Publisher’s Note

The team and I are so proud to present the latest edition of NORTH to you. Our cover features none other than Lieutenant General Richard Clark – Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy. An extremely effective active-duty military and service academy leader, this gentleman – powerful, influential, sophisticated, yet approachable – leads the future leaders and defenders of our nation across a complex landscape of sociopolitical issues both foreign and domestic, as well as through all the nuances of modern warfare here on Earth and in space. Yes, space – we are finally realizing the dreams of so many in history that we, as human beings, will have a regular presence outside Earth’s exosphere, on the edge of outer space.

But where the multiple cultures of Earth to space come, also come similar geo-political animosities that are present on the ground. Indeed, it is an unusual time in our nation’s history, but the spirits of the U.S. Armed Forces, in particular, our current Air and Space Force and cadets, are as strong, smart, and committed as ever. Space Force – we’re actually talking about it in the present! So cool.

The Springs’ restaurant scene is also rapidly changing! Respected restaurateur Chuck Schafer opens his new quartet of dining and entertainment venues at Victory Ridge on the southeast corner of Interquest and Voyager. These one-of-akind eateries and bars are sure to please a variety of tastes as this entertainment district continues to offer residents more unique options than ever.

I want to take this opportunity to reveal that Colorado Media Group is launching a new business-to-business periodical called the Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest. As the 39th largest economy in the U.S., Colorado Springs (and the entirety of southeast Colorado) need a sophisticated and reliable business and economic development news resource. One that connects, informs, educates, leads, and showcases the outstanding contributions, innovation, educational resources, business culture, workforce, and economic strength of our business and industry region.

Find out more at https://coloradomediagroup.com/scbfd, including information about subscriptions, editorial submissions, advertising, events, special editions, sector reports, and programs.

With that, please enjoy this richly informative edition of NORTH. We are grateful to our contributors, advertisers, and staff for making this project come to life. Welcome, and it’s always free!

If you want more news, listen to our popular morning show, TrueNORTH on AM1460/101.1FM – The Answer, a Salem Media channel – on Saturdays at 8am MST or later via our podcast. Hear from local community and civic leaders, luminaries, entertainers, athletes, top business minds, and more…

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Dirk R. Hobbs: dhobbs@coloradomediagroup.com

VP PARTNERSHIPS

John Lerohl: jlerohl@coloradomediagroup.com

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Jeff Mohrfeld: jmohrfeld@coloradomediagroup.com

DESIGN & PRODUCTION EDITORS

Dirk R. Hobbs, Sheyenne Livingston

WEBSITE MANAGERS

Sterling McMannis & Angelina Pecoraro

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Sheyenne Livingston | Livingston Design Co.

SENIOR EDITOR

Lee Harper

PHOTOGRAPHY

Don Jones, Studio 9 Photography Stu Duffy, Brian Clifford

SENIOR WRITER

Pam Bales

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ally Gallagher, Jeanne Davant

JUNE/JULY 2023

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTERS

Amy Newland, Dirk Hobbs, Linda Weise, AdriAnn Bossi, Tom Stewart, Travis Bockenstedt, Brent Thompson, Amy Long, Wayne Pinegar, Greg Balman, Carrianne Johnson, Charmas Lee, Joel Rauser, Michelle Bobart, Tammy Williams, FNP, Megan McCorkle, Brooke Rossi, Julie White, Joseph Ramos, MD, JD, Terri Hayes, Michael Pinkerton, and Jason Watson, CPA

NORTH PARTNERS

KKTV 11 NEWS, Visit COS, United States Air Force Academy Athletics, Rocky Mountain Vibes, Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Springs Airport, YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

Dirk R. Hobbs, Founder & Executive Publisher NORTH and Colorado Media Group