The Business Times Volume 29 Issue 15

THE BUSINESS T IMES News AUGUST 11-24, 2022

VOLUME 29, ISSUE 15

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

In this issue n Slowing ahead

2

Real estate activity continues to slow in Mesa County as rising interest rates and higher inflation dampen demand.

n Telling stories

At the center Trends ofContributors business

THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM

n New CEO brings varied experiences to her role at Grand Junction incubator. Page 2

Opinion Business Briefs 5 Business People Almanac

The state director of a small business group encourages owners to tell their stories — especially to lawmakers.

4

n Big milestone

A Grand Junction-based cyber security company secured financing that brings total funding to $10 million.

n Taxing matters

6

Tax collections, one measure of retail sales, continue to rise on a year-over-year basis, the City of Grand Junction reports.

n June speed bump

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The Mesa County jobless rate jumped in June over a seasonal speed bump as grads entered the work force.

n Noncompete

21

A new law brings changes to noncompete agreements in Colorado — and in turn the way employers use them.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

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

Dalida Bollig has started her latest position as chief executive officer of the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction. She expects to draw on varied experiences that include everything from government strategy to fund-raising to opening a cafe introducing Swedish foods and culture to Mississippi.

Business Times photo by Phil Castle

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

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august 11-24, 2022

Trends At the center Contributors of business Opinion BusinessDBriefs Business People Almanac New CEO draws on varied experiences in latest role at Grand Junction incubator

Dalida Bollig oversees the Business Incubator Center, a one-stop shop of sorts offering counseling, business and kitchen incubator programs and loans.

alida Bollig has worked in a variety of jobs involving everything from social work to government strategy to university fund-raising. She also opened a cafe and introduced not only Swedish foods, but also a part of Swedish culture, to Mississippi.

Bollig expects to draw upon all FOR YOUR INFORMATION those experiences and more in her latest job as chief executive officer For more information about of the Business Incubator Center programs and services offered at in Grand Junction. “A little bit of the Business Incubator Center, everything I have done will help me call 243-5242 or visit the website in my new role.” at https://gjincubator.org.

That includes her familiarity with government bureaucracies and entrepreneurial endeavors, her international connections and her first-hand knowledge of what it takes to succeed in business.

Bollig says she’s eager to continue the mission of the center to support new and existing businesses and, in turn, economic development. “I’m thrilled. To me, this is a great opportunity.”

Bollig succeeds Jon Maraschin, who led the Business Incubator Center for 10 years before retiring a year ago. Helen Roe served as interim executive director.

While Bollig grew up in Sweden, she says the move constitutes something of a homecoming. Her husband, Brian Bollig, grew up in the Grand Valley as a part of pioneering family in Western Colorado. “We very much feel this is home.”

They relocated from Hattiesburg, Miss., where Dalida Bollig worked as a development officer at the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation and helped with fund-raising for scholarships and other academic needs.

Until the COVID-19 pandemic broke supply chains of essential products from Europe, she owned and operated Fika, what she says was the first and only Swedish cafe in the American South. The cafe served a variety of Scandinavian foods and treats. But the cafe also offered a place in which to partake in an important part of Swedish culture after which the business was named — to share time with friends and colleagues over coffee or tea and a little something to eat.

While the cafe served far different fare than traditional southern foods, Bollig says customers welcomed the venture. “It was such an amazing experience.”

Prior to that, Bollig held a succession of positions with national and local See CENTER page 18

STORY AND PHOTO BY PHIL CASTLE

Real estate update: Activity slowing, but market still healthy Phil Castle

The Business Times

Real estate activity continues to slow in Mesa County as rising interest rates, higher inflation and mounting uncertainty dampen demand.

The trend reflects more of the effects of efforts to curb inflation and other broad economic forces than oversupply, industry Robert Bray observers say. While 2022 likely won’t keep pace with a record-breaking 2021, the market remains healthy.

“It’s still going to be an OK year given the long-term perspective,” said Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction.

Annette Young, administrative coordinator at Heritage Title Co. in Grand Junction, said 396 real estate transactions worth a total of $170 million were reported in July.

Compared to the same month last year, transactions dropped 33.4 percent and dollar volume declined 29.7 percent.

Large transactions still bolstered dollar volume, however, Young said. Just a dozen transactions accounted for a combined $18.6 million, including the sale of a waste services facility Annette Young for $3.8 million, preschool and grounds for $1.9 million and residence on 40 acres for $1.6 million.

Through the first seven months of 2022, 3,089 transactions worth a total of more than $1.32 billion were reported. Compared to the same span in 2021, transactions fell 15.5 percent, but dollar volume rose 1.3 percent.

Young said higher interest rates on mortgages have

affected real estate activity. But so have higher prices for homes and inflation that’s made gasoline, food and other products more expensive. “You’ve got this kind of compounding, and it affects the affordability.”

According to numbers Bray & Co. tracks for the residential market in Mesa County, 281 transactions worth a total of nearly $123.6 million were reported in July Compared to the same month a year ago, transactions fell 29 percent and dollar volume declined 17.3 percent.

Through the first seven months of 2022, 2,055 transactions worth a total of almost $873 million were reported. Compared to the same span in 2021, transactions decreased 15.6 percent and dollar volume slipped nearly four-tenths of a percent.

Bray said the declines demand attention, but the comparison isn’t fair given what was a frenzy in real estate activity last year and the differences between interest rates. .See UPDATE page 16

August 11-24, 2022

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well-rounded perspective urges entrepreneurs to role tonew tell Mesa theirCounty stories Phil Castle

The Business Times

Phil Castle

Business Times

Frank Whidden brings what he considers a well-rounded perspective to his Entrepreneurs who led their operations new job as Mesa County administrator. through a pandemic now face additional Whidden challenges fromworked labor shortages, inflation in information and burdensome regulations, according to technology holds business advocacy the leader ofanda small agroup master’s degree in in Colorado. computer information “They’re doing systems.

But he also good. They’re working holds doctoral harder toa maintain,” degree applied said Tonyin Gagliardi, management state director of and the decision making and National Federation of Frank Whidden worked for more than Independent Business 20 yearsColorado as a minister.

Whidden has in both and worked for large and small organizations Wyoming. in both the also private and public sectors.

They should Tony Gagliardi Whidden expects tell their stories, he said,to draw on all of his experiences in state helping Mesa officials County especially to the and federal commissioners make andand carry outthat decisions. who craft the policies laws affect staff“They’ve and making thetell county smallValuing businesses. got to their an employer of choice the stories and get more active inistheamong legislative priorities, Whidden said.

So is planning process.” that The results inhelps sustainable funding and NFIB in lobbying on behalf balanced budgets owners on a long-term of small business and theirbasis. interests Meanwhile, Mesa and County will at all 50 state capitols Congress, continue to pursue efforts that promote Gagliardi said. The NFIB also conductsa friendly businessa monthly environment and research, including membership economic development, Whidden said. survey used in part to calculate a measure Whidden officially beganInworking as of small business optimism. addition, county administrator at the beginning of the organization operates a legal center. the year. succeeds Tommore Fisher, who was Still,He there’s nothing convincing hired as county manager in than small business owners talkingSummit to their County, Utah. elected representatives about a given issue, Whidden joined Mesa County in he said.

August 2011 as information Gagliardi works out of antechnology office in director.

In April 2014, he became deputy Denver, but came to Grand Junction to county administrator for resource meet with local NFIB members and state management in meeting a staffing reorganization legislators. The coincided with an that positions. efforteliminated to recruit four moredirector members.

Before joining Mesa thanCounty, Nearly 250 of the more 6,200 Whidden worked for a company providing NFIB members in Colorado come from information technology services to Mesa County, he said. colleges and universities. that role, he he “I always enjoy GrandIn Junction,” managed systems for said. “It’s IT a place whereand youservices can breathe institutions in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois easier.”

It’s also a place he said confirms an important point: “Small business is the backbone of the community.”

While NFIB membership dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic as some businesses closed, Gagliardi said the numbers have rebounded as additional challenges arise. “That’s because small businesses see what’s coming their way.

They’re paying attention.”

Labor shortages and inflation pose challenges, he said. Some restaurants, including longstanding operations, have closed because they can’t hire enough employees to remain open.

Add to that problems associated with higher prices for fuel, supplies and materials, Gagliardi said.

The Consumer Price Index, a broad

as well as New England and Canada.

Whidden said people who work in FOR YOUR INFORMATION information technology aren’t just “geeks,” but offer an important perspective because For familiar more information the of they’re with nearly about every aspect National Federation of Independent operations and how work gets done. They in Colorado, call potentially alsoBusiness tend to think about new and (303) 831-6099 or visit the better ways of doing things in website asking and at www.nfib.com/colorado. answering “what if ” questions. “They know how to effect change in an organization.”

Whidden expects goods to bring same measure of everyday andthat services approach to his duties as administrator. related to the cost of living, rose 9.1 percent Whidden said it’s to That help between June 2021 and his Junerole 2022. county the commissioners make and going then marked fastest pace for inflation implement decisions.

The commissioners back to November 1981. in turn represent the of the Fully 79 percent ofresidents NFIB members county and express their will, he said.

“We nationwide responding to a survey conducted work the people.” by thefor organization reported rising fuel prices Whiddentosaid he also considers contributed higher prices they himself charge aforliaison between the commissioners and goods and services, and 72 percent said county staff, and one of the priorities is to higher prices for inventories, supplies and make sure employees feel valued.

Whidden materials contributed to higher prices. said “Small he hopes businesses not only to improve are notmorale, only but also take steps that will make Mesa suffering the ill effects of inflation and County an nationally, organization people fuel prices butfor in which Colorado the want to work. problems are compounded since a large part Meanwhile, Whidden expects the of the state’s energy production has been county to continue policies and initiatives shut down by the current administration and that support local business and economic unelected commissions,” Gagliardi said. development.

There are additional steps “The food service sector’s price of that can be taken to make it easier for local product is escalating at alarming rates in businesses products and services he to addition to to thesell severe lack of workers,” the county, said.

“And,he to added. add insult to injury, some County on willlocal keepsales working citiesMesa are tacking tax towith an other government entities, organizations already questionable retail delivery fee.” and institutions fostering an environment Then there’sonthe uncertainty associated that supports existing businesses with additional laws and regulations,and he attracts new businesses, he said. said.

“You’re always waiting for the other shoeWhidden to drop.” said there could be a opportunities encourage additional The NFIBtogave Coloradothe lawmakers a development of businesses that collective D- for their latest session.provide services to the agricultural as well Three bills deemed industry highlights of as promote County as a distribution the sessionMesa provide a workaround on center for thecap region. the federal on state and local tax The important thing is deductions, an extension of totheconsider period issues from a well-rounded businesses can begin using perspective, destination Whidden said. won’t as we source rules on“We sales and be usemyopic taxes and a look at things.” temporary reduction of commercial and ✦ assessments. residential property tax But six bills deemed bad and ugly included measures on wage theft, more environmental regulations and a bill making it easier to sue employers.

Regulations pose a disproportional burden on small businesses that pay more per employee to comply than large businesses, Gagliardi said.

An analysis conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers found that small manufacturers with fewer than 50 employees incur federal regulatory costs of $34,671 per employee per year, triple the cost born by the average U.S. manufacturer.

Yet, small businesses play a collectively big role in national, state and local economies, Gagliardi said. “They’re the engine that drives the economy.”

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August 11-24, 2022

The Business Times

Cyber firm reaches $10 million milestone in financing efforts

Cloudrise expects to accelerate initiatives to deliver security services around the globe A Grand Junction-based company that provides data security services around the world has completed financing that brings total funding for the firm to $10 million.

Cloudrise secured additional funding from Three Kings Capital with add-on capital from existing investors Stormbreaker Ventures and the Greater Colorado Venture Fund.

“Our latest funding venture is a major Rob Eggebrecht milestone, allowing Cloudrise to fast-track industry changing initiatives for how professional services are delivered in the cyber industry via our techenablement approach,” said Rob Eggebrecht, co-founder and chief executive officer of Bill Ryckman Cloudrise.

In addition to the funding, Cloudrise announced Bill Ryckman, managing principal at Three Kings Capital, will join the board of directors.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with Cloudrise and its proven management team led by Rob Eggebrecht,” Ryckman said. “Cloudrise is a well-known leader in the data protection market with particular expertise in the cloud and a reputation for delivering exceptional service. As more and more businesses embrace the cloud, Cloudrise has become an integral partner to a diverse set of clients across the country and around the world, helping to keep their data safe from cyber criminals. With its high-quality team and technology enabled platform, Cloudrise is well-positioned to serve our collective mission on a much wider scale.”

Eggebrecht and his co-founders launched Cloudrise in Denver in October 2019. They brought to the venture decades of experience with data protection in working for other companies as well as operating their own firm. They relocated Cloudrise in 2021 to Grand Junction and what Eggebrecht said he considers a more authentic part of Colorado offering scenic vistas and outdoor recreation.

Cloudrise recently moved into new headquarters at the Las Colonias Business Park and has expanded the staff working there.

Cloudrise offers a range of services to companies large and small, Eggebrecht said, in assessing their capabilities to protect their most important data and

FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about Cloudrise, call (800) 917-7619 or visit www.cloudrise.com. providing automated processes and other resources to do so.

Cloudrise has worked with hundreds of customers around the globe, including Fortune 500 firms, on data protection and cloud security projects.

Eggebrecht said Cloudrise offers a better approach that meets changing needs.

“The current status quo for delivering professional services in the cyber industry is outdated, inefficient and does not scale to the world of cloud computing in global enterprises today. While organizations are contending with the exponential growth of data and an excessive amount of cyber security application/platforms, traditional service providers are stuck in a mindset of a help desk, ticket-driven world, attempting to throw more people at the problem.”

Instead of allocating more time and resources to data security challenges, Eggebrecht said Cloudrise leverages a proprietary service delivery platform to increase efficiencies, enable better collaboration and reduce time needed to deliver high-value outcomes.

By bundling software and staff, Cloudrise delivers services that allow customers to realize immediate benefits for their business, he said.

Cloudrise announced in April the company acquired CyberOrchard. The transaction added what Eggebrecht said is some of the greatest technical talent in the world in data protection, including a new chief technology officer in Jason Bird, founder and CEO of CyberOrchard.

With its location in a suburb of London, the addition of the firm also helps in accommodating a global operation, Eggebrecht said.

In addition to the acquisition, Cloudrise announced Netskope named Cloudrise as its Global Services Partner of the Year.

A U.S. software company, Netskope provides a computer security platform.

CRN named Cloudrise to its list of the top managed service providers for 2022.

Eggebrecht said he expects the staff in Grand Junction to grow along with the company — perhaps to 200 to 300.

That in turn will promote still more growth not only in terms of economic development for the Grand Valley, but also in personal development for individuals and their families, he said.

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Grand Junction tax collections trend upward Tax collections, a key measure of retail sales and lodging activity, continue to increase in Grand Junction.

The City of Grand Junction reported an 8.2 percent increase in its combined sales and use tax collections for June compared to the same month a year ago. Lodging tax collections rose 28.5 percent on a year-over-year basis.

June collections reflect May activity. July reports were unavailable as of press deadline.

The city collected nearly $5.3 million in sales taxes and more than $128,000 in use taxes in June. Sales tax collections increased 8.5 percent. Use tax collections, a smaller and more volatile revenue source for the city, increased 82.6 percent.

The city received almost $900,000 as its share of sales tax collected by Mesa County and distributed back to municipalities in the county.

GRAND JUNCTION TAX COLLECTIONS June 2022 June 2021 Sales tax $5,285,071 $4,870,696 Use tax $128,401 $70,329 Lodging tax $527,820 $410,849

Change 8.5% 82.6% 28.5%

The City of Grand Junction also collected more than $1 million in sales and use taxes earmarked for public safety and first responders.

Through the first half of 2022, the city collected a total of nearly $36.9 million in sales and use taxes. Sales tax collections increased 11.3 percent compared to the first half of 2021. City use tax collections increased 68.6 percent.

The city received more than $5 million in sales

taxes from Mesa County and collected a total of almost $6.2 million in sales and use taxes earmarked for public safety and first responders.

The City of Grnad Junction collected nearly $528,000 in lodging taxes in June, a 28.5 percent increase over the same month last year that reflects more hotel and motel stays, Through the first half of 2022, the city collected almost $2 million in lodging taxes, a 48.8 percent gain over the same span in 2021.

Under a measure city voters approved in 2019 to double the lodging tax to 6 percent, the city divides revenues among Visit Grand Junction, the tourism and destination marketing organization, and Grand Junction Regional Air Alliance and Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission.

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State seeks aid to guard against invasive insect

A state agency has enlisted the assistance of the public to look out for an invasive insect that could damage peaches, grapes and other Colorado crops.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture launched an informational website at https://ag.colorado.gov/spottedlanternfly to teach people how to identify and eradicate the spotted lanternfly.

The website offers details about the insect as well as a form Coloradans are encouraged to use to report sightings to the Colorado Agricultural Pest Survey.

Native to Asia, the spotted lanternfly was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and since has been found in 11 other states.

A spotted lanternfly recently was found in Iowa.

While no spotted lanternfly sightings have been confirmed in Colorado, state officials are asking residents and visitors to watch for the insect and take precautions to prevent its spread to the state.

“The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that could decimate Colorado’s signature crops like peaches, grapes, hops, and more than 70 other species of plants,” said Rich Guggenheim, manager of the plant health certification program. “The spotted lanternfly is a notorious hitchhiker, and Coloradans as well as travelers visiting our state should know what to look for to stop this invasive and destructive pest before it enters our state.”

The spotted lanternfly is mobile and spreads easily both through physically hopping and laying egg masses on such things as cars, trucks, trailers, moving pods and railcars.

The primary host for the spotted lanternfly is the tree of heaven, an invasive tree in Colorado. However, the spotted lanternfly can cause irreparable damage to peaches, grapevines and other crops by feeding on plant sap.

Farmers — especially those growing peaches, grapes and hops — as well as landscapers and municipal arborists should be on the lookout for egg masses as well as trees of heaven.

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August 11-24, 2022

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august 11-24, 2022

BLM announces new state director in Colorado A state administrator has accepted a federal position to oversee the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in Colorado.

Doug Vilsack is scheduled to begin his new duties as state director of the BLM on Aug. 14.

He previously served as assistant director for parks, wildlife and lands for the Colorado Department of Doug Vilsack Natural Resources.

Vilsack will succeed Stephanie Connolly, who served as acting state director. She will return to her role as acting associate state director.

“Doug Vilsack knows the people and lands of Colorado, with over 15 years of experience in the natural

resources and energy fields, including roles in the public, private and nonprofit sectors,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning.

“He has worked collaboratively with Coloradans, the BLM and other government agencies and conservationists and industry groups on a wide range of land management issues in the state. We are so pleased he has agreed to bring that expertise and the relationships he has built over the decades to lead the BLM’s work in Colorado,” StoneManning added.

Vilsack will oversee management of 8.3 million acres of public lands and 27 million acres of subsurface mineral estates, most of that on the Western Slope.

As assistant director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, he communicated, developed, negotiated and recommended policies affecting parks,

wildlife and state lands. He previously served as director of legislative affairs at the DNR. Before joining the state, Vislack worked as a lawyer and handled legal issues related to energy, mining, public lands and water.

He founded and led several nonprofit organizations.

The Posner Center for International Development, a network of Colorado-based businesses and organizations, addresses global poverty. The center established distribution networks for household solar products on the Navajo Nation and in rural Africa.

Vilsack holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental systems and natural resource management from Colorado College and a law degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

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BLM plans meetings to offer information on big game corridor conservation plans

Public meetings will offer participants an opportunity to learn more about proposed changes to U.S. Bureau Land Management plans to protect big game corridors and other habitat in Colorado.

Meetings are scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m.

Aug. 11 in Merlot Room 1 of the Courtyard

by Marriott Hotel at 765 Horizon Drive in Grand Junction and 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 12 in the Chipeta Room of the Ute Mountain Museum at 17253 Chipeta Road in Montrose.

The meetings will feature an openhouse format in which BLM specialists will interact with participants to answer questions and provide additional information.

Oral comments won’t be accepted at the in-person meetings, but laptop computers and printed comment cards will be available so participants can submit comments online.

The Colorado State Office of the BLM is considering an amendment to oil and natural gas program decisions in existing resource management plans to promote the conservation of big game corridors and other big game habitats.

The changes have been proposed as part of efforts to reduce barriers to migration and movement and conserve key habitat for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and moose on public lands across Colorado.

The BLM plans to align its efforts with the State of Colorado and its big game conservation goals.

The BLM seeks public comment through Sept. 2 as it prepares a statewide resource management plan amendment and associated environmental impact statement.

The public may submit comments regarding the scope of the analysis, relevant issues, potential alternatives and identification of relevant information through the BLM ePlanning website at https://go.usa.gov/xzXxY. Comments also may be mailed to the BLM Colorado State Office, attention big game corridor amendment/EIS, 2850 Youngfield St., Lakewood, CO 80215.

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August 11-24, 2022

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Colorado agency names Big band concert planned business support director as last event in fund-raiser for health care provider business community thrive.”

The Business Support Division provides technical and financial assistance to Colorado business owners and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through free and low-cost consulting and access-to-capital programs offered through the Small Business Development Center Network, Minority Business Office, Employee Ownership Office and Cannabis Business Office.

During her time at OEDIT, Maloney helped small businesses get through the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis named her Public Servant of the Year in recognition of the initiatives she led to assist businesses during the pandemic.

She’s also helped business owners understand, explore and pursue employeeowned business structures as a way to provide for themselves, their employees and their communities even after they exit their businesses.

Prior to joining OEDIT, Maloney owned an outdoor recreation manufacturing business. She also worked at the Denver Office of Economic Development & International Trade and at CH2M Hill, where she created and managed the Colorado Environmental Business Alliance.

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An upcoming concert will feature big band music, local wines and food as the final event in an annual fund-raiser supporting health care in Mesa County.

The Live in the Grapevines concert is set for Aug. 20 at Grande River Vineyards, 787 Grande River Drive in Palisade.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. The concert will start at 6.

The concert will feature the Frank Bregar Orchestra and vocalist Krystyn Hartman.

Advance tickets sell for $20 and are available at the Grande River Vineyards tasting room or online through the website at https://marillachealth.org. Admission at the gate will be $25.

VIP Experience tickets sell for $50 and include a tent with separate seating, parking and dedicated restroom access.

Dan Vice Proceeds from the concert will go to MarillacHealth, which provides medical, dental and behavioral health care for uninsured and underinsured patients in Mesa County.

Earlier events in the fund-raiser included the Edesia event celebrating wine, spirits and food as well as a new kids on the wine block dinner pairing local wines and gourmet foods. St. Mary’s Medical Center and Timberline Bank will sponsor the Live in the Grapevines concert.

Dan Vice, manager of Grande River Vineyards, said gates will open early so guests can get food and beverages before the concert begins. “We will be grilling burgers and brats and serving pulled pork and cold sandwiches along with wine, beer, cider, sangria and soft drinks. Grande River and Talon will be pouring our wines.”

Outside food and beverages won’t be allowed. Guests are asked to leave their dogs at home.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to support a great organization that serves so many patients from Palisade and all over the county,” Vice said. “It’s also great to work with our good next-door neighbor Talon to present the event.”

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A state official and former business owner has been been promoted to oversee a division supporting small businesses in Colorado.

Nikki Maloney was named director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Business Support Division.

Maloney joined OEDIT in 2019 to advance development Nikki Maloney of the Employee Ownership Commission and Office. In 2021, Maloney was promoted to deputy director of the Business Support Division and then interim director.

“Small businesses are the engine of our state economy. In Colorado. 99.5 percent of all businesses are small businesses, employing over 1 million Coloradans,” Maloney said. “As a former business owner, it’s an honor to serve in this capacity to advance the growth and impact of our business community on the state’s gross domestic product. The role that small businesses play in all of our lives is something to be celebrated, and I’m thrilled to continue to lead and work alongside a passionate team dedicated to helping Colorado’s diverse

Dalida Bol executi lig has started ve in Grand officer of the her latest pos ition Busines experie Junction. She s Incubato as chief nce strategy s that includeexpects to draw r Center Swedish to fund-raising everything from on varied to opening foods and governm ent a culture to Mississcafe introduc ing ippi.

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August 11-24, 2022

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Manager hired to help Colorado aerospace firms

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has hired a manager to help the state maintain its status as a leader in the aerospace industry.

Robert Beletic will serve as aerospace and defense industry manager.

A retired Air Force general and former commander and fighter pilot, Beletic also brings to his latest duties Robert Beletic more than 25 years of senior executive experience in all aspects of strategy, operations and financial management for government and private organizations.

“I am thrilled to join the global business development team at OEDIT and have the opportunity to support Colorado’s aerospace industry,” he said. “Cutting-edge research and new discoveries are changing the world’s concepts of what’s possible in aerospace and defense. We will work to ensure that Colorado remains a leader in this space.”

Beletic most recently served as ATP’s executive director of defense relationships and an Air Force and Space Force adjunct professor.

As aerospace and defense industry manager, Beletic will connect, convene, and build relationships among federal, state and local governments; research and development institutions; investors, trade associations; and the public.

Beletic also will support Colorado Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera in her role as the national chairwoman of the Aerospace States Association and co-chairwoman of the Colorado Space Coalition.

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The Business Times

august 11-24, 2022

’Tis the season ... for produce Consumers urged to seek fruits — and vegetables — of farm labors

From Palisade peaches to Olathe sweet corn and Pueblo chiles to Rocky Ford melons, peak produce season offers consumers an opportunity to enjoy the fruits — and vegetables — of farm labors in Colorado.

“Now is a fantastic time for Coloradans to seek out and enjoy Colorado produce,” said Marilyn Bay Drake, executive director of the Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association.

“While we don’t have a long harvest season, the quality of the produce is exceptional. Many believe the hot days and cool nights make Colorado produce sweeter and more flavorful,” Bay Drake Marilyn Bay Drake said.

The association represents more than 260 members, including growers of all sizes and types of production throughout the state. By one estimate, the Colorado produce sector contributes nearly $485 million at the farm gate. That number is multiplied as it goes through the distribution chain.

A total of more than 90,000 Colorado acres are cultivated for

fruit and vegetable production.

The association offers a find Colorado produce tab on the home page of its website at https://coloradoproduce.org. The tool enables everyone from individual consumers to wholesale buyers to search by produce item, marketing channel and region of Colorado.

The website also offers a harvest calendar. Recipes and features are available through association social channels on Facebook and Instagram.

“Colorado produce farmers further ask the public for their help to urge grocery stores to stock Colorado produce and to seek out Colorado grown fruits and vegetables at grocery stores and farmers markets,” Bay Drake said.

The association also urges consumers to extend the harvest by purchasing extra produce to can, freeze or dry.

Colorado State University developed Preserve Smart and provides detailed directions for canning, freezing and drying many of the fruits and vegetables grown in Colorado. Help with food preservation also is available from Colorado State University Extension offices.

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Colorado law saving businesses on filing fees Since taking affect July 1, a Colorado law reducing filing fees has saved small business owners and entrepreneurs nearly $750,000, according to the secretary of state.

“As secretary of state, I am focused on supporting economic opportunity for all Coloradans. This new law keeps money in the pockets of business owners and entrepreneurs across the state so they can continue to innovate and create businesses that provide good-paying jobs for hard-working Coloradans,” said Jena Griswold.

“We must continue to do all we can to Jena Griswold support Colorado’s working families and the small businesses that are critical to our economy and communities,” Griswold added.

Since the Colorado Business Fee Relief Act went into effect, more than 13,000 new business registrations and 4,200 trade names have been filed with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, she said.

The lower fees were implemented as part of state legislation

intended to save Colorado businesses and their owners more than $8.4 million in fees for filing documents with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office during the 2022 and 2023 fiscal year.

Filers pay only $1 for initial limited liability company formations and initial trade name registrations — which are normally $50 and $20, respectively. Filers realize a $49 credit on the fee for LLC formation and $19 credit for the fee on the trade name registration.

The reduction in filing fees under the relief program will remain in place during 2022-2023 fiscal year or until the amount of the general fund transfer is exhausted.

It’s expected funding for fee relief will remain available until at least June 30, 2023.

The Colorado Business Fee Relief Act was enacted by the Colorado Legislature with support from Gov. Jared Polis. State Reps. Lisa Cutter and Tom Sullivan and State Sens. Brittany Pettersen and Chris Kolker sponsored the legislation.

Griswold said her office will use general fund dollars to offset the foregone revenue from the fee reductions.

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Donations sought to offer camp programs to kids with illnesses An organization that offers free camp programs in Western Colorado to children with serious illnesses has enlisted the assistance of individuals to reach a capital campaign goal of $27 million.

Ruth Johnson, founding president and chief executive officer of Roundup River Ranch, said donations are needed to help the organization Ruth Johnson meet increasing demand for medically supported camp programs at its facilities near Gypsum.

“Serious illnesses can turn a child’s and family’s lives upside down. And as a result, the pure joy of just being a kid can become elusive. Too often, these children are forced to opt out of activities, miss out on the fun and

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

For more information about the Roundup River Ranch and its capital campaign, log on to https://RoundupRiverRanch.org/Campaign. forgo trying something new. But at camp, there are no limits,” Johnson said.

Roundup River Ranch operates the only medically supported camp in Colorado that provides comprehensive programming at no cost to families. The organization is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global communities of camps and programs offering support to children with serious illnesses.

Roundup River Ranch opened in 2011 and since has

provided more than 17,000 camper experiences free of charge. It’s estimated more than 35,000 children in the region could benefit from Roundup River Ranch its programs.

Roundup River Ranch has raised nearly $20 million, which includes a $4.5 million endowment from the Frechette Family Foundation. Johnson said additional donations are needed to enable the organization to fulfill its mission.

The campaign will enable Roundup River Ranch to serve 50 percent more campers annually, add and upgrade infrastructure, expand activities and programs and extend geographic reach.

“It’s our responsibility as an organization to create a world of possibilities for children with serious illnesses,” Johnson said.

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Update

Continued from page 2 Fewer sales have bolstered inventory, Bray said. At the end of July, there were 559 active listings in Mesa County. That’s a 57 percent increase over the same time last year — and relief for buyers who until recently were desperate for more selection, he said.

New home construction lags behind last year, though. The number of single family building permits issued in Mesa County dropped 20.8 percent to 57 in July and fell 15.2 percent through the first seven months of 2022 to 496.

Bray said higher interest rates and uncertainty also have slowed home building activity.

Home prices continue to rise. The median price of homes sold during the first seven months of 2022 rose 18.5 percent to $385,000 compared to the same span in 2021.

Bray and Miller said they expect real estate activity to continue to slow this year.

Inventories will build. Prices won’t come down, but the pace of increases will slow.

Putting everything in perspective, Bray said he remains encouraged. “The market is still healthy out there.”

Meanwhile, property foreclosure filings continue to increase in Mesa County, although foreclosure sales haven’t increased to the same degree.

For July, 20 filings and 6 sales were reported, Young said. The same month a year ago, two filings and no sales were reported.

Through the first seven months of 2022, 157 foreclosure filings were reported in Mesa County, she said. That compares to just 13 for the same span in 2021.

Fourteen foreclosure sales were reported year-to-date in 2022, one more than 2021.

Young said filings have increased since the forbearance imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic ended. But a lot of those filings were withdrawn as owners with equity sold before the process was completed.

Through the first seven months of 2022, there were just four resales of foreclosed properties. Young considers resales at 10 percent or less of all transactions indicative of a heathy market.

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Center

Continued from page 2 governments in Sweden, including executive strategist in public diplomacy, communication strategist in digital diplomacy and European liaison officer.

Bollig also worked in family and senior social work in Malmo, a coastal city in southern Sweden.

She studied a variety of subjects at Malmo and Lund universities in Sweden, including sociology, political science, international relations and Arabic. She says she can converse comfortably in six languages, but understands portions of five other languages.

She says she aspired at one time to work in diplomacy, but observed over the course of her career the ways in which business and entrepreneurship help not only individuals and their families, but also their communities.

That’s why she says she’s so excited about her latest role with the center and the business of helping businesses.

The center serves as a one-stop shop of sorts in offering a range of services and programs in a single location. The Small Business Development Center located there offers free and low-cost counseling and classes. The incubator program and commercial kitchen offers low-cost space and shared services for businesses. A revolving loan fund offers access to capital to small businesses. The center also oversees a program offering tax credits for capital projects.

Over the past year, the center played a role in the launch of 26 new companies, which in turn involved a total of nearly $9.7 million in revenue and 244 jobs.

The center also also extended almost $1.5 million in funding to 18 businesses.

Bollig says she expects that mission to continue even as other ways to assist businesses are considered and the center collaborates with other local organizations to promote economic development.

She also expects to play a role in bringing to her duties a diverse background and different perspective, but at the same time an appreciation for American entrepreneurship.

“That spirit is just amazing to me,” she says.

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News Trends Contributors June jobless rate jumps Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac The Business Times

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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 95.7 for July, down 2.7. t Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 41.1 for the third quarter, down 12.8. s National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 89.9 for July, up 0.4.

n Foreclosures s Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 20 in July, up from 2 in July 2021. s Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 6 in July, up from 0 in July 2021.

n Indexes

t Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 117.53 for July, down 1.18. t Conference Board Leading Economic Index 117.1 for June, down 0.8. t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 52.8% for July, down 0.2%.

n Lodging

s Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $527,820 for June, up 28.5% from June 2021.

n Real estate

t Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 396 in July, down 33.4% from July 2021. t Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $170 million in July, down 29.7% from July 2021.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $6.3 million for June, up 8.6% from June 2021. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $4.2 million for June, up 10.4% from June 2021.

n Unemployment s Mesa County — 3.6% for June, up 0.3. t Colorado — 3.4% for June, down 0.1. t United States — 3.5% for July, down 0.1.

But seasonal speed bump in Mesa County still smaller than last year Phil Castle

For June, 862 orders were posted.

That’s down from 1,060 for the same month last year. For the first half of 2022, June May The unemployment rate increased 4,968 orders were posted. That’s down s Delta County 3.4 3.2 in Mesa County in June — something of from 5,567 for the first half of 2021. n Garfield County 2.8 2.8 seasonal speed bump attributed in part to Englehart said the latest numbers of s Mesa County 3.6 3.3 college and high school graduates entering job orders remain healthy, but also indicate s Montrose County 3.1 3.0 the labor market, but not yet finding jobs. more employers are filling positions in a s Rio Blanco County 3.8 3.7 But at three-tenths tight labor market. of a point, the June Looking ahead to the second half of jump this year was smaller than last year. 2022, Englehart said he expects the unemployment rate to edge Moreover, the latest jobless rate is lower at down. But the decreases likely will be incremental since the 3.6 percent. jobless rate has remained below 4 percent for four straight months.

While a shrinking labor force remains Barring any unforeseen events, the outlook is encouraging, something to watch, overall conditions have he said. “I think Mesa County is in a really good place for 2022.” improved, said Curtis Englehart, former Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate also rose in director of the Mesa County Workforce neighboring Western Colorado counties in June: up two-tenths of Curtis Englehart Center in Grand Junction. “It’s really a much a point to 3.4 percent in Delta County and up a tenth of a point different outlook.” to 3.1 percent in Montrose County and 3.8 percent in Rio Blanco The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate rose in Mesa County. The jobless rate held steady at 2.8 percent in Garfield County from 3.3 percent to 3.6 percent between May and June, County. according to the latest estimates from the Colorado Department The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of Labor and Employment. Last year, the rate spiked from 5.8 retreated a tenth of a point to 3.4, the lowest level since the rate percent to 6.7 percent. stood at 2.8 percent in February 2020 before the onset of the Between May and June 2022, Mesa County payrolls COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. decreased 992 to 75,046. The number of people counted among Nonfarm payrolls increased 4,500 between May and June. those unsuccessfully looking for work increased 273 to 2,833.

Over the past 26 months, nonfarm payrolls increased The labor force, which includes the employed and 412,300, more than offsetting jobs lost in early 2020 because of unemployed, shrank 719 to 77,879. The labor force has declined the pandemic and related restrictions. three consecutive months — small decreases Englehart said don’t Over the past year, payrolls increased 111,700 with the raise alarms, but the trend is worth watching. biggest gains in the leisure and hospitality; professional and Over the past year, payrolls increased 3,094 — or 4.3 percent. business services; and trade, transportation and utilities sectors.

The ranks of the unemployed decreased 2,316. The labor force No sectors lost jobs during that period. grew 778.

The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm Labor demand as measured by the number of job orders payrolls shortened six-tenths of an hour over the past year to 33.2 posted at the Mesa County Workforce Center has slowed from hours. Average hourly earnings increased $2.61 to $34.21. what Englehart said was an unsustainable pace last year.

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AREA JOBLESS RATES

Business index edges up, but reflects uncertainty A measure of optimism among small business owners has edged up, but remains below its historical average as uncertainty over inflation, labor shortages and other problems persist.

The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose four-tenths of a point between June and July to 89.9. The index has remained below its historical average of 98 for six straight months, however.

“The uncertainty in the small business sector is climbing again as owners continue to manage historic inflation, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions,” said Bill Bill Dunkelberg Dunkelberg, chief economist of the NFIB. “As we move into the second half of 2022, owners will continue to manage their businesses into a very uncertain future.”

The NFIB bases the index on the results of monthly surveys of members of the small business advocacy group, most of them small business owners. For July, six of the 10 components of the index decreased and four increased.

The proportion of NFIB members who responded to the survey upon which the July index was based who said they expect the economy to improve over the next six months rose nine points between June and July. The increase was the first this year. But at a net negative 52 percent, more of those who responded anticipated

worsening economic conditions in the months ahead.

A net 22 percent of respondents reported plans for capital outlays, down a point. A net 4 percent said they consider now a good time to expand, up a point.

The share of those who reported plans to increase staffing rose a point to a net 20 percent. But a net 49 percent also reported unfilled job openings, down a point.

The proportion of respondents who said they expect increased sales fell a point to a net negative 29 percent.

A net 1 percent reported plans to increase inventories, up three points. A net 2 percent said current inventories were too low, down three points.

The share of those who expect increased profits fell a point to a net negative 26 percent. Among those reporting lower profits, 40 percent blamed the rising cost of materials and 17 percent cited weaker sales.

Asked to identify their single most important problem, 37 percent cited inflation. That’s an increase of three points from June and the largest proportion since the fourth quarter of 1979.

Another 21 percent of respondents cited quality of labor.

A net 56 percent of respondents reported raising their average selling prices, down seven points from June. Price hikes were most frequent in the wholesale, manufacturing, construction and retail sectors.

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U.S. payrolls up, jobless rate down United States payrolls increased and the unemployment rate edged down in July as the two measures of the labor market returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Nonfarm payrolls increased 528,000 and the jobless rate retreated a tenth of a point to 3.5 percent, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates.

The monthly payroll increase was the largest since the addition of 714,000 jobs in February and exceeds the average monthly gain of 388,000 jobs over the past four months.

Total nonfarm employment has increased 22 million since reaching a low in April 2020. Private sector employment is 629,000 higher now than in February 2020 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. The unemployment rate similarly returned to its level in February 2020.

Payroll gains for the previous two months were revised upward a total of 28,000 to 398,000 for June and 386,000 for May. For July, 5.7 million people were counted among those unsuccessfully looking for work. Of those, 1.1 million had been out of work 27 weeks or longer. Another 3.9 million people were counted among those working part-time because their hours were cut or they were unable to find full-time positions.

The labor participation rate — the portion of the population working or looking for work — edged down a tenth of a point to 62.1 percent. That remains below the 63.4 percent level in February 2022.

Payroll gains for July were spread out among industry sectors.

Employment increased 96,000 in leisure and hospitality, although the sector has yet to regain all the jobs lost in the aftermath of the pandemic and related restrictions.

Index signals slowing ahead

A monthly index tracking labor trends in the United States has decreased, signaling what could be slowing job growth in the months ahead.

The Conference Board Employment Trends Index fell 1.18 points between June and July to 117.53.

Frank Steemers, a senior economist at the Conference Board, said the index has trended downward since March. “While the U.S. labor market is currently still robust, the recent behavior of the index signals that slower job growth should be expected over the next several months. This would bring the labor market in line with the rest of the economy, where economic activity has already been slowing.”

Steemer said a recession is likely to begin by the end of this year or early next year.

The index aggregates eight leading indicators of employment. For July, six indicators declined.

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Employment increased 89,000 in business and professional services, 70,000 in health care and 57,000 in government. Payrolls grew 32,000 in construction, 30,000 in manufacturing and 22,000 in retail trades.

The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls remained unchanged at 34.6 hours for a fifth consecutive month. The average manufacturing workweek held steady at 40.4 hours.

Average hourly earnings for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls increased 15 cents to $32.27. Over the past year, horuly earnings have increased 5.2 percent.

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Leading index retreats

An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to retreat, signaling slowing growth and the possibility of recession.

The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index fell eight-tenths of a point to 117.1 in June.

With declines in each of the last four months, the Leading Economic Index fell 1.8 percent over the first half of 2022, reversing a 3.3 percent gain over the second half of 2021.

Ataman Ozyildirim Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economic research at the Conference Board, said consumer pessimism, moderating labor conditions, falling stock prices and fewer new orders for manufactured goods drove down the index in June.

“Amid high inflation and rapidly tightening monetary policy, the Conference Board expects economic growth will continue to cool throughout 2022,” Ozuildirim said.

The Conference Board projected gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the U.S., to grow at an annual rate of 1.7 percent in 2022 and 0.5 percent in 2023.

The Coincident Economic Index increased two-tenths of a point to 108.6 in June. The index rose 1.2 percent during the first half of 2022.

The Lagging Economic Index rose eight-tenths of a point to 113.9 in June. The index increased 4 percent during the first half of the year.

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Consumer Confidence Index slips as concerns mount A measure of consumer confidence has retreated for a third straight month on less upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions as well as growing concerns about inflation.

The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index fell 2.7 points to 95.7 in July. Components of the index tracking current conditions and expectations both declined.

Lynn Franco “The decrease was driven primarily by a decline in the Present Situation Index — a sign growth has slowed at the start of Q3,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at the Conference Board. “The Expectations Index held relatively steady, but remained well below a reading of 80, suggesting recession risks persist. Concerns about inflation — rising gas and food

prices in particular — continued to weigh on consumers.”

Even as the Federal Reserve raised its short-term interest rate to curb inflation, plans to purchase homes, automobiles and major appliances pulled back, Franco said. “Looking ahead, inflation and additional rate hikes are likely to continue posing strong headwinds for consumer spending and economic growth over the next six months.”

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

For July, less optimistic assessments of current conditions pulled down the Present Situation Index 5.9 points to 141.3.

The proportion of consumers responding to the survey upon which the July index was based who described business conditions as “good” fell 2.5 points to 15 percent.

The share of those who characterized conditions as “bad”

rose 1.2 points to 24 percent.

The proportion of consumers who said jobs were “plentiful” fell 1.4 points to 50.1 percent. The share of those who said jobs were “hard to get” rose seven-tenths of a point to 12.3 percent.

Less upbeat outlooks pulled down the Expectations Index a half point to 65.3.

The share of consumers who said they expect business conditions to improve over the next six months decreased six-tenths of a point to 14 percent. The proportion of those who anticipated worsening conditions also fell, though, 2.5 points to 27.2 percent.

The share of consumers who said they expect more jobs to become available slipped two-tenths of a point to 15.7 percent. The portion of those anticipating fewer jobs also retreated — eight-tenths of a point to 21.4 percent.

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Trends Contributors Opinion agreements Noncompete Business Briefs Business People Almanac

August 11-24, 2022

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COMING ATTRACTIONS

n The Business Incubator Center has scheduled upcoming presentations on cash flows, planning, social media and accounting.

A presentation on cash flows for small businesses is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m.

Aug. 16 at the center, 2591 Legacy Way in Grand Junction. Participants will learn how to complete a cash flow budget using Microsoft Excel.

The next session of the Leading Edge business planning and management course is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Aug. 31 to Nov. 16.

The 12-week course will offer a combination of classroom instruction, interactive exercises and conversations with subject matter experts to teach participants how to start and grow businesses.

Participants, including aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, will complete a business plan or strategy and test their models for financial viability. Tuition is $275.

A presentation on using social media to grow a business is set for 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Sept. 9. Participants will learn how to set up social media pages, build an online community and convert that into sales, streamline content production and how often and exactly what to post.

The next bookkeeping boot camp is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29. Participants will learn how to set up and track business accounting records and gain more control over their businesses through the preparation of cash flow projections and income statements. Tuition is $75, which will include lunch.

For more information about upcoming events, programs and services at the Business Incubator Center, call 243-5242 or log on to https://gjincubator.org. n The next meeting of the Coffee Club networking group is set for 9 to 10 a.m.

Aug. 19 at the FWorks coworking space located at 325 E. Aspen Ave. in Fruita. There’s no admission to attend. n The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a business toolbox presentation for noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 23. The presentation will offer human resource updates.

For more information about the chamber and upcoming events, call 858-3894 or visit https://fruitachamber.org. n The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its next quarterly membership luncheon as well as its annual health summit.

The membership luncheon is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Admission is $25 for chamber members, $30 for others.

The health summit is set for 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 743 Horizon Drive. Admission is $65 for chamber members and $75 for others.

For more information about the chamber and upcoming events, call 242-3214 or visit https://gjchamber.org.

Newly enacted law brings changes for Colorado employers My column in February covered Colorado legislation making violations of the state noncompete law a criminal offense punishable by three to 12 months in county jail and/or $250 to $1,000 in fines. The column also provided an overview of the noncompete law in Colorado.

But in its latest session, the Legislature enacted and the governor signed into law House Bill 22-1317, which radically changes Colorado law on noncompete and other restrictive employment agreements. The measure took effect Aug. 10.

Under Colorado law, noncompete agreements are void from the outset and unenforceable unless one of four is met. Under the previous Dean exceptions law, only the following noncompete Harris agreements were lawful in Colorado: n Any contract for the purchase and sale of a business or the assets of a business. n Any contract to protect trade secrets. n Any contractual provision providing for recovery of the expense of educating and training an employee who’s served an employer for less than two years. n Executive and management personnel and officers and employees who constitute professional staff to executive and management personnel.

As in the previous version of the law, special rules also apply to noncompete agreements between physicians.

The new law shuffles the deck. It excepts only two types of noncompete agreements and subjects them to significant restrictions: n Noncompete agreements for highly compensated employees. n Nonsolicitation of customers.

For both types of agreements, several conditions must be met for the agreements to be valid: n Both types of agreements are limited in scope to what’s necessary to protect trade secrets. n Employees must meet certain income thresholds.

An employee subject to an agreement not to compete with the employer must earn 100 percent of the threshold amount for highly compensated workers as defined in Colorado’s annual PAY CALC Order — currently set at $101,250. Employees subject to agreements not to solicit customers must earn at least 60 percent of the highly compensated employee threshold —currently $60,750.

The determination of who constitutes executive and management personnel and executive staff led to numerous legal challenges in the past. The new income threshold test is easier to apply. But it sweeps in many nonmanagerial employees who provide important services to the employer while eliminating many mid-management employees who might have been covered by the old exception.

The new law also creates a category of restrictive agreements expressly not prohibited by law: n Recovery of training expenses. n Sale of business. n A reasonable confidentiality provision relevant to the employer’s business. n Repayment of scholarships.

The prior version of the law excepted agreements for the protection of trade secrets from the general prohibition on noncompete agreements.

Now, the explicit exception for trade secrets is gone except for limiting noncompete agreements for highly

The new law shuffles the deck.

It excepts only two types of noncompete agreements and subjects them to significant restrictions.

compensated employees and agreements prohibiting the solicitation of an employer’s customers. But the new law creates a significant new category of agreements to protect an employer’s confidential information that aren’t considered restrictive agreements at all.

For years I’ve reviewed confidentiality agreements and agreements to protect confidential information and trade secrets although the previous version of the law didn’t except confidential information unless it rose the level of trade secrets. It remains to be seen how Colorado administrative agencies and courts will define a relevant confidentiality provision. But this provision could allow employers to protect information that fails to meet the narrow definition of trade secrets so long as the agreement doesn’t prevent employees from competing with employers or soliciting its customers.

Finally, new rules apply to all restrictive agreements.

The new law requires employers to provide employees with separate written notices of restrictive agreements and their terms, and employees must sign the notices.

The common law limitations of the scope of noncompete agreements are now specified in the statute. A restrictive agreement must be reasonable in geographical or temporal scope or the agreement is void from the outset.

Another new provision limits the choice of forum and law in legal challenges to an agreement or its breach.

It’s common for companies entering into business agreements to specify the law of a specific state will govern the interpretation of an agreement and disputes will be heard in a particular forum, usually courts in the state where the business is headquartered or conducts the majority of its business.

The new law prohibits a forum selection clause designating any jurisdiction other than Colorado for agreements with employees who, at the time of termination of employment, primarily work or live in Colorado.

Similarly, a choice-of-law provision designating anything other than Colorado law would be unenforceable as to any employee who, at the time of termination of employment, primarily worked and lived in Colorado.

Every agreement should be examined on its own facts and merits. I recommend any employer planning to implement a restrictive agreement first consult legal counsel. The Employers Council can assist members with this process.

Employers should carefully examine any restrictive agreements binding prospective or new employees to avoid being a party to a legal action for inducing a breach of contract or interfering with a contract.

Dean Harris is the Western Slope Area managing attorney for the Employers Council. The Employers Council counsels, represents and trains member employers in all phases of employment relationships.

Contact Harris at dharris@employerscouncil.org or (970) 852-0190.

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True success requires comprehensive approach There’s a commonly held belief business success is the result of selling as many products or services as possible to as many customers as possible at the highest prices possible while paying the lowest wages and material costs possible to make as much money as possible.

This is a limiting perspective of success that, when followed, leaves everyone feeling taken advantage of; undervalued; used; and, most importantly, unhappy.

Truly successful businesses take a more comprehensive and inclusive approach. Their approach benefits the many and not merely the few and strives to create as much happiness and success as possible for customers, team Marcus members, owners and the community Straub while also generating a profit. This balanced approach takes everyone into account, spreading the fruits of labor far and wide for the betterment of the whole.

This comprehensive approach to success begins with the lifeblood of any successful business — customers.

If customers aren’t happy with the products and services purchased in exchange for their hard-earned money, they won’t return. What’s more, they’ll likely talk about your company in unsavory ways.

When you think about your customers, it’s important to see them as human beings who’ve chosen to do business with you and not merely dollar signs to bolster your bottom line. When customers are valued and treated with respect, integrity and care, they become over time raving fans of you, your team and your business.

This same principle applies to your team members.

Without them, your company wouldn’t function. Without

When you operate from the mindset others want to be just as happy and successful as you do, you’ll see and treat people differently.

their dedication, it’s impossible to operate a high-quality business. Their consent to allocate large portions of their lives to help you in exchange for earning a living shouldn’t be taken for granted. Like you, team members have dreams of happiness and success. Their families depend on them just as yours depends on you.

Your team members constitute a conduit between your business and customers. They aren’t cogs in some wheel. They’re human beings. The more you care for your team members, the more likely they’ll care for you. When you value and treat them with dignity, they’ll typically give their best to you and your customers. The happier and more fulfilled they are, the stronger your business will become and the more success everyone will enjoy.

When you operate from the mindset others want to be just as happy and successful as you do, you’ll see and treat people differently. Through this larger perspective, team members and customers cease to be objects necessary to realize financial dreams. Instead, they become vital links in a chain that leads to happiness and success.

It’s true you can’t please everyone. Some team members and customers will never be satisfied with your exceptional efforts. In the pursuit of greater happiness and success, you’ll need to let go certain team members and customers.

In my work with companies over the years, I’ve repeatedly witnessed the dramatic differences between businesses that truly care about their team members, customers and community and those that don’t.

Companies that choose to operate from a win-winwin perspective where happy customers, team members and owners succeed are the most rewarding companies to do business with, work for and run. These businesses give as well as receive.

Quite simply, there’s more to business success than power, prestige, profits or status. When business is conducted in ways that honor and support everyone who contributes their time and resources to its well-being, the company is positioned to serve the greater purpose of creating happiness and success in the world. Its mission becomes a more encompassing endeavor, one not solely focused on creating wealth for its owners and investors.

In truth, you’re in business with your customers, team members and community. It’s a symbiotic relationship.

When you operate from a balanced perspective — one that takes into account the best interests of everyone involved, not just yours — your business will produce happiness, well-being and even more success.

Truly successful businesses aren’t merely money making machines. They constitute a tremendous opportunity to make life more pleasant and the world a better place if they’re used for such a noble cause.

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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August 11-24, 2022

The Business Times

In business, planning key to success Do you need a business plan? If you’re starting a business, the answer is, unequivocally, yes.

What is a business plan? A business plan is a framework of strategies and initiatives to start a business. A successfully executed business plan ends in the creation of a business entity and helps with managing operations and securing funding. Entrepreneurs with ideas they want to bring to fruition commonly use business plans to structure and streamline their efforts into tangible and realistic outcomes.

A business plan generally includes three sections: Janet n Organization: This is where you state Arrowood your company’s vision and values. These statements constitute the foundation of your strategic plan. You should include market research information, funding and growth potential, resources and other details to ensure your dream will become a viable business. n Financial: Without money or a plan for getting funding, it’s difficult to start and grow a business. Sure, there are people who start successful businesses in their garages with a box of spare parts or max out their credit cards to pay expenses. But your business plan should involve a more sustainable financial approach. You need to sweat such details as assets, expenses, income, insurance and liabilities — preferably with the help of a business banker or financial or tax professional. n Marketing and sales: You must establish your brand, forecast sales and make market projections. This part of your business plan should be realistic and include the specific steps you’ll take to build your customer base and meet sales goals.

What is a business plan used for? A business plan serves several purposes. First, it’s a roadmap to direct your activities.

Second, it’s a proposal for how you’ll deliver goods or services and serve your market. Third, it’s a logically laid out, thoroughly

researched document that proves to potential funding sources you have a viable business model and will have the means to pay back loans and other funding sources.

How often should you update your business plan? A business plan is a living document. Every time there’s a significant change in your business model, market, goals or other aspect of your business, take a few minutes to update your business plan.

At a minimum, review your plan once a year — a New Year’s resolution worth making and keeping.

Where can you get help writing a business plan?

The Small Business Development Center in Grand Junction offers free and low-cost assistance.

The next Leading Edge business planning and management course is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Aug. 31 to Nov. 16 at the center. The course will offer a combination of classroom instruction, interactive exercises and conservations with experts to teach participants how to start and grow businesses.

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Mesa County Workforce Center and Mesa County Libraries also offer resources.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides business plan templates on its website at www.sba.gov along with many other resources for business owners. The templates are free.

Simply choose one — or several — and modify the contents to meet your needs.

Your business banker constitutes another source of useful pointers for what should be included and excluded from your business plan. Your banker is one of the main audiences for your plan since they’ll likely also be one of your main sources of funds.

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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The Business Times

august 11-24, 2022

What successful benefit enrollment looks like If we learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s reaching employees requires new approaches — including technology based avenues.

More and more employees work remote or hybrid jobs, don’t want to spend one more minute at work than necessary and want employment information at their fingertips.

When developing your benefit open enrollment plan of action, consider the following to determine if technology based open enrollment provides more Ed Krey accessibility and less headaches for your company and employees.

The pros of using technology include: n Employees no longer take the extra time to complete paperwork and turn it in to the human resource or payroll departments. n Access is available round the clock, enabling employees to enroll at their convenience. n Reduces the cost of staff time to provide paperwork, enter information, file forms and risk errors when entering information. As a result, a shorter enrollment period is required. n Complete benefit administration online, including enrollment, life-changing events, looking up insurance information and ordering insurance cards. n Electronic transfer of benefit information to payroll systems for premiums. n Reporting structures provide valuable information about which employees have enrolled or still need to complete the process. An audit trail of choices is available without paper personnel files. n Often, there are electronic data interchanges between the system and insurance companies, reducing the time

required to process enrollment forms with representatives.

The cons of using technology include: n Some employees are intimidated by computers and prefer personal assistance from human resources. n A few employees don’t have access to computers or cell phones to complete the process.

Kelly The company might need to Murphy provide access to a computer station or kiosk. n Employees might just click buttons instead of making informed decisions about their benefits. n One less contact point with employees.

Whether you determine technology based enrollment is right for your employees or not, you still need to set up your process for success. By planning well in advance, you enhance employee experiences, increase engagement and provide a useful tool for recruitment and retention.

First, listen to your employees through surveys or town hall-style meetings and address concerns or suggestions for new benefits. Don’t miss an opportunity to explore voluntary benefits paid for by employees, including pet insurance and identity theft protection.

Second, determine how and when to disseminate education on benefit changes for not only the company, but any legislative changes. Family and Medical Leave Insurance, a state-run paid leave program for employees in Colorado, take effect Jan. 1. Offering information in advance promotes informed decisions during enrollment.

Consider a couple of meetings to provide education, answer questions and calm anxieties. Ask your benefit

brokers and representatives for brochures, pamphlets or presentations. They might even attend meetings so employees can ask them questions directly.

Provide a benefit guide for employees that includes the enrollment schedule; a statement of their current benefit coverage elections; plan-specific changes in coverage or cost; summaries of the benefits offered; eligibility information for employees, spouses and dependents; and carrier contact information for additional questions.

Third, highlight any benefit improvements made by the company, especially if they resulted from employee suggestions.

Fourth, introduce such new processes as technology based enrollment and clear instructions on how to use it, deadlines for submitting information and available resources to assist in making decisions.

Fifth, track employee questions, concerns, challenges, suggestions and preferred communication methods to analyze trends and improvements for the next enrollment period.

Finally, employers think of open enrollment planning once a year. Consider offering two enrollment periods designed to showcase the health and welfare benefits as well as such additional benefits as financial education and retirement planning. Highlight a tip or reminder of benefit use in your monthly newsletters or electronic bulletin boards.

What a great way to stay engaged with your employees through the year.

Ed Krey owns Lighthouse HR Support, a Grand Junction firm offering human resource services for small and medium-sized businesses. Kelly Murphy works there as a human resources business partner. For more information, call 243-7789 or visit www.lighthousehrs.net.

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August 11-24, 2022

The Business Times

PAge 25

Personal value propositions more important than ever It seems the new normal involves constant change and uncertainty. People are understandably on edge and looking for stability, certainty and trusted guidance from the people with whom they do business.

In my work marketing real estate agents and advising them as independent business owners, I encourage them to develop and live a personal value proposition (PVP). While a strong PVP has always offered a great way to differentiate yourself from others, it’s more important than ever. A PVP is important not only for real estate agents, but also anyone in sales looking to build relationships with customers Cat stronger and attract more ideal customers.

CoughranA company defines its value McIntosh proposition as the full synthesis of benefits or values it brings to the ideal customers it serves and wants to attract. The value proposition is a core part of a company’s marketing strategy and positions the company in the market. A value proposition is usually a written statement also known at a positioning statement.

It compels customers to buy or otherwise do business with the company. If the company lives up to its promises, customers are loyal, and the company reputation grows strong.

When it comes to individuals wanting to build their businesses and advance their careers, developing and living a strong PVP is equally important. The PVP has become

popularized by modern jobseekers. The Harvard Business Review describes it as, “The foundation for everything in a job search and career progression — targeting potential employers, attracting the help of others and explaining why you’re the one to pick.” Even if you aren’t looking for a new job, a strong PVP is vital in attracting the right clients for the services and solutions you provide.

There are dozens of articles and videos online on how to craft a PVP. In my work with salespeople and business owners, The best PVPs take into consideration three things: n Who is your ideal customer? Clearly define the people or entities you want to work with and for. Be specific and list all the attributes that describe them. You can even find pictures, phrases and words that illustrate your ideal customer and cut them out to build a picture.

The goal is to get this persona clear in your mind. n What skills and solutions help your ideal customer in a meaningful way? Think about your ideal customer from this perspective: “What value can I bring to them, and how am I different than others who do what I do?” Tie your strong suits to the needs of your ideal customer. The goal is to clearly articulate how you’re different and how that benefits your ideal customer. Putting this into a chart is helpful. n What are your core values? These are the intrinsic values by which you aspire to live and bring to your work.

In her book, “Dare to Lead,” author and researcher Brené Brown breaks down the importance of verbalizing core values. “We can’t live into values that we can’t name, and living into values requires moving from lofty aspirations

to specific, observable behaviors.” The goal is to come up with two or three words that summarize the way you intend to show up in the world. Find definitions or word art, print them out and put them in a place where you can see them every day. If you need a little help with this task, visit https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values.

Now you have the framework to write your PVP statement. Tie your skills, solutions and core values back to your ideal customer. Write a few drafts and share them with mentors and advisors for feedback. But make it authentically yours. Once you have your PVP honed, share it in your resume, website and anywhere it will connect with your ideal customers.

The most powerful way to share your PVP is to live it. People who back up their words with actions gain even more traction with their ideal customers as well as enduring loyalty.

While a strong PVP has always been a great way to differentiate yourself from others, it’s more important than ever. It articulates who you are, who you serve and the values you bring to your customers. It fosters the clarity and trust everyone seeks, further increasing your value.

Parents constitute a core part of the Mesa County work force, making child care essential to economic infrastructure.

When affordable, quality child care is available, parents and caregivers who want to join the work force may do so. Care also alleviates a major stressor for parents that allows them to focus on their work and increases productivity. Stable child care can lead to the success of a business and community as a whole.

Early childhood services not only affect the present work force, but Sarah Gray future workers as well. We know that 85 percent of all brain development happens by the time a child turns 3.

“Quality child care gets kids ready for school, leading to successful careers later in life. Early childhood services are crucial to the trajectory of our future generations,” said Stephanie Bivins, director of the Mesa County Partnership for Children & Families.

There are challenges, though, to finding dependable child care in the Grand Valley. Mesa County is considered

a child care desert, meaning there’s only one licensed child care slot for every three children under the age of 5. The COVID-19 pandemic also affected child care, resulting in an 8 percent loss in providers and capacity in the county.

An effort underway will help connect local families with child care openings. Located at https://childcare. mesacountypcf.org, BridgeCare offers a user-friendly tool that lets families search for openings based on certain criteria, like proximity to work and weekend availability.

“BridgeCare will transform how our child care providers and families find each other. We want every family to have what they need,” Bivins said. The Mesa County Partnership for Children & Families and its partners will use real-time data from BridgeCare to understand how many additional child care slots are needed.

Universal preschool also will help families seeking early childhood services. Starting next year, 4-year-olds will be eligible for 10 free hours of licensed preschool per week. This comes after a state law was enacted to promote better coordination of early childhood services and school readiness. Partnering facilities will provide early childhood education with a high-quality curriculum. This will increase access to preschool and decrease costs for families.

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood selected the Mesa County Partnership for Children & Families to implement universal preschool in Mesa County. Mesa County Human Services will assist with connecting families to the existing Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, which helps subsidize the cost of child care.

BridgeCare will help connect families with preschool options once the universal preschool program is up and running. Families can expect to see updates on the program, including an implementation plan and applications. To join informational meetings or find other ways to get involved, contact Bivins at stephanie.bivins@mesacounty.us.

Ensuring employees are aware of these resources in Mesa County constitutes an important step for local businesses. Parents need to know that while they’re at work, their children have a safe place to learn and grow.

Access to sustainable child care in the community remains a major factor in helping employees and employers thrive.

Cat Coughran-McIntosh is marketing director at Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction. The company operates residential and commercial offices as well as a property management office. Reach her at 242-3267 or cat@brayandco.com.

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Access to child care major factor in successful work force

Sarah Gray is a communication specialist with Mesa County Public Health. For additional information, call 248-6900 or visit https://health.mesacounty.us.

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Contributors Opinion Bold 2015 I hatepredictions to say it, butfor government A new yearquestions affords must Recession Business Briefs do ... repeats more likesomething not-so-bold outnumber answers a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PAGE age 26 22

The word crops up with increasing regularity in everything from kitchen counter conversations to national news reports. For now, though, there are more questions than answers about the possibility of a recession.

When could a recession occur? How severe will a recession be if one does occur?

Howyear longalmost will it always last? Most important here in the What will A new brings an opportunity for Grand a freshValley: start and be the effects on local small and large? renewed ambition to dobusinesses things better.

By one definition, a recession a declinecustomers in gross domestic product In business, that usually boils constitutes down to providing better products — broad faster measure produced inPart theof country — formust two andthe services andofatgoods lowerand costservices than competitors. the process consecutive quarters.

For thosetokeeping score, GDP retreated percent in the include listening to customers determine what they actually1.6 need and then United in theAfter first quarter and little nine-tenths a percent in the second quarter. meetingStates that need. all, it does good toofoffer the latest and greatest if But actually like justwants about what everything that’s followed the COVID-19 pandemic, nobody you’reelse selling. the so-called normal isn’t normal.

Just like new the businesses thatparticularly belong to the group, the Grand Junction Area Consider, for example, the lateststarts reportout from Labor Statistics.

Chamber of Commerce invariably thethe newU.S. yearBureau with aofreassessment of Nonfarm payrolls increased itanprovides estimated 528,000 between Julymembers even as the the services and resources and how well they June matchand with unemployment rate slipped a tenth of a point to 3.5 percent.

Bothofemployment needs. Jeff Franklin, the new chairman of the chamber board directors, and the unemployment have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Consider, suchcoming other personifies thisrate approach in describing what he considers his role too, for the indicators as rising income and increased retail sales. year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a the Federal Reserve keepsas raising itspresident key short-term interest rate to curb role Still, with which Franklin is familiar market of Bank of Colorado. inflation.

The move notaonly the economy, butinpush intochamber recession.

The process willcould take on moreslow structured approach whatit the on the red. A to glance at the Under list thatthe plansOther as theindicators resumption of aeconomic program dashboard aptly calledflash Listening Business. appears the Business Times shows declines in the Consumer Index,to program,inbusiness owners participate in in-depth interviews to Confidence identify barriers Leading Economic Index and Small Business Optimism Index.

The Conference growth and other problems they encounter.

Board, New York-based thinktime tankto that calculates the firstclub. two of those indexes, Thethenew year offers a good join the proverbial expects could begin later yearneed or early next As aanrecession advertiser or reader, whatthis do you from theyear.

Business Times?

In Colorado, business leaders responding to the survey pushed news the Leeds While business journals traditionally gather andlatest report the relevant to Business Confidence Index down 12.8 points headingstreet. into the thirdespecially quarter. Attrue 41.1, readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way That’s as the below growth-neutral to its fifth-lowest reading Webindex sites dropped and e-mail make the dialogue 50 more convenient than ever. ever. Almost 23 percent of the leadersdon’t who exist responded to the survey theyto believe the U.S. Good publications in a vacuum.

They said respond the needs of is already inand a recession, 30 percent said they needed. expect the economy to slip into advertisers readers. They provide what’s recession in the half of this year and 27 percent the first half of next year.

So what dosecond you need?

Nathan an economics professor at Colorado Mesayou University Is there Perry, additional news coverage that would help keep informedwho about tracks trends indevelopments?

Western Colorado, reported in a that presentation June that if local business Are there features would beininteresting ora recession occurthat by the endmake of theyour year,jobs thena at least slower growth is likely useful? Is doesn’t there advice would little easier? for the six to nine months.

It’snext equally important to ask what you don’t need. With limited time to On the otherand hand, there’s encouragement to be found in rebounding labor be produce content limited space in which to publish it, would time and space markets on national, state and local levels.

In Mesa County, payrolls have grown better devoted to something else?

4.3 percent past isn’t? year even as needed? the market has isn’t? remained tight.

What’s over good?theWhat What’s What Inflation and higher prices for gasoline and food could the trend.Times Web Let us know.

Send us an e-mail.

Comment online on alter the Business But spending, which accounts more thanwrite two-thirds of economicletter to site consumer at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

You for could even an old-fashioned activity, remains mostly resilient.

Tax collections, a measure of retail sales, increased the editor if you’d like. Your feedback, both positive and negative, is valued and in June on a year-over-year basis 10.1 percent in Mesa County and 8.5 percent in will be carefully considered.

Grand Junction.

Good publications are the result of not only the efforts of their staffs, but also Uncertainty is bad for business.

There’s no shortage of that for more collaborative efforts involving advertisers andbeen readers. than Like two years.

But good whenbusiness, it comes we to recession, perhaps a little uncertainty over any other want to listen to our customers, find out timing andneed degree better than the alternative. And that’s the certainty a what they andremains then meet those needs. recession, or worse, could present another It’s a new year. Please help us yet to do so. obstacle to businesses.

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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.

Normally — and I reiterate this It’s that of year whenpoint out for those whotime claim I always resolutionsyet andoffer prognostications abound. problems, no solutions — My first favorite saying New Year’s my instinct is toapplied get thetofederal resolutions isout in of saying they’re government whatever it’sbasically doing. a bunch of promises to break first week Removing government fromthe every of January. while I won’t predict a situation theAnd Constitution forbids it from whole lot, can pretty much accurately getting intoI always offers a better way to nail a problems. few things that without question solve will Except make the news. this time.You will see these are pretty, well, an predictable: There’s old ■ Prediction George Carlin jokeone: There will be some that comes to mind. sort ofabout weather event, It was being a natural disasterschools or kid in Catholic heinous occurrence and trying to play where the someone stump brotherwill or be interviewed sister in charge.and Thesay the following: “I’ve query was something neverif seen like God anything is all like that incan myhe create Craig Hall powerful, It’s he as can’t if this alifetime.” rock so big Craig Hall person is afrom required lift it? Ah, the wisdom of a child.

As a attendee at every newsGod can do both. man of faith, I believe reporting While I understand I ask event. in kind: Can the federal most people’s perspective cantoo indeed limited government — and all manybestates, by, or contained within, their problems own personal counties and cities — create so experiences, is too much to ask to large it can’t itsolve them? consult historical perspective Thissome seems to be rule No. 1 forbefore a lot saying such a because thing? Yes, response can of politicians notthis fixing problems apply to some events.

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Sametoasassure it has no forother millions andismillions state entity allowed of years. important, the planet made it! to evenMore address the problems, let alone What didn’t species.

How’s fix them.

As were a mancertain of little to almost no that perspective? I believe many in faithfor in government, ■ Prediction two: WhenBut it comes to a government can do neither. it won’t crimethem or something thatOr occurs between stop from trying. not trying. humans, theonother required wind attendee at all It depends the political gauge. newsLet’s reporting events is theWhen person who take the border. was the saystime this: you “They we’re just that the nicest last heard about ongoing people, and in mainstream no way did Imedia see something disaster?

Our stopped like this coming.”

Exactly. covering the border crisis No the one day does most of theJoe time when it Vice comesPresident to President Biden put neighborsHarris and acquaintances.

People should Kamala in charge. I ask this: Can be surprised what goesHarris on from anyone nameatone thing hastime doneto time in their neighborhoods, and to even alleviate the pressuretowns on our with people know because people are borders?

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She good. And the timesthing. that they hasn’t donefor a damned Youshouldn’t know be shocked with politicians, repeat how I know— thelike situation is bad? The offenders andmedia terrorists — even where’s the mainstream hasn’t taken interview says, “Thispiece doesn’t surprise the libertythat to run a puff on Harris’ me in the least.”to the border. And you can efforts related ■ about Prediction three: Something forget seeing a report on the good actual will happen economically, thewhere situation.

Heck, we’re at aand point government will seeing take credit for it.the The most you aren’t even a report vice recent example is gas president is alive andprices, well. where people ask me why things I won’tgoing creditfor theold president How’s Mayorfor low gas My answer issituation? simple: Pete andprices. the transportation Government neverhe’s makes the to price of Name one action taken address something go problems down and outside simply takes supply chain of thecredit for good pricing is subject optics of news. flyingGas in baby formula fromto many global Nowabout there are Europe.

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Then place.

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august 15-28, 11-24, 2015 2022 JANUARY

what can you expect from a guy who long run he always hurthusband consumers.

Another bragged and his were able factget is formula that unemployment reaches a certain to while millions suffered level based the economy.

And while the or who toldon Americans going under due government might the number low, to inflation to buy brag an electric car if isthey it’s more theAll government didwho don’t likethan gas likely prices? from a guy something to acause number being low faked riding bike that to work to get votes.

— and notbrings in a good Conversely, when That us toway. our president and business picks up, it’s because the people Congress and their latest problem-solving who need to buy whoweeks were not skills.

It was just widgets a few short ago buyingwas widgets because thereducing economythe was Biden bragging about contracting to naturalamount (or unnatural, “deficit” by due the greatest in history: government caused) we $1.3 TRILLION. If Ireasons, have to decided go into how better buya some The government reducing deficitwidgets. is still overspending had nothing to do this.really, really while meaning youwith really, ■ Prediction four: In keeping with overspent (by TRILLIONS) the year before things the government does, I predict the and a totally-ignorant-of-basic-economics governmentthen willstop manipulate argument, reading the nownumbers becauseto makedon’t the claim the economy getting you understand it or thisisnext point. betterdobecause hard it is just working to You realize of thehow government passed helpbills all ofinusthe “working Now two past fewAmericans.” weeks that have you might say, “Craig,deficit you always say this reduced that “historic reduction” about President Obama you don’tis by $1.2 TRILLION. So because basically, Biden like him.”

You’rethe right in a sense. don’t saving America equivalent of Iprinting know the man,a rounding but what Ierror. knowI of him it’s and money equal mean, his thinking, I don’tsolike it ornot him one iota. only $100 billion, we’re talking Before you go off,let’s however, I didn’t real money.

And not forget this like law of President Bush hisprint bailouts, stimulus economics: Youand don’t untold trillions and his abandoning the Ifree market to save into a recession.

Oops, can’t use that the freesomarket.

I don’t him word, I’ll callAnd it what it is.know A depression. either.

What government does, rule and and the And thatthe leads to yet another onlysource thing it do, is the economy. the ofcan almost allhurt of America’s latest UnlessThe it does put criminals in a woes. old nothing rule was:orNever introduce jail instead them, nothing vaccine intoofa partnering pandemic.with (Then again, did the government willcolumn.) help. Always look they?

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There’s plentyofof history by COVID and the abuse emergency books and historical research out where there to powers.

Why? Because it worked begin to understand that allZika, of this has SARS-1, global warming, myriad happened before.

And it will again, flus and every other emergency has failed whether topic is people government. in gainingthe total control.

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Depression.Only The truth is it wasn’t from government won’t even awhat good one no until the government got undo it has intention of undoing. involved.

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Because where power is. a whole lot less (andthe warmer well To solve thispeople situation, before man was at all).

Andlaw, yep, government musthere rescind every people have killingresulting other surprised mandate andbeen regulation from people since historypowers. was firstThen written.

COVID emergency rescind Maybepowers. some research will help stop emergency all ofOur these trends. Otherwise, we’ll government has created a be saying we’ve never seenbe anything like it in problem so large it can’t solved by our lives. And notitindidn’t a good way. government.

And come from God. publisher of of the the Craig Hall is owner and publisher 424-5133 Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com. ✦ F

August 11-24, 2022

The Business Times

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To make a long story short, Despite their side effects, curmudgeon editor remains fossil fuels offer promise on the lookout for mistakes of a flourishing humankind Part of my job as an editor is to, well, edit. To review copy for facts, spelling and newspaper style. And sometimes make a long story short.

It’s a mostly rewarding task. More so when I need only a polishing cloth to make language sparkle. Less so when a wrecking ball is required to demolish entire stories and rebuild them word by word like brick walls.

Phil Castle More than 40 years on the job has turned me into something of a fussbudget, though. Make that curmudgeon aggravated by the least transgression. WHAT? You used further instead of farther? You must be out of your mind. And it’s seven, not 7.

You spell it out. Criminy. What a dolt.

At the beginning of my career, I expressed my frustrations using the pencil with which I edited typewritten copy. My weapon of choice was a Mirado Black Warrior loaded with No. 2 lead.

Not to brag, but I was a young gun who could wield it with deadly proficiency.

These days, I pound away at my keyboard to correct mistakes. And grumble loudly enough the nice woman who works next door to the office likely wonders about my emotional stability. I don’t blame her.

Actually, I appreciate technology and the efficiency it’s brought to newspaper journalism. I don’t want to go back to writing stories with typewriters, pasting together galleys with hot wax or printing photographs with toxic chemicals. The good old days were anything but.

I remain exasperated, however, by what I’d argue is another consequence of technology: despite software designed to prevent them, more frequent mistakes in the written word. The need for speed has supplanted respect for the language of Shakespeare. Does anybody know the differences among their, there and they’re?

How about its and it’s? Capitalization has become a popularity contest. If a word looks or sounds important, by all means go ahead and capitalize it.

The problem is nearly ubiquitous in informal communications, but has spread like a virus to infect more formal venues — including those in business.

Lest the editor protest too much, I admit I find mistakes more often in emails and text messages than copy. I’m grateful for the conscientious efforts of contributors who write columns and valuable advice they offer readers. Nobody’s more excited than I am to share important information conveyed in captivating fashion. Nobody. If you don’t get excited about that, you have no business in the newspaper business. The local public relations professionals with whom I’m

At the beginning of my career, I expressed my frustrations using the pencil with which I edited typewritten copy.

My weapon of choice was a Mirado Black Warrior loaded with No. 2 lead. Not to brag, but I was a young gun who could wield it with deadly proficiency.

fortunate to work similarly submit clean and compelling copy. Thank you. Thank you very much.

But to pick a fight with strangers who can’t possibly defend themselves, a lot of what else shows up in my inbox can be bad and downright ugly.

While I’m confident enough to complain about the mistakes I detect in spelling and newspaper style, I’m less sure about punctuation marks. That’s because even experts must agree to disagree about punctuation marks.

Take the Oxford comma, for example.

No. Really. Take it. Please. While some love the Oxford comma, I loathe it.

For those who have better things to do with their lives than obsess over punctuation marks — meaning nearly everyone with the possible exception of English majors and newspaper editors — let me explain. An Oxford comma appears after the next to the last item in a list of three or more items. For example: red, white, and blue. Except it should read: red, white and blue.

I feel the same way about semicolons.

Abraham Lincoln considered the semicolon a “useful little chap.” I side with author Kurt Vonnegut and his lesson on writing: “Do not use semicolons. ... All they do is show you’ve been to college.”

Don’t even get me started on exclamation points. Perhaps F. Scott Fitzgerald put it best: “An exclamation point is like laughing at your own joke.”

The problem, of course, with writing about editing and mistakes is the considerable risk I run a mistake will appear in the very column I’m writing and editing. That’s not to mention all the sentences I tend to leave incomplete.

For all you eagle-eyed readers out there, I invite you to swoop in if you spot one.

In the meantime, I’ll just keep on editing. That’s part of my job as an editor.

Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times.

Reach him at 424-5133 or phil@thebusinesstimes.com.

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Alex Epstein observes in his new book “Fossil Future” a paradox: “… our culture has infinitely more interest in the fate of polar bear habitats than it has in 3 billion people without energy.”

As Epstein points out, anyone knowledgeable about the state of the world today must acknowledge that more human beings are flourishing than at any point in history. Fossil fuels are a major reason why.

But there’s a concerted effort on the part of American leadership to eliminate the use of fossil fuels despite three facts: fossil fuels constitute cost-effective sources of energy, cost-effective energy is essential to human flourishing and billions of people suffer and die for lack of cost-effective energy.

Epstein explores the use of fossil fuels: the benefits, Phyllis side effects, negative effects on climate and improvement in Hunsinger climate mitigation. He also examines motivations to oppose fossil fuels.

To oppose something because of its side effects without considering its massive benefits isn’t a complete evaluation. If a doctor only told the patient about the negative effects of a particular type of treatment, the patient might walk out of the office. But if the doctor covered not only the side effects, but also the benefits of the treatment, the patient could make an informed decision.

The same logic applies to decisions about fossil fuel use. What are the side effects? What are the benefits?

Climate alarmists blame fossil fuels for rising levels of carbon dioxide, particles blocking sunlight, greenhouse gases, habitat degradation, increasing temperatures and natural disasters. These possible side effects are cited in the call to eliminate fossil fuels. There’s more to consider.

Does anyone question how much pollution will be added to the atmosphere when people are forced to return to burning wood and animal dung? Does anyone acknowledge the number of people who’d freeze to death or die of heat prostration without access to energy?

Look no further than Ethiopia and Somalia to name two countries without low-cost reliable energy to discover the high mortality rates caused by a lack of clean water, machines for food production, cooking fuels, sanitary conditions, medical equipment, transportation and economic well-being.

Technology and innovations have made clean fossil fuel production and use a reality. As Epstein said: “Human beings don’t like pollution. As we become more empowered and more capable, we tend to use our capabilities to reduce pollution.

The side effects of fossil fuels have become smaller as the benefits of fossil fuels have become greater.”

How are energy policies made? Are decisions made to further human flourishing? To save the earth? To protect animals? To increase profits for select industries and bureaucrats? Energy is crucial in our world and policies matter.

Our leaders need to get it right.

“Fossil Future” contains credible scientific research and data demonstrating that more fossil fuel use will make the world a far better place, where billions more people will enjoy opportunities to flourish and all of us will experience a higher environmental quality and less danger from climate change.

Phyllis Hunsinger is founder of the Freedom & Responsibility Education Enterprise Foundation in Grand Junction. The FREE Foundation provides resources to students and teachers in Western Colorado to promote the understanding of economics, financial literacy and free enterprise. A former teacher, principal and superintendent, Hunsinger wrote “Down and Dirty: A ‘How To’ Math Book.” Reach Hunsinger at phyllis@free-dom.us.com.

For more information about the FREE Foundation, log on to the website located at www.free-dom.us.com.

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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.

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n APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH SEPT. 2 FOR FEDERAL MINERAL LEASE DISTRICT GRANTS

Applications will be accepted through 3 p.m. Sept. 2 for the latest cycle of grants awarded by the Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District.

The district has about $350,000 available for its fall cycle.

Grant application presentations are scheduled for a board meeting set for Sept. 21 in Grand Junction. Awards will be announced as soon as Oct. 19.

The district distributes federal mineral leasing funds to local public entities to support infrastructure, construction and public service projects. Funding stays in Mesa County.

Grants of $50,000 or more are available under a program to support large-scale public works and capital projects that address health and safety as well as the effects of energy and mineral extraction. Mini grants of up to $50,000 are available for smaller projects.

Since 2011, the district has awarded more than $8 million to local entities.

For grant applications and more information about the Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District, visit the website located at www.mesafml.org/current-grant-cycle. Information also is available on Facebook and Twitter. n GRAND JUNCTION BEAUTY SALON OFFERS HOME FOR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS Eclectic Beauty has opened in Grand Junction, offering a new home for independent contractors in the health and beauty industry.

Eclectic Beauty is located at 1119 N. First St., Suite H. Contractors pay booth rent, allowing them to offer services at prices they set without having to pay commissions. They also set their own schedules for work.

The salon is open not only to hair stylists, but also estheticians, lash specialists, massage therapists, permanent makeup artists and others.

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate a grand opening.

“We’re pleased to have Eclectic Beauty as a chamber member,” said Diane Schwenke, president and chief executive officer of the chamber. “We are grateful for businesses like this that keep our community moving forward and our economy strong.”

For more information about Eclectic Beauty, call Kasandra Salvati at 640-6524 or Angela Ingle at 640-4882.

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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.

A Grand Junction-based company continues to rank among the 300 largest public accounting firms in the United States in an annual list compiled for a national newsletter.

Dalby, Wendland & Co. is included in the Top 300 Firms ranking compiled for Inside Public Accounting. The firm has made the list for eight years.

“We are Chris West honored to be recognized as a Top 300 public accounting firm,” said Chris West, chief executive officer of DWC. “The growth of our firm and clients continues to be reflected in the list as we advance closer to the Top 200 Firms. Ultimately, we aspire to be a Top 100 Firm.”

“We are expanding our services through strategic partnerships and hiring top-level talent to advance our expertise and provide comprehensive guidance with advisory and planning in addition to our core services of tax, client accounting services, audit and wealth advisory,” West said.

“We are grateful to our clients, employees and communities for helping us come so far.”

The ranking is based on financial and operational surveys.

The Top 300 list includes firms ranked from 201st to 300th with net revenues ranging from nearly $13.8 million to more than $21.4 million. DWC ranks 249th with nearly $17 million in net revenue.

DWC operates the largest public accounting firm headquartered in Western Colorado with offices in Grand Junction as well as Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Rifle and Telluride. The firm offers a range of services. For more information, call 243-1921 or visit www.dalbycpa.com.

n WOMEN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE OPENS IN DOWNTOWN FRUITA The Barn Boutique has opened in Fruita.

Located at 210 E. Aspen Ave, the store sells women’s clothing as well as accessories, art and bath products.

Owner Emily Kempton said the store caters to women of all ages and sizes and will host events intended to promote connections.

“I am so excited to bring a new boutique to downtown Fruita,” Kempton said. “I started my community to empower women to feel at home in their bodies and enjoy the shopping experience. We’ve grown into a large tribe of women who want to support each other in all walks of life. The clothes are an avenue, but the real heart of this business is helping women connect and have fun.”

For more information, visit www.thebarnboutiquefruita.com. n GRAND VALLEY TRANSIT OFFERING FARE FREE FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS Grand Valley Transit offers free rides on all fixed bus routes Fridays and Saturdays through August as part of an effort to welcome students and their families back to school.

The promotion also will offer those who haven’t tried Grand Valley Transit an opportunity to try the service and reward those who already use GVT with free days.

For more information about routes and schedules, visit the website at https://gvt.mesacounty.us. n HBA SEEKS BUILDERS AND SPONSORS TO PARTICIPATE IN PARADE OF HOMES The Housing and Building Association of Western Colorado is looking for builders and sponsors to participate in the Parade of Homes set for Oct. 7 to 9 and Oct. 14 to 16.

For more information about builder entries and sponsorships, contact the HBA of Western Colorado at 243-0253 or send an email to office@hbawesternco.com.

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Del Taco promotes its value menu to counter inflation Del Taco promotes its menu of 20 items for sale for under $2 as way for customers to counter inflation.

The menu includes crispy chicken tacos for $1.49. The tacos include crispy chicken strips, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese and a choice of ranch, habanero or chipotle sauce served on warm flour tortillas.

“Inflation has made it difficult for Americans to enjoy some of their favorite experiences without breaking the bank, so we’ve made it a point at Del Taco to continue to lead the fast food industry with everyday value, freshness and flavor guests can count on,” said Tim Hackbardt, chief marketing officer for Del Taco. “With inflation at a 40-year high, we like to say it’s the right menu at the right time.”

august 11-24, 2022

Del Taco also added to its menu a nachotada crunchtada featuring a crunchy corn shell, beans, seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, sour cream and jalapenos.

A new chicken, queso and guac crunchtada includes chicken, queso blanco and house-made guacamole.

The $3 breakfiesta includes two egg and cheese breakfast rollers and five hash brown sticks.

A strawberry pinata shake feature M&M candies.

Del Taco operates a total of 600 restaurants in 16 states, including locations at 2513 U.S. Highway 6 & 50 and 2878 North Ave. in Grand Junction. For more information, visit www.deltaco.com.

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August 11-24, 2022

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BusinessBriefs Briefs Business BusinessPeople People Almanac Business Almanac

Lisa Thon-Kollar

The Business Times

Kelsey Tinsley

Paige Curtiss

Seth Knighton

Megan Loberg

Belen Salinas

Accounting firm announces promotions Dalby, Wendland & Co. announced seven promotions within the Western Colorado accounting and consulting firm.

Rachel Schlepp, Lisa Thon-Kollar and Kelsey Tinsley, all certified public accountants, were named principals.

Paige Curtiss, Seth Knighton and Megan Loberg were named tax supervisors. Belen Salinas was named tax senior.

Schlepp joined Dalby Wendland in 2015 and specializes in taxation, business consulting and estate planning, Rachel Schlepp including work for clients in the construction and real estate sectors. She holds bachelor’s and master’s of business administration degrees from Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

Thon-Kollar joined the firm in 2006 and focuses on business and individual taxation, accounting and planning services, including work for the construction and hospitality sectors. She holds bachelor’s degrees from Western Colorado University in Gunnison and Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

Tinsley joined the firm in 2011 and has developed expertise in attest and accounting services, including

outsourced chief financial and controller services. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado Mesa University.

Curtiss, also a CPA, joined the firm in 2018. She prepares business and individual tax returns and also assists with business valuations. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

Knighton started his career with Dalby Wendland in 2017. He works with clients in a variety of industries, including the automotive, medical and real estate sectors.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado Mesa University.

Loberg joined the firm in 2018. She provides income tax preparation services for businesses and individuals. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Colorado University.

Salinas joined the firm as an intern in 2014 and became a full-time member of the staff in 2015. She became a tax staff accountant in 2019 and provides services to businesses and individuals.

Dalby, Wendland & Co. operates the largest public accounting firm headquartered in Western Colorado.

The firm operates offices in Grand Junction as well as Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Rifle and Telluride.

For more information, call 243-1921 or visit the website located at www.DalbyCPA.com.

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n GRAND VALLEY REAL ESTATE AGENT MAKES COLDWELL BANKER 30 UNDER 30 LIST

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Kenzie Ross, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties in Grand Junction, has been named to the Coldwell Banker’s 30 Under 30 list.

The list honors agents under the age of 30 who’ve excelled in sales as well as leadership and philanthropy.

The latest recipients were selected from among more than 100,000 agents Kenzie Ross affiliated with 2,200 offices in a total of 40 countries and territories.

Ross joined Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties in March 2020. In addition to her work in real estate, she volunteers with Colorado Special Olympics and the State Summer Games at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

“Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties is incredibly proud to celebrate Kenzie’s accomplishments and commends

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. her dedication to serve both her clients and the community,” said Todd Conklin, chairman of the firm. “We continue to be inspired by the young professionals on our team, and we are thrilled to be recognizing the fourth agent in our company’s history to receive this prestigious award.”

M. Ryan Gorman, chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate, also praised the latest winners. “The 30 Under 30 award highlights our newest and brightest professionals.”

Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties serves a total of 10 markets in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri and Montana.

For more information, visit www.cbdistinctive.com.

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Aug. 11 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Grand Valley Primary Care, 101 Jurassic Ave. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Aug. 16 n Presentation on cash flows for small businesses, noon to 1 p.m., Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Class on the basics of operating agreements, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Business Incubator Center. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business river float, 5 p.m., Rimrock Adventures, 927 Colorado Highway 340, Fruita. Admission $35. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 Aug. 17 n Free webinar on Google analytics, 10 to 11 a.m. https://gjincubator.org or 243-5242 Aug. 19 n Open Coffee Club free networking meeting, 9 to 10 a.m., FWorks, 325 E. Aspen Ave. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Aug. 23 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business toolbox presentation with human resource updates, noon to 1 p.m. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org Upcoming n Welcome Thursday Friends networking, 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, 360 Grand Ave. 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. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business free networking luncheon, noon to 1 p.m.

Sept. 1, Business Incubator Center. Participants should bring a salad, soup or side dish to share. https://fruitachamber.org or 858-3894 n Presentation on using social media to grow a business, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 8, Business Incubator Center. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8, Family Health West, 300 W. Ottley Ave. Admission $5 for chamber members, $10 for others. 858-3894 or https://fruitachamber.org See ALMANAC page 31

August 11-24, 2022

People

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The Business Times

Landon Law has joined Bray & Co. Real Estate in Grand Junction.

Law grew up in the Grand Valley and recently returned.

She brings to her duties experience not only in real estate, Landon Law but also her work as a bartender, receptionist, valet, waitress, wrangler, manager of a small chain of pet

stores and professional dog groomer.

“I have always enjoyed working with animals just as much as people. I believe being patient has helped me succeed in my client relationships, furry and not,” she said.

She said she strives to make sure real estate buyers and sellers feel comfortable with their decisions as well as help them find a home that constitutes a good fit.

“I am so grateful to be back home, and I look forward to helping my clients find their homes, too.”

Bray & Co. operates residential and commercial offices as well as a property management office. For more information, call 242-3647 or visit the website located at www.brayandco.com.

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Continued from page 30 Upcoming n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce quarterly membership luncheon, noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 19, Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. Admission $25 for chamber members, $30 for others. https:// gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Palisade Chamber of Commerce business after hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Sept. 21, Dancing Moon Bed & Breakfast, 568 34 Road, Clifton. Admission for members $5 in advance and $6 at the

door. Admission for others $8 in advance and $10 at the door. www.palisadecoc.com or 464-7458 n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27, River City Sportsplex, 2515 Riverside Parkway, Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 242-3214 or https://gjchamber.org n Bookkeeping boot camp, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29, Business Incubator Center. Admission $75. 243-5242 or https://gjincubator.org F

n REAL ESTATE COMPANY ANNOUNCES ADDITION

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