Chamber Connection August, 2012
Your guide to the business community & the Craig Chamber Of Commerce
THE DATE
11 E. Victory Way, Craig, CO (970) 824-7000 See all listings at www.remax.com
Events . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Board update . . . . . . . .4 Health care reform . . . .5 Economic indicators . . .7
Aug. 5-12 • Moffat County Fair Aug. 11 • Firefighter’s ball Aug. 14 • Northwest Colorado Coal Conference Ongoing • Norman Rockwell exhibit See instructions on page 3 for adding your event to the Craig Chamber of Commerce community calendar.
Ribbon cuttings . . . . . .2 New members, member spotlight . . . . .4
Save
See pages 2-3 for more events or go to www.craig-chamber.com/events.
In this issue:
Your Chamber at work June, 2012
Chamber photo
In their first-ever mud volleyball appearance, the “Culebras” worked their way through the bracket to a first-place finish.
Mud Splash draws 10 teams
Ten teams and more than 100 people showed up for the 12th annual Craig Chamber of Commerce Mud Splash Go to Craig Chamber of Commerce for mud volleyball tournament more event photos July 28 at Loudy-Simpson Park. “It was a great event,” Chamber Executive Director Christina Oxley said. “This is so different from most area activities and draws a fun-loving crowd. It’s wet and messy and just a blast.” Continued on Page 3.
Walk – ins: 613 Phone calls: 427 Mail outs: 33 Visits to member web pages: 3,433
Contact us:
Chamber of Commerce: (970) 824-5689 Sportsman information: (970) 824-3046 Visitor center: 1-800-864-4405 Staff & board of directors: Visit www.craig-chamber.com and click “about the Chamber” for a listing of the current board of directors.
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EVENTS
Calendar of
Aug. 11 ● Junior Ranger Program & park programs Yampa River State Parks is offering the fun Junior Ranger Program and park programs on weekends throughout the summer. Time: Varies Location: Yampa River State Park, 15 miles east of Craig on Hwy 40 Contact: (970) 276-2061 Details: Times and activities vary weekly Fees: Activities are free but, a daily or annual parks pass required.
Aug. 5 ● Next Generation Power Force John Jacob’s Next Generation Power Force is a strength team with a message of hope. Enter to win a Nintendo Wii or a DeWalt Power Drill Set. Go to www.ncccraig.com to print off a raffle ticket to bring to the event. Location: New Creation Church, 520 Westridge Road. Contact: (970) 826-0792 Email: office@ncccraig.com Time: 9:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. Fees: Free
Aug. 5-12 ● Moffat County Fair Something for everyone. Website: www.moffatcountyfair.com Location: Moffat County Fairgrounds Contact: (970) 824-5958; 539 Barclay Email: chaskins@moffatcounty.net Fees: No grounds admission
Aug. 11 ● NWRM CASA Softball Tournament NWRM CASA fundraising softball tournament. Put together a team or sponsor the event. Website: www.nwrmcasa.org Location: Loudy-Simpson Park Contact: Tanya Ferguson (970) 620-2342 or (970) 701-9046 Email: tanya@nwrmcasa.org Time: 9 a.m. to early evening Fees: $200 a team
Aug. 11 ● 73rd Annual Firefighters Ball Hawaiian Luau. Time: 6 p.m. Location: OP Bar and Grill, 534 E. Victory Way Contact: (970) 824-5914 Admission: $10 per ticket. Food
CUTTINGS
August 2012
Ribbon
Connections 4 Kids
Craig Chamber of Commerce photo
Chamber of Commerce board and staff members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Connections 4 Kids, a non-profit organization, the mission of which is to strengthen resources and services for children birth to age 8 and their families. Director Michelle Balleck can be reached at (970) 824-8282, ext. 47 or you can find more information about the organization and its activities on their website www.connections4kids.org.
Chamber adopts new billing policy
At its June meeting, the Craig Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors adopted a new billing policy expected to ease billing and bookkeeping costs as well as minimize staff time spent on the collections process and reward those members. Part of this policy is an attempt to reduce postage and make the payment process easier for members by using e-mail for the first billing and encourage members to pay online through their member portal. All members will be billed in December (due Jan. 31) regardless of the date they joined. Those who join mid-year will be credited for advance payment for that January billing. Members who pay their full membership within 30 days of billing (by Jan. 31) will receive a 2 percent discount. Member will be dropped if they haven’t paid by March 31. There will be no exceptions.
There will be an 8 percent surcharge on all quarterly and semi-annual billing on all standard membership. That equals an additional $20 annually or an added $5 per billing. Members on any payment plan will be dropped after 90 days of non-payment of the last billing. Members who do not request to be dropped will be required to pay their arrears if they rejoin. If a member has been dropped for non-payment, to rejoin at the standard level will cost: $250 membership $62.50 arrears $15 processing fee $327.50 to rejoin We will pursue collection on non-payment of any advertising contracts or for services provided outside of membership (event tickets, evites, spree dollars, etc.).
EVENTS
Calendar of
and drink sold separately.
Aug. 14 â—? Colorado Coal and Power Generation Conference Information about and forecasts for the industry. Time: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Location: Holiday Inn of Craig Contact: (970) 326-6930 Website: www.coloradowatercongresscoassoc.weblinkconnect.com
Ongoing â—? Moffat County Libraries Summer Reading Program Moffat County Libraries Summer Reading Program encourages kids to read during the summer. Sign up anytime during the summer,. The more kids read the more prizes they win. Contact: (970) 824-5116 or www.colorado.gov/moffatcounty (click ''Departments'' then click ''Library''). Details: Mondays, June 4-Aug. 20 Fees: Free
Mondays â—? Moffat County Libraries- Craig Family Game Night You bring the family, we'll provide the games! Time: 5 - 6:30 PM Location: 570 Green St. Contact: (970) 824-5116 or www.colorado.gov/moffatcounty (click ''Departments'' then click ''Library'') Fees: Free
Ongoing � Norman Rockwell 323 Saturday Evening Post Covers Exhibit Museum of Northwest Colorado will host a FREE exhibit featuring all of Norman Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers. Website: www.museumnwco.org Location: 590 Yampa Ave. Contact: Mary Pat Dunn at (970) 824-6360.
Every Saturday â—? 8-Ball Pool League APA Pool League 8-ball pool tournaments, open to the public. Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Location: Mather's Bar, 420 Yampa Ave Contact: (970) 824-9946 Fees: $10
Get the recognition your event deserves. Post it on the Craig Chamber of Commerce calendar of events - our second most viewed page getting 46,983 views a year. Adding your event is easy! Log on to www.craig-chamber.com and click the “events� button. Choose “submit your own event.�
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YES, WE ARE LENDING. STOP IN AND MEET OUR QUALIFIED AND DEDICATED LENDERS TODAY.
August 2012
Annual event draws 10 teams, around 100 spectators Continued from Page 1. This year’s teams included: • The Family • Tri-State Equipment • Popular Bar • Cook Chevrolet • Jack’s Bumpers • Mathers’ Bar • Culebras • Rocky Mountain Auto Monkeys • The Dirty Girls • TLC Carpet One “A lot of the teams come out year after year,â€? Oxley said. “This event has a great following, but it was great to see some new teams and new faces and based on their reactions, I think we’ll see them again next year.â€? The event is a fundraiser for the Craig Chamber of Commerce and Moffat County Visitor Center. “But we couldn’t do it alone,â€? Oxley said. “The work that the Moffat County Parks Department does is amazing. They are a great
Chamber photo
The team from Cook Chevrolet played ďŹ ve games to take home the third-place trophy.
group and did everything they could to ensure the venue was perfect. And, Rich Tyser at Kester Jewelry engraved and donated the trophies. He’s terrific.� The Culebras, in their first year competing, took first place. Jack’s Bumpers ended in second and Cook Chevrolet ended in third.
Thank you to the Moffat County Parks Department, Kester Jewelry and Herod Industries for their generous donations and support of this event. We could not have done it without you!
Home of Moffat County’s #1 Realtor
508 Yampa Ave. â—? 970.824.4455
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SPOTLIGHT
Business
The Hearing Aid Office
580 Pershing St. (970) 824-2440
Number of employees: 2 Number of years in business: 32 What is your specialty? • Hearing aid sales and service • Hearing testing • Hearing aid computer programming • Hearing aid cleaning and repairs • Hearing aid insurance • Hearing aid batteries
What is your business or organization philosophy? To offer the best possible service at competitive prices and to improve upon those services daily. To continue to seek new technologies and ideas to assist you with your hearing needs. To offer the highest standards of professional competency, business integrity and service excellence available.
Is there something your business or organization offers that people don’t seem to know about? Custom made noise plugs, custom made sleep or swim plugs. Assistive devices such as hearing amplifiers for TV. Kayak plugs. Anything else you would like to add? We provide seminars on topics related to ears, itching ears, ringing and hearing loss. These are often needed for skilled nursing or for service organizations such as Rotary, Lion’s Clubs etc. They are really fun and interactive
August 2012
Chamber members to fill four seats on board of directors in September
Anyone who is interested in serving on the Craig Chamber of Commerce board of directors is encouraged to send a letter of interest to director@craig-chamber.com or drop it by 360 E. Victory Way by Aug. 31. Four board terms end in 2012 for seats currently held by: • Gene Bilodeau, Colorado Northwestern Community College • Jared Schultz, Safeway • Audrey Anna Charchalis, Bank of Colorado • Bob Johnson, State Farm Insurance The Craig Chamber of Commerce, which operates the Moffat County Visitor Center and Sportsman Information Center, is governed by a board of 12 elected by the Chamber membership. The board of directors meets the second Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Board members are expected to attend regular board meetings, approximately one committee meeting per month and Chamber events as their schedule allows. The Board of Directors is the policyforming branch of the Chamber. It authorizes the organization’s program of work, approves and monitors its budget and directs the general operations of the Chamber.
The Board of Directors is responsible for mobilizing the resources of the community to achieve Chamber objectives. It is the function of the Board to see that the talents and energies of members are enlisted in Chamber activities, that program objectives are assigned to committees and that the responsibility and authority of committees and task forces are clearly defined. Each member of the board must take an active interest in the organization of Chamber programs, as well as in the operations of committees. The Board of Directors represents all segments of the Chamber’s membership. Regardless of his or her affiliations with other organizations or the type of business in which they are engaged, they share the responsibility for building the Chamber’s efforts to advance the welfare of the entire community. Those interested must be members in good standing. The Chamber board of directors makes the final decision in which candidates are listed on the ballot. Members will have the opportunity to elect four member to the Chamber board in September. Ballots will be sent via e-mail and USPS.
Angels In Your Cupboard Marcia Anderson and Kelly Nottingham P.O. Box 988, Craig CO (970) 326-8514
Creating organizational systems for individuals to reduce clutter in homes or at work. Also do event planning, downsizing and organizing for estate sales. Alt. phone number (970) 756-3120.
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome
ANNIVERSARIES
July
Craig Conoco Service Jackson’s Office Supply Whole Body Alignment Ridgeview West Apartments First Congregational United Church of Christ Hoque, Don & Dee NW Colorado Dental Coalition Bull Run Ranch
1997 1998 2004 2004
2005 2005 2005 2008
Village Profile Mountain View Furniture B & B Welders Supply, Inc. Land Title Guarantee Company Farmers Insurance Group E.J. Bunk Intermountain Appliances Pizza Hut Western Petroleum
2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2010 2011 2011
August 2012
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BUSINESS
News for
What the Affordable Care Act means if you are … When the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act, it allowed for better analysis of what the bill’s provisions mean to a variety of groups. The following, reprinted from Time Magazine is an overview. What this act means if you are:
A young adult:
If you are under 36, you may already be able to get health insurance through your parents’ coverage. Beginning in 2014, when most Americans will be required to have insurance or pay a tax penalty, you’ll have to buy coverage independently if you don’t have it through your parents, a job or a government program. You may find that prices are more expensive than today’s, since beginning that year, insurers won’t be able to set premiums based on risk anymore. While most Americans will need comprehensive health insurance to fulfill the individual mandate, if you are an adult under 30 you will be able to meet the requirement with cheaper insurance that covers less.
A low- to middle-income earner:
Beginning in 2014, you may qualify for Medicaid if you earn less than 133% of the federal poverty level: $14,856 in 2012. (Medicaid is a program funded and run jointly by the states and the federal government, and part of the Supreme Court ruling said states can decide whether to adopt this new federal eligibility level.) If you earn more than 133% of the poverty level, but less than 400% ($44,680 in 2012) and son’t have affordable job-based insurance, you may be eligible for federal subsidies to help you purchase insurance independently beginning in 2014.
A small-business owner:
If your company has 25 or fewer employees, you may already be eligible for federal tax credits to help you buy health insurance for your workers. If you employ 50 or more workers and don’t provide them with insurance – or they can’t afford the insurance you offer – you could be fined starting in 2014. Depending on the size of
your business and the state in which it is located, you may be able to purchase a less expensive small-group policy through a highly regulate health insurance exchange.
An employee at a large company:
Not much is likely to change for you right away. Employers with more than 200 workers will be required, beginning in 2014, to enroll them in health insrance plans. You can opt out if you don’t want what’s offered, but then you will need to purchase insurance on your own. If you enroll in coverage at work, you won’t have much choice in insurance plans, as your employer will choose coverage options for you. New federal regulations will require that insurance meets minimum standards.
An elderly person:
If you are not enrolled in Medicare, you can already receive preventative care, like annual checkups, at no out-of-pocket cost. If you have prescription drug coverage through Medicare and hit what’s known as the doughnut hole – in which you must cover all of your drugs expenses once total costs reach $2,930 and until you spend $4,700 out of pocket – you may have already received deep discounts on brandname drugs and a $250 rebate from the federal government. Over time, the doughnut hole will disappear. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, a private insurance policy under the auspices of Medicare, any extra benefits you receive beyond traditional Medicare coverage may eventually be cut.
Someone with a pre-existing condition:
You may already be eligible to enroll in a new “high-risk” pool for uninsured people in your state with pre-existing conditions. Beginning in 2014, insurance companies will not be able to turn you away based on your health status or set prices higher if you have a pre-existing health condition. In 2014, if you buy insurance independently, you will be able to Continued on Page 8.
Health Care Quotables:
American Medical Association: “The AMA has long supported health insurance coverage for all, and we are pleased that this decision means millions of Americans can look forward to the coverage they need to get healthy and stay healthy. The AMA remains committed to working on behalf of America’s physicians and patients to ensure the law continues to be implemented in ways that support and incentivize better health outcomes and improve the nation’s health care system.” - AMA President Jeremy A. Lazarus, MD
American College of Physicians: “We hope that a day will come when the debate will no longer be polarized between repeal on one hand, or keeping the law exactly as it is on the other, but on preserving all of the good things that it does while making needed improvements. For instance, ACP continues to believe that there is an urgent need for more meaningful reforms to the medical liability system.” - ACP President David L. Bronson, MD
American Hospital Assn.: “The decision means that hospitals now have much-needed clarity to continue on their path toward transformation. But transforming the delivery of health care will take much more than the strike of a gavel or stroke of a pen. It calls for the entire health care community to continue to work together, along with patients and purchasers, to implement better-coordinated, high-quality care.” - AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock
Federation of American Hospitals: “Hospitals are keenly positioned to witness firsthand the scope of our nation’s uninsurance crisis and how being uninsured creates intolerable burdens for so many patients and their families. [The] decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act will enable millions of Americans to soon obtain health insurance coverage. This outcome also sustains the ability of hospitals to continually improve health care quality and transform the health care delivery system.” - FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn
America’s Health Insurance Plans: “As the reform law is implemented, health plans will continue to focus on promoting affordability and peace of mind for their beneficiaries. The law expands coverage to millions of Americans, a goal health plans have long supported, but major provisions, such as the premium tax, will have the unintended consequences of raising costs and disrupting coverage unless they are addressed.” - AHIP President and CEO Karen Ignagni (From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
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August 2012
ECONOMY July Fast Facts: Regional economic indicators In the
COURTESY OF YAMPA VALLEY DATA PARTNERS For more Fast Facts or other economic indicators, visit www.yampavalleypartners.com
due to increased local spending. Food & beverage sales were flat in Moffat and increased by 9% in Routt. Merchandise sales increased 5% in Moffat and 8% in Routt.
down a bit in June: Moffat May 8.2%, June 8.0%. Routt May 9.8%, June 8.0% Routt had 144 less active unemployment claims in June and Moffat had 6 additional active unemployment claims. More importantly, the unemployment economic stress indicator in both counties improved toward the equilibrium of civilian workforce to the number of jobs. Because of the way unemployment is calculated, the monthly unemployment percentage rate can change dramatically when nothing much has changed in the underlying economy. This is why focusing solely on the unemployment percentage and not the unemployment economic stress factor can be convoluted. The economic stress indicator due to unemployment is .008 in Moffat County and .011 in Routt. Levels above .025 indicate that employers are beginning to have trouble finding people to fill available job openings.
In Routt County there was three building permits in June valued at $2,988,730. Last year there were seven construction permits valued at $5,615,417. In June there were 33 single family homes sold. This number is important because the ratio of single family homes sold to the number of homes listed for sale in Routt County is a key future construction predictor. The ratio for June was 3.2%. The ratio needs to be 2.5%+ on a sustained basis for 18 months before it is likely that noticeable construction activity begins. The July housing units for sale increased by 15 from 227 in Moffat County. Routt County's housing units for sale increased by 7 from 1019. The inventory of homes for sale has been stable from month to month over the past 12 months. During June 2012, there was an increase in the number of foreclosure notices filed on Routt County homes from May. The pace of foreclosure in Moffat County has increased from the prior month. Some of this timing may be due to paperwork processing. Foreclosure Ratio (June 2012) Nationally 1 in 635 Colorado 1 in 666 Comparable Counties
Employment
Construction/Real EsThe unemployment percentage came tate/Foreclosures
Retail Sales
The retail sales for both counties increased for April over the same month in 2011. Moffat total retail sales increased 3% and in Routt 6%. Since April had very little Routt County visitor spending we can assume this nice increase was
• • • • • •
Moffat 1 in 477 Routt 1 in 453 Eagle 1 in 401 Garfield 1 in 218 La Plata 1 in 761 Summit I in 1,194 The median listing price in Routt County jumped 6.6% to $550,000 from May whereas in Moffat County the price has stabilized at $185,000.
Energy
The number of oil and gas wells has increased in Moffat County by 5 from 725 and decreased by 13 from 42 in Routt County in March 2012 over the same month last year. Oil increased 15% in Moffat and decreased in Routt by 66% from last year same period. Natural gas production increased in both counties. It is interested to note that Routt County decreased the number of wells and more than doubled their natural gas production over March 2011. All three coal mines in our area had a decrease in production for April 2012. Coal production fluctuates depending on future contracts, long wall movement and other industry specific factors. Normally our three coal mines produce about 50% to 55% of Colorado's coal production. In April 2012 we lost market share by 40% to 32%. This is a piece of data that we will watch to see if it is an anomaly or an emerging trend. Employment in Moffat and Routt county's mines are up, 1.6% and 5.4% respectively over the same month last year.
Jobs and wages Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and, in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than chains do. Small local businesses account for a large share of new jobs created each year and locally based businesses provide some of the most stable employment opportunities in a community. These employees in turn spend in the local economy. For more reasons to shop local, log on to www.craig-chamber.com
August 2012
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August 2012
Health care: Clarifying the intent and structure of legislation
Continued from Page 5. start shopping for coverage that is vetted by the federal government or the state.
Now: Public insurance plans have been set up in the states to cover some people with pre-existing conditions. Insurers are required to cover some adult children up to age 26 on their parent’s policies. Some health insurance plans provide 100% coverage for preventative services. Seniors with Medicare prescriptions drug coverage who hit a coverage gap known as the doughnut hole – in which seniors must cover all of their drug expenses once their total costs hit $2,390 and until they spend $4,700 out of picket – have received $250 federal rebates and deep discounts on brand-name drugs.
By 2014: Insurance companies will be required to price and sell policies to everyone regardless of health status. Millions will receive federal subsidies to help them afford insurance that’s purchased independently. Subsidies will be
available to people earning 133% to 400% of the federal poverty level ($14,856 to $44,680 in 2012). States will have the option of expanding their Medicaid programs to include all individuals earning less than 133% of the federal poverty level. Individuals earning more than $200,000 per year ($250,000 for couples) will face higher taxes. Nearly all Americans will be required to have health insurance with some notable exemptions, including for people whose only coverage options (after federal subsidies and employer contributions) exceed 8% of their income. Companies that employ 50 or more workers and don’t provide insurance benefits – or that offer coverage their employees can’t afford – may be fined.
Rules of the mandate – will you be penalized for not having insurance? •
There is no penalty for being without health insurance if you are: • A member of the religion that op-
poses health insurance Are an undocumented immigrant Are in jail Are a member of the Indian tribe Are earning so little that you are not required to file and income tax return • Are unable to find insurance that costs less than 8% of your income • You already have insurance through a government program like Medicare or Medicaid or through your employer
• • • •
Penalties for not having insurance: 2014: $95 2015: $325 2016: $695
Enforcement:
The Internal Revenue Service will collect individual-mandate penalties. You will either owe more or receive a smaller refund when you file your annual income tax returns. However, if you refuse to pay the penalty to the IRS, the Affordable Care Act prohibits the agency from jailing you or seizing your property.
Wellness Screening Tests at The Memorial Hospital Take Care of Your Health The Memorial Hospital offers wellness lab tests that are affordable, convenient, and important tools for managing your healthcare concerns. Receive tests for conditions such as diabetes, gout, and high cholesterol – all without an order from your healthcare provider. Tests range from $15 to $40 each, a one-time fee of $12 is charged per visit. No appointment is necessary, and payment is due at time of service. Insurance will not be billed.
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