The Business Times Volume 27 Issue 24

THE BUSINESS T IMES News DECEMBER 24, 2020-JANUARY 13, 2021

Trendsto Eager Contributors show up Opinion

THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS NEWS SINCE 1994

In this issue

n Winds of change

2

Tailwinds and headwinds are forecast for Mesa County in the year ahead, according to an economic outlook report.

n Survey says ...

Survey results once again reflect the varied effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Grand Valley businesses.

2

n New chairwoman ready to contribute to chamber efforts.

See page 2

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 24

THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Business Briefs 4 Business People Almanac

n Healthy efforts

A Grand Valley couple make it their business to help people keep their New Year’s resolutions, even in a pandemic.

n Remote hub

5

An IT firm is recruiting in the Grand Valley as part of plans to create a remote work hub and increase job opportunities.

n Rising rate

Katie Powell serves as president of Munro Companies and oversees a Grand Junction operation that makes and sells pumps, pump controls and other equipment.

Powell also will serve as chairwoman of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce board.

19

The monthly jobless rate has increased in Mesa County as a pandemic and winter weather affect employment.

n Taking a punch

21

If everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth, 2020 was for many businesses that punch.

n Departments Almanac Business Briefs Business People Contributors News Opinion Trends

30 28 30 21-24 2-18 26-27 19-20

Business Times photo by Phil Castle

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THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Tailwinds, Trends Eager toContributors show up headwinds forecast for Mesa County Opinion K Business Briefs Business People Almanac Chamber chairwoman ready for challenges of a rebuilding year

Phil Castle

The Business Times

atie Powell foresees a challenging year ahead for Grand Valley businesses in recovering from the effects of a pandemic.

But Powell believes the world can be changed by those who show up and care enough to act. And the incoming chairwoman of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors remains resolute in her intentions. “I’m absolutely going to show up.”

She expects to bring with her a variety of experiences and skills from her career, the last eight years with Munro Companies and the last year as president of a long-running family operation that manufactures and sells pumps, pump controls and related equipment.

She also brings with her a familiarity with the area in which she grew up and that enticed her to return.

Diane Schwenke, president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction chamber, says Powell offers a unique perspective as a young woman overseeing a manufacturing operation.

She offers something else, Schwenke says. “She has great leadership skills.”

Katie Powell serves as president of Munro Companies and oversees a Powell says she’s a bit intimidated to Grand Junction operation that manufactures and sells pumps, pump serve as a board chairwoman and what’s controls and related equipment. Powell also will serve as chairwoman in effect a leader of leaders, but also eager of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors. to do so. “I’m excited and humbled by the as a catalyst for business and economic growth, convener of opportunity to serve both the chamber and the Mesa County leaders and influencers and champion for a strong community. business community.”

“I love the simplicity of that.”

Powell starts her year-long term in January. She succeeds Those efforts are more important than ever, she says, in Vance Wagner, regional president of ANB Bank in Western helping businesses recover from the effects of the coronavirus Colorado. pandemic and related restrictions.

Powell says she expects to participate in the process of She cites as one example chamber involvement in a decision-making as well as serve as a voice for the board program allowing participating businesses following public and help carry out chamber initiatives. She also wants to health guidelines and safety practices to operate under less make chamber members and those considering membership stringent conditions. The Mesa County 5 Star program serves aware of benefits that include not only networking, but also as a model for what’s become a statewide effort. education and advocacy.

See SHOW UP page 18 She says chamber efforts can be encapsulated in three Cs

STORY AND PHOTO BY PHIL CASTLE

Both tailwinds and headwinds are forecast for Mesa County in the year ahead, according to the latest version of an annual economic outlook report.

Mesa County has fared well in the midst of a pandemic in terms of rising wages, construction activity and bank deposits. The leisure and hospitality and energy sectors have fared less well, R. Wobbekind however, with declines in commercial air traffic and oil and natural gas drilling.

The prospects for 2021 are similarly mixed, said Richard Wobbekind, senior economist at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

The business research division of the Leeds School prepares the annual report, which includes sections for various industry sectors and geographic areas.

Wobbekind reviewed the report during an online event hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

Nonfarm payrolls have rebounded in Mesa County to employment levels before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, he said. “You’ve had a nice bounce back.”

Education and health services is among the sectors gaining jobs, while the energy sector has lost jobs. Businesses providing personal services have been hit especially hard by the pandemic and related restrictions, Wobbekind said.

The Mesa County labor force has yet to return to peak employment levels in 2009, however, he added.

Wages paid in the second quarter of 2020 were up 3.6 percent over the same quarter in 2019, a gain Wobbekind said was one of the healthiest in Colorado.

See FORECAST page 14

Chamber survey results reflect varied pandemic effects Phil Castle

The Business Times

Diane Schwenke

Survey results once again reflect the varied effects the coronavirus pandemic has exerted on Grand Valley businesses.

“It’s a real mixed bag,” said Diane Schwenke, president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

A total of 24 percent of the business owners and managers who responded to the latest chamber

survey reported business income was up over last year or the pandemic hadn’t affected income.

“I think that’s a real positive,” Schwenke said.

At the same time, 32 percent of respondents said they have two months or less of cash reserves on hand and 70 percent reported less than six months in reserves.

“As this lingers, our businesses are more and more at risk.” Schwenke said.

The survey, completed Dec. 15, was the seventh conducted by the chamber since the onset of the

pandemic to track the effects of COVID-19 and related restrictions on local businesses. A total of 180 business owners and managers responded to the latest survey, including those in the construction, financial, professional services and retail sectors.

More 40 percent of those who responded represented firms with less than 10 employees.

Asked about the effects of COVID-19 on business income, 15 percent of those who responded said income had increased over last year.

See SURVEY page 18

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

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

well-rounded perspective to new Mesa County role Phil Castle

as well as New England and Canada.

Whidden said people who work in information technology aren’t just “geeks,” Frank Whidden brings what he but offer an important perspective because considers a well-rounded perspective to his they’re familiar with nearly every aspect of new job as Mesa County administrator. operations and how work gets done. They Whidden worked also tend to think about new and potentially in information better ways of doing things in asking and technology and holds answering “what if ” questions. “They know a master’s degree in how to effect change in an organization.” computer information Whidden expects to bring that same systems. But he also approach to his duties as administrator. holds a doctoral Whidden said it’s his role to help degree in applied county commissioners make and then management and implement decisions. The commissioners decision making and Frank Whidden in turn represent the residents of the worked for more than county and express their will, he said. “We 20 years as a minister. Whidden has work for the people.” worked for large and small organizations Whidden said he also considers himself in both the private and public sectors. a liaison between the commissioners and Whidden expects to draw on all of his county staff, and one of the priorities is to experiences in helping Mesa County make sure employees feel valued. Whidden commissioners make and carry out decisions. said he hopes not only to improve morale, Valuing staff and making the county but also take steps that will make Mesa Jimemployer Ettenger and Nikki Wilke operate Mesa offering a range an of choice is among theGrand County anWellness, organization for which people of health and wellness services.want Thetocouple priorities, Whidden said.coaching So is planning work. recently opened a studio for individual small group training. a busy year for the couple that results inand sustainable funding and It’s been Meanwhile, Whidden expectswith the a new business and a new son, Lincoln.

(Business Times photo by Phil Castle) balanced budgets on a long-term basis. county to continue policies and initiatives Meanwhile, Mesa County will that support local business and economic continue to pursue efforts that promote a development. There are additional steps friendly business environment and that can be taken to make it easier for local economic development, Whidden said. businesses to sell products and services to Whidden officially began working as the county, he added. county administrator at the beginning of Mesa County will keep working with Phil Castle the year. He The succeeds Tom Fisher, who was other government entities, organizations FOR YOUR INFORMATION Business Times hired as county manager in Summit and institutions on fostering an environment Forsupports more information about County, Utah. existing businesses and People remain no less resolved at the thatGrand Mesa Wellness, call Whidden joined Mesa County in attracts new businesses, he said. beginning of a new year to lose weight, get 422-3144 visit there the website August 2011 as information technology Whidden orsaid could atbe a fit and make other changes in their lives. www.grandmesawellness.com. director. In April 2014, he became deputy opportunities to encourage the additional What will be different, Jim Ettenger county administrator for resource development of businesses that provide and Nikki Wilke expect, is the ways people management in a staffing reorganization services to the agricultural industry as well will keep their resolutions in the midst of a Ettenger helps clients with training that eliminated four director positions. as promote Mesa County as a distribution pandemic. to improve strength, endurance and Before joining Mesa County, center for the region.

“We’re here to help them out,” Ettenger performance as well as rehabilitate Whidden worked for a company providing The important thing is to consider said. injuries. That includes training for athletes information technology services to issues from a well-rounded perspective, Ettenger and Wilke operate Grand Mesa competing in triathlons. colleges and universities. In that role, he Whidden said. “We won’t be myopic as we Wellness in Grand Junction. They offer Ettenger works with clients in a studio managed IT systems and services for look at things.” a range of health and wellness coaching located in the former R-5 High School institutions in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois services that collectively take a holistic on Seventh Street ✦in Grand Junction. approach to promoting physical, mental and The studio is small at 700 square feet, spiritual well-being. A new studio provides but features equipment and machines to what the couple said is a safe place for accommodate most workouts, he said. individuals and small groups to exercise.

A versatile machine branded as a Total The couple combine their experiences Gym takes the place of dozen machines, and training in their venture. Ettenger has he said. A NordicTrack treadmill and cycle worked more than 25 years as a personal similarly offer a variety of workouts and trainer and coach and competed in world come with monitors displaying videos of triathlon championships. Wilke has worked walks, runs and cycling routes from around as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner. the world.

The couple also completed additional Wilke said equipment is wiped down training in heath coaching. and the studio sanitized between sessions to The couple tailor their services to ensure safety. Everyone wears face coverings. individuals and small groups. An initial “The big thing is safety.” consultation is free and includes a review Ettenger and Wilke also help clients of medical histories and a discussion of develop home workouts. That addresses short- and long-term goals. what for some clients has been a challenge Subsequent sessions cover everything because of the pandemic. from exercise to nutrition to well-being.

See HEALTHY page 16 The Business Times

Business helping clients keep healthy resolutions

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

The Business Times

IT firm plans to create Grand Valley work hub An information technology company is recruiting in the Grand Valley to fill new positions.

Pax8 has announced plans to create a remote work hub in Grand Junction as part of its efforts to increase employment opportunities in rural areas across Colorado.

Job openings at Pax8 range from entry level sales positions to support and software engineering positions.

“Pax8 has done its due diligence, touring Grand Junction and learning more about our community,” said Mara Hardy, business development manager at the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.

Mara Hardy “They’ve identified it as a great place to live and do business and a place with highly qualified talent. It aligns well with their mission and goals, and we are excited about the new opportunities for our residents.”

Based in the Denver metro area, Pax8 works primarily with managed service providers to simplify the way they buy, sell and manage cloud solutions. The company was founded in 2012 and has ranked among the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States for the past three years, according to an annual listing compiled for a Inc. magazine.

“Our mission is to build an inclusive culture that encourages and celebrates diversity and inspires positive change in our people and communities,” said Cleve Lewis, vice president of empowerment programs at Pax8. “Supporting collaborative economic

FOR YOUR INFORMATION For more information about Pax8 and employment opportunities with the company, log on to www.pax8.com/careers.

development programs across the state is key to helping us achieve our goal of empowering underserved communities as well as fostering the successful growth of Pax8 over the next decade.”

By one estimate, the Pax8 expansion could create more than 1,800 jobs in Colorado over the next eight years. The company already employs remote workers in Colorado Springs and other communities along the Interstate Highway 25 corridor.

In February, Pax8 was the first company to receive Location Neutral Employee (LONE) incentives. The program provides approved companies with a state job growth incentive tax credit as well as cash incentives for each remote worker employed in an eligible rural county.

Pax8 is the second recipient of LONE incentives planning to expand in Western Colorado.

INFOCU5, a technology company headquartered in Telluride, relocated an office from California to Grand Junction.

The company moved a dozen employees from Pasadena and hired 30 people previously employed at StarTek, a Grand Junction call center that closed earlier this year. Over the next three years, INFOCU5 expects to hire up to 300 employees with an average annual salary of $60,513.

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City of Fruita among winners of state transportation grants The City of Fruita was among 14 recipients of state grants designed to promote public health and the economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fruita received a $50,000 grant through the Colorado Department of Transportation Revitalizing Main Streets program. The city must provide a $5,000 matching contribution.

The grant will be used to install new signs along the Colorado Riverfront Trail, a non-motorized paved route connecting Fruita, Grand Junction and Palisade. The project is designed to improve access, connectivity, education, navigation and safety.

“The Revitalizing Main Streets program is a great way for Coloradans to take an active role in the use of their transportation and mobility infrastructure,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.

“From winterizing restaurant patios to increasing accessibility, Coloradans have come up with excellent ideas that will benefit our communities and economy

while helping to provide the spread of COVID-19,” Polis said.

Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, said the grants will support participating communities, their economies and the people who live there.

“We are pleased to see so many parts of the state putting this program to good use, including as we head into winter, where continuing to focus on active transportation, even in the cold, will be especially important,” Lewis said.

Cities, towns and other public agencies are eligible for grants to modify state highways, local roadways or other spaces to promote social distancing and economic activity.

Since the program began in June, 59 grants have been awarded, including a $47,000 grant to the Downtown Grand Junction Business Improvement District to help restaurants expand outdoor dining options.

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The Business Times

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Business group polls Colorado members on issues Members of a small business advocacy group in Colorado favor protection from unmerited lawsuits related to the pandemic, according to the latest results of an annual poll.

Members — most of them small business owners — also supported a fee on electric vehicles if the money is used for highway maintenance and construction. But they opposed a road Tony Gagliardi use tax or increase in fuel taxes.

“Some of the responses were of little surprise, but we ask them anyway to gauge intensity of feeling,” said Tony Gagliardi, Colorado director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

The NFIB polls members about a variety of state and

federal issues and uses the results as the basis for lobbying in state capitols and Washington, D.C. In Colorado, the NFIB asked members seven questions in preparation for the upcoming legislative session.

More than 98 percent of members who responded to the poll said businesses should be protected from unmerited COVID-19 lawsuits. More than 90 percent of those who responded said Colorado law should align with federal law to prevent the taxation of forgiven funds from Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Nearly 82 percent of respondents opposed the elimination of selected business tax credits and exemptions to balance the state budget.

Almost 62 percent of respondents indicated they’d support a fee on all electric vehicles if the revenue was used exclusively for highway maintenance and construction.

Nearly 66 percent indicated they’d oppose a 10-cent a gallon increase in fuel tax to fund highway projects.

Respondents were more evenly divided in their opinions on issuing bonds to pay for highway maintenance and construction. While nearly 43 percent were opposed, almost 36 percent were in favor and about 22 percent undecided.

More than 78 percent of respondents came out against a tax based on vehicle miles traveled to fund highway projects.

“What I think of more interest are the answers to four questions on highway maintenance and construction,” Gagliardi said. “Except for one, our members are certain in their opinions. But there are signs of wiggle room if a legislative bill can be crafted and sold right.”

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Grant to fund Riverbend Park improvements

Work is expected to begin in February on additional improvements to Riverbend Park in Palisade funded by a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado.

A $20,900 grant was awarded to the Town of Palisade in partnership with Desert Rivers Collaborative for ongoing work at the park.

A crew from the Western Colorado Conservation Corps will work with staff from the Town of Palisade to remove tamarisk and Russian olives as well as restore native vegetation. Representatives from Desert Rivers Collaborative will provide crew members revegetation training and teach them other skills.

The work is part of a multi-year effort to remove invasive plants at the park along the Colorado River. The work is expected to enhance recreational opportunities at the park as well as benefit wildlife.

The grant is part of a Great Outdoors Colorado effort with the Colorado Youth Corps Association to offer funding to hire conservation service corps for outdoor recreation and natural resource stewardship projects. Corps members earn a stipend for their work and an AmeriCorps education award to use for college or to reduce student loans.

“The investments by GOCO arrive at a critical time for our Colorado public lands and our young people,” said Scott Segerstrom, executive director of the CYCA. “These projects create jobs across the state while ensuring our iconic public lands are well-maintained and accessible to improve the physical and emotional well-being of Coloradans.”

Great Outdoors Colorado uses a portion of proceeds from the Colorado Lottery to preserve and enhance parks, wildlife areas and open spaces. Since 1992, GOCO has funded a total of more than 5,300 projects in all 64 counties of Colorado.

To date, GOCO has invested nearly $46 million in projects in Mesa County, including the Lunch Loops, Palisade Plunge and Riverfront Trails, Palisade Skate Park and Highline Lake State Park.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

The Business Times

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The Business Times

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Applications sought for Colorado arts relief funding Online applications will be accepted through Jan. 8 under a new initiative providing pandemic relief funds for businesses, organizations and individuals involved in arts, culture and entertainment in Colorado.

“Colorado’s arts, culture and entertainment industries play a critical role in our economy and are essential parts of our recovery and resiliency,” said Margaret Hunt, director of Colorado Creative Industries. “The Colorado Arts Relief program offers direct relief to individuals, businesses and organizations most severely impacted by COVID-19 capacity restrictions.”

By one estimate, creative industries in Colorado generated $31.6 billion in the sales of goods and services in 2019.

In the aftermath of the pandemic and related restrictions, arts and culture organizations experienced losses in employment and revenue. Between April and July,

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Online applications for the Colorado Arts Relief Fund will be accepted through 4 p.m. Jan. 8 at the website at https://oedit.colorado.gov/ colorado-arts-relief-grant. creative industries lost 59,600 jobs and $2.6 billion. The estimated losses will contract the region’s creative economy by 31 percent in terms of employment and 8 percent in annual sales revenue.

Enacted during a special session of the Colorado Legislature, the initiative directs up to $7.5 million in relief payments to eligible artists, crew members and organizations. Funding will be distributed through

separate grant applications processes — one for businesses and organizations and another for individuals.

The Colorado Arts Relief Fund for businesses and organizations will provide general operating support grants to arts, culture and entertainment organizations who operate under a business model in which ticket sales or physical foot traffic constitute a significant portion of total annual revenue affected by venue closures due to the pandemic.

The Colorado Arts Relief Fund for individuals will provide grants up to $2,500 designed to assist arts, culture and entertainment artists and crew members experiencing income loss due to government-mandated closures and have been unable to generate meaningful income to replace income lost through the cancellation of events, classes, performances and other related work.

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Film commission receives recognition for initiative with Ute Mountain Utes The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM) received recognition for a short film featuring young members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe telling their stories.

An international panel of judges bestowed a commendation on the Colorado entry in the Makers & Shakers Film Commission Initiative of the Year awards ceremony.

“We are humbled that Colorado’s inclusive stories have resonated so deeply,” said Donald Zuckerman, director of the COFTM. “Films tell our many stories, and it is immensely gratifying to see filmmaking actually shape new chapters of inclusion and opportunity. We are indebted to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the lieutenant governor’s office for making this project possible.”

Colorado Film School instructors conducted two-week summer workshops in Towaoc in 2019 to introduce Ute Mountain Ute students to filmmaking, culminating in the short film. Six high school students created a 9-minute documentary exploring the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park, which premiered at the Denver International Film Festival and was invited to screen at the Durango International and Breckenridge film festivals. After its Denver premiere, the students were awarded with The Denver Academy’s Special Jury Prize.

Although the workshops were suspended in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the program is scheduled to resume in 2021. The COFTM could launch a similar program aimed at Native American communities in the Front Range.

Manuel Heart, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Chairman, congratulated the COFTM for the award.

“The choices we make are for the future generations, and this film highlights the importance of teaching our traditions and songs to our children. We have come a long way from our past history and we have a long way to go to ensure a better future for our children,” Heart said.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

The Business Times

Page 9

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Toni Heiden-Moran, left, president of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction, and her grandson, Anthony Heiden, joined in an annual Kiwanis-Rotary bell ringing contest to raise funds for the Salvation Army. Members of the two service clubs raised a total of $42,000. (Photo courtesy Mike Moran)

Local service clubs offer a ringing endorsement of Salvation Army efforts Mike Moran

Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction

The coronairus pandemic has affected not only businesses, but also nonprofit organizations in the Grand Valley.

Capt. Joe West, director of the Salvation Army in Grand Junction, said demand for services has increased even as the pandemic forced the closure of a thirft store that generated revenue.

But recent efforts by two Mesa County service clubs raised money for the Salvation Army as well as a project to provide playgrounds for local children.

On Dec. 5, members of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction and Grand Junction Rotary Club volunteered to staff red kettles and ring bills at more than 30 locations.

The clubs raised a total of more than $42,000 in donations at the kettles and from club members. Rotary traditionally raises more funds, and this year contributed $35,520.

Toni Heiden-Moran, president of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction, said the effort demonstrates how the clubs work together for the betterment of the community. “The competition between our clubs is all in fun.”

Tami Bear, president of the Grand Junction Rotary Club, agreed. “No matter which team you support, Rotary or Kiwanis, you can know that your drop in the bucket will add to many other drops, hopefully spilling over to help many who are in need.”

West said the effort constitutes the single biggest fund-raising day of the year for Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has experienced

increased demand for food, clothing and shelter because of job losses and financial hardships accompanied by the economic downturn in the midst of a pandemic, West said.

“The Army served about 460 families a month pre-COVID, and it’s currently serving about 600 families a month,” West said in a presentation to the Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction in late November.

Pandemic-related restrictions resulted in the closure of the Salvation Army thrift store. “We lost $140,000 in thrift store income while we were closed down, our pantry doubled its output and we started offering rental assistance, a new program,” West said.

At the same time, though, there's been an increase in contributions to the Salvation Army, particularly during the holiday season, he said. “We saw kettle contributions increase from $40 an hour per kettle last year to about $100 per kettle this year.”

Kiwanians also helped organize and participated in the annual Santa Cause Run, an event to raise funds for inclusive playgrounds for children with physical, social and emotional needs.

The 1- and 5-kilometer run was conducted virtually this year. Participants registered online and picked up their Santa suits and other gear at Lincoln Park. Participants were asked to run or jog on their own during a seven-day period. Event sponsors contributed funds toward the playground project. The event is staged in conjunction with the City of Grand Junction Department of Parks and Recreation.

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The Business Times

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Videos showcase small business Can Do efforts A nonprofit organization and video production company have combined efforts to produce a series of videos designed to inspire consumer confidence in small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Energize Colorado and Denver-based Telideo Productions produced the videos for the Can Do Colorado campaign. The productions are part of annual pro bono efforts for Telideo The Can Do Colorado campaign encourages consumers to support local businesses that remain open and are following public health orders and safety practices.

“The mission of the Can Do Colorado campaign is to replace the seemingly endless, “you can’t,” messages of the pandemic with stories from business owners with the “can do” mindset sharing the creative ways they’ve changed their

business operations to continue providing services,” said Zaneta Kelsey, who’s leading campaign volunteer efforts.

“The campaign has its sights set on building an inclusive, resilient economy that not only supports businesses during the pandemic, but thrives well beyond.”

The video series is part of the new content and resources Can Do Colorado offers in support of its mission.

The series features interviews with small business owners demonstrating the safety measures and additional steps they’re taking during the pandemic to ensure consumer safety and confidence.

“Consumers see the videos, feel encouraged to patronize businesses in their communities and nominate other businesses to feature on Can Do Colorado’s website,” Kelsey said.

With the help of Telideo Productions and other volunteers, Energize Colorado will continue to engage with the more than 2.7 million consumers across the state throughout the pandemic and beyond, Kelsey said.

Peter Horton, founder and managing director of Telideo, praised the effort. “The pandemic has had a detrimental effect on our local business community. And as a sixth generation Coloradan and business owner, I felt it necessary to partner with an organization this year that’s supporting local businesses through these challenging times.”

For more information about the Energize Colorado Can Do Colorado campaign, visit the website located at www.EnergizeColorado.com/CanDo. F

Applications sought for specialty crop block grant program

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 15 for a specialty crop block grant program.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture joins with the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the annual grant program to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through education, nutrition, promotion, research and trade.

Specialty crops include fruits and dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, tree nuts and vegetables.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture expects that about $700,000 will be available for grants this year, with approved projects starting in early 2022.

Producer groups, organizations and associations as well as state and local organizations, academia and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts. Grants will not be awarded to projects that solely benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual.

“It is inspiring to see the innovative and important work being done by producers and organizations year after year to enhance the competitiveness of Colorado-grown fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops,” said Jennifer Benson, a grants specialist with the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

In recent years, funds have been awarded to dozens of organizations, helping them to conduct research and create new market opportunities for specialty crops.

Recent grants included funds for the Colorado Farmers Market Association to promote specialty crops at farmers’ markets and for the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee to distribute locally grown potatoes to public schools along with educational content for students, faculty and parents.

Program guidelines and applications are available online at the website at https://ag.colorado.gov/markets/marketsfunding/specialty-crop-block-grant.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

The Business Times

Page 11

Page 12 Renovations at the Grand Manor affordable housing community in Grand Junction included kitchen upgrades and new flooring in apartments.

Rocky Mountain Communities completed more than $2.4 million worth of work at Grand Manor (Photo courtesy Rocky Mountain Communities)

The Business Times

Renovation work completed at affordable housing complex A nonprofit organization that owns and manages an affordable housing community in Grand Junction has completed more than $2.4 million in renovations there.

Rocky Mountain Communities completed the work at Grand Manor on Orchard Avenue.

The renovations included updates to the property, including fence and roof replacements, parking lot repairs, retaining wall construction and sewer and water line repairs. A maintenance shop also was built.

Interior renovations to apartments included air furnace replacements, bathroom and kitchen upgrades and new flooring.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Communities, visit https://rockymountaincommunities.org.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Team builds PufferBot to improve drone safety

A team of engineers at the University of Colorado at Boulder has designed a robot that’s inspired by a pufferfish — and it could make flying drones safer in the not-so-distant future.

PufferBot is the brainchild of graduate student Hooman Hedayati and his colleagues at the ATLAS Institute at CU. The quadcopter drone comes with a plastic shield that can expand in size at a moment’s notice, forming a robotic airbag that could prevent dangerous collisions between people and machines.

“We were trying to design a safer robot that could communicate safety information to the user,” Hedayati said. “We started by looking at how animals do the same thing.”

Drones are becoming more ubiquitous, taking on tasks from inspecting bridges for cracks to delivering packages. But as these machines proliferate in homes and workplaces, safety will be more important than ever.

“I’ve been working with drones for years, but whenever I go out and fly robots, I still feel not confident,” Hedayati said. “What happens if it falls on someone and hurts them?

Technologies like PufferBot can help.”

That safety mindset forms the bulk of Hedayati’s research.

Hedayati and his colleagues have previously experimented with using augmented reality (AR) tools to keep humans and robots from bumping into each other.

But what happens if those kinds of tools don’t work? Enter PufferBot, the robot inspired by some of nature’s weirdest fish.

“Imagine someone is walking closer to a robot, and there’s no way for it to escape,” Hedayati said.

In practice, PufferBot looks less like a fish and more like a Hoberman sphere, one of those expandable plastic balls found at toy stores. The robot’s “airbag” is made out of hoops of plastic that are fastened to its top and can inflate from roughly 20 inches to 33 inches in diameter.

Under normal circumstances, the shield collapses and stays out of the way. But when danger is close, that’s when PufferBot puffs up, extending those hoops over its four, spinning rotors to keep them away from people and obstacles.

The shield is able to sustain a wide range of potential collisions and weighs a little over a pound —light enough it won’t impede flying.

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Forecast

Continued from page 2 Personal income also has increased, Wobbekind said.

A jump in deposits constitutes good news for banks, he said, although more lending is needed to bolster the economy.

Construction activity has increased in Mesa County in terms of both building permits and valuation, he said. The construction of multi-family housing contributed to the gain.

Mesa County has experienced one of the biggest increases in home price appreciation in Colorado, although prices remain lower than other areas of the state.

At the same time, energy exploration and development activity has decreased in Western Colorado with a continued decline in drilling permits, he said.

Tourism has declined as well in the aftermath of the pandemic, Wobbekind said. Enplanements at the Grand Junction Regional Airport — the number of passengers boarding regularly scheduled commercial flights — has dropped more than 40 percent on a year-over-year basis.

The outlook is more promising for the agricultural sector, although drought conditions persist and a spring freeze damaged the Grand Valley peach crop.

Mesa County could benefit from the relocation of people who have the ability work remotely from urban to more rural areas, Wobbekind said. It’s not certain, though, whether the moves will be temporary or more permanent.

Statewide, Wobbekind said payrolls are expected to grow next year, but not enough to recoup job losses attributed to the pandemic and related restrictions.

Payrolls are expected to increase 40,500 in 2021, about a third of estimated job losses for 2020.

The two industry sectors hit hardest by the pandemic in 2020 are expected to recoup the most jobs in 2021, he said. Employment is expected to increase 19,200 in the leisure and hospitality sector and 14,700 in the trade, transportation and utilities sector.

Payrolls are forecast to increase 4,500 for the education and health services sector, 4,400 for professional and business services, 2,500 for financial activities and 2,300 for manufacturing. The natural resources and mining sector likely will gain about 400 net new jobs in 2021 as oil and natural gas prices move higher, Wobbekind said.

Government payrolls are predicted to decline 6,900 as budgets shrink, he said.

Nationally, it remains uncertain when the economy will return to levels before the pandemic and what that recovery will look like, Wobbekind said. While payrolls have increased, employment remains 9.2 million below February.

Vaccines and strong retail sales could provide economic tailwinds in 2021, he said.

But the ongoing effects of the pandemic poses a headwind, as does a downturn in tourism. The list of what’s unknown is even longer, including the effects of the shift to remote work and changing consumer behaviors.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Jim Ettenger rides a NordicTrack cycle at the Grand Mesa Wellness studio.

(Business Times photo by Phil Castle)

Healthy

Continued from page 4 “It’s a hurdle to be creative and get a regimen at home,” Wilke said.

Along with losing weight and improving fitness, many clients seek relief from increased stress related to the pandemic, Wilke said. Relationships and sleep also affect well-being.

Since everything is related, one aspect of a person’s life affects the others, Ettenger said.

Health and wellness coaches help in not only holding their clients accountable for making changes to improve their lives, but also reminding them of the progress they’ve made and celebrating their success, Wilke said.

In addition to their new studio, Ettenger and Wilke plan to offer training and other activities outdoors when the weather warms. They’d also like to offer additional facilities and activities on property they own on the Grand Mesa east of Grand Junction. They expect to extend their geographic reach farther in working with clients online.

While the beginning of a new year brings new resolutions to lose weight, get fit and make other changes, the pandemic presents challenges to those efforts.

Ettenger and Wilke said they offer a variety of resources to empower people to keep their resolutions and ultimately enjoy more rewarding lives.

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Show up

Continued from page 2 “I’ve been so impressed with the way the chamber has responded to things in the last year,” Powell says.

Business owners and managers also deserve credit for their resilience, providing jobs and contributing to the community, she says. “I see leading a business as a service.”

Moreover, many businesses have been innovative in finding new ways to provide products and services, she says. “In any change or crisis, there is opportunity.”

Powell has been leading Munro Companies for more than a year. She’s worked with her father, Allen Munro, at the company for more than eight years as a vice president.

The operation traces its origin back more than 120 years to the Munro Mercantile stores Fred Munro and his son, J.R., operated in Rifle and other Western Colorado locations. J.R. Munro and his son, Jack, subsequently joined with D.G. Son to open S&M Supply to furnish equipment to mining operations.

The focus of the operation shifted again when Jack and his son, Allen, opened Munro Supply in 1965 to provide pumps and other equipment to move and manage water.

The operation now includes Munro, which manufactures and distributes nationwide pumps, pump stations and accessories. Munro Supply sells and services pumps and other equipment for construction, energy, government, irrigation, mining markets in the Rocky Mountain region. The operation employs a total staff of about 50, Powell says.

While Powell says she grew up in the family business, she didn’t expect to return to Grand Junction or end up working there.

After graduating from Grand Junction High School, she attended Colorado State University and earned a bachelor’s degree

Survey

Continued from page 2 Another 9 percent of business owners and managers said the pandemic hasn’t affected business income.

Another 31 percent of respondents reported a decrease in income of less than 25 percent, and 45 percent reported a decrease in income of 25 percent or more.

Schwenke said the pandemic has affected different industry sectors in different ways. The construction sector has fared well, while the leisure and hospitality sector has been hit hardest, she said.

While 68 percent of respondents reported receiving Paycheck Protection Program loans, another 19 percent said they used individual stimulus checks to help them with their businesses and 8 percent said they used local grants or loans.

More than half — 52 percent — of business owners and managers said they had the same number of employees that they did in early 2020, while 31 percent said they had fewer employees and 17 percent more.

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

in English. She says she believed she wanted to become a professor, but changed her mind.

She moved to New York and says she used the communication skills she developed to work in copy writing and marketing.

Powell married, returned to Colorado, and took as job as marketing manager of CollegeInvest, a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education that manages college savings programs and offers high school and college students information and resources to manage their finances. Powell subsequently worked four years as director of the CollegeInvest financial education program.

Late in 2012, Powell says she began thinking about another career change — one that would bring her back to Grand Junction and the family business.

Her father, she says, was surprised and supportive.

Powell says her father remains involved in the business in product development and improvement as well as an advisor and mentor. “He has just been incredible to work with.”

Munro Companies has experienced different effects from the pandemic, Powell says. Demand has remained strong in some markets, but less so in others.

More aggressive efforts to take market share have helped, she says, although uncertainty remains.

The situation is similar for other Grand Valley businesses, but Powell says she’s still upbeat. “I’m very optimistic about economic recovery and growth.”

The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce will play an important role in promoting recovery, she says, as will those who show up and care enough to act.

Count Powell among them.

“I love the opportunity to contribute.”

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Nearly a third — 32 percent — of respondents said they have two months or less of cash reserves on hand. That compares to 5 percent who reported the same proportion in August. Another 70 percent reported less than six months of cash reserves.

Looking ahead, 36 percent of business owners and managers anticipate worsening economic conditions over the next six months, and 27 percent said they don’t know what to expect.

Schwenke said there’s some encouragement vaccines will work in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and in turn reopen the economy. But vaccines might not be widely available and exert the desired economic effects for months.

In the meantime, she said she’s worried about what happens in January and February, which are typically slower months for business even without a pandemic.

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News Trends Contributors Jobless rate on the rise Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac The Business Times

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Page 19

INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

n Business filings s New business filings in Colorado, 38,678 in the third quarter, up 24.3% from the third quarter of 2019.

n Confidence

t Consumer Confidence Index 96.1 in November, down 5.3. s Leeds Business Confidence Index for Colorado, 47.9 for the fourth quarter, up 3.6. t National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index 101.4 for November, down 2.6.

n Foreclosures

t Foreclosure filings in Mesa County, 2 in November, down from 17 in November 2019. t Foreclosure sales in Mesa County, 0 in November, down from 6 in November 2019.

n Indexes

s Conference Board Employment Trends Index, 98.81 for November, up 0.49. s Conference Board Leading Economic Index 109.1 for November, up 0.6% t Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing, 57.5% for November, down 1.8%.

n Lodging

t Lodging tax collections in Grand Junction, $140,914 for November, down 0.2% from November 2019.

n Real estate

s Real estate transactions in Mesa County, 468 in November, up 10.4% from November 2019 s Dollar volume of real estate transactions in Mesa County, $153 million in November, up 3.4% from November 2019.

n Sales

s Sales and use tax collections in Grand Junction, $5 million for November, up 6.2% from November 2019. s Sales and use tax collections in Mesa County, $3.6 million for November, up 7.6% from November 2019.

n Unemployment s Mesa County — 6.0% for November, up 0.3. n Colorado — 6.4% for November, unchanged. t United States — 6.7% for November, down 0.2.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal slowing felt in Mesa County Phil Castle

For November, 686 job orders were posted. That’s up more than 37 percent from the 499 orders posted for the same Nov. Oct. The monthly unemployment rate has month last year. However, the number of s Delta County 5.6 5.3 increased in Mesa County as a pandemic job openings involved nearly dropped by s Garfield County 5.8 5.4 and winter weather affect businesses and half — from 1,903 to 986. s Mesa County 6.0 5.7 their staffing.

Kirnberger said the latest job orders s Montrose County 5.5 5.1 “It’s definitely a reflect continued demand in the health s Rio Blanco County 4.7 4.3 combination of things,” care sector as well as openings for such said Celina Kirnberger, temporary jobs related to the pandemic as employment services supervisor at the Mesa contact tracing and cleaning.

County Workforce Center in Grand Junction.

New claims for unemployment benefits increased in The trend could continue for several November to 455, Kirnberger said. That’s up from 329 in October months, although vaccines offer encouragement and 151 in November 2019. for slowing the spread of COVID-19, Kirnberger said the unemployment rate could continue to trend Kirnberger said. upward in coming months as a result of the pandemic and seasonal Moreover, businesses have responded in layoffs. The jobless rate historically spikes in January to its highest Celina Kirnberger creative ways to continue selling products and level of the year because of layoffs following the holidays and the services, she added. “I feel like that’s a slight silver lining.” effects of winter weather on sectors involving outdoor work.

According to the latest estimates from the Colorado Longer-term prospects depend on how well vaccines work in Department of Labor and Employment, the seasonally unadjusted slowing the spread of the pandemic and reopening the economy, unemployment rate rose three-tenths of a point to 6 percent in she said.

November. The increase was the first in four months.

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates also advanced in The latest rate is more than double the 2.8 percent rate posted neighboring Western Colorado counties in November, up four-tenths a year ago, one of the lowest on record for the county. But the of a point to 4.7 percent in Rio Blanco County, 5.5 percent in Montrose latest rate is less than half the 12.6 percent rate posted in April.

County and 5.8 percent in Garfield County. The rate rose three-tenths For November 2020, Mesa County payrolls decreased 448 to of a point to 5.6 percent in Delta County.

74,045. The number of people counted among those unsuccessfully The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained looking for work increased 248 to 4,725. The labor force, which unchanged for a second straight month at 6.4 percent. Nonfarm includes the employed and unemployed, declined 200 to 78,770. payrolls declined 6,900 from October to November, ending a Compared to a year ago, payrolls have decreased 598. The six-month streak of monthly job gains. Colorado has gained back ranks of the unemployed have increased 2,563. The labor force 209,600 of the 342,300 jobs lost between February and April. has grown 1,966.

Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls have decreased 128,200 Kirnberger attributed the increase in the jobless rate in with the biggest losses in the leisure and hospitality and education November to the effects of the pandemic as well as seasonal and health service sectors. slowing in construction, landscaping and other outdoor activities The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm related to winter weather. payrolls has lengthened seven-tenths of an hour over the past year One measure of labor demand — the number of job orders to 33.9 hours. Average hourly earnings have increased 49 cents to posted at the Mesa County Workforce Center — offers mixed $31.15. results, she said.

F The Business Times

AREA JOBLESS RATES

Grand Valley tax collections trend upward

Tax collections, a measure of retail sales, continue to trend upward in the Grand Valley.

The City of Grand Junction reported a 6.2 percent increase in combined sales and use tax collections in November compared to the same month last year. Mesa County reported a 7.6 percent gain.

City lodging tax collections, a measure of hotel and motel stays, edged down.

November collections reflect October sales.

The city collected a total of more than $5 million in sales and use taxes. That’s a year-over-year increase of nearly $293,000.

A 6.3 percent increase in sales tax collections more than offset a 35.3 percent decrease in use taxes, a smaller and more volatile source of revenue.

The county collected a total of more than $3.6 million in sales and use taxes. That’s a year-over-year increase of almost $258,000.

Sales tax collections rose 8.1 percent. Use tax collections — most on automobiles purchased outside the county, but used in the county — increased 3.1 percent.

Tax collections on retail sales rose 17.3 percent, an increase bolstered by a more than three-fold increase in internet sales. Tax collections rose 27.9 percent on home improvements, 14.2 percent on automobiles and 5.6 percent on restaurant meals and hotel stays.

Collections dropped 53.8 percent in the oil and natural gas industry.

Through 11 months of 2020, city sales and use tax collections totaled more than $52.5 million. That’s a decrease of more than $1 million and 1.9 percent over the same span in 2019. Sales tax collections dropped 2 percent, while use tax collections declined 38 percent.

County sales and use tax collections totaled nearly $37 million through the first 11 months of 2020. That’s an increase of more than $1.6 million and 4.7 percent over the same span in 2019.

A 5.6 percent increase in sales tax collections more than offset a 4.4 percent decrease in use tax collections.

County collections on retail sales increased 20.1 percent with an increase in internet sales accounting for more than half of the $2 million gain. Collections increased 16.4 percent in the wholesale category and 16.1 percent on home improvements. Collections dropped 58.7 percent in the oil and natural gas industry.

The city collected $140,914 in lodging taxes in November, down two-tenths of a percent from the same month last year.

Through 11 months of 2020, collections topped $1 million.

That’s a decline of nearly $506,000 and 32.4 percent from the same span in 2019.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Leading index increases, but signals slowing ahead A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to increase, but at a pace that signals slowing.

The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) rose six-tenths of a point to 109.1 in November. The gain was the seventh in as many months. “The U.S. LEI continued rising in Ataman Ozyildirim November, but its pace of improvement has been decelerating in recent months, suggesting a significant moderation in growth as the U.S. economy heads into 2021,� said Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economic research at the Conference Board.

A decrease in average working hours in manufacturing

and worsening consumer outlook reflect the risks associated with a surge in COVID-19 cases and high unemployment, Ozyildirim said.

The LEI increased 9.3 percent over the past six months, reversing a decline of 10.6 percent over the six months before that.

Gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the country, increased at an annual rate of 33.1 percent in the third quarter after decreasing 31.4 percent in the second quarter.

For November, seven of the 10 indicators of the LEI advanced, including building permits, interest rate spread, leading credit and new orders indexes, new orders for consumer goods and stock prices. A decrease in average weekly claims for unemployment insurance also bolstered the index. Average weekly manufacturing hours, consumer

expectations and new orders for capital goods retreated.

The Coincident Economic Index, a measure of current conditions, rose two-tenths of a percent to 103.2. The index has increased 8.3 percent over the past six months.

For November, all four indicators advanced: industrial production, nonfarm payrolls, personal income and sales.

The Lagging Economic Index, a measure of past performance, declined four-tenths of a percent to 106.9. The index decreased a half of a percent over the past three months.

For November, three indicators retreated, including commercial and industrial lending and the cost of labor.

An increase in the average duration of unemployment also pulled down the index. The cost of services advanced. The average prime rate, inventories and consumer credit held steady.

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Trends Contributors WhenOpinion punches ruin plans Business Briefs Business People Almanac

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

The Business Times

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COMING ATTRACTIONS

The Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction has scheduled events offering information about contract negotiations, startups and planning.

A free webinar on contract negotiations and preparations is set for 10 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 29.

To register, visit the website at www.grandjunctionsbdc.org.

A business startup webinar and workshop are planned for January.

The webinar is set for 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12 and 13.

The workshop is scheduled for 1 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at the center, 2591 Legacy Way. The webinar and workshop will cover the business planning process, including financing options, licensing requirements and legal structures. Admission is $55, which also includes admission to Fast Trac classes at the center.

The next Leading Edge business planning course is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 27 to April 14.

Participants in the 12-week course will learn how to start or grow successful businesses based on their business plans.

The course will combine classroom sessions, interactive learning exercises and conversations with subject experts. By the end of the course, participants will have a written business plan.

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

For more information about upcoming events, services and programs offered at the center, call 243-5242 or visit the website at www.gjincubator.org.

Employees, procedures and assistance keep businesses in the fight Boxer Mike Tyson once said: “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” For many, 2020 was that punch.

I’m a planner. I like to organize and work out the details. It’s comforting. But if the past year has taught me anything, it’s that plans go sideways. And if you own a small business and want to survive and grow, you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

My husband and I purchased a business in January. Two months later, the pandemic hit. We were new business owners with no cash reserve in unprecedented times. I learned a few things really quickly and a few more Mara things over time. Looking back, three things Hardy stand out: n Choose people like you’re going into battle with them. The strength of your team is measured by their actions when times are hard, not when business booms and life is good. I now seek out people that rise to a challenge; step up to help even if it’s not in their “job description;” and choose to support their team, especially when it would be easy not to.

Someone might look perfect on paper. They have all the qualifications and credentials. But how do they show up for you and their team? When it’s stressful and chaotic — like during a pandemic — will they try their best and keep trying? When they could easily get by with the status quo, will they choose to go the extra mile? It’s admittedly hard to determine these traits in an interview process while wearing masks, but it’s worth it to try.

Remember, life experience counts, too. n Write it down and do it now. Policies and procedures take out the guesswork and diminish the margin of human error.

These documents provide standards that allow your team to excel, offer a framework to make smart decisions and protect you when something goes wrong. But they only help if they’re in place before you actually need them. Whether it’s an operating procedure or communicable disease plan, document it so the expectations are clear and there’s continuity.

You might believe a long-time employee plans to work with you for years to come. But life is unpredictable. If that employee leaves for some reason, do you know exactly what they do and how they to do it? If a new hire starts tomorrow, will they know what to do? Write a job description and a process and procedure manual for all aspects of a job. Yes, it can be tedious, but it’s well worth it.

When a plan explodes, you can fall back on the policies, procedures and processes you have in place. These are the foundation of the business. You might never need them. But I’d rather have them

There have been countless times when I didn’t know what to do, and I felt the pressure because people were looking to me for answers. I felt I had to be strong and all-knowing and try to solve problems myself. The past year has taught me to get over myself. Asking for help is a sign of self-awareness, not weakness. Every time I’ve been authentic and open about my experience in business, I’ve learned something. and not need them than need them and not have them. n Don’t go it alone. There’s a lot at stake for business owners, and their actions and decisions have far-reaching effects. We think because we’re the “boss,” we must have the answer or know what to do. We often feel we can’t look weak to others.

I’m a young and new business owner. There have been countless times when I didn’t know what to do, and I felt the pressure because people were looking to me for answers. I felt I had to be strong and all-knowing and try to solve problems myself.

The past year has taught me to get over myself. Asking for help is a sign of self-awareness, not weakness. Every time I’ve been authentic and open about my experience in business, I’ve learned something. Even if it’s not the lesson I thought it would be.

I’ll continue to plan. It’s just who I am. I know my plan will probably change or go way off course. But I take comfort in the realization I’m surrounded by great people, and we have a strong business foundation.

I know I’ll get punched in the mouth again. It’s part of owning a business. I also know I’m not alone.

Mara Hardy and her husband, Josh Hardy, operate Monument Physical Therapy with locations in downtown Grand Junction and Collbran. Mara Hardy also works as business development manager with the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder and master’s degree in urban and regional planning from CU Denver. This column was provided by the Western Colorado Human Resource Association.

For more information, visit www.wchra.org.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Well-deserved praise and recognition foster success Business leaders focused on moving their companies to ever higher levels of efficiency, effectiveness, profitability and success constantly look for ways to improve their business models. This requires an awareness of what is — and isn’t — working in daily operations.

There’s a potential pitfall if leaders fixate on what’s wrong at the expense of what’s right. While this approach might create some improvements and short–term results, over time it will damage other vital aspects of the business. Given their singular focus and accompanying astigmatism, these leaders will likely fail to see all that’s accomplished, the solid effort put forth by team members Marcus and how far the business has actually Straub progressed.

These same leaders will squash the morale of their team members with a lack of praise and abundance of criticism. Team members will grow less excited about being a part of and furthering the company mission. Top performers will likely move on. This will reduce efficiency, effectiveness and the very profitability and success that were sought in the first place.

Conversely, when business leaders offer well-deserved praise and recognition to team members while also working to continually enhance how their companies operate, a solid culture is built and benefits ripple through the business.

Why? When people feel good — even great — about the positive steps they’re making and the work they’re doing, they’re encouraged to stay the course. Just consider how great it feels and how motivating it is when you receive praise and recognition for your hard work.

When people are praised for a job well done, they feel valued. They’re inspired to keep up the good work.

When this happens repeatedly, they grow more self-confident, take on challenges with greater initiative and passion and become more adept at what they’re doing.

In other words, they’re motivated in a positive way to learn, grow and become more.

Most people thrive on praise and enjoy recognition.

When people are praised for a job well done, they feel valued. They’re inspired to keep up the good work. They light up and become excited. It’s apparent in their body language. When this happens repeatedly, they grow more self-confident, take on challenges with greater initiative and passion and become more adept at what they’re doing.

In other words, they’re motivated in a positive way to learn, grow and become more.

When people truly give their best, but are met with only criticism in the form of what they did wrong and what they should have done better, they feel defeated, inadequate and undervalued. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a situation like this, you know how unpleasant the experience can be.

Over time, this negative conditioning leads to diminished self-confidence, negative self-perception, resentment, disengagement, lower performance and turnover.

The desire to feel good about ourselves and the efforts we put forth is a real human need. Good leaders understand this and change their perspectives and behaviors to consistently offer the praise and recognition team members appreciate and require to continue advancing. Positive reinforcement constitutes a far more effective leadership strategy than negative conditioning.

As I coach leaders how to lead from a position of composure and with a balanced perspective, they work with their teams in new, dynamic and more effective ways.

This allows them to build empowered teams that produce the very results they want to achieve.

When team members in any business are supported in constructive ways — both for jobs well-done as well as those areas in which they’re in the process of improvement — they perform at higher levels simply because they feel valued and encouraged to be their best. When you give others what they want, they’re more likely to give you what you want. Everyone is happier.

In your unending pursuit of a finely tuned business and success, don’t forget to consistently provide the well-deserved praise and recognition your team members need to learn, grow and become top performers.

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@lifeisgreatcoaching.com or through the website located at www.lifeisgreatcoaching.com.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

The Business Times

Business travel in a pandemic world It’s been almost a year since business and leisure travel changed dramatically in the wake of a pandemic. I took my first flight in 11 months in early December, and have a few tips to share as more people resume some level of flying in 2021.

Avoid business travel during the holidays.

Schedule business trips to avoid peak leisure travel times. Why? Fewer people and savvier travelers, for starters. The fewer people to which you’re exposed, the better off you likely will be. Leisure travel tends to involve lots of children running around maskless, people congregating to eat before flying and long lines at takeouts and restrooms.

Sign up for the Transportation Security Administration Pre-Check program, or Global Janet Entry — which incorporates Pre-Check — if Arrowood you travel internationally. The $80 to $100 cost is more than worthwhile, and benefits extend for five years. You use lines that are usually shorter and faster moving, so you spend less time in crowded areas. To further speed your way, consider adding the CLEAR benefit. You get to skip the Pre-Check lines and often have a separate screening line to boot.

CLEAR costs about $85 per year.

Book a window seat as close to the front as possible, but not right by the toilets or galley. Board as late as possible to avoid bunching during boarding and exposure to passengers packed in the aisles. Consider taking only a boarding bag that fits under your seat and a small day pack, large purse or laptop bag with pockets so you don’t have to put luggage overhead. Hotels have laundry services and towns and cities have laundromats and dry cleaners.

Pack a safety kit with extra masks — non-surgical with three-ply cotton — face shields, latex gloves, sanitizer, wipes in a baggie and reusable straws.

While waiting in the airport departure area, find a gate area with no flights scheduled before your boarding time. Stake out an

area with 6 feet all around. If someone gets too close, move.

Bring your own snacks since airlines aren’t providing much or selling anything to eat on board. Aim for things you can eat quickly to minimize maskless time. First class could include a pre-packaged sandwich or limited snack box selection — nothing to write home about. Alcohol is probably not being sold or offered in economy class, and it’s against regulations to bring your own. The straw comes in handy since you can keep your mask on while drinking.

Airlines are taking major steps to ensure planes are clean and sanitized. In addition to extra cleaning and other measures, flight attendants provide packets with sanitizing wipes as you board — ask for two or three. You can use these to wipe any areas you might touch, including the seat, armrests, consoles, seat back pocket, edges of windows and tray table. Airlines operate special websites so you can read about their COVID-19 mitigation procedures and requirements for testing before travel. United Airlines operates websites for pre-departure cleaning information at united.com/cleanplus and COVID-19 testing requirements at your destination united.com/covid-testing.

If you must use a toilet, it’s probably better to use one at a far end of the terminal than one on the plane. You’ll want to have a disinfectant wipe to clean the areas you touch.

Airports have added security personnel to monitor mask use.

If you’re not eating or drinking, you could be instructed to wear your mask. Police could remove you if you refuse to comply.

Airline personnel also enforce mask use. Failure to comply could get you a slot on a no fly list applicable to all airlines.

Travel has always been an adventure — but now even more so. With planning, though, the experience doesn’t have to be bad.

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

For more information, visit www.TheWriteSourceInc.com.

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The Business Times

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Put the pieces together to achieve weight-loss goal Your New Year’s resolutions likely will include weight loss. Given the year we’ve had, it’s understandable weight loss will be an even more common goal than usual.

You might think it’s easy to jump in on Jan. 1. Perhaps you feel excited, motivated and committed. Even with the best plans, weight loss constitutes a difficult endeavor. How do you stay on the right path to fulfill your goal?

Keep in mind that weight loss is a multi-faceted goal. That’s what makes it so difficult. You get set in your ways, and making changes can be tough.

Successful weight loss involves Paula nutrition, exercise, motivation, time Reece and a specific mindset. Here are some tips to help you in each area: n Nutrition goes hand in hand with weight loss. It’s your fuel for everything you do. In simple terms, if you consume more calories than you burn, you’ll gain weight.

Although it’s not actually that simple, try to think of it as “good” choices versus “bad” choices. Choosing to eat an apple is a better choice than eating a cookie. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Sometimes you’re just thirsty rather than hungry. Eating several small meals a day will keep you from becoming so hungry you snack and binge. The

Achieving your weight-loss goal is a mindset. You’re the only one who knows how important it is to you. Make sure you remind yourself every day why you’re doing this.

best tip? Avoid mindless eating — while you’re on the telephone, in front of the television or in your car. Those are the calories that add up. Instead, take time to enjoy the foods you’re eating. n Exercise not only aids in weight loss, but also provides numerous health benefits. Strive for a workout to raise your heart rate. This strengthens your heart and burns calories. By adding strength training, you’ll gain muscle that burns more calories than fat. Not only will you be burn more calories, but you’ll also become more toned and look better. n Setting a goal is the easy part. Sticking to it is the hard part. Staying motivated EVERY DAY can be a challenge. Consider weighing yourself once week and making a log of your progress. Tell others close to you what you goal is and share your ups and downs with them.

This will keep you accountable. Write down a motivational quote every week and put it on your mirror where you can see it daily. Keep that goal in front of you. Keep your eyes on the prize. n Weight loss is a time-consuming process. That’s why it’s important to plan your weekly meals. Shop and cook on weekends to prepare for the coming week. Write down your exercise classes and workout times in your daily planner.

Schedule them as if they’re an appointment you can’t miss.

Make time for yourself. This goal is important to you, so make it happen. Make time for what’s important. n Achieving your weight-loss goal is a mindset. You’re the only one who knows how important it is to you. The reasons behind your weight-loss goal are unique to you.

Maybe it’s your self-image, a special event or health issue.

Make sure you remind yourself every day why you’re doing this.

By putting the pieces together, you’ll be successful not only in losing weight, but also creating a healthy lifestyle.

Paula and Dale Reece own Crossroads Fitness Centers in Grand Junction with a downtown location at 225 N. Fifth St. and north location at 2768 Compass Drive.

For more information, call 242-8746 or log on to the website at www.crossroadsfitness.com.

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IRS amends regulations affecting like-kind property exchanges The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has amended like-kind exchange regulations to add a definition of real property and limit section 1031 treatment to like-kind exchanges of real property.

The final regulations include a rule addressing a taxpayer’s receipt of personal property incidental to the real property the taxpayer receives in an otherwise qualifying like-kind exchange. In addition, the new section of the regulations classifies real property under the law of the state or local jurisdiction in which that property is located.

The regulations help clarify section Tim 1031 amendments that occurred as part Whitney of the 2017 Tax Cuts & Job Acts and went into effect on Dec. 2, 2020.

By definition, real property generally includes land and such improvements to land as buildings and other inherently

Like-kind exchanges can involve a complicated process and the guidance of a team of professionals. permanent structures and their structural components.

If permanently affixed to property, buildings can include apartments, office and retail buildings, hotels, houses, malls, motels and warehouses.

Other inherently permanent structures permanently affixed to real property can include in-ground swimming pools; roads; bridges; tunnels; paved parking areas, parking facilities and other pavements; special foundations; stationary wharves and docks; fences; railroad tracks and signals; telephone poles; power generation and transmission facilities; permanently installed telecommunications cables; microwave transmission, cell, broadcasting and electric transmission towers; oil and gas pipelines; offshore drilling

platforms, derricks, oil and gas storage tanks; grain storage bins and silos; enclosed transportation stations and terminals.

Other assets not included above could be considered as well if they can meet the five factors test.

As I’ve previously noted, like-kind exchanges can involve a complicated process and the guidance of a team of professionals.

This team should include a reputable exchange facilitator to act as an intermediary and a good tax advisor or attorney to ensure the exchange is done correctly so it won’t be disallowed by the IRS. Tim Whitney is managing broker of Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, a commercial brokerage and property management firm based in Grand Junction. Whitney has been involved in the sale, lease and management of commercial real estate in Colorado for more than 35 years.

For more information, call (970) 243-7375 or visit the website at www.CBCPrimeProperties.com.

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The Business Times

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Contributors Opinion Bold predictions for 2015 In a season to truly believe, A new yearthe affords Unwrapping gift Business Briefs more like take not-so-bold repeats faith will some work of economic forecasts a new opportunity Business People Almanac to meet local needs THE he BUSINESS usiness T T Times IMES

PAGE age 26 22

For years, Christmas came early for Mesa County businesses. And we’re not just talking about the holiday shopping season and retailers. Annual reports invariably forecast continued economic growth in the year ahead. The report for 2020, for example, characterized the outlook as not only positive, but exceptionally positive.

A new year almost always brings an opportunity for a fresh start and Thatambition didn’t happen, of course.

But who could have envisioned the renewed to do things better. coronavirus pandemic or what were the pervasive effects of COVID-19 and In business, that usually boils down to providing customers better products related healthfaster restrictions? and services and at lower cost than competitors. Part of the process must As with everything else that’s occurred what in 2020, latest forecast include listening to customers to determine theythe actually need andisthen different,that too.need.

It’s aAfter Christmas a different Not lump and of coal, certainly. meeting all, it gift doesoflittle good tosort. offer thea latest greatest if Maybe aactually nice pair of socks. perhaps — given the uncertainty of the pandemic, nobody wants what Or you’re selling. vaccines and the a multitude of other factorsto— that couldJunction take some time Just like businesses that belong thea package group, the Grand Area to unwrap.of Commerce invariably starts out the new year with a reassessment of Chamber Here’s the Mesa County in the Colorado Business Economic the services andsummary resourcesfor it provides and how well they match with members Outlook forFranklin, 2021: “While thechairman pandemicofhas an impact onofalldirectors, aspects of the needs.

Jeff the new thehad chamber board community,this the approach county is in recovering and outperforming counties the personifies describing what he considersother his role for theand coming state.

The community in the Grand Valley is resilient and will continue to forge year: listen to members, determine their needs and then meet those needs. It’s a ahead in the faceFranklin of adversity.” role with which is familiar as market president of Bank of Colorado.

Thereprocess are encouraging trends.

Onstructured the other hand, challenges The will take on a more approach in whatpersist. the chamber some good news. payrolls have rebounded in Mesa County to plansFirst, as the resumption of a Nonfarm program aptly called Listening to Business.

Under the employment levels before the onset of the pandemic.

Wages and personal income program, business owners participate in in-depth interviews to identify barriers to have trended upward as well.

Allencounter. that bodes well for the local economy and growth and other problems they prospects for the sale of goods andthe services.

The new yearcontinued offers a good time to join proverbial club.

Construction activity has increased, real estate remains healthy As an advertiser or reader, what do and you the need from themarket Business Times? overall.

Mesa Countyjournals has experienced one gather of the biggest increases in home price While business traditionally and report the relevant news to appreciation in Colorado, yet prices here remain below other areas of the state. readers, communication isn’t necessarily a one-way street. That’s especially true as bad news. less upbeat for the WebNow sites some and e-mail makeThe the outlook dialogueismore convenient thanleisure ever. and hospitality sector, which includes restaurants, hotels and businesses reliant on tourism.

Good publications don’t exist in a vacuum.

They respond toin thepart needs of Enplanements the Grand Airport — the number of people advertisers andatreaders.

TheyJunction provideRegional what’s needed. boarding commercial flights — has dropped more than 40 percent on a So what do you need? year-over-year basis.

Lodging tax collections — ahelp measure and motel Is there additional news coverage that would keep of youhotel informed about stays in Grand developments?

Junction, was down 32.4features percent that through thebefirst 11 months local business Are there would interesting or of 2020 compared to the same span inmake 2019.

It’sjobs too early tell when people will useful?

Is there advice that would your a littletoeasier? feel comfortable to travel again.

It’s equally important to ask what you don’t need. With limited time to The content energy sector, another important contributor Western produce and limited space in which to publishtoit,the would time Colorado and space be economy, has suffered as exploration and development activity has slowed. better devoted to something else?

Of course, economic forecasts offer no guarantees what’s expected will What’s good?

What isn’t?

What’s needed?

What isn’t? become Look happened in 2020. Similarly, performance offers Let reality. us know.

Sendwhat us an e-mail. Comment online onpast the Business Times Web no of future results — either oreven good.write an old-fashioned letter to siteguarantee at www.thebusinesstimes.com.

You bad could As theifreport however, community in the Grand Valley the editor you’d for like.2021 Yournotes, feedback, both the positive and negative, is valued and is resilient.

That includes businesses that have not only faced existential challenges, will be carefully considered. but also developed innovative to continue goodsbut andalso Good publications are the ways resultin ofwhich not only the effortsproviding of their staffs, services. collaborative efforts involving advertisers and readers.

Even in the midst of business, a pandemic, Like any other good we there’s want tohope. listen to our customers, find out Here’s hoping, then, the new year really will be happy. That a good year what they need and then meet those needs. awaits, of improving andtoprosperity.

It’s one a new year. Pleasehealth help us do so.

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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. © 2020 — All rights reserved.

When down notes on what It’s thatI jotted time of yearmy when to write for this edition of the abound.

Business resolutions and last prognostications Times beforesaying a new year, twotowords My favorite applied New Year’s appeared above the topics —basically and they a resolutions is inall saying they’re are myriad, more fortoabreak book than column bunch of promises the first week — I wantedAnd to address: POSITIVE. of January. while IBE won’t predict a wholeGiven lot, I my canwriting pretty much accurately style, not a that goalwithout question nail a that’s few things easily achieved.

But You will see these are will make the news. also given writing pretty, well,my predictable: style,■I’ll use the one: Prediction meaning thesome word There willofbe positive in addressing sort of weather event, anatural few topics. disaster or It’s now time to heinous occurrence time fully believe wheretosomeone will members of Congress be interviewed and say Craig Hall think your vote“I’ve is the following: worth only anything a few never seen thousand like that inbucks. my Yes, including “your guy or gal.” lifetime.”

It’sThis as iffinal, this 2020, COVID-19controlled, congressionalCraig kill shot Hall should person is a required have every singlenews American on the verge attendee at every of revolution after reading the boondoggle reporting event.

While I understand most it calls a perspective “stimulus.” can Fourindeed years be ago, people’s limited aby,$2,500 tax break was “crumbs.”

But or contained within, their own personal $1,200 here and thereto areask somehow experiences, it is$600 too much to aconsult lifelinesome to Americans lost before their historical who’ve perspective businesses, or been can out saying such homes, a thing?livelihoods Yes, this response of a job more than But ninewhen months. apply to for some events. it comes Mind you, Congress took noI’m action to weather and natural disasters, pretty to actually — history well, it repeating still hasn’titself.

— sure this is help simply taxpayers sway an election way of Same as ittohas for millions andone millions or the other we allthe suffered years.

More while important, planet from made it! actions of government onspecies. every level.

What didn’t were certain How’s It’s to believe this is all governmentthat time for perspective? caused related to COVID — itthe (veryto a ■ Prediction two: When comes little) the hypocritical, tyranny, crime good, or something that occursthe between the bad solutions, the political (on so humans, the other required attendee at all many levels) payoffs theperson way towho this news reporting events all is the latest, $600 insult to our says this: “They we’re justintelligence. the nicest Perhaps solutions people, and init’s notime way to didbelieve I see something will never come from government. like this coming.”

Exactly.

No one does alsotime timewhen to believe our to leaders mostIt’s of the it comes in Denver and haveacquaintances. little care for you being neighbors People should able to live your life goes as you fit. time Fromto be surprised at what onsee from “non-essential,” to stay home,towns to mandated time in their neighborhoods, and masks, to don’t within 6 feetpeople of another with people theyget know because are human ever,fortothe youtimes can’tthat seethey grandma, to good. And shouldn’t you can’t be— with to no church, to be shocked likefamily, with politicians, repeat no funerals, whatever— “do as I say offenders andtoterrorists where’s thenot as I do” tyrannical the interview that says,edict “Thiscoming doesn’tfrom surprise mouths ofleast.” our elected betters, one thing me in the should be clear: They know what ■ Prediction three:don’t Something good they’re doing.

How do I know?

Because will happen economically, and the they are trying convince government willtotake credit us fortoit.believe The most they controlisagas virus. recentcan example prices, where people If history has taught usthe anything, it’s for ask me why I won’t credit president this: Government outcomes never come low gas prices. My answer is simple: close to government intentions.

COVID Government never makes the price of is no different.goLook forand thesimply start date of mask something down takes credit mandates to “slow spread” see the for good news.

Gasthe pricing is to subject to number of infections up theare chart. It’s many global factors. rocket Now there time to ask why everytotime another tyrannical government answers addressing some of edict of Denver, the Americans, number of them comes to keepout prices stable for cases spike.

I can tellhas younone why.of Cases but our government themand in infections going to spike place. Theare only things it hasregardless, in place inand the

December 24, 2020-J anuary 13, 2015 2021 JANUARY 15-28,

they it. It’s hurt whatconsumers. viruses do. Another They infect long know run always until then infections go down and fact isthey thatstop, unemployment reaches a certain we live withon viruses among us.

We’ve been level based the economy.

And while the doing this formight centuries. government brag the number is low, Never question your faith in believing it’s more than likely the government did government to gain power. something touses causecrisis that number being low Locally, time to believe our leaders — and not init’s a good way.

Conversely, when have created a business environment where business picks up, it’s because the people only arewho worthy of not serving who certain need tobusinesses buy widgets were the public.

They’ll tell youthe it’seconomy all aboutwas buying widgets because standards and safety.

But if (or thatunnatural, was the case, contracting due to natural why didn’t they writereasons, a set of “standards” government caused) decided we that allowed everywidgets. businessThe to be open better buy some government to thenothing public at percent had to 100 do with this.occupancy without having to jump hoops and ■ Prediction four: through In keeping with inspections and ever-changing things the government does, I whims? predict the I’ve been railing on thethe 5 Star government will manipulate numbers to program one, and with good make the since claimday the economy is getting reason.

When it no one to better because offirst howcame hard itout, is working joined.

Denver started withNow help all But of usthen “working Americans.” edicts that say, way“Craig, too conveniently you might you always matched say this up with 5 Star program protocols. the about President Obama because youAs don’t tyranny cranked up, businesses no like him.”

You’re right in a sense.had I don’t choice butman, to get line Itoknow join of andhim be and know the butinwhat granted moreI government crumbs to iota. keep his thinking, don’t like it or him one their doors government-mandated Before you open go off,athowever, I didn’t like minimums.

From folks President Bush andpatronizing his bailouts,the stimulus allowed to remain open, I can assure local and his abandoning the free market to save government thisAnd program working. the free market.

I don’tisn’t know him And now state has adopted thethe either.

What thethe government does, and 5only Starthing program, can the positively it can so do,we is hurt economy. believe will nothing get worse.

Unless ititdoes or put criminals in So where’s the positive? jail instead of partnering with them, nothing I believe every business andlook job the government doesperson, will help.

Always in country is ESSENTIAL and everysays at this it this way, whatever the government entity and person should be ableoftothe perform it is doing, whatever the name law it all aspects of lives the to 100 percent is passing, or their whatever name or goal of potential withoutitgovernment interference. the bureaucracy is presenting to the I believe the state bastardizes people, expectonce the polar opposite to occur. the 5I Star program, our local is leaders guess what I’m saying that will see the error of their ways actually perhaps it’s time to get out and of our own begin to fightThere’s for theplenty peopleof—history and the perspective. fight begin atresearch the last moment, booksdoesn’t and historical out there but to at the very second tyrants a sentence begin to understand that allstart of this has with, “Thebefore. peopleAnd cannot ... .”again, happened it will I believe it’s time to putorangovernment. end to whether the topic is people closures because government The and bestlimits recommendation is to find isn’t solution, source for more somethe books or tryonly that the whole Google suffering. thing. There’s a lot of information on the it’s past time to protect the GreatI believe Depression.

The truth is it wasn’t vulnerable andone healuntil the sick by making every even a good the government got treatment, andalso vaccine available to involved. drug There’s plenty of research anyone who CHOOSES to take them. on the medieval warm period when Period. the And then let the OPEN revolution planet was much warmer than today with of the people make the United States well the a whole lot less people (and warmer shining beacon the at free world before man wasofhere all).

Andonce yep, again. seekilling that, can’t peopleYou havecan been otheryou? surprised I wish allhistory our readers, advertisers people since was first written. and goodMaybe folks out there (yes, even I some research will those help stop disagree with) the happiest andwe’ll healthiest all of these trends.

Otherwise, be coming year. Believe in yourselves.

I’mit in saying we’ve never seen anything like positive cannot all in usea good a littleway. faith. our lives.we And Craig Craig Hall Hall is is owner owner and and publisher publisher of of the the Business Times. Reach Reach him him at at 424-5133 424-5133 Business Times. or or publisher@thebusinesstimes. publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

The Business Times

Spirits of the season can transform us all I’m haunted by the ghosts of Christmas. It’s an experience that’s delightful, not frightful — one of fond memories, grateful appreciation and optimistic expectation.

To plagiarize a bit more, I’d like to imagine I’m like Ebenezer Scrooge, the protagonist of the famous Charles Dickens tale. Not the miserly recluse, mind you, but the benevolent extrovert Phil Castle made so by the spirits of the season.

Maybe I’m either hopelessly naive or naively hopeful, but I believe Christmas affects most people that way. They’re more giving, more sociable and more cheerful. We all could all use more of that, couldn’t we? Especially as an antidote to a ravaging pandemic and rancorous politics.

A stroll down memory lane evokes vivid recollections of Christmases past.

I was 5, snuggled into bed on Christmas Eve and too excited to sleep.

Suddenly, there was loud thump on the roof above my bedroom as if a heavy object landed there. A sleigh perhaps?

I squeezed tight eyes as big as saucers, fearful even a furtive glimpse of Santa outside my window would send him away before he could complete his delivery.

While I’ll concede the possibility it wasn’t Santa, I remain convinced otherwise.

Childhood Christmas mornings brought joyous discoveries. I was as amazed as I was thrilled. It was … magic.

As a parent, I discovered even more thrilling moments in watching my two sons tear into gift-wrapped packages.

I was spoiled. My children were, too.

But it wasn’t so much the material things I received or my sons received that made the experiences indelible. I can’t remember now some of the things I believed back then I needed so badly. Rather, they were the moments when dreams came true.

Christmases present bring still more gifts in the form of cherished relationships.

There’s no better time than the holidays to extend well wishes and express gratitude to those who do so much. Especially to those who make my job at the Business Times easier and more enjoyable.

To that end, merry Christmas and happy new year to my boss, Craig Hall.

He not only makes it possible for me to do what I do, but also gives me unbridled freedom to do so.

Season’s greetings to Alowetta and Marc Terrien, the indefatigable couple that conjures the Business Times website out of Thin Air. Greetings as well to Kitty Nicholason, who builds many of the ads that appear in the paper.

Holiday wishes to the columnists who so generously share their time and talents:

I’d like to imagine I’m like Ebenezer Scrooge, the protagonist of the famous Charles Dickens tale. Not the miserly recluse, mind you, but the benevolent extrovert made so by the spirits of the season.

Janet Arrowood, Phyllis Hunsinger, Patti Reece, Paula Reece, Marcus Straub, Rebecca Weitzel and Tim Whitney. That’s not to mention the good folks with Bray Real Estate; Dalby, Wendland & Co.; Mesa County Public Health; Monument Health; and the Western Colorado Human Resource Association.

Feliz Navidad to the individuals and organizations who help the editor of a business journal report on business, among them Robert Bray, Keira Bresnahan, Kayla Brown, Robin Brown, Curtis Englehart, Mara Hardy, Celia Kohn, Jon Maraschin, Karen Martsolf, Stacey Mascarenas, Annette Miller, Mike Moran, Kelly Murphy, Diane Schwenke, Fran Stephens, Tamara Vliek and Andrew Weber as well as the Business Incubator Center, Grand Junction Economic Partnership and local chambers of commerce. Cheers as well to Scott Green and the team at Colorado Mountain News Media that prints the paper.

Happy holidays to the businesses that advertise in the Business Times and provide the financial wherewithall that keeps the operation in operation. Your support has never been more important — or appreciated.

Most of all, I wish Christmas cheer and new year prosperity to the readers of the Business Times. You remain the reason I do what I do.

As for Christmases yet to come, who knows what they’ll bring?

Looking back with 2020 vision, the year was tragic for some and challenging for nearly everyone. I remain optimistic, though, a happier new year awaits. I base my outlook in part on the promise of vaccines to slow the spread of COVID-19 and the economic rebound that could follow.

But I also base my assessment on the resilience and innovation I’ve witnessed.

Presented with the grim possibilities for his future, Scrooge changed his ways to embody the spirit of Christmas. It’s a cautionary tale. Never underestimate the influence of Christmas or, for that matter, the power of transformation.

Let me close with a few more words from Dickens: God bless us, every one.

Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times.

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

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Page 27

Manage your reputation like your livelihood is at stake

A recent alert grabbed my attention. It made the bold statement the most important issue facing businesses today is managing their reputation. And this wasn’t about splashing on a bright, new coat of PR paint, issuing self-serving press releases or running TV ads featuring happy and grateful employees.

More than ever, consumers align their dollars with businesses that share their values and concerns. It might be somewhat ironic it took the COVID-19 pandemic to focus our attention on where we’re spending our money. Companies have responded with new bursts of transparency. They want us to know what they care about, the good they’re doing and the causes they support. They might also realize there’s no place to hide, and it’s in their best interest to take a stand.

But we shouldn’t stop there. Every employed person who wants to keep their job, is looking for a job or wants to move up should be equally concerned with the care and cultivation John of their reputations. Watch out. Someone is out to replace Graham you. Or, the boss is scrutinizing the team to decide who adds value and who doesn’t. Reputation makes a difference.

Here are three questions that apply equally to businesses and individuals: n Do we value top performance? We say we do. So does our marketing messages. Everyone says they’re onboard, but where’s the evidence? Are we assuming frontline workers behave with customers how we say they do? How rare is it we encounter people with the ability, training and desire to put themselves in someone else’s shoes? How often do they give out information that’s inaccurate?

What happens with frontline workers is a reflection of what occurs throughout companies. We say, “customers first.” But do our actions tell the same story?

Nonprofits that depend on volunteers to deliver services to those with the greatest needs have similar stories. Although good people, many volunteers lack the training to help those they’re asked to serve. n Why are we in business? “To make money” is the instant response. That might seem to be a popular answer, but not for everyone. For a growing number of workers there’s more to it, particularly for members of GenZ born between the late 1990s and 2012. They want to feel they’re making a difference. They’re looking for places that are welcoming and to which they can be committed.

If written correctly, corporate vision statements possess relatable value.

For example, the Starbucks vision is to establish the company “as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow.” The Walt Disney Co. corporate vision is “to be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.”

It’s aspirational, with a pull attracting both talent and viewers.

Companies and individuals that have the courage to boldly and unequivocally express publicly their vision let it be known they’re committed to caring for their reputations. It’s a daring a step. They’re saying, “Judge us by our performance.” n How do we respond when something goes wrong? The answer to this question depends on whether or not you take reputation management seriously or if you believe you can get away with twisting the truth to fit your whims. Once again, this pertains to companies and individuals alike.

Our behavior reflects what we try to get by with. A political leader urges his constituents to stay home for Thanksgiving, then gets on a flight to be with family.

Another who also seems to have seen himself as an exception to his own public appeal invites his mother for the holiday dinner. Both apologized — but only after getting caught.

We’re all aware things don’t always go as planned. The unexpected happens.

Why, then, do we ignore dealing with this possibility in advance so we’re prepared before a project, product or event derails? Why is it so difficult to face up to the possibility of negative outcomes?

The task of reputation management isn’t figuring out the spin to put on an issue after something goes wrong. It’s looking ahead, anticipating consequences and making the right decision. By the way, there’s nothing better than the truth, the sanitizer that kills 99.99 percent of blowback.

The personal life of famed author William Faulkner often seemed at odds with his brilliant fiction, which he seemed to grasp. In a new book, Michael Gorra writes, Faulkner “seemed to know how much his personal reputation might damage the reputation of his work.” It applies to all of us.

John Graham owns GrahamComm and works as a marketing and sales strategy consultant and business writer. He’s the creator of “Magnet Marketing” and publishes a free monthly ebulletin titled “No Nonsense Marketing & Sales Ideas.”

Contact him at jgraham@grahamcomm.com or visit https://johnrgraham.com.

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n WEST STAR AVIATION OFFERS PACKAGE BUNDLING GULFSTREAM CABIN UPGRADES

West Star Aviation has introduced a package that combines an interior upgrade and Collins Aerospace Venue cabin management system for Gulfstream G450 jets.

“The original factory installed inflight entertainment systems are becoming increasingly complex to repair due to obsolete replacement parts. So we’ve developed this unique packaging offering G450 owners the Walt Marcy ability to upgrade both the CMS and interior together, providing considerable savings,” said Walt Marcy, avionics technical sales manager at the West Star Aviation operation in Grand Junction.

West Star Aviation has joined with Collins Aerospace to offer both upgrades at a savings of about $200,000 when completed together. The work can be completed at West Star facilities in Grand Junction as well as those in Illinois, Missouri and Tennessee.

Work can be scheduled in conjunction with other maintenance.

West Star Aviation provides maintenance, repair and overhaul services at facilities in Grand Junction, Aspen and Denver as well as in Arizona, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.

The company has been selected for seven consecutive years as the top MRO services provider in a survey conducted for Professional Pilot magazine. For more information, call (800) 922-2421 or visit the website at www.weststaraviation.com. n FREDDY’S ADDS TO RESTAURANT MENUS SALTED CARAMEL FROZEN CUSTARD TREATS

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has added to its menu a new frozen custard treat.

Salted caramel Health concretes will be available through mid-January or while supplies last. Salted caramel Health concretes are made with vanilla frozen custard blended with salted caramel and Heath toffee, then topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with Heath toffee bits.

“Our new salted caramel Heath concrete is a sweet winter treat that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages,” said Scott Redler, co-founder and chief operating officer of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. “It’s the perfect decadent dessert to celebrate the holiday season.”

Established in 2002, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has expanded to a total of more than 375 locations in 32 states across the country. In Grand Junction, restaurants are located at 737 Horizon Drive and 2489 U.S. Highway 6 & 50. For more information, visit www.freddyusa.com. n MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE JAN. 7 FOR COLORADO OUTDOOR PARTNERSHIP Applications will be accepted through Jan. 7 for membership in the Colorado Outdoor Partnership.

The coalition brings together organizations involved in agriculture, conservation and recreation in the state. The coalition develop plans to balance various activities and ensure sustainable access to outdoor recreation.

For more information about the Colorado Outdoors Partnership and applications for memberships running from February 2021 through January 2024, visit https://copartnership.org.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

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Healthcare Management, its AR Services and A-1 Collection Agency and employees gave nearly $20,000 in 2020 to local organizations and programs through a charitable giving initiative.

“This year has provided extraordinary challenges for us all as we live and work during a pandemic. I am humbled and inspired to work with such great people who demonstrate enormous selfless giving during this time,” said Angelina Salazar, chief executive officer of Healthcare Management in Grand Junction.

Under the initiative, employees donate a portion of their wages to a giving fund. The company matches up to $500 a month. Employees contributed more than $13,000 to the fund, to which a $5,000 company match was added.

Contributions were made to the American Red Cross, Alzheimer’s Association, breast cancer awareness, Center for Independence, Central High School basketball, charity dinner for Bonnie and Mathews House, childhood cancer awareness, Clifton Christian Church food box program, Community Food Bank, Doors 2 Success, Kids Aid, Lunch Lizard, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Mesa County School District 51 Stuff the Bus, Oxford House, Partners,Riverside Education Center, Salvation Army, Summit West Care Hungry Hearts Program and The House.

Healthcare Management is the parent company for AR Services and A-1 Collection Agency. Healthcare Management provides services for community and rural hospitals, large health systems, physician groups, skilled nursing facilities and more. A total of 21 hospitals and health care organizations own and manage Healthcare Management.

For more information, log on to https://www.hcmcolorado.com.

n APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH FEB. 15 FOR PINNACOL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS Applications will be accepted through Feb. 15 for college scholarships awarded to children whose parents have been injured or killed in work-related accidents.

The Pinnacol Foundation — established by the Pinnacol Assurance workers’ compensation insurance provider in Colorado — awards the scholarships.

“The children of injured workers take on many more responsibilities and challenges Edie Sonn than the average child and often make sacrifices when it comes to pursuing education,” said Edie Sonn, chairwoman of the Pinnacol Foundation Board of Directors.

“It is a privilege to assist these students with the financial aspects of their education and help make their educational goals more attainable. Each one of them is an inspiration, and we’re lucky to be a small part of their future success.”

Since 2000, the Pinnacol Foundation has awarded a total of nearly $6.5 million to almost 650 students across Colorado. The foundation awarded a total of $450,000 to 95 students for the 2020-2021 academic year. The average scholarship is $4,700 a year. Funds may be used for four-year, two-year or trade programs at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges and vocational schools in the United States.

Eligible students must be the natural child, adopted child, stepchild or full dependent of a worker who was injured or killed in a compensable work-related accident during the course and scope of employment with a Colorado-based employer. Students must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average and be between the ages of 16 and 25. Selection criteria also includes academic achievement, civic involvement, financial need and an essay For online applications or more information, visit the website at www.pinnacol.com/foundation or call (303) 361-4775. n HILLTOP TO DELIVER CHRISTMAS EVE MEALS TO HOMEBOUND GRAND VALLEY SENIORS Hilltop Community Resources expects to prepare and deliver nearly 700 free meals on Christmas Eve to Grand Valley seniors homebound for the holidays.

The latest number is about double the 350 meals usually delivered through the program. For seven years, Hilltop has provided holiday dinners to clients of Meals on Wheels, a St. Mary’s Medical Center program that delivers meals to area seniors.

The meals, prepared by the kitchens of Hilltop, will include turkey with traditional side dishes and a special desert. A total of more than 175 Hilltop staff members and community volunteers will deliver the meals between 1 and 5 p.m. Precautions will be taken in preparing and delivering the meals to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

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n FRUITA MAYOR PRO TEM AMONG APPOINTEES TO CMU BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Lori Buck, mayor pro tem of Fruita, is among three appointees to the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis appointed Buck, a Republican, to serve on the 13-member board that oversees CMU. David Foster of Denver, a Democrat, also was appointed.

Allison Ream Griffin of Lafayette, Lori Buck a Republican, was reappointed. The three will serve four-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2024.

Buck has served on the Fruita City Council since 2006, including stints as mayor and mayor pro tem.

She previously worked as a planning technician and code enforcement officer for the City of Fruita.

She manages the administrative portion of Bighorn Consulting Engineers, a Grand Junction company her husband, Blaine Buck, oversees as president.

Lori Buck holds a bachelor’s degree in forest management from Colorado State University. n GOVERNOR APPOINTS FRUITA MAN TO COLORADO JUVENILE PAROLE BOARD Jared Prochnow of Fruita has been appointed to the Colorado Juvenile Parole Board.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis appointed Prochnow to serve as a member of the public at large on the board.

Prochnow succeeds Michael Rodriguez of Aurora, who resigned.

Prochnow’s term expires Nov. 15, 2022.

The nine-member board includes five members from the public and four state agency representatives. The board grants, denies, modifies, suspends or revokes paroles for juveniles committed to the Colorado Department of Human Services.

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The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business People. Email submissions to phil@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online through the website at www.thebusinesstimes.com. n WEST SLOPE BANK EXECUTIVE APPOINTED TO COLORADO GOLF HALL OF FAME BOARD Vance Wagner, regional president of ANB Bank in Western Colorado, has been appointed to the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

Jon Rizzi, executive director of the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, welcomed the appointment. “His passion and support of the game throughout Colorado — and especially on the Western Slope — will make him an Vance Wagner indispensable member of our board.”

Wagner said he was honored to be appointed and looks forward to working with other board members.

An avid golfer, Wagner is one of the founding board members of the new Rocky Mountain Open Golf Tournament. He previously served on the board of the First Tee at Green Valley Ranch, the Colorado Open Foundation and other golf tournament committees in Western Colorado. He’s a member of Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction.

Wagner also serves on the St. Mary’s Hospital Board, Club 20 Executive Committee and Downtown Development Authority. He’s also chairman of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Founded in 1973, the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame honors men and women who’ve contributed to golf in the state, promoted the game and preserved golf history. The Colorado Golf Hall of Fame is located in Brighton.

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Entrepreneur celebrates business milestone Patricia Nizalowski is celebrating her second year in business in Grand Junction as owner and massage therapist at Green Valley Herbal Day Spa & Boutique.

Located at 1001 N. Fifth St., Suite C, Green Valley Herbal Day Spa & Boutique offers a variety of handcrafted, botanically based bath and body care products as well as herbal salves and tea blends.

Grand Valley Herbal products can shipped directly to customers or are available for curbside pickup. A massage therapy studio is open for sessions by appointment.

Green Valley Herbal Day Spa & Boutique has received recognition under a variance protection program in Mesa County in which participating businesses follow public health guidelines and practices in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nizalowski brings to her business more than 30 years of experience as a massage therapist and uses her own products, including massage oils, balms and lotions.

Grand Valley Herbal traces its origin back to Cedaredge in 1998 and two grandmothers who decided to share their love of handcrafting botanically based body and baby care products as well as herbal tea blends.

Nizalowski purchased the businesses after using Grand Valley Herbal products in her practice for more than 20 years.

She combined her massage therapy practice and Grand Valley Herbal to create Grand Valley Herbal Day Spa & Boutique and moved the business to Grand Junction in November 2018.

While the business hasn’t hosted any open houses since March because of the pandemic, the Grand Valley Herbal website has been revamped, as has product packaging and labeling.

For more information, call 589-9934 or visit the website at https://greenvalleyherbal.com.

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December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

Dec. 28 n Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce Zoom at Noon virtual meetings, noon to 1 p.m. 858-3894 or www.fruitachamber.org Dec. 29 n Free webinar on contract negotiation and preparation, 10 to 10:30 a.m. 243-5242 or www.grandjunctionsbdc.org/recovery Dec. 31 n Grand Junction Master Networks referrals group Zoom meeting, 9 a.m. Dec. 31 and Jan. 7.

New members welcome — but only one per profession. 216-7723 Jan. 12 n Business Incubator Center webinar on business startups, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12 and 13. Admission $55, which includes access to Fast Trac classes.

243-5242 or www.gjincubator.org Upcoming n Business Incubator Center business startup workshop, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Jan 27, 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction. Admission $55, which includes access to Fast Trac classes. www.gjincubator.org or 243-5242 n Business Incubator Center Leading Edge 12-week business planning and management course for startups and existing ventures, 6 to 9 p.m.

Wednesdays Jan. 27 to April 14. Tuition $275 per person, $100 for an additional participant from the same business. www.gjincubator.org/leading-edge or 242-3214 n Business Incubator Center webinar on business startups, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 9 and 10. Admission $55, which also includes access to Fast Trac classes. 243-5242 or www.gjincubator.org n Business Incubator Center business startup workshop, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Admission $55, which also includes access to Fast Trac classes.

243-5242 or www.gjincubator.org n Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce annual trip to the Colorado Legislature in Denver, Feb. 25 and 26. www.gjchamber.org or 242-3214 n Business Incubator Center webinar on business startups, 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 10 and 11.

Admission $55, which includes access to Fast Trac classes. 243-5242 or www.gjincubator.org n Business Incubator Center business startup workshop, 9 to 11:30 a.m. March 23. Admission $55, which includes access to Fast Trac classes.

243-5242 or www.gjincubator.org F

WHAT’S HAPPENING? The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in the Almanac calendar of events. Email event listings as far in advance as possible to phil@thebusinesstimes.com.

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021

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The Business Times

December 24, 2020-January 13, 2021