SoCO Business Forum & DIgest Vol. 1, No. 2 OCTOBER 2023

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

TECHNOLOGY

WORKFORCE

Meaningful Action on Affordable Housing

Underline Infrastructure Expansion

Workforce Childcare Crisis

P. 15

P. 25

P. 29

Vol. 1 No. 2 / October 31, 2023

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SPACECOM Headquarters Brings Big Changes to COS

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Publisher’s Letter FOUNDER , COLOR ADO MEDIA GROUP & EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER , SO. CO. BUSINESS FORUM & DIGEST

Dirk R. Hobbs

dhobbs@coloradomediagroup.com VICE PRESIDENT OF STR ATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

John Lerohl

jlerohl@coloradomediagroup.com MANAGING EDITOR

Lee Harper

lharper@coloradomediagroup.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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ctombaugh@coloradomediagroup.com SENIOR GR APHIC DESIGNER

Geraldine Villanueva STUDIO NARR ATOR /BUSINESS DIGEST WEEKLY

Rachael Plath SENIOR WRITERS

Pam Bales & Jeanne Davant WRITERS

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Stephanie Lerohl PARTNERSHIPS TEAM

Jeff Mohrfeld (COS) & Josh Cafasso (Pueblo) STR ATEGIC MEDIA & PRODUCTION PARTNERS

KKTV 11 NEWS, Salem Media AM1460/101.1FM & Production Point The So. Co. Business Forum & Digest audio version can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and Google Play. So. Co. Digest is also distributed to the Business Wire and Apple News+ The Business Digest Weekly radio show can be heard on AM1460/101.1FM The Answer – a Salem Media channel on Fridays at 3:00PM MST, then on podcast anytime. Business Digest Minutes can be heard daily between 7am and 9am, and 3pm and 5pm on AM1460/101.1FM Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest is published by and is the exclusive property of Colorado Media Group, Inc. a registered S-Corporation in the State of Colorado. All naming conventions, derivatives, and the ampersand are the sole property of Colorado Media Group, Inc. The Digest is a secondary trade name for this medium.

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Copyright © 2023 Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest All Rights Reserved.

W

hat a tremendous honor it was to submit our inaugural edition of the Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest to the region’s business and community leaders and contributors in September.

More than 40,000 digital copies of The Digest were released, with nearly two-thirds of recipients viewing this new publication. Since then, we’ve welcomed several hundred more recipients via our current landing page, www.socodigest.com. This same audience also received our Business Digest Weekly releases which feature several of the region’s top business and economic highlights.

The motivation behind The Digest was a story that needed telling; for some time, the local business news reporting had not been consistent with what was actually happening here, nor reflective of the sophistication and extraordinary talent of those working in dozens of industries.

I’ve often felt that a site selector in another part of the nation looking at southern Colorado business news/communications may not be too impressed based on the business news cycle in our region.

Why? It’s not because the components of great companies aren’t here — innovation, a capable and adaptive workforce, business-friendly city leaders, and other valuable components. It’s because our strengths are grossly under-reported in favor of pablum that portrays our region as little more than a bedroom community. When in fact, we’re a thriving destination for conventional and emerging industries, with a strong and healthy economy.

The Digest is not just a business news magazine.

It is a multimedia platform to tell the story of Colorado Springs and to attract those seeking great opportunities to make extraordinary contributions.

It’s a tool to help us welcome investment into our communities and industries, and to invite complementary industry players to the region. It helps us create clear paths forward to build our region intelligently and to prosper, even when

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economic times are less certain. It helps us to see opportunities for collaboration and the retention of immense talent.

We invite you to become part of this greater conversation and share your business story, your success, and what you need to be even more successful. Is it more incentives? Access to capital? Certain skills training from tech schools or degree programs from universities?

Dedicated space and rich expertise for advanced innovation and acceleration of small businesses? The list goes on. Get in touch, and let’s work to make our economic region stronger together.

Dirk R. Hobbs,

Founder & Executive Publisher Colorado Media Group, Inc.

In the September issue of The Digest, in "Attracting Visitors of all Abilities to the Front Range," it should have said that the national average of survey respondents who say they travel with someone with a disability is 20%. The article said 2%. The Digest apologizes for the misprint.

WIND FARM AT WOLF CREEK

5 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Contents / October 31, 2023

CASTLE ROCK, CO

MANUFACTURING

AFFORDABLE HOUSING TECHNOLOGY

9 Coolest Thing Made in Colorado

15 Taking Action for Affordable Housing

Two of the competition’s finalists are in Colorado Springs — and they’re really cool.

by JEANNE DAVANT

11 Galvanize Recycling Grows Business Through Social Impact

This local start-up helps other businesses who want to be stewards of environmental change.

by KERI KAHN

14 New Online Tool Helps Manufacturers Find Funds A no-fee digital platform expedites access to capital by matching companies with the most suitable lender.

The pilot program in Colorado helps keep away fintech predators.

by JEANNE DAVANT

Pikes Peak Housing Network is hosted by Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC to find solutions to this complex issue that will require contributions from a variety of sectors.

by JEANNE DAVANT

20 Affordable Housing in Pueblo

A critical housing shortage means creative options, including communities dedicated to the 55 and over population. Read more about Posada.

by TIFFANY UNDERWOOD

25 Underline Infrastructure Announces Expansion Plans The first company to offer 100 gigabit open access fiber internet is well on its way, according to CEO Robert Thompson. “Our ethic is about partnering with cities,” says Thompson.

by KERI KAHN

WORKFORCE 29 More Childcare Changes to Come

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

As the American Rescue Plan ends, what happens to childcare for the state’s workers? Half a family’s income can go to childcare for two children…or can it?

by TATIANA BAILEY, PH.D.

22 Partnerships Help New Gateway Soar

Hosmer Visitor Center will serve as a formal state welcome center, thanks to a unique public-private effort. The state-of-the-art center will spotlight USAFA cadets…and host weddings.

by KIM DALY

HOT TOPICS 38 Customer Service and Tipping

The Digest asks local businesses and employees for their perspective on two subjects that can lead to heated discussions. What’s your take?

by KAY ROWE

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7 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Updates From Around the Region Castle Rock

Why Castle Rock? Nine Great Reasons — A synopsis of a livability report October 2023 1. Ideal Colorado climate: Castle Rock boasts 300 sunny days a year.

2. Proximity to Colorado’s Front Range playgrounds – just 90 minutes from some of the most prestigious and family friendly resorts and destinations.

3. Restaurant & bar scene that’s steady and growing.

4. Fun for residents of all ages: Red Hawk Ridge golf course, an 84,000-square-foot Castle Rock Community Recreation Center, the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center , and several 55-plus communities.

5. Median household income: $125K, which puts Castle Rock’s workforce above the national average.

6. Arts & Culture – Sculptures and investment in the arts grows in this historic community.

7. Plenty of retail: outlet mall stores, antique shops, clothing retailers, and more.

8. Proximity to urban centers and entertainment: 38

minutes to downtown Denver and Denver’s sports complex, and 42 minutes to Colorado Springs and its outdoor and entertainment offerings.

9. Business Friendly: Support abounds with the area’s

three leading business organizations: Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Castle Rock Economic Development Council and Downtown Alliance.

Colorado Springs

SPACECOM Ignites Demand for Direct Access to D.C. Starting June 4, 2024, Southwest Airlines will offer daily, nonstop flights to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. This announcement is in response to the August news that SPACECOM will remain at Peterson Space Force Base where those serving in and around the aerospace and defense sector will often travel for business in Washington, D.C. Aviation Director Greg Phillips said, “The addition of nonstop service to Baltimore is a significant milestone for Colorado Springs. Unlocking travel options for our community to our nation’s Capital, a value-added opportunity that is of particular significance for aerospace, defense, and military organizations.”

With a record summer travel season for the airport from June through September 2023, the airport showed a 10% increase in enplanements each month, compared with the same months last year.

Pueblo

End of Summer Real Estate Briefing According to Realtor.com, single family home sales in Pueblo in July 2023 (the most recent figures available for reporting), were up 4.5% from June 2023. In Pueblo County, single-family home median sale prices were up 3.6% month over month.

Month Over Month

• Pueblo median selling price in July 2023: $290,000 • Pueblo median selling price in June 2023: $280,000

Year Over Year

• Pueblo median selling price in July 2022: $320,000 (Down 0.1%)

Compared to State/Month of July 2023

• Colorado median sale price in July 2023: $549,995 (up nominally)

The median home sale price used in this summary is the midway point of all homes listed over the period reflected.

Cañon City

Council Works to Keep Community Aesthetic Clean A common issue among growing communities is keeping streets clear of abandoned shopping carts. Canon City’s Council enacted a new law that seeks to encourage proper storage of a business’s shopping carts.

January 1, 2024, marks the beginning of enforcement of the new ordinance, when each business owners/ operators must show a viable plan to properly store their own shopping carts.

Both businesses without a plan, and individuals who are caught taking a cart off a business’s property, will be cited with a misdemeanor.

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Regional Professional Business Organization & Events Organization Links

So. Colorado is fortunate to have amazing support from dedicated, informed, and highly active local chambers, EDCs and business organizations that focus on advancing marketplace trust among consumers.

Keep atop of the region’s business-to-business/networking meetings, events, educational offerings, member benefits, and more. Click your local organization’s icon and mark your calendars with the right events for your business. When you support your local chambers, EDCs, SBDCs, and the BBB – we make business stronger for everyone!

The Greater Pueblo Chamber

Pueblo Economic Development Corp.

BBB of Southern Colorado

Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance

Castle Rock Chamber

Colorado SBDC - Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center

Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC

Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber

The Colorado Springs Black Chamber

Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Visitor Center

Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber

Trinidad & Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce

9 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Sector Report: Manufacturing COOLEST THING MADE IN COLORADO

by J E A N N E DAVA N T

SPRINGS-MADE PRODUCT NAMED RUNNER-UP

Courtesy of Ocutrx

T

he OcuLenz, a revolutionary technology for people with moderate to severe age-related macular degeneration, was runnerup in the Colorado Chamber of Commerce’s Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition.

The OcuLenz, a device designed and made by Colorado Springsbased Ocutrx Vision Technologies, finished second to the OSIRISREx spacecraft, developed by Lockheed Martin Space and made in Littleton. NASA used the spacecraft to obtain a sample from an asteroid near Earth — the first such sample retrieved by a U.S. mission. According to a release from the Chamber, the sample will provide invaluable insights into the formation of the solar system.

The chamber presented the Coolest Thing award and honored all 10 finalists at its annual meeting Oct. 19 in Denver.

The second annual contest drew 100 nominations for products manufactured across the state.

The OcuLenz uses patented technology in a lightweight, wearable headset to digitally generate visual images for the wearer. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Richard Freeman, a former fighter pilot who developed macular degeneration, enlisted his sons, Michael and

Mitch, to find a way to correct the devastating vision loss of the disease. Their background in computers and video led them to create an augmented reality/virtual reality solution.

Michael and Mitch Freeman are Ocutrx CEO/CTO and COO, respectively — the company makes other medical devices, such as an advanced digital microscope and a headset that allows surgeons to closely view any area of the surgical field and access patient data with a turn of the head.

Collins Aerospace’s ACES Ejection Seat, a life-saving device for military fighter, bomber, and trainer aircraft made in Colorado Springs, was also among the top 10 finalists.

Jeanne Davant is a senior writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

CONTEST INFORMATION

More information about the contest and the finalists can be found at

COOLESTTHINGCOLORADO.COM

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Sector Report: Manufacturing IMPROVING PACKAGING WITH INNOVATIVE CHEMISTRY

by K I M DA LY

F

ounded in a Cornell University dorm room in 1993, Chromatic Technologies, Inc. (CTI) established itself in Colorado Springs in 1996, pioneering thermochromic, photochromic, and glow-in-the-dark (GID) ink printing on aluminum cans, bottles, and cups. Now, the 30-year-old organization holds three U.S. and six international patents, sells in 60 countries, and maintains 25,000 square feet of R&D, manufacturing, and office space.

Their turning point came in 2002 when CEO Lyle Small pitched the potential of thermochromic ink to Coors brewery. The blue image of Wilson Peak that appears when the beer can temperature drops below 43 degrees quickly became an integral part of the Coors brand.

“We are an innovation-driven organization that helps brands stand out on the shelf,” says Small.

To accomplish that, the company is part chemical engineering firm, part manufacturer, and part marketing agency. “I’m really proud of that,” adds Small. “We’re not just the idea people, but we’re actually turning those ideas into products.”

Daniel Wachter, CTI’s chief commercial officer, moved here three years ago to scale-up the already global organization which he sees as “helping brands prove their promise visually.” With a staff of 35, Wachter and Small

Glowberry, a hydration beverage flavor from Prime, hit shelves nationwide on Aug. 30 featuring CTI’s glow-in-the-dark ink for eye-catching visibility. are highly focused on expanding CTI’s technologies from food to pharma and more. In addition to Coors, their technology can be found on products from Lexus, Duracell, Pizza Hut, General Mills, Playstation, Carlsburg, and more.

Small chose to bring CTI’s headquarters to COS 27 years ago because of its central location, easy access to the outdoors, and business-friendly community. “They cared about small businesses like me,” shares Small. “They’ve done a really good job with the business environment ... It’s been the right decision. We love it.”

As the city has grown, so has the pool of skilled employees, a benefit to a growing company not exempt from the challenges of a competitive

labor market.

Small says, while they keep score of growth by revenue, that’s not what drives him. “I want CTI to matter,” he shares. “I want us to be on billions of packages around the world impacting consumers daily.”

Kim Daly is a staff writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

11 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Sector Report: Manufacturing GALVANIZE RECYCLING GROWS BUSINESS THROUGH SOCIAL IMPACT

by K E R I K A H N

Photo Credit: AmyNicolePhotography.org

LOCAL START-UP EMPOWERS EL PASO COUNTY COMPANIES

E

mpowering businesses and citizens to be stewards of social and environmental change is the mission of local start-up Galvanize Recycling.

Purpose-driven practices have never been more important — 73% of American consumers report awarding their business to companies who show community and environmental support.

“When it comes to social impact, if you look at statistics, younger people especially want to support businesses who do good,” says Galvanize Recycling’s Founder Mike Mazzola.

Mazzola’s business helps individuals and companies do good by recycling items that are not normally recycled, then redistributing them for social impact. For El Paso County businesses, Galvanize can pick up some items in large quantities, including plastic mailers, ink cartridges, paint, light bulbs, fax machines, and more.

“The recycling rate in Colorado Springs is 15%, which is half the national average,” Mazzola says. “We all think we’re a green, environmental state but for some reason, recycling has fallen through

the cracks. This means 85% of items that can be recycled are going to the landfill. We can do better.”

It’s not just the environmental component making Galvanize unique — it’s what the business does with the recyclable goods. Accepted items listed on the company’s website are delivered to nonprofits and organizations to be repurposed for community benefit.

The economic impact is felt by consumers and social services.

Electronics delivered to Denverbased BlueStar Recyclers help create jobs for people with disabilities.

Items gifted to groups like Westside Cares or CASA’s Hanger can assist homeless neighbors and at-risk youth in becoming self-sufficient.

Plastics recycled through Trex create composite materials used in decking components, which saves maintenance for consumers.

“We’re all busy — we all have good hearts and want to do good work,” Mazzola says. “We just don’t

often have time and it’s not easy.”

Galvanize may be Mazzola’s answer to these time constraints, but it’s not his first go at solving societal problems through business.

The social entrepreneur founded outdoor gear consigner Mountain Equipment Recyclers in 2010 to benefit nonprofit and advocacy groups. This new venture is expanding to add staff, trucks, and warehouse space which will further galvanize the community for even more impact.

Keri Kahn is a staff writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

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Must Read LESSONS FROM THE TITANS: WHAT COMPANIES IN THE NEW ECONOMY CAN LEARN FROM THE GREAT INDUSTRIAL GIANTS TO DRIVE SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS

by Carter Copeland, Rob Wertheimer, and Scott Davis Three top Wall Street analysts reveal enduring lessons in sustainable success from the great industrial titans — the high-tech companies of their day — to the disruptors that now dominate the economy.

Before Silicon Valley disrupted the world with new technologies and business models, America’s industrial giants paved the way. Companies like General Electric, United Technologies, and Caterpillar were the Google and Amazon of their day, setting gold standards in innovation, growth, and profitability. Today’s leaders can learn a great deal from their successes, as well as their missteps.

You’ll learn: • How GE became the largest company on earth — only for a culture of arrogance to set in motion the largest collapse in history • How Boeing reassessed risks, raised profits — and tragically lost its balance • How Danaher avoided the pitfalls of tremendous success — by continually reinventing itself In this essential guide, three veteran analysts reveal timeless lessons from the titans of industry — and offer battle-tested survival tactics for an ever-changing world.

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The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber has been named BEST CHAMBER by the Colorado Springs Business Journal.

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Sector Report: Manufacturing NEW ONLINE TOOL HELPS MANUFACTURERS FIND FUNDS

by J E A N N E DAVA N T

T

o capture business returning to the United States from China, manufacturers know they need to streamline their operations by automating, says Tim Heaton, president of the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA).

But that costs money, and getting conventional loans is challenging, he says. That can plunge manufacturers into the often-predatory world of fintech.

So CAMA has developed a no-fee digital platform that streamlines, simplifies, and expedites access to capital for small manufacturers. Partnering with Austin, Texasbased Access Capital Technologies and several financial institutions to create the new loan prequalification tool, CAMA is piloting the program in Colorado before it’s rolled out in other U.S. markets and industry sectors.

“Our new Access to Capital tool matches the manufacturer with the most suitable lender, taking time and guesswork out of the loan search process, while allowing businesses to spend more time building the products that make Colorado strong,” Heaton says.

FirstBank, Key Bank, and DreamSpring, a community development financial institution (CDFI), are working with CAMA, and several other financial institutions are poised to become partners in the program, he says. As a CDFI, “DreamSpring can do everything a bank can do, but they’re going to be able to do it without some of the stringent criteria you would find at one of the other banks,” he says.

CAMA and Manufacturer’s Edge, another organization that provides support and technical assistance to manufacturers, are providing consultant services that DreamSpring is required to provide with its loans.

Manufacturers can sign up for the no-fee service on CAMA’s website. “You will complete a few questions, and it will match you to the best suited bank to get you the money you’re looking for,” Heaton says.

The concept originated after the federal CHIPS and Science Act was passed in 2022, Heaton says. “We were hoping that there was going to be more money available to support small manufacturers,” he says.

“When that didn’t happen, we knew we had to be a little more creative. Access Capital Technologies had already developed the software, so we were able to bring it to market very quickly.”

The Access to Capital tool is open to all manufacturers but likely will be most useful to midsize and smaller businesses, Heaton says. They’re the ones, he says, “who are caught in this pinch between higher interest rates and the need to finance growth.”

Jeanne Davant is a senior writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

15 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Affordable Housing

TAKING ACTION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

by J E A N N E DAVA N T

R

andy Scott and his wife, BJ, have a lengthy history of serving the Pikes Peak region through their work with nonprofit organizations, tackling subjects like homelessness, health, and aging, as well as consulting with nonprofits on management and governance.

They found multiple organizations were addressing various aspects of the affordable housing crisis, but no entity was solely focused on finding and implementing solutions, Randy Scott says.

The Affordable Housing Collaborative (AHC), which the Scotts helped to form in 2018, and the Community Affordability Task Force came closest. The AHC was doing research and bringing together developers, philanthropists, and other interested people.

“There were a lot of meetings going on, but not many solutions

were being identified,” Scott says.

The AHC created a website to post information, made data-driven educational presentations to the community, and held two community assemblies; they also spoke at City Council meetings where legislation concerning accessory dwelling units and zoning changes occurred, to encourage affordable housing was being considered.

In April 2022, the AHC issued a report called “Housing for All: Solutions That Make Sense,” which contained a detailed action plan on addressing the affordable housing problem.

“Our problem was — we’re a bunch of volunteers” he says. After some additional research into what other cities were doing, the Scotts started fundraising to form a new organization that would serve as a professional affordable housing ombudsman.

“The Affordable Housing Collaborative, which is volunteerdriven, is now becoming the Pikes Peak Housing Network, which will be staff-driven,” Scott says. The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is hosting the new organization and acting as its fiscal agent. A board of directors has been recruited, and candidates for an executive director are being interviewed. Scott expects the selection will be announced within a few weeks.

Finding Solutions The Pikes Peak Housing Network’s mission is to “foster or identify innovative and collaborative solutions to this problem and try to pull the right people together that can implement those solutions,” Scott says.

Because the causes of the affordable housing crisis are

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complex, ranging from the negative perception of affordable housing to the escalating costs of building and home purchase, there is no silver bullet solution, he says.

“We’ve got to have more housing, and it’s got to be at all levels,” he says, including apartments, condos, and single-family homes. “And we’re unfortunately going to have to probably go to more density to utilize our land better and to help bring some of those costs down. So there’s a lot of different avenues that have to be looked at and have to be worked on by various sectors of the community in order to ultimately solve this problem.”

Jeanne Davant is a senior writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING BY THE NUMBERS People often think of affordable housing as large public complexes where very poor people live, but it is far more nuanced than that, Scott says. Nationwide, according to a Dec. 8, 2022, estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 40% of renters were “cost burdened,” meaning they were spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs.

Local statistics compiled by the city of Colorado Springs from 2021 Census Bureau Data showed that 35 percent of households in El Paso and Teller counties were cost-burdened, and 17% were extremely cost-burdened — that is, they were paying more than half their income for housing.

And while 90% of households in

the lowest income bracket — making $24,720 per year or less — are considered cost-burdened, even higher income brackets feel the pinch.

The Collaborative terms this the missing middle — households with incomes from about $25,000 to over $65,000.

“You’ve almost got to be making $70,000 a year to be able to afford an apartment here,” Scott says. “It’s now affecting job types that would never have been considered having problems being able to pay rent before.

We’re talking about retail workers and nonprofit workers and people working in the service industry; we’re even talking about registered nurses, enlisted military and teachers.”

17 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Economic Development NEW MEDICAL SPA COMES TO COLORADO SPRINGS

by E M I L I E H AGO PIA N

C

olorado Springs welcomed a national leader in the beauty and wellness industry in October: Aurora Medical Spa. The spa’s sixth location and its first expansion into Colorado celebrated a grand opening Oct. 6 at the facility on Academy Blvd. The company’s other locations are in Missouri and Texas.

CEO Paige Boyer had her sights set on Colorado for quite a while and she looks forward to elevating the beauty and wellness scene here.

A former interior designer, Boyer’s career took a rewarding turn in 2007 when she became a marketing consultant for Aurora Medical Spa. There she found her true passion, she says, seizing the opportunity to acquire the company in 2008.

With a vision fueled by innovation, Boyer has steered the company towards remarkable success, opening the three newest locations since 2019. The company has proven itself to be a trusted name in the field of medical aesthetics, providing advanced, skin rejuvenation and body sculpting treatments. They specialize in a wide variety of services, including

(L TO R) Lolav Silevani, Erin Fyfe, Lindsay Neuhaus, Amy Stark, and Sarah Van Ess. laser treatments, injectables, and medical-grade skincare.

“

With a company mission statement of “Inspiring confidence, empowering all,” Aurora Medical Spa hopes to empower Coloradans to look and feel their best.

”

— Paige Boyer

Boyer hopes the new location can be a haven for anyone seeking premium skincare and medical aesthetic services.

“Aurora Medical Spa is excited to be part of the Colorado

community,” says Boyer. “We are expanding into the Colorado Springs marketplace to provide this growing, vibrant community a premium medical aesthetic provider that’s conveniently located within their local shopping district.”

Emilie Hagopian is a staff writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

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Affordable Housing AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN PUEBLO

by T I F FA N Y U N D E RWOO D

“

T

here is a critical housing shortage here in our community — we have less than 2% available housing to support Pueblo’s burgeoning population,” says Kim Bowman, executive director of Posada. According to their 2022 annual report, Posada served 687 people in the Pueblo community, including 76 homeless youth (between the ages of 18-25); 52 families with children were placed in emergency housing; and 118 households were provided with rent and utility assistance.

Posada is a non-profit organization, established in 1987, to address the homelessness issue in Pueblo County. Since then, the organization has expanded their resources beyond providing shelter, to include financial assistance programs. Currently, Posada is working to purchase and construct properties across Pueblo to create

affordable housing opportunities for lower income families and individuals. “Volunteers are the hallmark of success for Posada’s programs and events,” says Bowman. “In 2022, more than 250 volunteers donated resources, time and effort to support our core programs and mission.”

One of Posada’s newest projects is the Sunset Senior Living housing development which opened in October. The 17-unit complex offers affordable living opportunities with a sense of community, for individuals 55 years and older.

Currently offering year-long leases, Sunset’s rents are set at $350 per month. This housing facility, previously a motel, was developed as a single room occupancy (SRO) model, a concept that has existed for well over 100 years in the US. This allows residents to maintain private en suite accommodations with community-style kitchen,

dining, and common areas. The goal is to provide greater socialization opportunities for the residents in hopes to prevent isolation and promote independent living.

Tiffany Underwood is a staff writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

THEIR MISSION

Posada’s mission is to provide housing and supportive services that empower homeless and low-income individuals and families in Pueblo County, to become self-supporting members of the community. Learn more at

POSADAPUEBLO.ORG

21 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Aerospace & Defense BOECORE TO EXPAND WORKFORCE

by J E A N N E DAVA N T

B

oecore, a leading software developer in the Colorado Springs aerospace and cybersecurity sectors, expects to begin moving most of its space and satellite communications divisions into a facility on the northeast corner of Voyager and Research Parkways in October.

About 50 Boecore employees initially will move into the building, “but we have room for more than that,” President Tom Dickson says.

The new space will help facilitate the company’s expansion plan, announced in August. Boecore will add significant space, defense, and cybersecurity capabilities and aims to double the company’s 400-employee workforce in the next five years — and triple it over eight years, Dickson says.

“We’ve invested quite a bit in some technologies around artificial intelligence and machine learning,” he says. Some of that technology is specific to Space Force, including software that enables satellites to talk to each other.

“If you’re looking for a specific image on the ground, the satellites can figure out which one has the best chance to get a good-grade image of that,” Dickson says. “We have some anomaly detection software that the Navy is deploying across all of their systems that can alert somebody that there has been a cyber incident.”

The company’s gamified training system is used by the Space Defense Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Space Force, the

“

We are still acting like a small family business and putting our employees first — that’s what has made us successful over the years.

We’re trying to keep that focus as we grow.

”

— Kathy Boe

Missile Defense Agency, and civil agencies such as the NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will continue to be major customers, he says, as well as international and commercial clients.

Boecore was founded in 2000 by software engineer Kathy Boe, who developed the company into a major player in the local defense industry. Boe sold the company in 2022 to Enlightenment Capital, a Chevy Chase, Maryland-based investment firm that specializes in the aerospace, defense, government, and technology sectors.

Boecore has additional facilities in northern Utah; Huntsville, Alabama; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Orlando, Florida. Colorado Springs remains the company’s headquarters and its biggest growth region.

“We are still acting like a small family business and putting our employees first — that’s what has made us successful over the years,” Dickson said. “We’re trying to keep that focus as we grow.”

Jeanne Davant is a senior writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

socodigest.com / Vol. 1 No. 2 - Oct. 31, 2023 / 22

Commercial Development PARTNERSHIPS HELP NEW GATEWAY SOAR

by K I M DA LY

T

rueNorth Commons, the 57-acre parcel under development outside the north gate of the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), is quickly evolving into a soaring new gateway to Colorado Springs (COS), a project made possible by a host of unique partnerships. The development’s centerpiece, the $32 million Hosmer Visitor Center which will double as a formal Colorado Welcome Center — the region’s first — serving as a visible, accessible reminder of the opportunities both at the USAFA and within the broader Pikes Peak region.

The project represents a unique publicprivate effort between the USAFA and the City of Colorado Springs, The State of Colorado, Secretary of the Air Force, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, and a host of civilian organizations. Designed to symbolize an aircraft taking flight, the project also utilized a gift-in-kind contribution to the Academy through an Enhanced Use Lease agreement.

Carlos Cruz-Gonzalez, director of logistics, engineering, and force protection at USAFA, explains the project would not have been possible without the support of the city. “They have truly worked with us and allowed us to make this dream come true — to have a visitor center that is visible and accessible.”

Shawna Lippert, a senior economic development specialist for COS, states, “These state-of-theart facilities will be open for use by our entire community, and we look forward to the future corporate events, weddings, and other celebrations that will be held in these placemaking spaces that celebrate our military history.”

The goal is to impress and teach visitors about the cadet journey and post-graduation opportunities. “We want people to understand the caliber of cadets that we have, the caliber of our program, and then what happens when cadets leave and how successful they are in helping us execute the Air Force and Space Force missions,” says Cruz-Gonzalez.

Lippert says the project will strengthen the Academy’s foundation in the community as well as bring outside dollars to the region. “When you combine the Visitor Center with the other four ‘City for Champions’ projects, the impact truly becomes exponential,” she shares.

Kim Daly is a staff writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

23 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Education COS SCHOOL FOLLOWS NATIONAL MOVEMENT

by E M I L I E H AGO PIA N

HOW CELL PHONEFREE SCHOOL DAYS SHAPE STUDENTS

T

he Away for the Day movement is changing the way people see cell phones in educational settings.

Inspired by the award-winning documentary “Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age,” the movement advocates for cell phone-free school days. Its mission is to enhance students’ academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being by providing a focused free from distraction learning environment.

The trend caught the attention of schools across the country, including St. Mary’s High School in Colorado

Inspirational IQ Springs. The school administration recently implemented a “no cell phone use” policy of their own, and they are confident that this policy will shape their students into healthy, hard-working individuals — both inside and outside of the classroom.

“We didn’t make this decision lightly,” says Robyn Cross, principal of St. Mary’s. “But the research is clear – overuse of cell phones leads to poor school outcomes, depression, and loneliness.”

According to recent studies, schools that implemented “no cell phone use” policies have seen a 6.4% increase in student test scores. The same is true in college classroom settings, with cell phonefree students showing more social engagement, better note taking habits, and higher GPAs. Katie Ghent, a teacher at St. Mary’s, goes on to explain how cell phone-free school days can set students up for success, in school and in their future careers. “I was thinking a lot about what makes a good employee,” Ghent says. “You want someone who is dependable; someone who has a certain set of skills that allows them to effectively communicate and build relationships with their coworkers and superiors.

I think where cell phones get in the way of that is instant gratification.”

Ghent goes on: “If we take the cell phones away, then we can create imaginative, innovative critical thinkers who work together.”

Principal Cross chimes in, “It’s the ‘social skills’ part of it that we’re trying to build back. Workplaces are changing, but human contact is still important.”

Emilie Hagopian is a staff writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

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The best investment you can make is in yourself.”

— Warren Buffett

“

The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.”

— Mark Caine

“

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.”

— Colin R. Davis

“

Do what you love, and the money will follow.”

— Marsha Sinetar

socodigest.com / Vol. 1 No. 2 - Oct. 31, 2023 / 24

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25 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Technology UNDERLINE INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCES EXPANSION PLANS

by K E R I K A H N

BRINGS 100 GIGABIT FIBER INTERNET NETWORK TO COLORADO SPRINGS

U

nderline Infrastructure, the first company to offer 100 gigabit open access fiber internet in Colorado Springs, has announced plans for expansion and the addition of a fourth full-service internet service provider (ISP) beginning in November.

The Austin-based company won the 2023 contract to build a fiber network for Colorado Springs School District 12, making the Cheyenne Mountain area part of its second phase of geographic expansion.

Having completed the infrastructure backbone for El Paso County last year, Underline’s fiber network already serves residential and business clients across all market segments within their first phase area, bordered roughly by Constitution Avenue, Airport Road, Academy Boulevard, and Interstate 25. The company is also building a multi-purpose fiber network for The City of Fountain, its residents, and businesses, as well as for Fountain Utilities as a precursor for modernized water systems, renewable energy, and smart grid solutions.

“By year-end 2023, we will be substantially done with our entire Phase One build on time and under budget,” says Bob Thompson, Underline founder and CEO. “We’re also already building across the whole city of Fountain, and the Cheyenne Mountain area — effectively surrounding and doubling our Phase One footprint. We’re doubling down on our partnership with the people of Colorado Springs and we’re doing all these things at zero cost to the city and at no risk to ratepayers.”

Defense and cybersecurity solutions Underline delivers a modern fiber network plus infrastructure technology to do two things: solve today’s need for internet access that’s fast, affordable, and fair; and cyber-securely serve future connectivity needs.

Commercial organizations and academic institutions serving U.S. military and space intelligence need advanced non-public internet connectivity pathways and Underline’s network attracts these groups.

“They chose us because we offer critical technology solutions, not just the internet,” Thompson says. “Our technology allows them to engage in communication exercises that don’t touch what’s known as the dirty web.”

El Paso County’s large presence of military installations, defense contractors, and cyber security companies is one reason Thompson chose Colorado Springs for his company’s first market.

Underline partnerships in this sector include Space ISAC, Catalyst Campus, Bluestaq LLC, the National Cyber Security Center, and undisclosed defense and government tech clients.

Partnering with businesses and residents Underline funds and builds modern cybersecure fiber networks that serve every client in the market — from residential neighborhoods including Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) homes to small business, from enterprise clients to utilities and municipal

socodigest.com / Vol. 1 No. 2 - Oct. 31, 2023 / 26

The Underline Internet team at their all-team retreat in Colorado Springs last month. governments. Underline recruits qualified ISPs that serve clients with internet and value-added services, to run over the top of these fiber-to-the-premise networks.

“Our ethic is about partnering with cities,” Thompson says. “It is about the flourishing of America by virtue of the health of its communities. That’s why we started the company.”

Underline offers solutions that improve access, provide modern service to businesses, and support infrastructure modernization.

“We sit in the middle of the wealthiest society in the history of mankind but all across the country, in city after city, our poor kids sit in parking lots trying to do their homework because they don’t have internet access at home,” Thompson says.

For businesses, Underline touts fair pricing and better service. Current business clients include The Downtown Partnership, Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Southern Colorado, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, and many organizations within the small business

and start-up ecosystem.

By year’s end, 35,000 customers in Colorado Springs will be greenlit for Underline service.

Keri Kahn is a staff writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

Businesses and residents who wish to have internet speeds up to ten times faster and more reliable than non-fiber internet can sign up for service on Underline’s website, UNDERLINE.COM/COS Home internet is priced at $49 per month for 500/500 Mbps and $65 for 1/1 gigabit with no data caps, equipment fees, or contracts. For ACP-qualifying families, 500/500 Mbps will be provided at no charge, and the charge for 1/1 gigabit is $35 per month.

27 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Cybersecurity

INNOVATION CENTER PROMISES TO ADVANCE CYBER WARFARE

by K I M DA LY

I

n mid-2024, doors will open on the Madera Cyber Innovation Center, a three-story, 48,000 sq. ft. facility on the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) campus’ east side, featuring state-of-theart cyber-tech classrooms and labs as well as research and design spaces. It will allow cadets to explore advanced computer and cyber science concepts while facilitating broader collaboration in advanced technological warfare.

Carlos Cruz-Gonzalez, director of logistics, engineering, and force protection at USAFA, shares that they made it easily accessible to the public “because we wanted academics from other institutions and industry partners to be able to reach the facility and be part of the work that will go on in the facility — both from an instructional perspective and

from a research perspective.”

The center is expected to serve more than 1,400 cadets as well military and civilian organizations, and host programs to educate cyber operators and train future Air Force and Space Force officers.

Of particular value is a secure workspace where cadets can conduct coursework projects and research while operating at a higher classification level than is possible currently. Cruz-Gonzalez says that will allow their partners in USAF and Department of Defense (DOD) cyber activities to share information at the proper classification level with cadets and staff.

Thirty million dollars of U.S. government military construction funds sponsored 33,000 sq. ft. of the project while $28 million in donations from the nonprofit Air Force Academy

Foundation financed the remainder.

The facility is named in honor of 1978 Academy graduate and Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Paul Madera.

It is expected to open in time for the 2024 academic year, ready to employ cutting edge technologies to prepare for the future.

Dean of the Faculty Brigadier General Linell A. Letendre states, “I’m thrilled to see the vision for the Madera Cyber Innovation Center come to life! This project embodies USAFA’s commitment to preparing future airmen and guardians for the next fight — the agile, cutting-edge infrastructure is a giant leap forward in our capability to deliver worldclass air, space, and cyberspace instruction.”

Kim Daly is a staff writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

socodigest.com / Vol. 1 No. 2 - Oct. 31, 2023 / 28

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29 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Workforce MORE CHILDCARE CHANGES TO COME

by TAT IA N A BA I L E Y, PH . D.

T

he childcare crisis in the U.S. is a complex issue with far-reaching personal and economic consequences.

On the demand side, it’s often difficult for families to both find quality childcare and afford it. The average annual cost for childcare is typically between $12,000 and up to $24,000, depending on the region.

On the supply side, even before the pandemic there was a shortage of childcare workers; and today, there are roughly 100,000 fewer childcare workers than there were pre-pandemic.

And now we have another headwind. The American Rescue Plan, one of the pandemic emergency programs, provided $24 billion in subsidies to childcare centers that suddenly had an even more acute shortage of workers.

With the reality of fewer workingage people in the United States, many of those former childcare workers found easier office or remote work that usually paid better (see chart), and often with benefits.

Owners of childcare centers had to raise wages to compete and most of the $24 billion was used to help cover those expenses. This kept a lot of childcare centers operational.

But that funding expired on September 30. More than 70,000 childcare programs are expected to close across the U.S., and 3 million childcare slots will disappear. In Colorado, 83,000 children will lose their childcare slots according to The Century Foundation and research by Catherine Rampell. We

have the additional challenge of student loan payments resuming in October. What about young families who must work, pay hefty student loan payments, and also pay for childcare? What hasn’t been working well is about to get worse.

I think back to when my five kids were young and how my husband and I made the decision for me to work part-time and mostly from home, which was definitely a privilege (not to mention the best and most meaningful years of my life). But I also have a lot of education, yet the math didn’t work for us to pay for childcare – even for one child. The math doesn’t work at an aggregate national level either.

If we look at specific local data, in 2022 the median annual household income in Colorado Springs was

$82,389, according to the Census Bureau. At this median income, for a family of four with two children under the age of three, childcare for those children would be approximately $25,000 per year, according to local estimates. This would be with a $15,000 incomebased subsidy at facilities that participate in such programs.

Without this $15,000 subsidy, the full tuition for two children under age three in Colorado Springs is estimated to be $40,000 per year.

And let’s remember that household incomes are in gross dollars (e.g., before taxes). If a household has an income of $100,000 at a 28% tax rate, their take-home pay is $72,000 a year, but they may or may not qualify for subsidies, depending on the facility and the specifics of any

Bureau of Labor Statistics; Data-Driven Economic Strategies

U.S. Childcare Worker Salaries

$12.27 per hr ($25,510 per yr) sliding scale subsidies. If a family cannot find a childcare facility with subsidies, for a household income of $100,000, childcare for two children under three would take up more than half of their take-home pay.

For a young family, this is simply not doable. As a result, fewer young people are forming families. We need not look further than Japan to see the economic consequences of low birthrates alongside significantly longer life spans. We already have a tight workforce market due to the bust of the baby boom and declining birth rates that started decades ago. Even lower U.S. birth rates today will amplify the workforce shortage. To be sure, there are negative externalities to an overcrowded planet. But for those who want children and want to work outside the home, it

shouldn’t be this difficult. Families should be able to be at “replacement fertility” of roughly two children per family, if they so desire. As it stands right now, childcare is one instance where I think society would benefit from both public and private subsidies.

A few years ago, my office did a return-on-investment analysis for subsidized early childhood education for four year olds, funded by the Legacy Institute. In the short run, for every dollar put into the program, the government gets back $1.20 because more parents can work and pay taxes, and there is a reduction in federal assistance programs like food stamps. Over the long run, child outcomes are better and the return-on-investment increases to $1.30 — or put another way, a 30% return — a healthy

$14.22 per hr ($29,570 per yr) return by any standards. These are not handouts, but sound financial investments that pay for themselves, increase our global competitiveness, and help families work and thrive.

Tatiana Bailey is executive director of the nonprofit DataDriven Economic Strategies (DDES).

Thank you to Gaby Glassford for research support, and thank you to Early Connections for their contributions and hard work in this realm. An abridged video with this information recently aired on The Economic Update with Tatiana Bailey on Fox21 and can be found on their website or at ddestrategies.org.

The abridged article was published in The Gazette on August 31, 2023.

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33 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Partnership Report

EIGHT FEARS TO OVERCOME AS A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNER, PART ONE

by T E R R I H AY E S , PR E SI D E N T & CEO

S

mall businesses are the backbone of the U.S. According to the Small Business Association (SBA), in 2022, 99.99% of all businesses are considered small — with 89% of those having fewer than 20 employees. We NEED small business; but starting one is not for the faint of heart. Here are four of the eight obstacles covered in Part One of this report.

While you may feel empowered to start a business or work for yourself, it can be daunting. You may face a myriad of fears and uncertainties. Unfortunately, there’s no magical time that they go away. It’s not like once you pass the five-year mark, you become fearless. No, you

must work at that and leverage your resources.

So, let’s explore the most common fears for business owners and the strategies for addressing them. One solution that can significantly ease these concerns is working with your chamber of commerce.

1. Fear of Financial Insecurity

Small business professionals often grapple with the fear of financial instability. The uncertainties of cash flow, profit margins, and economic downturns can be paralyzing.

To address this fear: • Create a robust business plan that outlines your financial strategy and projections.

• Build an emergency fund to cushion your business against unforeseen challenges.

• Consult with financial experts or accountants for prudent financial management.

• Join your local chamber for access to financial/ business/support resources, grants, and networking opportunities. While you can find this information on your own, it’s nice (and much more efficient) when someone else is calling it to your attention.

socodigest.com / Vol. 1 No. 2 - Oct. 31, 2023 / 34

2. Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is a common psychological hurdle for small business professionals. It can manifest in self doubt and reluctance to take risks.

To overcome this fear: • Embrace a growth mindset; view failures as opportunities to learn and grow.

• Set achievable goals and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

• Connect with mentors, business coaches, or industry peers who can offer guidance and support.

• Organizations like a chamber can provide you with access to mentorship programs, business seminars, and other business pros that help build your resilience and confidence in your business venture.

3. Fear of Inadequate Marketing

Marketing can be one of the most hated activities for small business professionals. It can feel awkward trying to toot your own horn in a way that people will come to know, like, and trust you. But effective marketing is vital for business growth and fear of not getting it right can hinder progress.

To combat this fear: • Develop a thorough marketing strategy, emphasizing your unique value proposition. There is a lot of free advice on the internet about how to do this.

• Explore various marketing channels to find what works best for your business and what’s most appealing to your target market.

• Invest in marketing education and resources to enhance your skills.

• Join networking groups so you can connect with marketing experts and opportunities to promote your business to a wider audience through events and networking platforms.

4. Fear of the Unknown

When you start a business, there are many things you might not know.

Even after being in business for years, there are things that come up that you hadn’t considered. (Hello, COVID!) You may also be concerned about legal and regulatory unknowns.

There’s great unpredictability in the business world.

Fearing those things can paralyze you, preventing you from making necessary decisions, embracing innovation, and seizing new opportunities.

To address this fear: • Consult with professionals who know what you don’t, to ensure your business complies with all regulations.

• Stay informed about changes in local, state, and federal laws that affect your industry.

• Access the chamber to learn about local laws and legislative changes that may impact your business.

• Talk with business pros who have been in your position — learn what they wished they’d known when starting their business.

And there’s more! Look for Part Two in the November issue of The Digest.

Terri Hayes is the President and CEO of The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce & EDC. It is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.

35 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

socodigest.com / Vol. 1 No. 2 - Oct. 31, 2023 / 36

Workforce PPWC RELEASES JOBS REPORT FOR Q3

T

he most sought-after workers in El Paso and Teller counties are registered nurses and software developers, according to data compiled by the Pikes Peak Workforce Center.

From April through September 2023, 4,789 unique job opportunities for registered nurses were posted in the region, data reported by PPWFC Data Analyst Daniel Garcia shows.

Employers posted 1,825 jobs for software developers during the same period. Job openings for all other computer-related jobs weren’t far behind, with 1,663 openings, according to the data provided to The Digest by the Workforce Center.

The data was arranged according to four educational levels and lists the Top 10 job categories in each according to the fastest growing occupations, unique job opportunities and highest paying jobs.

“There are many different factors to look at in this data,” says Traci Marques, executive director and CEO of the Workforce Center. “One of the big takeaways is that it’s all about the job quality. Quality jobs can be found in many different industries, and there are careers and opportunities in many different pathways.”

Here are some further highlights of the report.

Fastest growing occupations, shown with number of 2023 job openings and 2022 median hourly earnings High school diploma or less Home health and personal care aides Fast food and counter workers Stockers and order fillers

6,604 jobs 11,352 jobs 8,781 jobs

$15.27 $14.14 $16.29

Some college, postsecondary awards: Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers Teaching assistants (except postsecondary) Nursing Assistants

2,988 jobs 3,090 jobs 3,499 jobs

$23.79 $14.20 $17.45

Associate’s degree: Preschool teachers (except special education) Veterinary technologists and technicians Physical therapy assistants

1,204 jobs 581 jobs 300 jobs

$16.84 $20.31 $28.44

Bachelor’s degree: Software developers Registered nurses General and operations managers

5,912 jobs 7,034 jobs 5,584 jobs

$63.23 $38.66 $55.25

Highest paying occupations (2022 median earnings) High school diploma or less: Transportation, storage and distribution managers

$56.40

Some college, postsecondary award: Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

$23.79

Associate’s degree: Radiation therapists

$48.43

Bachelor’s degree: Airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers

$92.61

37 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Energy GREEN BUSINESS NETWORK HELPS MEMBERS SAVE ON ENERGY COSTS

by J E A N N E DAVA N T

T

he Colorado Green Business Network recently welcomed 117 new members, joining 36 green businesses that already have access to the network’s funding resources, support system, mentorship, technical assistance, and statewide recognition.

A voluntary program funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and housed in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the network’s consultants provide free offsite coaching and onsite assistance to businesses, schools, and other organizations interested in increasing their energy efficiency, Administrator Rayna Oliker says.

“We have two levels of support,” she says. “Our nonrecognition level is for businesses that are just getting started or don’t want recognition but want to be connected with the network and receive the resources that come with that. The recognition level is for businesses that have demonstrated commitment to going above and beyond regulatory compliance and into operational sustainability. For those businesses, we offer incentives — window decals, signed certificates, press kits, opportunities to mentor and to speak at our workshops — things like that.”

Mentorship is one of the most valuable benefits the network offers members. “We have businesses constantly sharing best practices with each other,” she says. “We also offer connections to funding opportunities and resources. There are always new opportunities in other departments at the state, and with local utilities that businesses might not know about. We also

provide letters of recommendation for those grants so that our businesses can move forward with sustainability projects.”

When a business owner signs up for the network, they can request a site visit during which a consultant evaluates the space and makes recommendations for simple, lowcost actions, such as replacing light bulbs with LEDs, adding window film, or installing smart power strips. The network also can provide businesses with templates and recommended software to track energy and water use.

“We’re looking for those lowimpact things that have the potential to save a business money, and allows them to save up for larger projects,” Oliker says. “Sustainability and efficiency can feel really overwhelming to a business owner who has a lot of competing interests,” she says. “It’s not something that happens overnight, but businesses can take small steps toward saving money, saving resources, and getting more invested in the community.”

Jeanne Davant is a senior writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the network, visit

CDPHE.COLORADO.GOV/ CO-GREEN-BUSINESS

socodigest.com / Vol. 1 No. 2 - Oct. 31, 2023 / 38

Hot Topics

TALKING ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE

by K AY ROW E

I

t’s a well known fact that customer care can make or break a business. A few local business owners from different industries were asked three pertinent questions in this regard.

1. Are you aware of your front line’s real conduct when you’re not there to manage engagements?

2. Are they hurting or helping your brand?

3. Are they doing the bare minimum or building relationships?

2.

3.

customers and how I want them to represent our company. I often get feedback weeks later of how our technicians were great to work with.

If they were hurting the brand there would be training and, if still not corrected, they would be let go. The feedback is often very positive.

I feel they are definitely an asset and help the company image. We often do little things that stand out. Such as wipe the floor on our way out or ask if the customer has any last minute questions.

Antique Store & Estate Sale Business: 1. Yes, I have cameras I watch occasionally at the store and I have hired secret shoppers at the estate sales.

2. Currently helping but that wasn’t always the case.

3. Today most are properly engaged, I have one that is only doing the bare minimum and I’m taking steps to replace.

Home Inspection Business: 1. I’ve only hired my son so I have instilled into him the values of doing what’s right even when no one is watching, being a person of your word, integrity.

2. When my son does what he says we, the company, will do, we keep our word and that helps my company.

3. I believe whenever we can build a relationship around the framework of integrity, commitment, great service — then our company will always grow.

There are times when only the bare minimum is done, due to time constraints.

Property Restoration Business: 1. We do train our employees on how to address

Kay Rowe is a staff writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

Here are their answers:

39 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Hot Topics

TALKING ABOUT TIPPING

by K AY ROW E

T

ipping has become somewhat of a hot topic, particularly in the fast food and small business retail sector over the past few years in the wake of the pandemic. For a more comprehensive understanding, here’s a bit of history on the subject.

The habit of tipping dates back to the 1600s in Europe. It became part of American culture in the mid 1800s, taking root as a business strategy during reconstruction. According to Ofer H. Azar in The Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2020) “By 1895, the average tip in European restaurants was five percent of the bill, while in the United States a common tip was 10 percent.”

“By the 1970s and 1980s, that percentage had jumped to 15%. In 2023, people typically tip anywhere from 15% to 25%.”

“The Fair Labor Standards Act established a bare minimum floor for tipped wages only in 1966. The federal tipped minimum wage has remained at $2.13 an hour since 1991…” per the website civilrights. org. However, the employer is required to make up the difference should the tipped employee’s tips be insufficient to meet minimum wage, which in Colorado is $13.65 per hour.

According to AllRecipes.com, many food

establishments have moved toward tips and service charges to cover employee pay and health benefits.”

Price increases of over 18% since 2020 have made it more difficult for businesses to meet financial needs, including attracting and maintaining their workforce. At the same time, the increases have affected consumers.

In conversations with a number of local residents on the subject, few if any tip for fast food, let alone cafes and baristas or retail. And they found it annoying to be prompted to do so. Reactions varied from “Why should I pay someone at a counter to hand me my order?” to “Their employer should pay them minimum wage.” On the other hand, all of those interviewed were happy to tip a minimum of 15% at full-service restaurants and upwards of 25% for outstanding service.

MZ, a manager and server at a local Mom and Pop restaurant, explained the average tip is 20%, with the server receiving 13% after sharing with bussing, bar, and kitchen staff. He said some of the servers are offended when they receive less than 20%, especially when they know they performed well. When that happens, he encourages them to consider the average and to not take it personally.

Kay Rowe is a staff writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

socodigest.com / Vol. 1 No. 2 - Oct. 31, 2023 / 40

Inspirational IQ

Government DA MICHAEL ALLEN CREATES UNFRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT FOR CRIME

by J E A N N E DAVA N T

— John D. Rockefeller

A

mong the highest priorities for 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen is making the community safe for residents and businesses.

“We’re the chief law enforcement officers in the district,” says Allen, who was elected district attorney in 2020 and is seeking re-election in 2024. “We’re charged with upholding public safety and prosecuting criminal offenses that occur within the district,” he says.

Allen heads a staff of 250, including 92 attorneys who prosecute crimes from misdemeanors to murders. He sees the office as “a tangible way to give back to the community,” and a big part of that is “what our businesses are looking for in a community to make it attractive to settle.” To accomplish that, Allen has taken a tough-on-crime stance.

“If somebody has a criminal mindset, they are paying attention to what’s happening in criminal justice,” he says.

“They know when things are being decriminalized and punishments are being lessened…they’re going to target a place that’s going to take a lighter approach.”

That’s happening in some districts, he says, but not in the 4th — which consists of El Paso and Teller counties.

“If you look at the state in total, crime is out of control,” he says. “We’re doing things much differently.”

He cites a recent study by the nonpartisan research organization Common Sense Institute showing that 35% of cases in the Denver metro area

“

Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”

“

Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”

— Henry David Thoreau

District Attorney Michael Allen presented to the district attorney’s office were prosecuted. However, “in our district, we’re prosecuting greater than 90%,” he says. The average monthly crime rate in Colorado Springs has dropped by 15.9% since 2010, and the overall crime rate is 33% lower than Denver’s. The district logs prosecuted cases and other statistics on its website.

Businesses can help the district create an environment that’s unfriendly to criminals by adopting policies that let lawbreakers know they’ll be prosecuted, he says. Depending upon advice from legal counsel, that can consist of training employees to deal with crime, following through by reporting incidents, and participating in investigation and prosecution. “It’s really a proactive approach that a business owner needs to take,” Allen says.

Jeanne Davant is a senior writer for the SoCo Business Forum & Digest.

“

I knew that if I failed I wouldn’t regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.”

— Jeff Bezos

“

Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”

— Bill Gates

41 / Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest

Advertiser Index / In Alphabetical Order Thank you to each and every advertiser listed herein.

5Star Bank Better Business Bureau Boot Barn Hall Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse & Tavern The Broadmoor Business Digest Weekly Radio Colorado Springs Airport Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber/El Concilio KKTV 11News Marquesa Hobbs, Realtor/Colorado Hearthstone Properties/ The Platinum Group Realtors Notes Bar Notes Live NORTH Magazine Safe Passage Salem Media So. Co. Women’s Chamber of Commerce Sunset Amphitheater WCG, Inc.

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October 31, 2023

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