The Business Times Volume 29 Issue 12

THE BUSINESS T IMES News JUNE 23-JULY 6, 2022

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

VOLUME 29, ISSUE 12

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what?

Trends 2 Now Contributors Opinion 4 Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac

In this issue

n New leadership

Christy Whitney, founder and CEO of HopeWest, has turned over leadership of the organization to her successor.

n Funding granted Grants worth a total of more than $1.35 million will fund a trail and schoolyard as well as Joseph Center programs.

n Healthy effort

n Presentation offers a look at what could be in store for Mesa County.

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An organization that helps health care providers share information to coordinate care has named a new executive.

n Retreating rate

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The jobless rate continues to retreat in Mesa County, although broader economic forces could affect the market.

n Less optimistic

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A measure of optimism among small business owners has edged down on record-low expectations.

n Garnished wages

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While garnishments compel individuals to pay debts, the task falls to employers to collect and remit those wages.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

30-31 28 30-31 21-25 2-18 26-27 19-20

Nathan Perry, an economics professor at Colorado Mesa University, shared his update for the local, state and national economies as part of a monthly meeting of the Western Colorado Human Resource Association.

The Colorado Business Economic Outlook for 2021 13 business sectors as well as seven — Mesa County.

Business Times illustration by Phil Castle

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June 23-July 6, 2022

Trends Now what? Update offers look Contributors Opinion M Business Briefs Business People Almanac

CMU economist: national trends likely to affect Mesa County

Nathan Perry, an economics professor at Colorado Mesa University, shared an update for local, state and national economies as part of his presentation at a Western Colorado Human Resource Association meeting. Perry expects national forces — higher inflation and interest rates among them — to affect the Mesa County economy.

esa County has recovered from a pandemic, but could face additional challenges from rising inflation and interest rates as well as other national and international trends, according to an update from a Colorado Mesa University professor.

“I do think we’ll see a softer economy.

I don’t know how soft it will be,” says Nathan Perry, an associate professor of economics at CMU. Perry tracks a variety of indicators for quarterly economic updates he compiles for Mesa County and other Western Colorado counties. He presented an update at the recent Western Colorado Human Resource Association membership meeting in Grand Junction.

Perry says the Mesa County labor market has fully recovered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. Other indicators also offer encouragement, he says. “The Mesa County economy is really doing pretty well.”

The news is less encouraging for the national economy given a combination of factors that include rising inflation, slowing growth and higher interest rates.

The war in Ukraine only compounds the problems, Perry says.

Those national forces likely will exert local effects, he says.

See UPDATE page 16

STORY AND ILLUSTRATION BY PHIL CASTLE

HopeWest founder retires after 30-year tenure Phil Castle

The Business Times

Christy Whitney devoted a portion of staff meetings at HopeWest to what she called stars and wishes.

Whitney asked her staff to name stars — to praise notable efforts or celebrate work anniversaries.

She also asked what staff wished for, what would make their jobs easier. A vacuum Christy Whitney cleaner, in one case.

Reflecting on her lengthy tenure with the Western Colorado hospice and palliative care organization she helped found, Whitney cited as her stars the community and volunteers for their support.

“There’s nothing we could do without them.”

As for her wishes, Whitney said she hopes HopeWest will continue to thrive, to expand and serve more people. “To just keep going on the same trajectory, to offer a better health care experience at the end of life.”

Whitney recently stepped down as the first president and chief executive officer of HopeWest, retiring after a 45-year career as a nurse and health care executive.

She worked nearly 30 years at HopeWest.

During that time, what started out as a single facility operated out a home donated by Veterans Affairs grew into an organization with an in-patient hospice center in Grand Junction and offices in four other communities that serve an area of more than 10,000 square miles on the Western Slope.

That’s not to mention three retail outlets, a restaurant and coffee shop, the profits from which support HopeWest.

See FOUNDER page 14

Hospice care executive named successor

A health care executive who’s worked in hospice care for more than 20 years will serve as the second president and chief executive officer of HopeWest based in Grand Junction.

Cassie Mitchell was publicly introduced as the new leader of HopeWest at the organization’s Black Tie and Boots Gala. She succeeds Christy Whitney, who retired after nearly 30 years with the organization.

“I am humbled to be joining a community rooted, legacy-rich, mission-driven organization serving the seriously ill and their families here in Western Colorado,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell previously served as chief operating officer of Bluegrass Care Navigators, which serves a third of Kentucky and provides Cassie Mitchell services to more than 20,000 patients annually — 6,000 who receive hospice care.

Based in Lexington, Bluegrass Care Navigators provides a number of services similar to those offered by HopeWest, including not only hospice, palliative and grief care, but also home-based and transitional care and a dementia program.

See SUCCESSOR page 16

June 23-July 6, 2022

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une 23-J15-28, uly 6, 2015 2022 JJANUARY

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Life is Precious

Serving families of the Western Slope for more than 100 years.

well-rounded awarded to perspective help fund to new County Mesa County role Mesa efforts

Business Times GOCOTheboard approves more than $750,000 Whidden said people who work in information technology aren’t just “geeks,” forFrank Redlands Loop trail and Loma schoolyard Whidden brings what he but offer an important perspective because

Phil Castle

A total of more than $750,000 in considers a well-rounded perspective to his grants fund the completion of a trail new jobwill as Mesa County administrator. and aWhidden new schoolyard workedin Mesa County.

Outdoors Colorado board in The Great information of directors and awarded technology holdsa $500,000 grant to City of degree Grand Junction to complete athemaster’s in the so-called missing link of the Redlands computer information Loop. A $250,362 grant was awarded to systems.

But he also Mesa County create an intergenerational holds a to doctoral schoolyardinin Loma. degree applied “The city is immensely grateful for the management and support from GOCO has been central decision making andthatFrank Whidden to building parks and recreation system worked for the more than in Grand Junction,” said Whidden Mayor Anna 20 years as a minister. has Stout. “The missing trailorganizations project will worked for large andlink small provide a huge contribution the quality in both the private and publictosectors. of life in Grand Junction.”

Whidden expects to draw on all of his Nicole Wimsatt, principal Loma experiences in helping Mesaof County Elementary School, alsoout wasdecisions. grateful. commissioners makesaid andshe carry “Loma is a small, community, and Valuing stafftight-knit and making the county we want to be good neighbors to residents an employer of choice is among the of all ages.Whidden The new said. playground give priorities, So is will planning students and in community members alike that results sustainable funding anda safe, modern placeon to play.” balanced budgets a long-term basis.

The two grantsMesa bring County to more than Meanwhile, will $43 million Outdoors fundinga continue toGreat pursue effortsColorado that promote for Mesa County projectsenvironment over the years. and friendly business Great development, Outdoors Colorado economic Whiddeninvests said. a portion of proceeds theworking Colorado Whidden officiallyfrom began as county administrator at the beginning of the year. He succeeds Tom Fisher, who was hired as county manager in Summit County, Utah.

Whidden County in The Josephjoined Center Mesa in Grand Junction August 2011 as information technology will use a $600,000 grant from the director.

April 2014, he became deputy ColoradoInHealth Foundation to expand county administrator resource programs offering a varietyfor of services to management a staffingpeople. reorganization homeless and in low-income that eliminated director positions.

“When I four found Before joining out we were awarded Mesa County, Whidden worked a company providing the grant, it for was information technology services to very humbling and colleges and universities. In that role, he overwhelming,”said managed IT systems Mona Highline, the and services for institutions in Alabama, executive director of Arizona, Illinois

as well as New England and Canada.

Lottery to preserve open every spaces, parks, they’re familiar with nearly aspect of trails, riversand andhow wildlife operations workhabitat. gets done. They grants through also The tend latest to think aboutwere new issued and potentially abetter community impact program intended to ways of doing things in asking and revitalize and trails“They as well as answeringschoolyards “what if ” questions. know other that promote access to the how tofacilities effect change in an organization.” outdoors and improve of that life. same Whidden expects quality to bring The to City of Grand Junction and approach his duties as administrator.

Colorado Westsaid Landit’sTrust will use the Whidden his role to help grant to bridge the 1.5-mile missing in county commissioners make andlink then the 10-mile decisions.

Redlands Loop trail. implement The commissioners The represent paved trailthe serves the Colorado in turn residents of the National Monument corridor connects county and express their will,and he said.

“We to downtown Grand Junction. The trail work for the people.” also Whidden connects said to the Loop, the most heLunch also considers himself visited trail in Mesathe County. a liaison between commissioners and Thestaff, schoolyard will include county and oneinofLoma the priorities is to playground equipment as well as Whidden a fitness make sure employees feel valued. circuit, improved sports courts morale, and a said he hopes not only to improve walking but also path. take steps that will make Mesa Local andfor businesses also County an residents organization which people provided cash and in-kind contributions want to work. for the project.

Meanwhile, Whidden expects the Created by anpolicies amendment to the county to continue and initiatives Colorado Constitution approved by voters that support local business and economic in 1992, Great Outdoors Coloradosteps has development.

There are additional since funded a total of more than that can be taken to make it easier for5,500 local projects in all 64 counties the services state. to businesses to sell productsinand the county, he added.F Mesa County will keep working with other government entities, organizations and institutions on fostering an environment that supports existing businesses and attracts new businesses, he said.

FOR YOUR Whidden saidINFORMATION there could be a opportunities to encourage the additional The Joseph is located development of Center businesses that provide at 2511 Belford Ave., Unit B, as well services to the agricultural industry in GrandMesa Junction.

Forasmore as promote County a distribution information about hours and center for the region. services, visit thething website The important is toat consider www.josephcentergj.com. issues from a well-rounded perspective, Whidden said. “We won’t be myopic as we look atwho things.” those are low-income and homeless ✦ to those who are employed and struggling

Colorado Health Foundation awards $600,000 to expand programs offered by Joseph Center

the Joseph Center.

“This grant is for expansion of our 11 Mona Highline programs. We will be able to expand the Golden Girls Program, add more personnel and add more support services.”

The community outreach organization provides a day shelter, parent advocacy and transitional housing for middle-aged to elderly women. The center also provides financial management for at-risk and vulnerable individuals who receive Social Security benefits.

The Joseph Center provides still other services through partnerships with other agencies.

“We help provide services to a wide variety of people in our community, from

when a life situation happens,” Highline said. “Every time we encounter a need, we find a way to meet it. Everyone leaves here with something and a sense of direction.”

Sean Dollard, program officer for the Colorado Health Foundation, said the work of Joseph Center and Highline illustrates housing justice in practice.

“The Golden Girls Project is a foremost example of this, whereby unhoused women who face complex barriers to good health are treated with humanity, compassion, love and offered a pathway to enduring housing stability,” Dollard said. “The Colorado Health Foundation couldn’t be prouder of this historic partnership in advancing health equity and housing justice.”

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June 23-July 6, 2022

The Business Times

Quality Health Network names interim executive A Grand Junction-based organization that helps health care providers exchange information and coordinate care has named an interim executive.

Marc Lassaux will serve as interim executive director and chief executive officer of the Quality Health Network (QHN). He steps into the role following the retirement of Dick Thompson after Marc Lassaux 17 years with the organization.

Lassaux has served in several roles at QHN, including chief technical officer for the last nine years.

He brings to his latest duties experience in health information exchanges as well as technology and government affairs.

He helped Quality Health Network use advanced technology to enable community based data sharing and resource networks, develop modeling tools and support new payment models.

He was appointed to serve on the Colorado eHealth Commission.

“I’m proud of the growth and development we have achieved at QHN over the past nearly two decades. We remain focused on our mission and values

and are committed to delivering highquality, innovative solutions to our partners in health care, behavioral health, and social services,” Lassaux said.

QHN was launched in 2004 to help medical, behavioral and human services providers in Western Colorado share health information to coordinate care, reduce duplication of services and identify individuals at risk. All of the hospitals and more than 90 percent of health care providers in its service area participate in the network.

QHN also operates the Community Resource Network, which provides on a secure exchange information about clients, including family and housing, resources sought in the past and who’s been contacted to request services. The CRN offers information about available resources and appropriate organizations to contact for assistance.

“The role of an HIE and (community information exchange) in a community is incredibly valuable,” Lassaux said.

“At QHN, we understand that a person’s well-being goes well beyond their physical health. Through the numerous tools we provide our partners, we are confident we can help to improve our community’s whole-person health by making information available how, when and where it is needed.”

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GJEP hires marketing, communication chief A marketing professional and entrepreneur has joined the Grand Junction Economic Partnership as director of marketing and communications.

Sarah Wood will create and manage marketing strategies for the economic development organization.

Wood brings to her latest duties experience as an executive director, vice president of operations and small business owner in the beverage, manufacturing, music and outdoor industries.

She works with creative professionals at the Fruita Art Recreation Marketplace and serves as an advisor with GJ Creates, the Grand Junction creative district.

She launched Grand Jun Fermentation,

a craft kombuchery, and the Good Talk, a consulting firm. She served as vice president of operations of Industry Nine Componentry, a custom cycling components manufacturer in North Carolina.

She received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from Belmont University in Nashville.

“I love applying my varied experiences working with (economic development organizations) and creative teams across the country and my knowledge of varied industries to further our mission here at GJEP and our community’s vision for the Grand Valley,” Wood said.

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The Business Times

June 23-July 6, 2022

Comments sought on regional plan on aging Search

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Colorado has scheduled what are billed as three community conversations in the Grand Valley to gather public comments on a four-year area plan on aging.

The conversations are set for: n 10 a.m. to noon June 24 at the Mesa County Libraries central library at 443 N. Sixth St. in Grand Junction. n 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 24 at the Fruita Community Center at 324 N. Coulson St. n 10 a.m. to noon June 30 at the Mesa County Libraries branch in Palisade at 119 W. Third St. The events are open to the public, including community leaders, service providers and older adults with recommendations about services that support aging and caregiving.

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Colorado plans, coordinates and connects the community to services and other resources that promote aging with dignity and independence for adults age 60 and over.

The agency serves Mesa County as well as Garfield, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties.

The agency is funded under the Older Americans Act through the Administration on Community Living with addtional funding through the Colorado State Unit on Aging.

For additional information about the community conversations or the agency, contact Heather Jones, director of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Colorado, at 248-2717 or Heather.Jones@mesacounty.us.

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under way for chamber executive

A national search is under way for a new president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Next Move Group, a firm that specializes in filling executive-level positions for chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, was hired to assist with the search and serve as a single point of contact for applicants.

The search is expected to conclude in July with the goal to hire a president and CEO by mid-August.

The search follows an announcement earlier this year by Diane Schwenke she Diane Schwenke will retire after 33 years with the chamber.

“Over the last 30 years, the chamber and our members have advocated for our local economy, pro-business policy changes and the importance of a superior quality of life Ivan Geer for the people that live and work here,” Schwenke said. “I know the leadership of the board of directors will make a great hiring decision for the next president and CEO. It’s been an honor to serve Grand Junction through my work with the chamber, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this organization and my community.”

Ivan Geer, chairman of the chamber board and principal and engineering project manager at River City Consultants, said the chamber serves an important role as a catalyst, convener and champion for business. “As an organization, we are in a great position to find a new, passionate leader for the long-term to lead our organization.”

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1884. With nearly 800 business members with a total of about 40,000 employees, the chamber is the largest between Denver and Salt Lake City.

The president and CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce oversees the range of chamber activities.

Key responsibilities include managing staff, strategic planning, membership recruitment and retention and influencing policy policies.

More information about applications and the application process is available online at www.thenextmovegroup.com/ grandjunction.

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June 23-July 6, 2022

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June 23-July 6, 2022

Criminal justice services director awarded Matthew Sullivan, director of the Mesa County Criminal Justice Services Department, has received statewide recognition for his efforts.

Sullivan received the O. John Keunhold Distinguished Service Award from the Governor’s Community Corrections Advisory Council.

Sullivan received the award Matthew Sullivan during the Colorado Association of Community Corrections Boards annual meeting in Douglas County.

The award recognizes the contributions of an individual to public safety in the field of community

corrections that extends far beyond professional or citizen roles in government, board membership, service providers and staff.

Sullivan has served Mesa County for more than 37 years, working with clients in the community corrections program, focusing on staff and program development and contributing to statewide initiatives “During Matt’s many years working in community corrections, he has played an instrumental role in the success of the Mesa County community corrections program, providing innovative new concepts to better manage and serve the community corrections clients,” said Dennie Berry, a former criminal justice services department director.

“He has played a critical part in developing more

effective services for clients with mental health issues and collaborated with the local mental health agencies to improve the treatment they provided to clients,” Berry said.

Michelle Cooley, community corrections director, also praised Sullivan.

“Matt is a dedicated public servant, providing leadership and countless contributions to the Mesa County Criminal Justice Services Department for over 37 years,” Cooley said. “His contributions to the field will leave an indelible mark on Colorado’s criminal justice system and the Western Slope communities. He has challenged and pushed correctional practices and processes. Matt truly promotes a culture of progress and purpose.”

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Laser technology used to detect natural gas leaks at energy sites

Laser technology first developed for use in atomic clocks and modified by researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder has been deployed to detect natural gas leaks at oil and gas sites across the United States.

In detecting even the faintest traces of methane, frequency comb lasers could prove important in efforts to combat climate change.

The lasers were modeled off laserbased precision spectroscopy, initially developed by Colorado physicist Jan Hall to explore how atoms work.

“Now, we’re able to use those same ideas and, with just one of these systems, mitigate about 80 million cubic feet of methane emissions per year,” said Greg Rieker, a professor of mechanical engineering and co-founder of LongPath Technologies.

Rieker recently testified in front of U.S. House of Representatives committee on efforts to monitor methane emissions from the energy sector.

Methane and other greenhouse gases are invisible to the naked eye, making it difficult to detect leaks that are harmful to the environment and costly to repair.

The new lasers, created by scientists at CU Boulder and LongPath, offer a solution.

Frequency combs are known for producing thousands of colors of infrared light at once. Since different molecules in methane, carbon dioxide and water each absorb different colors, the laser identifies molecular fingerprints and the presence of those molecules in the air.

While previous methods for leak detection required operators to look for leaks using video cameras or aerial surveillance, frequency comb lasers are unmanned and can operate around the clock.

Twenty-three of the lasers are in use in the United States, covering a total of nearly 300,000 acres in Colorado as well as Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas.

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June 23-July 6, 2022

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June 23-July 6, 2022

Tool offers resources to job applicants and employers The Colorado Workforce Development Council has joined with the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Kansas City to offer a new tool to help people make informed decisions about their careers.

The Career Ladder Identifier and Financial Forecaster (CLIFF) provides information about: n How changes in employment affect public assistance. n How work force strategies help workers cope with public assistance loss as they advance. n In-demand career pathways that lead to quality jobs and wages that compensate for a loss of public assistance People who want to take advantage of the tool are encouraged to contact a workforce center; where staff offer free assistance.

In Grand Junction, the Mesa County Workforce Center is located at 512 29 1/2 Road.

“Many Coloradans want to advance their careers, but can’t afford to lose the critical public benefits they need to survive,” said Lee Wheeler-Berliner, managing director of the Colorado Workforce Development Council.

“CLIFF will help workers understand that there are ways forward, ways in which they can provide for themselves and their families, even after losing public assistance,” Wheeler-Berliner said. “ As we continue to advance Colorado’s economic recovery, it’s imperative that we equip residents with the tools they need to make career decisions that best fit their unique needs and ambitions.”

Wheeler-Berliner said CLIFF tailors its outputs based on the circumstances of the users, including their income, regions, occupations and eve family dynamics.

Wheeler-Berliner said the tool will strengthen the

Colorado talent pipeline and, by extension, its economy.

Employers also can benefit from CLIFF to help find the talent they need to succeed, to connect applicants to industries in need of workers.

According to the results of a survey conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in March 2020, just before the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 74 percent of hiring managers agreed there’s a skills gap in the labor market, and 48 percent said applicants lacked the skills needed to fill open jobs.

According to a recent McKinsey survey, the pandemic exacerbated the skills gap. More than half of the respondents to the survey said closing skill gaps in their companies’ work forces has become a higher priority since the pandemic began.

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CMU names communications vice president

A Colorado Mesa University alumnus who’s worked in several roles at CMU has been hired as vice president of communications.

David Ludlam is scheduled to join the leadership team at CMU June 27 and oversee the marketing and communications office in support of university initiatives.

A Palisade High School graduate David Ludlam and CMU alumnus, Ludlam worked as an instructor at CMU and served as director of public relations from 2018 to 2021.

“Those who have worked with David know he is a visionary with a unique perspective that will aid in the advancement of the institution,” said CMU President John Marshall. “His passion for this place and the people here will help continue our mission to serve western Colorado.”

The search committee, various stakeholders and university leadership selected Ludlam based on his diverse skillset and talents and passion for the institution and higher education.

“Some of my greatest personal and professional accomplishments were made at Colorado Mesa University, and time away has given me even more clarity around the university’s mission and what it can do for the next generation of learners,” Ludlam said. “My career has provided me with tremendous growth and I’m ready to put my time and talents where my heart is.”

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June 23-July 6, 2022

News, views Colorado and advice agricultural you can use directory

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available

The latest version of an annual publication is now available to offer information about farmers markets, wineries and other agricultural attractions in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture publishes the Colorado Farm Fresh Directory. The 2022 edition is also available in Spanish.

“The Farm Fresh Directory gives Colorado locals and visitors a guide to the state’s impressive farmers markets culture, agritourism and other fun food, beverage and agriculture events,” said the Danielle Trotta Danielle Trotta, manager of the Colorado Proud Program.

“Farm stands and markets keep Coloradans directly connected to the agricultural industry; help shorten the supply chain; and bring fresh, locally grown produce straight to our homes,” Trotta said.

The 2022 Colorado Farm Fresh Directory features a variety of businesses selling directly to the public, including more than 200 farms and ranches as well as Community Supported Agriculture programs, farmers markets, roadside stands and u-pick operations.

The Colorado Farm Fresh Directory also includes listings of wineries as well as restaurants using local ingredients. The director lists corn mazes, pumpkin patches and other seasonal activities. In addition, the free directory includes a crop calendar, tips for picking Colorado produce and other resources.

Every effort has been made to provide accurate information in the publication.

However, customers are encouraged to contact companies to confirm hours of operation, product availability and business changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

The Colorado Farm Fresh Directory is published with the support of the centennial farms and ranches program, Colorado Farmers Market Association, Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Colorado Wine Industry Development Board and a variety of other sponsors.

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information, to find a location to pick up a free copy of the 2022 Colorado Farm Fresh Directory and a map of farmers market locations, visit ag.colorado.gov/markets.

June 23-July 6, 2022

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June 23-July 6, 2022

Founder

Continued from page 2 An organization that started by caring for five patients and their families subsequently has served more than 29,000 patients in hospice care alone.

Whitney traces her roots back to the Chicago area and the origin of her career to nursing positions at a hospital in a suburb of Chicago.

She moved to Durango in 1978 and worked in a series of positions at Mercy Medical Center, including hospice nurse and director of home health and hospice.

Between 1988 and 1990, she served as vice president of patient care and interim administrator.

She subsequently worked three years as CEO of Capital Caring, a hospice in the Washington, D.C., area.

In 1993, Whitney returned to Western Colorado to become the first president and CEO of what would later become HopeWest. She said she was attracted by the opportunity to help launch a community based hospice. “How cool would it be to start something from scratch?”

Within two years, additional offices opened in first Collbran and then Delta.

The first Heirlooms for Hospice store opened in 2000.

In 2007, HopeWest acquired the historic Miller homestead on 12th Street in Grand Junction and restored the home to house the Artful Cup coffee shop.

In 2008, HopeWest opened the nearby inpatient care center, a facility that also houses the Spoons Bistro & Bakery.

HopeWest expanded its services to Meeker in 2014. The Montrose Center for Hope opened in 2016.

The Bacon Center for Living Your Best opened in Grand Junction in 2020 to house several HopeWest programs as well as offices.

Whitney said she never imagined at the time she began working with HopeWest the organization and its operations would grow the way it did. “I thought I was taking a little job in Grand Junction.”

She attributed growth to community support. “It’s really the communities that have supported us throughout.”

Joseph Breman, a member of the HopeWest Board of Directors, credited Whitney for her vision and compassion — as well as her ability to enlist the assistance of others. “She collects people. She knows how to use a person to better organize, to bring them in to help.”

Whitney said she’s looking forward to spending more time with her husband in Meeker. She said she also expects to continue working on leadership and policy projects with her consulting firm.

“Hopefully, I’ll be able to engage in things I care about.”

She said she’ll miss the people she’s worked with at HopeWest and their star efforts to solve problems.

It’s her wish, Whitney said, that those efforts continue and HopeWest continues to help people deal with illness, death and grief.

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June 23-July 6, 2022

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June 23-July 6, 2022

Successor

Continued from page 2 Mitchell began her career in hospice care as an admission nurse and nursing supervisor, then moved into roles involving inpatient unit management, intake, call center oversight, clinical operations and business development.

Whitney said she’s worked with Mitchell over the past year to ensure stability and continuity during the transition in leadership.

“Cassie is people- and community centered, finding joy and fulfillment in service to others,” Whitney said. “She deeply understands HopeWest exists to serve our community; enrich lives; and profoundly change the experience of aging, illness and grief. I am trilled that such an experienced servant leader is at the helm.”

Tom Sawyer, a member of the HopeWest Board of Directors who oversaw the process to hire a successor to Whitney, said it was important to find a leader with both compassion and business expertise.

“Not only does Cassie personify HopeWest’s values of compassion, empathy and generosity, she holds a MBA and has the business acumen and experience to guide HopeWest through the challenges facing the hospice and health care industry today,” Sawyer said.

Mitchell said she’s committed to continuing the mission of HopeWest.

“It’s a new chapter in the beautiful book of ongoing challenges HopeWest has met and will continue to meet with a steadfast commitment to service,” she said.

“We will do what our founders did and what this community based nonprofit has been doing for nearly 30 years — we will serve our community. We will continue to invest and grow the services we provide today and watch the horizon for new, sustainable opportunities. We will remain committed to our mission of profoundly changing how people experience death, grief and illness — one person at a time.”

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Real estate firm honors top agent

Cynthia Castaneda was honored as the top performing agent for May at Heiden Homes Realty in Grand Junction.

Castaneda posted the highest dollar volume in sales for the month as well as the most closed transactions.

Castaneda has worked as a real estate agent since 2007.

She also works as Cynthia Castaneda a nurse and personal care provider.

Heiden Homes Realty operates offices at 735 Rood Ave. For more information, including listings for sale or rent, call 245-7777 or visit www.heidenhomes.com.

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The Business Times

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THE BUSI JUNE

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leaders

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Christy hip Wh and CEO itney, foun der of Hop turned eWest, ove the orga r leadership has nization of to her suc cessor. n Fu

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The Business Times

Update

Continued from page 2 The Consumer Price Index, one measure of inflation, rose 8.6 percent between May 2021 and May 2022. That’s the biggest increase in more than 40 years.

Surging food, gas and energy prices all contributed to the gain, as did the cost of shelter, Perry says. “Inflation is all over the place.”

He attributes rising inflation to a number of contributors, among them strong consumer demand, supply chain issues and higher wages.

Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the United States, declined at an annual rate of 1.5 percent in the first quarter of 2022.

That raises the possibility of a recession by the end of the year, he says.

“If we don’t see a recession, at least we’re going to see slower growth over the next six to nine months.”

In an effort to slow the economy and curb inflation, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate three-quarters of a percent to a range of 1.5 percent to 1.75 percent.

The increase was the largest since 1994.

The federal funds rate applies to overnight transactions between banks.

But the rate also influences how much consumers pay to borrow and how much they’re paid to save, affecting everything from credit cart and mortgage rates to yields on certificates of deposit.

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage has topped 6.25 percent, in turn increasing monthly payments for mortgages and pushing some potential homebuyers out of the market.

In Mesa County, the labor market has recovered even as median household income has increased and the poverty rate has decreased, Perry says.

As of May, the latest month for which estimates are available, Mesa County payrolls had increased 3,382 over the past year to 75,721. That’s a gain of nearly 4.7 percent. The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate edged down a tenth of a point between April and May to 3.3 percent. At this time last year, the rate stood at 5.8 percent.

“We’re seeing a really strong

June 23-July 6, 2022 FOR YOUR INFORMATION Nathan Perry provides quarterly economic updates for Mesa County and other West Slope counties on the website at https://www.coloradomesa.edu/ business/economic-newsletter.html. employment recovery,” Perry says.

If anything, the local labor market remains too tight, he says, making it more difficult for employers to fill job openings.

Challenges persist, he says, including the retirement of members of the baby boom generation, a lack of child care and a mismatch between jobs and skills.

Applicants expect not only higher wages that keep up with higher costs, but also more uplifting workplace cultures.

The labor market could soften over the next three to four months, Perry says.

The median annual household income rose in Mesa County to a record $64,141 in 2020, up 6.46 percent from 2019 despite the effects of the pandemic.

The proportion of the Mesa County population below the poverty line fell to 11.1 percent in 2020, he says.

Tax collections, one measure of sales and retail activity, have increased in Mesa County and other West Slope counties over the past four to five years, Perry says. The latest gains also could reflect the effects of inflation, however.

Higher prices for oil and natural gas should promote increased energy production in Western Colorado, although the number of drilling permits that have been issued don’t yet reflect more activity, he says.

Mesa County remains one of the top counties in Colorado in terms of its health care industry.

The Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado was lower for the second quarter and third quarters, in large part because of less upbeat expectations for the national economy, he says.

Perry says he also expects slowing in the Mesa County real estate market as a result of higher prices and higher interest rates on mortgages. Since January 2017, Mesa County home prices have appreciated 80 percent.

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News Trends Contributors rate slips Unemployment Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac The Business Times

June 23-July 6, 2022

Page 19

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings

t New business filings in Colorado, 43,780 in the first quarter, down 2.1 percent from the first quarter of 2021.

n Confidence

t Consumer Confidence Index 106.4 for May, down 2.2. t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 53.9 for the second quarter, down 4.1 t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 93.01 for May, down 0.1.

n Foreclosures s Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 16 in May, up from 2 in May 2021. t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 0 in May, down from 2 in May 2021.

n Indexes

t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 119.77 for May, down 0.83. t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 118.3 for May, down 0.4%. s Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 56.1% for May, up 0.7%.

n Lodging

s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $411,158 for April, up 84.1% from April 2021.

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 520 in May, down 5.3% from May 2021. s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $236 million in May, up 27.6% from May 2021.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $6.6 million for April, up 6.6 % from April 2021. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.5 million for May, up 5% from May 2021.

n Unemployment t Mesa County — 3.3% for May, down 0.1. t Colorado — 3.5% for May, down 0.1. n United States — 3.6% for May, unchanged.

But rising inflation and interest rates expected to affect Mesa County Phil Castle

outpacing the supply at such a pace.”

For May 2022, 727 job orders were posted. That’s a decrease of almost May April The unemployment rate continues to 38 percent from May 2021. Through the t Delta County 3.1 3.3 edge down in Mesa County as labor demand first five months of 2022, 4,106 orders n Garfield County 2.7 2.7 remains strong across most industries. were posted. That’s a decline of nearly t Mesa County 3.3 3.4 But the effects 9 percent from the same span in 2021. t Montrose County 2.9 3.3 of broader economic Looking ahead, Englehart said he t Rio Blanco County 3.6 3.8 forces — rising expects the jobless rate to jump in June inflation and interest — a spike attributed to high school and rates among them — could become more college graduates entering the work force who haven’t yet found evident in the local market during the second jobs. half of the year, said Curtis Englehart, Afterward, Englehart said the jobless rate could edge down director of the Mesa County Workforce further as the weather warms and seasonal employment increases Center in Grand Junction. “We’re definitely in several industry sectors.

The effects of higher prices and interest rates still could affect Curtis Englehart not immune to that.”

For now, Englehart said he’s cautiously the Mesa County market, however. It’s already become more optimistic as local indicators remain strong. expensive for people to commute to jobs in Mesa County and seek The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate slipped to mortgages to buy homes, he said.

3.3 percent in May, according to the latest estimates from the Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates also dropped Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. That’s down in neighboring Western Colorado counties between April and a tenth of a point from April and a jobless rate that was revised May — two-tenths of a point to 3.1 percent in Delta County higher to 3.4 percent. In May 2021, the rate stood at 5.8 percent. and 3.6 percent in Rio Blanco County and four-tenths of a point Between April and May, Mesa County payrolls declined to 2.9 percent in Montrose County. The jobless rate held steady 92 to 75,721. But the number of people counted among those at 2.7 percent in Garfield County. unsuccessfully looking for work declined more — 106 to 2,544.

The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged The labor force, which includes the employed and unemployed, down a tenth of a point to 3.5 percent, the lowest level since the shrank 198 to 78,265. rate stood at 2.8 percent in February 2020 and just before the onset “Overall, I’d say May was a pretty strong month,” Englehart of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. said.

Nonfarm payrolls in Colorado increased 5,400 between The labor force has declined two consecutive months — which April and May. Over the past two years, the private sector added Englehart said doesn’t yet raise alarms, but is worth watching.

414,000 jobs, more than offsetting jobs lost in early 2020 because Over the past year, payrolls have increased 3,382, a gain of of the pandemic and related restrictions. nearly 4.7 percent. The ranks of the unemployed dropped 1,927.

Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls increased 124,600 with The labor force grew 1,455. the biggest gains in the leisure and hospitality; professional and The labor market remains tight, Englehart said, with continued business services; and trade, transportation and utilities sectors. demand across all industries. But the applicant pool has deepened No sectors lost jobs during that period. somewhat and more people are filling jobs, he said.

The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm The number of job orders posted at the Mesa County payrolls shortened two-tenths of an hour over the past year to 33.7 Workforce Center has dropped on a year-over-year basis compared hours. Average hourly earnings increased $2.86 to $34.62. to what he described as crazy demand in 2021. “The demand was F The Business Times

AREA JOBLESS RATES

Mesa County tax collections trend upward Tax collections, one measure of sales activity, continue to increase on a year-over-year basis in Mesa County.

The county collected more than $4 million in sales taxes in May, a 3.4 percent increase over what was collected for the same month a year ago.

May reports reflect April sales.

Sales, use and lodging tax collection reports for the City of Grand Junction weren’t available as of press deadline.

Mesa County also collected nearly $400,000 in use taxes in May — nearly all of that on automobiles purchased outside the county, but used in the county. That was a 24.5 percent gain over the same month last year.

Tax collections on retail sales topped $2.4 million in May, down a tenth of a percent from the same month last year.

Collections increased 2.2 percent on general merchandise and 1.9 percent on automobiles, but dropped 1.2 percent on home improvements and 19.1 percent on health and personal care items.

Sales tax collections increased on a year-over-year basis in May in the construction, hotel and restaurant, manufacturing and telecommunications categories.

Through the first five months of 2022, Mesa County collected

MESA COUNTY TAX COLLECTIONS

Use tax Sales tax Total

May 2022 $399,455 $4,052,764 $4,452,219

May 2021 $320,745 $3,918,031 $4,238,776

Change 24.5% 3.4% 5.0%

more than $19.1 million in sales taxes. That’s an increase of almost $2 million and 11.2 percent over the same span in 2021.

The county collected almost $1.8 million in use taxes through the first five months of 2022, a 16 percent gain from the same span last year.

Year-to-date collections on retail sales exceeded $11.7 million, a 6.4 percent increase fueled by gains on automobiles, general merchandise, home improvements and sporting goods. Collections edged down on the sale of foods and beverages.

Year-to-date sales tax collections also increased in the construction, hotel and restaurant, manufacturing telecommunications and wholesale categories.

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The Business Times

Small business owners less upbeat A measure of optimism among small business owners has edged down on increasingly pessimistic expectations for the economy.

“Small business owners remain very pessimistic about the second half of the year as supply chain disruptions, inflation and the labor shortage are not easing,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National Federation of Independent Business.

The NFIB reported its Small Business Optimism Index slipped a tenth of a point to 93.1 in May. Bill Dunkelberg The index remained below its historical average of 98 for a fifth consecutive month. Expectations for improving business conditions have dropped every month since January.

Tony Gagliardi, state director of the NFIB in Colorado, said the latest index results raise concerns “I can’t remember an equivalent half-year period of upcoming small business Tony Gagliardi anxiety over so many bad economic factors. The fortitude of small business owners will be tested as never before.”

The small business advocacy group bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of members, most of them small business owners. For May, five of the 10 components of the index advanced, four retreated and one remained unchanged.

The portion of those who responded to the survey upon which the May index was based who expect the economy to improve over the next six months fell four points from April. At a net negative 54 percent, the lowest level ever,

more respondents anticipated worsening conditions.

A net 25 percent reported plans for capital outlays, down two points. A net 6 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, up two points.

A net 26 percent of survey respondents said they plan to increase staffing, up six points. But a net 51 percent reported unfilled job openings, up four points. Asked to identify their most important business problem, 23 percent cited quality of labor and 12 percent cost of labor.

Inflation ranked as the most pressing problem of all with 28 percent of the response.

A net 72 percent of respondents reported raising average sales prices, matching the record high reading.

Price hikes were most prevalent in the wholesale, manufacturing, retail trades and constructions sectors.

A net 46 percent of respondents reported raising compensation, while another 25 percent reported plans to increase compensation over the next three months.

Meanwhile, 39 percent of respondents said supply chain disruptions had significant effects on their businesses. Another 31 percent reported moderate effects and 22 percent mild effects. Only 8 percent reported no effects.

The proportion of respondents who said they expected higher sales volume fell three points. At a net negative 15 percent, more anticipated lower volume.

The share of those who reported higher earnings fell seven points to a net negative 24 percent. Among those who reported lower earnings, 34 percent attributed the trend to higher materials costs, 25 percent cited lower sales and 10 percent blamed labor costs.

A net 1 percent of respondents reported plans to increase inventories, unchanged from April. A net 8 percent said existing inventories were too low, up two points.

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June 23-July 6, 2022

Leading index signals slowing growth ahead

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

The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) decreased four-tenths of a percent to 118.3 in May. With the latest decline, the index has dropped four-tenths of a percent over the past six months.

Separate measures of current and past performance increased in May. Ataman Ozyildirim Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economic research at the Conference Board, attributed the May drop in the leading index to lower stock prices, slower housing construction and gloomier consumer expectations. “The index is still near a historic high, but the U.S. LEI suggests weaker economic activity is likely in the near term — and tighter monetary policy is poised to dampen economic growth even further.”

The Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate three-quarters of a percent for the first time in nearly three decades as part of an effort to curb inflation.

The Coincident Economic Index rose two-tenths of a percent to 108.8 in May. The index has increased 1.3 percent over the past six months.

The Lagging Economic Index rose eight-tenths of a percent to 112.9. The index has gained 3.7 percent over the past six months.

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Trends Contributors Opinion Witholding wages Business Briefs Business People Almanac

June 23-July 6, 2022

The Business Times

Page 21

COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction has scheduled presentations on finance, bookkeeping and startups.

A free Finance Friday webinar is set for 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 24.

The next bookkeeping boot camp is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 28 at the center, located at 2591 Legacy Way. Participants will learn how to set up and track business accounting records and gain more control over their businesses by learning what balance sheets, cash flow projections and income statements tell them about their operations. Admission is $75, which includes lunch.

The next business startup workshop is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. July 7 at the center.

The workshop will offer an overview of how to start a business, including licensing requirements, trade name searches and financing options. Admission is $55 Upcoming meetings of the Coffee Club networking group are set for 9 to 10 a.m.

July 15 and Aug. 19 at the FWorks coworking space, 325 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita. There’s no admission to attend.

For more information about upcoming events, programs and services at the Business Incubator Center, call 243-5242 or log on to http://gjincubator.org. n A class on market research is set for 2 to 3 p.m. June 30 at the Mesa County Libraries central library at 443 N. Sixth St. in Grand Junction.

Ike Rakiecki, a librarian at Mesa County Libraries, will offer information about resources related to business and community research, including Data Axle Reference Solutions.

To register or obtain more information, call 243-5242 or visit http://gjincubator.org. n A Grand Valley BizMix networking event is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. July 26 at the Bank of Colorado location at 2452 Patterson Road in Grand Junction. The event is open to members of the Grand Junction, Palisade and Western Colorado Latino chambers of commerce and Young Professionals of Mesa County.

Employers liable to follow garnishment orders to the letter Implementing an income withholding order, or IWO, relies on a coordinated effort by human resource and payroll departments. When employees see the effects of these involuntary deductions, they often have a lot of questions that can be answered by those who have a full understanding of employer and employee responsibilities.

While garnishments compel individuals to pay their debts, the financial liability falls to employers to collect and remit wages. Any order that isn’t followed to the letter could result in penalties equal to the accumulated required deductions plus possible fines and interest to be paid by employers.

It all starts during employee onboarding, when new hire reporting Manon is submitted to the state and triggers Jacob any outstanding IWOs to be issued to the current employer.

If multiple orders are received, it’s important to understand which takes priority. Each garnishment has a predetermined priority — kind of like the rock, paper and scissors game. Tax levy beats child support if received first.

Bankruptcy always wins over a tax levy, but loses to a child support order.

There’s a limit to the wages that can be garnished based on cost of living. If there are multiple orders, one or more of them might not be fulfilled, and you could receive a notice from the garnishing agency. To address these questions, the payroll department could have to prove the maximum amount that can be deducted has been exceeded.

Colorado requires the prorate method for remittance on multiple IWOs, meaning qualifying wages should be allocated to each order based on its percentage in relation to the total amount required to be withheld.

IWOs are sent via the United States Postal Service and include two copies, one of which must be given directly to the employee. Each order will specify the necessary calculations, limits and remittance details. It’s important to read each IWO in full to understand it’s unique requirements.

Qualified wages are based on a minimum disposable earnings or take home wages. They can be different.

Disposable earnings are net pay after all deductions

required by law are subtracted from gross pay. Deductions required by law refer only to other garnishments and federal, state or local taxes. Take home pay is more generous to the employee and disqualifies pre-existing, voluntary deductions that an employee had from wages that can be garnished. If, for example, an employee opted into benefits provided and has a medical insurance premium deduction of $50 per pay, then the $50 is not part of qualified wages for garnishments based on take home wages, but is considered qualified wages for garnishments based on disposable earnings.

Since garnishments can require a significant amount of time to administer, employers have regulated ability to pass fees along to the employee. Refer to state laws to verify the amount that can be applied. In Colorado, the administration fee for child support orders is limited to $5 per month per employee — not per order.

Some other facts to consider: n Some orders, such as creditor or student loan garnishment, could provide a total amount due at the time the IWO is issued, but the debt continues to incur interest charges. For this reason, you can’t stop withholding and remitting wages until a release order is received. n Federal, state and local tax levies are calculated based on take home wages. Most other garnishments base qualified wages on disposable earnings. n Bankruptcy orders are issued by a trustee that has consolidated outstanding debt for the employee into a single garnishment. All other orders, expect for child support orders, should be terminated when a bankruptcy order is applied to wages. n Child support orders have a high priority, and the state must review and issue updates every three years. n Any change or secession should only be made when an IWO amendment is received. An employee can contest garnishments through the courts or issuing agency.

Manon Jacob works as brand ambassador for Autopaychecks and supports more than 400 clients through the Grand Junction-based payroll service bureau. Her column was provided by the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. For more information about Autopaychecks, visit the website at https://autopaychecks.com. For more information about the WCHRA, log on to www.wchra.org.

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Page 22

The Business Times

June 23-July 6, 2022

Does your leadership foster trust and loyalty?

Trust encourages loyalty in team members: If you have my back, I’ll have yours. Anytime trust between you and a team member is broken, any loyalty that existed is damaged. Once seriously damaged, it can be a lengthy process to rebuild trust. It could be impossible.

If you’ve been in business for any length of time, it’s likely you understand the detrimental effects a lack of trust and loyalty exert on your culture, the success of your operation and overall happiness. You also might have insights into the tremendous benefits trusting and loyal team members bring to your customers and company.

As the leader of your company, Marcus team member trust and loyalty begin Straub with you.

When team members are mistreated, their trust for and loyalty to the leader and organization are compromised. Examples including not listening to team members, speaking in a derogatory or condescending manner, demeaning or humiliating a team member in front of others, not paying them what you agreed or what they’re worth and failing to appreciate and recognize quality work. If these actions go on repeatedly, trust and loyalty will be destroyed.

Taking advantage of and using people for personal gain constitutes another way to damage and even destroy professional relationships. Repeatedly pressuring or demanding a team member put in more and more time, perform additional tasks and go above and beyond without meaningful recognition, verbal appreciation or even financial rewards creates mistrust and disloyalty. People don’t respond well to being used.

Breaking your promises and lying to a team member

When you treat people with dignity and respect —as human beings and not merely cogs in your business — you nurture trust and loyalty. Just like you, team members want to be treated fairly.

When they are, in most cases they’ll return the favor.

represents yet another way to harm loyalty. Lying to someone doesn’t foster trust. Doing so demonstrates you can’t be trusted. If you string people along and make promises you don’t intend to keep to get more out of them, they’ll turn against you and the company.

Remember occasions when you were mistreated and how you felt, how it damaged the trust and loyalty you once had and how it changed your perspective of that person and the company they represented.

When you treat people with dignity and respect — as human beings and not merely cogs in your business — you nurture trust and loyalty. Just like you, team members want to be treated fairly. When they are, in most cases they’ll return the favor.

As you value your team members, they’ll value you and your business to a greater degree. Most people who go to a safe and supported work environment are appreciative.

They want to be there, give more of themselves and work to preserve what they enjoy. Creating a friendly and supportive work environment strengthens trust and loyalty.

Impeccability of your word — saying what you mean and meaning what you say — goes a long way in building

trust and loyalty. Don’t lie to team members. And when you make a promise, do everything in your power to keep it. If you can’t, make sure to let them know why so they’ll understand and see you did your best.

Providing team members with opportunities to learn new skills, take on more important tasks and advance within your business instills trust and loyalty, too. This demonstrates you believe in them, recognize and appreciate their time and effort and, perhaps most importantly, confirms you care.

Trust and loyalty are a two-way street. Sometimes you can be the most integrity based, supportive, fair and opportunity giving business owner and team members will still take actions that damage or destroy your trust and loyalty in them. This is rarely the case, though, when you hire effectively and foster these things in them first. It’s a wise decision to let go those team members who don’t lend themselves to trust and loyalty.

When your leadership fosters trust and loyalty, your people will return the favor, usually to an even greater degree. The benefit to you and your customers when you build a culture of trust and loyalty with your team members is tremendous.

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 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.

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June 23-July 6, 2022

The Business Times

Page 23

Do’s and don’ts of unemployment insurance claims When a former employee files for unemployment compensation, they almost certainly need their payments to start as quickly as possible.

If the claim is legitimate, here are some do’s and don’ts paraphrased from a Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) newsletter to expedite the filing process and save you and your former employees grief and hassles. Like most government agencies, the CDLE has gone to Web-based servicing of paperwork.

Computers require correct entries or the system kicks the request back Janet to users. To avoid these responses, Arrowood here are some important steps for employers to follow.

First, the do’s: n Use the online portal to respond to a CDLE or other questionnaire, file an appeal or upload supporting documentation. If you fax or email information, you’ll increase processing and waiting times and run the risk of part or all of the paperwork being lost or misplaced.

Lineup planned for West Slope Startup Week

A total of nearly 50 presentations, workshops and other events have been scheduled as part of West Slope Startup Week.

The free regional business conference is set for July 11 to 15 with virtual events throughout rural Colorado as well as in-person events in Grand Junction.

The schedule and additional information about the 2022 West Slope Startup Week is available online by logging on to the website at https://westslopestartupweek.com.

Modeled after TechStars Startup Week format, the conference will offer participants professional business development and continued education as well as networking and opportunities to pitch for funding. The events will offer information to everyone from serial entrepreneurs looking to launch their next projects to those considering starting businesses. Business owners and managers — including those in retailing and restaurants — will learn about finance, human resources, marketing and other topics.

West Slope Startup Week will feature lectures and workshops related to seven tracks: capital, communications, makers, people and technology. What are billed as toolbox sessions will address fundamental topics and skills building. A fun track will offer social events and outdoor activities.

The Greater Colorado Pitch Series will be held in conjunction with West Slope Startup Week with the finals set for July 12 at the Avalon Theater in downtown Grand Junction.

Kerry Siggins, chief executive officer of the StoneAge Tools waterblasting equipment manufacturer based in Durango, is scheduled to deliver the keynote presentation.

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If you have no way to upload information through the portal, include the claimant ID and any document ID on all pages. You might also want to mark each page as page 1 of X, page 2 of X and so forth and ensure all forms are signed and dated. Use the fax number shown on the form you’re sending or responding to so your paperwork goes to the correct place. n Use CDLE forms with barcodes rather than your own forms. Many forms you will use include barcodes.

Make sure the form is the top page for the supporting materials or other documents you’re sending. Make sure the forms are in proper order. The barcode is essential to helping CDLE staff identify what issue the documentation addresses. n Include the claimant ID number on any pages which are not a barcoded CDLE form. n Include the document ID on all pages if you’re unable to return the CDLE form. The document ID is found at the bottom left corner of the form. n Use the link located at https://cdle.colorado.gov/ fraud-prevention if you’re reporting possible fraud.

And now the don’ts: n Report fraud by mail or fax.

n When submitting documents by fax, include a cover page other than the CDLE barcoded form. n Send each page of a multiple-page form as a single fax. n Put more than one claimant’s information in the same filing or fax.

CDLE newsletters sent to all businesses paying unemployment insurance premiums in Colorado offer a wealth of information. Taking the time to read the newsletters and visit the included links can save employers lots of time when they encounter unemployment payment or other issues or situations.

The preceding is not intended as insurance, legal or tax advice. Consult your legal and tax advisors for information specific to your situation.

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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Page 24

The Business Times

June 23-July 6, 2022

Empower and engage employees Jim Haudan literally wrote the book on the subject when he penned “The Art of Engagement.”

I recently tweeted an excerpt from the book: “By creating relevance and telling the stories of the business in a way that makes sense to their people, leaders will begin to successfully engage their people to execute strategy.”

That particular quote got me thinking about this whole engaged versus empowered process people talk about. Are they the same? Are they contradictory? Are they complimentary? Employee engagement is a Tim good thing for any business. Right?

Haggerty I began thinking how empowerment and engagement are linked.

Empower means to give someone the authority or power to do something, to make them stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their lives and claiming their rights. Both definitions of empowerment are good, I suppose. I always like the authority or power to do something I want to do. And I sure like feeling stronger and more confident.

Bobby G., one of my all-time favorite people leaders used to ask: “Can ya? Will ya?” In other words, do I feel emboldened to act when I need to? Or not?

At home, the answer is a lot easier. Of course I would.

But in the workplace? Do I feel empowered? If so, what will I do with that empowerment? Will I engage in the workplace?

As I asked in my last column: Are your employees willing and wanting to step up to make things better? Not perfect, mind you, just better? Can they, will they, on their own accord, do what’s immediately right in serving customers?

Do I feel empowered as your employee and really want to engage? If I feel empowered to engage, how deep will I dive in?

Employee engagement is a workplace approach producing the right conditions for all members of an organization to give their best each day. It enables and encourages employees to commit to organizational goals and values and motivates them to contribute to organizational success with an enhanced sense of their own well-being. Wow, now that’s a lot.

This whole empowerment and engagement in the workplace thing is all about giving your employees the authority to control their own lives and allow them to claim their rights. This in turn produces the conditions for all employees to give their best each day because they’re committed to organizational goals. This also creates an environment in which employees are continually motivated to contribute to the success of the organization and enjoy a sense of well-being.

To empower and engage requires a paradigm shift within most organizations. They must move from a dated command-andcontrol leadership methodology to servant leadership.

There are a lot of great practitioners out there to help with the metamorphosis, John Maxwell among my favorites.

Maxwell put it this way: “The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them.”

Tim Haggerty and his wife, Bernadette, operate a consulting firm based in Grand Junction that helps clients transition from command-and-control to servant leadership and change the view of wages and benefits from expenses to investments. Haggerty brings to the venture more than 40 years of experience in operations management and a record of decreasing costs while increasing productivity and revenue. Reach him at info@timothyhaggerty.com or (610) 737-0496. More information is available at www.timothyhaggerty.com.

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June 23-July 6, 2022

The Business Times

Page 25

Beat the heat with summer fitness strategies We wait all year, it seems, for summer to arrive. Aah ... it’s finally here. When most of us think of summer, we think about outdoor fun, vacations and a chance to kick back.

Beware, though: Changing schedules also could make it more difficult to keep your fitness routine on track.

So what can you do to have the most active, fun-filled and productive summer ever?

Warm weather provides many opportunities for enjoying outdoor activities. Take the family camping, fishing or hiking. Work in your garden.

Paula Part of summer fun and fulfillment is Reece enjoying the outdoors and the people you’re with.

During the summer months, your normal schedule could be altered. Those changes can affect daily routines, including exercise schedules.

Here are a few tips to avoid sabotaging yourself this summer: n Set a summer goal. It’s almost mid-year. Ask

yourself how you’ve done so far this year on your New Year’s resolutions. You might have succeeded in some areas, but not others. You could need to re-evaluate your goals to make them more realistic and attainable. Maybe you didn’t set goals. This is a great time to start. Try setting a different goal. Called it summer 2022. What will that goal look like? It might be trying a new sport, learning to swim or visiting a national park. n Stick to a schedule. Make sure your summer days include some structure — like getting up at the same time each day and eating meals at set times. Plan activities for specific times — exercising before breakfast, for example. n Stay busy. Without your appointment book filled, it could be easy to fall into a trap of becoming bored. Boredom goes hand in hand with low energy. Filling your days with stuff to do will give you a sense of accomplishment. For many of us, summer still means going to work each day.

But with more daylight hours, you don’t have to miss out. Whether you’re taking a vacation or just a weekend, include activities the family already enjoys along with trying something new. n Manage the heat. Although warmer weather is appreciated, hot days can seem unbearable. During these times, move your activities elsewhere. Exercise at the

gym or splash in a pool. When you find yourself outdoors during scorching temperatures, remember to stay safe.

Wear sunscreen or a long-sleeve shirt to protect your skin from harmful rays. Don’t forget the sunglasses and hat, too. Clothing that wicks moisture away from your skin as you perspire keeps you cooler. One of the most important items to keep you safe is water. Stay hydrated. n Eat healthy. This seems like an easy thing to do with all the fresh vegetables and fruits available. Beware of some of the foods associated with summer events, though. Backyard barbecues, campfire s’mores and ice cream treats can ruin the best-laid plans of staying fit through the summer.

Make summer a time to enjoy. Write down your summer 2022 goal and work toward realizing that goal.

Make the most of every day, and you’ll make this summer your best ever.

Paula and Dale Reece own Crossroads Fitness Centers in Grand Junction with a downtown location at 225 N. Fifth St. and north location at 2768 Compass Drive. For more information, call 242-8746 or visit the website located at www.crossroadsfitness.com.

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There’s more to working in real estate than just sales Retail salesperson has become the most common job in the United States. A real estate agent is a salesperson, too, and it helps to be good at sales. But that’s not the only attribute agents need to succeed in the industry.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there were nearly 1.6 million real estate agents in the U.S. as of October 2021.

The number of agents has increased 26 percent since 2016.

But only 18 percent of Realtors are under 39 years old. The median age is 54. The typical Realtor is a white female who attended college a homeowner.

Kelsay and isThe are more than 29,000 active Heath Realtors in Colorado — an 18 percent increase since 2019. According to the Grand Junction Area Realtor Association, 914 active Realtors work in Mesa County. That’s a 40 percent increase since 2016.

Subscribe today.

(970) 424-5133

www.thebusinesstimes.com

Being a Realtor is more than just selling a product or service like a retail salesperson. You’re also a marketer. And you have to know Colorado laws and how to read and fill out binding contracts.

It’s possible to assume the recent increase of Realtors in the Grand Junction area came from the ease of the market. The market brought a great power into listing a house because of all the offers it attracted. Now, however, the market is slowing down — as we have seen in past real estate cycles.

Younger generations have been encouraged to own their own businesses. Social media has influenced people to be their own boss, which is exactly what a Realtor is.

There’s a passion for the freedom that comes from being self-employed.

As a Realtor, you can determine how much you want to make and how hard you want to work. If someone wants to work hard for several months and then take a long vacation, they can do so.

Although it’s appealing to have that freedom, the real estate profession still requires hard work and dedication.

To become a good Realtor, you have to prove yourself to those around you.

Being a Realtor is more than just selling a product or service like a retail salesperson. You’re also a marketer and involved in the community and government. You have to know Colorado laws and how to read and fill out binding contracts.

And just like other businesses, becoming a successful Realtor is all about building relationships.

Kelsay Heath is a broker associate at Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties based in Grand Junction.

For more information, call 243-7375 or visit the website at www.CBC-Prime.com F

Contributors Opinion Bold predictions for 2015 Going by their ads, Really want to take flight?

A new year Business affords more Briefs not-so-bold repeats none like deserve election Under promise, over deliver a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he B BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PPAGE age 26 22

Of all the advice I’ve heard in interviewing business owners and managers over the past two decades, some of the best boils down to two propositions: under promise and over deliver.

And though I’m only an interested observer myself, I’d add a third suggestion: Communicate often A new year almost always brings an opportunity for aearly freshand start and with customers. renewed ambition to do things better.

The whole promising thing plays an essential in In business, that usually boils down to providing customers betterrole products business.

It’s the basis of marketing.

A business promises to and services faster and at lower cost than competitors. Part of the process must provide a product or service a need. it’s a include listening to customers to determine whatthat theymeets actually needThen and then matter thattopromise. provide product meeting that need. After all,ofitdelivering does littleon good offer theTolatest and the greatest if or service when and where you say you will.

To provide a nobody actually wants what you’re selling. product that or service does what the youGrand say it Junction will do. Area Just like the businesses belongthat to the group, In a competitive environment, businesses must promise Chamber of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment of as much as they can tohow entice customers andwith differentiate the services and resources it provides and well they match Phil Castle operations. But never more than they can actuallymembers deliver. needs. Jeff Franklin, the new chairman of the chamber board of directors, To do otherwise disappoints customers and damages personifies this approach in describing what he considers his role for the coming credibility. better to promise a bit less, thenand deliver bit more. exceed year: listen It’s to members, determine their needs then ameet thoseTo needs.

It’s a expectations, delight customers and, in the process, develop a loyal clientele. role with which Franklin is familiar as market president of Bank of Colorado.

All this comes to mind experience in which largethe corporation Theof process will take on aafter moreanstructured approach in awhat chamber from which I purchased a service — at a dear price, mind you — over plans as the resumption of a program aptly called Listening to Business.promised Under the and underbusiness delivered.

Did I participate mention I’m consumer of commercial air travel? program, owners in ain-depth interviews to identify barriers to Then most people will growthI expect and other problems theycommiserate. encounter.

IThe recently enjoyed a trip to San toproverbial visit my son and his lovely wife new year offers a good timeFrancisco to join the club. and finally meet my new granddaughter.

Connections took me through Phoenix As an advertiser or reader, what do you need from the Business Times? coming and going.

I scheduled long layovers in the Valley of the Sun in the event While business journals traditionally gather and report the relevant news to any of my flights were delayed.

They were, but even longer than I anticipated. readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially true as Coming a flightmake scheduled to leavemore Phoenix at 6:30 than p.m. ever. was pushed back to Web sitesback, and e-mail the dialogue convenient 7:30Good — as publications in 7:30 a.m. don’t the next morning. exist in a vacuum. They respond to the needs of Given the flight crews what’s and other issues airlines face, I wasn’t advertisers andshortage readers. of They provide needed. surprised or even that upset.

What did make me angry was the way the problem was So what do you need? communicated to passengers.

I swear, I received messages onyou my informed cell phoneabout every Is there additional news coverage that would help keep 10 minutes assuring me my flight was on time.

The display at the gate counted local business developments? Are there features that would be interesting or down to thethat timewould boarding waseasier? at that very moment the useful?the Isminutes there advice makewould your begin. jobs a It little announcement was made the flight was postponed until the morning.

It’s equally important to ask what you don’t need. Withnext limited time to I concede I know nothing about airline operations.

But I have difficulty produce content and limited space in which to publish it, would time and space be believing the airline didn’t know better devoted to something else? it would have to postpone the flight until the timeWhat’s came togood? board.What Wasisn’t? somebody callingisn’t? pilots until the last possible What’sfrantically needed? What minute tryingSend to convince them to come to online work on Sunday?

Letand us know. us an e-mail.

Comment onathe Business Times Web If I’d have known my flight would be postponed, I would have spent another site at www.thebusinesstimes.com. You could even write an old-fashioned letter to day in San Francisco.

For that matter, I could have visited a dear in Phoenix. the editor if you’d like. Your feedback, both positive and negative,aunt is valued and businessconsidered. advice from this dissastisifed customer? If you can’t deliver on will The be carefully yourGood promise, at least let as possible. publications areme theknow. resultAs ofsoon not only the efforts of their staffs, but also I’m awareefforts probably more advertisers than most that news stinks. But the smell only collaborative involving andbad readers. gets Like worseany theother longer you try to withhold it. 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.

And it’s time only of theyear primaries.

It’s that when Right now, candidates are only eating each other resolutions and prognostications abound.

— unless, of course, you count all the My favorite saying applied to New Year’s Democrats ads they’re talking basically bad abouta resolutions running is in saying certain Republicans. bunch of promises toBecause break theDemocrats’ first week appetite for And power apparently of January. while I won’t includes predict a eating on accurately the table. whole any lot, Iand caneverything pretty much After all, nail a few things that without question Democrats nominated will make the news. You will see these are Joe Biden after pretty, well, predictable: Kamala Harris called ■ Prediction one: him a racist and a There will be some sexual a sort of abuser weatherinevent, debate. again, natural Then disaster or Democrats let her be heinous occurrence the nominee for vice where someone will president.

Apparently, be interviewed and say Democrats live“I’ve in the following: denial of truth, slander, Craig Hall never seen anything misogyny like that inand myirony.

But this lifetime.”

It’s column as if thisisn’t solely about Craig Hall Democrats — no matter what levels of person is a required worse they take things attendee at every news to in politics. This is about politics and how it permeates reporting event. While I understand most every aspect of out lives.

Because does, people’s perspective can indeed be itlimited the lustcontained for holding power is so pervasive by, or within, their own personal it attracts theitworst our citizenry experiences, is tooinmuch to ask toat almost to run for office.before consult every some level historical perspective Ofsuch all the lessonsYes, I’vethis learned in my saying a thing? response can 60 trips the sun, this one itapplies apply to around some events.

But when comes to There’s goodI’m andpretty bad to politics weather the andmost: natural disasters, people in every aspect of life — every sure this is simply history repeating itself. race, business, every and church, everyof Sameevery as it has for millions millions family and … every everything. years. More important, the planetThat made it! means in politics, there’s species. good andHow’s bad What didn’t were certain going in every election as well.

You know that for perspective? how ■ I know the good badit comparison Prediction two: and When comes to a is an absolute, eternal Trump said crime or something thattruth? occurs between it about Charlottesville, andattendee Democrats humans, the other required at all went — noisbetter truth meter news apoplectic reporting events the person who than that. says this: “They we’re just the nicest Except as no myway years orb people, and in didonI this see something continue to add up,Exactly.

I find less and like this coming.”

No good one does more andthemore If you needto proof most of timebad. when it comes beyond theand Democrat debates People of 2020, neighbors acquaintances. should just look at the ads running in our be surprised at what goes on from local time to primaries.

Sure, you hear a few about time in their neighborhoods, towns andwhat so-and-so and such-and-such will do once with people they know because people are elected.

Onfor a personal never vote good. And the timesnote, that Ithey shouldn’t for someone—promising fight for me or be shocked like with to politicians, repeat put a stop to reckless spending because offenders and terrorists — where’s the they’ve to me as to what interviewnever that spoken says, “This doesn’t surprise to for.least.”

And let’s be honest, reckless mefight in the spending is all they do inSomething Washington ■ Prediction three: good and Once elected,and they’re will Denver. happen economically, the now an exclusive,will omnipotent member of the government take credit for it. The most reckless spending club.

Because other than recent example is gas prices, where people aask select few Iwho actually me why won’t credit do theconstitutional president for things in office, it’s already about the low gasonce prices.

My answer is simple: next election.

Government never makes the price of This isgowhy weand get simply ads between something down takes credit Republicans telling us howisbad theirto for good news.

Gas pricing subject primary opponents many global factors.are.

NowHeck, therewe arenow have Democrat ads telling us howsome bad of government answers to addressing Republicans are.

And everyone has an them to keep prices stable for Americans, ad protecting has the none integrity of our butabout our government of them in elections thethings worstitbeing of those place. The— only has inallplace in the

une 23-J15-28, uly 6, 2015 2022 JJANUARY

running positions that protectAnother election long run for always hurt consumers. integrity because it’s soreaches sacredaboth fact is that—unemployment certain sides have been it while level based on thescreaming economy. about And while the doing nothing about it for so government might brag the decades. number isIt’s low, bad we even cases todaydid along it’s more thanhave likelycourt the government with a statetotakeover ofnumber countiesbeing it doesn’t something cause that low like fornot howinthings being run.

— and a goodare way.

Conversely, when It’s hard toup, findit’s anbecause election the integrity business picks people solution there.

Andwidgets even harder to expect who need to buy who were not one given folks running theeconomy office arewas the buyingthewidgets becauseforthe ones in courtdue or the ones doing the takeovers. contracting to natural (or unnatural, Like almost all government positions, government caused) reasons, decidedit’s we always about control and not I’ve better buy some widgets.

Thesolutions. government never seen such image-driven had nothing to do with this. campaigns as I have■over voting integrity at every with level of Prediction four: In keeping government.

If you havedoes, to convince things the government I predictpeople the through public relations you have integrity, to government will manipulate the numbers you probably don’t. solutions to having make the claim the The economy is getting safe and secure of elections are itsimple. better because how hard is working to election day Americans.” a holiday withNow strict help Make all of us “working hours — nosay, votes allowed Make you might “Craig, youafter. always say this people register annually and include way about President Obama because youadon’t for to be registered.

End mail-in likeshut-ins him.” You’re right in a sense.

I don’t voting andman, ballotbut harvesting.

Andoffor theand know the what I know him love of all that’s holy,like getitrid theone idiotic his thinking, I don’t orof him iota. laws like thego one wherelike Before you off,Colorado however,has I didn’t someone rescind party affiliation and President can Bush and his bailouts, stimulus vote against a candidate in the primaries. and his abandoning the free market to save Make themarket. partiesAnd pay for primaries and the free I don’t know him hold separate from general election either.them What the government does, and the days.

Let the cheating remain only thing it can do, isand hurtinfighting the economy. private until they come up with a candidate Unless it does nothing or put criminals in to on theofgeneral election jailput instead partnering withballot. them, nothing If else wants themAlways meet the theanyone government doeson, willlethelp. look requirements their own.

Forensicallysays at it this way, on whatever the government audit each ballot, announce winners theit it is doing, whatever the name of the at law end of the week and getthe rid name of makeupis passing, or whatever or goal of slathered talking itheads calling races. the bureaucracy is presenting to the Thisexpect current set up totoput people, thesystem polar is opposite occur. into place more bloated, progressive I guess what I’m saying is that bureaucracies and to laws perhaps it’s time getleading out of us ourtoward own the end of freedom.

After plenty all, Republicans perspective.

There’s of historyneed to be squeaky clean and they aren’t.

Just look books and historical research out there to at the ads.

And Democrats canofbethis as dirty begin to understand that all has as they come.before.

Just look at who they nominate. happened And it will again, The hard truth is simple.

Our elected whether the topic is people or government. officials of touch with the people.

The are bestout recommendation is to find They in aordifferent world. Google They some live books try that whole rule, govern.

I can only make aon the thing.not There’s a lot of information knowledgeable choice those Great Depression.

The in truth is itI actually wasn’t know and have vetted beyond ads and got even a good one until the government smears.

And this time and involved.

There’s also around, plenty ofLauren research Bobbie have my warm vote. Iperiod might when just write on the medieval the in myself the others, I’m planet wasfor much warmereven thanthough today with afraid of lot what would(and say warmer about me. a whole lessads people well How in the we going to elect before man wasworld here are at all).

And yep, good people the system have today? people haveinbeen killing we other surprised Let’s face it, we can’t. The way is people since history was only first real written. to remove thesome unconstitutional power Maybe research will helpfrom stop all of government that’s thewe’ll root cause. all levels of these trends. Otherwise, be But who’s running onseen that?anything That candidate saying we’ve never like it in can’t get a And wordnot in, let a vote. our lives. in alone a good way.

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

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

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June 23-July 6, 2022

The Business Times

Page 27

Founder of HopeWest SBA offers assistance leaves enduring legacy with disaster recovery To sustainably and successfully grow, especially in the health care business, you need an inspiring leader who’s willing to take thoughtful risks, solve complicated problems and cast an infinite vision people follow. We believe HopeWest’s founding president and chief executive officer, Christy Whitney, has done just that.

As she announces her retirement after almost 30 years of service to the organization she started, we want to celebrate what she’s accomplished with the support of so many and to warmly usher in her successor, Cassie Mitchell.

Christy’s passion to provide access to hospice and palliative care in support of the ideal of dying with dignity is noble. We know it hasn’t been an easy feat to destigmatize hospice. Death is still a concept people have a hard time talking about and dealing with. Yet, we believe HopeWest has successfully done just that under her leadership. In fact, we’ve witnessed people embrace hospice, palliative care and grief counseling because they’ve seen it transform serious illness and death into a beautiful, honoring and sacred journey for each family HopeWest serves.

As a testament to Christy’s leadership and HopeWest’s role in changing the way people think about hospice care, consider the first experience our community has with HopeWest. In what other community would you find people willingly scheduling lunch dates at an operating hospice? Every single day, Spoons Bistro & Bakery is packed with locals who’ve made the choice to support the organization by dining there among the gorgeous flowers and peaceful fountains.

The Artful Cup bustles to make gourmet coffees for its regulars each morning.

And Heirlooms for Hospice hums with community members who love a “new” treasure as much as they’re committed to financially backing HopeWest.

Not even Christy could have dreamed of the scope of HopeWest almost 30 years after its inception. When HopeWest was founded in 1993, it operated out of a home donated by Veterans Affairs. It cared for five patients and their families. No one could have imagined how HopeWest would grow to become such an ingrained — maybe integral — nonprofit within our community.

Today, HopeWest has served more than 29,000 patients in hospice care alone; operates 19 lines of business; and has offices in Grand Junction as well as Delta, Meeker, Montrose and Plateau Valley in serving an area of more than 10,000 square miles in Western Colorado.

Christy cast a vision, held it to an infinite ideal and inspired people around HopeWest’s noble cause. Its growth is because of grassroots support from the communities it cares for every day.

In fact, the philanthropy that so generously began each community office

Today, HopeWest has served more than 29,000 patients in hospice care alone; operates 19 lines of business; and has offices in Grand Junction as well as Delta, Meeker, Montrose and Plateau Valley in serving an area of more than 10,000 square miles in Western Colorado.

has kept each one going — signs of an organization truly embedded in the areas it serves. Christy has always considered HopeWest to be community owned. In the age of expanding for profit hospices, it’s a unique gem in providing compassionate care in Western Colorado.

As Christy retires after 30 years of dedicated service to hospice, palliative care and our community, we’re also incredibly thankful she was able to actively work with us to select her successor.

Cassie Mitchell is as brilliant, community minded, people focused and mission driven as Christy. Even her tenacity matches Christy’s. Cassie hails from Kentucky. Of her 27 years in health care, she’s spent 20 of them serving thousands of patients and their families through hospice care. Before joining HopeWest, she served as chief operating officer at Bluegrass Care Navigators, which serves a third of Kentucky and delivers care to more than 20,000 patients annually. Cassie is dedicated to continuing the mission of HopeWest, setting us up for success as we establish our newly launched PACE Program and working closely with each community HopeWest serves.

We’re excited for the next chapter at HopeWest. As members of its board of directors, we’re humbled to be part of a necessary and wonderful organization that truly serves Mesa County and the Western Slope beyond.

Thank you, Christy Whitney, for your fearless vision, your compassionate leadership and the legacy of hope you created in HopeWest.

HopeWest Board of Directors. Donald Nicolay, chairman; Peter Jouflas, immediate past chairman; Mark Francis, vice chairman; Noni Bacon, secretary; Carter Bair; Joseph Breman; Penny Brown; Carolyn Payne; Jim Pedersen; Tom Y. Sawyer; Barbara Seelye; Monique Serra; Michelle Shiao; Chris Thomas; Ashley Thurow; Monika Tuell; Laurel Walters; and S. Todd Young F

Colorado is no stranger to disasters, both natural and man-made. The state has a long history of natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, tornadoes and drought. The recent Marshall Fire in Boulder County offers an example of this problem.

It’s more important now for residents and small business owners to remember the best course of action to limit damage from natural disasters is to prepare before the disaster strikes.

The Joe Biden administration and U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman have been at the forefront of ensuring small businesses and nonprofits as well as individual homeowners and renters affected by natural disasters around the nation have the support and recovery relief they need and the tools to build resilience.

Natural disasters are not just more devastating.

Aikta They’re also coming faster, more frequently and often rapidly Marcoulier changing in their complexity and scope. In 2020, the United States suffered 22 separate billion-dollar disasters — the most in our history. But experts expect that number to continue to climb.

As the anchors of our communities, small businesses rely on resilient neighborhoods for their customers and employees. SBA disaster relief loan programs help communities recover swiftly. n The SBA disaster loan program is the only federal assistance program that provides private property owners an affordable way to mitigate the effects of disasters and protect their homes, families, businesses, employees and livelihoods against the next disaster. n SBA disaster loan funds can be used to cover insurance deductibles, refinance an existing mortgage, pay for mitigation and protective upgrades, relocate to a safer and lower risk areas and more. These loans offer fixed interest rates amortized over 30 years for low monthly payments as well as an affordable way for property owners to fully repair or replace disaster losses not covered by other resources. n Borrowers using SBA physical disaster loan programs are also eligible for up to 20 percent of their total physical losses, as verified by SBA, to incorporate additional protective measures to mitigate future damage and losses against the next disaster. n SBA offers non-pandemic related economic injury disaster loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofit organizations located in a declared disaster area rebuild after suffering substantial losses. n The SBA has several local resource partners to assist business owners develop a disaster continuity plan — whether your business is in the relief, recovery or continuity phase. In Colorado, multiple resource partners located statewide include Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, a Veteran Business Outreach Center and a Women’s Business Center to assist you with your disaster planning.

The best way to mitigate the effects of a disaster is to create a disaster continuity plan. This plan should cover how you will contact family, friends, employees and first responders following a disaster. You also should review your insurance coverage to make sure it’s current and covers all necessary costs. Most importantly, practice and evaluate your plan with family members, managers and staff to make sure it works.

For more information on SBA disaster programs, visit www.sba.gov/disaster, and remember to follow us on Twitter @SBArockymtn.

Aikta Marcoulier is administrator of U.S. Small Business Administration Region 8.

Marcoulier oversees the programs and services of the federal agency in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. For more information about the SBA, visit www.sba.gov.

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SHARE YOUR VIEWS The Business Times welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor on issues affecting businesses in Western Colorado. Submissions should be emailed to phil@thebusinesstimes.com and include names and telephone numbers for verification.

Page 28

Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac

n HEARING AND AUDIOLOGY CENTER OPENS IN GRAND JUNCTION

High Desert Hearing and Audiology Center has opened in Grand Junction.

Terry Jacobson, managing partner, and Chelsie Hensley, audiologist, opened the center to provide personalized hearing care that helps patients lead better lives.

Located at 631 24 1/2 Road, Suite G, the center offers a range of services that include diagnostic evaluations, hearing aid repair Terry Jacobson and maintenance and tinnitus treatments.

The center also serves patients with cochlear implants.

Jacobson brings to the venture more than 20 years of experience in the hearing care industry, including managerial roles with local firms.

Hensley has practiced as an audiologist since receiving her doctoral degree in audiology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2017. She’s a member of the American Chelsie Hensley Academy of Audiology and American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association.

For additional information, call 609-9422 or visit the website located at www.highdeserthearing.com. n ART FROM TILLIE AND PAT BISHOP COLLECTION AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THROUGH JUNE 25

A benefit sale is scheduled to continue through June 25 for artwork from the collection of the late Tillie and Pat Bishop.

Proceeds will benefit the Art Center of Western Colorado in Grand Junction.

More than 400 works of art were bequeathed to the center. More than 40 pieces were added to the center’s permanent collection.

The remaining works are available for purchase and come in a range of mediums, style and price.

The sale is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 25 at the center, located at 1803 N. Seventh St. For more information, call 243-7337 or visit the website at https://gjartcenter.org.

The Business Times

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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.

Five Grand Junction-based firms were among the latest award recipients in an annual program honoring fast-growing Colorado companies.

The Christi Reece Group, Iron-IQ, QuikrStuff and Timberline Trailers were among the winners in the 2022 Colorado Companies to Watch program. Timberline Bank was named a Hall of Fame winner.

Knott Laboratory, a Grand Junction-based company that analyzes accidents and assesses the condition of structures, was a finalist for the 2022 awards.

The Colorado Companies to Watch program honors companies for their products, processes and performance in the marketplace as well as their philanthropic efforts.

To participate, firms must be privately held, headquartered in Colorado, employ the equivalent of six to 99 full-time employees and generate $750,000 to $50 million in annual sales or working capital.

The Christi Reece Group provides real estate services in the Grand Valley.

Iron-IQ provides supervisory control and data acquisition software to help customers connect equipment, processes and people on the cloud.

QuikrStuff manufactures modular aluminum bicycle racks.

Timberleaf Trailers builds custom teardrop trailers with sleeping quarters and rear galley kitchens. The company also was a finalist in the 2021 Colorado Companies to Watch program.

Headquartered in Grand Junction, Timberline Bank also operates locations in Montrose and Aspen.

Timberline Bank was among the 2016 winners in the Colorado Companies to Watch program. In May, the Colorado District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration named the bank its 2022 7(a) Lender of the Year for small operations.

n CHALLENGE UNDER WAY TO RECRUIT 100 FOSTER FAMILIES FOR SHELTER PETS Mesa County Animal Services and the Roice-Hurst Humane Society have joined in an effort to recruit 100 foster families for shelter pets in 100 days.

“The walls of our shelters are as a big as the community of supporters around us,” said Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland.

“Support through fostering makes a tangible impact on the lives of many homeless pets Janet Rowland and gives the foster the additional benefit of the company of a new companion for a little while.”

Anna Stout, chief executive officer of the Roice-Hurst Humane Society, said foster families provide short-term care to shelter pets in their homes. “When you foster an animal, you’re helping two pets: the one you bring into your home and the one we can now bring into the shelter due to that space opening up,” Stout said.

Anna Stout Donations of $150 to the Roice-Hurst Human Society through Sept. 21 mentioning the challenge also will count toward the goal.

Mesa County Animal Services is located at 971 Coffman Road in Whitewater and open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends. For more information, visit the website located at pets.mesacounty.us/Shelter/AdoptablePets.

The Roice-Hurst Humane Society is located at 362 28 Road in Grand Junction and open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, visit https:// rhhumanesociety.org/available-pets.

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Mosquito control district enlists help to fight the bite The Grand River Mosquito Control District has asked residents to join in efforts to fight the bite this summer as part of an observance of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week through June 25.

Tim Moore, manager of the Grand River Mosquito Control District, said it’s important to eliminate breeding sources for mosquitoes.

“Survey your own property frequently for Tim Moore water sources and encourage your neighbors to also eliminate sources on their property.

Mosquitoes require water to complete their life cycle. If their water source is eliminated, so are their offspring.”

Moore said problems with mosquitoes can be avoided by disposing of old tires, clearing roof gutters of debris and repairing leaking outdoor faucets.

June 23-July 6, 2022

Water in pet dishes and bird baths should be changed frequently.

In addition to draining standing water, Moore said it’s important for people to remember the other two Ds of mosquito awareness — dress and defend.

People who are outside when mosquitoes are active should wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, Moore said. Studies have shown mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing and can bite through tight-fitting clothes.

It’s important as well to apply a mosquito repellent to clothing and bare skin, he said. Repellents with DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus have been shown to be effective.

The Grand River Mosquito Control District treats more than 2,500 private properties and 10,000 breeding sites as well as public open spaces in the Grand Valley.

For more information, visit www.fightthebitegj.com.

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June 23-July 6, 2022

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BusinessBriefs Briefs Business BusinessPeople People Almanac Business Almanac

n WEST STAR AVIATION NAMES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Matthew DeLellis has joined West Star Aviation as chief financial officer.

DeLellis will oversee the financial functions of the company, including accounting, compliance, planning, purchasing and taxes. He brings to the position more than 20 years of experience, more than 12 in the Matthew DeLellis aviation industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and master’s of business administration degree from Dartmouth College.

“Matt has an impressive background leading a number of large-scale financial departments within the aviation industry, and he will be a strong member of our executive team as we execute on our growth plan,” said Jim Rankin, chief executive officer of West Star Aviation.

DeLellis said he’s excited about his new duties. “The company has a strong business model and a proud history, and I look forward to working with the team to execute on its long-term sustainable growth initiatives.”

West Star Aviation offers a range of services that include the maintenance and repair of airframes, engines and avionics as well as painting and interior refurbishments.

In addition to its facilities at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, West Star Aviation operates facilities in Aspen and Denver as well as in Arizona, Illinois, Minneapolis, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. For more information, visit www.weststaraviation.com. n RIVERSIDE EDUCATION CENTER MANAGER AWARDED FOR AFTER-SCHOOL EFFORTS Vivian LyBarger, a site manager for the Riverside Education Center in Grand Junction, has been recognized for her efforts as an after-school educator.

The Colorado Afterschool Partnership selected LyBarger as one of three winners of its “Best of Colorado,” awards program. LyBarger was selected as the top after-school educator in Colorado in the making an Vivian LyBarger impact category.

LyBarger works at Mount Garfield Middle School, where she leads a program with an enrollment of nearly 100 students. The Riverside Education Center provides programs at 15 Mesa County schools, offering individual and group tutoring, field drips and other enrichment activities.

Jennifer Ponce, site lead for the Riverside Education Center at Mount Garfield Middle School, said LyBarger has devoted her career and life to helping those in need.

“Vivian priorities equity within her work by holding herself and her staff to high standards, and she encourages her staff to push themselves when it comes to creating student experiences.”

For more information about the Riverside Education Center and its programs, visit www.rec4kids.com.

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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.

Nick Jacobson

CJ Brafford

Gwen Cameron

n COLORADO WEST LAND TRUST NAMES NEW STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS Nick Jacobson has joined the Colorado West Land Trust as the newest member of the conservation department of the Grand-Junction based organization.

CJ Brafford, Gwen Cameron, Garrett Portra and Lindsey Rider also joined the Colorado West Land Trust board of directors.

“We welcome Nick to the staff Garrett Portra and Lindsey, Garrett, CJ and Gwen to the board. Their knowledge, skills and experience will help the land trust serve the community and advance its mission,” said Rob Bleiberg, executive director of the Colorado Land Trust.

Jacobson will work out of Montrose on projects that protect the natural and working landscapes of Western Colorado. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and geography Lindsey Rider from Macalester College and has completed work and research in Africa, North America and South America.

Brafford serves as director of the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose and works to promote awareness and understanding of the Utes.

Cameron is a second-generation grower with 38 acres of organic fruits at Rancho Durazno east of Palisade. She also works as a regional food coordinator with Hunger Free Colorado.

Portra operates Carlson Vineyards, a vineyard and winery in Palisade, as well as a peach orchard.

Rider works as environmental health and safety manager with Caerus Oil and Gas. Colorado West Land Trust has preserved a total of more than 126,000 acres in Mesa County and five other Western Slope counties. For more information, visit the website at https://cowestlandtrust.org.

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June 23-July 6, 2022

June 23 n Welcome Thursday Friends networking meeting, noon to 1:30 p.m., Mike’s Famous Chicken, 233 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 June 24 n Free Finance Friday webinar, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org June 28 n Bookkeeping boot camp, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Admission $75, which includes lunch. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce presentation on the benefits of membership, noon to 1 p.m., chamber offices, 360 Grand Ave., and via Zoom. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Timberline Bank, 649 Market St. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org June 30 n Class on market research, 2 to 3 p.m., Mesa County Libraries central library, 443 N. Sixth St., Grand Junction. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 Upcoming n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business free networking luncheon, noon to 1 p.m.

July 7, Business Incubator Center. Participants should bring a soup, salad or side dish to share. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Business startup workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. July 7, Business Incubator Center. Admission $55. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 n West Slope Startup Week free regional business conference, July 11 to 15, Grand Junction. https://westslopestartupweek.com n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Networking at Noon, noon to 1 p.m. July 13, Enzo’s Ristorante Italiano, 707 Horizon Drive.

Admission $20 for chamber members, $25 for others. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 14, Coloramo Credit Union 333 W. Aspen Ave.. Fruita. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. https:// fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Open Coffee Club free networking meeting, 9 to 10 a.m. July 15, FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Grand Valley BizMix networking event for members of the Grand Junction, Palisade and Western Colorado Latino chambers of commerce and Young Professionals of Mesa County, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

July 26, Bank of Colorado, 2452 Patterson Road, Grand Junction. Admission $10. n Western Colorado Human Resource Association membership appreciation and membership drive at the Grand Junction Rockies, 6:35 p.m. July 26, Suplizio Field Pavilion, 1315 North Ave. www.wchra.org See ALMANAC page 31

June 23-July 6, 2022

People

Continued from page 30 n REAL ESTATE BROKER RECEIVES NATIONWIDE RECOGNITION Annette Hejl, a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties based in Grand Junction, has received national recognition for her sales performance.

Hejl was among the agents included in the RealTrends + Tom Ferry 2022 list of America’s Best Real Estate Professionals.

The list ranked nearly 24,000 Annette Hejl real estate sales associates in the United States based on sales in 2021. Hejl ranked among the top 1.49 percent of the 1.6 million real estate agents nationwide with sales volume of more than $21.6 million.

“We are incredibly proud of Annette’s recognition as a top performer in the industry,” said Todd Conklin, chairman of Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties.

“It is an honor to work with such a dedicated individual, and we commend Annette for achieving this extraordinary accomplishment.”

Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties operates offices in Colorado as well as Idaho, Missouri and Montana. The operation ranks among the fastestgrowing real estate and privately owned companies in the United States.

For additional information, visit the website located at www.cbdistinctive.com.

The Business Times

n CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION NAMES COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Sara Spaulding has joined the City of Grand Junction as director of the newly created Communications and Engagement Department.

The department provides communications planning to inform and involve city staff and residents.

The department manages the city website, social media accounts and other channels.

Sara Spaulding Spaulding previously served as public information officer and communications manager for the City of Wheat Ridge and Wheat Ridge Police Department. She also worked in communications for the Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and held leadership positions with corporations, hospitals and nonprofit organizations.

She holds a master’s of communications degree from Colorado State University. She’s a member of the Public Relations Society of America College of Fellows.

“I’m excited to join the City of Grand Junction staff, putting my skills to work guiding the communications team in order to increase engagement and outreach on issues that matter to the community,” Spaulding said.

Grand Junction City Manager Greg Caton praised the addition. “Sara is highly qualified and an expert in her field. I am pleased that we have been able to add resources to the city’s communications and engagement efforts.”

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Continued from page 30 Upcoming n Welcome Thursday Friends networking meeting, noon to 1:30 p.m. July 28, Koko’s Tavern, 152 S. Mesa St., Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business free networking luncheon, noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 4, Business Incubator Center. Participants should bring a soup, salad or side dish to share. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11, Grand Valley Primary Care, 101 Jurassic Ave. Admission $5 for chamber members and $10 for others. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Open Coffee Club free networking meeting, 9 to 10 a.m.

Aug. 19, FWorks. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Welcome Thursday Friends networking meeting, noon to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 25, Rib City, 455 Kokopelli Drive, Unit E, Fruita. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce presentation on the benefits of membership, noon to 1 p.m.

Aug. 30, chamber offices and via Zoom. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 30, Bellco Credit Union, 2478 U.S. Highway 6 & 50. Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. https://gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Leading Edge business planning and management course, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Aug. 31 to Nov. 16, Business Incubator Center. Tuition $275. https:// gjincubator.org or 243-5242 n Bookkeeping boot camp, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29, Business Incubator Center. Admission $75, which includes lunch. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 F

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June 23-July 6, 2022