Application Open for Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting

Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is currently accepting applications for the 2015 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting.  This award has been given to Colorado exporters every year since 1970 and recognizes economic growth through international trade.  Winners will be formally recognized on May 19, 2015 at World Trade Day, the region’s premier international trade event. The Excellence in Exporting award provides official recognition from the State, and can help Colorado companies increase their competitiveness in international markets. Oliver Manufacturing received the award in 2014. Director of Sales and Marketing Jon Moreland said, “Establishing rapport with potential customers half a world away can be challenging.  What better way to gain credibility in international opportunities than to tout an award from the Governor of Colorado.”

Colorado’s product and service exports totaled approximately $20 billion in 2013. The Excellence in Exporting Award recognizes this contribution to the State’s economy by highlighting one or more firms for noteworthy accomplishments in international business.

Colorado-based companies that have exported products or services for three years or more are eligible to apply.

Applications are due on or before Friday, April 17, 2015.  Applications are available on OEDIT’s website.  For questions, contact Stacy Feeney, International Outreach Manager at [email protected]

Governor Hickenlooper presents the Excellence in Exporting Award to Oliver Manufacturing in 2014

Construction-defects Bill is Needed Fix

Colorado is uniquely positioned to capitalize on numerous economic advantages that have lowered our unemployment rate, seen strong growth in several identified sectors and generated more than 70,000 new jobs in 2014, while the forecast for this year continues to trend upward. While economists predict a 2.5 percent growth rate for 2015, we are faced with an immense issue — skyrocketing housing costs. A recent analysis by Zillow showed renters would need to make $35 an hour to stay within the rule of thumb regarding share of housing costs to annual income. Denver is a desirable city for millennials who bring ideas, innovation, creativity and passion to the workplace. Our housing costs and lack of diversity threaten the very fabric of attainable and affordable options.

As a leading statewide business organization, the Colorado Business Roundtable understands how important providing attainable housing is to community building. COBRT will be unabashedly relentless in our support of options that allow our first responders, teachers, and business community to not only work but also live within our cities and communities. We also have many seniors who desire to live near their children and grandkids who need lower-maintenance properties.

Colorado’s construction-defects law passed in 2001 and has undergone several amendments since. Most cite the changes passed in 2003 and 2007 that have caused owner-occupied, multi-family housing to shrink from 23 percent of the marketplace to 3.1 percent in 2014. While we can spend a lot of time looking at what got us to where we are today, we do not prefer to look in the rearview mirror but find creative, bipartisan, pragmatic ways to fix this issue.

Senate Bill 177 is a bipartisan repair or fix in both the House and Senate that has done exactly what needed to happen: stakeholders sitting down and listening to all parties and learning from proposed legislation the past two years. The COBRT is proud to be a part of the Homeowner Opportunity Alliance, a large, diverse coalition of business leaders, trade associations, chambers of commerce and community leaders. The Colorado Business Roundtable strongly feels that homeowner rights and protections will not be weakened or restricted by the passage of SB177.

Senate Bill 177 ensures that construction issues within a condo or townhouse community are not only addressed fairly and quickly but take into account the rights of homeowners and respect the members of the association community. While every homeowner deserves the right to have, in most cases, their biggest investment protected and repaired in the case of an issue, SB177 stops the current practice in which a small number of owners — often a simple majority of a homeowners association board — can enter into legal action without the knowledge or authorization of the majority of homeowners.

There are cases where homeowners have transferred or attempted to refinance their home and been told, much to their surprise, that they cannot because of pending legal action. This is not only egregious but morally wrong, in our view.

According to state Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, D-Commerce City, SB177 differs from previous legislation in that it adds language requiring mandatory mediation and arbitration prior to filing a construction defects claim. This dispute resolution, as a way to repair or cure issues prior to initiating a lawsuit, creates a more favorable market for insurers, who cite the threat of litigation as a primary driver for the high cost of insuring owner-occupied, multi-family housing options. Alternative dispute resolution is a legally enforceable, effective, less costly way and — just as important — a less time-consuming method of resolving disputes.

We want to stress the importance of creating a workable resolution process that is fair to homeowners. One that protects their rights, which fosters conditions that will allow the building of diverse and affordable housing options, and encourages new developments near light rail and transit stations. The Colorado Business Roundtable values the importance of community — one made of not only first-time home buyers and the millennial generation that brings so much creativity and enthusiasm but also seniors, firefighters, law enforcement and great workers in manufacturing, energy, technology and health sciences.

Locally, communities like Lakewood and Parker have passed ordinances to create a local remedy to encourage or spur needed development within the multi-family, owner-occupied space. While we are appreciative of their efforts and successes, this is an area where our elected leaders at the state level need to step up and ensure the passage of SB177. From the House and Senate sponsors to leadership and the rank and file dedicated servant leaders, there is broad-based bipartisan support. Please reach out to your legislator and encourage him or her to support the passage of this important economic and community-building legislation.

Jeff Wasden, a Highlands Ranch resident, is president of the Colorado Business Roundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].

Previously published by the Highlands Ranch Herald

2015 Colorado Business Economic Outlook

This week, Colorado University's Dr. Richard Wobbekind presented the 2015 Colorado Business Economic Outlook. The Colorado Business Economic Outlook is the longest-running sector-level forecast of the Colorado economy. The forecast analyzes the changes in industry sectors during the past year and looks at the events and activities that will shape changes in population and employment, and in the overall economy for the upcoming year.

"Not only is the state's economy solidly in positive territory, but it is ranking in the top five nationally for population growth, employment growth, wage and salary growth and personal income growth,"  says Wobbekind.

Colorado can expect to add 61,300 jobs in 2015. In-migration continues to boost the state's population, while unemployment is falling. The report covers a wide variety, including Agriculture, Natural Resources and Mining, Construction, Manufacturing, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, Information, Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, Education and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, Government, and International Trade.

"With a skilled workforce, a high-tech, diversified economy, relatively low cost of doing business, global economic access and exceptional quality of life, Colorado is poised for both short- and long-term economic growth," Wobbekind said.

Check out the full report below or by clicking here.

TechStars Offering Equity-Back Guarantee

Startup accelerator TechStars is announcing a new 'equity back guarantee'.  The mentorship-driven program - based in Boulder, Colorado - has grown and expanded into other cities including New York City, Boston, Seattle, San Antonio, Austin, Chicago, and London. Companies that make the program give up 6% equity in order to gain access to the experience and and connections of the TechStars network.  They're so confident, that starting in 2015 they are willing to return the equity if startups aren't completely satisfied in the value exchange.

The group is already highly selective and accepts less than 1%  of the companies that apply. However, they can only select from those that actually do apply. While the founders of TechStars say the value is clear for graduated companies, they want to attract even more high-quality applicants who may be hesitant before getting to know the program.

In Brad Feld's post on the matter, he writes about living out the "give before you get" philosophy.  He then concludes with lighthearted confidence, "While I wish my lawyers, accountants, and investment bankers offered a money back guarantee, I accept that isn’t changing anytime soon. However, I encourage all accelerators and entrepreneurial service providers to consider offering this. After all, our mission is to help entrepreneurs."

TechStar's Announcement can be be found at http://www.techstars.com/equity-back-guarantee/

Today Techstars is announcing an equity back guarantee that goes into into effect for all companies participating in a Techstars program starting in 2015 and beyond. The reason for this is quite simple. We firmly believe in the value of the Techstars accelerator program and in the long term value of our network. This makes it easy to take this step to “put our equity where our mouth is.”

Over the years, but especially now that we’ve scaled up to 13 different locations, we’ve seen more companies coming to Techstars not only for our accelerator program but also to leverage the ongoing value of the Techstars network. Techstars is now a massive interconnected network of over 3,000 successful entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and corporate partners. That network value lasts a lifetime, whether you’re starting your first company or your fifth.

Some of the founders we’ve funded over the years have been skeptical of the value of Techstars on the front end. Most of those ended up talking with the alumni of Techstars and ultimately got comfortable and made the leap of faith. But we’ve noticed a very clear and consistent pattern: they’re never skeptical of the value after the Techstars program ends. In fact, they tell us consistently that it was completely worth it. The equity back guarantee completely removes this up front concern that some may have.

Now, if you’re a founder who wants to get efficient and focused feedback, challenge yourself to be better, build your network, and leverage the massive Techstars network, you can do it in a completely risk free way. You can participate in Techstars under our standard terms, which now includes this equity back guarantee for every single company. At the end of the Techstars program, your company will have 3 business days to lower or eliminate our equity position if they’re not satisfied with the value of Techstars.

In the Techstars tradition of #givefirst, we’re proud to offer our equity back guarantee to ensure that every company we work with is completely satisfied with the value that we provide. We hope to see your company applying to Techstars soon. You quite literally have everything to gain, and nothing to lose.

Colorado Names New Chief Technology Officer

As reported earlier this morning in the Denver Post the Governor's Office of Information Technology announced that David McCurdy will take the post as the new chief technology officer. David McCurdy has been named the state of Colorado's new chief technology officer, the Governor's Office of Information Technology announced.

McCurdy comes to the post from Arapahoe County-based Catholic Health Initiatives, parent of Colorado's Centura Health hospitals, where he spent 10 years in various positions, including associate vice president and chief enterprise architect, leading a 1,000-person IT staff, OIT said.

Overall, he has 17 years of experience as a programmer, system engineer and related fields, OIT said.

"McCurdy will continue OIT's critical work of enhancing state IT systems for state agencies and the residents of Colorado," the agency said.

He starts Sept. 2, reporting to Suma Nallapati, the cabinet-level secretary of technology and chief information officer. Nallapati was chief technology officer until her promotion in June, and she also previously worked at Catholic Health Initiatives.

Kristin Russell, the previous secretary of technology and CIO, announced April 21 she was stepping down to take a job with Deloitte Consulting LLP.

This article appeared in the Denver Business Journal and can be reviewed - http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2014/08/28/colorado-names-new-chief-technology-officer.html

Disputable Nutrition

Much has been made of the new nutrition requirements associated with the National School Lunch Program which has been in place for two years now. A search of stories and blog posts show musings and manifestos from parents and teachers who have seen pounds upon pounds of food thrown out by students who are required to take certain portions (fruits or vegetables) but won't eat it.  Some school officials have pointed to the problem as a source of extreme and unnecessary waste.

The underlying problem may be nutrition requirements so specific, that cafeteria kitchens can only meet them with bland, tasteless food results. Which, no matter how you slice it, does no good at all.

It's unclear whether that's the reason one Colorado school district is opting out of the national program, regardless of the financial incentive to participate.  Weeks before the start of the 2014-2015 school year, the Douglas County School District's board approved a decision to allow the districts nine high schools to drop out of the program. Students who qualify for free or reduced cost school lunches can still participate in the program, but the school district will not be reimbursed by the federal government.

The district's figures show that about 6 percent of their students qualify, and the loss in reimbursement would about to $167,000.

"We're prepared to absorb those costs," said Brent Craig, the district's director of nutrition services. "We're unique in that way. If I was managing a district with a higher number of free or reduced lunch students, I couldn't do it."

Delving deeper, the decision seems to be the result of examining what goes into meeting the NSLP requirements. In one case, the district's chef managed to get a variation of pizza to the recommended 350 calories, but only by replacing the natural cheese with modified food starch, yet it exceeded the maximum allowance of 480 mg sodium. Students didn't like the pizza, but another option, healthier than commercial pizza was well-liked. And that's what the school district would prefer investing their resources in, and ultimately feed to students.

To read more about this decision as well as the NSLP requirements, check out this story from the Denver Post or examine the Nutrition Standards.

How a Standby Letter of Credit Can be Used to Create an Earthquake

Cash, Letter of Credit, Standby Letter of Credit, Collateral, Small Business Administration (SBA), Export Working Capital Program (EWCP), Guarantee

An engineering company in Boulder, Colorado, designs and builds shake-tables used to simulate vibrations and movements. The hydraulics mounted underneath the table are operated by computers which are programmed to simulate movements ranging from minor vibrations to earthquakes. Equipment manufacturers, electric utilities, etc. buy the custom-built tables to test equipment prior to installing it in their power plants and for product qualification.

The company in Boulder received an order for a shake-table from a ship builder in Korea. The buyer wanted the shake-table to simulate the vibrations of a ship and the motion of the waves. In this way he could test the durability of the equipment prior to installation in ships.

The engineering company had to invest a considerable amount of money in engineering, parts, and labor to build the table to the buyer’s specs. In this transaction they negotiated payment terms as follows: 40% cash in advance, 50% payable by a letter of credit upon presentation of shipping documents, and 10% upon acceptance by the buyer after installation of the shake-table and completion of on-site training.

Securing the Cash Payment

The buyer in Korea had one condition for the 40% cash payment. He wanted a standby letter of credit for an amount equal to the down payment, payable to the buyer upon his certification that the exporter failed to build the shake-table. The standby letter of credit would provide assurance that the buyer could get his money back in the event the supplier never produced or shipped the goods. The supplier asked a bank to issue the standby letter of credit.

By way of a brief background, the supplier was a well established, proven, capable and well managed engineering firm. However, the de-regulation of the energy industry caused a collapse of a major market segment for this company. As a result, at the time of the Korean contract, the company’s liquid collateral had weakened. This contract to Korea proved their proactive effort to diversify into other markets.

When the bank received the request for issuing the standby letter of credit, they agreed to only do so with cash collateral. This caused a “catch 22” for the supplier. In order to get the cash payment he needed a standby letter of credit. In order to get the standby letter of credit he needed the cash. The bank partially resolved this problem by stating in the letter of credit that it would become effective upon the bank’s receipt of the cash in advance. However, this did not help the supplier’s cash flow. If the bank kept the cash to secure the standby letter of credit, the exporter would not have use of the cash and would be no better off than before issuing the standby letter of credit. Enter a government program.

Assistance from The Small Business Administration (SBA)

The Small Business Administration (SBA) of the U.S. government has a program to assist with the financing of exports. The program, “Export Working Capital Program” (EWCP), provides guarantees to banks to eliminate a major portion of the risk. In short, if an exporter has an order with an acceptable, firm means of payment and can prove ability to perform, the transaction may qualify for the guarantee.

Since this company had a proven track record of performance with many satisfied customers, SBA issued a guarantee, which enabled the bank to issue the standby letter of credit without the cash collateral. The company then had use of the cash for the purpose intended. SBA’s guarantee also allowed the bank to advance funds over and above the standby letter of credit. This enabled the company to borrow money for purchasing raw material and meeting payroll during the six months it took to build the equipment.

The company constructed the three-axis shake-table on schedule, received payment and paid off the loan, thanks to the SBA.

Business Insider Ranks Colorado #1

With states finally starting to recover economically, Business Insider decided to take a look at the numbers and see just how each state has grown over the past few years.  The metrics used ranged from last years GDP growth, percentage of unemployed citizens, to international exports, housing prices and even auto sales.  ICOSA is proud to report that, according to Business Insider, Colorado is number 1 on the list.

Highest on the list and highest in altitude

The list credits Colorado's wide range of industries as well as a 3.8% growth in GDP and an added 66,000 jobs.  Colorado came in just ahead of Utah, Arizona, Texas and California.

To see how other states ranked, check out the full Business Insider list.

ICOSA Hosts City of Denver Community Planning and Development Workshop

On July 30th, ICOSA played host to the City of Denver Community Planning and Development department and Urban Land Institute.  That morning a variety of city planners and volunteers spent their day at the ICOSA facilities touring the area and working on plans to revitalize the 40th station area.  The 1/2 mile area surrounding the station includes portions of the Swansea, Northeast Park Hill and Clayton neighborhoods. The evening event was open to public, and was attended by roughly 100 neighbors, community leaders and business owners.  The meeting's agenda focused on what the neighborhood could be like in 5,10 and 20 years and what type of housing, employment or neighborhood amenities could be implemented. The group also discussed how can the area can be improved with foot, bike and vehicle or bus routes and the positive and negative health impacts could be.

Presenters discuss possibilities for the future of the area

The morning brainstorm sessions were the focus of the evening meeting, making residents aware of the possibilities in the area and gathering feedback on what the area residents would like to see happen.

The RTD's East Rail Line, otherwise known as the Eagle P3 Project will connect Downtown Denver to Denver International Airport and is scheduled to open in 2016.  In a report from TRD FasTracks, released for July-October 2014 the Eagle P3 project has added more than $954 million to the Colorado Economy.  Since groundbreaking, the Eagle P3 Project team's contractor, Denver Transit Partners, has also employed 4,800 employees.

Presenting to the community about the proposed future

The next public meeting will be held at ICOSA (4100 Jackson Street) on Wednesday, August 13th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  At this meeting it will focus on community design around the 40th and Colorado station. Discussion will include proposed land uses, connectivity, station access, building heights, storm water quality and other important considerations.

Colorado Leaders Create Collaborative Dialogue with Mexico

Today, Gayle Dendinger, CEO of ICOSA Media will join Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and seventy other various leaders from Colorado businesses on the Biennial of the Americas trade mission to Mexico City. This four day trade mission is sponsored by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and is meant to build ideas, connections and a collaborative dialogue for the upcoming Biennial of the Americas to be held in Colorado in 2015. Participants include Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Museum of Contemporary Art, Gill Foundation, Urban Market Partners, Colorado State University, CH2M Hill, Bravo! Vail, Vail Resorts Inc., Denver Museum of Nature and Science, CIMCO Private Wealth, Colorado School of Mines, Unreasonable Institute, ICOSA Media, Denver Hispanic Chamber, Project C.U.R.E., Chamber of the Americas, Lockheed Martin, Colorado College, Denver International Airport, Smithsonian, Suncor, Colorado State University…just to name a few.

“The Biennial of the Americas provides an international platform for leaders in business, government, civil society, and the arts to examine the significant issues impacting life in the Americas.” For more information on the Biennial please visit, www.biennialoftheamericas.org.

To view coverage of the 2014 Biennial of the Americas please visit, http://bit.ly/B_A Participants will arrive this afternoon into Mexico City and will start the evening with a welcome reception hosted by Vail Resorts that will include leaders from Colorado and Mexico City.

Photo credit: www.luc.edu

Colorado Tourism Campaign Sees Return of $898 Million

It's cold outside. However, hope is on the horizon as today’s sunrise came earlier than last month's.  The earlier the sunrise, the sooner spring will be here. Being reminded of spring in Colorado triggers thoughts of the warm-weather activities Colorado has to offer. Planning out the year of outings seems like a good thing to do today, or tonight. What could be better than starting off with a video that shows, “O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties, Above the enameled plain!” The lyrics of “America the Beautiful,” were written in Colorado, inspired by Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs in 1895.

Denver’s Winter Festival, “Art of Winter” will have Karsh Hagan of the Colorado Tourism and cinematographer Anson Fogel to discuss the “Come to Life” campaign.

This campaign is best wrapped up as the Denver Post wrote, “Research found that the Colorado Tourism Office’s $4.5 million “Come to Life” television and print ad campaign, which ran in target markets in April, May and August, stirred $898 million in spending in the state. That doubles the return on investment from previous ad campaigns.”

“Colorado is not just a state. It's a symbol of what it means to get off your couch. To live your life. To believe that happiness is out there, waiting for you to find it. We set out to tell that story with a team of writers, designers, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, composers, actors and recording artists. The campaign included an original score recorded by the Colorado Symphony. And footage and photos shot everywhere from Telluride to Fort Collins. We didn't just tell Colorado's story. We'd written a new one, as hundreds of locals came together to help us tell the whole nation how it feels to visit our home state.” –Colorado “Come to Life.” Those numbers are inspiring and the state has proven Colorado has the potential to boost the economy in tourist dollars.

Here is a list of unusual and wacky activities to do in Colorado during 2014

Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival, Leadville (February 28-March 2, 2014) - Ski joring is a timed competition where a skier is pulled down a snowy road by a horse and rider. The racecourse features gates, jumps and rings. Penalties are assessed by missing gates or jumps, and by missing or dropping any of the rings. A children’s parade, Nordic and winter mountain bike races are just some of the activities happening during the event.

Frozen Dead Guy Days, Nederland (March 7-9, 2014) – October isn’t the only time of year to get spooky when March offers theFrozen Dead Guy Days. This festival celebrates Grandpa Bredo, a man who in 1989 was frozen after he died in Norway and ended up in the hills above Nederland where his daughter was located. He has remained there ever since and has become an international legend. Hearse parade floats, coffin race teams and costume polar plunging make this a not to be missed wacky event.

Flauschink, Crested Butte (April 2-6, 2014) – End the ski season and welcome spring on April 2-6 at the 46^th Annual Flauschink. A historical slide show, coronation ball, polka dancing and a ski-slope salute to the king and queen (longtime residents loved by the locals) of Flauschink are all part of this wacky event. Meet previous Flauschink royalty or see the past and present royalty during the Flauschink parade!

Tulip Fairy & Elf Parade, Boulder (April 27, 2014) – Bring your kids, dress up and get ready to use your imagination at the Tulip Fairy & Elf Parade on April 27. Dress the little girls up like fairies or the little boys up as elves to watch the other stars of the event become tulips blooming along Pearl Street.

Mike the Headless Chicken Festival, Fruita (May 16-17, 2014) – In honor of the brave, young rooster who survived his destiny of becoming dinner, the town of Fruita will host the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival May 16-17. To celebrate Mike, there will be a Chicken Dance Contest, a Car Show, a “Run Like a Headless Chicken” 5k and more.

Oh Heck Yeah, Denver (June 7-July 26, 2014) – The brand new Oh Heck Yeah event will transform Champa Street, from 16^th Street Mall to 14^th Street, every Thursday and Saturday, from June 7 through July 26 into an arcade. LED screens and projections will be used throughout the Theater District for vintage, interactive games to play with those passing by.

Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour, Keystone (June 21-22, 2014) – For those who can’t get enough bacon, Keystone is the place to be June 21-22 for the Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour. Sample the best of Iowa and Colorado bacon, and find out everything there is to know about bacon education in order to receive an All About Bacon Diploma. This year, the festival has added Colorado’s Biggest Bacon Bloody Mary Bar.

Cruise-a-Thong, Pagosa Springs (July 12-13, 2014) – For those who wouldn’t consider themselves a hardcore athlete but still love to compete, the Cruise-a-Thong takes place in Pagosa Springs. The event starts out on July 12 in Town Park with the Average Joe Race. The triathlon race starts out on cruiser bikes, then continues on foot over the Pagosa Springs River Walk, while wearing thongs (flip-flops), and ends with tubing down the San Juan River. Continue the event on the 13^th with the “Hair of the Dog” disc-golf tournament.

Tour de Fat, Fort Collins (August 30, 2014) - Colorado’s own New Belgium Brewery brings their annual Tour de Fat festival to their hometown of Fort Collins on August 30. To properly kick-start the festival, Tour de Fat begins with a giant bicycle parade where bike decorations and costumes are encouraged. For the rest of the afternoon, stages heat up with world-class acts and bikes, music, dancing and a lot of good beer can be enjoyed by all.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races, Manitou Springs (October 25, 2014) - Legend has it that 19^th-century local Emma Crawford was buried on Red Mountain. But when her coffin was found after a storm sent her remains racing down the mountain in 1929, there was no body to be found, causing many to believe she still haunts the mountain. The legend continues on October 25 when 50 different teams compete in the Emma Crawford Coffin Races in Manitou Springs. Costumed pallbearers push creatively decorated coffins on wheels through the streets for the race.

ABOUT COLORADO Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 25 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 11 national parks and monuments, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.

Rocky Mountain PBS-Live Colorado Gives Day Interview

Harris Ravine from Rocky Mountain PBS dropped by the Icosa Media studios on Colorado Gives day to talk about the exciting projects going on at Rocky Mountain PBS.

When Start Up Innovations Crash Into Government Regulations

Chris Franks and Sandy Grason talk to Rachel Holt, General Manager of Uber in Washington DC and Lance Little of No. 8 Brands about how they've handled very different situations that both involved getting through the red tape of government regulations.[youtube width="560" height="315" video_id="Rbl3bU94W0"]

Here are links to the articles we discussed on this episode:

New York Times- A Feisty Start-Up Is Met With Regulatory Snarl   http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/03/technology/app-maker-uber-hits-regulatory-snarl.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimes&_r=0

Feld Thoughts - Startup Visa- One Step Forward, One Step Back http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FeldThoughts/~3/weL0fC1b3fI/startup-visa-one-step-forward-one-step-back.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email

ABC News- Immigrant Creates U.S. Jobs, Gets Boot Over Visa  http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/visa-problem-prevents-entrepreneur-creating-american-jobs/story?id=14857757#.UMpfG5Pjl75

Tech Crunch- Finally a Startup Visa That Works http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/14/finally-a-startup-visa-that-works

Greeley Chamber of Commerce

 

The Greeley Chamber of Commerce is in Weld County, Colorado.  They are a WOW town, a lifeline for business and help companies think outside the box.  There key messages include fostering a strong local economy, Greeley Chamber of Commerce promoting the community, providing business connections and visibility opportunities, representing the interests of business with government and building community leadership and development programs.

ICOSA spoke with Kim Barbour, Public Affairs Director at the Greeley Chamber of Commerce since 2007; LeeAnn Sterling, Visit Greeley Director and Sarah MacQuiddy, President of the Greeley Chamber of Commerce.  They discussed the agri-business in Greeley.  In fact 30 percent of business in Weld County is related to agriculture.  Making the Greeley and surrounding area the eighth largest community supplying food sources in the nation.

The full cycle of agri-business is looked at by the Greeley Chamber of Commerce from education of agriculture, to immigration, to water.  The Greeley Chamber hosts tours illustrating various subjects in agriculture.  The tours are one day and focus on subjects such as water and livestock in the area.

LeAnn Sterling of the Visit Greeley Program shared that the community has visitors to the range of 30,000 in three days that bring in about seven million dollars.  A few of the events that bring in the large dollar amounts are ones such as Greeley Jazz, The Greeley Blues Jam and The Greeley Stampede.

Agri-business is big business in Greeley.  They are also a university town.  Greeley is also home of the University of Northern Colorado which brings in an educational component to the agri-business as well as other disciplines for example nursing and liberal arts studies.

The Regional Leadership Program that the Greeley Chamber of Commerce hosts creates dialog in the region including the Fort Collins and Loveland communities.  They focus on the economy, employment, education and healthcare both regionally and nationally.

For more information on the Greeley Chamber of Commerce, visit; www.greeleychamber.com or call 970-352-3566.

Related articles

• 2012 Greeley Blues Jam tickets are ready! (greeleybluesjam.wordpress.com)
• 500 New Jobs Coming To Northern Colorado (denver.cbslocal.com)

Pathfinder Solutions

 

Community service industries such as Pathfinder Solutions are preparing to show a new work force how to get into the civil service/non-profit field of work.  This industry anticipates job opportunities will continue to open as the baby boomer generation retires.  Pathfinder Solutions is building a bridge to connect the right talent with the civil service industry.

Alexandra Mitchell is co-founder and president of Pathfinder Solutions.  Pathfinder Solutions principle goal is cultivating a diverse civil service workforce.  Mitchell related to ICOSA that 1.5 million people work in the civil service industry which is about 10 percent of the national workforce.

Dr. Jeff Pryor, co-founder and CEO of Pathfinder Solutions has decades of experience in philanthropy.  Pryor served for 20 years as the Executive Director of the Anschutz Family Foundation.  Both Pryor and Mitchell believe civil service organizations need to equally spend time developing and inviting talented individual into the industry.

Pathfinder Solutions is a 15 member, team based consulting firm.  They work on projects, with each member bringing their unique skill-sets.  At the forefront is the Talent Develop Inititive Project in Colorado which inspires individuals to consider working in the civil service industry.  Other states are invited to participate in this project.  Currently Pathfinder Solutions is partnering with the National Council on Nonprofits.  People interested should contact their state nonprofit association and mention the Talent Develop Inititive.

Another Pathfinder Solutions project is with the University of Mongolia in China.  They have asked Pathfinder Solutions to develop a non-profit degree program which will offer a certificate or master’s degree.  A symposium has also been proposed for companies, funders and non-profits focusing on non-profits within China.

For more information, visit; www.pathfindersolutions.org or email [email protected] or [email protected].

http://www.icosa.co/magazine/looking-for-jane-goodall

World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan

Martha Butwin is the senior international trade specialist at the Denver Export Assistance Center, (DEAC).  Some of the programs offered by DEAC are the Trade Fair Certification and Buyers programs.  DEAC’s two types of trade shows are certified and international buyer trade shows.  Each trade show is usually industry specific.  If the trade show has certification the U.S. Commercial Service and U.S. Embassy will support U.S companies in attending the trade show which increases the comfort level of partnerships. To contact the state of Colorado about exporting and trade show opportunities contact Thomas Binet at 303-892-3813 or [email protected].  To contact Martha Butwin email her at [email protected] or call 303-844-6623 ext. 221 Each trade show is a cooperative partnership arrangement between private sector show organizers and the U.S. government.  The International Business Center within each trade shows offers both foreign and domestic industry networking with potential partners.

Wayne Kakos and Christina Alonge from Reed Exhibitions, which is the premier company in trade shows, help companies increase profits through international trade shows.  International trade shows are similar to domestic trade shows due to Reed Exhibitions pre-set-up and organization.  Reed Exhibitions holds over 500 trade shows both domestic and international.  They offer turn-key service options where everything is ready and set-up, a company only has to set-up graphics and the small stuff.

One of Reed Exhibition’s certified trade shows is the World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan, held on February 29^th, 2012.  They will be in the U.S. pavilion during that trade show.  This trade show focuses on renewable energy in Japan.  The trade show is separated into seven different expos, presented in one location as one trade show.  Each of the seven specifically focuses on one type of clean energy.  If you are green you are there in Tokyo.  The trade show ends March 2^nd 2012.  20,000 exhibitors and 120 attendees are expected to be in attendance since the isles are jam-packed last year.

Now is the time to enter this market as Japan moves to reach their future energy goals.   For U.S. companies at show the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialists in the Asian clean energy market will assist companies with the regions clean energy sector.

For more information call Wayne Kakos at 203-840-5875 or email him at, [email protected].

Also check out Reed Exhibitions at, www.reedexpo.com

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How to Build Courage, Character and Confidence in Girls―the Girl Scouts

 

The Girl Scouts Women of Distinction are committed to increasing the impact of the Girl Scouts by volunteering and financial giving.  Leaders are chosen by their dedication of service and leadership.  This year’s Girl Scouts Women of Distinction is Faye Wilson Tate.

Fay Wilson Tate is the vice president and director for Global Diversity and Inclusion at CH2M HILL.  CH2M HILL is a global engineering consulting firm.

The Girl Scouts’ program has played a role in Tate’s community stewardship as she was a Girl Scout herself.  The Girl Scouts also teach respect, teamwork, friendship and inclusion.

2012, is the Girl Scouts’ 100^th anniversary.  And as so Girl Scouts Colorado has named 100 Colorado Girl Scouts, Generation WOW!  The Generation WOW honor is given to girls who have exhibited a high level of volunteer achievement and made significant contributions to their community; demonstrated strong leadership skills; participated in a service learning project; promoted healthy attitude, both in mind and body; demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills in teamwork, conflict resolution and goal setting; and embody the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

The Girl Scouts’ impact on girls and youth is endlessly positive with several girls being able to articulately share their Girl Scout learning experiences.  This is evident in Generation WOW girls―Kaycee Bischoff and Cristina Trimpe and all of Girl Scout troop 4145.

To be part of the Girl Scouts and this up-coming centennial year visit, www.girlscouts.com.

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Colorado Gives Day, The Nonprofit & The Success Story.

Colorado Gives Day is hosted by FirstBank and the Community First Foundation.  The two dedicated collaborators, Marla J. Williams, president and CEO of Community First Foundation and Jim Reuter, executive vice president of FirstBank has set 2011’s goal of exceeded last year’s total distribution of $8.7 million.  Ever wonder how your donation supports the community?  Here are two nonprofits with one their many of their success stories.

The Nonprofit

Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute Development Director and Co-Founder Stacey Saggese provide low income entrepreneurs with learning, lending and coaching.  Figuring out the right timing paired with resources such as capita and loans is RMMFI best service.

The Success Story

Radiant Gardens owner Rebecca Dolan participated in RMMFI’s boot camp where she solidified the unique structure within Radiant Gardens and now not only maintains a profit but has four employees and contractors.

The Nonprofit

YouthBiz Executive Director Sonya Garcia Ulibarri work provides youth with the benefits of advancement in community, education and business.  YouthBiz’s future entrepreneurship project plans to take youth step by step from an hourly job, to salary, to business ownership.

The Success Story

Phill Douglas a former YouthBiz graduate and now program coordinator works with a diversified group of youth including those whom he is guiding through and hopefully past gang membership through helping them focus on better avenues in life such as college.

For information on how you can donate visit; www.givingfirst.org.

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Bruce DeBoskey

Bruce DeBoskey is a Colorado-based Philanthropic Advisor, helping businesses to develop philanthropic strategies.

He gave up a career as a successful trial lawyer for 25 years to focus on giving. As Bruce describes, he was going to battle each day for things that only mattered to the people involved, until he decided he wanted to be involved in something with a broader impact.

Now he encourages businesses to to connect their core competencies in their giving. It is advice that all of us can use when it comes to our holiday giving.

WHY WE GIVE All donors need a strategy for their giving, and it should be something in line with what we value. The place to start is your reason for giving; is it theologically based? For ego gratification? Or to create a legacy, so that the things you care about can continue? If you are considering your business' philanthropy, consider your goal. Are you giving to engage employees, to gain customer loyalty or satisfy shareholders? Realize that pleasing shareholders is a legitimate concern for a business. After all, while we all recognize that philanthropy is for the greater good, business is business to make a profit so it is reasonable to invest in your community, your customers, your supply chain to both improve your surroundings and your bottom line. Likewise, unless you can provide evidence to your shareholders that the company's charitable giving impacts the bottom line, you have failed your fiduciary duty.

HOW WE GIVE

The options for making charitable contributions are innumerable.

One way to narrow things down is a Giving Circle. ( http://www.givingcircles.org/) There are 800 Giving Circles in the United States and about a dozen in Colorado alone. The Giving Circle is a way to come together and make a greater impact by researching topics and investing with others.

Families can determine their giving as a part of their holiday traditions. DeBoskey suggests looking around your home to determine if you and your children have enough stuff. If you find that you do, consider foregoing a holiday gift exchange and pool the money you would otherwise spend and give it to a worthy cause. Make it a family discussion of your values and determine what cause becomes a part of your family mission.

Bruce DeBoskey writes about giving at The Denver Post in his weekly column "On Philanthropy". You can learn more about philanthropy with a purpose at www.deboskeygroup.com.

Cristin Tarr

The Vx

The Vx, headquartered in Colorado, brings together members of existing women’s affinity groups in a collaborative environment, giving women access to an exceptional resourceThe Goal of The Vx is to: • Secure exceptional resources to foster a community of interest • Inspire women to achieve their personal and professional potential • Integrate the full potential of this community to focus on extraordinary problems Pam Jeffords, Co-Founder and Partner of Via Management Consulting, is an experienced entrepreneur in the Denver community. Pam founded her first company, Maid to Fit, at the age of 30 and sold the company to a competitor three years later. Pam was recruited by ShopAtHome.com to move their offering to the web, growing the consumer base of on-line members to over 1Million and delivering over 1,000 advertisers with banner revenue. In 2007, she joined PAETEC as the General Manager with responsibility for launching six new markets in twelve months. Pam is the Co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council at Mile High United Way, where she has played an instrumental role since 2003. Pam holds a Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Business Administration from Georgia State University.