The Chamber would like to thank the many members who took the time to give us feedback on the recent survey regarding businesses’ thoughts about our blue band program and transportation issues. The survey was completed by 222 individuals who represented a return rate of 24%. Key findings were:

60% viewed the Chamber’s •efforts to encourage shopping locally via our blue band campaign very favorably and another 32% viewed it somewhat favorably.

86% thought the campaign •would be very or somewhat effective in getting more dollars spent in the local economy.

26% of the respondents were •already participating in the blue band campaign and 45% had given a discount to blue band wearers ten times or less so far. (It is important to note the program is only 60 days old, having launched on May 20)

41% of respondents had visited •a local business because they were participating in the blue band campaign.

Concerning transportation, the •most popular efforts to which tax dollars should be used were (in order) improving major streets, improving timing of traffic signals and reducing traffic congestion.

When asked about supporting •improvements with a small tax increase, none of the options received 50% support. Those

getting the highest nod were roadway maintenance (46%) and new and widened roads (44%).

100 participants chose to share some suggestions on how to improve the blue band program including wider distribution of the bands, more media coverage and overall marketing. The most unique suggestion was to form a blue band (the kind with instruments), write a song and get the group to perform in many local venue,

Candidate Forum Slated for September 14th Ballots are still being returned for the primary as this newsletter is written but the General Election is right around the corner. The Chamber has scheduled a candidate forum for candidates in the State House and Senate races, along with the County Commissioner race and the 3rd Congressional District. Join us on Tuesday September 14th, 7:30 AM at the Holiday Inn & Suites - Grand Junction Airport for an opportunity to ask our candidates about business issues. A full breakfast will be served and the cost is $15 inclusive. Reservations can be made online at www.gjchamber.org or by calling 970.242.3214.

Follow the Grand Junction Chamber on and on gjchamber.org

PUBLISHED BY THE GRAND JUNCTION AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • AUGUST 2010

In EvEry IssuE

FEaturEs

2 Ballot Issues Will Kill Jobs

City Maps Available

3 Let’sGoGolfing!

MatchingEmployerswithEmployeesatJobFair2010

ShowYourStuff!

4 ChamberEconomicStimulusEfforotsContinue

EnergyBriefingsSlated

NumbersthatMatter

5 MarkYourCalendar: August&SeptemberEvents

6 WelcomeNewMembers

7 RecentRibbonCuttings/Groundbreakings

8 NetworkingatNoon

And the Survey Says...

Craig Lamberty, United Companies - Chairman Nina Anderson, Express

Employment Professionals Chip Barbieri, DT Swiss, Inc.Beck Brehmer, Razzmatazz & Blue

Moon Bar & GrilleJanet Brink, Brink’s Fine JewelryDavid Cesark, Mesa Energy

Partners, LLCEarl Cogdill, U.S. TechMatthew Collins, Lewis

Engineering, Inc.Lois Dunn, Invest in Colorado

West, Inc. - Chair ElectLori Ellis, Johnson’s House of

Flowers Cherie Gorby, St. Mary’s Hospital

& Regional Medical CenterSteven Gunderson, US BankDavid Hibberd, Big Nugget

Supply, Inc. Dean Massey, Wells Fargo Bank -

Past ChairmanPhyllis Norris, City MarketLynne Sorlye, Clarion InnLance Stewart, Schmueser,

Gordon, Meyer Engineering & Surveying

Chris Thomas, Community HospitalDerek A. Wagner, Mesa State

College

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 $30 per year,

included in Annual Dues.USPS 112-870

Ballot Issues Will Kill JobsCommentary by Diane schwenke With primary votes still coming in and being tabulated many may wonder why the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce staff is already attending weekly strategy sessions with other local groups on ways to get the word out and urge no votes on Proposed Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101. The simple short answer is because they are job killers. If you are unfamiliar with the amendments they propose to shrink government and help bring down taxes by a series of actions. Amendment 60 requires school districts to cut property tax revenues by 50% and mandates that the state make up the difference. With the actions taken recently to balance the state budget including increasing the tax burden on business this will be a task that rivals the search for the Holy Grail in terms of making it happen. Amendment 61 proposes to put severe restrictions on what it terms “government borrowing.” I won’t go into all the details but if by chance a local government was able to meet all of the draconian measures in the amendment and get permission to borrow it could only bond for ten years. How high would our mill levies be if all of our schools and major road building like the Riverside Parkway had to be paid off in ten years? Proposition 101 rolls vehicle registration fees back to a flat $10 per vehicle, a rate not seen since 1919 when the state had few paved roads. It is estimated it would slash the Colorado Department of Transportation budget by 25% (and you thought major roads were in need of repair now?). It would also incrementally roll back the state individual income tax rate to 3.5%. The backers and writers of these measures are to be applauded for their timing. Who is not upset with

government right now? Who couldn’t use some of money earmarked for taxes back to feed their own families and pay bills? But let’s talk about consequences…be they intended or unintended. It has been estimated that Colorado would lose 70,000 jobs if all three of these measures pass. We lost 100,000 statewide in the recession to give you some perspective. Can we really absorb another large job loss? In Mesa County we have estimated that our losses, with unemployment already hovering at 10% could be another 2200 jobs. Yes, we are all concerned about the direction government is going…and yes, we want to see more accountability and efficient use of tax dollars. But do we really want to risk our whole economy on these measures? The Grand Junction Area Chamber does not think so and we are asking our members to join us in mobilizing the voters of this region to vote no on 60, 61 and 101. We don’t need any more job killing.

City Maps Available The Chamber’s new 2010-2011 area maps arrived in mid July and are now available for distribution to Chamber members and the public. Members are reminded that the quantity of maps

they receive at no cost is determined by their level of membership. All members are entitled to at least 25 maps at no charge and are urged to pick them up during regular business hours. They are a great aid for delivery personnel, sales personnel and are a nice giveaway to clients. In addition we have a limited quantity of the 2009-2010 map that are available to anyone on a first come first serve basis. Simply stop by the office and pick up any quantity you desire as long as the supply lasts.

Grand Junction area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

auGust 2010 WWW.GJCHaMBEr.OrG 2

Let’s Go Golfing! The Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament, sponsored by Shaw Construction and Pinnacol Assurance is a few short weeks away on September 24th at the Golf Club on Redlands Mesa. Will you be ready not just to play but also to promote your business? Here are a few ways you can turn this fun event into an opportunity to market your business:

Sponsor a hole—even if you don’t play that day, you will have over 200 golfers and business decision makers in the community viewing your business sign which helps build awareness about you. Cost is $200 which is less than $1 per view.

Sponsor food, beverage, prizes—a complete list of sponsorships still available is shown on our website, www.gjchamber.org.

Give us marketing items for inclusion in our golf goodie bags that each golfer will receive. That way you will be remembered long after the event has concluded. Items that have proved very popular in the past include golf balls, dining gift certificates, golf towels, and sunscreen and coffee gift cards.

Sponsor a water or adult beverage break on one of the holes…there is nothing like that personal touch and having you or your staff actually hand out something on the course amplifies your marketing message.

Play in the tournament! Space is limited even though we do both a morning and afternoon flight. Get there early and stay late so you can network with people other than your golfing foursome…and speaking of them, why not just sign up for a corporate team and treat your best customers to a round of golf? Customer loyalty is priceless and using events like this to build that relationship can provide long term payoffs for your business.

Use this golf experience as a way to bond with and/or reward outstanding employees. Staff is critically important to the success of any business and this is one way to make them feel appreciated.

Call or email Shari Milholland (970.263.2919 or sharim@gjchamber.org) for details and to sign up to market yourself and your business at the golf tournament.

Matching Employers with Employees at Job Fair 2010 Job growth has been anemic this year in the Grand Valley but as the Chamber focuses on ways to help build a stronger economy, matching the right employees with growing companies is a strategy that works. Successful businesses have the right people in the right place that help grow sales and profits. That is why, even though the number of employers hiring are limited that the Chamber continues to offer an area job fair. This year the Job Fair will be held on September 8th, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Mesa Mall. This annual event typically attracts several hundred job seekers and is an excellent way to survey potential applicants for your positions and to promote your business. Past shows have brought some of the best and brightest in the Grand Valley, including newly arrived professionals. Employers have found qualified candidates and hired excellent employees as a result of this workforce networking event. Chamber members can reserve a booth for $250 and booths are assigned on a first come first serve basis. To register as an exhibitor or for additional information contact Shari Milholland (sharim@gjchamber.org) The Chamber wishes to thank sponsors, Bellco Credit Union, Cumulus Broadcasting of Grand Junction, KREX-TV, The Daily Sentinel and Mesa Mall for their partnership in this event.

Show Your Stuff! On October 26th the Chamber will host the largest business to business trade show in the Valley at Two Rivers Convention Center. Combined with the October Business After Hours, business training opportunities and much more this annual event typically boasts more than 90 business participants and over 1,000 visitors during a four hour period. It is also usually a sellout event for exhibitor space. Don’t miss out on this great way to market your business! Reserve your spot today by contacting Shari Milholland (sharim@gjchamber.org)

auGust 2010 WWW.GJCHaMBEr.OrG 3

Business showcase 2009

Chamber Economic Stimulus Efforts Continue The blue band campaign is one element in the Chamber’s efforts to stimulate the local economy. But the committee has been working on several others including:

Helping local companies be more competitive •in securing service and capital contracts from governmental entities and large companies. The next “How to Do Business” workshop is on August 17th, 7:30 AM at Mesa State College and will feature energy companies. September is tentatively scheduled for a primer on doing business with health care. In addition, the Chamber continues to make companies aware of bidding opportunities that may fit their line of business.

Committee members are also beginning to •closely examine the feasibility of a local and small business bidder preference. Members have been examining communities that have such measures to determine the justification for the measures and what types of formulas are used to determine the pretence and which companies qualify for it.

Recognizing businesses that are reinvesting •in the economy by adding employees or investing in new buildings, machinery and equipment or both. At the Chamber’s Quarterly Membership Breakfasts eighteen companies have been recognized and awarded an “economy building hammer” to date. The Chamber is actively seeking information on more companies that are growing so we can honor them at the next breakfast on August 17th. Submit information or questions to Diane (diane@gjchamber.org).

Energy Briefings Slated As of press time, The Chamber’s Energy Issues Committee has put together the following fall lineup of briefings. All briefings begin at 7:30 AM and are held in the Chamber’s lower level conference room.

August 25: Vince Mathews will be presenting “Carbon Sequestration and Future of Coal.” Vince is the State of Colorado Geologist who is best known to many members for his frequent presentations on the worldwide energy supply. This time he takes on a different topic. With the abundance of coal in the United States, its future as a potential energy source cannot be ignored. Find out what new technologies are being employed to harness its potential.

September 8: WSCOGA will offer a panel presentation on Compressed Natural Gas and its future use as a fuel source for transportation. Sher Long, Encana and Kirk Swallow, Wallow Oil will offer perspectives on industry efforts and fueling infrastructure.

September 21: Jim Burnell, State Geological Survey has been invited to do a presentation titled, “Resource Constraints on Alternative Energy Development: An Update.” Solar Panels and Wind Turbines are produced using a variety of materials, some of which may have demands which outstrip supply. Learn about what goes into alternative energy, where it is found and how it might impact our new energy future.

October 13: Chamber Greenback$ Committee Members will roll out a new program aimed at providing tools and resources to aid small businesses in reducing their energy usage and potentially saving on energy costs. Website tools and economic incentives for completing the first step will be part of the program.

auGust 2010 WWW.GJCHaMBEr.OrG 4

Numbers that Matter... 1,000...

Chamber Members

91...Number of businesses

participating in the Blue Band Shop Local Program

7,950...Number of Blue Wristbands

distributed in nine weeks

3,800...

Average visits per week to the Chamber website

101...Number of Chamber

Members serving on the Governmental Affairs

Committee

425Average attendance per month at

all Chamber events/activities

237...Average

attendance at Business After

Hours

Unknown But Priceless... Average business relationships initiated per month between Grand Junction Area

Chamber of Commerce members.

36...Average attendance

at Networking@Noon

August 16 | 4:00 PM GJACC Conf. Room Social Networking 101Learn how to get connected to popular online social networking sites. Cost is $10 for GJACC Members.

August 17 | 7:30 AM Mesa State College How to Do Business with Energy CompaniesPart of the Chamber’s seminar series to stimulate the local economy is to help local companies be more knowledgeable and competitive in bidding. Cost is $15 for GJACC Members.

August 18 | 11:45 Dos Hombres Redlands Networking@Noon An opportunity to multi-task by having lunch and getting to know fellow business professionals. Cost is $15 for GJACC members.

August 24 | 7:30 AM Courtyard by Marriott Quarterly Membership BreakfastThe meeting will feature business expansion awards and a short program “Natural Gas Activity Update”

presented by representatives of WSCOGA. Cost is $15 for GJACC Members.

August 25 | 7:30 AM GJACC Conf. Room Energy BriefingState of Colorado Geologist, Vince Mathews will present “Carbon Sequestration and Future of Coal.” No cost to attend.

August 25 | 3:30 PM GJACC Conf. Room Social Networking Beyond The Basics Tips to make your efforts on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter even more effective. Cost is $10 for members.

August 31 | 5:30 PM Mesa Developmental Services/SPEC-TRA EnterprisesBusiness After Hours Premier monthly networking event that gives individuals the opportunity to share ideas. Advance registration is $9 for GJACC Members.

September 8 | 7:30 AM GJACC Conf. Room Energy BriefingWSCOGA will offer a panel presentation on Compressed Natural Gas and its future use as a fuel source for

transportation. No cost to attend. Reservations requested.

September 8 | 11:00 AM Mesa Mall Job FairThis event attracts many new residents and potential residents to the area as well as college students and others looking for part time work. Booth Cost is $250 for GJACC Members.

September 14 | 7:30 AM Holiday Inn & Suites - Grand Junction Airport Candidate ForumJoin us for an opportunity to ask our candidates about business issues. Cost is $15 for GJACC Members.

September 15 | 11:45 AM DoubleTree HotelNetworking@Noon An opportunity to multi-task by having lunch and getting to know fellow business professionals. Cost is $15 for GJACC members.

September 20 | 4:00 PM GJACC Conf. Room Social Networking 101Learn how to get connected to popular online social networking sites.

Cost is $10 for GJACC Members.

September 21 | 7:30 AM GJACC Conf. Room Energy BriefingJim Burnell, State Geological Survey will give a presentation titled, “Resource Constraints on Alternative Energy Development: An Update”. No cost to attend. Reservations requested.

September 24 | 7:30 AM or 1 PM Golf Club at Redlands Mesa Chamber Golf Tournament Don’t miss THE tournament of the season. Sponsored by Shaw Construction and Pinnacol Assurance, this is the largest and most fun golfing event in Mesa County. Corporate Team $600, Individual Player $110.

September 28 | 5:30 PM Peczuh Printing Business After Hours Premier monthly networking event that gives individuals the opportunity to share ideas. Advance registration is $9 for GJACC Members.

*All events require pre-registration and pre-payment. Registration fees are non-refundable four business days prior to the event. If special assistance is needed, you must notify the Chamber four days prior to the event.*

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

GJACC Events Registration Form: August & September 2010 Social Networking 101 - 8/16 Social Networking Beyond-8/25 Networking @ Noon - 9/15 How To Do Business - 8/17 Business After Hours - 8/31 Social Networking 101 - 9/20 Networking @ Noon - 8/18 Energy Briefing - 9/8 Energy Briefing - 9/21 Quarterly Membership Mtg-8/24 Job Fair - 9/8 Golf Tournament - 9/24 Energy Briefing - 8/25 Candidate Forum - 9/14 Business After Hours - 9/28

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 ________ Authorized Signature: ______________________________________________________________-__

AMS Outsourcing2526 Patterson Rd, Unit 202AGrand Junction, CO 81505Jana Holder - (970) 256-0434www.amsoutsourcing.com InsuranceInsurance: Workman’s Compensation

Decatur Vein Clinic601 Center AveGrand Junction, CO 81501Jeb Brost - (970) 263-7348www.decaturvein.com Medical Services

DEX760 Horizon Dr, Ste 102Grand Junction, CO 81506Gjertine Henderson (970) 241-3300www.dexknows.com Telephone Directory PublishersInternet Advertising and Marketing

Elite Accounting & Tax3050 1/2 Canary Wood CtGrand Junction, CO 81504Larry Wilkinson C.T.P. (970) 201-2028Accounting: QuickBook Services

Enzo’s Pizzeria & Italian Cafe759 Horizon DrGrand Junction, CO 81506Kelly Favale - (970) 255-8500www.enzospizzeriaandcafe.com Restaurants/Night Clubs

Frias Properties of Aspen730 E Durant AveAspen, CO 81611Alexandra Cox-Cuzzi (970) 920-2000www.friasproperties.com Hotels/Motels

Grand West Kia2980 Hwy 6 & 50Grand Junction, CO 81503Steve Harbour - (970) 248-0800www.grandwestkia.com Automobile Dealers

Gypsi CoutureLori Fenner - (970) 250-9897www.gypsicouture.com Women’s Clothing & Accessories

Holman House Furniture2494 Highway 6 and 50Grand Junction, CO 81505Troy Holman - (970) 263-4989Furniture

Insurance Benefits By Design, LLC743 Horizon Ct Ste 334Grand Junction, CO 81506Cindy Petersen - (970) 263-9000Insurance

Kreidler & AssociatesLee Kreidler(970) 216-4759Pest Control Services

LuLu CareGivers LLC3089 Aberdeen LnGrand Junction, CO 81504LuLu Aguino - (970) 261-9036Home Care: Non Medical

Mesa Crate2178 Lassen CtGrand Junction, CO 81507Dave Meil - (970) 640-7180Packaging/Shipping

Miracle-Ear Center3094 I-70 Bus Loop, Ste AGrand Junction, CO 81504-4425Andy Martin - (970) 434-2220Hearing Aids

Performance PR & MarketingMrs. Kimberly S. Langston (970) 812-4200Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations/Graphic Art

Professional Case Management1910 N 12th St, Ste GGrand Junction, CO 81501Jessica Shreve - (970) 382-8400www.procasemanagement.com Home Health & Hospice Care

Progressive Insurance4221 W Boy Scout Blvd, Suite 400Tampa, FL 33607Mary Jo McDowell - (813) 487-3156www.progressive.com Insurance

RGS Designs19253 Ward Creek RdCedaredge, CO 81413-8109Rick Spalenka - (970) 856-6077www.rgsdesigns.com Landscape: Architects/Planners/Designers/Construction

Shoe Design648 Main StGrand Junction, CO 81501R. Mario Calderone (970) 243-4777Shoes

The Spot MagazineTyler Malnerich - (970) 640-6289www.spotonlinemag.com Media/Online Media

Vintage West dba Blue River Trading Company441 Main StGrand Junction, CO 81501-2511Julie Groll - (970) 263-4900Retail

Which Wich1125 Patterson RdGrand Junction, CO 81501-8218Robert Fowler - (970) 424-5480www.whichwich.com Restaurant: Sandwich Shop

auGust 2010 WWW.GJCHaMBEr.OrG 6

recent ribbon Cuttings/Groundbreakings

America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, 2546 Rimrock Ave, Ste 100B, Grand Junction, CO 81505 | (970) 208-1032 (Optical, Optometrists, Opticians or Optical Labs) New Business

RD Media & Design, 300 Main St, Ste 312, Grand Junction, CO 81501 | (970) 424-5066 (Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations/Graphic Art) - New Location

Syndicated Solar, Inc., 2387 River Road Suite 140, Grand Junction, CO 81505 | (970) 424-5254 (Solar Energy) New Location

Ute Water Conservancy District, 2190 H 1/4 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505 | (970) 242-7491 (Utilities/Private Utilities) New Location

auGust 2010 WWW.GJCHaMBEr.OrG 7

ClearTalk, 2546 Rimrock Ave, Ste 400, Grand Junction, CO 81505| (970) 200-3262 (Cellular/Wireless Phones) New Location

Grand Junction AreaChamber of Commerce360 Grand AvenueGrand Junction, CO 81501

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

rEturn sErvICE rEQuEstED

PeriodicalsPostagePAID AT

Grand JunctionCO 81501

V o l u m e # 2 7 • I s s u e # 8

“The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce will represent business and promote a vision for economic growth.”

Our COrE FunCtIOns:

• Creating a Strong Local Economy

• Promoting the Community

• Providing Networking Opportunities

• Representing Business to Government

CHaMBEr OF COMMErCE MIssIOn:

2010 Chairman’s Circle Members

Alpine Bank

American National Bank

City Market

FCI Constructors, Inc.

Grand Junction City Government

Qwest Communications

Rocky Mountain Health Plans

St. Mary’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center, Inc.

US Bank

Wells Fargo Bank

Four convenient ways to register: Mail: GJ Area Chamber, 360 Grand Ave., GJ, CO 81501 Phone: (970) 242-3214 Fax: (970) 242-3694 On-line: www.gjchamber.org

Ever wonder how other local businesses solve problems concerning marketing, promotion, human resources, and other common

business issues?

Networking@Noon is an excellent way for business people to make new connections over lunch and discuss with 5-6 other business people what works (or doesn’t) in their businesses.

August 18, 2010Dos Hombres Restaurant, 421 Brach Dr

11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.$15 Per Person/$20 Future Members