The Business Times Volume 29 Issue 3

THE BUSINESS T IMES News FEBRUARY 3-16, 2022

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

In this issue

n Inflation forecast

2

While inflation is expected to moderate, a think tank forecasts year-over-year gains to continue to top 2 percent.

n Doubling down

4

A food bank will double down on its efforts by building a distribution center nearly twice as big as the existing facility.

Thinking Trends inside Contributors theOpinion box n Packaging firm moves operation to Grand Junction.

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VOLUME 29, ISSUE 3

THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac

n Healthy addition A medical education center has opened at Colorado Mesa University, a facility funded by unprecedented gifts.

n Complex efforts

6

Two multi-family housing communities are planned for Grand Junction, bringing 336 apartments to the market.

n Rate retreats

15

The unemployment rate in Mesa County retreated in December to 4.6 percent and its lowest level of the year.

Donna Peterson, front, works with her daughter and son-in-law, Mandi and Josh Hernandez, at Grand Mesa Packaging. The firm recently relocated to Grand Junction.

n Competing issues

17

Colorado employers must remain careful to avoid noncompete agreements that could violate criminal laws.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

26-27 24 26 17-21 2-14 22-23 15-16

Business Times photo by Phil Castle

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

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Continued inflation expected

February 3-16, 2022

Trends Thinking inside the box Contributors Opinion L Business Briefs Business People Almanac Packaging business relocates operations to Grand Junction

Think tank forecasts year-over-year gains to exceed 2 percent Phil Castle

The Business Times

Temporary and persistent factors have pushed two measures of inflation in the United States to their largest year-over-year increases in 40 years.

Still other factors, including higher interest rates, could moderate further increases. But inflation is expected to remain above 2 percent for at least the next two years, according to a member-driven think tank based in New York Dana Peterson that tracks a range of economic trends.

That means businesses likely will pass on higher costs in the form of higher prices for customers, said Dana Peterson, chief economist of the Conference Board.

“People are facing higher prices for just about everything.”

The Conference Board hosted a virtual media briefing to review the factors driving higher inflation as well as the outlook for continued increases.

The Consumer Price Index, one measure of inflation, increased 7 percent in 2021, the fastest pace in nearly four decades.

The Personal Consumption Expenditures Index, a separate measure the Federal Reserve uses in setting interest rates, rose 5.8 percent, the sharpest increase since 1982.

Peterson said temporary and persistent factors drive inflation risk.

The temporary factors include strong demand for goods, services and housing as well as factory closures and supply chain bottlenecks. Moreover, wages have increased as labor shortages persist.

“All these things are funneling into inflation,” she said Continued demand for goods and services and labor shortages also present persistent factors driving inflation risk, Peterson said. Other persistent factors include a shortage of semiconductor chips, the costs associated with a transition from traditional to renewable energy sources and easy monetary and fiscal policy.

While inflation is expected to moderate, the Conference Board projects the Personal Consumption Expenditures Index to increase on a year-over-year basis at about 3 percent through 2022 and 2023.

See INFLATION page 12

Donna Peterson, in front above, works with her daughter and son-in-law, Mandi and Josh Hernandez, in operating Grand Mesa Packaging.

The business recently relocated from Cedaredge to Grand Junction and moved into larger quarters in the former Halliburton facility at D and 32 roads.

In addition to a large assortment of boxes and bags, Grand Mesa Packaging also provides packing materials, including foam peanuts.

ike any skilled business executive, Donna Peterson thinks outside the box, pondering different ways of doing things to improve operations and increase sales.

But as managing partner of a packaging company, Peterson also has to think inside the box and what products best fit what her customers need. That’s not to mention whether or not an even better fit might be in the bag.

These days, Peterson thinks both outside and inside the box as she contemplates how to position Grand Mesa Packaging for additional growth. She expects the recent move to larger quarters and a more convenient location in Grand Junction to help. “I just hope we continue to grow and expand and become an even better local source for what everybody needs.”

Grand Mesa Packaging relocated from Cedaredge at the beginning of the year and moved into a portion of the former Halliburton complex at D and 32 roads.

The new location offers nearly 15,500 square feet in one building, Peterson says. That’s more than the total of 10,000 square feet spread over three buildings in Cedaredge and what used to be an apple processing facility.

The move will help in other ways, she says, in eliminating what used to be two or three trips a week from Cedaredge to Grand Junction for deliveries and offering a more convenient base from which to serve customers, most of them in Western Colorado. The new location also better accommodates large trucks bringing in inventory.

Peterson expects to not only increase business-to-business sales from the Grand Junction location, but also set up a retail area where customers can come in to purchase boxes, packing materials and moving supplies. “We want to become like your full-stop shop for packaging.”

It’s another step in the nearly 20-year evolution of Grand Mesa Packaging.

Peterson traces the origin of the company to 2003 and a time she was working in Rifle for a corrugated plastics company. The firm added corrugated paper to the operation and relocated to Cedaredge. The business found a partner in Wasatch Container, a sheet paper company based in Salt Lake City with design, manufacturing and printing capabilities.

See BOX page 14

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PHIL CASTLE

February 3-16, 2022

The Business Times

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Phil Castle

as well as New England and Canada.

Whidden said people who work in information technology aren’t just “geeks,” Frank Whidden brings what he but offer an important perspective because considers a well-rounded perspective to his they’re familiar with nearly every aspect of new job as Mesa County administrator. operations and how work gets done.

They An architectural illustration depicts what the Food Bank of the Rockies Western Whidden workedDistribution Center will also tendlike to think new andJunction potentially Slope Etkins Family look whenabout the Grand in information betterFood waysBank of doing things in asking and facility opens in August. (Illustration courtesy of the Rockies) technology and holds answering “what if ” questions. “They know a master’s degree in how to effect change in an organization.” computer information Whidden expects to bring that same systems. But he also approach to his duties as administrator. holds a doctoral Whidden said it’s his role to help degree in applied county commissioners make and then management and implement decisions. The commissioners decision making and Frank Whidden in turn represent the residents of the worked for more than county and express their will, he said. “We 20 years as a minister. Whidden has work for the people.” worked for large and small organizations Whidden said he also considers himself Phil Castle in both the private and public a liaison between the commissioners and The Business Timessectors.

Whidden expects to draw on all of his county staff, and one of the priorities is to experiences in helping Mesa County make sure employees feel valued. Whidden A Grand Junction facility is scheduled commissioners make and carry out decisions. said he hopes not only to improve morale, to open in August that will help meet a Valuing staff and making the county but also take steps that will make Mesa growing need to distribute food to people an employer of choice is among the County an organization for which people experiencing hunger in Western Colorado. priorities, Whidden said. So is planning want to work.

At nearly twice the size of the existing that results in sustainable funding and Meanwhile, Whidden expects the facility, the warehouse and distribution balanced budgets on a long-term basis. county to continue policies and initiatives center is expected to enable Food Bank Meanwhile, Mesa County will that support local business and economic of the Rockies to provide 62 percent more continue to pursue efforts that promote a development. There are additional steps meals annually. friendly business environment and that can be taken to make it easier for local “The new Western Slope Etkin economic development, Whidden said. businesses to sell products and services to Family Distribution Center will have a Whidden officially began working as the county, he added. transformational impact on improving county administrator at the beginning of Mesa County will keep working with food security on the Western Slope” said the year. He succeeds Tom Fisher, who was other government entities, organizations Sue Ellen Rodwick, director of Food Bank hired as county manager in Summit and institutions on fostering an environment of the Rockies Western Slope.

County, Utah. that supports existing businesses and Food Bank of the Rockies hosted Sue Ellen Rodwick, director of Food Whidden joined Mesa County in attracts new businesses, he said. an event near the site where the center is Bank of the Rockies Western Slope, August 2011 as information technology Whidden said there could be a under construction to celebrate the center discusses the benefits of a new director. In April 2014, he became deputy opportunities to encourage the additional as well as a campaign to raise $10.8 million warehouse and distribution center county administrator for resource development of businesses that provide to pay for the project. under construction in Grand Junction. management in a staffing reorganization services to the agricultural industry as well At 50,400 square foot, the new center (Business Times photo by Phil Castle) that eliminated four director positions. as promote Mesa County as a distribution will provide almost double the space of the Before joining Mesa County, center for the region. existing Food Bank facility in Palisade.

The program will lease office space Whidden worked for a company providing The important thing is to consider That will include more cold storage and use the commercial kitchen at the new information technology services to issues from a well-rounded perspective, capacity for local fruits and vegetables. The center to prepare meals. More space and colleges and universities. In that role, he Whidden said. “We won’t be myopic as we new center also will house the SCL Health new equipment will enable the program to managed IT systems and services for look at things.”

St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Meals provide 1,000 meals a day with less work, institutions in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois ✦ on Wheels program, which provides free DeBock said. meals to older adults in the Grand Valley.

That’s not to mention the benefits of Food Bank of the Rockies works with cooperation between two organizations nearly 150 hunger relief partners to distribute DeBock said share the same mission: “To food in 13 Western Colorado counties. get food in the hands of the people who The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated need it.” demand, Rodwick said. In 2021, the Anne Wenzel, president and director organization distributed 12.5 million of the Western Colorado Community pounds of food, more than at any other Foundation, said the warehouse and time since it expanded to serve the Western distribution center constitutes a “keystone Slope 23 years ago. project” in collaborative efforts to end A larger warehouse and distribution hunger in the region. “The new center center will enable Food Bank of the addresses so many of the goals.”

Rockies to provide 62 percent more meals A campaign to raise the $10.8 million in the region annually, she said. to cover the cost of the facility, equipment Amanda DeBock, manager of the and furnishings continues. Major gifts meals on wheels program, said demand total nearly $7 million, Rodwick said. similarly has increased for that program The Bruce Etkin Family contributed — from 120,000 meals delivered in 2019 $1.2 million and the Gary Magness Family to 190,000 meals delivered in 2021.

See FOOD BANK page 10 The Business Times

Food bank doubles down on its efforts to address Western Colorado needs Facility under construction in Grand Junction

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Colorado Mesa University opened a new facility housing physician assistant and occupational and physical therapy programs. Unprecedented donations helped fund the project. (Photo courtesy Colorado Mesa University)

Health education center opens on CMU campus Unprecedented gifts fund facility housing physician assistant and therapy programs A medical education center has opened at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, a facility funded in part by unprecedented donations.

The St. Mary’s Medical Education Center houses physician assistant and occupational and physical therapy programs. The 24,000-square-foot building includes 12 classrooms and laboratory labs, group study areas and office space for staff.

Amy Bronson, director of the physician assistant studies program at CMU, said housing the programs in the same location will foster collaboration among students and staff from the different programs. “In addition to a much-needed building, this new facility helps create an infrastructure where we can more easily adapt the needs of each organization to one another’s and work together to prepare students to enter the medical and health care work force.”

Robin Brown, chief executive officer of the CMU Foundation and vice president of development, said the project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of SCL Health St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital and the City of Grand Junction. “We’re grateful that our community partners recognized the need for this facility and the value it brings to our region,” Brown said. “It truly was a collaborative effort that exemplifies the power of working together.”

SCL Health St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center contributed $3 million to the project, the largest donation St. Mary’s has ever made and CMU has ever received.

Community Hospital and the City of Grand Junction contributed $1 million each. CMU received nearly 30 more gifts to help pay for the $13 million project.

“Both St. Mary’s and CMU have a regional mission to serve.

While CMU educates students, we serve the community health and wellness needs of Western Colorado. The two purposes intersect,” said Bryan Johnson, president of St. Mary’s Regional Medial Center. “Many of our nurses and medical professionals are hired from CMU. The new St. Mary’s Medical Education Center will be essential for addressing educational needs and future community health care needs as well.”

The donation represents another part of a history of collaboration between the hospital and CMU. In 1946, the trustees for what was at that time Mesa College donated land where St. Mary’s Medical Center now operates.

Chris Thomas, CEO and president of Community Hospital, said the contribution to the center, the largest ever for the Grand Junction hospital, constitutes an investment in the education of students going into health care. “Western Colorado has a growing need for health care professionals, and Community Hospital is proud to be a part of this endeavor.”

Grand Junction Mayor Chuck McDaniel agreed. “The city has long recognized CMU’s critical role in preparing students for rewarding careers in our community, especially careers in the medical field. We are very proud to partner with CMU on the construction of this new educational facility. We look forward to many community health benefits that will be provided by the next generation of medical professionals.”

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Amy Bronson

Robin Brown

Bryan Johnson

Chris Thomas

Chuck McDaniel

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The Business Times

February 3-16, 2022

Two apartment complexes planned Sales tax A multifamily property development firm has announced plans to construct two more apartment complexes in Grand Junction with a total of 336 apartments.

Perry Reid Properties — a firm based in Lincoln, Neb., that developed the Railyard at Rimrock — plans to develop the Slate on 25 and Heights on Horizon.

Perry Reid An architectural illustration shows what the apartment buildings will look like at the Slate on 25 development in Grand Junction. The project will include six, Properties will develop Craig Reid the complexes in 28-unit buildings. (Illustration courtesy Perry Reid Properties) partnership with Both developments will feature apartments with large living Anthony Properties based in Dallas.

Craig Reid, chief executive officer of areas, spacious bedrooms, walk-in closets and patios or balconies Perry Reid Properties, said the success of the as well as glass recycled countertops, top-of-the-line appliances and Railyard at Rimrock prompted the additional full-size washers and dryers. Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units will be available. developments.

The projects also will include central clubhouses offering “The Railyard at Rimrock has enjoyed remarkable success since day one. Units residents a place to work, entertain and socialize with business and have been leased as soon as they became fitness centers as well as a swimming pools, patios and grilling Brian Shiu available,” Reid said. “Clearly, there areas and bicycle storage and repair areas.

The developments are expected to open in early 2023, with continues to be strong demand for spacious, hiqh-quality, multifamily communities in Grand Junction. We are delighted preleasing set for this fall.

Brian Shiu, vice president of development at Anthony to have the opportunity to meet this demand with these two Properties, said he’s looking forward to the new developments. additional projects.”

Located near the intersection of 25 Road and Flat Top Lane, “Thanks to the success of the Railyard at Rimrock, we now the Slate on 25 will include six, 28-unit buildings with attached have an experienced team of professionals that will facilitate the entire development and construction process. We look forward to and detached garages.

The Heights on Horizon will be located on an 8-acre site on working with the City of Grand Junction to help meet the strong Horizon Drive near Grand Junction Regional Airport and include demand for housing in the area.”

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RentaSpace.DiegoCorp.com

collections increase

Sales tax collections, a measure of retail activity, continue to increase on a year-over-year basis in Grand Junction and Mesa County.

The City of Grand Junction collected more than $4.6 million in sales taxes in December, a 22.7 percent increase compared to the same month a year ago.

Mesa County collected more than $3.6 million in sales taxes, a 19.2 percent gain over December 2020.

Use and lodging tax collections also increased. December tax reports reflect November sales.

The city collected a total of nearly $5.6 million in sales and use taxes, including nearly $845,000 as the city share of sales taxes collected

by Mesa County. That’s a 22 percent increase over December 2020.

The city collected a total of more than $931,000 in sales and use taxes earmarked for public safety and first responders.

For all of 2021, the city collected a total of almost $69 million in sales and use taxes, a 20.6 percent gain over 2020. Sales tax collections rose 21 percent, while use tax collections increased 17.8 percent.

The city collected a total of more than $11.5 million in taxes for public safety and first responders.

Mesa County collected a total of more than $4 million in sales and use taxes in December, 20.8 percent more than the same month a year ago.

The county collected more than $1.4 million in taxes on retail sales, a 16.1 percent gain over December 2020 Sales tax collections increased 14.7 percent on autos, 14.5 percent on home improvements and 32.2 percent on hotel stays and restaurant meals.

For all of 2021, Mesa County collected a total of nearly $48.5 million in sales and use taxes, a 20.8 percent increase over 2020.

Tax collections on retail sales exceeded $13.2 million, an 18.9 percent gain. Sales taxes collections increased 16.4 percent on automobiles, 27.4 percent on home improvements and 28.9 percent on hotel stays and restaurant meals.

Lodging tax collections, a measure of hotel and motel stays in Grand Junction, also increased.

The City of Grand Junction also collected nearly $220,000 in lodging taxes in December, a 60.3 percent gain over the same month last year.

For all of 2021, the city collected nearly $3.7 million in lodging taxes, a 58.5 percent increase over 2020.

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February 3-16, 2022

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February 3-16, 2022

Viva El Vino fund-raiser a wine time for a good cause Phil Castle

The Business Times

An annual fund-raiser is scheduled to return to Grand Junction in April, offering a wine time for a good cause.

“It’s all about giving back,” said Stephanie Plieness, public relations chairman for the Junior Service League.

The nonprofit service organization of women has scheduled Viva El Vino for 6 to 9 p.m. April 30 at the DoubleTree

by Hilton Hotel, 743 Horizon Drive.

Stephanie Plieness General admission tickets sell for $95. VIP tickets sell for $150 and include early admission to the event and early access to a silent auction, a VIP food

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

For more information and tickets to the Junior Service League Viva El Vino benefit event, visit https://jslgj.com/viva-el-vino. menu and an entry into a drawing for a two-night stay at the DoubleTree the weekend of the event. Sponsorships also are available at a variety of levels.

Plieness said Viva El Vino will showcase a variety of Grand Valley wines, but also will offer other liquors and spirits. A beer garden will serve local beers. The event will be spread out through several rooms and outdoor areas at the hotel.

The Junior Service League has long hosted Viva

El Vino as its signature fund-raiser, Plieness said. The organization conducted the first event in 1988, five years after the group was established in Grand Junction.

The Junior Service League offers a way for its members to network, but also give back to the community through volunteering and grants, she said. Over the years, the group has donated 750,000 hours of community service and awarded $1.1 million in grants to nonprofit groups in Mesa County.

In December, the Junior Service League awarded a total of $111,000 in grants to 22 local nonprofit organizations. Two large grants worth a total of $71,000 were awarded to Community Hospital and SCL Health St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center to help fund efforts to diagnose and treat breast cancer.

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Hospital looking for operator for child care center

Community Hospital has requested proposals for an operator to run an early childhood education center planned for the main hospital campus in Grand Junction.

“This project is important as it will allow Community Hospital to provide high-quality child care to our employees and will help us recruit and retain high-quality health care professionals,” Tawny Espinoza said Tawny Espinoza, vice president of business development at Community Hospital. “We look forward to being a part of the solution to help minimize the lack of available child care in Mesa County.”

Construction is expected to begin this spring on an early childhood education center on the hospital campus located at 2351 G Road with completion scheduled for early 2023. The center will accommodate 100 children.

The operator will assist with the design of the facility, funding applications and licensure, as well as work toward the highest level of Colorado Shines quality rating.

To access the request for proposals, visit www.YourCommunityHospital.com/ News and Awards. More information also is available by contacting Espinoza at tespinoza@gjhosp.org or (970) 644-3016.

The submission deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 11.

Stephanie Bivins, director of the Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families, said about 4,000 child care slots are needed in Mesa County to meet the demands of the work force.

“The lack of availability not only affects school readiness and healthy foundations for children, it presents barriers for families to join the local work force,” Bivins said. “It is exciting to be working with innovative community partners such as Community Hospital to help address this important issue.”

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February 3-16, 2022

The Business Times

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February 3-16, 2022

Bellco donates $100,000 for food distribution center Bellco Credit Union has contributed $100,000 to Food Bank of the Rockies to help pay for a new warehouse and distribution center under construction in Grand Junction.

Once completed in August, the Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope Etkin Family Distribution Center will not only offer nearly twice the space of the existing Food Bank John Rivera facility in Palisade, but also include other amenities. The Bellco contribution will provide for a volunteer center and more opportunities for individuals and groups to join in efforts to feed the hungry.

“Volunteering is a rewarding and meaningful way to help our communities grow and thrive. By funding

the volunteer center, we are able to support staff and volunteers who work every day to organize and distribute food to partners and programs,” said John Rivera, senior vice president and chief retail officer at Bellco Credit Union. “We’ve been honored to partner with Food Bank of the Rockies over the years as a way of giving back to the people on the Western Slope who have provided support to our financial institution since 2009.”

Headquartered in Greenwood Village, Bellco Credit Union operates 26 branches in Colorado, including a branch in Grand Junction. The credit union has assets of more than $6 billion and serves a total of more than 350,000 members.

“Basic needs like food, water and shelter are essential and is one reason why Bellco partners with Food Bank of the Rockies,” Rivera said. “They work to fight hunger

throughout Colorado by providing food and essentials to more than 800 hunger relief partners.”

Over the years, Bellco employees have donated time to Food Bank of the Rockies, both on their own and in groups working on such projects as loading and sorting products and building orders.

“Bellco volunteers have been instrumental in helping us meet food needs for people in our community,” said Sue Ellen Rodwick, director of Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope. “Bellco also purchased our two dehydration units back in 2011, which has made a significant positive impact in our communities by providing a nutritious snack option for children and their families. It is thanks to dedicated partners like Bellco that each of our programs to fight hunger are able to exist.”

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Food bank

Continued from page 4 Foundation donated $1 million. Additional contributors included Bellco Credit Union, the City of Grand Junction, Gates Family Foundation, the Abram and Ray Kaplan Foundation and Western Colorado Community Foundation.

“We are very, very happy to be here and support this,” said Bruce Etkin, a former member of the Food Bank of the Rockies board. The new facility will not only help address a basic need, but also provide a better place for staff and volunteers to work, he said.

Gary Magness said the contribution constitutes the latest gift in nearly three decades of support for Food Bank of the Rockies. “I know that this distribution center will have positive ripple effects for the community, and I’m excited for the work that will be accomplished with this gift.”

Rodwick said she’s hopeful for more financial support. “There’s nothing more meaningful than community members stepping up to help community members.”

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about Food Bank of the Rockies and contributing to the warehouse and distribution center, log on to www.foodbankrockies.org/ ws-capital-campaign.

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February 3-16, 2022

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February 3-16, 2022

Inflation

Continued from page 2 That’s above the 2 percent target inflation rate at which the Federal Reserve aims to keep prices stable.

Peterson said a number of offsets could moderation inflation, among them tighter monetary policy, increased supplies, automation and other efforts that improve efficiency, competition that brings down prices and better infrastructure.

As for tightening monetary policy, Peterson said she expects the Federal Reserve to increase its federal funds rate four or more times in 2022. At the same time, the Federal Reserve also will reduce its balance sheet in a more aggressive effort to curb inflation.

Even with the increases, the federal funds rate will remain “very accommodating,” she said.

Signals the Federal Reserve could raise short-term interest rates shouldn’t be surprising, she said, given the recent increases in inflation.

Stock markets have reacted with increased volatility, setting up what could become something of a tug of war, Peterson said. Nonetheless, she said she expects the Federal Reserve to pay more attention to inflation, unemployment and gross domestic product than financial markets.

What was in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic a Federal Reserve focus on promoting employment will change to reducing inflation, she said.

Despite higher prices, there are indications consumer demand remains strong.

Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at the Conference Board, said the latest results of a household survey indicate a bigger proportion of consumers plan to buy homes, automobiles and major appliance over the next six months.

Meanwhile, labor shortages likely will persist as the market becomes even tighter Gad Levanon, head of the Conference Board Labor Markets Institute, said he expects the national unemployment rate to continue retreating — to perhaps as low as 3 percent by the end of the year.

Businesses will have to raise wages and benefits as well as broaden their recruiting efforts to attract and retain employees, Levanon said.

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Box

February 3-16, 2022

Continued from page 2 One partner was subsequently bought out, and Peterson and Wasatch Container now operate Grand Mesa Packaging.

Peterson works with her daughter and son-in-law, Mandi and Josh Hernandez, as well as Michael Smith, a driver.

Over the years, the operation has grown and along with it annual sales, Peterson says, from just $1,000 that first year to $1.5 million. “Obviously, we would love to expand that.”

Grand Mesa Packaging supplies corrugated boxes, cartons and crates in a wide range of sizes and for a variety of products, Peterson says. That includes packaging for wine and produce as well as mailers and envelopes. The company also provides plastic bags, point-of-sale displays and packaging supplies. The firm’s online catalog includes more than 20,000 items.

In addition, the firm also serves as a distributor for wine and produce bags.

In addition to stock packaging, Grand Mesa Packaging works with Wasatch Container to offer custom packaging and printing, she says.

A number of factors go into designing and manufacturing custom packages, Peterson says, including the products, how many components fit into a single box and how the package will be shipped.

Custom-cut foam is available to provide additional protection for products. Grand Mesa Packaging also has responded to increased demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly packaging.

“Each company is special in its own way,” she says.

Grand Mesa Packaging offers flexibility, she says, in accommodating large and small orders. That includes situations in which customers need just one or two stock boxes on short notice. “If we have it, you can pick it up.”

That will help as well to increase retail sales and serving walk-in customers who need boxes and packing supplies.

The COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain problems have presented challenges and lengthened the lead time required to fill some orders, Peterson says.

But at the same time, demand for packaging has increased along with online sales, she says. Some customers closed retail locations and switched strictly to online sales.

Peterson says she has high hopes for continued demand and continued growth for Grand Mesa Packaging at its new location in Grand Junction. And that keeps her thinking both outside and inside the box.

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION Grand Mesa Packaging is located at 3199 D Road, Unit B, in Grand Junction. For more information, call (970) 856-4820 or visit the website located at https://grandmesapackaging.com.

News Trends Contributors Jobless rate retreats Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac The Business Times

February 3-16, 2022

Page 15

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings t New business filings in Colorado, 38,211 in the third quarter, down 1.2% from the third quarter of 2020.

n Confidence

t Consumer Confidence Index 113.8 for January, down 1.4. s Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 58 for the first quarter, up 1.9. s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 98.9 for December, up 0.5.

n Foreclosures s Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 6 in January, up from 0 in January 2021. s Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 1 in January, up from 0 in January 2021.

n Indexes

s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 116.63 for December, up 0.99. s Conference Board Leading Economic Index 120.8 for December, up 0.8%. t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 57.6% for January, down 1.2%.

n Lodging

s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $219,599 for December, up 60.3% from November 2020.

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 376 in January, down 3.8% from January 2021. s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $163 million in January, up 40.5% from January 2021.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $5.6 million for December, up 22% from December 2020. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4 million for December, up 24.3% from December 2020.

n Unemployment t Mesa County — 4.6% for December, down 0.1 t Colorado — 4.8% for December, down 0.3. t United States — 3.9% for December, down 0.3.

2021 ends with lowest unemployment level of the year in Mesa County Phil Castle

For December, 991 job orders were posted. That’s a nearly 49 percent increase over the same month last year. For all of Dec. Nov. The monthly unemployment rate 2021, 11,799 orders were posted. That’s an t Delta County 4.0 4.3 continues to retreat in Mesa County, edging increase of more than 77 percent over 2020. t Garfield County 3.8 4.2 down in December to end 2021 at the lowest “It’s a job seeker’s market,” he said. t Mesa County 4.6 4.7 level of the year and offering encouragement While employers have struggled t Montrose County 4.0 4.3 the trend will continue in 2022. to fill openings, they’ve also changed t Rio Blanco County 4.4 4.7 “It’s a really good hiring processes, emphasized benefits and sign as we continue on company cultures and raised wages, he said. the road to recovery,” said Curtis Englehart, The Mesa County Workforce Center will join with the Grand director of the Mesa County Workforce Center Junction Area Chamber of Commerce to present a free webinar on in Mesa County. expediting hiring processes. The online event is set for 10 to 11 a.m.

The seasonally unadjusted unemployment Feb. 8. Registration is available through the chamber website at rate edged down a tenth of a point to 4.6 percent https://gjchamber.org. in December, according to the latest estimates For the program year running from July 1, 2020 through from the Colorado Department of Labor and June 30, 2021, 7,938 people were employed within six months of seeking services at the center, Englehart said. Moreover, 741 local Curtis Englehart Employment.

The jobless rate declined in nine out of 12 employers also received assistance during that span. “They are months in 2021, falling from a high of 8 percent in January. At this really good numbers.” time last year, the rate stood at 7.2 percent.

Looking ahead to 2022, Englehart said he expects the The unemployment rate traditionally spikes in Mesa County unemployment rate to continue to decline even as the Mesa in January to the highest level of the year with layoffs following County economy recovers. But the pace likely will be gradual. the holidays and winter weather affecting outdoor work.

Seasonal unadjusted unemployment rates also retreated Englehart said he still expects an increase in January 2022, between November and December in neighboring Western but perhaps not as severe. The January labor estimates aren’t Colorado counties — four-tenths of a point to 3.8 percent in scheduled for release until March 14 because of annual revisions Garfield County and three-tenths of a point to 4 percent in Delta to statistics for the previous year. and Montrose counties and 4.4 percent in Rio Blanco County.

Between November and December 2021, Mesa County The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell three-tenths payrolls decreased 140 to 73,539. But the number of people counted of a point to 4.8 percent as nonfarm payrolls grew 9,000. among those unsuccessfully looking for work also decreased — Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls increased 152,000 115 to 3,518. with the biggest gains in the leisure and hospitality; business and The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, professional services; and trade, transportation and utility sectors. fell 255 to 77,057. That ended a streak of four months of gains.

Over the past 20 months, Colorado has regained 335,500 of the Compared to a year ago, payrolls increased 2,507 even as the 375,800 jobs lost between February and April 2020 because of the ranks of the unemployed decreased 1,983. The labor force grew 524. COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

Englehart said labor market demand as measured by the The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm number of job orders posted at the Mesa County Workforce Center payrolls decreased three-tenths of an hour to 33.2 hours. Average has increased to the highest levels he’s seen during his five years hourly earnings increased $2.08 to $33.28. as director.

F The Business Times

AREA JOBLESS RATES

Consumer Confidence Index declines A measure of consumer confidence has retreated on less upbeat expectations for business and labor conditions.

The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index fell 1.4 points to 113.8 in January. A component of the index tracking current conditions increased. But a component tracking the short-term outlook dropped.

“Expectations about short-term growth prospects weakened, pointing to a likely moderation in growth during the first quarter of 2022,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of Lynn Franco economic indicators at the Conference Board.

Still, a growing proportion of consumers said they plan to buy homes, automobiles and major appliances over the next six months, Franco said.

The Conference Board bases the index on the results of monthly household surveys. Economists monitor the index because consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of economic activity.

More upbeat assessments of current conditions pushed up the present situation component of the index 3.4 points from December to 148.2.

The proportion of consumers responding to the survey upon which the January index was based who said business conditions were “good” rose 1.7 points to 21.1 percent. The share of those who said conditions were “bad” dropped 1.5 points to 25.6 percent.

The proportion of those who said jobs were “plentiful” fell eight-tenths of a point to 55.1 percent. But the share of those who said jobs were “hard to get” also fell — four-tenths of a point to 11.3 percent.

Less optimistic outlooks for the next six months pulled down the expectations component of the index 4.6 points to 90.8.

The share of consumers who said they expect business conditions to improve fell 1.6 points to 23.8 percent. The proportion of those who said they expect conditions to worsen rose four-tenths of a point to 19 percent.

The share of those who expected more jobs to become available in the months ahead fell 1.5 points to 22.7 percent. The proportion of those anticipated fewer jobs rose a point to 15.7 percent.

While 16.7 percent of consumers said they expected their incomes to increase — down eight-tenths of a point — 12.4 percent said they anticipated their incomes will decrease. That’s up 1.2 points.

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February 3-16, 2022

Leading index forecasts U.S. growth

An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to increase, signaling growth in the months ahead.

The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) advanced eight-tenths of a percent to 120.8 in December. Separate measures of current and past conditions also increased.

“The U.S. LEI ended 2021 on a rising trajectory, suggesting the economy will continue to expand well into the spring,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, the senior director of economic research at Ataman Ozyildirim the Conference Board.

The COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages, rising inflation and expected interest rate increases could moderate growth during the first quarter of 2022, Ozyildirim said, but the expansion should accelerate after that to above the pre-pandemic trend.

Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the country, is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 35 percent for 2022, he said.

Over the past six months, the LEI has increased 4 percent, less than the 4.4 percent over the six months before that. Strengths among the leading indicators remain widespread, however, For December, eight of 10 components of the LEI advanced, including building permits, interest rate spread, leading credit and new orders indexes, new orders for both consumer and capital goods and stock prices. A decrease in average weekly claims for unemployment benefits also bolstered the index. Consumer expectations for business conditions worsened. The average weekly manufacturing work week remained unchanged.

The Coincident Economic Index rose two-tenths of a percent to 107.4. The index has increased 1.3 percent over the past six months.

For December, three of four indicators advanced: nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales. Industrial production retreated.

The Lagging Economic Index edged up a tenth of a percent to 109.4. The index has increased six-tenths of a percent over the past three months.

For December, three of seven components advanced, including commercial and industrial financing and inventories. A decrease in the average duration of unemployment also boosted the index. Labor and services costs declined, as did consumer credit. The average prime rates charged by banks held steady.

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Trends Contributors Opinion agreements Noncompete Business Briefs Business People Almanac

February 3-16, 2022

The Business Times

Page 17

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction has scheduled workshops and other events offering information about a range of topics.

Upcoming sessions of a business startup workshop are set for 1 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 3 and 16 and March 3 at the center, 2591 Legacy Way. The workshops will cover the business planning process, including financing options, legal structures, licensing, state registration and trade name searches. Admission is $55.

The next Leading Edge business planning and management course is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 16 to May 4. The 12-week course combines classroom sessions, interactive exercises and conversations with subject matter experts. Participants will develop written business plans or strategies and test their models for financial viability.

Admission is $275, $100 for each additional employee from the same business.

For additional information about upcoming events, programs and services at the Business Incubator Center, call 243-5242 or log on to the website at http://gjincubator.org. n The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual banquet for 5 to 10 p.m.

Feb. 5 at the Fruita Community Center, 324 N. Coulson St. Admission is $50 for chamber members, $60 for others.

To register or obtain more information, call 858-3894 or visit http://fruitachamber.org. n The Western Colorado Human Resource Association has scheduled a luncheon meeting for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. The meeting will include a presentation on integrating work and life. For more information, visit www.wchra.org. n The Initiate Conference for marketing and communications leaders is set for Feb. 24 and 25 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 743 Horizon Drive in Grand Junction. Admission ranges from $99 each for the two keynote presentations to $199 for one day to $399 for both days. To register or obtain more information, visit the website at www.initiateconference.com.

Employers must remain careful to avoid what are now criminal violations Among the lesser-known changes to Colorado law for 2022 is Colorado Senate Bill 21-271. Effective Jan. 1, SB 21-271 amended numerous statutes, including an 11-word amendment to Colorado’s noncompete law to make violations of the law a criminal offense, specifically a class 2 misdemeanor.

Class 2 misdemeanors in Colorado are punishable by three to 12 months in county jail and/or $250 to $1,000 in fines. Both corporations and individuals are subject to Colorado criminal law. Corporations found guilty of a misdemeanor are subject to fines.

It’s important for Colorado employers to understand noncompete agreements. By law, any agreement that restricts the right of a person to receive compensation from any for the performance of skilled or Dean employer unskilled labor is a noncompete agreement.

Harris Most noncompete agreements seek to do one of three things: n Prevent departing employees from competing with their former employers. n Prevent departing employees from soliciting their former employers’ clients, customers or employees. n Prevent departing employees from disclosing or using trade secrets to compete with former employers.

Regardless of the purpose, noncompete agreements that don’t comply with Colorado law are void and unenforceable from the start — as well as a potential violation of Colorado criminal law. Colorado imposes one of the strictest noncompete laws in the country. Under Colorado law, noncompete agreements are unenforceable unless one of four exceptions is met. Only the following noncompete agreements are lawful: n Any contract for the purchase and sale of a business or assets of a business. n Any contract for the protection of trade secrets. n Any contractual provision providing for recovery of the expense of educating and training an employee who’s served an employer for less than two years. n Contracts with executive and management personnel and officers and employees who constitute professional staff to executive and management personnel.

Special rules also apply to noncompete agreements between physicians.

Of course, noncompete agreements make sense when a business is sold. It would be untenable for a person to sell “John Doe’s Widgets” if the purchaser couldn’t prevent John from opening “John D’s Widgets and Stuff” across the street. And no business can tolerate an employee taking information that has value to the employer and is important for the business to keep secret from its competitors. Nor would it make sense for an employer to invest money in training a new employee only to have the employee immediately leave for a better opportunity at the company’s expense.

Probably the least understood exception to the Colorado noncompete law is the exception for “executive and management personnel” and their “professional staff.”

Not every supervisor or manager comprises an employer’s executive and management personnel. But executives and management personnel are two distinct groups under Colorado law, and this exception isn’t limited to those managers so highly placed as to be “key personnel at the heart of a business,” as Colorado law held until just over a decade ago. In Dish Network Corp. v. Altomari, the court held a “mid-level manager” who “had managerial responsibilities” could be management personnel. But a low-level manager or supervisor who’s not a policymaker or plays a decision-making role in implementing policy is probably

Regardless of the purpose, noncompete agreements that don’t comply with Colorado law are void and unenforceable from the start — as well as a potential violation of Colorado criminal law.

not “management” for purposes of the Colorado noncompete law.

“Professional staff” normally requires some professional or technical training. While a nurse might be professional staff to a medical practice, employees who engage in purely administrative functions wouldn’t qualify for this exception.

The final call on who meets this exception is the trial court in an action alleging an employer violated the noncompete law.

Every situation must be evaluated on the specific facts of that situation.

Courts are more deferential to agreements to protect trade secrets. But not every agreement that attempts to do so is legal.

The exception for agreements to protect trade secrets doesn’t apply to all information that’s proprietary. A trade secret is information that cost the organization time and money to develop and the organization strives to keep from public access.

The most highly contested areas of trade secret law revolve around customer lists. A simple list of customers and phone numbers that could be culled from public sources isn’t a trade secret. But customer lists containing such information as non-public email addresses or phone numbers, customer preferences or proprietary customer information could be trade secrets.

Any agreement that prohibits employees from disclosing trade secrets or using those trade secrets for a subsequent employer are usually legal. But an agreement that limits an employee from seeking other employment solely because the employee has access to trade secrets isn’t permissible. Again, this determination is highly fact-specific.

Finally, some rules apply to all agreements not to compete.

The courts will only enforce agreements that are reasonable in scope and limited as to time and geography. An agreement with a company that does business only in Western Colorado but prohibits departing employees from seeking employment from similar industries anywhere in the United States probably isn’t enforceable. Nor is an agreement that prevents a departing manager from ever seeking employment with a competitor.

While an agreement preventing departing employees from using or disclosing trade secrets is probably enforceable as long as the protected information remains a trade secret, Colorado courts normally limit other noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements to a year or two.

But again, every agreement must be examined on its own facts and merits.

I strongly recommend any employer planning to implement a noncompete agreement first consult legal counsel. Moreover, employers should carefully examine any noncompete agreement binding its prospective or new employees to avoid becoming a party to a legal action for inducing a breach of contract or interfering with a contract.

Dean Harris is the Western Slope Area managing attorney for the Employers Council. The Employers Council counsels, represents and trains member employers in all phases of employment relationships. Contact Harris at dharris@employerscouncil.org or (970) 852-0190.

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The Business Times

February 3-16, 2022

Free your business from toxic team members Do you feel as though you’re held hostage by one or more of your team members? This could be a challenging question to ask yourself and an even more difficult one to answer truthfully. No one wants to admit they’re at the mercy of another. It’s vital, though, to the success of your business.

The feeling of being held hostage by anyone or anything is an uncomfortable one, to say the least.

When faced with this reality, business owners and managers often believe they’re powerless to change their circumstances — that they’re at the mercy of the team members and the situation. They believe if these team members were to leave or be let go, the business would suffer or couldn’t Marcus function effectively.

Straub This need not be the case.

Every company has team members who hold positions critical to daily operations. While these individuals might fill important roles, they also could contribute to a negative work environment. They might not fully support the company philosophy, objectives and goals.

In fact, they could hinder the progress of the organization through their bad attitudes, lack of engagement, gossip and dishonesty — to name only a few issues.

It’s not uncommon for business owners and managers to feel they’re held hostage by one or more team members who play key roles. They believe these individuals possess sensitive information and perform vital functions. Letting them go or taking any action that might upset them would leave the company in a vulnerable or even desperate position.

This is only a belief, however. And beliefs of this type must be changed to free their operations from toxic team

In my 17 years as a business coach and consultant, it’s always been a positive choice to set free those team members who have no interest in learning, growing or aligning with company values, missions and directions.

members and experience more happiness and success.

If you feel held hostage by one or more team members, considering bringing in a professional to work with you and the team member or members who need development or to be let go. Hiring a coach or consultant who’s objective and well-equipped to help you deal with these sensitive situations constitutes a wise investment.

People are commonly held hostage by their own limiting beliefs. A qualified professional can help you, your managers and team members develop empowering beliefs and effective strategies that better position the company for growth and success.

Sometimes, a team member can change once they’re aware what they’re doing isn’t beneficial or acceptable.

This isn’t always the case, though. It’s important to understand there will be instances in which team members remain unwilling or unable to change, even with high caliber coaching and training. Then it must be determined whether or not a team member constitutes a good fit for the company.

In my 17 years as a business coach and consultant, it’s always been a positive choice to set free those team members who have no interest in learning, growing or

aligning with company values, missions and directions.

They don’t really want to be there, anyway. These individuals aren’t happy with their jobs and would likely leave on their own if they didn’t also feel held hostage by their circumstances. These team members are often limited by their beliefs about their career options outside of their current jobs, their ability to find other jobs they’d like and personal financial needs.

The businesses I work with have, without exception, improved their situations by letting go team members who are unwilling to learn, change their destructive behaviors and grow with the company. Moreover, the team members who were let go typically found greater happiness and success elsewhere.

When business owners, managers and team members believe they’re held hostage by their professional reality, fear becomes the main force at work. As effective actions are taken to manage and even eliminate fear, a win-win situation emerges for both business and team members.

Whether the team member adjusts and stays or doesn’t change and leaves, a decision is made and businesses and team members are free to pursue the success and happiness they desire.

Marcus Straub owns Life is Great Coaching in Grand Junction. His personalized coaching and consulting services help individuals, business owners, executives and companies build teams, organizations and lives filled with happiness and success. Straub is winner of the International Coach of the Year Award and author of “Is It Fun Being You?” He’s available for free consultations regarding coaching, speaking and trainings. Reach Straub at (970) 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.

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February 3-16, 2022

The Business Times

Are you effective or merely efficient?

People who run around in circles might appear efficient, but are they effective? There is a difference, one that could result either in a successful, growing business or a stagnant operation that’s just limping along.

Consider the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definitions. Effective: producing a decided, decisive or desired effect. Efficient: capable of producing desired results without wasting materials, time or energy. Getting a lot done isn’t the same as setting and accomplishing goals.

A classic example of someone who appears efficient, but is rarely effective, is what the financial services industry terms the “star performer.” Picture the five points of a star, then overlay the star on a map. At the top Janet point, place the first meeting of the day. Going Arrowood clockwise, place the third meeting at the next point, the last one at the third point, the second one at the fourth point, and the fourth one at the fifth point. A “star performer” has lots of meetings, but these events are all over town and waste energy, time and gas getting around. A “star performer” often fails to screen people with whom the meetings will take place, wasting even more time. “Star performers” meet with lots of suspects, but not so many actual prospects. This performer might believe scheduling lots of events is efficient. But if the events are all over the map, the approach isn’t very effective. In contrast, effective performers group meetings and appointments by geographical area and screen the people with whom they meet Effectiveness also entails heavy use of the 80-20 rule: 80 percent of your business comes from 20 percent of your clients and prospects. This type of performer knows meeting with suspects might fill the calendar, but is almost always a waste of time, energy and resources.

Making and prioritizing lists offers a way to become more effective. Compiling a list is efficient. Taking the next step and

prioritizing activities in terms of what will have the greatest effects on your productivity and ultimate success is effective.

Efficiency might or might not yield the results you need. But effectiveness almost always gets the desired results.

Consider these two approaches to scheduling five client meetings this week. One is effective, the other merely efficient.

Efficient: Go through your contact list starting with the As. Call or send emails to the first 10 to ask for a meeting. Keep calling or emailing to blocks of 10 until you schedule your desired five meetings. This might take a while.

Effective: Prioritize your contact list into prospects and suspects.

Pass the suspects to a new person in your office. Next, organize the prospects according to the 80-20 rule — 20 percent of your prospects are likely to generate 80 percent of your business. Call the first 10 of these likely future clients or customers and invite them to meet for coffee. If you’ve assessed their potential accurately, you should easily get five meetings. This offers a much more effective use of your time.

While keeping a to-do list could be useful, simply checking off items doesn’t mean you’re effective. Look at the results you obtained. Was this activity valuable? Did it affect your goals or bottom line? At the end of the week, review your to-do list or calendar to identify which activities weren’t productive, what meetings you could assign to someone else and what tasks are better for someone else to handle. Use this assessment on Friday afternoon to compile your to-do list and calendar for the following week. You’ll be ready t hit the ground running on Monday morning.

The bottom line? Question your approach to productivity, plan and validate your tasks and focus on goals and mission.

Janet Arrowood is founder and managing director of the Write Source, a Grand Junction firm offering a range of services, including grant and proposal writing, instruction and technical writing. Reach her at janet.arrowood@thewritesourceinc.com.

For more information, log on to www.TheWriteSourceInc.com.

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February 3-16, 2022

2022 outlook encouraging for local real estate market The housing sector looks to remain strong in Mesa County in 2022.

The lack of housing inventory and new developments will continue to apply pressure to the supply and demand issues experienced over the last 18 months. As a result, the market will continue to favor sellers and prices will Tyler Harris continue to climb, albeit at a slower rate.

Mortgage interest rates have already begun to creep upward. If this trend continues, the market could shift and prices adjust.

I don’t expect any type of crash, however.

Living in Colorado remains popular. People have moved to the state from all over the country, a migration fueled by their ability to work remotely. I expect Western Colorado to remain a popular destination for at least the next three to five years.

For those considering buying homes, don’t let market conditions scare you.

Mortgage rates remain near historic lows, and owning property in Mesa County continues to offer a great way to build long-term wealth. Meet with your trusted real estate advisor and develop a plan to

achieve your goals and a strategy to obtain the most value in the market.

Here are the top five things buyers and sellers need to know: n Inflation will lead to rising interest rates this year. Try to capitalize your equity by selling before higher interest rates affect prices. n Buyers must realize their purchasing power is stronger today than it will be six months from now. n Housing inventory has dropped to all-time lows. Work with a real estate professional who knows how to effectively navigate an inventory shortage. n Mortgage interest rates for second homes and investment properties have climbed to give local buyers more of an advantage in the marketplace. n Barring a nationwide economic collapse, the housing market will remain strong this year even with higher interest rates. Prices could fluctuate, but the overall market will remain strong.

Tyler Harris is a Realtor at Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction. He also serves as president of the Grand Junction Area Realtor Association and chairman of the GJARA Young Professionals Network. For more information about Bray Real Estate, call 242-3647 or visit www.brayandco.com.

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February 3-16, 2022

The Business Times

Testing keeps healthy workers at work As the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to elevate cases to new highs in Mesa County, COVID-19 testing remains increasingly important, especially for the business community.

Employers know sick employees affect business. Absences due to illness affect productivity and diminish the morale of healthy employees who pick up the resulting slack. One of the best ways to reduce illness at work is to keep sick employees at home — whether they’ve contracted COVID-19 or something else.

Knowing if you’re sick with COVID-19 is now easier than ever with free rapid at-home COVID-19 tests from Mesa County Public Stefany Health (MCPH), the Colorado Department of Busch Public Health and Environment and federal government.

MCPH recommends a test if you experience symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough, sore throat, congestion or runny nose. If you come in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should test after day five if you don’t have symptoms or at the first sign of symptoms.

Through our outreach and education team, MCPH has provided a total more than 4,000 rapid tests to employers and organizations. In sharing the success of its testing program, one business told us: “We tested all our staff after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. We had one positive out of all of them.

We kept operations moving for our patients because we tested.”

Due to high demand, only employers with 10 or more employees may enroll in the business program through MCPH at this time. Those interested in learning more should send an email to communityoutreach@mesacounty.us.

Businesses and organizations with fewer than 10 employees are asked to have their employees enroll individually in testing programs. Businesses and organizations also can contact us to be

Through our outreach and education team, Mesa County Public Health has provided more than 4,000 rapid COVID-19 tests to employers and organizations.

notified when supplies are more readily available.

If you use an at-home COVID-19 test, report the results online through https://covidbinax.colorado.gov. Once there, create an account and select the test type at-home antigen - self-reported.

If you’re unable to report your results online, call MCPH at (970) 248-6900 to report results.

Testing helps MCPH understand COVID-19 positivity trends and enables staff to give isolation instructions to infected individuals. Monitoring data and trends and providing information to the community helps in responding to the pandemic and keeping businesses open. Testing results are used to calculate percent positivity — the percentage of positive results compared to the total tests performed. That metric offers an early warning sign before cases begin to increase.

With the recent omicron surge, the positivity rate in Mesa County has soared to around 20 percent. To see community spread under control, this metric needs to be at or less than 5 percent.

MCPH appreciates the partnership we’ve shared with local businesses as we all continue to battle COVID-19. We’re hopeful this most recent surge will soon peak — and as warmer weather returns, so will the normalcy for which we all long.

Stefany Busch is communications coordinator at Mesa County Public Health. Connect with Mesa County Public Health on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MesaCountyPublicHealth or on Twitter @MC_PublicHealth.

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PPAGE age 22 22

One of my tasks as editor of a business journal is to revise the news releases that are submitted to fit what I term newspaper style.

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As anthem advertiser or reader, what do you need from the Business Times?

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Keep mind What who you’re writingneeded? to and what What’singood? isn’t? What’s Whatyou’re isn’t?asking them to do.

Consider or notusreaders and Comment listeners will understand what you’ve Let uswhether know. Send an e-mail. online on the Business Times Web written and said. People who’re adept whateven they write do sometimes can’t imagine site at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

Youatcould an old-fashioned letter to others don’t know like. whatYour theyfeedback, know. Avoid andnegative, jargon and use instead the editor if you’d bothbuzzwords positive and is valued and examples.

Aboveconsidered. all, keep it simple. I admit I’m tempted to write in a manner that will be carefully makes me appear more intelligent when farthe better off to obfuscation.

Good publications are the result of I’d not be only efforts ofeschew their staffs, but also One otherefforts thing:involving Keep sending in thoseand releases.

I’ll do my best to share your collaborative advertisers readers. news.Like any other good business, we want to listen to our customers, find out what they need and then meet those needs.

Phil It’s Castle is editor of the Business a new year. Please help us toTimes. do so. Reach him at 424-5133 or phil@thebusinesstimes.com. ✦ F

THE BUSINESS TIMES

609 North Ave., Suite 2, Grand Junction, CO 81501 TEL (970) 424-5133 • FAX (970) 424-5134

Publisher/Owner: Craig R. Hall

Editor: Phil Castle

Reach advertising at: publisher@thebusinesstimes.com Reach the editor at: phil@thebusinesstimes.com.

Subscribe or submit press releases online at www.thebusinesstimes.com The Grand Valley Business Times, a subsidiary of Hall Media Group LLC, is published twice monthly and distributed throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Advertising rates and deadlines are available upon request. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor, staff or advertisers.

Copyright © 2015 — AllCopyright rights reserved. © 2022 — All rights reserved.

Wait, what?

That’s favorite saying my buddy It’s thata time of year when Clark and I and recite.

It usually comes out resolutions prognostications abound. when something obvious is to stated My favorite saying applied Newthat Year’s was being ignored or when either of us a resolutions is in saying they’re basically says something completely, bunchorofdoes promises to break the firstwell, week nonsensical.

You’d think calling for New of January. And while I won’t predict a Year’s resolutions in February seems whole lot, I can pretty much accurately kinda onthat my without part. question nail a illogical few things it? news. You will see these are will But makeis the I’mwell, writing this pretty, predictable: column on Feb. 1 one: for ■ Prediction the issue There willscheduled be some for sortpublication of weather Feb. event,2.

So that disaster makes Feb. natural or 1 an important date heinous occurrence on my someone calendar as where will both a deadlineand AND be interviewed say (for purposes of this the following: “I’ve column) what should never seen anything Craig Hall have always been a like that in my goal.

As I It’s have the lifetime.” asfor if this CraigAlthough Hall past 20 isyears, I made deadline. person a required as usual, at a little close for comfort for attendee everytoo news my editor event. as he sends the last pages to reporting Whileup I understand most the printer. people’s perspective can indeed be limited for my resolutions, would by, orAscontained within, theirthis own personal would normally column experiences, it isbe tooa much to about ask tohow I’ve already themperspective up, reverted consult someblown historical before to my special of indifference saying such a version thing? Yes, this responseorcan just forgotten them. oddly in applyplain to some events.

But But when it comes 2022, I’m actually hanging onto I’m a few to weather and natural disasters, pretty resolutions — surprisingly and joyfully sure this is simply history repeating itself. so.

Same as it has for millions and millions of Let’s face it: Most resolutions are it! years.

More important, the planet made work, and work despise.

What didn’t werewe certain species. How’s What’s the No. 1 goal for most folks? that for perspective?

Get into shape. Pardon the pun, but how’s ■ Prediction two: When it comes to a that out forthat you? crimeworking or something occurs between That’s good folks at health humans, thewhy otherthe required attendee at all clubs — like our advertiser, Crossroads news reporting events is the person who Fitness advisewe’re doing group classes says this:—“They just the nicest or working personal trainer people, and with in noaway did I see something in encouraging environment with likeanthis coming.” Exactly.

No one does conveniences like childit care and most of the time when comes toother amenities available to make getting neighbors and acquaintances.

People into should shape as positive an goes experience it to be surprised at what on fromastime can As I am sure the good folksand at timebe. in their neighborhoods, towns Crossroads those who makeare it with people will theyattest, know because people to Feb.And 1 have thetimes best chance to shouldn’t achieve good. for the that they their goals. — So,like congrats to those who’ve be shocked with politicians, repeat made it this And if — youwhere’s need some offenders andfar. terrorists the help, call that our advertiser. interview says, “This doesn’t surprise me inThat the said, least.”it’s difficult to compete in a market where people need to good get into ■ Prediction three:who Something shape are inundated with get-thin-quick, will happen economically, and the snake oil advertising 24 hours a day government will take credit for it.

The on most their recentelectronic example isdevices. gas prices, where people You’ve thecredit ads. the Drink this orfor ask me why Iseen won’t president take that,prices. and the will just melt off and low gas Myfat answer is simple: you’ll be in Speedo shapethe in price no time.

Government never makes of Let me ask this: gotsimply friendstakes who’ve something goAnyone down and credit been taken in by these gimmicks youto for good news.

Gas pricing is subject want see in an itsy-bitsy-teenie-weeniemany to global factors.

Now there are yellow-polka-dot anything?

Yeah,some me of government answers to addressing neither.

Here’s whatstable I’ve learned over the them to keep prices for Americans, past 20 government years when has my none indifference but our of them to in getting intoonly shape wasitwinning the war: place. The things has in place in the

ebruary 3-16, 2015 2022 JFANUARY 15-28,

It’s about diet and exercise. Period. And I learned indifference in another tried long runthat always hurt consumers.

Another and fashion: Developing the habit fact true is that unemployment reaches a certain over days it’s ingrained into the our level 30 based onwhere the economy.

And while noggins to become good bad. Inismy government might brag theornumber low, case, usually it’s more than bad. likely the government did Truth is, the only I everbeing reallylow something to cause thattime number lost weight and got into shape was after — and not in a good way.

Conversely, when my separation.

Theit’s “divorce over business picks up, because40” thetook people my andtoIbuy lost,widgets yes, 40who pounds. wholife need wereYou not know With everything going onwas in buyingwhy? widgets because the economy my head, I was something I didn’t contracting due doing to natural (or unnatural, realize: exercising eatingdecided right. Then government caused)and reasons, we Ibetter didn’t.

And nowwidgets.

I live with opposite buy some The the government “divorce 40”toright backthis. where I started. had nothing do with Why am I telling this? Honestly, ■ Prediction four:you In keeping with Ithings like tothesay I don’t know, I kindathe do. government does,but I predict Because I’mwill trying and working to extend government manipulate the numbers to one myclaim resolutions of reading a daily makeofthe the economy is getting devotional.

And glancing over ato better because of not howjust hard it is working quick with an anecdote. I’m help allone-pager of us “working Americans.”

Now really striving spendyou quality time you might say, to “Craig, always saywith this aabout partner in the Obama “gym” of life. Because President because you don’t like him.”

Crossroads really You’rewould right inconfirm, a sense. it’s I don’t hard doman, it alone.

Fact Iis, I doubt youand knowtothe but what know of him could find anyone his thinking, I don’twho like has it orwith him any one goal iota. they’ve realized. yeah, making Before you go off,So however, I didn’t Feb. like 1 with JesusBush at the wheel is a big stimulus thing this President and his bailouts, year.

I’m happy to say jumped in to hissave ride and his abandoning the Ifree market this morning, and theI ride the free market.

And don’twent knowgreat. him And it’sthe thegovernment ride that’s important. either.

What does, and the Staying in itthe lane habits — only thing can do,of is good hurt the economy. which or or workout will in Unlessaitdevotional does nothing put criminals provide — of keeps the badwith habits at bay. jail instead partnering them, nothing And whether you usewill onehelp. of these or the the government does Always look other — way, or both — there’s no questionsays at it this whatever the government you’ll be inwhatever better physical and it is doing, the name ofmental the law it shape in theorlong run. Especially a of is passing, whatever the name orifgoal commitment to instilling this astoathe habit the bureaucracy it is presenting “experts” (actual takesto30occur. days. people, expect theones) polar say opposite Because the what only way to get to I guess I’m saying is March that 1 from Jan.it’s1 to gettotoget Feb. see perhaps time out1.ofAnyone our own aperspective. pattern? Yeah, don’t feel bad. it’s only There’s plenty of history taken years to research understand theto booksme and60 historical outit’s there only worth seeing beginpattern to understand that alland of doing. this has And that’s OK. After all,again, getting in happened before.

And it will shape in the the topic gym is of people life takes work and whether or government. commitment.

The snake oil salespeople The best recommendation is to find aren’t interested yourwhole health, just some books or tryinthat Google their The government?

Please thing.profit.

There’s a lot of information on the don’t me started. if you Great get Depression.

TheBut truth is it need wasn’t aeven confirmation it feels a good oneabout untilhow the government got about individual just look at its involved.

There’s health, also plenty of research messaging during the pandemic about on the medieval warm period when the the No. 1 comorbidity relatedthan to COVID 19 planet was much warmer today with and howlot seriously it affects victims: a whole less people (and its warmer well Not oneman peep about And yep, then before was hereobesity. at all). And look at have how it treated churches and people been killing other surprised health years. people clubs since during historythe waspast firsttwo written.

Indifferent come close.

Maybe doesn’t some research will help stop thoughts New Year’s all ofMy these trends.onOtherwise, we’ll be resolutions? fitness with like friends. saying we’veFaith neverand seen anything it in You’ll love hownot you March our lives.

And in feel a good way.1.

Craig Craig Hall Hall is is owner owner and and publisher publisher of of the the Business Business Times.

Times. Reach Reach him him at at 424-5133 424-5133 or or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

F ✦

February 3-16, 2022

The Business Times

Page 23

Taxing burden becomes Health insurance exchange more and more onerous extends enrollment season Jean Baptiste Colbert, financial minister to Louis XIV, is credited with saying, “The art of taxation consists in so plucking the goose as to obtain the largest amount of feathers with the least amount of hissing.”

A tax is defined as a compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers’ income and business profits or added to the cost of some goods, services and transactions.

Taxes have been Phyllis levied for thousands Hunsinger of years. The Bible refers to tax collectors. The United States Constitution gives Congress the power to “lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises.”

The first federal income tax in the U.S. was enacted in 1861 during the Civil War as a mechanism to finance the war effort.

Federal income tax became permanent in February 1913, when the 16th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, granting Congress the power to tax personal income.

But income tax is just one component of the federal tax system. Many of the taxes imposed today were created in the 1920s and 1930s, including Social Security tax, estate tax and gift tax. Sin taxes are popular with government leaders to tax behaviors not deemed admirable, such as taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana. A tax on gasoline was implemented in 1932 when President Herbert Hoover declared a need for more revenue to run the government.

The federal government also taxes investment income. This tax is particularly counterproductive because investment is necessary for economic growth. It’s not a challenging intellectual exercise to realize economic growth results in more tax revenue, but investment income is taxed anyway.

Dividends don’t escape the tax bite, either.

They’ve been taxed continually since 1954.

The main objective of taxation is to fund government expenditures at the city, county, state and federal levels. Governments have

no way to raise money without first taking money from their citizens. City, county and state level governments are equally able to enact clever methods for raising more revenue through taxation. A state income tax was first enacted by Wisconsin in 1911.

Today, there are only eight states without state income taxes: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. A sales tax was first enacted in West Virginia in 1921. Today, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon are the only states without sales taxes. Some cities across the nation will begin taxing disposable plastic shopping bags at convenience, grocery and drug stores.

For governments desiring to control citizen behavior, taxing unfavorable activities seems a win-win.

Taxes are often taken from paychecks before people ever see their earnings. They don’t realize how much of their hard-earned money is seized by the government. Once enacted, taxes seldom go away. More often, rates are raised. And each year, the total tax burden becomes more onerous.

President Ronald Reagan said, “We don’t have a trillion dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough. We have a trillion dollar debt because we spend too much.”

Now, the national debt is nearly $30 trillion and growing each minute. That debt translates to each taxpayer owing almost $240,000.

As in the analogy of the goose, unless there’s hissing from citizens coupled with action, governments will continue to tax beyond the ability of people to pay. It’s past time to get involved. Call your congressional representatives. Vote for lawmakers who will work to help individuals keep more of their money.

Phyllis Hunsinger is founder of the Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise Foundation in Grand Junction. The FREE Foundation provides resources to students and teachers in Western Colorado to promote the understanding of economics, financial literacy and free enterprise. For more, visit www.free-dom.us.com. Contact Hunsinger at phyllis@free-dom.us.com.

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In just a month, 2022 has brought a surge of COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant as well as the Marshall Fire, which destroyed more homes than any wildfire in Colorado history.

To state the obvious, these twin emergencies represent real lives that have been affected. If you or a loved one has found yourself without health insurance benefits because of COVID-19’s far-reaching economic effects or the devastation caused by the Marshall Fire, then this message is for you.

Our state insurance exchange, Connect for Health Colorado, has opened an emergency special enrollment period for families, individuals or small business owners whose health benefits have been or will be affected by these two emergencies. The new special open enrollment period provides a two-month extension to Colorado’s regular season, which ended on Jan. 15, and is now Ashley open to those in need until March 16.

Monument Health is proud to be involved in this offering Thurow through a cobranded product we manage across the Western Slope with Rocky Mountain Health Plans. We’re especially proud because it comes at a time when our hard work to disrupt the current system of “sick care” to achieve our mission of better care, healthier communities and reduced costs has resulted in price reductions to our product on the exchange and real savings for Coloradans who need it.

Emergency enrollment ends on March 16. But if you experience a life-changing event — losing your health insurance due to job loss, for example — you can buy health insurance on Connect for Health Colorado within 60 days of that event. Subsidies could be available to you and your family to help cover expenses during this time, making coverage and the peace of mind that comes with it a reasonable possibility.

If you feel overwhelmed hearing this news because you don’t know where to start or how to apply for health insurance benefits, resources are available to help.

Hilltop Community Resources, a nonprofit organization based in Grand Junction, operates a health access office with a team ready to assist you. They can help you determine your eligibility and walk you through the application process.

Contact them at (970) 244-0850 or https://hilltopshealthaccess.org.

Working directly with Connect for Health Colorado offers another option. You can review helpful information at https://connectforhealthco.com or take advantage of Connect for Health enrollment centers in Western Colorado. Although they don’t allow walk-ins at this time due to heightened social distancing guidance, you can locate the closest center near you at https://connectforhealthco.com/enrollment-center and call to schedule a virtual appointment.

Contacting a local health insurance broker constitutes yet another great way to learn about your options.

Thanks to statewide leadership and Coloradans committed to helping one another, our state and communities have been nimble and responsive during this uncertain time in our history. Monument Health is proud to be part of the solution.

Ashley Thurow is executive director of Monument Health, a clinically integrated network based in Grand Junction. She’s passionate about improving health care through collaboration and industry disruption and brings 15 years of experience in value-based care models to Monument Health. Reach her at Ashley.Thurow@monumenthealth.net F

Page 24

Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n COLORADO GROWERS PLAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association has scheduled its annual conference for Feb. 28 to March 1 as both an in-person gathering at the Denver Renaissance Central Park Hotel and virtual event available Bruce Talbott online.

The conference will open with a panel presentation on new state legislation which, among other things, removes the exemption of agricultural labor from state and local minimum wages and authorizes agricultural employees to organize and join labor unions.

“Panelists from the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment will unpack the many provisions of this bill to help growers better understand how to comply with the new regulations,” said Bruce Talbott, a Palisade grower who serves as president of the CFVGA. Other presentations at the conference will cover branding and marketing Colorado products, food safety practices, labor solutions and the latest research on production practices.

The event also will include on-site and virtual exhibitors, networking sessions and an awards luncheon.

The CFVGA represents a total of more than 250 growers and representatives from allied industries. For more information about the association and upcoming conference, visit https://coloradoproduce.org. n LISTINGS SOUGHT FOR FARM FRESH DIRECTORY Listings will be accepted until Feb. 28 for the Colorado Farm Fresh Directory, an annual publication promoting farmers markets, wineries and other agricultural operations in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture expects to distribute more than 85,000 copies of the directory in June.

The directory will be distributed through chambers of commerce, extension offices, farmers markets, libraries and welcome centers. The directory also is available as a mobile application for smartphones and online at https://ag.colorado.gov/markets/ publications.

A listing fee of $25 is charged. For more information or to request a listing form, contact Loretta Lopez at (303) 869-9175.

The Business Times

SHARE YOUR NEWS

February 3-16, 2022

NOTEWORTHY

The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business Briefs. Email items to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

n BLM SEEKS COMMENTS ON TRAIL DEVELOPMENT The U.S. Bureau of Land Management will accept comments through Feb. 28 on a draft environmental assessment of proposed changes to a popular trail system north of Fruita.

The assessment analyzes plans for 29 miles of new trails as well as the reclamation of 3 miles of existing trails in the special recreation management area.

The assessment also analyzes the use of electric bikes on trails.

“This is great chance for the public to provide the BLM feedback on the North Fruita Desert’s trail system, said Field Manager Greg Wolfgang. “E-bike popularity is growing, and we want to hear from the public in particular regarding the preferred alternative, which includes allowing Class 1 e-bikes on current and proposed trails.”

The assessment is available online at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/ project/2014877/510. Comments may be submitted through the website or mailed to “North Fruita Desert,” 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506. n GRAND OPENING PROMOTIONS OFFERED AT CLIMBING FACILITY Grand opening promotions are set to run through Feb. 6 at Grip Bouldering, a Grand Junction indoor climbing facility offering around-the-clock access to its members.

Located at 716 Scarlet Street, Grip Bouldering offers 2,200 square feet of commercial climbing surfaces, including two adjustable climbing boards. The facility also offers lattice training equipment, a hang board station and cardio machines.

Grip Bouldering was scheduled to open Feb. 2. Promotions will include $5 day passes and equipment rental, games, challenges, prizes and youth activities.

Grip Bouldering offers day passes as well as memberships, youth programs and adult training.

For more information, visit the website at www.gripbouldering.com.

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The Primary Care Partners complex on North 12th Street in Grand Junction features the new logo for the health care group. The logo depicts Mount Garfield inside a location marker. (Photo courtesy Primary Care Partners) Primary Care Partners has unveiled a new logo and redesigned website that reflects the role the Grand Junction-based health care group has played in the region for more than 20 years.

The new logo features an outline of Mount Garfield inside the shape of a location marker. The retro color scheme constitutes a nod to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the founding providers at Western Colorado Physicians Group formed Docs on Call in response to a community need.

“When we set out to begin this important work, we quickly realized the community knew Docs on Call, but they may not have realized how many of their beloved providers are also under the PCP umbrella,” said Jack Thompson, chief executive officer of Primary Care Partners. “The rebrand reflects our commitment to our patients and our focus on offering comprehensive care. We don’t want them guessing where to go for care.

Instead, we are committed to remaining their health care destination.”

Primary Care Partners includes nine physician-owned divisions operating at three locations across the Grand Valley. PCP provides a range of services to 55,000 people across Western Colorado and Eastern Utah.

The website was redesigned to demonstrate to patients how the nine divisions, three locations and numerous programs and services connect to the Primary Care Partners mission and a commitment to offering a health care destination for patients.

“We kept our patients’ experience in mind with every design element of the website. It’s responsive, intuitive, easy to navigate and beautiful,” said Dr. Megan Stinar, an owner-physician with Western Colorado Pediatrics, a division of Primary Care Partners, who served on the rebrand committee.

Thompson said the new logo and redesigned website reflect hard work. “We hope to celebrate this milestone when COVID-19 case counts drop off. But COVID can’t stop us from making a splash with our exciting news and sharing the redesigned website and brand today.”

For more information about Primary Care Partners, visit the website at www.PCPgj.com.

The Business Times

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Page 26

BusinessBriefs Briefs Business BusinessPeople People Almanac Business Almanac

n ACCOUNTING AND CONSULTING FIRM ANNOUNCES FIVE PROMOTIONS

Dalby, Wendland & Co. promoted five staff members to new positions with the Western Colorado accounting and consulting firm.

Matt Bieberly was promoted to audit manager, serving primarily construction and nonprofit clients with attest services and multiple industries with client accounting services. He joined Dalby Wendland Matt Bieberly in 2021. He previously led accounting teams with a publicly traded natural gas utility company in Oklahoma. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting and a master’s degree in accountancy from Kansas State University.

Stephanie Fundazuri was promoted to senior auditor. She works with clients in various industries and focuses S. Fundrazuri on testing and preparing financial statements. She joined Dalby Wendland in 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Colorado Mesa University and master’s degree in business administration from Regis University.

Erin Leblanc and Kevin Rosson were promoted to senior auditors.

Leblanc works with clients in Erin Leblanc several industries, primarily financial institutions. She joined the Dalby Wendland audit team in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Colorado University.

Rosson works with various clients, primarily construction firms and nonprofits. He joined Dalby Wendland in 2019. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Kevin Rosson La Verne and master’s degree degree in accounting from Colorado State University Gobal.

McKenna Sjoden was promoted to tax senior and works with clients in the construction industry. She hold’s a bachelors degree in business administration from Colorado State University.

Dalby, Wendland & Co. operates McKenna Sjoden the largest public accounting firm headquartered in Western Colorado with offices in Grand Junction as well as Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Rifle and Telluride. The firm offers a range of accounting, auditing, bookkeeping and consulting services. For additional information, call 243-1921 or visit the website at www.dalbycpa.com.

The Business Times

SHARE YOUR NEWS The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business People and the Almanac calendar of events. Email submissions to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com. n GRAND JUNCITON DATA SECURITY FIRM HIRES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Rob Zillioux has joined Cloudrise as chief financial officer of the data security firm headquartered in Grand Junction.

“I am incredibly excited to join the Cloudrise team,” he said.

He hailed Cloudrise founders Rob Eggebrecht, HIllary Laird and Joe Infantino as energetic visionaries. “Data security is increasingly important in Rob Zillioux today’s world, and Cloudrise is poised to be a market leader in this arena.”

Zillioux brings to his latest position more than two decades of global financial and operational experience.

He worked for nine years at Western Union, where he served as chief financial officer and vice president in a variety of locations. As vice president of enterprise excellence and profitability, he led the design of a global business operating model.

He worked in a variety of positions during a six-year tenure with Vantiv. As senior vice president, he led a nationwide sales and business development team for the financial institution segment. He also served as CFO of the financial institution segment and led corporate strategic finance.

Most recently, he worked as finance and human resources director for the Town of Crested Butte.

He holds a bachelor’s of business administration degree from Appalachian State University and master’s of business administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Cloudrise provides a range of services to companies to assess their capability to protect data and offers them automated processes and other resources as well as management services.

For more information, visit www.cloudrise.com. n GRAND JUNCTION REAL ESTATE AGENCY ANNOUNCES ADDITION TO TEAM Kassie Speer has joined Real Estate West in Grand Junction.

Speer brings to her latest position experience as a buyers and sellers agent. She said she enjoys working with clients, including first-time homebuyers, to ensure they remain comfortable and confident through the process.

Real Estate West operates offices at 601 N. First St. For more information, Kassie Speer call 243-7100 or log on to the website at www.realestatewestonline.com.

F

February 3-16, 2022

Feb. 3 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business networking luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., JXN Station, 571 25 Road, Grand Junction.

Participants should bring a soup, salad or side dish to share. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Business startup workshop, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org Feb. 5 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, 5 to 10 p.m., Fruita Community Center, 324 N. Coulson St. Admission $50 for chamber members, $60 for others. Corporate sponsor tables for eight available for $500. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 Feb. 8 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce free webinar on hiring processes, 10 to 11 a.m.

Registration required. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Free webinar on marketing, noon to 1 p.m.

Registration required. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 Feb. 9 n Free webinar on employee management, 9 to 10 a.m. Registration required. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce networking at noon, 11:45 to 1 p.m., Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza, 2478 Highway 6 & 50, Unit B. Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others.

242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Young Professionals Network of Mesa County lunch conversation with Corey Ciocchetti, professor of business ethics and legal studies at the University of Denver, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Colorado Mesa University Center Room 213, Grand Junction.

Reservations required. www.ypnmc.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Galentines Day celebration, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Cardinal Events Oasis, 1022 Old U.S. Highway 6 &5 0, Mack. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Feb. 10 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Axeology, 2487 Industrial Blvd., Grand Junction. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Feb. 15 n Free workshop for mobile food vendors about local regulations and industry trends, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Business Incubator Center. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 Feb. 16 n Free webinar on using YouTube to grow a business, noon to 1 p.m. Registration required.

243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org See ALMANAC page 27

February 3-16, 2022

Almanac

Continued from page 26 n Western Colorado Human Resource Association monthly luncheon meeting and presentation on work life integration, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. www.wchra.org n Business startup workshop, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Business Incubator Center. Admission $55 https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Grande River Vineyards, 787 Grande River Drive. Admission for chamber members $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Admission for others $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 464-7458 or https://palisadecoc.com n Leading Edge business planning and management course, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 16 to May 4, Business Incubator Center. Admission $275, $100 for

The Business Times

each additional employee. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 Upcoming n Coffee Club networking group, 9 to 10 a.m. Feb. 18, FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave. Fruita. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 22, Railyard at Rimrock, 800 Railyard Loop. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce annual trip to the Colorado Legislature in Denver, Feb. 24 and 25.

242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Initiate marketing and communications conference, Feb. 24 and 25, DoubleTree hotel, 743 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction. Admission ranges from $99 to $399.

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www.initiateconference.com n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Thursday Friends networking group, noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 24, Fiesta Guadalajara, 103 U.S. Highway 50. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org n Free Finance Friday webinar, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 25.

Registration required. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 n Business startup workshop, 1 to 4:30 p.m. March 3, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce banquet, 6 to 11:30 p.m. March 4, Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Free marketing webinar, noon to 1 p.m. March 8.

Registration required. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org F

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The Business Times

February 3-16, 2022