CMU proposes new football facility to replace Lincoln Park Barn
Brandon Leuallen
The Business Times
Colorado Mesa University used a Sept. 15 Grand Junction City Council workshop to have a conversation about replacing the aging Lincoln Park Barn at Stocker Stadium, which serves as the CMU football team’s locker room on game days.
For years, CMU football has used Lincoln Park Barn as a locker room, while visiting teams are placed in the north-side locker rooms. The split is intentional, CMU President John Marshall said, to keep teams separated and avoid conflicts. But the barn is outdated and was never designed as a football facility, which is one of the main reasons CMU wants to build a new building at the stadium.
Marshall said the presentation was an opening discussion, not a finished proposal. He said the project would follow the model of past Lincoln Park partnerships, such as the golf facility, and would be funded by CMU and alumni donors rather than city taxpayers.
“This would be a CMU-funded project,” Marshall said. “We’ve set aside cash, and with this being the 100th anniversary of Maverick football, we see a chance to fundraise from alumni and supporters to make this a reality.”
See story Page 5
Get in the zone!
1,800 Mesa County businesses are losing enterprise-zone status Jan. 1, but they can apply to get grandfathered in — See Page 2
Kristin Rau, the Mesa County Enterprise Zone administrator, holds up a large map of the proposed Mesa County Enterprise Zone that stands to be approved by Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Economic Development Committee on or before Oct. 16. The new map then goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026. “It’s 99 percent cleared,” Rau said. “They had a meeting last week, and all the preliminaries were approved. But October 16th will be the definitive date of the new Enterprise Zone designation.” The simple explanation of the map is the blue areas are in the enterprise zone and eligible for a variety of tax credits, and the white areas are not in the enterprise zone. Photo by Tim Harty.
This is the Mesa County Enterprise Zone map that stands to be approved on or before Oct. 16 by Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and Intenational Trade and take effect Jan. 1. The areas in dark blue are in the enterprise zone, and the areas in white are not.
Don’t zone out!
Mesa County businesses losing enterprise-zone status can apply to get grandfathered in, but the deadline looms
Tim Harty The Business Times
Thank goodness for grandfather clauses.
Approximately 1,800 Mesa County businesses will no longer reside in a Colorado enterprise zone come Jan. 1, 2026. That means they reside in an area that no longer is deemed economically distressed by state criteria for unemployment, population growth and average per capita income.
That’s good news in that it means the area is doing too well economically to qualify as an enterprise zone.
It’s bad news in that it means those 1,800 businesses no longer qualify for the tax credits that an enterprise zone entitles them to.
But then there’s good news again: Those affected businesses can submit a grandfathering application by Oct. 16 to retain the tax credit incentives for another 10 years. Plus, they have to pre-certify every year, same as any
enterprise-zone business must.
Kristin Rau has served since May 1 as the Mesa County Enterprise Zone administrator, a role tied to being the director of grants and incentives at Grand Junction’s Business Incubator Center, which administers the county’s enterprise zone program.
That means the duty of tackling the redesignation of enterprise-zone boundaries – the state mandates the reevaluation every 10 years, and the next 10-year term starts Jan. 1 – fell to Rau.
An economist and professed lover of maps, Rau is well-suited for the role and the challenges it presented as she tried to ensure as many businesses as possible remained in the Mesa County Enterprise Zone.
The two business-heavy areas that couldn’t be reconciled in the redesignation of boundaries were:
• The heart of downtown Grand Junction, between First and Seventh streets and Gunnison and Pitkin avenues.
See ZONE on Page 9
HOW TO APPLY FOR GRANDFATHERED STATUS
Businesses that will no longer reside in the Mesa County Enterprise Zone as of Jan. 1, 2026, can apply for grandfathered status and retain the ability to get the tax credits available to enterprise-zone businesses.
The Grand Junction Business Incubator Center provided the following direction for the application process:
F 1. Complete DR 0078 form and explain your planned activities eligible for Enterprise Zone tax credits over the next 10 years. (This is best case planning and there is no obligation or penalty if these activities are not performed or are of varying amounts.)
F 2. Email your form to mcezadmin@gjincubator.org.
F 3. Complete the OEDIT Google form, which the Business Incubator Center will send you, and attach your completed DR 0078 to this form where prompted. After Oct. 16, you will receive a confirmation of your new Enterprise Zone status. Please be sure to pre-certify for the 2026 tax year as soon as you receive this notice (or 90 days prior to your start of your 2026 fiscal year if it is not calendar year) and keep the PAR number in your records for reference when you file your 2026 taxes.
Remember that pre-certification is an annual event: even if you are grandfathered into the Enterprise Zone for 10 years, you must pre-certify every year in order to be eligible for EZ tax credits.
The Mesa County Enterprise Zone Program encourages all affected businesses to act promptly. For assistance with the application process, please contact the Business Incubator at: 970-243-5242 or email: mcezadmin@gjincubator.org
Enterprise Zone Drop-In Sessions
The Business Incubator Center will host a series of drop-in informational sessions regarding the Mesa County Enterprise Zone Tax Credits and the grandfathering process. The dates, times and Grand Junction locations of the meetings are as follows: Sept. 25 – 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Western Colorado Community Foundation, 128 N. Fifth St. Sept. 30 – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Downtown Development Authority, 101 S. Third St., Suite 100 Oct. 2 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Hall Auditorium, 250 N. Fifth St. Oct. 8 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way. At these sessions, businesses can:
• Learn how enterprise zone tax credits work and how to apply.
• Receive guidance on the grandfathering process.
Building next generation’s builders
Second year brings growth spurt for Careers in Construction program
Tim Harty The Business Times
Last school year was like framing a house for Careers in Construction Colorado when it got Palisade High School to offer its classes.
This school year, it’s putting on the roof and tacking on siding as the program expanded into Grand Junction and Fruita Monument high schools and the School District 51 Career Center.
CICC’s hope is its curriculum will make its way into Central High School next school year, and at that point more District 51 students will be making their way into construction and skilled-trade internships and jobs in the area or taking their certifications and career certainty to a school like Colorado Mesa University Tech to further their education.
Careers in Construction Colorado ultimately is benefitting two groups in the Grand Valley.
It’s offering students the opportunity to learn about skilled trades and experience them in a way that helps them determine whether they want to pursue a career in the trades.
For contractors in the Grand Valley, CICC is building a pipeline to supply skilled young workers, which they’re going to need.
Fieldhouse in Grand Junction. The students were there to tour the building and see the different levels of construction while the construction was ongoing. Photo courtesy of Palisade High School.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
Providing Career Opportunities
What does Careers in Construction Colorado ultimately provide School District 51 students? That’s a question wellsuited for Crystal Green, Palisade High’s work-based learning coordinator. She got a good look at the program last year and knows what Grand Junction and Fruita Monument high schools can expect this school year.
“CICC allows students to have robust options for career exploration and jump starting careers,” Green wrote in an email interview. “Students that engage in the CICC program earn industryrecognized credentials, allowing them to be immediately hirable in our local workforce.
“Students are also engaging with industry professionals, taking field trips to see the many facets of construction and industry, and utilizing industry tools in the classroom. Students will graduate with employability skills, experience, education and credentials, ultimately ready to bolster our local economy.”
Green said she believes there are approximately 200 students participating in CICC throughout the district this school year.
Integrating
CICC in Schools
To make CICC a success, Green said there is a full team implementing the curriculum and overseeing major operations in conjunction with the Housing and Building Association of Western Colorado, a not-for-profit organization that describes itself as “committed to advancing the building industry throughout the Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.”
Green said Karrie Kuklish-Gutzwiller, an HBA of Western Colorado board member, and Trina Nostrand, the career navigator for CICC, have been pivotal in implementating the CICC program and making operations run smoothly.
“At a district level,” Green said, “there are several individuals that oversee Career and Technical Education in the district that have helped implement this program in the other schools.”
Speaking specifically about Palisade, Green wrote, “The implementation of CICC has helped to advance our Futures
Pathways Program. Students on a Futures Pathways Program take courses that focus on a career of interest, along with other courses that enhance skills, ultimately culminating in workbased experiences, such as internships. Our instructors, Joe Ramunno and Paul Brandstoettner, had a solid curriculum; the addition of CICC has enhanced their programming by adding industry recognized credentials.”
What Classes are Offered?
The first year, Green said, students take a year-long course called PACT CORE, and it earns them a pre-apprenticeship certification and the OSHA-10 certification.
“This gives students the foundational information for any career in construction,” she said.
More than that, Kuklish-Gutzwiller said Colorado is the only state with a waiver that allows students who have taken the PACT CORE course and passed the OSHA-10 certification to start working on job sites at the age of 15.
While the first year’s classes are more general in nature, the following years get specific.
“Every semester after the PACT CORE curriculum is a more focused curriculum, such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.,” Green wrote. “A student that completes two years of the program will graduate with four certifications, a pre-apprenticeship certification, OSHA-10 and two specified certificates.”
Because the previous school year was the first for CICC in Palisade High, it had two PACT CORE classes, and that set the stage for this year to have one PACT CORE class and one second-year class.
“This year we are offering carpentry and electrical,” Green said. “We will offer different credentials next year.”
And come spring, when some Palisade student will have two years of CICC classes in their proverbial tool belt, they might be wearing an actual tool belt while doing an internship.
“We anticipate placing 11 to 15 students in constructionrelated internships,” Green said. “The requested internships vary from carpentry, electrical, HVAC, diesel mechanics, masonry, and one that wants to get his CDL.”
See BUILDERS on Page 6
BUILT FOR THE FUTURE
The HBA of Western Colorado, Western Colorado Contractors Association, and the Western Colorado Careers in Construction chapter are hosting Built for the Future Day on Oct. 7 at Mesa County Fairgrounds, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The HBA of Western Colorado describes it as “an immersive, handson event that connects students with skilled professionals who are shaping the world around us.”
It targets students such as the ones now taking PACT CORE classes in School District 51 as part of Careers in Construction Colorado, and it’s an ideal place for local businesses that specialize in construction or skilled trades to get involved.
If you are interested in assisting Built for the Future Day as a presenter, sponsor, or volunteer, go online to www. hbawesternco.com/careers-in-construction-colorado and scroll down to “Built For The Future.” There will be buttons to click to sign up.
Karrie Kuklish-Gutzwiller, head of business development at Fixture Studio and a board member of the HBA of Western Colorado, said the Mesa County CICC program also is trying to get the word out that it needs more local businesses to provide internships to CICC students.
Palisade High School students from a Careers in Construction Colorado class last school year listen to a North Peak Construction worker during a field trip at the Blackout Sports
CMU proposes new football facility to replace Lincoln Park Barn
Continued from Page 1
The plan envisions a two-story facility at the stadium’s south end zone with locker rooms, training and meeting spaces, and coaches offices. The building would give CMU football a permanent home.
Other RMAC schools raise the bar
Marshall noted CMU has invested recently in many other sports facilities, but football has lagged. He pointed to rivals in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference that have made significant upgrades.
Marshall showed slides of Western Colorado’s renovated stadium, Colorado Mines’ facility updates, and CSU–Pueblo’s stadium, which he called the envy of the conference.
“Across the conference, you can walk into those stadiums and immediately know you’re at that school,” Marshall said.
He said the gap affects recruiting and the student-athlete experience.
“It’s less cool for our student athletes to play at what feels like a high school
stadium users, especially local high schools. Marshall said locker room access for schools would not change and that the new layout would improve game-day logistics.
Stout also asked whether CMU had considered purchasing the building instead of leasing it.
“That would be different than what we’ve thought about,” Marshall said. “Doesn’t mean it’s not a possibility. I would just say we feel like we really need to get moving on this facility. We feel like a long-term lease is trodden ground.”
He left the door open for bigger discussions, saying, “If there’s a bigger, more long-term conversation that the city would like to have, let’s have that.”
Beilfuss suggested exploring a land swap that could give CMU control of more of Lincoln Park than just the barn, while the city acquired CMU property on 29 Road.
“Lincoln Park is an amazing property,” Beilfuss said. “We should at least think about what a swap might look like.”
Stout later clarified she was referring
“I just want to make sure that my
Utilization and access
Grand Junction City Manager Mike Bennett said most Lincoln Park Barn programming is already planned to move to the new Grand Junction Community Recreation Center, with exceptions like the annual Turkey Trot packet pickup, some police training and occasional rentals of the building. Those, he said, can be relocated or scheduled around.
Council member Scott Beilfuss questioned whether the building might sit empty most of the year. Marshall replied the college will use it daily, unlike Lincoln Park Barn, which he described as underutilized.
“We think we would occupy this 365,” Marshall said.
He added CMU would allow city use of meeting spaces outside football season, including for town halls, public meetings and possibly high school booster fundraisers.
Council member Anna Stout asked how the proposal would affect other
questions were directed at this one building, not the park, not the stadium in general.”
She added, “I am supportive of the concept as it is presented tonight.”
Lease versus sale
City Attorney John Shaver explained that CMU could pursue a renewable 25year lease under the city charter, a familiar path modeled on previous Lincoln Park agreements. An outright sale would require voter approval.
Timeline and next steps
Marshall said CMU hopes to finalize a memorandum of understanding with the city within four to six weeks, in time to announce the project at October homecoming celebrations.
The university is aiming for a spring 2027 completion to align with commencements and the Junior College World Series.
Council did not take a vote but signaled consensus for staff to continue negotiations.
The Lincoln Park Barn, pictured next to Ralph Stocker Stadium, serves as Colorado Mesa University’s football locker room. CMU officials are proposing a new two-story operations building to replace it. Photo by Brandon Leuallen.
Builders
Continued from Page 4
Continuing Education
Green said the classes, certificates and experiences help students determine career paths, and some may desire more education first or choose a career that requires more education.
Either way, she said, “A student will enter into the college with plenty of experience and knowledge to be confident in their decision and to be successful in the coursework.”
WORKFORCE PERSPECTIVE Making CICC Happen
The doors that have been opened to District 51 students through Careers in Construction Colorado was made possible by Kuklish-Gutzwiller, who said she brought the program to Grand Junction through her connections with CICC’s founding members in Colorado Springs and her role as a board member for the HBA of Western Colorado.
“When I learned about the program, it was an absolute no-brainer to present it to our HBA,” said KuklishGutzwiller, who also is head of business development at Fixture Studio in Grand Junction. “Once I introduced it to the board, they approved launching a Mesa County chapter – with me taking the lead in running it.”
Since then, she has been connecting schools with the local HBA and presenting the program so they can bring it into their classrooms.
Kuklish-Gutzwiller said she works closely with Cheri Taylor and her team at District 51 in the Career and College Readiness program to gain support and collaboration.
Kuklish-Gutzwiller also started the CICC Champions Committee, a team of industry professionals dedicated to promoting the program and securing funding for teacher training, stipends and materials, “which are provided entirely through our HBA chapter,” she said. “From there, I partner with Trina (Nostrand), our career navigator, to
connect students with opportunities in the skilled trades, coordinate with educators, contractors and suppliers, and raise community awareness through events, resources and career guidance.”
Recognizing the Need for CICC
Kuklish-Gutzwiller’s commitment to the CICC program is rooted in her belief in the importance of construction education, because it benefits the construction industry and the students.
“Growing up in the valley as the daughter of a plumbing contractor, I saw firsthand the value of skilled trades,” she said. “I even helped pay my way through college by working alongside my dad on job sites. For me, this isn’t just a passion, it’s part of who I am.”
Kuklish-Gutzwiller also expressed pride in what CICC has accomplished in a short time in District 51, citing the number of schools it has reached, the students who are benefiting, and the long-term impact it’s creating.
“We are truly changing the landscape of the building and trade industry on the Western Slope for generations to come,” she said.
Replenishing the Workforce
Speaking of future generations, Kuklish-Gutzwiller said the timing of CICC’s impact locally is perfect.
“We’re growing our own workforce in Mesa County and in the counties that we service,” she said, “and I think that’s hugely important, because right now our trades are getting older, and they are going away, and we have a severe shortage of skilled-trade laborers that wanna come in.”
Raising Awareness
A severe shortage of skilled-trade laborers means there’s a demand for skilled-trade laborers, and the CICC program is trying to spread that word: The trades are a good way to make a living.
“I think the biggest thing is that kids don’t understand
Palisade High School student Heidi Thorne is shown at an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 111 electrical-demonstration display during a Union Trades Demonstration Day at the high school last school year. Photo courtesy of Palisade High School.
that you can be an HVAC technician making $70,000 to $100,000 a year after you’re finished with school,” Kuklish-Gutzwiller said. “A lot of students don’t even understand the amount of money that they can make when they want to be a plumber, electrician, a mason or, you know, any of the other things that come along with the building industry. And there’s so many different avenues besides just what you see in construction.”
She aded, “Our whole goal is to make kids aware, to put those tools in their hands, so they’re available to them, so that they can actually walk away skilled and they get certification, so when the kids are done with high school ... they can walk onto a job site and say, “Hey I have a certificate in electrical. I have a certificate in plumbing. I have a certificate in HVAC,’ that type of thing.
“It just makes them more employable, and it makes our workforce and the companies that are around us able to pull in students that actually have some training, which is huge around here.”
Continued from Page 2
• Much of the Grand Junction North and Grand Junction Regional Airport area, predominantly north of Patterson Road between 23 Road and 27 Road, and it pulls in Mesa Mall and a chunk of the Horizon Drive district.
“Those are going to be really critical areas to get grandfathered into the zone,” she said.
And that’s the critical message to relay with the Oct. 16 deadline fast approaching: If your business is no longer in the enterprise zone, submit the application to get grandfathered in and continue the benefits.
Or get the benefits for the first time. This is an important one to Rau, who said she couldn’t believe how many businesses have not been taking advantage of the enterprisezone status.
“The message I’d really like to get out is: You know what? These enterprise zone credits have been sitting on the table, and so very few businesses have leveraged them in the past. It’s kind of maddening,” she said.
Rau added in an email: “My goal is to partner with as many businesses as possible, so they can earn those tax credits and then use that money to reinvest in our community –to grow their business, create more jobs and stimulate economic growth of our region: This is the mission of The Business Incubator!”
Rau said any business that needs help with its application can call her office phone direct at 970-248-2994 or call the Business Incubator Center at 970-243-5242 or email mcezadmin@gjincubator.org.
For more details about how to apply and what the tax incentives are, see the information boxes that accompany this article.
SUMMARY OF TAX CREDITS
Below is a list of the tax credits currently available through Colorado’s Enterprise Zone program:
Enterprise Zone Job Training Tax Credit
Businesses can earn a state income tax credit for 12 percent of eligible job-training costs for employees working within the enterprise zone. This tax credit helps develop a skilled workforce in distressed communities.
Enterprise Zone New Employee Tax Credit
Businesses can earn a state income tax credit of $1,100 per net new employee. Businesses can earn more tax credits if the business is an agricultural processor or is in an enhanced rural enterprise zone. This tax credit encourages businesses to hire and expand employment opportunities, thus reducing unemployment rates.
Enterprise Zone Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Tax Credit
For the first two years that a business is in an enterprise zone, the business can earn $1,000 per net new employee insured under a qualified health plan for which the employer pays at least 50 percent of the cost. This tax credit encourages businesses to provide a qualified health insurance plan to employees, potentially improving community health and reducing public health costs.
Enterprise Zone Research and Development Tax Credit
Businesses can earn a 3 percent tax credit for an increase in annual research and development expenses compared to what they spent the prior two years. Investment in research and experimentation supports an innovative economy.
Enterprise Zone Vacant Commercial Building Rehabilitation Tax Credit
If a business rehabilitates a commercial building that is at least 20 years old and has been vacant for at least two years, the business can earn a state income tax credit for 25 percent of rehabilitation costs (up to $50,000 in credits on $200,000 or more on costs). This tax credit encourages the revitalization of dilapidated buildings and blighted areas, bringing new businesses and employees to the community.
Enterprise Zone Commercial Vehicle Investment Tax Credit
A taxpayer can earn a state income tax credit for 1.5 percent of the price of new commercial trucks, truck tractors, tractors, semi-trailers, and associated parts registered in Colorado and used in an enterprise zone.
Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credit
Businesses can earn a state income tax credit for 3 percent of an investment in business personal property. New business personal property increases a company’s capacity. The taxes a business pays on these purchases far exceed all tax credits under the enterprise zone program.
Enterprise Zone Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Manufacturing and Mining
The statewide sales and use tax exemption for purchases of manufacturing equipment is expanded to include noncapitalized equipment and parts if the business is located within a zone. The enterprise zone statutes also expand manufacturing to include mining.
– Source: Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
17 Mesa County homes showcased in HBA of Western Colorado’s Parade of Homes
The 44th annual Parade of Homes, presented by the Housing and Building Association of Western Colorado and Fairway Mortgage, takes place during the next two weekends: Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5.
The self-guided Parade of Homes tour features 17 homes from 16 different Mesa County builders. The homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
“With 17 homes in this year’s Parade, ranging from firsttime buyer options to luxury builds, there really is something for everyone. You’ll see everything from resort-style outdoor dining to unique stone and tile details – each home designed with touches that combine high-end style with everyday comfort,” said Shayna Heiney, executive officer of the HBA of Western Colorado.
The homes range in price from $373,000 to more than $3.5 million and can be found throughout the valley in Grand Junction, Fruita and Orchard Mesa.
The builders with homes being showcased are: Maves Construction; Canyon Vista Custom Homes; Smart Choice RES; Signature Homes of Colorado; Porter Homes; Alta Home Builders; Oak Built Home; Goetzmann Custom Homes; Dahl Built Homes; Copper Creek Builders; Creative Design Builders; Sunshine Development Company; Above
Code Homes; Senergy Builders; BOA Builders; and JCI Construction.
Representatives from each builder will be on site throughout the parade to point out special features and answer any questions about the homes.
“Whether you’re downsizing or looking for room to grow, there’s something for everyone in this year’s parade,” Heiney said. “Homes range from just over 1,000 square feet to more than 6,200, with some available for sale and others offering a glimpse of what’s possible. This parade isn’t only about dream homes. If you find one you love, it might just become your reality.”
Prior to touring homes, participants are encouraged to download the Parade of Homes app to preview homes, plan your day, obtain builder information and receive map and navigation assistance. To download the app, visit the app store on your mobile device, search “Grand Junction Parade of Homes” and click download.
Tickets cost $15 and are being sold online at www. gjparade.com and at all Grand Junction area Safeway Stores. Socks will be required to tour each home, and bare feet will not be allowed. Shoe bags will be provided to carry from home to home.
For more information about the 44th Annual Parade of Homes, visit www.gjparade.com.
The Business Times
609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 424-5133 www.thebusinesstimes.com
Museum hosts Oktoberfest Weekend at Cross Orchards Historic Site
The Museums of Western Colorado announced it will host its first Oktoberfest at Cross Orchards Historic Site on Oct. 10-11.
The two-day celebration combines the best of fall traditions with fundraising, live music, local food and brews and familyfriendly fun.
Tickets for both days and more information about the weekend’s festivities are available online at mowc.co.
Friday, Oct. 10
Fundraising Dinner & Dance Party
Tickets will be $150 per person for the dinner and dance party. Or, generaladmission tickets for just the dance party (8 p.m. entry) are $29 per person.
Cowboy & The Rose will cater an Oktoberfest-style dinner, complete with a German-inspired charcuterie station, entrées and desserts. The dance party will feature the music of Katie & The Players, which the museum called “a funky soul band bringing powerhouse vocals and vibrant energy.”
Proceeds from Friday evening benefit the Museums of Western Colorado.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Family Festival Day
Tickets for Saturday’s festival are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and veterans, $8 for children under 16, and free for children ages 2 and under.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., families can enjoy live entertainment and fall festivities across the historic grounds of Cross Orchards. There will be:
• Live music by local artists, including a performance by Rodney Hayden.
• Costume contest and pretzel toss.
• Pumpkin patch and hay maze.
• Historic demonstrations: blacksmithing, woodworking, cider pressing, cookies in the bunkhouse.
• Free rides on the Ride-On-Train.
• Food trucks.
• Vendor booths, including the Bookcliff Home Brewers Association.
• National Steinholding Competition, Colorado State Championship, at 1 p.m.
Sponsors & Community Support
Oktoberfest 2025 is made possible with the generous support of its sponsors, including: Alpine Bank, title sponsor; Barb Bowman and Wayne Allen, beer garden sponsors; Grand Mesa Mechanical, underwriter; and MBC Grand Broadcasting, media sponsor. F
hosts
Oktoberfest
at Orchards Site
Colorado Oktoberfest on Oct.
combines the fundraising, live and familyand more festivities
Dance Party person for generaldance party
cater an complete with station, party will Players, funky soul vocals and evening benefit Colorado.
festival are $10 veterans, $8 children families can festivities of Cross including Hayden. pretzel toss. maze. demonstrations: cider bunkhouse. Ride-On-Train. including the Association. Competition, 1 p.m.
Support possible sponsors, sponsor; Allen, Grand Mesa MBC Grand
Xcel Energy rates going up in fourth quarter
Xcel Energy natural gas and electric bills for its Colorado customers are expected to be slightly higher for the fourth quarter of 2025, the energy provider said in a Sept. 15 news release.
Xcel Energy sent its proposed adjustments to natural gas and electric costs to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for approval. Xcel Energy does not profit from an increase in natural gas or electricity fuel prices, the news release said.
Under the proposed quarterly Electric Commodity Adjustment for the fourth quarter, the average Xcel residential customer is expected to see an increase of 76 cents per month, while small businesses would pay approximately $2.18 more on a typical monthly bill compared to the third quarter of 2025.
For the Gas Cost Adjustment, Xcel residential natural gas customers will see an increase of 1.27 percent, or $1.06, on their typical monthly bill compared to the third quarter of 2025. Small businesses will see an average monthly increase of 1.42 percent, or $4.89 on their typical monthly bill compared to the third quarter of 2025.
With minor exceptions, costs associated with increases or decreases through these electric and natural gas adjustments are passed along to customers on a dollar-per-dollar basis, the news release said. If approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, new rates would go into effect Oct. 1 and remain in effect for three months.
Grand Junction committees now being recorded, Urban Trails first up
Brandon Leuallen The Business Times
Residents who cannot attend committee meetings will now be able to follow the City of Grand Junction’s committees online.
As part of its efforts to increase transparency and community access to information, the city has begun recording all committee and advisory board meetings. The recordings are publicly available through the city’s Agenda and Minutes page on their website and on the city’s agenda and minutes portal on the City of Grand Junction mobile app.
At the start of the Urban Trails Committee meeting on Sept. 10, Mobility Coordinator Henry Brown explained the new process.
“Our meetings have always been public, and anybody’s welcome to come and join us in person,” Brown said. “But to be consistent with some of the practices that City Council themselves follow, there is interest in having that be more than a ‘day of’ opportunity for people.”
When asked whether the recordings would replace meeting minutes, Brown said recordings will not replace them, and he will need to follow up on the issue.
Trail Grant Support
The first and only action item for the meeting concerned a grant application. Public Works Director Trent Prall walked the committee through a draft support letter for a Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program grant.
The $250,000 request would help complete the Riverfront Trail between 27 1/2
Road and 29 Road, as part of a more than $2 million project with contributions also expected from One Riverfront and the county.
Committee members voiced support, with one noting residents frequently ask when the missing section will be finished. The committee moved to accept the letter and submit it to support the grant application.
Wayfinding Map Review
Next, Brown presented the city’s bicycle wayfinding map, which is distributed online, in Ride Magazine and at community events.
The city’s website states: “In 2020, the City, in partnership with the Urban Trails Committee, facilitated creative uses of rightof-ways and multi-modal access to economic centers by installing 300 wayfinding signs to help guide bicyclists around the community.”
Grand Junction’s wayfinding map uses color-coded routes to guide cyclists across the city. For example, the Maroon Route begins where the Riverfront Trail meets Seventh Street and continues north through the city, crossing Patterson Road and finishing on Horizon Drive at Grand Junction Regional Airport.
During the meeting, Brown noted any changes will also require updates to physical signage around the city. When committee members suggested exploring options for adding overlays to better show existing infrastructure, Brown explained there is a QR code on the wayfinding map that opens to a much more detailed map.
“This links to the Web map that shows all the infrastructure in the city,” he said.
Education Mini Grants
Brown introduced the committee to a
city-funded education mini-grant program designed to increase bicycle safety instruction.
Brown said he is a certified league instructor.
“You may recall that both Carissa and I got our certifications as league cycling instructors just under a year ago as well as seven other people in our community that are certified instructors,” he said.
Brown brought up the interest form on the screen and told the committee, “For any nonprofits local here in the community, they can feel free to fill out this interest form, and we will be in touch with them about how we can help facilitate the course that they may be interested to offer.”
Brown said the grants will provide nonprofits with funds to hire certified instructors to deliver safety courses.
“This would be primarily focused on giving an organization the resources to hire or pay for the time of people who are certified trainers to come in and teach alongside or on behalf of that organization,” he said.
According to the League of American Bicyclists letter on the City of Grand Junction website, instructors typically receive $25 to $75 per hour.
During the meeting as both a city employee who gave the appearance of helping administer the mini grants and a private instructor who may then be able to be paid to instruct by the same nonprofit organizations when receiving those grants, Brown did not indicate whether he is recused from the selection process or whether he avoids participating in paid training sessions funded through the program.
The city of Grand Junction responded to an inquiry about the potential of this being a conflict of interest, stating, “Organizations have the opportunity to host Smart Cycling classes taught by certified instructors, helping riders of all ages build confidence, stay safe, and enjoy biking as a healthy way to get around. Nonprofits that meet certain requirements may also be eligible for a minigrant to offset costs.
“In November 2024, the City of Grand Junction facilitated a public education class with the League Cycling Instructor Seminar. Participants learned and practiced tools for teaching “learn to ride” and road safety to specific user groups, including youth, new or experienced adult riders, and drivers. Seven regional instructors were certified, including City and County staff, and members of the public.
“If the city’s Mobility Planner is requested by an organization to provide instruction of a Smart Cycling Class as a certified instructor, he would not receive compensation.”
When asked if that means that Brown would be able to provide instruction for smart cycling classes only as a private volunteer outside of his role at the city, or if he would be doing so as part of his job as a city employee, Coleman responded that Brown was currently on paid time off and she would reach out for further clarification and provide it the following week.
This article will be updated as further clarification from the city of Grand Junction becomes available.
When asked about the structure of the courses, Brown said the full curriculum can
be delivered in a single day or spread across multiple shorter sessions.
“There are definitely opportunities to tailor it as desired,” he said.
Walk Audit Findings
The committee reviewed results from summer walk audits that measured pedestrian comfort on different corridors. Some routes scored well, like the north side of Wellington Avenue to Seventh Street, where 100 percent of participants agreed the sidewalks met low-stress standards. Others rated poorly, including the east side of 26 1/2 Road across Horizon Drive, which scored 0 percent due to narrow sidewalks with a retaining wall at the back of the walk.
Brown said he is at the point of taking recommendations from the committee who participated in the walk audits to move forward. Recommendations included adding audible signals at crossings and continuing to recommend City Council members attend walk audits.
Updates
The last part of the meeting was updates. For the Bike Month update Brown said city leadership indicated to him the city will not participate in a program called a “Week Without Driving,” but it still will have Bike to Work Day on Sept. 26 and host a dinner rather than a burrito breakfast as in past years.
Brown said for Senate Bill 25-030 the city is being asked by the regional transportation office to compile a list of missing active transportation facilities that have regional significance.
“We are paying close attention to this bill and supporting the regional staff as we can to get those lists together,” he said.
According to the state of Colorado’s website, active transportation is any humanscale and typically human-powered mode of transportation, such as walking, running, bicycling, in-line skating or using an electric bicycle, kick scooter or electric scooter, skateboard, wheelchair or other personalassistive mobility device.
Prall provided updates on several city projects, including Fourth and Fifth Street reconfiguration downtown. He noted Grand Junction City Council voted on Aug. 20 to revert both streets south of Grand Avenue to two lanes, and he said, “There will be no bike lanes south of Grand Avenue.”
As a final update, Brown said the city will not be hiring to replace a Mobility Division position that was lost.
“I learned over the weekend when I was out of office that the city is no longer going to be pursuing an Americore fellow for the Mobility Division, despite the fact that that was adopted funding in the 2025 budget year. We have a less than desirable sales tax outlook for this year or lower than was budgeted for, so this was something that was determined to be a cut by city leadership. … For now, it will continue to just be me supporting the mobility division, and we will not be expecting to have a replacement for Carissa, as if anybody could really fill her shoes.”
Listen to it Yourself
The full recording of the Sept. 10 Urban Trails Committee meeting can be viewed on the city’s Agendas and Minutes page at www. gjcity.org/129/Agendas-Minutes.
Loyalty factor: Exceptional service builds unforgettable brands
In today’s competitive marketplace, customer service isn’t just a department, it’s the heartbeat of a successful business.
Yet for many consumers it’s a rare luxury. When service falls short, customers don’t just walk away, they take their loyalty, their praise, and their purchasing power with them.
My wife and I recently completed a 2,575-mile, eight-day road trip across four states. Along the way, we encountered a wide spectrum of customer service, from the forgettable to the fantastic. Most interactions were average, a few were disappointing, and a handful were truly exceptional.
And here’s what stood out:
We know exactly which businesses we’ll never return to – and which ones we’ll go out of our way to support again. Some fell off our radar entirely, while others earned a permanent spot on our “must-visit” list. Like all consumers, we vote with our wallets and our words.
If you want your business to stand out, start by identifying what you value most as a customer, then replicate those experiences for your own clientele. When you consistently deliver excellence, you’ll earn referrals, build trust and grow your reputation.
Customers today have endless choices. They’re discerning, intentional and protective of their hard-earned money. That’s why consistency isn’t just important, it’s essential. A single poor experience can undo years of goodwill, while a single exceptional moment can create lifelong loyalty.
To build a business that leaves a lasting impression, focus on these foundational elements:
1. Exceptional Customer Service: It starts at the top. When business owners lead with integrity and prioritize giving customers more reasons to say “yes,” they lay the groundwork for extraordinary service. Exceptional service isn’t just about solving problems, it’s about anticipating needs, exceeding expectations and creating moments that feel personal and memorable.
Customers don’t remember transactions; they remember how they felt. When a company consistently makes people feel valued, respected and appreciated, it becomes more than a business. It becomes a trusted partner.
2. A Caring Team: Hire people who genuinely care. When team members take personal ownership of the
customer experience, it shows in their attitudes, behaviors and results. A disengaged team, on the other hand, erodes trust and revenue.
Caring isn’t a skill; it’s a mindset. It’s the difference between someone who goes through the motions and someone who goes the extra mile. When your team is emotionally invested in the customer’s experience, they create a culture of excellence that customers can feel the moment they engage your business.
3. Training & Development: Equip your team with the tools to succeed. Ongoing training in relationshipbuilding, communication, listening and leadership empowers employees to exceed expectations and deliver excellence consistently.
about reaffirming your values. It’s a chance to show that your business stands for something more than profit. It stands for people.
You can deliver outstanding service for years, but one poor experience can undo it all. The cost of a bad reputation is steep, while the cost of earning referrals is almost nothing. Every interaction matters.
We live in an emotional economy. Customers don’t just buy products; they buy experiences. They buy trust, connection and confidence. When your business consistently delivers those intangible assets, you create something priceless: loyalty.
Loyalty isn’t built through marketing campaigns or flashy promotions. It’s built through everyday moments, such as genuine greetings, thoughtful gestures and a willingness to listen. It’s built when customers feel seen, heard and valued.
And loyalty is contagious. Satisfied customers become advocates. They share their stories, post reviews and bring others into the fold. In a world where word-ofmouth travels faster than ever, every positive experience is a ripple that can grow into a wave.
Exceptional service isn’t a tactic; it’s a philosophy. It’s a commitment to excellence, empathy, hospitality and consistency. It’s the belief that every customer interaction is an opportunity to make a lasting impression.
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Training isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous investment. It reinforces values, sharpens skills and builds confidence. When your team feels supported and prepared, they’re more likely to take initiative, solve problems creatively and represent your brand with pride.
Effective training also fosters empathy. When employees understand the emotional journey of a customer, they’re better equipped to respond with compassion, patience and professionalism.
4. Making It Right: Perfection isn’t the goal; integrity is. When mistakes happen (and they will), own them. Make it right. Customers remember how you respond more than the error itself.
A sincere apology, a thoughtful resolution and a commitment to improvement can turn a negative experience into a powerful story of redemption. In fact, some of the most loyal customers are those who’ve seen a company rise to the occasion when things went wrong. Making it right isn’t just about fixing the issue; it’s
Marcus Straub owns Life is Great Coaching in Grand Junction. His personalized coaching and consulting services help individuals, business owners, executives and companies build teams, organizations and lives filled with happiness and success. Straub is winner of the International Coach of the Year Award and author of “Is It Fun Being You?” He’s available for free consultations regarding coaching, speaking and trainings. Reach Straub at (970) 208-3150, marcus@ligcoaching.com or through the website located at www.ligcoaching.com.
Marcus Straub
“It’s not personal, it’s strictly business”
The quote from Michael Corleone is my second favorite quote from “The Godfather.” I can’t tell what my favorite is, because we live in a woke world and the left would come after me, again, with vengeance.
Then again, it’s also the reason I shouldn’t go into what I think were Jimmy Kimmel’s funniest moments on TV, but I’m gonna anyway.
There’s a reason “The Godfather” is always listed as one of the greatest movies ever made. It’s because it’s a movie about real life in the real world. That world is about organized crime and its lust for power, control and money. You know, the role government now plays in all our lives, and the Mafia is trying to figure out how it missed the whole takeover of its business.
The irony of government “going after” the Mob and creating the RICO statutes to do it, and then while in the middle of all of it discovering the Mafia had a darned good business plan, so the government co-opted the plan after putting the Mob out of business is delicious. As Sonny Corleone said, “There’s a lotta money in that $#!T, Pop.”
That’s actually my favorite quote. Michael’s is now third, so I guess I can’t mention my second favorite.
But let’s stay with irony for a moment. Yes, I find it savory that the left suddenly believes cancel-culture is a bad thing. Especially since it’s always been a bad thing. And that’s mainly because the left in our country never applied it equally. Then again, there’s the irony of the left never applying anything equally.
As I recall, Kimmel got his start on television on a show titled “The Man Show.” I used to watch it. He shared the stage with another known talk guy, Adam
Corolla. They did stupid man stuff and humor that for me, being a typical man with man humor, I found humorous. There, I said it. But at least I’m consistent.
Let me be graphic. Two of the “bits” on “The Man Show” were as follows. And they are things today’s left would find absolutely cancellable.
The first was Jimmy Kimmel in BLACKFACE doing a ridiculous (NBA All Star) Karl Malone talking in third person all over the place on any and every topic. I’ll admit, I found it funny.
The second bit involved young girls in fluffy dresses jumping on trampolines while wearing white panties, which were shown on every bounce. I found that a little creepy. But I also noted this: It had an effect on something all men struggle with, lust. So, while creepy, it did have an effect. Whether it was a good or bad effect was up to the viewer and the control they have over their sinful, lustful nature.
But even with that lustful nature, most on the left and right handled it. I think most of the humor was OK, but certainly not on the trampoline stuff. Yet on today’s woke left, no one would tolerate Jimmy Kimmel’s old sense of humor. And although Adam Corolla hasn’t changed much in his humor and I still find him funny, I’m sure he’d rethink the trampoline stuff as well. Jimmy Kimmel simply couldn’t be on late at night doing his old humor. The calls for cancellation would be rampant.
There’s also something else that should be noted. I’ve seen the left call for current cancellations of folks who did something in their distant past that the left finds unacceptable, and it worked. Does Paula Dean come to mind? Perhaps others?
But not Jimmy Kimmel. And even if conservatives and Christians found his current humor to be abhorrent or offensive, there was never really a call for cancellation because of it. I think mainly because it isn’t funny and we
ignore it, but there’s also that whole “freedom of speech” thing conservatives believe in. Obviously, Jimmy was able to exercise it with impunity, because he’d been doing it for the past 10 years. So, even if a few folks on the right were calling for his cancellation over the years, it obviously fell on deaf ears.
So, why was Jimmy cancelled? Easy. His schtick was no longer useful, and he was costing the left in the three things it desires most: power; control; and money. And while many folks will say it’s about money, it never really is with the left, because they have an orchard of special trees to pluck from, a press to print it on, and thanks to technology it can create it out of thin air.
After all, Kimmel’s show and Stephen Colbert’s have been bleeding dollars for years now. And how many book deals can one side of the aisle write to failed politicos who haven’t had an original thought since Karl Marx?
So, it’s not about the money, although that’s the excuse they’re using.
The real reason? The left’s late-night message in splitting the citizenry no longer works. The all-anti Donald Trump all the time is tired and ineffective. I mean, if “Trump is Hitler” didn’t work to convert hearts and minds, you think some crappy, tired humor is the answer?
The left in our country is in the business of splitting the people in its desire for power, control and money. And Jimmy was no longer worth the money. There’s your business decision.
He was also losing his audience to Charlie Kirk. In Truth and freedom.
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Craig Hall is owner and publisher of The Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@ thebusinesstimes.com
Craig Hall
n Shearer leaves private practice, joins Burke, Holguin & Smith
Burke, Holguin & Smith P.C. announce attorney LaDonna Shearer joined its team. Shearer was in private practice in Grand Junction prior to joining our team at Burke, Holguin & Smith P.C. She has legal experience including probate administration, estate planning, trust administration, conservatorships, guardianships, family law and civil litigation.
Shearer has lived in the Grand Junction area since 2009. She grew up in Casper, WY. She earned her juris doctorate from the University of Wyoming College of Law. She moved to Southern Oregon and practiced law in the Grants Pass and Medford areas for many years before moving back to the Rocky Mountains.
Burke Holguin & Smith P.C. (formerly Kain & Burke PC) has been a law firm in the Grand Junction community for more than 30 years. The firm specializes in a wide and varied scope of legal representation, including estate planning, probate, business, family law, real estate, criminal, and civil litigation.
n Habitat’s Hope Through Homes fundraiser returns for third year
Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County will host its third annual Hope Through Homes fundraiser on Oct. 17, 5 to 8 p.m., at 3038 Stratton Drive (John Hoffman Subdivision) in Grand Junction. Alpine Bank is the title sponsor for this year’s event, which promises a high-energy, family-friendly evening packed with live music by Peach Street Revival and Lost Junction Band, a wine and beer garden, food trucks, a silent auction, kid-friendly activities and more.
Tickets cost $20 presale or $25 at the door and include one free drink ticket. Children under age 10 get in free. Tickets are on sale at www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/3rdannual-hope-through-homes-presented-by-habitat-for-humanity-of-mesa-county.
For more information about Hope Through Homes or to learn how to get involved with Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County, visit HabitatMesa.org or email Admin@HFHMesa.com
n Fun runs at local breweries slated for holiday season
Grand Valley Brew Runs has partnered with several Grand Valley microbreweries to provide a series of holiday-season fun runs that start and end at a local brewery. The events are centered around craft beer and supporting local businesses and nonprofits, according to a news release from Grand Valley Brew Runs. The fund-raising beneficiaries remain to be announced. Included in the $35 registration fee is a craft beer (or hot chocolate for nondrinkers), a pint glass and other swag. The events are family friendly, kids 12-and-under run for free, and dogs are welcomed at all events.
The post run festivities include Grand Valley Brew Runs’ “Beer Olympics” games, which include a keg-haul relay, triple jump while balancing a filled brew in hand, and more Olympics inspired fitness challenges.
The series will launch Oct. 25 with a 5-kilometer BOO Run at WestCo Brewery, 905 Struthers Ave. in Grand Junction. A seasonal brew will be available at the finish line to celebrate, and this event will have a Halloween costume contest.
Other scheduled brew runs will be the Mustache Run hosted by Handlebar Tap House on Nov. 22 and the Ugly Sweater Run at Copper Club Brewing Company in Fruita on Dec. 13.
For more information about Grand Valley Brew Runs and updates on the brew run schedule, visit: grandvalleybrewruns.com.
n GJ Kiwanis open grant applications for nonprofits serving children
The Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction is now accepting grant applications from Mesa County nonprofit organizations whose mission is to improve the lives of children. The grants are designed to support local programs and initiatives that align with the Kiwanis mission, including health and well-being, safety, education and youth development. Nonprofits working directly with children in the Mesa County area are encouraged to apply.
Interested organizations can find the grant application and detailed guidelines on the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club website: kiwanis-gj.org. All applications must be submitted by Sept. 26.
Has your business recently hired, moved or made changes? The Business Times welcomes submissions for free publication in Business Briefs. Email stories and photos to stories@thebusinesstimes.com or submit a news release online at www.thebusinesstimes.com.
“The Grand Junction Kiwanis Club has a long-standing commitment to creating a better world for our local kids,” said Tim Haggerty, club president. “We are excited to partner with other dedicated organizations to amplify our impact and help more children in our community reach their full potential.”
For more information, email Haggerty at info@timhaggerty.com. Or call Allocations Committee Chair Stacey Mascarenas at 970-250-7525, or email staceybmascarenas@gmail.com.
n Refugee documentary, panel discussion Sept. 25 at CMU
The Colorado Mesa University Mass Communication Program is hosting a free public showing of a documentary about refugee experiences, followed by a panel discussion, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, in the Meyer Ballroom of the University Center.
Award-winning documentarian Sylvia Johnson of Free Roaming Studios and the University of New Mexico will be showing “Refug(e)” and then discussing her current project, which focuses on animal rescue in Costa Rica.
A panel discussion will follow with Sylvia Johnson, Ariel Brachfeld of the Colorado Film Commission, CMU Mass Communication instructor Greg Mikolai, and CMU-Tech Technical Instructor of Digital Filmmaking Josh Meuwly.
n Legacy Uncorked raising funds for mental health in Delta County
Kadkhodaian Behavioral Health Center will host Legacy Uncorked, a special winetasting and food-pairing fundraising event, on Nov. 8, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 455 Palmer St. in Delta. The event aims to raise funds to provide affordable and accessible mental health care to the underserved population of Delta County.
The evening will feature a curated wine education on the legacy of Delta County wines, led by local sommelier Mark Condon. Wines will be served from local wineries, including Stone Cottage, Storm Cellar, Mesa Winds and Stoney Mesa. The food will be prepared by Angelina from Mesa Winds, perfectly complementing the wine pairings.
The event will include a presentation by KBH Center founders Dr. Ray and Jean Kadkhodaian on the legacy of mental health and their vision for the KBH Center.
“Our vision for KBH Center is built on a holistic philosophy,” Jean Kadkhodaian said. “We don’t just treat symptoms; we support healing through a combination of individualized therapy, relationship wellness and community peer support.”
Limited tickets are available at $125 per person. To register, call 970-699-5221.
In addition to ticket sales, KBH Center is offering sponsorship opportunities for tables and the program. For more information about the KBH Center and how to get involved as a prospective client, volunteer, or donor, visit kbhcenter.org.
LaDonna Shearer
creating a excited to children
Or call or email County special winePalmer St. mental health Delta County wineries, food will be pairings. and Jean Center. Kadkhodaian combination of 970-699-5221. opportunities for how to get
