Follow the Grand Junction Chamber on and on gjchamber.org

PUBLISHED BY THE GRAND JUNCTION AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • JULY 2017

In EvEry IssuE

3 Grand valley Drainage Trial - no verdict yet

More Than A Lemonade stand

4 CMu20000 Committees Form

5 resources for Business success are yours!

Energy Briefings resume in september

8 Fall Election Headlines september Membership Meeting

Awesome Autmn Events Coming

9 Congratulate The Job Creators!

2 Chairman's Column

6 upcoming Events registration Form

7 Welcome new Members

10 recent ribbon Cuttings

11 Business Barometer

From April 1st to June 30th the Chamber was heavily engaged in helping create a stronger economy and being the voice of local business. Activities ranged from workforce development to business advocacy to aligning economic development efforts around an existing economic powerhouse that is also integral to workforce development. Highlights of the past three months include:

● Convening and Engaging Business and Education Leaders in a movement to increase enrollment at CMU by 5,000 and increase community engagement to 5,000 supporters named CMU20000. Ideas were generated, committees were formed and the work is underway on this long-term initiative.

● Fulfilling its role as the voice of business, the Chamber took positions on 36 bills introduced in the Colorado General Assembly and had a success rate of 64% in getting business favorable legislation passed and job killing measures killed. The Chamber also provided information on candidates for City Council and supported two ballot measures, one for transportation funding and one for an events center.

● Stimulating economic growth by engaging in 25 business retention/expansion visits and providing individual technical assistance to 10 of those companies. At the same time the organization spearheaded Economic Development Week activities that helped make companies aware of

CMu20000 Headlines second Quarter reportFEATurEs

the many partner organizations that can help them grow.

● Graduating eight company Owner/CEOs from the fourth Young Entrepreneurs Academy for middle and high school students. Additionally, the Chamber assisted in placing 13 high school students in multi-year apprenticeship positions with local companies through CareerWise and taught 15 high school students work ready skills through the Hire Me First program.

● Hosting the first ever Health Care Summit with over 100 attendees and providing additional information sessions for businesses including two Sunrise Seminars and an Energy Briefing.

● Spearheading an effort to engage local businesses in supporting the Junior College World Series by offering spirit kits and to recognize their unique contributions to the economy through a celebration of Small Business Week.

Community Businesses: Stronger Together Looking back on what the Chamber has accomplished during the first half of 2017, one thing is abundantly clear: our business community is stronger TOGETHER. The Chamber—and indeed the broader business community in our area—are overwhelmingly composed of locally owned small businesses. Our business owners are justifiably proud of what they have built through their own dedication and hard work. And yet one small business cannot by itself move the needle on job creation, workforce development, or creating a positive business climate. It takes all of us, working together and uniting our resources and our voices, to effect the type of change that brings the greatest good to our community. Often when I’m talking with a small business owner that is not yet a member of the Chamber, I hear questions about what the Chamber “can do for me and my business.” That’s a natural response, and I’m sympathetic: it’s important for me as well to know that my Chamber investment is a good one. And sometimes that answer is easy: join a Leads Group, and receive tips on who to contact for potentials sales; come to Business After Hours and meet that new customer or client; or join the Chamber Diplomats and build your network of contacts who will remember you the next time they’re purchasing products or services. Almost everyone knows that the Chamber can connect you to opportunities to market your business and to network.

Jeffrey S. Hurd, Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, P.C. - Chairman of the Board

Susan Alvillar, Terra Energy Partners

Matthew Breman, Cranium 360 - Immediate Past Chair

Joseph Burtard, Ute Water and JRs Carriage Service

Ryan Ellington, Edward Jones Investments

Stuart Hall, Olsson Associates

Donna Hardy, Dalby, Wendland & Co., P. C.

Chris Higgins, StarTek USA, Inc.

Chuck Johnson, Brady Trucking

Heather Lambeth, New Image Realty, LLC

Darin Mack, The Trophy Case

Paula Reece, Crossroads Fitness

Matthew H. Rosenberg, RoseCap Investment Advisors, LLC

Stacey Stewart, KKCO 11 News (NBC TV)

Chris Thomas, Community Hospital

Clay Tufly, Alpine Bank

Janie VanWinkle, VanWinkle Ranch

Sam Williams, Powderhorn Mountain Resort

2017 Board of Directors

But when it comes to fostering a positive business climate and taking positions on legislation or regulations that impact us as businesses—from employment, to health care, to promoting local manufacturing—Chamber members gain strength in numbers and from serving as the collective voice of the business community. The benefit of being a Chamber member may not be as readily tangible as the Chamber’s other benefits, but it’s just as critical. We’ve all heard the aphorism that a “rising tide lifts all boats.” Much of the Chamber’s work is dedicated to raising that economic tide, and to creating conditions that lift each of our business “boats” higher and higher. That’s the reason the Chamber invests time and resources in key strategic initiatives like CMU20000 and CareerWise. Those are great reasons to be a Chamber member. I hope you will join me in urging businesses that already benefit from the work we do together to join the Chamber and help us raise the tide of economic growth even further. We are stronger and more prosperous when there are more of us working together!

Chairman’s Column Jeffrey Hurd 2017 Chairman of the Board

JULY 2017 Grand Junction Area Chamber www.gjchamber.org 2

www.gjchamber.org

This newsletter is published quarterly by the Grand Junction Area

Chamber of Commerce

POSTMASTER: Send addresschanges to: info@gjchamber.org

Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

360 Grand Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501

Or call 970-242-3214Subscription rate $35 per year,

included in Annual Dues.USPS 112-870

JULY 2017 Grand Junction Area Chamber www.gjchamber.org 3

More Than A Lemonade stand! Do you have a budding entrepreneur sitting at home this summer plotting how to be the next Bill Gates or using your backyard to build a rocket? If so, you may want to point them toward applying for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Applications from middle and high school students interested in being the CEOs of their own companies are being accepted NOW with class size limited to no more than 24. Three students have already been accepted and applications will only be available until the class slots are filled.

The program begins in the fall and continues with classes after school, once a week for 28 weeks. Students will actually develop an idea, build a business plan and pitch investors for startup funding with the goal being that each student will start a company by spring of 2018.

So far over 40 small businesses have been started by students under the age of 18 in the Grand Valley and your child could be next! For more information visit the Chamber website, www.gjchamber.org or contact the Chamber office, 970-242-3214.

Grand valley Drainage District Trial - still no verdictAs of the deadline for the print of this newsletter, there was still no verdict in the trial challenging the Grand Valley Drainage District fees and the harm it inflicts on businesses. The Chamber and Mesa County sued the GVDD over the charges, which both entities believe are an attempt to circumvent TABOR and the need for voter approval of tax increases. Judge Timbreza heard four days of testimony on the matter in early June, during a bench trial, and has yet to rule on the matter. Many businesses, churches and nonprofits are facing hundreds and thousands of dollars in charges annually on individual parcels if the fee is allowed to stand, which will negatively impact our ability to create jobs and generate economic activity. That prompted this unusual action by our organization to litigate the matter. Managing stormwater is an important issue for all of us. However, in our view, the issue needs to be addressed on a valley wide basis by engaging other stakeholders and those affected to craft a solution. We will send a special email to members once a verdict has been rendered along with our initial response.

JULY 2017 Grand Junction Area Chamber www.gjchamber.org 4

sTuDEnT rECruITMEnT

John Marshall (CMU) and Ryan Ellington (GJ Chamber Board), Co-Chairs

● Further strengthen CMU & WCCC as first choice options for District 51 high school graduates

● Develop community support for existing recruitment efforts in areas like Colorado’s Front Range, Out-of-State and International locations

● Leverage assets like GJ Regional Airport direct flights to enhance recruiting opportunities.

COMMunITy vIsIBILITy

Kim Williams (CMU) and Stacey Stewart (GJ Chamber Board), Co-Chairs

● Develop strong marketing materials and communication plan for CMU20000

● Partner with organizations like CMU Alumni Association, Downtown Development Authority, Horizon Drive Business Improvement District – and others – to develop support and engagement opportunities (events, window stickers, signage, etc.)

● Support initiatives from the other three committees with design work, social media engagement and media (paid and earned).

COMMunITy EnGAGEMEnT

Liz Meyer (CMU), Susan Alvillar (GJ Chamber Board), Co-Chairs

● Develop innovative scholarship ideas to support the Career and College Advisor Initiative currently underway between CMU and School District 51

● Develop a strong, non-bureaucratic partnership between the Chamber and CMU to connect businesses

with internship opportunities across academic departments

● Enhance marketing and awareness of CMU events (athletic, performing arts, student showcase, etc.) to improve community engagement and get more community members on campus.

GOvErnMEnT EnGAGEMEnT

Derek Wagner (CMU) and David Ludlam (GJ Chamber Appointee), Co-Chairs

● Support the North Avenue Owners' Association project to rename North Avenue University Boulevard. Explore other street name opportunities to enhance awareness about Grand Junction being home to CMU

● Support local government initiatives to enhance community entrance signage

● Engage Chamber and community stakeholders to participate in Colorado Commission on Higher Education's annual retreat August 8-9 in Grand Junction and explore opportunities to engage key legislators prior to next legislative session in January of 2018.

How can yOu become a champion of the CMu20000 effort? 

•  Reach out to the Chamber and let us know which one of these areas, or projects, piques your interest (and we hope they do!). Contact the Chamber by emailing info@gjchamber.org or calling 970-242-3214 and we will make sure you’re included in communications about committee meetings and project updates. 

• Share your additional ideas in one of these areas listed above by emailing us at info@gjchamber.org and we’ll make sure to add them to our ongoing lists for discussion and action.

•  Continue to encourage your friends, co-workers and associates to become one of our 5,000 CMU supporters by registering at www.cmu20000.com.

Thank you all for your strong support and for being a part of CMU20000.  We have a great opportunity to make a huge difference and we’re all excited to see where this goes!

After hearing from the business community multiple ideas of how we can work together to reach a college enrollment of 15,000 students and a community support base of 5,000 people, leadership at the Chamber and Colorado Mesa University have formed the following committees and established initial priorities. They are:

CMu20000 Committees Form

JULY 2017 Grand Junction Area Chamber www.gjchamber.org 5

resources for Business success are yOurs! The Chamber offers an online powerhouse of information that is available to small business owners when they need it 24/7. Resources for Business is the one stop shop for government compliance information and forms, starting a business checklists, online marketing tips and much more. Over 4,200 unique users took advantage of this resource, offered by your local chamber, in the period between January and May of 2017. The most popular sites were government compliance, incentives, funding and employer data. Those accessing the information ranged from local individuals to those as far away as Montreal, Canada and San Antonio, Texas. Shown below are our analytic totals but even more important is the fact that it is a tool for all businesses owners and Chamber members to use. Go to the Chamber website, www.gjchamber.org and click on the services tab to find Tools for Business to access forms and information that can help your business be even more successful.

Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce

Key Topic Pages – January 2016 - May 2017

After bots, crawlers, spiders, etc., hits from other

countries, and obvious SPAM are deleted

Number after hits from other countries

(except Canada, South and Central America) are

removed

Number after obvious spam and hits from

Tools staff are removed

Unique IP adresses

14,412 12,905 7,939 4,290

Energy Briefings resume in september The Chamber’s popular series of energy briefings, sponsored by WBS Coatings, will resume in September with a robust line up of presenters and topics. Exact dates and presenters will be confirmed as fall approaches but you may want to tentatively mark your calendars for the following:

● september 13th - Jordan Cove update

● October 11th - Partnerships in Piceance (nucor and Caerus Oil and Gas)

● november 8th - The Future of Coal on the Western slope

Mark Your Calendar ~ Details & Registration online at gjchamber.org

GJACC Events Registration Form: July - October 2017 Networking@Noon - 7/19/17 Sunrise Seminar - 09/06/17 Business After Hours - 09/26/17 Business Connect -7/19/17 Energy Briefing - 09/13/17 Sunrise Seminar - 10/04/17 Business After Hours - 7/25/17 Quarterly Luncheon - 09/18/17 Energy Briefing - 10/11/17 Sunrise Seminar - 08/02/17 Networking@Noon - 09/20/17 Networking@Noon - 10/18/17 Networking@Noon - 08/16/17 Business Connect - 09/20/17 Business Connect - 10/18/17 Business Connect - 08/16/17 Golf Tournament - 09/22/17 Chamber Showcase - 10/24/17 Business After Hours - 8/29/17 Company Name: ____________________________________Contact Person: ____________________

Attending (Names): _________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Fax: __________________ Email: ___________Payment Method: Bill my Chamber Account Check Enclosed

Charge my MC/VISA/Discover/AMEX #________________________________ Exp Date ________ Security Code________________ Authorized Signature: _____________________________________

JuL 13 | 7:00 AM yPn Before Hours roasted Register at ypnmesacounty.org

JuL 19 | 12:00 noonnetworking@noonThe Flying Pig at Community Hospital Advance Registration Required: $18 for GJACC members.

JuL 19 | 2 - 4 PMMesa County Libraries Business ConnectGJACC Conference roomAdvance Registration Requested. No cost for GJACC

JuL 25 | 5:30 PM Business After Hourssooper Credit union Pre-registration: $10 for GJACC members or $12 at the door

JuL 26 | 12:00 PM yPn Conversation with Grand valley Gear shift Register at ypnmesacounty.org

AuG 2 | 7:00 AM yPn Before Hours Main street Bagels Register at ypnmesacounty.org

AuG 2 | 7:30 AM sunrise seminar: Assessing Workplace security GJACC Conference room Advance Registration Requested. No cost for GJACC members.

AuG 16 | 12:00 noonnetworking@noonno Coast sushi Advance Registration Required: $18 for GJACC members.

AuG 16 | 2 - 4 PMMesa County Libraries Business ConnectGJACC Conference roomAdvance Registration Requested. No cost for GJACC

AuG 29 | 5:30 PM Business After HoursEd Bozarth Chevrolet & Buick Pre-registration: $10 for GJACC members or $12 at the door

sEP 6 | 7:30 AM sunrise seminar: Business EthicsGJACC Conference room Advance Registration Requested. No cost for GJACC members.

sEP 7 | 6:30 AM yPn Before Hours Four Winds Register at ypnmesacounty.org

sEP 13 | 12:00 noonEnergy Briefing; Jordan Cove update TBDPre-registration: $15 for GJACC members or $20 at the door

sEP 18 | 12:00 noonQuarterly Membership Luncheon TBD Pre-registration: $18 for GJACC members or $23 at the door

sEP 20 | 12:00 noonnetworking@noonEdgewater Brewery Advance Registration Required: $18 for GJACC members.

sEP 20 | 2 - 4 PMMesa County Libraries Business ConnectGJACC Conference roomAdvance Registration Requested. No cost for GJACC

sEP 22 | 7:30 AM or 1:00 PMChamber Golf Tournament Golf Club at redlands Mesa Advance Registration RequiredContact Candace at 970-263-2919 for details. sEP 26 | 5:30 PM Business After HoursDiscovery Kids Learning Center II Pre-registration: $10 for GJACC

members or $12 at the door

OCT 4 | 7:30 AM sunrise seminar: Cyber security TipsGJACC Conference room Advance Registration Requested. No cost for GJACC members.

OCT 11 | 12:00 noonEnergy Briefing; Partnerships in PiceanceTBDPre-registration: $15 for GJACC members or $20 at the door

OCT 18 | 12:00 noonnetworking@noonFamous Dave's Advance Registration Required: $18 for GJACC members.

OCT 18 | 2 - 4 PMMesa County Libraries Business ConnectGJACC Conference roomAdvance Registration Requested. No cost for GJACC

OCT 24 | 4:00 PM Chamber showcaseTBD Booth Prices Vary, contact Candace at 970-263-2919 for details.

JULY 2017 Grand Junction Area Chamber www.gjchamber.org 6

WELCOME nEW MEMBErs The following companies recently invested in the Chamber, demonstrating strong support of the Chamber's efforts to drive the region's economy.

Advance Auto Parts2893 North AvenueGrand Junction, CO 81501Jerry Dudley (970) 462-4020www.advanceautoparts.com Automotive: Parts

Alpha Dog systems LLCAndrea Gatley (970) 639-0629www.alphadogsystems.com Computer: Consultants/Network Services/System Designers

The Colorado Health Foundation1780 Pennsylvania StDenver, CO 80203Tanya Weinberg (303) 953-3600www.coloradohealth.org Non Profit: Charitable

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and steakburgers737 Horizon DrGrand Junction, CO 81506Doug Drum (970) 433-7112www.freddysusa.com Restaurants

red Compass realty and Property Management 1625 N 15th St Grand Junction, CO 81501Jackson Berry (970) 244-0800www.yesdentalcare.com Property Managers

yes! Dental2530 N 8th St Ste 101Grand Junction, CO 81501Ashley Carter (970) 241-4937www.yesdentalcare.com Dentists

JULY 2017 Grand Junction Area Chamber www.gjchamber.org 7

JULY 2017 Grand Junction Area Chamber www.gjchamber.org 8

Awesome Autumn Events Coming

Yes, we know it is about 100 degrees outside but here at the Chamber we are planning some “cool” events for this fall that you need to get on your calendar NOW!

Chamber Annual Golf Tournament september 22nd at the Golf Club at redlands Mesa will mark the 24th time that we have hosted this event “linking” our members to each other. Sponsored by shaw Construction the event will feature two flights along with sponsored drink and game holes in an unmatched outdoor venue. Candace is now taking reservations and can also provide sponsorship information at 970-263-2919.

Chamber showcase, October 24th at Two rivers Convention Center will help you “cruise” into the holiday season and provide a passport to potential customers. Booth space is now available at this event, sponsored by restoration 1 and all members and their guests are encouraged to mark time between 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM on October 24th to visit the Showcase. 2016 Business showcase

Fall Election Headlines september Membership Meeting Another election? Didn’t we just have one or three? The answer is yes and for voters in Grand Junction the last election was just a short three months ago. However, we have another election day, November 7th is on the horizon with some significant races in the offing that will impact business. Three of the five seats on the Mesa County Valley School District 51 Board will be decided this fall. The School District is also considering two ballot measures to fund needs in K-12 education. There is also a good chance we may see a public safety measure on the ballot. Learn more about your choices as voters at the fall Quarterly Membership Meeting slated for Monday, september 18th at 12:00 PM. Mark your calendars NOW so you won’t miss it!The luncheon is sponsored by Conquest Development and the program is sponsored by Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, P.C.

2016 Golf Tournament

JUNE 2017 Grand Junction Area Chamber www.gjchamber.org 9

Congratulate These Job Creators!Every three months, during the Chamber’s Quarterly Membership Luncheon, we take time to publicly recognize and thank the companies that are reinvesting in our local economy by adding jobs and making capital investments. At the June event, the following were recognized:

Company Contact Employees Added

Capital Investment

BalloonsPlusPartyStore

Steve&SherriKatz 4 $60,000

GrandJunctionFuneralHome TJGarcia 2 $550,000

InnovativeTextiles JohnPulsifer 4 $3,400,000

KAFM RamonaWinkeller 2.5

RibCity MikeSpradlin $365,000

WesternColoradoInsurance KyleTurley 3 $250,000

WestStarAviation DaveKrogman 10 $2,000,000

TOTALS: 25.5 $6,625,000

Pictured: John Pulsifer, Ramona Winkeller, Mike Spradlin

and Dave Krogman

JOIN US FOR THE NEXT NETWORKING@NOON

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Hosted by

The Flying Pig at Community Hospital

2351 G Rd

$18 for GJACC Members

Advanced Reservations Required (Space is Limited)

Contact Trisha today for more information or to reserve your seat!

Trisha@gjchamber.org or 970-263-2912

Kiln Coffee Bar Ltd. 326 Main St, Unit 101, Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 644-5990 New Business Coffee/Espresso: Retail

Sweet Kiwi (970) 589-9232 - New Business Bakeries: Retail/Wholesale

The Center at Foresight 606 Foresight Circle East, Grand Junction, CO 81505 (970) 985-7900 - New Business Healthcare Facility

rECEnT rIBBOn CuTTInGs

JULY 2017 Grand Junction Area Chamber www.gjchamber.org 10

Western Colorado Insurance & Financial 812 Rood Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 243-0484 - Business Expansion Insurance

Business BarometerMay 2017A gauge of Grand Junction’s economic indicators published by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. info@gjchamber.org 970-242-3214

MESA COUNTY Building Permits IssuedMay 2017 Total Value 2016 Total Value

New Single Family Residence 92 $21,830,865 53 $12,023,254New Commercial 2 $136,000 1 $97,350Other 294 $24,715,962 337 $6,451,813Totals 388 $46,682,828 391 $18,572,417 YTD Totals 1557 $118,096,436 1101 $104,119,235

Source: Mesa County Building Department

Sales Tax Revenue CollectionsMay 2017 2016 % Change

City of Grand Junction $3,663,302 $3,315,367 10.5%Total YTD $17,758,305 $17,278,899 2.8%

G J Regional AirportMay 2017 2016

Enplaned Passengers 21,632 19,057Deplaned Airfreight 301,197 475,478Enplaned YTD Passengers 95,499 85,208Deplaned YTD Airfreight 1,579,910 2,766,224

Source: Grand Junction Regional Airport

Labor Market StatisticsMay 2017 2016

Civilian Labor Force 71,942 73,237

Total Employment 69,592 69,079

Total Unemployment 2,350 4,158

Unemployment Rate 3.3% 5.7%Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Hotel/Motel OccupancyMay 2017 2016Occupancy Rate 74.4% 74.2%Average Daily Room Rate $93.73 $95.15

Source: Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau*Please Note: Starting January 2017, the Hotel/ Motel Occupancy statistics are

calculated using a larger sample of the market and will compare differently to previous years

MLS Statistics - Quarterly4th Quarter 2016 2015Total Sold 1217 1055Dollar Volume $277,585,177 $231,204,945Total Sold YTD 3783 3418Dollar Volume YTD $868,412,103 $742,947,444

Source: Grand Junction Area Realtor Association

* Statistics Were Not Available at Time of Print

YTD Mesa County ForeclosuresMay 2017 2016 2015

Foreclosure Filings 28 40 45Foreclosure Sales 25 31 20

Source: Mesa County Public Trustee

Source: City of Grand Junction

Grand Junction AreaChamber of Commerce360 Grand AvenueGrand Junction, CO 81501

970-242-3214, Fax: 242-3694info@gjchamber.org

V o l u m e # 3 4 • I s s u e # 7

CHAMBEr OF COMMErCE MIssIOn:

2017 Chairman Circle Members

Alpine Bank

AnB Bank

Bank of Colorado

Community Hospital

FCI Constructors, Inc.

Grand Junction City Government

rocky Mountain Health Plans

st. Mary’s Hospital & regional Medical

Center, Inc.

us Bank

Wells Fargo Bank

NOW OPEN!

www.fas ts igns .com/2179

Come see us at Precision Printingin Downtown Grand Junction!615 Colorado Ave. • 970-644-5154 970-245-1294

"The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce will represent business and promote economic

growth."

Our GuIDInG PrInCIPLEs:• A Healthy Business Climate

Creates A sustainable Community

• representing and Advocating for Business is a Member Expectation

• Professional Connections and networking Opportunities Build Business

• Quality of Life is Integral to our Economic vitality

• The success of Colorado Mesa university is Key to Economic Development

PeriodicalsPostagePAID AT

Grand JunctionCO 81501