Images Pueblo, CO: 2009

2009 | imagespueblo.com | video vignettes TM

pueblo, colorado

HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLVES

CSU-Pueblo brings back football

pleasing peppers Chile fest remains hot entering its 15th year

These Places Are Cool Refreshing lakes and rivers allow good times to flow

sponsored by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce

FRONTIER BANK

4115 Outlook Blvd. • Pueblo, CO 81008 • (719) 296-1225

WE BELIEVE IN GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. DECISIONS ARE MADE LOCALLY AND WE SERVICE OUR LOANS.

18 E. Spaulding Ave. • Pueblo West, CO 81007 • (719) 547-9992 Drive-up lanes • Internet banking • 24-hour phone banking Life-long free checking • Savings accounts • Checking accounts • Business accounts Mortgage loans • Consumer loans • Commercial loans • ATM

Visit us online at www.bankwithfnb.com

FRONTIER BANK

A BRANCH OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK IN LAMAR

www.bankwithfnb.com

Pueblo County

The Board of Pueblo County Commissioners is committed to the community and the environment

Colorado’s best place to live and work

Board of Pueblo County Commissioners Anthony Nuñez John B. Cordova Jeff Chostner

215 W. 10th St. Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 583-6000 www.co.pueblo.co.us

2009 edition | volume 15 TM

Pueblo, colorado

12 co nte nt s F e atu r e s 12 These Places Are Cool Refreshing lakes and rivers allow good times to flow.

16 Rounding Up for Charity Professional Bull Riders gives back to Pueblo by staging weeklong charity event.

18 Hungry Like the Wolves Colorado State University-Pueblo brings back football.

20 Take a Bite out of Bessemer Steelworks created ethnic eateries.

25 Pleasing peppers Chile & Frijoles Festival remains hot as it enters its 15th year.

37 Teaching Tech School district’s new technology initiative gives students a competitive edge.

on the cover Photo by Antony Boshier Fall colors at Lake Pueblo

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PEDCO is proud to have assisted in bringing VESTAS, the world’s leading modern energy company, to Pueblo, CO. PEDCO is a nonprofit organization promoting Pueblo through teamwork to retain and expand primary job opportunities.

PEDCO … Connecting the community with job opportunities DOSS Aviation Professional Bull Riders RMS State of Colorado Integrated Document Solutions VESTAS

Pueblo Economic Development Corporation 301 N. Main St. Ste. 200 • Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 544-2000 • (800) 522-1120 info@pedco.org • www.pedco.org Photo Courtesy of Vestas Wind Systems A/S

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Pueblo, color ado

32 41

40 PUEBLO BUSINESS d e pa r tm e nt s

30 Park Over Here

10 Almanac: a colorful sampling

3 2 Biz Briefs

of Pueblo’s culture

40 Arts & Culture 41 Sports & Recreation

Heavy-rail facility reaps quick dividends, shows value of communitywide effort.

3 5 Chamber Report 3 6 Economic Profile

43 Health & Wellness 47 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know

This magazine is printed entirely or in part on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

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i m ag e s p u e b l o . c o m

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imagespueblo.com The definitive relocation resource

What’s Online

ANIMAL ATTRACTION Find out why visitors go wild over the opportunity for close encounters with the more than 400 animals that inhabit the Pueblo Zoo. Watch this and other quick videos in the Interactive section.

relocation Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.

Dave Solon Nissan 2525 Hwy. 50 West Pueblo, CO 81008 (719) 545-4145 Subaru of Pueblo 2526 W. US Hwy. 50 Pueblo, CO 81008 (719) 545-4146

photos We’ve added even more prize-winning photography to our online gallery. To see these spectacular photos, click on Photo Gallery.

facts & stats Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care • Utilities • Parks • Taxes

Local Flavor The locals enjoy the food served in Bessemer area watering holes as much as the beverages. Get a taste of local flavor in our food section.

DAVE SOLON NISSAN

About this magazine Images gives readers a taste of what makes Pueblo tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

“Find the good – and praise it.”

pu e b lo

www.esolon.com

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

i m ag e s p u e b l o . c o m

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Petroleum Source, Inc. Serving Southern Colorado Since 1930

Conoco Phillips congratulates Cliff Brice Petroleum Source for obtaining top tier status by exceeding American Petroleum Institute standards for operational excellence.

Three 24-hour automated card lock sites

Wholesale fuels

Bulk motor oils, lubes & greases

300 Moffat Ave. • Pueblo, CO 81003 • I-25 Exit 98A, across from Wagner Rents (719) 543-3934 • (800) 521-0502 • www.cliffbriceoil.com R

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2009 | ImAGESPUEbLO.COm | VIdEO VIGNETTES TM

2009 edition | volume 15 TM

o County Pueblo, colorado

o’s ce to work

PUEbLO, COLORAdO

12 co nte nt s F e atu r e s 12 these Places are cool

20 take a bite out of bessemer

Refreshing lakes and rivers allow good times to flow.

Steelworks created ethnic eateries.

HUNGRY LIKE 16 rounding uP for charity THE WOLVES

25 Pleasing PePPers

Professional Bull Riders gives back to Pueblo by staging weeklong charity event.

CSU-Pueblo brings football 18 hungryback like the Wolves

Colorado State University-Pueblo brings back football.

Chile & Frijoles Festival remains hot as it enters its 15th year.

These Places Are Cool 37 teaching tech

School district’s new technology initiative gives students a competitive edge.

PLEASING PEPPERS on the cover Photo by Antony Boshier

Fall colors at Lake Pueblo Chile fest remains hot Refreshing lakes and rivers entering its 15th year allow good times to flow

i M ag e s p u e b l o . c o M

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SPONSOREd bY THE GREATER PUEbLO CHAmbER Of COmmERCE

Turn the pages of our

Virtual Magazine Live Links Hot links allow users to quickly link to other sites for additional information, and an ad index allows you to easily locate local advertisers in the magazine.

Search and You Shall Find An easy-to-use search function allows you to find specific articles or browse content by subject.

A Virtual Toolbelt Tools allow you to customize the look and function of the magazine on your desktop as well as print individual pages or save the magazine for offline reading.

More of the Same And that’s a good thing.

Inside, you’ll find the same award-winning photography and compelling content as in the printed magazine.

Share With a Friend E-mail individual stories using the pop-up text window.

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Pueblo County

The Board of Pueblo County Commissioners is committed to the community and the environment

Board of Pueblo County Commissioners Anthony Nuñez John B. Cordova Jeff Chostner

215 W. 10th St. Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 583-6000 www.co.pueblo.co.us

Colorado’s best place to live and work

2009 EDITION | VOLUME 15 TM

PUEBLO, COLORADO

12 CO NTE NT S F E AT U R E S 12 THESE PLACES ARE COOL Refreshing lakes and rivers allow good times to flow.

16 ROUNDING UP FOR CHARITY Professional Bull Riders gives back to Pueblo by staging weeklong charity event.

18 HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLVES Colorado State University-Pueblo brings back football.

20 TAKE A BITE OUT OF BESSEMER Steelworks created ethnic eateries.

25 PLEASING PEPPERS Chile & Frijoles Festival remains hot as it enters its 15th year.

37 TEACHING TECH School district’s new technology initiative gives students a competitive edge.

ON THE COVER Photo by Antony Boshier Fall colors at Lake Pueblo

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I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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PEDCO is proud to have assisted in bringing VESTAS, the world’s leading modern energy company, to Pueblo, CO. PEDCO is a nonprofit organization promoting Pueblo through teamwork to retain and expand primary job opportunities.

PEDCO … Connecting the community with job opportunities DOSS Aviation Professional Bull Riders RMS State of Colorado Integrated Document Solutions VESTAS

Pueblo Economic Development Corporation Îä£Ê °Ê > Ê-Ì°Ê-Ìi°ÊÓääÊUÊ*ÕiL ]Ê "Ên£ääÎ ­Ç£ ®Êx{{ ÓäääÊUÊ­nää®ÊxÓÓ ££ÓäÊ v J«i`V ° À}ÊUÊÜÜÜ°«i`V ° À} Photo Courtesy of Vestas Wind Systems A/S

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PUEBLO, COLOR ADO

32 41

40 PUEBLO BUSINESS D E PA R TM E NT S

30 Park Over Here

10 Almanac: a colorful sampling

32 Biz Briefs

of Pueblo’s culture

40 Arts & Culture 41 Sports & Recreation

Heavy-rail facility reaps quick dividends, shows value of communitywide effort.

35 Chamber Report 36 Economic Profile

43 Health & Wellness 47 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know

This magazine is printed entirely or in part on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

PU E B LO

I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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imagespueblo.com THE DEFINITIVE RELOCATION RESOURCE

What’s On Online nl

ANIMAL ATTRACTION Find out why visitors go wild over the opportunity for close encounters with the more than 400 animals that inhabit the Pueblo Zoo. Watch this and other quick videos in the Interactive section.

RELOCATION Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.

Dave Solon Nissan 2525 Hwy. 50 West Pueblo, CO 81008 (719) 545-4145 Subaru of Pueblo 2526 W. US Hwy. 50 Pueblo, CO 81008 (719) 545-4146

PHOTOS We’ve added even more prize-winning photography to our online gallery. To see these spectacular photos, click on Photo Gallery.

FACTS & STATS Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care • Utilities • Parks • Taxes

LOCAL FLAVOR The locals enjoy the food served in Bessemer area watering holes as much as the beverages. Get a taste of local flavor in our food section.

DAVE SOLON NISSAN

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Images gives readers a taste of what makes Pueblo tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

“Find the good – and praise it.”

PU E B LO

www.esolon.com

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

7

Petroleum Source, Inc. Serving Southern Colorado Since 1930

Conoco Phillips congratulates Cliff Brice Petroleum Source for obtaining top tier status by exceeding American Petroleum Institute standards for operational excellence.

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Virtual Magazine LIVE LINKS Hot links allow users to quickly link to other sites for additional information, and an ad index allows you to easily locate local advertisers in the magazine.

SEARCH AND YOU SHALL FIND An easy-to-use search function allows you to ďŹ nd speciďŹ c articles or browse content by subject.

A VIRTUAL TOOLBELT Tools allow you to customize the look and function of the magazine on your desktop as well as print individual pages or save the magazine for ofďŹ&#x201A;ine reading.

MORE OF THE SAME And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good thing.

Inside, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ďŹ nd the same award-winning photography and compelling content as in the printed magazine.

SHARE WITH A FRIEND E-mail individual stories using the pop-up text window.

imagespueblo.com

PU E B LO

I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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WATCH MORE ONLINE | Take a virtual tour of Pueblo at imagespueblo.com, courtesy of our award-winning photographers.

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Gold Eagles and Red Kangaroos Is that a Malaysian sun bear?

The Pueblo Zoo has 400 animals on display throughout its 25 acres in Pueblo City Park. Attractions include a Serengeti Safari, North American Grasslands, the Australian Outback and an Asian Adventure experience.

The zoo also features a tropical rain forest and an underwater viewing of penguins.

Other highlights include an Islands of Life building, and children can meet friendly farm animals in the Pioneer Ranch.

WATCH MORE ONLINE | See the animals at the Pueblo Zoo in our quick online video imagespueblo.com.

Here’s the Pitch Baseball is a hit in Pueblo, and the city has several ties to the game.

Babe Ruth once played an exhibition game in Pueblo, and Major League Baseball scouts often visit the city to watch players in the Andenucio tournament and at the Pueblo Chieftains games.

Also, Pueblo Department of Planning and Community Development employee Ken Headley has a son, Chase, who plays for the San Diego Padres.

Chase Headley is an outfielder who throws right-handed and is a switch hitter. He was born in Fountain and played two summers with the Chieftains semipro team in 2002 and 2003.

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PUEBLO

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Pueblo | At A Glance POPULATION (2007 ESTIMATE) Pueblo: 106,079 Pueblo County: 155,723 LOCATION Pueblo is situated beside the Arkansas River in southeastern Colorado, 110 miles south of Denver.

BEGINNINGS The El Pueblo Trading Post was established in 1842, and the city of Pueblo was incorporated in 1870.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce 302 N. Santa Fe Ave. Pueblo, CO 81003 Phone: (719) 542-1704, (800) 233-3446 Fax: (719) 542-1624 www.pueblochamber.org PEDCO (Pueblo Economic Development Corporation) 301 N. Main St. P.O. Box 1957 Pueblo, CO 81002 Phone: (719) 544-2000, (800) 522-1120 Fax: (719) 543-1650 www.pedco.org

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Almanac

Fast Facts Hopped Up Hot Rods Gearheads, rejoice.

The 25th annual Rocky Mountain Street Rod Show will rumble into Pueblo June 26-28, 2009. Nearly 2,000 streets rods are expected to be on display at the Colorado State Fairgrounds for an event sponsored by The National Street Rod Association.

The show will also include 70 manufacturer and dealer displays.

This show provides a chance to view some rare vehicles. A street rod, according to the NSRA definition, is a modernized vintage vehicle that must have been manufactured before 1949.

Now That’s a Mansion That’s a lot of rooms to clean.

The 37-room Rosemount Museum is actually a home designed and built in 1893 by noted Victorian architect H.H. Holly of New York City. It was constructed for prominent Pueblo businessman John Thatcher and his wife, Margaret, and almost all existing furnishings are original to the home.

The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is open for tours Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It was shown on the A&E cable network’s televised America’s Castles, and the HGTV series Christmas Castles.

Q In summer, the Pueblo Farmers Market is open during the day Tuesdays and Fridays, and on Thursday evenings with live music.

Q Pueblo has been named a Preserve America community for its many environmental efforts.

Q Pueblo has four native sons who are Medal of Honor recipients.

Q Song of Pueblo, written by Californiabased playwright Daniel Valdez, was performed for the first time in 2008.

Q Close to 10 million pounds of peppers are grown each year in Pueblo County.

Q The Buell Children’s Museum features 7,500 square feet of interactive space where kids can play while learning about the arts, history and science.

Q The annual Bell Game between Pueblo Central High and Centennial High may be the oldest high school football rivalry in the West.

Q Pueblo is a great place for recreation, with a brand-new urban kayak course, bike trails, rivers and lakes for fishing and golf courses.

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These Places Are

Cool REFRESHING LAKES AND RIVERS ALLOW GOOD TIMES TO FLOW

STORY BY JESSICA MOZO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

W

ater sports and boating enthusiasts, welcome to paradise.

By all accounts, Pueblo bubbles over with assets, from its energetic nightlife to its rich culture and heritage. But perhaps the city’s most attractive qualities can be found in its beautiful lakes and rivers, which offer endless recreation opportunities under 12

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year-round sunny skies.

“People love to go jet skiing, boogie boarding and kayaking. Pueblo has a great man-made urban kayak course [the Pueblo Whitewater Park] between Union Avenue and Fourth Street that has eight different features, like waves and drops,” says Bob Walker, owner of The Edge Ski, Paddle and Pack store.

“The kayak course has made kayaking

more user-friendly by eliminating the need to drive out of town.”

A native of Pueblo, Walker has more than 20 years’ experience in water sports and opened The Edge Ski, Paddle and Pack store in 1995. The store sells kayaks, boogie boards, surfboards, life jackets, water clothes and other outdoor sporting goods.

“We focus mostly on whitewater and PU E B LO

With its 4,500 acres of surface water, Lake Pueblo State Park is a great place for boating and fishing.

recreational kayaking,” Walker says.

“Nearly every day, we get visitors from Colorado Springs and other areas who are coming to Pueblo specifically for water sports. The Pueblo Reservoir has great paddling with lots of coves and wildlife. And going down the Arkansas River to town is about a 10-mile stretch of beautiful paddling almost year-round.”

Lake Pueblo State Park is the most PU E B LO

visited state park in Colorado, and for good reason. The lake features more than 60 miles of shoreline and 4,500 acres of surface water.

“Lake Pueblo is great for boating, wake boarding and jet skiing, and tubing is huge,” says Nick Patrick, a clerk for Lake Pueblo North Shore Marina. “There’s just about any water sport you can think of. I’ve even seen parasailing out here.”

North Shore Marina offers 608 boat slips, the Water Street Café, restrooms and showers, and a Ship’s Store that sells snacks, ice cream, fishing and sports equipment, boating parts, and water rafts and toys.

“We get a lot of visitors from Denver and Colorado Springs that park their boats at our marina and use our barbecue grills,” Patrick says. “A lot of people like I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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to anchor their boats out in the coves and stay overnight, too.”

For a leisurely day on the water, the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo is a scenic place to stroll along the riverfront or take a relaxing pontoon boat ride while learning about local heritage.

“The boat rides are the main attraction at the Riverwalk,” says Erin Regrutto, director of marketing and special events for the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. “Every boat has a captain who gives an overview of the history of Pueblo and the Riverwalk. It’s very informative and cohesive because it’s an overview of our entire community. There are also a couple of areas along the Riverwalk where you can stop and read about Pueblo’s history.”

The Riverwalk is a $24 million project that opened in 2000 and has served as a catalyst for the revitalization of down-

town Pueblo. It attracted more than 200,000 visitors during its first year and continues to be a popular downtown recreation spot.

“The river is so beautiful, and there is well-manicured landscaping,” Regrutto says. “A lot of events are held at the Riverwalk throughout the year. An outdoor farmers’ market offers food and entertainment in the summer. And there is outdoor entertainment every Friday and Saturday night from May to September.”

What’s more, the development of the Riverwalk is bringing more and more commercial success to downtown.

“It’s such a unique thing – there’s nothing like it in Colorado,” Regrutto says. “If you look at a map of Pueblo, you can see how the Riverwalk supported and inspired a lot of the development downtown. It’s by far one of the gems in our community.”

Right: The Pueblo Whitewater Park features kayaking on the Arkansas River.

Below: The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is the centerpiece of Pueblo.

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Olympics, Here She Comes WHEN IT COMES TO KAYAKING, LAUREN BURRESS KNOWS NO LIMITS

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wo things separate Lauren Burress from her competitors in kayaking events held in Colorado and beyond. First, she usually wins.

Second, she’s only 12 years old.

“I’ve been paddling since I was 6,” Burress says.

“My dad taught me everything I know. My mom is our shuttlebug and photographer – she loves taking pictures.”

Burress was born in Indiana, but her parents, Nathan and Kathleen, have moved twice to further her paddling skills. The family lived in Cleveland, Tenn. near the Ocoee River before moving to Pueblo to be close to the Whitewater Park.

The young kayaker earned her first win at age 9.

“I won an award and a helmet – I got to pick out a sparkly one,” she says.

In 2007, she placed first in both freestyle and slalom paddling at the Junior Olympics in Golden.

But she’s no stranger to competing against adults.

In 2008, Burress placed first in the junior women’s division and second in the expert women’s division at the FIBArk Whitewater Competition in Salida.

Burress typically paddles class IV and V rivers, which are considered very difficult and extremely difficult and contain powerful waves, dangerous rocks, violent rapids and steep drops. The biggest drop she has kayaked was the 22-foot Bald River Falls in the Tellico River.

“Once in awhile when I see a big hole or waterfall I get kind of scared, but I try not to think about it,” Burress says. “Usually my dad’s right there, so I just look over at him and go for it.”

Burress’ dream is to compete in the Olympics, but that will have to wait until she turns 16. In the meantime, she’s having a blast training.

“My friends, they basically think I’m crazy,” she says with a laugh. “They say, ‘I can’t believe you’re going kayaking instead of coming to the movies.’

But then they think it’s pretty cool when I show them the new tricks I’ve learned.”

– Jessica Mozo

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Rounding Up for

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY WATSON

Charity

WATCH MORE ONLINE | Learn more about the PBR in our quick online video at imagespueblo.com.

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A Family Affair YOUTH RODEO EMBRACED HERE

ANTONY BOSHIER

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PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS GIVES BACK BY STAGING CHARITY EVENT STORY BY KATHRYN ROYSTER

P

rofessional Bull Riders is one of Pueblo’s newest corporate citizens – and one of its biggest cheerleaders.

“We love the commitment and the willingness of the city and the Pueblo Economic Development Corp. to help us; they’re just phenomenal,” says PBR CEO Randy Bernard.

Pueblo welcomed PBR with open arms in 2007, and PBR wants to show its thanks by giving back to the city in a big way. May 13-17, 2009 the company will host the inaugural Wild Wild West Fest, a weeklong celebration that will benefit a host of local charities.

The idea for the festival emerged from one of Bernard’s meetings with PEDCO; he credits the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce with providing the impetus needed to take the festival from concept to reality.

“They didn’t want to let the idea lie around – everyone just rolled up their sleeves and asked how we could make a great event happen,” Bernard says.

More than 30 charities will stage a festival event and earn a share of the minimum $50,000 in seed money pledged

by PBR. “We’re going to have a variety of

activities for both young and old; it’s going to be very much geared around family entertainment,” says committee member and PBR corporate account manager Jerret Strong.

Headline events include a Dutchoven cook-off sponsored by the American Red Cross, a duck race sponsored by Demmler Landscaping Material’s scholarship foundation and a kayak rodeo sponsored by the Pueblo Paddlers. Most events, including a PBR fan zone on the Riverwalk, will be free to the public.

The week will culminate with PBR’s Built Ford Tough major-league bull riding, a two-day event expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees.

“We’re really going to roll out the red carpet on the Built Ford Tough event,” Bernard says. “I want it to be the best event on the entire PBR tour.”

And PBR hopes to continue giving back year after year. In fact, the company hopes the festival will become Pueblo’s hallmark event.

“Our goal is to create something like the Calgary Stampede or Cheyenne Frontier Days, something that can bring in tourism year after year, something that becomes a staple on people’s calendars,” Bernard says.

CEO Randy Bernard at the Professional Bull Riders headquarters in Pueblo.

Left: Bull rider Cody Ford attempts to ride Diamond S’s Akin for 8 seconds during the 2008 Tulsa Built Ford Tough Series.

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n Pueblo, rodeo isn’t just about big-name stars and big-time sponsors. Thanks to the National Little Britches Rodeo Association, it’s also about family, fair play and friendship.

“We are a very inclusive program, and family is the key to the NLBRA,” says Executive Director Kimber Solberg.

NLBRA participants range in age from 5 to 18, meaning that entire families can travel – and compete – together.

“Most of our families have more than one child competing, and we even have neighboring families who will buddy up and travel together,” Solberg says.

As it has for several years, the NLBRA will hold its 2009 National Finals Rodeo at Pueblo’s Colorado State Fairgrounds. The event will field about 900 contestants and offer more than $60,000 in scholarship prizes.

But the NLBRA isn’t just about world-class competition.

“We’ve got kids at every level of ability. We encourage them all to find their niche in rodeo,” Solberg says.

Perhaps that welcoming spirit explains the NLBRA’s affinity for Pueblo, which Solberg describes as one of the friendliest cities on the NLBRA tour.

“The biggest thing that our families like is that Pueblo has just embraced them,” Solberg says. “There have been longtime friendships that have developed from our families shopping in Pueblo stores or eating in restaurants. Pueblo has a lot of the big city amenities, but the people here are still down-home.”

– Kathryn Royster

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Hungry Like the

WOLVES CSU-PUEBLO BRINGS BACK FOOTBALL

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STORY BY KEVIN LITWIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

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o, ThunderWolves, go.

Colorado State University-Pueblo brought back football in 2008 after a 24-year absence, and also added wrestling and women’s track and field to its athletic program lineup. The CSU-Pueblo ThunderWolves football team celebrated its return to campus life by defeating Oklahoma Panhandle State, 24-13, during its opening game.

“Football was actually here on campus from 1939 to 1984 when this school was known by a number of different names during those years,” says Anthony Sandstrom, assistant athletic director and media relations contact for CSU-Pueblo. “But a lack of funds in ’84 finally forced the university to cut football, baseball and gymnastics.”

Sandstrom says there were rumblings in 2001 and 2003 to bring back football, but a serious push began in late 2006 to resurrect the program along with wrestling and women’s track and field. That push was initiated by a local group called Friends of Football, which is mostly comprised of CSU-Pueblo alumni members in the community.

The group is led by Dan DeRose, who played linebacker for the team from 1981-1983 and is considered one of the best football players in school history.

“We approached the university about bringing back the sport, informing them that Friends of Football would fund the entire effort,” says DeRose, Friends of Football president and owner of DD Marketing in Pueblo. “We eventually talked with the Colorado State University board of governors and they ultimately approved the idea in May 2007 to bring back football, wrestling and women’s track and field.”

Friends of Football raised $12 million to provide the startup money, athletic scholarship funding and athletic facilities money that was needed to re-establish the three sports. In addition, the group raised an extra $300,000 that will go toward starting a 100-member school marching band, which will make its debut in the fall of 2009.

“We now have a beautiful new football stadium that is named after my parents – the Neta & Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl,” DeRose says. “I can honestly say that the ThunderBowl is the nicest stadium in all of Division II football. Just seeing all the fans there for that first game against Oklahoma Panhandle State was exciting.”

The ThunderWolves play in the 10-team Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference against schools such as Nebraska-Kearney, Colorado Mines, Mesa State and Western New Mexico. After their opening nonconference victory against Oklahoma Panhandle State, the ThunderWolves captured their first Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference win the following week

by defeating Fort Lewis, 37-7.

Sandstrom says enrollment at CSU-Pueblo has increased because of all the new student-athletes on campus.

“Enrollment was at around 4,200 prior to adding the three sports, and now there are 4,500 students on campus,” he says.

“By the way, besides all the new athletics facilities, the university has also added a new Student Recreation Center to give everyone a nice place to hang out between classes. It’s all going well these days at Colorado State University-Pueblo.”

CSU Pueblo football took to the field again in 2008 after an absence of more than two decades.

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Take a

Bite Out of

Bessemer THERE’S MORE THAN BEER IN THESE BESSEMER AREA WATERING HOLES

STORY BY ANITA WADHWANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

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reat neighborhoods, friendly people and ethnic foods are what you’ll discover as you explore Pueblo.

Take the Bessemer neighborhood, which boasts dining destinations operated by the same families for generations.

“On a weekend morning, stop by Jorge’s Sombrero for a traditional Mexican breakfast of chorizo and eggs or, one of my favorites, Enchilada Tejanas,” says Rod Slyhoff, president of the Greater Pueblo Chamber. “Corn tortillas are layered with meat, onions and cheese and covered with green chile, with an egg cooked to order on top.”

President Barack Obama eats at Jorge’s when he is in Pueblo. During a recent visit, the Obama family enjoyed chicken tacos, a quesadilla and carne asada.

Jorge’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, but breakfast is only served on Saturday and Sunday.

A few blocks away is Eilers’ Place,

founded 75 years ago by Slovenian immigrants to Pueblo.

“If you’re new to the bar and we find out about it, we offer you a shot of Slovenian plum brandy, or Slivovic, that you chase down with a Hamm’s Beer,” says Sue Miketa, current owner and granddaughter of the bar’s original owner. “It means you’re baptized.”

Eilers’ has no commercial kitchen but serves Slovenian pastries and sausages for special occasions.

“If you are looking for a game of cribbage, the coldest beer in town, people who will make you feel like family, this is definitely the place to visit,” Slyhoff says.

Just down the street is Gus’ Place, a Pueblo legend that opened in 1925 and is owned today by Evelyn Nasciopra, daughter-in-law of the original owner.

Gus’ features the famous Dutch Lunch: a plate with deli ham, provolone cheese, salami slices, cherry peppers,

Jorge’s Sombrero Restaurant serves mouthwatering Mexican fare. Above: Eilers’ Place is casual and family friendly.

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La Tronica’s dishes up authentic Italian cuisine.

Right: Gus’ Place serves cold schooners of beer.

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Chamber President and CEO Rod Slyhoff toasts Pueblo’s restaurateurs.

No Ordinary Triathlon EILERS’ EVENT IS COMPETITIVE FUN

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orget about traditional feats of endurance.

The real test of one’s mettle in Pueblo is the Bojon Triathlon, an endurance test that may not draw the fittest – but does involve survival of the hardiest beer drinkers.

Sponsored by Eilers’ Place, a legendary Slovenian bar, the triathlon defies its name and features four separate contests: a bowling tournament, a game of darts, horseshoes and ski golf – a bowling-like game involving rolling small balls up a ramp into a hole.

Before, during and after the triathlon, there’s a lot of beer involved, according to Eilers’ Place owner Sue Miketa, who started the annual July contest at her neighborhood bar eight years ago.

Sixteen teams consisting of five people each compete during the daylong event. The teams are cheered on by spectators seated at the bar and milling around under outdoor tents set up in the parking lot.

For the lunchbreak, Miketa serves the crowd fried chicken, homemade potato salad, corn on the cob and watermelon.

Bojon is a nickname the French created for

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Slovenians, Miketa says. Although intended to be somewhat mocking, it literally means “beautiful people” and seemed to be the perfect name for the bar’s annual contest, she says.

The grand prize?: Bragging rights, of course, and a photo of the winning team displayed on the wall of the bar. The $25 entry fee is also returned to the winners.

– Anita Wadhwani

TODD BENNETT

pepperoncini and fresh Vienna bread, purchased daily from a local bakery.

Gus’ is also known as the home of the legendary Boiler Maker: a shot of whiskey dropped into a mug of cold beer.

“The idea is to drink the beer and the whiskey all at once. If you set the mug down and it isn’t empty, you’re a wimp.

Be careful that you don’t chip your teeth when the shot glass slides forward,” says Slyhoff with a smile.

One block west of Gus’ is La Tronica’s, a fine Italian Restaurant, operated by Frank Mattarocci, the fourth generation to serve authentic Italian cuisine.

“This is one of my favorite places,” Slyhoff says. “We take our grandkids and family members often, and everyone at La Tronica’s is like family. Homemade ravioli, spaghetti, and the best fried chicken are all recommended. If you’re craving a steak, theirs are great. A gin martini served straight up with a blue cheese-stuffed olive is the perfect way to start a La Tronica’s experience.”

Tossing horseshoes is one of the contests in the annual Bojon Triathlon, which also features a bowling tournament, darts and a game of ski golf.

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Look, a tall purple rectangle!

When you talk to your child you build vocabulary, so everyday moments become learning moments. For more tips, visit bornlearning.org.

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WATCH MORE ONLINE | See dishes prepared with Pueblo’s famous chiles in our quick online video at imagespueblo.com.

Pleasing Peppers ANNUAL CHILE & FRIJOLES FESTIVAL HEATS THINGS UP

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or 14 years now, peppers of the hot, sweet and mild varieties, and about everything in between, star at a September celebration in Pueblo.

From the pedestrian bell pepper to the colorful yellow wax, the meaty Anaheim to the daredevil jalapeno, all peppers find their way to downtown. They come to visit their local cousin, the Mira Sol, or Pueblo, Chile, and to be sliced, diced, chopped and popped into pots as part of the Loaf ‘N Jug Chile & Frijoles Festival.

The festival began as a fall event to promote Pueblo-area agriculture, most PU E B LO

notably chiles and pinto beans. The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce has put on the event since the beginning, and has seen the festival go from less than 20 vendors and one chile roaster to an event that draws upwards of 100,000 people annually, and now includes arts and crafts, performing and visual arts, live music and more.

All those people and all those chiles have led to growing pains of the best kind. The three-day event now takes over much of downtown Pueblo, stretching down Union Avenue between First and

ANTONY BOSHIER

Spicy smoke fills the air at the Chile & Frijoles Festival.

B streets. It’s also incorporated many of Pueblo’s favorite local destinations, including the Pete Giadone Memorial Farmers’ Market and the El Pueblo History Museum, which stages its Annual Mercado, featuring live re-enactments of life in the 1800s, during the festival.

And – of course – there are the bean-spitting and chile-eating contests for the purists.

“The festival continues to attract visitors from throughout Colorado and neighboring states as the trend toward heritage tourism grows,” says Juls Bayci, communications director for the Pueblo Chamber. “The 2008 festival not only grew in attendance, estimated at 110,000 people over the course of the three-day event, but also in size as it pertains to the festival layout and footprint.”

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Pueblo is a 2009 host of Colorado’s popular Independence Film Fest.

Independence Film Fest Lights Up Pueblo Screens

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fter a blockbuster first year in Leadville, Salida and Buena Vista, the popular Independence Film Fest of Colorado has come out of the mountains and into Grand Junction and Pueblo.

The festival is a textbook example of an idea whose time had come.

“We were never in the film festival business,” says Lawrence David Foldes, who founded the event with Victoria Paige Meyerink. Both are filmmakers and members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. “But as we took our last film, Finding Home, to more than 35 festivals all over the world, we became familiar with those that were run well and those that were not.”

After showing the film at a festival in Breckenridge, the two got involved in that event, and then left it thinking that there might be opportunity in the surrounding communities. A drive through Leadville, a look at its unique and historic venues and a meeting with the mayor laid the groundwork for the IFFC, which in 2007 also included Salida and Buena Vista. Good news travels fast: The first-year success had Grand Junction and Pueblo officials clamoring to get on board.

“The very first year we were able to create something different than all the 26

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other film festivals,” Foldes says. “The venues are as important as the films, and we were able to showcase the communities. Then we heard from the Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction, and after meeting with some people from the governor’s office, we decided to move some events to Pueblo as well.”

Staging 45 events in five days across three communities in two counties was a logistical headache the first year, so it was determined early on that the expanded 2008 effort would need to spill over into subsequent weekends.

The festival now runs the Wednesday through Sunday following Labor Day in Leadville, Salida and Buena Vista, then moves to Grand Junction the following weekend and to Pueblo after that.

Still, the expanded festival kept the aspects that made the initial effort unique. Beyond the screenings, the event also features a location-scouting trip, a seminar on the advantages of filming in Colorado, a silent-movie showing on a trail trip and more.

“We have a lot we still want to do,” Foldes says. “We want to add a Hispanic element to the festival, for example.

It already is bringing a lot of people in, so we want to make it even more of an economic-development event for the cities that are involved.”

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Historic Byway Charms Beyond the Beaten Path

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ore than 100 miles of beautiful scenery, museums and other recreational stops can be found along the Frontier Pathways Scenic & Historic Byway. So, get off the main drag and start exploring.

The byway runs from the high plains through canyons and mountain towns, eventually ending up in Pueblo and has something for everyone, says Diana Laughlin, secretary of the Frontier Pathwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; board of directors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Frontier Pathways is one of several scenic byways in Southern Colorado,â&#x20AC;?

Laughlin says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ours is unique because the byway covers the plains, bluffs, hills and mountains. There is diverse wildlife including beautiful wildflowers in summer and snow-capped mountains in the winter.â&#x20AC;?

The length of the byway ensures that it offers an incredible mix of sights and sounds. Some favorite day trips include: Pueblo Prairie Trails, a hiking-biking trail system just west of Lake Pueblo State Park featuring trails with names like Pinball, Rollercoaster, Broken Skull and Rocky Canyon; and the Historic Pueblo Loop Tour, which offers a stroll among many buildings and homes on the National Register of Historic Places.

Those in the know also suggest stopping at the San Isabel Lodge when driving the section of byway that runs along the San Isabel National Forest.

The diner is next to the San Isabel Lake and is legendary for its pies.

Whether the agenda features lakeside desserts or high-canyon hiking, the byway is likely to have something to please everyone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen cattle drives and groups of mountain sheep on our byway, and there are great recreational activities along the way,â&#x20AC;? Laughlin says.

To drive the byway from Pueblo, take CO-96 through Wetmore, Silver Cliff and Westcliffe. At McKenzie Junction, there is the option of following Route 165 south and southwest to Colorado City.

Lake Isabel is a great stop on the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway.

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STAFF PHOTO

Tournament honoring beloved citizen draws teams from around the country.

Tourney Creates Memories, Honors Baseball Supporter

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hen Tony Andenucio’s family wanted to organize a baseball tournament in his honor, the goal was to create an event that would reflect his love of the game and of the area’s youth.

Three decades later, Andenucio’s family has succeeded – and then some.

The Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament will celebrate 30 years in June 2009, and has become a mecca for youth athletes, professional scouts and people who just love the game. The four-day event showcases 12 highschool teams from around the country as they play 37 games, and its popularity grows every year.

“We didn’t think it would become what it is now,” says Joanna Andenucio, Tony’s daughter. “We didn’t even think it would go this long, but now everybody in the city looks forward to it, and the teams enjoy being part of it.”

Known as The Nuch, the event has grown from being put on by the family and a few volunteers to a full-on operation hosted in partnership with the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce.

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But the Andenucio family remains very much involved in the tournament’s production and hospitality aspects.

“We’ve probably got 1,000 people out there welcoming the teams on the Wednesday night before, when we host a hospitality evening,” Andenucio says.

“We couldn’t do that by ourselves. But we do host that, and we also provide lunches for the scouts, umpires, coaches and volunteers who work at the field, and they’re so grateful, especially the scouts. They get really tired of hot dogs and the usual ballpark fare.”

Looking back over the tournament’s history, Andenucio says her family is pleased with how the event has grown, and she knows her dad would be as well.

“He would be so honored, and very humbled,” she says. “He sponsored teams, took care of the kids … he was Santa Claus at the ball fields for them. It’s hard to think that it’s been going on for 30 years, but he’s been gone since 1977, so you just shake your head, get a little teary-eyed and get on with it.”

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Spectral Firefighter Causes Mischief ose Company No. 3 is no longer a fire station, but no one told that to one special visitor.

Seems that when Pueblo’s fire museum was an actual fire station, a firefighter died in the line of duty. That was more than 100 years ago, but there are indications he’s still around.

“The building became a hose company in 1895 and was a volunteer station before that, so it’s hard to verify the information,” says Gary Michelli, fire inspector and co-curator. “It’s a twostory building and at the top of the stairs, from what is now the kitchen, there used to be a handprint that would show up on the windowpane. They would wash and wash, and it would always come back. Then they replaced the windowpane in the 1950s and it showed up again.”

The handprint is gone for now. Recent activities have been more mechanical in nature.

“We have a 1960 Seagrave pumper, and one morning around 2 a.m. the guys heard a crash,” Michelli says. “It had started by itself, gone through the garage doors and was sitting in the street. When the police got there it started again and tried to go further across the street.”

A 1923 Model 7 fire chief’s car added to the mystery. The car was running behind the station to charge the battery.

Suddenly it roared around the parking lot, dodging trucks and other obstacles, and wound up circling around to the front of the station. There, it kept slamming into a trailer that was blocking access to the station itself.

“A bartender at the Broadway Inn across the street saw it moving along, no one driving it,” Michelli says. “It’s only got two speeds, so it should have died out. We took an aerial photograph.

If it was just the wheel being stuck, it would have wound up on the sidewalk and wouldn’t have taken the route it did.”

– Stories by Joe Morris

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Gary Michelli is co-curator of a museum with a haunted past.

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Business

Park

Over

Here

HEAVY-RAIL FACILITY REAPS QUICK DIVIDENDS, SHOWS VALUE OF COMMUNITYWIDE EFFORT

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STORY BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

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here’s good news for heavyindustrial businesses that may want to locate in Pueblo: The newly expanded Minnequa Industrial Park is open for business.

The 4,700-acre park, situated south of the city and comprised of large lots, is adjacent to both I-25 and two major rail lines, the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern. The park was envisioned by officials at the Pueblo Economic Development Corp., or PEDCO, to fill a gap in the area’s available industrial land, says Jeff Shaw, chairman of the agency’s board and a partner in Shaw & Quigg.

“The stars aligned on this one,” Shaw says. “There was perfect cooperation between the economic development agency, the city, the county commission, the water, gas and electric utilities, and the private landowners. Everybody came together on this one, saw the potential benefit and what a great opportunity we had to create what is going to be a perfect situation for industry that depends on heavy rail.”

The Pueblo Board of Water Works is putting a lot into the park – an estimated $5 million from grants and other sources, which will go toward 16- and 24-inch water mains and a 1 million-gallon storage tank. Eventually, a pump and 30-inch pipeline will be added. The other local utilities also are making

“Everybody was a team player to get the park deal done and put Pueblo’s best foot forward.” similar large-scale, up-front investments in the project.

Good things come to those who wait, or, in this case, to those who cooperate.

Even as local utilities were laying water mains and power lines, the park’s first tenant was announced.

Vestas Wind Systems, which builds towers and other windmill components, is taking 300 acres to build a facility it hopes to have open by early 2010, creating 550 jobs and an estimated $1.2 billion in economic impact over 10 years. The company has also laid claim to another 400 acres for potential expansion of its operations.

“Everybody was a team player to get the park deal done and put Pueblo’s best foot forward,” says Keith Swerdfeger, president of Swerdfeger Construction and interim president of PEDCO. “We made sure that Vestas knew that if they wanted to build here, to bring their North American corporate headquarters

here, then we would make it happen.”

The Vestas facility has already spurred interest from other parties, and PEDCO is in talks with other major manufacturers in several industry sectors.

And because the Vestas site is near one end of the park, utility lines and other pre-building work will be done even before any new contracts are signed, allowing new tenants to fast-track their development once they’ve decided to locate in Pueblo.

“They’re essentially opening it up,” Shaw says of Vestas. “When we’re able to say the utilities are already in, then we’re really going to be able to sell this park. It’ll be easy for new tenants to tie in, and it’s going to create a lot of opportunity. The way it’s laid out with the rails going both north and south, not to mention the major roads and interstate nearby, makes this one of the few heavy-rail industrial parks of its type in the country.”

Keith Swerdfeger of the Pueblo Economic Development Corp. says teamwork made new industrial park a success.

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Business | Biz Briefs

Jay Perez tosses pizza dough as customers of Angelo’s Pizza Parlor And-a-More watch.

PIZZA PIE HEAVEN Angelo’s serves up New York-style pizza with a kick.

Since opening in downtown Pueblo 11 years ago, Angelo’s Pizza Parlor has become the staple for authentic New York-style pizza in southern Colorado.

“We’ve kind of spoiled the people of Pueblo on pizza,” says owner and Pueblo native Debbie Foresta. “Richard is constantly trying to do something different.”

Debbie’s husband and Angelo’s founder, Richard Foresta, is a restaurant industry veteran from Brooklyn. At the Pueblo restaurant, he combines traditional and interesting ingredients with innovative cooking methods.

The Brooklyn Bridge is the house favorite and is made with alfredo sauce, artichoke hearts, chicken and roasted chile peppers. Also popular are the baked ziti and homemade lasagna.

In August 2008, the pizza parlor moved one block from its original Union Avenue location to a new spot on Pueblo’s Riverwalk and has since changed its 32

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name to Angelo’s Pizza Parlor And-aMore. The new location, which has helped anchor restaurant and retail growth on the Riverwalk, includes a 1,400-squarefoot banquet room complete with its own catering menu.

TEEN LEADERSHIP With little funding and big commitment, one youth-centered program in Pueblo has impacted more than 100 of the community’s best and brightest high school students.

The Pueblo City Council formed the Pueblo Teen Council as an advisory body to give teens a chance to weigh in on projects that affect them.

“One of the best things we can do as adults is invest in the next generation,” says Teen Council adviser and organizer Rod Johnson. “Leadership development is what the program is all about.”

The group participates in fund-raising events, volunteers around town and has an opportunity to network with local leaders.

“They learn at a young age that it is important for all of us to give back to the community,” Johnson says. “But more importantly, they learn to interact with adults and how to get their voices heard. It gives these kids a chance to be active in the community. The program is developing future leaders.”

PUEBLO GOES SOLAR At Colorado State University-Pueblo, a new ground-based, photovoltaic solar array is helping position this city as a hot spot for renewable energy development.

“We are providing a source of information for the next generation,” says solar array architect John Barnosky.

“The array symbolically demonstrates the university’s ongoing commitment to clean energy sources.”

The solar array represents a threeparty agreement between CSU-Pueblo, BP Solar and Black Hills Energy and is one of the largest solar electric power systems at an educational facility.

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RIDING SAFELY When Nick Gonzales created Designated Drivers & Indoor Ads, finding a practical solution to prevent DUI was his only goal.

“I’ve seen too many careers lost,” says Gonzales, who works as a behavioral therapist for the state of Colorado. “The residual effects just aren’t worth it.”

A uniformed driver drives impaired patrons home in their own cars, while another driver follows behind in another vehicle, eliminating any worry on the part of the customer about their car being left overnight.

In order to make the rides free of charge, Gonzales seeks $30 monthly sponsorships from local businesses, particularly those that sell alcohol. In return, those businesses get advertising through digital signage that is also produced by the company.

“We want to provide a service that reduces all the reasons to drive impaired,” Gonzales says. “Ultimately, it is in everybody’s best interest to support a program like this. The more sponsors we have, the fewer drunk drivers there will be.”

STORE IS LONGTIME GEM For decades, Armstrong Jewelers in Pueblo has built a reputation of customer service and reliability.

“We basically bend over backward for our customers,” owner Greg Armstrong says. “When customers ask; we make things happen.”

This customer-centered business philosophy has helped Armstrong garner a reputation as a fair and affordable place to purchase jewelry. In fact, the store is so trusted by customers that Armstrong once had a customer propose to his fiancée in the store.

“You will only see that in a jewelry store you can trust,” Armstrong says.

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system will generate enough solarpowered electricity to account for 10 percent of the university’s power needs.

The solar array also has the potential to be a boon for the city by promoting the use of sustainable resources.

“We are capitalizing on solar as an industry,” Barnosky says. “The solar array isn’t just a feel-good arrangement.

It makes economic sense.”

Armstrong Jewelers built its reputation on customer service.

long, he was carrying a quality selection of diamonds, watches and electronics.

Armstrong says his father built trust with customers and made the decision to offer credit in the store.

“People are surprised by that these days,” Armstrong says. “It is especially important in these hard economic times because we won’t be affected as much.”

– Brandon Lowe

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo www.puebloharp.com (719) 595-0242 Pueblo, CO

I-25 at Exit 98B West on 1st St. Left on Union Ave.

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Business | Chamber Report

The staff of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce plays several important roles in the community.

We Do This and Tourism, Too CHAMBER’S DUTIES INCLUDE BOOKING CONVENTIONS

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appy 100th birthday to the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce – very soon.

The Chamber was established in 1910 and today has 1,200 members. Its primary focus is to help members grow their respective businesses.

But the Pueblo Chamber is a bit unusual – in an impressive way.

Besides duties to help member businesses grow and prosper, the Pueblo Chamber also serves as the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Yes, we are also Pueblo’s convention and tourism department, taking care of visitors and attracting big events to this community,” says Phyllis Samora, vice president of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve brought some big conventions to town. I don’t know of many organizations that can pull off a big event better than our Chamber.”

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One of the big coups that the Chamber can certainly brag about is securing the Governor’s 2009 Colorado Tourism Conference, which will take place in Pueblo in October 2009.

“That is a prestigious annual conference that brings together all of the state’s tourism professionals into one designated Colorado city for an entire weekend,” Samora says. “These professionals will see how beautiful and exciting Pueblo really is, and the Chamber will help to make this an incredible conference.”

Samora says one of the big priorities in preparing for that conference will be to train front-line people in the art of answering questions.

“For example, if a visitor asks a Pueblo hotel clerk to suggest some interesting area attractions, that hotel clerk can’t just say, ‘I don’t know,’” she says. “We want front-line people at places like

restaurants, stores, hotels, gas stations and the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk to be able to promote Pueblo in five- or 10-second conversations.”

Samora says that besides conferences, Pueblo has been attracting several other major events that are turning the city into a festival and convention haven from basically May through November.

“We help stage annual events such as the Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals and the Independence Film Fest of Colorado,” she says. “Our biggest festival each year is the Loaf ‘N Jug Chile & Frijoles Festival, which attracts 110,000 people to Pueblo and celebrates the 10 million pounds of chile peppers grown annually in Pueblo County.”

Samora adds that every convention, conference and festival in Pueblo can be beneficial to all Chamber members.

“For instance, if there are 2,000 people arriving soon in Pueblo for a convention, we let our members know in case they want to run promotions that will attract visitors to their businesses,” she says.

“Bottom line is that everything we do is for our members. That’s what the Pueblo Chamber is still all about and will continue to be all about.”

– Kevin Litwin I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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Business | Economic Profile

PUEBLO BUSINESS CLIMATE Pueblo has a low cost of doing business – among the lowest in America – which is a key reason why more than 50 companies have located here in recent years. Pueblo serves as the southern boundary for the state’s major business growth corridor, better known as the Front Range of the Rockies.

Pueblo County 215 W. 10th St. Pueblo, CO (719) 583-6000 www.co.pueblo.co.us

TAXES

3.5% City Sales and Use Tax

1.0% County Sales Tax

2.9% State Sales Tax

7.4% Total Sales Tax

Pueblo County Veterans Service Office 1120 4th St. Pueblo, CO (719) 583-4544 www.co.pueblo.co.us

ECONOMIC RESOURCES Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce 302 N. Santa Fe Ave. Pueblo, CO (719) 542-1704, (800) 233-3446 www.pueblochamber.org

Pueblo County Economic Development 215 W.10th St. Pueblo, CO (719) 583-6000 www.co.pueblo.co.us Pueblo Economic Development Corporation 301 N. Main St. Pueblo, CO (719) 544.2000 www.pedco.org Southern Colorado Economic Development District 1104 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO (719) 545-8680 www.scedd.com/pueblo

INDUSTRIAL SITES LINKS www.pedco.org

10.36% Residential Property Tax

TRANSPORTATION Pueblo Memorial Airport 31201 Bryan Circle Pueblo, CO (719) 553-2760 www.pueblo.us/airport

MORE EO ONLINE imagespueblo.com More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

Pueblo Transit 123 Court St. Pueblo, CO (719) 553-2727 www.pueblo.us/transit

GOVERNMENT OFFICES Pueblo City Government 1 City Hall Place Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 553-2655 www.pueblo.us

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I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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Your Health Your Hospital GROWING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY

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Parkview Medical Center

Expanding Excellence PARKVIEW PLANS GROWTH FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE COMMUNITY NEEDS

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arkview Medical Center’s administration and staff are working harder than ever to be the community’s most trusted health-care provider, as the hospital approaches its ninth decade of service to Pueblo.

Parkview is growing on several fronts, from its physical size to the services and amenities offered to patients and their families. The hospital has completed work on a new medical office building, is preparing to add four floors to its main facility and has opened a freestanding emergency center and outpatient clinic in Pueblo West. Indoors, the latest in technology is being installed, along with

renovations and upgrades designed to take patient care to the next level.

There is a lot to keep track of, but every aspect of the 305-bed hospital’s new offerings was carefully thought out and planned in advance, says C.W. Smith, president and chief executive officer.

“The new floors at the main hospital will allow for more efficient delivery of acute care, and the various areas of the hospital will have easier access to each other because they’ll be tied together,” Smith says of the 92,000-square-foot project. “And the new floors will allow us to add 27 new private rooms by January 2010, as well as have shell space to add

into over the years, giving us the opportunity for 54 additional private rooms.

We also are increasing our support space and office space, which we haven’t been able to do over the last couple of years.”

The construction will incorporate a 10,000-square-foot expansion to the front lobby, as well as a renovated and enlarged dietary services department.

The new medical building at the main campus already has filled up with physicians and specialty practices, adding further convenience for both staff and patients. And the new emergency center in Pueblo West is a whole new venture in and of itself, says Mike Baxter, vice pre-

Parkview Medical Center will add 92,000 square feet, including 27 new private rooms, to its main facility by 2010.

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Growing to Meet the Needs of Our Community

ANTONY BOSHIER

CEO Smith Reflects on 25 Years of Change E

Parkview Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer C.W. Smith, left, and Chief Operating Officer Mike Baxter don hard hats to tour new construction.

sident and chief operating officer, who also will be taking over as Parkview’s chief executive officer following Smith’s retirement in March 2009.

“Everybody in Pueblo West is really excited about it, and we were able to open 363 days after our groundbreaking ceremony,” Baxter says.

At $13 million for the emergency center and $31 million for the hospital expansion, Parkview officials certainly aren’t shy about investing in the community. These projects are the latest in an unbroken stream of building that goes back to 1984, and, to a certain degree, to the hospital’s earliest days in 1923. But again, it’s all in the planning, and that’s been done well down to the smallest detail, says Vince Velasquez, project manager and plant operations director.

This special section was created for Parkview Medical Center by Journal Communications Inc.

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

For more information, contact: Parkview Medical Center 400 W. 16th St. Pueblo, CO 81003 Phone: (719) 584-4000 Fax: (719) 584-4734

“The biggest challenge is that these projects have come one right after the other, but we have a great team of contractors and support staff here at the hospital, and a great administration that came up with the concept and worked to make sure it could come in on time and under budget,” Velasquez says.

The goal throughout these projects, like all that have come before them, is to not only meet, but also to anticipate, the community’s needs.

“We’ve positioned ourselves to be in the middle of some very exciting opportunities,” Baxter says. “We’ve added 500 new, full-time equivalent positions in the last eight years, and we plan to be here a long time.”

“We don’t have branches here, we have roots,” adds Smith. ©Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080.

All rights reserved. No portion of this special advertising section may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

On the cover: Mike Archuleta, Parkview’s Director of Emergency Services, talks with a patient.

Photo by Antony Boshier

www.parkviewmc.org

ven as he prepares to step down, C.W. Smith can’t stop making plans.

Smith, who has been Parkview’s president and chief executive officer since 1995, joined the hospital as chief financial officer in 1985. The only constant in his quarter-century with Parkview has been change, but that’s something he says he adapted to early on.

“Your focus has to be on how are you going to take care of the community in terms of health care, and as that relates to technology, technicians, access and other things,” he says.

“I learned early on that you’ve got to be efficient in every area.”

Parkview has responded to community needs with new buildings, cutting-edge technology and an ever-growing roster of specialty physicians and services, but Smith says it’s not enough to just add to the hospital.

“Nobody comes here and says, ‘OK, you can treat me as long as it’s cheap,’” Smith says. “Everybody wants quality care, and that’s the first thing you have to deliver. If you’re delivering high-quality care and great customer service, then the business will follow.”

As he moves into retirement, Smith says that he plans to be neither gone nor forgotten from the place where he’s directed so much growth over the years.

“I’ll miss the day-to-day contact,” he says. “The staff here is hardworking, but we also have fun. I’ve told them that if I get bored I can come back as a valet parker – I checked, and I will qualify as long as I keep my driving record clean.”

Parkview Medical Center

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Even

ANTONY BOSHIER

Come to You

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Growing to Meet the Needs of Our Community

PARKVIEW TAKES WELLNESS PROGRAMS, PHYSICIANS TO AREA EMPLOYERS

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while back, Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel officials had a problem.

Despite many awareness programs, a third of the company’s employees were still smoking or otherwise using tobacco. Not ones to give up easily, company officials got in touch with Parkview Medical Center’s health initiatives staff, and an on-site wellness program was born.

“We have a comprehensive wellness program in the company, and one initiative of that was a tobacco-cessation program,” says Bob Schwetje, director of human resources. “We built a gym for employees here and we’ve done health screenings and tests for cholesterol and other blood work here on site, all at no cost to the employees, so we’ve worked to create a healthy work environment.

We’ve opened up some of our wellness programs to eligible dependents, and we wanted to do more.”

Company officials got together with Parkview staffers as well as steelworkers union officials to brainstorm about the best way to set up a program that would work and also be convenient for workers and family members. From that came the idea of an on-site clinic, with a physician who could prescribe tobaccocessation medicine if necessary, and a rolling series of clinics that would span the workday so that people on different shifts could attend.

“The mill runs 24 hours a day, so we made the clinics available at different times so everyone who wanted to could easily access them,” says Nikki Hansen, senior human resources generalist. “And now every time we hold a clinic we send out a letter to employees notifying them and their dependents. They fill up in about a week.”

The clinics were popular because they were held at the mill itself, rather

than at the hospital, but also because Parkview dispatched Dr. Carol Venable to administer them.

“She took a half hour with each new patient, and then does the follow-up if they have any questions about the medications,” Hansen says. “She has made herself available for questions outside the appointments as well; she’s been a great support getting feedback about the clinic and following up with them.”

The company pays for Dr. Venable’s services – there’s no charge to employees and family members.

While Parkview has been coordinating similar efforts with other area companies, this marked the first time a physician was provided on site, which was “huge,” says Jana Ortiz-Misiaszek, health initiatives coordinator.

“The No. 1 reason people will or won’t participate in a clinic is if it’s convenient,” she says. “Most employees know they need to quit using tobacco, but if they can do it at work, and know that we’re able to provide the best services of a physician there, then they’re really willing to make the leap.”

With strong participation and positive feedback the order of the day, Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel plans to continue the tobacco cessation clinics as long as necessary and is grateful for Parkview’s efforts on its behalf, says John Worcester, director of compensation and benefits.

“They have been a really good community partner with us in the past, and when we thought about doing this we wanted to see if they could help us out,” Worcester says. “Right away, they were there. We needed word of mouth to make this program successful, and Nikki and Parkview really pulled this thing off for us. The result is that everybody wins: our employees, their families, the company and the community.”

Many people have made the wellness program at Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel a success. Key leaders at Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel include, from left, Bob Schwetje, human resources manager and Nikki Hansen, senior human resources generalist.

From Parkview Medical Center, leaders are Jana Ortiz-Misiaszek, health initiatives coordinator; Ryan Lown, vice president of managed care and physician integration; Dr. Carol Venable; and Rita Montez, Acute Medical Specialists office manager.

www.parkviewmc.org

Oh, the Trials!

I

n 2007, officials at Parkview Medical Center began looking into enhancing the hospital’s presence in the world of clinical research. A year later, the facility has a full-fledged department devoted to drug trials and an effort that has exceeded the highest expectations.

“What the hospital found was that the vast majority of clinical trials are being conducted at community hospitals like ours,” says Teresa Markusfeld, RN, clinical trials coordinator.

“There’s a lot less bureaucracy for the sponsors to go through, and the research is cleaner because it’s a smaller setup.”

Parkview’s efforts so far have been limited to clinical drug trials, focusing on new medications that companies were trying to bring to market, explains Rhonda Lewis, RN, clinical trials research division supervisor. Of those, heart-related drugs have been a primary focus.

“We’ve got five studies, four of which have to do with cardiology,” Lewis says. “The biggest champions we’ve had on staff are our cardiologists, and the drugs for hypertension and cholesterol are what is the trend right now.”

Physicians are the trial’s investigators, while Lewis and Markusfeld work directly with the study enrollees. With promising early results, it’s likely that the program will grow.

“People are getting very engaged, and we post our study summaries on the Parkview Web site so people can look at the research. We’re getting a very positive response from the community as well as the hospital, and the research on these new therapies will benefit future generations,” Markusfeld says.

Parkview Medical Center

Westward

Bound EMERGENCY CENTER PROVIDES CONVENIENCE TO GROWING POPULATION SEGMENT

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Parkview has opened its Pueblo West emergency center and outpatient clinic.

The facility is open 24 hours, seven days a week and offers complete emergency room services, transporting patients who need additional attention to the main hospital, while taking care of everything from bumps and scrapes to

serious medical events at the new center.

The goal is twofold: Alleviate crowding at the main hospital while offering emergency and other services that are more convenient for residents, says Mike Archuleta, director of emergency services.

“We have all the capability, all the same equipment, as they have at Parkview

ANTONY BOSHIER

hile Parkview Medical Center’s emergency department is outstanding, it’s also a good distance from Pueblo’s growing western suburb. It would be hard to move the hospital, but an emergency room – that’s another matter.

A year after breaking ground,

Patients at Parkview Medical Center’s new Pueblo West emergency center and outpatient clinic can count on the expertise of a team that includes, from left, Shelly Geier, Mike Archuleta, Carl Swithers, Judy Sikes and Stephanie Bravo.

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to provide care to any patient who comes through the door,” Archuleta says. “As a walk-in emergency center, we’ll release some of the pressure at the main hospital.

We can provide services to people that EMS brings in here, and we’ve been working with the Emergency Medical Services council and our regional trauma group to talk about what kinds of patients can be brought here and which ones should go straight to the main hospital.”

Parkview officials studied the area and met with community members to get a sense of what types of care would be most beneficial, and then came up with the concept of not only the emergency center, but also the outpatient part of the operation. Having both will greatly enhance the quality of life for residents, Archuleta says.

“We looked at other communities, and they were seeing close to 100 people a day in a facility like ours,” he says. “The people in Pueblo West are very excited, and I think we’ll see a lot of volume.”

The new facility is fully staffed with physicians and nurses specifically board-certified in emergency medicine, including everything from advanced cardiac life support to pediatric advanced life support and trauma training. Its 14 treatment rooms have access to an on-site laboratory as well as a radiology room with X-ray and CAT scan capabilities. It also has a helipad for air transport.

The staff is local to the area, something Archuleta says will immediately help integrate the center more fully into the community.

“Many of Parkview’s nurses live in Pueblo West and are part of the community out here,” Archuleta says. “We’re starting something new and different, and we want everything to be geared toward serving the people of this area.”

ANTONY BOSHIER

Growing to Meet the Needs of Our Community

Training Specialist Randy Grant, left, and Organizational Effectiveness Director Elliott Ring serve as ambassadors for Parkview Medical Center.

Going with the Flow of Information ADVISORS BRIDGE COMMUNICATION GAPS

F

rom the top down, the staff at Parkview Medical Center makes customer service a top priority. But as the hospital changes and grows, sometimes information can be miscommunicated from one operational level to the next, creating confusion. To avoid that, the Key 50/Service Excellence Advisor team works to keep everyone on the same page.

“We focus on customer service, but we also focus on our organizational culture, keeping people informed so they know what’s going on,” says Elliott Ring, organizational effectiveness director for Parkview. “Our team members are people with leadership qualities who demonstrate a positive attitude with their peers – they’re the people it just feels good to be around.”

The team, which at any given time has approximately 65 people from all departments, meets once a month for an educational briefing that can focus on new departments or services to what’s happening with Parkview’s construction timetable. Representatives from new departments, such as those for clinical trials, stop by to brief everyone on what they do, as do departments with new equipment and programs.

That information, in turn, is carried back to the various departments.

“This allows our team to be well-informed ambassadors inside and outside the hospital,” Ring says. “By the time they finish an 18-month rotation on the team, they know just about everything that’s going on here.”

In addition to becoming more knowledgeable, team members also get plenty of face time with top officials, which leads to more relaxed relationships with management.

“Our senior leadership facilitate small group table discussions at each meeting, which is really positive,” Ring says. “Everyone becomes more human to each other, calling each other by their first names. Part of everyone’s responsibility is to promote good patient relations and good customer service, and that happens. Once people get involved, they enjoy their time on the team.”

– Stories by Joe Morris

www.parkviewmc.org

Education

ANTONY BOSHIER

Every student in the Pueblo district is provided a laptop.

Teaching Tech DISTRICT’S NEW TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE GIVES STUDENTS A COMPETITIVE EDGE

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or the administrators of School District 70, education is about helping kids succeed – in the classroom and beyond.

“We want to make sure our students are achieving at the highest possible level and can compete wherever they’re going, whether that’s the workforce or higher education,” says assistant superintendent Ginger Andenucio.

To help accomplish those goals, the district has implemented a multipart program called 21st Century Tools for a 21st Century Education. First, the program provides laptop computers for all high-school students. Each student is assigned a specific laptop to use throughout high school; beginning with the class of 2012, students will also have the option of purchasing their laptops when they graduate.

“If you look at how students learn outside of school, it’s all about computers.

These are the tools we need to get them engaged in their learning in the classroom,” says Tim Yates, the district’s director of technology.

He also believes the program will

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prepare students for “hybrid” college classes, which mix traditional instruction with online lectures and assignments.

“Hybrid classes are becoming more and more common, so it’s important that students be able to succeed in them,” Yates says. “With this new program, they won’t be something new and foreign to our students when they show up at college.”

The program also brings interactivity to younger students, with the district installing Promethean whiteboards in every classroom from pre-K through middle school. Teachers can access the Internet directly from the boards, which come bundled with instructional software and electronic tools like rulers and protractors.

“Especially with the Internet access, this technology allows learning to be realtime and always up-to-date,” Andenucio says. “It’s a way to enhance what we’re already doing.”

The 21st Century initiative also includes professional development for teachers, beginning with a new laptop for every teacher who completes a training course.

“And we want to continue to train our teachers in effectively using the instructional technology to deliver curriculum,” Andenucio says.

The entire program has put smiles on everyone’s faces.

“Just walking around the high school, I can see the students are really enjoying their computers, and I’ve had a lot of positive comments from the teachers,” Andenucio says.

Even the larger business community is taking note.

“Businesses that are coming into Pueblo are looking more seriously at our graduates, knowing the kind of technology they have access to in their education,” Yates says.

Both he and Andenucio agree that the program is emblematic of Pueblo’s long-term commitment to the success of its students.

“We all believe that this is absolutely the right thing to do for our students,” Andenucio says. “We’re really just getting started, and we’re looking forward to where we’re going in the future.”

– Kathryn Royster I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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Education

New Heights THE SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR PUEBLO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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ueblo City Schools system is piloting a new and better view of education and, in the process, is becoming a world-class school district.

The new view is created by a community-led strategic plan that was championed in 2007 by PCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Wm. Covington, along with the support and input of 300 community volunteers.

“The primary goal we have is to ensure that our students are not only meeting Colorado and national standards, but international standards as well,” Covington says. “That certainly translates into helping improve the

Pueblo City Schools system is reaping benefits from planning.

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economy of Pueblo. It makes students workforce ready.”

One of the most fundamental components of the strategic plan was to create an international magnet school in Pueblo. That goal was realized in fall 2008, making PCS one of only three in the state to implement this initiative.

The program is funded through a $7.2 million Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant, which is a prestigious national award.

That grant has helped the school system revamp its teaching model to meet international standards. Innovative, state-of-the-art technologies are being incorporated into top-notch curricula.

At Fountain Elementary, teachers are

working to create international learners in a Pre-K through third grade primary years program that focuses on teaching the all-around student. To do so, the program emphasizes academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural development.

“We are creating community-oriented, lifelong learners,” says Kathy West, associate superintendent.

The school system is striving for more nurturing from teachers and is engaged in professional development training for young teachers.

Magnet students from grades four through 10 attend Corwin Middle School.

These students take the next step on their educational journey by learning to think critically and evaluate varying degrees of information. The middle years program includes extended fine arts education, standard dress for students and teachers, foreign languages and after-school theater groups and a laptop program that equips each student with a computer.

Personal responsibility is central to the success of the magnet programs and reflects not only the high expectations placed on students, but also upon parents.

“We want to re-engage parents as partners in education,” West says. “If you attend our schools, you signed up for rigor. It’s a whole new way of thinking. It’s empowerment.”

Students ultimately earn an internationally recognized diploma through a challenging two-year program that has been offered at East High School since 1996. The end result is a polished group of learners whose academic success could add up to a bright future for Pueblo.

“The strategic plan is helping to create the environment that will breed the jobs of the future,” West says. “We believe in a better and bigger community for Pueblo.”

– Brandon Lowe I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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PHOTOS BY ANTONY BOSHIER

Arts & Culture

Art Before Your Eyes ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS TO VISITORS

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idway between the thriving arts communities of Denver and Albuquerque, Pueblo has long been home to visual artists drawn by the light and landscape, the affordable loft spaces and the proximity to major arts markets.

Until now, however, Pueblo artists have mostly displayed and sold their works outside Pueblo.

A new, homegrown collective called the Visual Artists of Pueblo is working to showcase the thriving community of artists who live and produce their best works in Pueblo.

“There’s a number of professional, visual artists in Pueblo who live here and only show out of town,” says John Wilbar, a sculptor and cofounder of Visual Artists of Pueblo. “The whole concept is that Pueblo is reinventing itself. A lot of our artists have open studios that few people know about. So, I thought, ‘what if we got together and helped increase awareness of artists here in Pueblo?’”

A dozen professional artists, three arts studios and a

community arts center have signed on to support and promote the effort. A new Web site, www.visualartistspueblo.com, showcases the works of Pueblo artists and links to their individual Web sites.

In April 2008, the group published a guide and map showing the locations of artists’ studios and galleries throughout Pueblo.

Those include an artist named Radeaux, who paints birds and other life-sized fauna in a unique style that is becoming widely recognized and collected; Bonnie Waugh, a Pueblo native whose works encompass sculpture, installations, handmade paper and unique photography incorporating acrylic or oil paints; and, Wilbar, a nonfigurative, non- representational sculptor whose large-scale works are influenced by the heavy industrial environments of his childhood.

Wilbar says the group plans to advertise in major arts magazines. He hopes those efforts and the new Web site draw more attention to the local artist community and eventually make Pueblo a destination for artists and collectors.

“There are at least 25-30 professional artists living in Pueblo,” Wilbar says. “In the past, nobody has stepped up and said, ‘let’s organize.’ Now’s the time. We’re aware of each other’s work. Many of us are gaining reputations in the arts communities in Albuquerque and Denver. And we’re just a short drive from I-25 for people to stop in and take a look.”

– Anita Wadhwani

Sculptor John Wilbar is co-founder of Visual Artists of Pueblo, which promotes artists and their works.

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I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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Sports & Recreation

Chipping Around the Arroyos WALKING STICK FEATURES GREAT VIEWS, WIDE FAIRWAYS AND CHALLENGING PLAY

I

nstead of plowing up the arroyos or filling in their dried creek beds, Walking Stick Golf Course integrated the arroyos into its design.

The municipal golf course opened in 1991 on the eastern plains of Pueblo, right below the Colorado State UniversityPueblo campus. On some of the holes, golfers have a beautiful view of the mountains, while other holes offer ideal vantage points to see across the plains.

“Some holes offer a mix,” says Dave Lewis, head PGA professional at Walking Stick Golf Course. “There are very few trees on this course because we are on the plains, so having the arroyos here makes our facility a bit special. Arroyos and Pueblo go hand in hand, and they make our course distinct.”

Arroyo, which means brook in Spanish, is a dry creek bed or gulch that temporarily fills with water following a heavy rain. They are primarily found in mountainous desert environments.

“On holes No. 4 and 5, both are par 5s that play right around the arroyo,” Lewis says. “The scenery here just makes our nice course layout even nicer.”

Walking Stick is a challenging, par72 course that measures 7,147 yards from the back tees. It has hosted local U.S. Open qualifying tournaments for the past 10 years, and the USGA Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship in 2006.

Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates designed the course, and the company is known for constructing interesting golf destinations all over the world.

“The greens here are challenging and there is a lot of native area that you play around,” Lewis says. “The fairways are wide enough that there is ample room to play, but if you hit your ball out of bounds, you will definitely have problems with all the brush and growth.”

Lewis has been a PGA professional

for 19 years, and has lived in the Pueblo area all his life. His favorite hole at Walking Stick is No. 5.

“It’s a hole that is a very reachable par 5, but it features a long, two-tiered green,” he says. “If you are going for the green in two shots, you better make your second shot the right distance. If your ball lands on the lower tier and the pin is on top – or vice versa – you can forget about making eagle. At that point, you just try to make par and head off to No. 6.”

Even though Walking Stick is a challenging test of golf skills, four different tee boxes make the course playable for everyone.

“Interesting – that’s the word that could best describe this course,” Lewis says. “Views of the Great Plains, the Wet Mountains and the Pikes Peak section of the Front Range – plus 7,147 yards. You really can’t beat it.”

– Kevin Litwin

Walking Stick Golf Course

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I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

A sister’s promise couldn’t save Suzy Komen from breast cancer.

But one day it might save you.

In 1982, Nancy Brinker promised her dying sister, Suzy, she’d find a cure for breast cancer. That promise led to research and treatment innovations, education and screening. Join the effort at www.komen.org or 1.800 I’M AWARE®.

This space provided as a public service. ©2004, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

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Health & Wellness

Little Patients Are a Big Deal SPECIAL-CARE NURSERY ALLOWS PREMATURE BABIES, FAMILIES TO STAY IN TOWN

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ANTONY BOSHIER

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amilies with premature babies have enough to worry about without piling on the cost and other difficulties of going out of town for the newborn’s hospital care.

Now, thanks to the new Special Care Nursery at Parkview Medical Center, the traveling part of the equation is history.

The new, nine-bed nursery provides 24-hour care to premature infants, those born as early as 30 to 32 weeks into a pregnancy, as well as those with other health-related issues that require careful and ongoing monitoring and assessment such as low birth weight, inability to maintain body temperature or inability to take oral feedings. The nursery also is equipped to provide mechanical ventilation as well as continuous positive airway pressure.

A great deal of planning went into the nursery prior to its opening, says Pat Pate, director of women’s services for Parkview. Parkview paired up with the Pediatrix Medical Group when it was planning the nursery. The partnership gives the hospital access to Pediatrix’ Colorado-based neonatologists, as well as educational, clinical and consultative support for newborns.

And so far, everything’s been working out as planned for the babies and everyone else involved.

“There was a strong belief among our community’s obstetricians that we could care for our babies here, and they really wanted to keep them at the hospital instead of sending them to another facility,” Pate says. “And once we were able to do that, then they began encouraging their patients to deliver here because of the Special Care Nursery and the immediate access to expert resources.”

In addition to the facility itself, a great deal of preparation was made on the staffing side, primarily ensuring that a steady stream of nurses would be available around the clock not only to take care of babies already in the nursery, but for new arrivals as well.

“The babies don’t come on a schedule, so we had to figure out how to accommodate that,” says Ann Nelms, lead clinical nurse. “We have developed our staff to be able to pump up our nursing resources to accommodate those changing census needs, and we’ve developed a real camaraderie by being able to change our own plans at the last minute to make that happen.”

Being able to move quickly from labor and delivery through those early hours and days of care has also fostered a strong sense of respect between the doctors and nurses, Nelms adds.

“We were always able to care for sick babies, to stabilize them until a transport team could get here,” she says. “Our

Parkview’s Special Care Nursery focuses on newborns.

nurses are very good at maintaining those babies. The fact that our pediatrics group wanted to take over the care of premature infants in the hospital tells me a lot.”

And while it’s early yet, an expansion of the unit could be in the works to respond to the rising number of infants born well before term, Pate adds.

“We cover a large area, and as our staff becomes more proficient at delivering babies as early as 32 weeks, and maybe eventually as early as 30, all the supporting departments are going to need to get on board,” she says. ‘That’s X-ray, lab, pharmacy, respiratory… everyone’s very supportive in moving us along, advancing their knowledge, so we can provide for these babies.”

– Joe Morris I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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Health & Wellness

Well-Trained HOSPITAL’S PHYSICIANS, PROGRAMS, KEEP IT AT MEDICAL INDUSTRY’S DEVELOPMENT FOREFRONT

F

vidualized treatment plan. The St. Mary-Corwin team focuses on diabetes prevention and education.

“How well blood sugar is controlled during hospitalization has a direct impact on patient complication rates,” says Dr. Stephen Brown, chief medical officer.

“Since one in three of our surgical admissions have diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes, we have a significant opportunity to decrease complications with better blood sugar control pre- and post-operatively.”

To accomplish this level of control in a consistent fashion, St. Mary-Corwin has developed policies, procedures and new tools for the surgical population.

“This begins with preoperative evaluations, which identify candidates who would benefit from the program,” Dr. Brown says. “Our data to date shows the effectiveness of the program and the

ANTONY BOSHIER

rom its beginnings as a converted boarding house in 1882, St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center has been on the cutting edge of innovative patient care.

These days, that includes both inhospital care as well as preventative measures designed to keep people from ever having to be admitted. In addition to being designated a Level II trauma center and Flight For Life helicopter base, St. Mary-Corwin also is a primary stroke center, ambulatory infusion center and more.

Two recent innovations highlight the facility’s ongoing commitment to patient care, as well as the outstanding team of physicians at St. Mary-Corwin.

One is the hospital’s diabetes care program, which includes patient interaction with educators, nurses and dietitians, as well as the formulation of an indi-

Michael J. Stenger is president and chief executive officer of St. Mary-Corwin.

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benefits on the length of time these patients need hospitalization.”

The second innovation involves a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, initiative.

St. Mary-Corwin was awarded a grant from the Adams-Williams Traumatic Brain Injury Group at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, Calif. The grant provided protocols and equipment to implement the program developed by Mission Hospital.

“Their successes with TBI outcomes prompted our desire to offer the program to southern Colorado,” Dr. Brown says.

“Since the implementation of the program in 2005, we have seen our outcome with TBI improve to the level experienced at Mission Hospital. Our successes have been gratifying.”

Services such as these are made possible by its strong staff of physicians, notes Michael J. Stenger, president and chief executive officer.

“For a city of Pueblo’s relative size, we have a phenomenal group of medical professionals,” Stenger says. “When my family and I moved to Pueblo in September 2007, I was very impressed to find such a committed and accomplished medical team educated and trained at some of the best academic medical centers in the country.”

Outstanding cancer care is also available right here in southern Colorado.

The St. Mary-Corwin Dorcy Cancer Center offers leading-edge cancer care that is comprehensive, convenient and effective, and administered by an outstanding multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff. Because every patient is different, St. Mary-Corwin’s experienced physicians design and supervise a customized treatment plan executed with precision and professionalism. The Dorcy Cancer Center features state-of-theart technology, which includes the state’s first Varian Trilogy robotic imaging system and the only true image-guided Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy which locate, identify and destroy cancer cells with pinpoint precision.

– Joe Morris I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

45

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Community Profile

PUEBLO SNAPSHOT The air in Pueblo is so clean that residents often can see purple mountains’ majesties from 70 miles away. That is one of the numerous advantages of living in this city with clean water, a nationally ranked school system and reasonable home prices.

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

Intellitec College (719) 542-3181 www.intelliteccollege.com/pb

Pueblo City Schools (719) 549-7100 www.pueblo60.k12.co.us

Pueblo Community College (719) 549-3200 www.pueblocc.edu

School District No. 70 (719) 542-0220 www.district70.org

HOUSING COST

$126,562 Average Home Price

14.17% Home Turnover Percentage

University of Phoenix (719) 599-5282 www.phoenix.edu

Colleges and Universities Colorado State University-Pueblo (719) 549-2100 www.colostate-pueblo.edu

MEDICAL FACILITIES Parkview Medical Center 400 W. 16th St. Pueblo, CO (719) 584-4000 www.parkviewmc.com

Colorado Technical University (719) 595-0200 www.coloradotech.edu

EDUCATIONAL OVERVIEW Pueblo City School District 60 spends about $7,812 per student, in line with the state average of $7,826. The student-teacher ratio is 17-to-1; the state ratio is the same.

Pueblo County Rural School District 70 spends $6,237 per student, and the studentteacher ratio is 19-to-1.

MORE EO ONLINE imagespueblo.com More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

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I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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Community Profile St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center 1008 Minnequa Ave. Pueblo, CO (719) 560-4000 http://www.stmarycorwin.org Colorado Mental Health Institute 600 W. 24th St. Pueblo, CO (719) 546-4445 www.cdhs.state.co.us

CLIMATE

11 inches Average Annual Precipitation

14 F

Welcome to Colorado East Country

January Low Temperature

48 F January High Temperature

52 F July Low Temperature

91 F July High Temperature

Get the facts: imagespueblo.com

PUEBLO PROUD – Helping to Build the Financial Future of our Community

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Driver’s License 310 E. Abriendo Ave. Suite A Pueblo, CO (719) 543-5164 www.revenue.state.co.us Title and Registration 215 W. 10th Pueblo, CO www.revenue.state.co.us Voter Registration/ Election Information www.co.pueblo.co.us/elections

CITY LINK

P UEBLO NORTH

P UEBLO WEST

P UEBLO SOUTH

1515 Fortino Blvd.

(719) 584-2000

94 S. Tiffany Dr. (719) 547-4488

1219 S. Prairie Ave. (719) 561-5000

Visit us online at www.coloeast.com Chartered 1905

www.pueblo.us

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I M AG E S P U E B L O . C O M

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Ad Index 42 B E L M O N T LO D G E H E A LT H CARE CENTER

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47 P U E B LO A S S O C I ATI O N O F R E A LTO R S

Ad Index (cont.)

C 3 P U E B LO C IT Y S C H O O L S 4 6 P U E B LO CO N V E N T I O N C E N T E R 2 P U E B LO CO U N T Y CO M M I S S I O N E R S 4 P U E B LO ECO N O M I C D E V E LO P M E N T 27 P U E B LO M A L L 4 6 P U E B LO S C H O O L D I S T R I C T 70 9 R EG E N C Y R I D G E D E V E LO P M E N T 4 4 R I C E RO OT 7 S O LO N N I S SA N C 2 S T. M A RY CO RW I N MEDICAL CENTER

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PUEBLO MANAGING EDITOR KIM MADLOM COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, JESSY YANCEY ONLINE CONTENT MANAGER MATT BIGELOW STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BRANDON LOWE, JOE MORRIS, JESSICA MOZO, KATHRYN ROYSTER, ANITA WADHWANI DATA MANAGER RANETTA SMITH REGIONAL SALES MANAGER CHARLES FITZGIBBON SENIOR INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER ELIZABETH WEST SALES SUPPORT MANAGER SARA SARTIN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN M CCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, J. KYLE KEENER PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN SMITH PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS ASST. PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR HAZEL RISNER PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER ERICA HINES GRAPHIC DESIGN ALISON HUNTER, JESSICA MANNER, JANINE MARYLAND, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER WEB PROJECT MANAGERS ANDY HARTLEY, YAMEL RUIZ WEB DESIGN LEAD FRANCO SCARAMUZZO WEB DESIGN RYAN DUNLAP, CARL SCHULZ WEB PRODUCTION JENNIFER GRAVES COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN AD TRAFFIC MARCIA MILLAR, SARAH MILLER, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY

CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./SALES TODD POTTER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./TRAVEL PUBLISHING SYBIL STEWART V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS MANAGING EDITORS/BUSINESS MAURICE FLIESS, BILL McMEEKIN MANAGING EDITOR/CUSTOM KIM NEWSOM MANAGING EDITOR/TRAVEL SUSAN CHAPPELL PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, RICHIE FITZPATRICK, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY WALDRIP COMMUNITY PROMOTION DIRECTOR CINDY COMPERRY DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR YANCEY TURTURICE NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR JAMES SCOLLARD IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE CUSTOM/TRAVEL SALES SUPPORT RACHAEL GOLDSBERRY SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP

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CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

Images Pueblo is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and Pueblo Economic Development Corp.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce 302 N. Santa Fe Ave. • Pueblo, CO 81003 Phone: (719) 542-1704 • Fax: (719) 542-1624 www.pueblochamber.org Pueblo Economic Development Corp.

301 N. Main St. • PO Box 1957 • Pueblo, CO 81002 Phone: (719) 544-2000 • Fax: (719) 543-1650 www.pedco.org VISIT IMAGES PUEBLO ONLINE AT IMAGESPUEBLO.COM ©Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

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