for the first two months in business.

“There is a really active outdoor community here, and I felt they needed a sports store,” said Moore. “I am really involved in mountain biking and sports like that. In the summer the Great Divide riders come through here and a lot of time they break down and need stuff.”

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is Adventure Cycling’s premier off-pavement cycling route, and a section of it starts just north of town out near the airport.

Moore said he would like to be able to help the participants out when they are in need of parts or tools to fix something.

“There are not many stores along the route, so when they get into a little town it is great if they are able to get the supplies they need without having to travel to a larger city,” said Moore. “I have done cross country bike tours myself and it is just fabulous when you can find parts and other things you need without getting stressed out and worried that you might be out there without what you need.”

Moore said he has never believed in buying brand new equipment when there is such a large amount of quality used items available at more affordable prices.

“There is plenty of life in old equipment that can be re-used and recycled,” said Moore.

“That is one of my main reasons for opening this store, because I am a firm believer in recycling.”

Moore said he is no expert at repairing things, but hopes to be able to provide tools and assistance for those passing through who

WEBSITE

may need it this summer.

New 2 U has a wide assortment of seasonal outdoor sports related gear including skis, snowboards, snowshoes, bikes, climbing equipment, fishing poles and apparel.

Recent arrivals were a couple of new and economical mountain bikes dubbed “fat bikes,” because of the oversized 4” inch wide tires and wide rims. These bikes will be available for rent.

“The extra width makes it possible to ride the bikes on snow, and since we are in the middle of a winter with perhaps less than desirable snowfall which makes skiing and snowboarding somewhat mediocre, I thought people might want to give these ‘fat bikes’ a try on the local trail system around town,” said Moore.

“I’ll be renting them out by the hour, half day, day, and if desired- multiday or week.”

When the warmer summer months arrive, Moore will have a bigger selection of bicycles, skateboards, backpacks, sleeping bags, frisbee golf equipment and baseball and soccer stuff along with many other items to get one through whatever game they want to play.

“I want to be able to provide a little bit of everything,” said Moore. “I will do rentals on just about everything except downhill skis, because I am not a certified technician, but I will rent and sell ice skates and cross country skis and even sledding stuff.”

Moore said he is a trusting soul in a small town environment and will even allow people to try before they buy, if they need to make sure the equipment is right for them first before purchasing it.

New 2 U is open Wednesday through Sunday, and Kevin can be reached at 657-9907 or singletrack5000@gmail.com. The business is located at 728 Grand Avenue in Del Norte.

New 2 U opened in November on Grand Ave. in Del Norte.

Photo by John McEvoy

Continued from Page 7

Added McCallin, “People need to understand the greater role manufacturing employees play in making all the technologies that we rely on to make our lives better, easier, safer and more fun. In addition, not only do manufacturing workers love their jobs, they make a great standard of living. Industry workers enjoy stable, lucrative jobs with opportunity to build a long-term career and this

new website is a one-stop-shop where they learn everything they need to embark upon a career in this industry.

Pamela Tate, CEO and President of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, (CAEL), worked closely with Colorado’s advanced manufacturing stakeholders to develop the site. She said, “We were thrilled to work with CCCS and the community’s manufactur-

ing employers to support this important initiative in Colorado. The site is a revolutionary tool and can serve as a national model to help articulate and socialize career pathways to build and strengthen our nation’s workforce.

It’s another resource to support our citizens by helping them to link their learning and education to enriching careers in viable industries.”

Concluded McCallin, “We invite you to visit

the site and discover your pathway to a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing. You will find job descriptions for dozens of popular positions and profiles of the top employers in Colorado. You will find schools and programs dedicated to helping you achieve your dreams.

It is an opportunity to start a new career. Start creating the career of your dreams today and visit www.MfgWorksCO.com.”