Design-Build Merit Award Given to Little Ajax Affordable Housing in Aspen

Aspen, CO – The Design-Build Institute of America awarded the Little Ajax Affordable Housing project in Aspen, Colorado with a Merit Award for General Design-Build Under $10 million dollars.

The affordable housing project was built with a $3.9 million dollar subsidy from the City of Aspen. The project team included, Peter Gluck and Partners (Architect), GK Construction (Design-Builder), KL&A (Structural Engineers), Beaudin Ganze Consulting Engineers (MEP Engineers) Walsh Environmental (Environmental Engineers), CTL Thompson (Geotechnical) and Joe Wells (Land-Use).

Beaudin Ganze Consulting Engineers (BGCE), provided mechanical and electrical engineering and construction administration services for this 14-unit affordable housing development.

"We designed a highly efficient, low-cost building systems solution for this project,” said Dan Koelliker, Principal in BGCE’s Avon office. “This project is the model of a successful affordable housing development and we were excited to be part of it.”

BGCE is proud to be an industry leader in energy, LEED, commissioning, mechanical, electrical, lighting and technology engineering from offices in Sacramento and Truckee, California; Vail, Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sustainable design for reduced operating and maintenance costs is fundamental to the firm’s practice. Since inception in 1991, BGCE has grown to over 50 staff members, of which 86% are LEED Accredited Professionals. For more information, please visit www.bgce.com.

New Book Celebrates Area Craft Brewers, and their Dogs

Dogs, Beer and Colorado: New Gift Book Showcases All Three

BrewDogs is a photographic tribute to Colorado craft brewers and the dogs they love.
Colorado is well known for its geographic beauty---mountains, rock formations, alpine streams and wildflowers. Of almost equal stature is the staggering number of craft beer breweries dotted throughout the state. Over 100 microbreweries turn out enough beer to make Colorado one of the largest beer-producing states in the nation. As a result, the Great American Beer Festival makes its yearly home here. Regardless of the numbers, there’s one statistic that’s true almost across the board: where there is a craft brewer, there is usually a brew dog at his side. As a playful tribute to those brewers and their canine companions, The BrewDogs of Colorado was born, just in time for the gift-giving season.

The book, a high quality, 152-page hardbound edition with images of over 70 brew dogs and over 200 color photos of breweries throughout Colorado, was produced by a Colorado Springs family. “While the idea was not exactly born over a beer, the connection between beer and dogs is not too far ‘fetched’”, said co-authors Brian and Becky Bennett. “We realized that not only are most Colorado breweries dog-friendly, but a lot of beers are named after dogs.” As canine lovers themselves, the idea of a book to celebrate this relationship came to fruition, and turned into a summer long project involving the whole family, including daughters Lauren and Kristen. “With over 100 breweries in Colorado, it wasn’t hard to find an award winning craft beer, and a dog to go with it.”

John Hickenlooper, Mayor of Denver and a Colorado brewpub pioneer, contributed the foreword and a photo of his own brew dog. Slated to hit the bookstands on December 15, The BrewDogs of Colorado retails for $29.95 and is an ideal gift with appeal for both dog and beer lovers alike. It can also be ordered online at www.brewdogsbook.com. Place online orders by December 20 for delivery by Christmas. Several booksignings have been scheduled at breweries and bookstores; check the Brew Dogs website for dates and venues.

About WoofMedia, LLC:
WoofMedia, LLC, is a family-owned business. Brian and Becky Bennett are long-time residents and active members of the Colorado Springs community. Co-authors and daughters Kristen and Lauren Olson are also involved as managers and photographers. Brian is an active community volunteer in Colorado, serving on various non-profit boards and committees, including current service as Chairman of the Better Business Bureau Foundation. Stay tuned for future publications. www.woofmediallc.com.

Manhard Consulting Forms Partnership with Carroll & Lange

Press Release courtesy of Shannon Marketing Communications

Merger creates new firm with expanded presence in the mountain region

Denver and Winter Park, Colorado – Manhard Consulting (www.manhard.com), a civil engineering firm with offices nationwide, has entered into a regional partnership with Denver-based Carroll & Lange, Inc., a respected civil engineering firm with a long history in the Colorado market. The new firm will operate in Colorado as Carroll & Lange-Manhard (CLM) (www.clmanhard.com) beginning immediately.

“We continue to look for strategic relationships with exceptional firms around the country,” said Donald Manhard, Jr., P.E., president of Manhard Consulting. “Our partnership with Carroll & Lange expands our presence and expertise in one of the more dynamic land development markets in the country. Their experience and ‘make it happen’ approach to engineering and customer service are a perfect fit for the culture at Manhard Consulting.”

Founded in 1984, Carroll & Lange has built its reputation on responsible and environmentally conscious land development in communities across Colorado and throughout the intermountain region. With the merger, CLM and its clients gain access to in-house water resources management engineers, water and wastewater engineers, environmental scientists, construction managers, LEED-certified professionals, and the rest of the nationwide Manhard Consulting network.

“Adding Manhard’s national water resources management expertise to our existing portfolio is especially valuable to our clients in Front Range and mountain communities,” said Richard Weed, P.E., Area Manager of Colorado Operations for CLM. “And with Manhard’s environmental engineering and green-building resources, we feel we’re especially well-positioned to bring tremendous assets to projects of any size across the region.”

To learn more, please contact Mr. Richard Weed in Colorado at (303) 880-6591 or rweed@clmanhard.com, or call Manhard Consulting toll-free at 866-MANHARD (866-626-4273).

About Manhard Consulting
Manhard Consulting, Ltd. has been named one of the Top 500 Design Firms in the nation by Engineering News Record, a McGraw-Hill Construction publication and one of the largest trade publications in the engineering and construction industry. The Top 500 Design Firms listing is a comprehensive survey that ranks the 500 largest engineering, architectural and environmental consultants in the United States based on annual revenue. The firm provides civil-sanitary engineering, surveying, water resources management, water and wastewater engineering, environmental sciences, construction management, land planning, landscape architecture, supply chain logistics, and other services to over 6,000 clients from its offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, and Virginia. The firm’s corporate headquarters are in Vernon Hills, Illinois.

Santa Claus is Coming to Lone Tree, CO, November 21, Fire and Ice Spectacular, December 5!

Park Meadows greets Santa Claus in style!
Santa’s Welcoming Parade

Lone Tree, Colo. (360 Media) – Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Park Meadows Drive. Santa Claus is coming to town—Lone Tree that is. Arriving on a shiny fire truck, Santa Claus will land in style at the Vistas on Saturday, November 21st at 9 am.

“Our Santa has traditionally come by Fire Truck to Park Meadows. The idea and nostalgia of a hometown parade has always made it a special event. We are very excited that this year's parade will be the biggest in our history,” states Denae Duesler, the Common Area Coordinator of Park Meadows Retail Resort.

Line the streets underneath Borders, relax and enjoy the free event that welcomes Santa Claus in a parade filled with holiday excitement. Channel 2’s “Everyday” news anchor, Natalie Tysdal, kicks off the jolly celebration with Rocky from the Denver Nuggets, live reindeer and other local mascots. Evidence of vast community support for the event includes appearances by the City of Lone Tree’s Fire and Police Departments, color guards and bands.

Parents who attend this family event will receive goody bags filled with exclusive offers from Park Meadows’ retailers and restaurants. Kids can sip hot chocolate and apple cider while participating in merry sing-alongs followed by cookie decorating fun.

Following the parade, Park Meadows Retail Resort will launch its first year of the Santa’s Express pass. The pass will enable children to chat with, give a wish list and have their picture taken with Santa Claus in The Vista Court. Santa’s Express pass, providing kids with a 20-minute wait time for their Santa visit, will free up parents to finish holiday shopping in a timely, stress free fashion.

Celebrate the holidays with flare!
Park Meadows’ Fire & Ice Spectacular

Lone Tree, Colo., (360 Media) – In celebration of the holiday season, Park Meadows presents the Fire and Ice Spectacular on Saturday, December 5, 2009 beginning at 3pm.

The event will engage every member of the family with an array of entertainment featuring a mixture of “fire and ice” elements. Playing off the “ice” theme will be ice carvers, an ice princess entertaining families and live mannequins “freeze modeling” the season’s most exciting fashions from stores such as Lucy, Brook Brothers Country Club and more. As darkness falls, the “fire” dynamic will light up the night with fire-eaters, flame throwers and a fireworks extravaganza over The Vistas.

"Park Meadows, our stores and restaurants felt it was a priority to bring a fun, interactive and free entertainment venue catering to all ages to brighten this Holiday season," states Pamela Schenck-Kelly, Senior General Manager of Park Meadows Retail Resort.

In addition, shoppers can take in the splendor of holiday décor throughout the center while enjoying samples from a variety of Park Meadows’ restaurants including California Café, La Sandía and Grand Lux Café, along with strolling entertainment and live music. Outside in The Vistas, guests will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate as well as complimentary carriage rides, in addition to the fire performers and fireworks display at 7:30pm. Details, including a schedule of events, are available at www.parkmeadows.com.


About Park Meadows Shopping Center

Park Meadows is owned and/or managed by General Growth Properties, Inc. GGP currently has ownership interest in, or management responsibility for more than 200 regional shopping malls in 44 states, as well as ownership in master planned community developments and commercial office buildings. The Company’s portfolio totals approximately 200 million square feet of retail space and includes over 24,000 retail stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.ggp.com.

FASHIONISTAS TURN RECESSIONISTAS!

In these economic times combining two successful businesses to take advantage of years of experience seems to make sense. That is exactly what two local Denver women have done!

Lana Phoenix, owner of Twice as Haute, a well-known and established women’s consignment boutique located at 600 Downing Street and Evelyn Stephens, owner of RunwayClothesConsignment.com, a website that specializes in selling new and pre-owned women’s designer clothing and accessories, decided to combine their extensive experience in the retail industry to bring the best selection of women’s designer ready-to-wear and accessories to the Denver market and globally on the world wide web!
Phoenix has the brick and mortar store; Stephens had the website. Both knew that discerning women today want to buy designer clothing and accessories, but are very sensitive to the limitations the current economy has brought to bear on the luxury market. Together, they offer a superb selection of women’s designer clothing and accessories at prices up to 75% below their original retail price.

Among the items offered are new and pre-owned inventory from designers such as Armani, Oscar de la Renta, Escada, Gucci, Prada, Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, St John, Rena Lange, Donna Karan, Douglas Hannett, Akris, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Valentino and Jimmy Choo, among others. Ms. Phoenix and Ms. Stephens offer women an alternative to ‘shopping the sale rack’ at a store where the best values are available all day every day and customer service is paramount!

“We offer incredible values” says Stephens, whose website motto is, “One Gals Castaways are Another’s Treasures.” And treasures they are! On her site, and now at Twice as Haute, you can find both vintage and current designer clothing and accessories; many are new, with their original price tags still attached!

At Twice as Haute, the store with “labels you want at prices you love” you will also find an exceptional selection of better and designer label apparel and accessories as well as selections from bridge designers and specialty stores. Phoenix has developed an extensive client base that consigns their ‘gently worn’ designer items, and has relationships with boutiques that provide beautiful overstock. Over the past 11+ years, she has built a reputation of providing exceptional values for your wardrobe dollars with high quality inventory and outstanding customer service in a warm, friendly shopping environment.

Lana Phoenix
Twice as Haute
600 Downing Street
Denver, CO 80218
303 753-6003
lana@twiceashaute.com

or
Evelyn Stephens
www.runwayclothesconsignment.com
evelyn@evelynstephens.com
703 362-4481

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC LAUNCHES CUTTING-EDGE ONLINE SUPPORT SERVICE

Company Press Release

Using the Internet, Company Offers Bigger Image, Low Rates to Business Clients

Business owners can now outsource administrative and other support functions to a "Virtual Assistant" and concentrate on what matters – growing their business.

Castle Rock, CO ----November 2009 --- Kim Hamilton, a Castle Rock entrepreneur, announced the opening of Professional Business Solutions, LLC, a virtual support practice devoted to helping business owners handle administrative tasks so they can free up their time to focus on growing their business and at the same time help them save money. Using the Internet and email with other mainstay communications tools, businesses are now able to pass along the routine but important tasks without having to hire employees or temporary help.

Hamilton explains that Professional Business Solutions, LLC aids business owners by handling such tasks as administrative services, word processing, bookkeeping, database management, data entry, mailings, transcription, notary services, information/internet research, event planning, concierge, and travel, as well as managing voice and email and other day-to-day, non-core matters.

Kim Hamilton is one of a growing number of home-based "Virtual Assistants," (VA) leveraging the Internet to launch practices around the world. These professional administrative assistants represent a broad cross-section of society, including single parents, seniors, college students, people with disabilities, downsized executives, and many others with skills and expertise essential to small or large businesses.

Hamilton explains, "Virtual Assistants are the ideal staffing solution for the new breed of 'wired' business owners. Without requiring more office equipment or space, and without the hassles associated with hiring employees, Virtual Assistants offer expert support on an as-needed basis -- billing only for time-on-task. Since Virtual Assistants themselves are also business owners, they have a direct interest in making sure their clients are happy with their performance, and better understand the business arena than either employees or temps."

The business owner with a VA can have administrative needs handled "transparently," with the client unaware that the assistant is hundreds or even thousands of miles away. "Business owners can pick up the phone in their car or at the airport and delegate work to their VA in 'real time,' knowing that the work will be completed professionally and on time, and at a reasonable fee," says Hamilton.

When you work with a VA, you get a partner, not an employee. In this virtual world, your assistant can be anywhere! The wonderful benefit of a VA is the working relationship is tailored to fit your needs!

Contact information: Kim Hamilton, Owner, Virtual Assistant, Professional Business Solutions, LLC, Probusinesssolutions@bgenmedia.com, 303-663-6616.

PuebloFinder.com Debuts as Pueblo Colorado’s Newest Consumer Directory and Resource Online

Pueblo, CO - (BouyancyDigital.com) – Internet advertising firm Buoyancy Digital, LLC is
pleased to announce the beta launch of www.pueblofinder.com, the newest and most
progressive directory of information, content and listings published by and for the
people of Pueblo, Colorado.

The PuebloFinder.com site, still in its first phase of operations, will serve as a
resource for consumers, professionals and students alike to find what Pueblo has to
offer online, no matter what format, all with a local flavor.

On the business side, Pueblo businesses which have been used to paying hundreds
to thousands of dollars per year on advertising campaigns that reach a generally
focused audience, will be able to self-publish relevant targeted ads seen by users
who are seeking what your web site and business actually offers. Registered users of
the PuebloFinder.com site have the ability today to publish searchable web listings
which may be linked to videos and pictures, classified listings, categorized banner
advertisements, and for the aspiring writers in the community, the ability to publish
articles of general or genre-specific interest.

According to Mr. Rabinowitz, site manager for PuebloFinder.com, “As a consumer, I
have found it difficult to find various kinds of Pueblo focused info and local site
listings easily. PuebloFinder.com addresses the need with a human-edited directory,
meaning that actual folks who live here have a hand in shaping what gets published
to the site, now and forever.”

“On the business side, local companies need cost effective solutions to reach the
targeted audiences available online who are interested in buying their goods and
services. Beyond being an advertising specialist, I am a Pueblo business owner and
have seen what the large national media companies’ charge, the level of service
offered, and the level of economic return they provide for businesses in Pueblo and
Colorado Springs for internet advertising. The next evolution for local business
advertising is to be found where your potential new customers are looking, at a
reasonable cost, and most importantly, where you can clearly see a return on your
investment with tools to measure the results that people in any line of work can
easily understand.”

The PuebloFinder.com team at Buoyancy Digital has been in the field of internet
advertising and web site traffic management for over 10 years. The company mission
is to provide cost effective web site support and advertising services to meet the
needs of local business. The PuebloFinder.com web site reflects this focused
commitment to support the consumers of Pueblo and local merchants alike.
For more information, please visit us online at www.pueblofinder.com

Outsourcing Municipal Building Departments

SAFEbuilt Partners with the City of Northglenn

to provide building department services

SAFEbuilt, the state’s leading provider of building department services for public agencies, has entered into an agreement with the City of Northglenn to provide all building department related services. The new contract takes effect immediately.

A public open house is being held on Tuesday, November 17, from 8:00 – 10:00 am at the City of Northglenn Maintenance and Operations Facility, 12301 Claude Court. Northglenn residents and the building community are welcome to come and meet SAFEbuilt team members and ask any questions.

On October 8, Northglenn City Council unanimously approved the recommendation to outsource the building department and agreed the change would benefit the city by saving money, transferring risk, and providing access to a wider experience and knowledge base.

“Although city staff has worked diligently to reduce costs, the economic downturn continues to impact revenue. Therefore, the option to outsource this department is a viable and a fiscally responsible alternative,” said City Manager William Simmons.

SAFEbuilt will be providing a building official, combination inspector, and a full-time permit technician to serve as a direct contact with the citizen’s of Northglenn.

Building Official Eric Pendley is an International Code Council (ICC) certified building official, plans examiner and building inspector. He has been in the building services industry for nearly 10 years.

“Our team is looking forward to working with the community of Northglenn,” says Pendley. “We partner with many communities across the State of Colorado and in addition to making customer service a priority, we already have many efficiencies built in our process to ensure consistency and to contribute to safe built communities.”

SAFEbuilt provides full-service building department services, building code plan reviews, complete project support and building code inspections for cities, towns, counties and state agencies. Government agencies often look to contract all or part of the building department function because fixed costs can be converted to variable costs.

SAFEbuilt’s corporate office is in Loveland, Colorado, with operations throughout Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Washington and has 60 employees. In 2008, SAFEbuilt supported over $1.5 billion in residential and commercial building valuations, performed 5,125 plan reviews and approximately 85,000 inspections.

Barry Kramer is SAFEbuilt’s Colorado Operations Manager and questions around the transition of building department services in the City of Northglenn should be directed to him. He can be reached at 970-567-0267 or bkramer@safebuilt.com.

Free meals for veterans and military on Veterans Day

MILITARY INVITED TO EAT FREE AT APPLEBEE’S® ON VETERANS DAY

Vets and Active Duty Saluted with Free Entrée and Neighborhood Support on
Veterans Day at All Colorado Area Applebee’s

DENVER, COLORADO – October 30, 2009 – Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar ® restaurants throughout Colorado are inviting all U.S. veterans and active duty military personnel to come in and pull up a chair at their favorite neighborhood restaurant for a delicious entree and heartfelt “thanks” this Veterans Day. With gratitude for their service and sacrifice, warm wishes and hot food will flow freely for these local heroes from lunchtime through the dinner hours for dine-in guests at all Applebee’s locations in Colorado. Family and friends are also invited to come join the celebration and gather to tell stories, share laughter and raise a glass in salute to these local heroes.

On Veterans Day (November 11), veterans and those on active duty with proof of United States military service will be able to select one complimentary entrée from a selection of delicious favorites:

o 7-ounce House Sirloin
o Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
o Fiesta Lime Chicken®
o Fire Pit Bacon Burger
o Chicken Tenders Platter
o Oriental Chicken Salad

Not only will these heroes receive a delicious entrée for free, but also the traditional sides that come with each entrée will be served “on the house.”

“It’s an honor to host an event that helps the neighborhood come together and say ‘thanks’ to our veterans and active servicemen and women,” said Mike Muldoon, President, AmRest Applebee’s. “We feel a special connection to everyone who wears or has worn our nation’s uniform to protect our freedoms. We’re proud of their courage and happy to have this opportunity to offer a mouth-watering meal free of charge.”

For more information and to locate the nearest Applebee’s restaurant visit www.applebees.com.

DENVER ZOO LAUNCHES GREENER COMMUNITY CARD

Greener Community Card to create a sustainable local community for Denver and surrounding areas.

Denver, Colo. (October 21,2009) Finders Keepers is proud to announce the partnership with Denver Zoo and The Institute of Ecolonomics in launching a break through reward and loyalty program that will sustain Non-Profits, grow local businesses, and give back to consumers. “We are very excited about this program because it supports our mission to secure a better world for animals through human understanding. One important way we can all contribute to the life of animals is by making choices that support a sustainable relationship with our environment. This program helps us support local businesses that do just that,” says Denver Zoo Executive Vice President/COO Kyle Burks.

Zoo visitors can pick up their card for free at the zoo’s Boo At The Zoo After Dark event on Oct. 30 from 7 – 9 p.m. Special guests Linda Gray, star of the T.V. hit series “Dallas”, special guest on “Melrose Place,” and UN Ambassador, and Gerry Weaver, late husband of Dennis Weaver and environmental leader, will be on hand to support the cause by distributing program cards and signing autographs.

Finders Keepers is the creator of the reward and loyalty solution that integrates database building, fundraising, email and text marketing, as well as gift and rewards. “Businesses and Non-Profits now have the opportunity to market to their customers directly all while creating a loyal relationship and increasing the bottom line in a responsible, sustainable manner!” Says Garrett Bachert, Finders Keepers Director of Sales.

“Our partnership with Denver Zoo and Finders Keepers has generated a mutually beneficial platform for us to impact more than just the community, rather, the entire nation,” says Scott Fardulis, Chairman & CEO of the Institute of Ecolonomics. When a customer shows their Greener Community Card, participating businesses agree to load a percent cash back on the card toward a future visit, as well as contribute a royalty to Denver Zoo.

Finders Keepers’ mission is to maximize the financial success of businesses, non-profits, and consumers by promoting a strong local ecology and economy. They do this through innovative E-Marketing tools and techniques including loyalty gift and reward platform as well as text and Email marketing. Finders Keepers is located in Northern Colorado.

The Institute of Ecolonomics is movement away from behavior that is ecologically and economically destructive towards activities that protect our environment and nurture our economy.

WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE HOSTS MILITARY FAMILY DAY, OFFERS HALF-PRICE ADMISSION

PARKER, CO: The Wildlife Experience and Project Sanctuary are teaming up to honor military families at Military Family Day on Saturday, Oct. 3rd followed by a reunion gala for the families that same evening.

Together the two organizations are inviting military families and their supporters from all over Colorado’s Front Range, including the Denver Metro Area and the Colorado Springs, to participate in Military Family Day. Military families will receive a 50 percent discount on general admission and movies, along with other discounts on merchandise, food and memberships.

The wildly successful Douglas County museum, has taken non-profit Project Sanctuary, under its wing by offering substantial discounts to military families and their supporters and donating its ballroom facility for a gala that evening. “It’s our nation’s military. They deserve every ounce of our support and The Wildlife Experience is very excited to partner with Project Sanctuary to offer this special day,” said Amber DeBerry, Senior Vice President of The Wildlife Experience.

“We are honored to be working with such a prestigious organization,” explains Heather Maxey, executive director of the Project Sanctuary. “The Wildlife Experience directly understands what it means to give back to the community.”

Visit www.ProjectSanctuary.us or call 720-561-9193 to learn more

Queen Anne Tea House - Canon City, CO

Company Profile submitted by Suzanne Trantow

THE PERFECT DAY TRIP

While summer is on its way out and fall is on its way in, enjoy a short day trip to The Cañon City Queen Anne Tea House (www.thecanoncityqueenanne.com., www.canoncitycoloradoqueenanneteahouse.mobi) for a Afternoon/Lunch Tea or a High/Dinner Tea that you won't forget.

Not just another tea house, this fine dining establishment in a historical 1889 Victorian house has many stories to tell. Al and Linda Ballard, a determined and energetic couple, came out of semi-retirement to fulfill a lifelong dream of Linda's purchasing the Victorian house in 2002. The Ballard's have renovated the house to its former glory and even added a 1,000 square foot wrap around veranda.

The first floor has four themed tea rooms, seating 30 people; the Victorian, the Roman, the English and the Old Country, as well as seating on the veranda, weather permitting. They have been awarded a perfect score by the health department since opening 12/10/07.

“All Teas” are served on fine china with cloth napkins and include freshly brewed tea, baked scones with devonshire cream.

AFTERNOON TEAS/lunches (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) include specialty sandwiches on croissants, muffellata’s, panini’s and quiches; finger foods, mini desserts and chocolates, $16.99 per person.

HIGH TEAS/five course dinners (6:00 p.m.) include soups, salads, main course to include steaks (organic choices available,) beef wellington, salmon, shrimp, chicken cordon blue, cornish hen; starch, vegetable and specialty desserts. Complimentary Glass of Champagne, Sparkling Martinelli’s, Wine, upon request, $27.99 to $43.99 per person.

In addition to serving elegant teas, they host special events like anniversaries, baby showers, birthdays, bridal luncheons, personal tributes, retirement parties, in a beautiful environment. The Queen Anne is Media Center equipped for celebrations, meetings, receptions. They offer Baking and Cooking classes, demonstrations on the third Saturday of each month at 2 P.M., cost is $30.00 per person and includes scones, devonshire, tea, recipes, tips, handouts. The September session will be “Tea tasting;” the October session “Cake Decorating” and November session “The Art of Pie Making,” with Linda Ballard.

The Cañon City Queen Anne is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Historical structure, Owner information, Tea memory photos can be found at
www.thecanoncityqueenanne.com.

The Queen Anne is located at 813 Macon Avenue, Cañon City, CO., which is 1 block north of Main Street, 1 block west of 9th Street.

Reservations necessary, (719) 275-5354, phone or text; email: linda@thecanoncityqueenanne.com

If you prefer to stay overnight, there are several bed & breakfasts in the area. The Ballard's recommend the Florence Rose Bed & Breakfast or Jewel of the Canyons Bed & Breakfast. Please visit www.TheCanonCityQueenAnne.com for more information.

A Taste of Trinidad - October 3, 2009

Cougar Canyon Hosts the 2nd Annual Taste of Trinidad, Saturday, October 3rd

Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Gossage to Be on Hand

In only its second year, the Taste of Trinidad is quickly growing to be a “can’t miss” Southern Colorado outdoor event.

The highlight of this year’s festival is the celebrity guest appearance of Richard “Goose” Gossage, the nine-time Major League Baseball All-Star and recent Hall of Fame inductee. The Goose will be at the Taste of Trinidad to receive a key to the City of Trinidad from the city’s mayor, the Honorable Joe Reorda. Gossage will also be receiving an honorary lifetime golf membership from the event host, Cougar Canyon. The key ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m., and afterwards, Gossage will be available to meet festival-goers.

The Hall of Famer’s visit is one of the many happenings throughout the day. The Taste kicks-off with free hot air balloon rides beginning at 7:30 a.m. followed by the Taste of Trinidad 5K Run and Fun Walk on the streets of Cougar Canyon at 9:00 a.m. Beginning in the morning and continuing until 4:00 p.m., folks can enjoy the Taste of Trinidad itself, a food fair of more than a dozen of Trinidad’s favorite restaurants. Jay Cimino, the owner of the Phil Long Dealerships, the Taste of Trinidad’s Title Sponsor, will also be on hand to officially start the 5K Run and Fun Walk.

During the festival, kids will enjoy a huge play area complete with bounce rooms and other activities while parents can appreciate masterworks of art by Trinidad’s nationally-famous artists at the regional art exhibition hosted by the Trinidad Area Arts Council. The festival will have music all day long with a live broadcast from KCRT Radio and live country, rock, and bluegrass music from some of the area’s best bands.

All proceeds of the festival go to the Trinidad community Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports worthy causes and organizations in and around the Trinidad area.

To register for the 5K Run and Fun Walk, visit www.CougarCanyonLiving.com and click on the Taste of Trinidad logo on the home page or call (719) 846-0538 x114. Admission to the Taste of Trinidad is free for the balloon rides, kids’ area, live music, art exhibition and for the opportunity to meet Goose Gossage. To sample the best of the Taste of Trinidad, visitors can purchase tickets at the site; 1 ticket = $1 dollar, and tickets are redeemed at the food booths.






Event Calendar:

• 8:00 am:
o Hot air balloon rides begin
• 9:00 am:
o Taste of Trinidad 5K Run and Fun Walk
• 9:30 am:
o Balloon rides end
• 11:00 am:
o Official start of the Taste of Trinidad food festival. Some restaurant booths will be open to serve breakfast items prior to 11am
o Key to the City of Trinidad ceremony with Mayor Reorda and Goose Gossage
o Presentation of honorary Cougar Canyon golf membership to Goose Gossage
o Trinidad Area Arts Council art exhibition opening
• 1:00 pm:
o Live music performances
• 4:00 pm:
o Official end of the festival

Better Business Bureau Alert - "Best of" Awards

From the Better Business Bureau

Recent emails notifying businesses that they have won prestigious awards from a national association appear to be part of a widespread scheme designed to get companies to pay for “vanity” awards and plaques.

The group behind the “awards” program is the U. S. Commerce Association of Washington, D. C. The association has been sending out news releases in recent months to businesses nationwide, telling them they have been selected as “outstanding local businesses” and offering them an opportunity to buy one or more awards to mark the honor.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges that area businesses exercise caution when dealing with this group or a related organization called the U. S. Local Business Association.

On its Web site, the U. S. Commerce Association says the award program was “created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of businesses and organizations in and around (targeted area named here).”

Other than the material on its Web site, there seems to be little publicly available about the U. S. Commerce Association. The site says its offices are in Washington, D. C., and a representative of the BBB that covers the area said that office has begun receiving inquiries about the association in the past several days. A recently updated BBB report says that the association’s Web site is a match to the Web site of an association with a similar name – U. S. Local Business Association. Both groups identify Ashley Carter as chair of the associations’ selection committees. And both groups report virtually identical award programs, the BBB says. The Washington, D. C. – area BBB office gives U. S. Local Business Association an “F” grade and warns that persons contacted about awards must be sure the recognition is not, “in fact, an attempt to obtain access to a company’s information or to elicit funds by an entity that may not be what it represents itself as being.”

An internet search of corporate records uncovered little additional information on the association. An email to the office (there is no phone number listed on its Web site) went unanswered.

In a link provided in its email to Joshu, the U. S. Commerce Association provides a list of several hundred award winners from 2008. Among the winners were a discount driving school in Maryland, a tattoo removal clinic in California, a bagpipe player in Arizona and a “laser tag family fun center” in Louisiana. Other award winners were in categories such as “astrologers,” “disc jockeys,” “tanning salons,” and “artificial waterfalls.”

The BBB offers several tips to avoid losing money in a “vanity award” program:

· Learn everything you can about who is giving the award. If it is coming from a mystery company, chances are it simply wants your money.

· If you didn’t apply for an award or the group cannot tell you how you were nominated, chances are the award is not legitimate.

· Most legitimate awards do not come with costs for the recipient. If there is a cost, scrutinize it even more closely.

· Ask specific questions about how your company or organization was chosen for an award and find out how many similar awards are given each year.

· Check BBB reliability reports at www.bbb.org or by calling 509-455-4200 or 800-356-1007.

Magnum completes Hudson, CO Tire Landfill Purchase

Magnum Completes Acquisition of Hudson, Colorado Facility, One of the World's Largest Tire Landfills, and Perhaps Currently the Largest in the USA

HUDSON, Colo., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Magnum D'Or Resources, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MDOR - News), a next generation rubber recycling solutions company, announces that the Hudson, Colorado Tire Landfill is now 100% owned by MDOR and will be operated by Magnum Recycling USA. The closing took place on August 25, 2009 at which time Magnum took ownership of all Assets associated with the facility. Colorado is home to 1/3 of all whole waste tires in the USA, consequently Magnum now owns 100% of one of the worlds largest tire landfills, and perhaps currently the largest in the USA. Satellite image of the new site can be viewed at: http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/magnumrecyclage/Hudson%20Tires/MDOR-PIC.png

Magnum's President and CEO Joseph Glusic stated, "This is a great day for Magnum and the State of Colorado. We plan on making this site a state of the art facility that should be a model for the rest of the country, if not the world, to demonstrate the ability to recycle waste products into useful and viable products that actually enhance people's lives. I am extremely excited about this acquisition which now guarantees the raw supply needs for our company for the foreseeable future. This is only the tip of the iceberg of things to come. Magnum is positioned to be a World Leader Rubber Recycler having next generation rubber recycling solutions for custom compounds, retread compounds, processing aids, advanced state-of-the-art equipment, and reactivated ambient/cryogenic rubber powders for the global market."

Magnum's new Hudson, Colorado facility is approximately 50 miles northeast of Denver, Colorado. The facility consists of 120 high grade commercially zoned land, buildings, equipment, and inventory in excess of 30,000,000+ tires (some officials state there are 3 times this amount). The facility is one of the largest tire landfills in the world and is situated close to major infrastructure and rail. Its central location is extremely well situated to accept and supply all of Magnum's current and future facility operations.

The Company has acquired all the following listed assets free and clear of all liens, liabilities, claims and interest other than certain permitted liens and assumed liabilities:

(a) all inventory, supplies, and raw materials;

(b) all equipment, machinery, vehicles, trailers, furniture, fixtures, computer equipment, spare parts, and tools;

(c) its land;

(d) all goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the business;

(e) all of the rights, titles and interest under the leases

(f) all of the rights, title and interest under the contracts

(g) to the extent assignable, all permits (including all approvals, authorizations, licenses, orders, registrations, certificates, variances, exemptions and other similar permits or rights), obtained from any governmental body, all pending applications therefore, and all reclamation bonds or financial assurances posted on account thereof;

(h) any rights under or pursuant to all warranties, representations and guarantees including those made by suppliers, manufacturers and contractors to the extent relating to products sold, or services provided, to the extent affecting any acquired assets, other than any warranties, representations and guarantees to the extent pertaining to any excluded assets;

(i) all rights or causes of action arising out of occurrence that take place after the Closing, and related to the acquired assets, and all rights to insurance and condemnation proceeds relating to the damage, destruction, taking or other impairment of the acquired assets which damage, destruction, taking or other impairment occurs after the date of the Agreement and on or prior to the closing; provided, however, all avoidance actions shall constitute excluded assets; and

(j) all books, records, ledgers, files, documents (including originally executed copies of written contracts), customer and supplier lists, correspondence, memoranda, forms, lists, documents relating to the intellectual property, advertising and promotional materials, studies, reports, sales and purchase correspondence, photographs, quality control records and procedures, equipment maintenance records, manuals and warranty information, research and development files, in each case, whether in hard copy or magnetic format and in each instance.

The real property being acquired is comprised of four parcels of approximately 120 acres located at 12311 WCR 41, Hudson, Colorado 80642, which is approximately 50 miles northeast of Denver. Physical assets being acquired include the specific items listed below:

Hudson Real Property: (120 acres in four (4) Parcels) in Weld County, Colorado:

Parcel 1: The N/2 of the S/2 of the E/2 of Section 32, T3N, R65W of the 6th P.M. in Weld County, Colorado comprising of approximately 40 acres.

Parcel 2: The S/2 of the S/2 of the E/2 of Section 32, T3N, T65W of the 6th P.M. in Weld County, Colorado comprising of approximately 40 acres.

Parcel 3: Lot B of Recorded Exemption No. 1213-32-4-RE1367 Recorded September 12, 1991 in Book 1311 as Reception No. 2263003 being part of the S/2 of N/2 SE/4 of Section 32, T3N, R65W of the 6th P.M. in Weld County, Colorado comprising of approximately 5 acres.

Parcel 4: Lot A of Recorded Exemption No. 1213-32-4-RE1367 Recorded September 12, 1991 in Book 1311 as Reception No. 2263003 being part of the S/2 of N/2 of SE/4 of Section 32, T3N, R65W of the 6th P.M. in Weld County, Colorado comprising of approximately 35 acres.

Hudson Scrap Tire Inventory:

The scrap tire inventory stored in approximately 63 open cells consists of approximately 350,000+ tons of passenger, semi-truck and off-the-road (OTR) tires that have been disposed of over the past 25+ years. The 120 acre property is currently approximately 65% covered with open cells of scrap tires.

Hudson Buildings:

1-125' X 125' Coverall-Steel Frame Warehouse Building & Gas/Electric
Utility Service
1-45' X 100' Steel Office/Shop Building & Gas/Electric Utility
Service
1-20' X 40' 2-Car Steel Parking Garage & Electric Utility Service

Hudson Personal Property:

1-Continental Mobile Home 1-Homilite Mobile Home
1-Set of Commercial Truck Scales 1-2005 Dodge 2500 4x4 PU
1-2000 International 4700 Box Van 1-2000 International 4700 Box Van
1-1999 GMC Box Van 1-1998 Freightliner Truck
1-1998 Freightliner Truck 1-1994 John Deere 644C Front End
Loader
1-Fiat-Allis 845C Front End 1-John Deere 4020 Tractor
Loader w/Brush Hog
1-Galion Road Grader 1-Hotsy Steam Cleaner
1- 5 HP Air Compressor 1-Gas Powered Wheel Crusher
1- 300 Amp Lincoln Arc Welder 1- Gas Powered Wheel De-Rimmer
Various Shop tools and supplies

About: Magnum's proprietary "GREEN" technology provides a unique solution to all of the challenges in the disposal of stockpiles of scrap tires and rubber scrap. Magnum's 98,000+ sq. ft. facility is located in Magog (Quebec). Magnum currently holds over $130 Million USD in open contracts for the production of rubber nuggets and rubber buffing. Some of Magnum's Production: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3rMYiI3wUo

Magnum/SRI are currently using their advanced technologies to produce next generation rubber recycling solutions for custom compounds, retread compounds, processing aids, advanced state-of-the-art equipment, and reactivated ambient/cryogenic rubber powders for the global market. Magnum/SRI tests are targeting premium applications that contain high grade properties. This will allow production of higher yielding compounds which will potentially create higher revenues and profits. This also includes maximizing cost savings for clients while producing high quality materials.

The reason why Magnum/SRI premium compounds are one of a kind is because they can be substituted in high specification compound applications without appreciable loss in properties or performance. Furthermore, the reason why our clients will prefer to use Magnum/SRI compounds is because they will be able to enjoy a substantial and meaningful reduction in raw material cost without compromising product performance and quality. In the competitive environment of rubber product manufacturing this is a major development having a direct impact on our customer's bottom line.

To visit SRI, view: http://www.srielastomers.com/

View Mangum/SRI Next Generation Custom Compound positive trials: http://magnumresources.net/view-investors.php?id=180 or http://www.magnumresources.net/view-investors.php?id=199

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Statements contained in this document that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements based upon management's current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. The results anticipated by any or all of these forward-looking statements may not occur. The company is not required to update its forward-looking statements.

Free Bar-B-Que for Anyone Named Dave, David, or Davy from “Famous” Dave’s in Colorado!

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que Restaurants Offer Free Finger Lickin’ Entrée in Honor of 15 Year Birthday Celebration

Know a Dave? Bring ‘em over for a free entrée at Famous Dave’s! Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que Restaurants are celebrating 15 years of delicious, lip smackin’ Bar-B-Que and in honor of the Founder, “Famous Dave” Anderson, participating Famous Dave’s are offering a free entrée to individuals with the first name of Dave, David or Davy (maximum value of $15) on Sunday, August 30, 2009. Anyone with the middle name of Dave, David or Davy can also join the fun and receive one entrée for half price (maximum value of $7.50). This one-day-only special offer is available for those dining in and those taking food TO GO. So bring your Dave, grab your friends and get ready for some tongue tinglin’ Bar-B-Que!

“Famous Dave’s is a fun and delicious Bar-B-Que dining destination for family and friends,” said Joel Bryant, Director of Operations for Famous Dave’s in Colorado Springs, CO. “We are proud to carry on this tradition with our fifteenth birthday celebration, and we invite all Dave’s, David’s and Davy’s to bring their friends and family to share this special day with us.”

In the spirit of the landmark 15 year birthday, Famous Dave’s is offering other wallet-friendly specials. Although the Dave’s Day special is offered for one day only, the following specials will be offered through September 15, 2009 at all Famous Dave’s locations in Colorado:

Buck-A-Bone - Guests add St. Louis-style ribs for $1 per bone to any $5 purchase (with a limit of six bones per person). The special is available seven days a week to those dining in the restaurant and those ordering Bar-B-Que TO GO.

Beer ‘n BBQ - Domestic pint beers are available for $1.15 Mondays through Thursdays.

For more information and access to our Dave’s Day video, please visit www.famousdavesblog.com.

All Four Famous Dave’s locations in Colorado are participating in the Dave’s Day promotion.
Stapleton - 7557 E 36th Avenue Denver, Colorado 80238
Thornton - 16539 North Washington St. Thornton, Colorado 80020
Colorado Springs - 8330 Razorback Rd. Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920
Grand Junction - 2440 Highway 6 & 50 Grand Junction, Colorado 81505

About Famous Dave’s

Famous Dave Anderson spent 25 years perfecting America's favorite styles of barbeque, like our hickory-smoked ribs and Georgia chopped pork slathered with our own Rich & Sassy® BBQ sauce. And if over 400 national and regional awards don't convince you - the great taste will. Our menu also features smokin’ sandwiches, mouthwatering burgers, garden fresh salads and home-style desserts all served up in a casual, down-home atmosphere with toe tappin’ blues. Open daily for lunch and dinner ― dine-in or grab a load and hit the road with Famous Dave’s TO GO. And don’t forget Dave’s catering, perfect for your next friendly or family get-together. For more information please visit www.famousdavesbbqco.com.

Cash for 'Maters! Colorado Homegrown Contest.

HOW TASTY ARE YOUR TOMATOES?

More than $6,000 in Prizes to be Awarded in Arvada for the Best Tomatoes

NatureSweet® Tomatoes are vine-nurtured and hand-picked for homegrown taste. How do yours measure up? The Seventh Annual NatureSweet Best Homegrown Tomato Challenge is coming back to Colorado this year to find out! The event will be held at the King Soopers® store at 15200 W. 64th Avenue in Arvada on Saturday, August 22. Gardeners are invited to bring in their best tomatoes in both the small and large tomato categories for a chance to be one of two $2500 winners! Two runners-up in each category will each receive King Soopers gift cards valued at $250.

Other activities at the event include cooking and sampling of tomato recipes, a Master Gardener Q and A Booth, NatureSweet Prize Wheel, Gardening Trivia with a Weber BBQ as the prize, and John Cretti, Co-Host of “Gardening With An Altitude” will Emcee while broadcasting his show LIVE from the event..

Arvada is one of only a handful of cities across America that were selected for this year’s Homegrown Challenge – the contest will also take place in McLean, VA; Clifton Park, NY; Lexington, KY; Warwick, RI, and Howell, MI. Entry forms are available at participating retail locations. Log onto www.naturesweettomatoes.com for more information.



HOW TO ENTER:

Details are available at any participating King Soopers store in the area. There are no restrictions on the variety or method of growing tomatoes, except that all entries must be homegrown by the entrant (contest is not open to commercial growers). On August 22, contestants must bring three large OR 10 small tomatoes of the same variety to the King Soopers store at 15200 W. 64th Avenue between 9 and 11 a.m. for judging. ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD.



HOW TO WIN:

Tomatoes will be judged in two separate categories: small tomato variety and large tomato variety. There will be one $2500 winner for each category. The large or small classification of the tomato will be based on variety and/or weight. Tomatoes in both categories will be judged based on Brix/Sweetness and Taste. A Brix test determines sweetness -- the higher the Brix number, the better the flavor. The finalists will then be taste-tested by a panel of local celebrity judges and two Grand Prize Winners and four runners-up will be announced at noon. The two $2500 first prize and four $250 gift cards for runners up will then be awarded.



CELEBRITY JUDGES PANEL:

2009 Celebrity judges will include:

• Carol O’Meara, Boulder County Master Gardeners

• Lin Zimmer, Jefferson County Extension Master Gardeners

• Harriett McMillan, Echter’s Garden Center

• Beki Pineda, Denver Botanic Gardens

• Ann Moline, Mile High Newspapers

• Susan Clotfelter, Denver Post and “Digging In” Blog



CHEF COOKS UP TASTY TOMATO TREATS:

A professional Chef will demonstrate savory tomato dishes featuring NatureSweet vine ripened cherry tomatoes. In addition to food sampling and learning new recipes, attendees can learn how to best select, store, prepare and serve their tomatoes. The first 100 entrants will get a special gift from NatureSweet. Tomato entries will be donated to The Food Bank of the Rockies after the event.

Picked at perfection, NatureSweet tomatoes ripen on the vine to maintain their freshness, straight from the farm to your table. We guarantee that we will deliver the best tasting tomatoes, consistently year round. NatureSweet. Vine nurtured and hand picked for homegrown taste.

Desert Glory, LTD, based in San Antonio, Texas is the leading grower of premium tomatoes in North America under the NatureSweet brand. Distributed throughout the U.S, at major grocers, club stores and foodservice operators, NatureSweet tomatoes deliver the best tasting tomatoes with year-round availability. As the number one brand of vine-ripened cherry tomatoes in the U.S., NatureSweet’s growing operations comprise over 1,000 acres under greenhouse and proudly employs nearly 5000 associates.

The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund benefit July 25th

Miss & Master Patriotic Colorado Pageant 2009

The 3rd Annual Miss & Master Patriotic Colorado Pageant will be held on July 25, 2009
at Pikes Peak Community College – Centennial Campus Theatre in Colorado Springs.
The purpose of the Miss & Master Patriotic Colorado Pageant is to raise funds for the
Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, which provides college grants and financial
assistance to surviving children and spouses of our U.S. military service members who
have lost their lives in the conflicts after September 11th war as well as severely
disabled service members families.

Age groups range from 0-23 years old, and no make-up is allowed on
contestants ages 12 and under. Competitions include On-Stage Introductions
(ages 4 and up), Casual/Patriotic Wear, and Formal Attire. Optional competitions
include Most Photogenic, Coloring Contest, Creative Drawing Contest, Essay,
Ticket Sales, and Fundraiser Award. Active duty military families receive ½ off the $100 entry fee. If you are entering more than 1 child, take ½ off each additional entry fee.

Please turn in your entry form no later than July 11th. Additional information can be
found at www.misspatrioticcolorado.com or contact Tiffany Sawyer @ 719-650-2440.
The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund (EIN: 20-4526203) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit
organization that provides financial and emotional support to U.S. military children and
spouses affected by the war on terrorism. The program has been further expanded to
include families of severely disabled veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom. CFSRF was founded in 2003 to honor our service men
and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our continued freedom. For more
information on the CFSRF please visit:
www.cfsrf.org or www.childrenoffallensoldiersrelieffund.org

Blirp-Vertising?

Company press release:

After several months of beta testing, consumer and business feedback, and subsequent improvements in Summit County, Colorado - blirp!, a "community oriented" FREE service that helps both small business owners and consumers via green "Shout Outs" - expands statewide.

What in the world is a “blirp!” "blirp! - a short alert or simple notification. A
hybrid word derived from blip and blurb." blirp! is a dynamic, green, Internet-based service that allows small business owners to effectively tap the power and low-cost aspects of the Internet to successfully reach a local audience in their neighborhood with special promotions and offers. blirp! removes the burden of email management and Internet marketing for the small business owner, while keeping the basic business package on blirp! FREE.

Consumers can always subscribe to blirp! for FREE to receive local, money-saving, green "Shout Outs." Shout Outs contain UNADVERTISED offers and specials for their zip code from their local businesses and are sent as a daily or weekly email; consumers decide the frequency. Shout Outs contain a few random offers listed in the email with a special link to the blirp! site with ALL the available offers for the zip code they have selected.

Why do this?
In this economic slump, both small businesses and consumers need a helping hand. Small businesses are the economic lifeblood of most of our communities, and the ability for them to communicate their message regularly to a local audience is of utmost importance. However, advertising is one of the first things reduced or eliminated by
a small business owner when cash flow decreases, sometimes creating an unfortunate downward spiral. That is why we offer a FREE basic business package, to try and help out businesses in each community.

Digital delivery via the Internet is a green way to greatly reduce the costs of getting a message out, and can help supplement a traditional advertising strategy. But that digital delivery needs to effectively and regularly reach a local audience, which has been the problem for most local businesses, until now. blirp! solves this problem by bringing the small business owner and local consumer together with our "community oriented" service. And blirp! is an inexpensive way for a business owner to test and gauge consumer response to an idea or offer, before making a larger investment in a traditional advertising campaign.

The School of Rock hits the Road

Denver’s “Paul Green School of Rock Music” proud to announce
4 local students selected for Northwest “Woodstock tribute” tour


Denver’s Classic Rock music scene is growing, and teens are leading the charge. The Denver branch of the internationally famous Paul Green School of Rock music has been teaching students to perform the classics since January of ’08 and the school’s performances have included tributes to funk, reggae, punk, The Who, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, The Beatles and many others.

This summer, 4 students from the local Denver branch have been selected by audition to join students from other School of Rock branches (Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake) to embark on a multi-city two-week tour of the Pacific Northwest playing a set of classic rock tunes in tribute to the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock. These students, all local teenagers, are Sam Beard (guitar), Nick Chancellor (drums), Jake Furgason (guitar), and Aaron Walters (drums).

“You cannot believe how great these kids are,” said the School of Rock music director Chris Soucy. “I’m proud of our Denver students. It feels great to be able to provide an opportunity for these kids to go out on a legitimate headlining tour with other great young musicians from around the country, and it is a testament to the power rock music and how relevant the music and themes of the Woodstock generation still are today.”

Students will play shows throughout the Pacific Northwest the first two-weeks in August (Yakima, Spokane, Seattle, Bend, etc), culminating in a Portland all-day concert at a theme park on August 15th, the actual anniversary of weekend of the original Woodstock event.

Denver’s School of Rock is a local branch of the internationally renowned Paul Green School of Rock Music, with 50 branches nationwide, and the inspiration for two popular films, A & E’s “Rock School” and the runaway hit, “School of Rock,” starring Jack Black. Most recently, Denver’s School of Rock bands have been featured in the Denver Post, Channel 4 news, Westword and other local press. Denver’s School of Rock offers instruction for young musicians of any ability using classic rock music as the core curriculum and featuring professional instruction in guitar, voice, keyboard, bass and drums. The school also offers scholarships and occasional free-workshops for Denver’s young rock music enthusiasts. Nationwide, School of Rock students have performed with Alice Cooper, Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Ann Wilson (Heart), Jon Anderson (YES), Earl Slick (David Bowie), Adrian Belew (Talking Heads, Frank Zappa), and scores of others.

Colorado Mountain Plein Air Festival - Call to Artists & Patrons

Press Release:

Who:
Colorado Mountain Plein Air Festival - Call to Artists & Patrons

What:
2nd Annual Colorado Mountain Plein Air Festival. Exhaust Your Palette!
Ranging from the peaks of the Fourteeners through the headwaters of the Arkansas to historic downtown Salida, this spectacular autumn painting festival promises to be the beginning of something big and beautiful. "Come paint the Rockies with us" will be the
call to all plein air painters for years to come.

Artist Registration:
Call 719-530-9175 or visit www.coloradomountainpleinairfestival.com
Pre-register by August 1: $25.00 and includes a raffle ticket.
Registration after August 1 and at the door: $30.00

Where:
Chaffee County, Colorado. (Salida, Buena Vista & Monarch)

When:
September 17 - 27, 2009

Why:
Something for all to enjoy during the Colorado fall colors! Eleven days filled with events from the Artist Welcome Reception, daily paint outs, “Quick Draws”, workshops & exhibits where you can purchase your favorite paintings & meet the artists!

Schroll expands offerings

Company press release

Schroll Cabinets Announces New Finishes and Door Styles. Custom Matching also Now Available!

Schroll Cabinets, the region’s premier custom cabinet builder, has developed a comprehensive new line of wood finishes and door styles. Customers may also now bring in color samples and door styles for custom matching.

An array of more than 65 stains and 19 solid-color finishes make up Schroll’s exciting new finish options. Customers can mix and match finish choices with over 50 different door fronts.

In addition, Schroll customers looking for a specific color or door style can now bring in a sample, and Schroll’s craftsmen will create a custom match.

Also new is Schroll’s plywood interior option. Customers may now choose from two interiors (plywood or melamine), two drawer boxes, and three drawer slides.

“Our cabinets have always been the highest quality,” said President John Schroll. “Now we also offer the most variety and customization available anywhere.”

Smashburger comes to Grand Junction, Colorado

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Areios, LLC, a partnership of franchise and restaurant operators Ron Chaulk and Jim Cagle, is opening the first franchise location of Smashburger, a new innovative better burger restaurant concept, on Colorado’s Western Slope. The new Smashburger will open on Monday, June 15, at First and Grand in Grand Junction. Areios is planning to open four additional Smashburgers in the Grand Valley within the next 15 months.

Areios signed on with Smashburger as a Founders Club franchisee in 2008. Founders Club members represent the first large franchise groups to sign on with the Smashburger team and will play a key roll in the development and expansion of Smashburger. Areios is a restaurant industry veteran with experience owning and operating some of the country’s most successful and recognized concepts. It has agreed to open 30 Smashburgers in Western Colorado, Kansas City and Eastern South Dakota over the next several years. The First and Grand location in Grand Junction is the first that Areios will open.

To celebrate the opening of Smashburger’s first Grand Junction restaurant, Areios is hosting a special invitation-only event on Saturday, June 13. The store will officially open for business on Monday, June 15 at 10 a.m.

“We’ve been successful at running quick-service and fast-casual franchise restaurants in Colorado and other Western regions, but we were looking for a new opportunity,” said Cagle, CEO of Areios. “We found Smashburger and immediately knew it was exactly what we and Grand Junction needed. It combines the best burger I’ve ever tasted with a fun, modern setting that’s perfect for almost any occasion. Besides, I love burgers and supporting Colorado companies.”

Named for the cooking method used to create the perfect burger, Smashburgers are either a one-third or half-pound ball of beef smashed on a flat grill to sear in the juices. The menu also includes grilled Smashchicken sandwiches, Smashdogs, Smashfries, Veggie Frites, haystack onions, entrée salads and kids’ selections. Haagen Daz shakes, wine or frosty mugs of beer round out the perfect burger meal.

“Our burgers start with always-fresh-never-frozen 100 percent Angus beef. Smashing our burgers seals in the flavor, creating a better-tasting, better-quality burger,” said Tom Ryan, Smashburger founder. “We’re excited to see Areios open Smashburger’s first franchise location and help us continue our pursuit of being Colorado’s favorite burger place.”

Smashburger was launched and funded with $15 million by Denver-based private equity and concept development firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP) in mid-2007. The company is rapidly expanding through corporate, joint venture and franchise locations across the country. Smashburger has close to 16 locations currently open in Colorado, Kansas, Texas and Minnesota, with nearly a half dozen more expected to open this summer. By the end of 2009, Smashburger will have approximately 40 corporate, joint venture and franchise locations opened.

Colorado Home Values Holding up, Kitchen Remodels Still Make Sense

Press release provided by Linden Designs

While unfortunate homeowners in California and Florida experienced precipitous home price drops of up to 40 percent in 2008, home values up and down the front range have held steady, falling less than 2% in 2008 and showing solid appreciation in the past five years. Despite the rocky economy, homes remain a good investment in Colorado and Wyoming. (Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency. Data released February 24, 2009)

According to Remodel Magazine, return on investment for kitchen remodeling has dropped very little. What’s more, home mortgage and home equity loan rates are at historic lows right now & contractors are more available to create the perfect environment to remodel your kitchen.

Not all Kitchen remodels are created equal! Consumers should consider the quality of their remodeling choices to maximize their return on investment.

5 Cost-Conscious Kitchen Remodel Tips:

1. 1. Do it yourself

While bad DIY work is a bad investment and can actually devalue your home, competent do-it-yourself projects can save your budget. Tile work is a good example. In Colorado, average tile installation rates run about $10 per square foot, including underlayment and other prep. But if you choose inexpensive tile flooring, you may only pay $2 a square foot for the tile. Learning to lay tile yourself is a doable DIY task that adds value and saves cash.

2. 2. Low-cost countertops

Who doesn’t want granite or soapstone? In the past decade, we all grew accustomed to equating high-end kitchens with solid-surface countertops.

But low-cost laminate in a tasteful solid or mottled black can give a similar appearance and function at a much lower cost.

3. 3. Clearance appliances

Good old scratch-and-dent and floor model appliances are a good bet right now, as are overstock models. Just like car dealers, many appliance dealers in this economy have a surplus of appliances to move, so you might just get a great deal if you keep looking and are bold enough to haggle. While you’re at it, look for Energy Star ratings, which will also save on energy costs.

4. 4. Reused materials

Visit your local thrift shops to look for interesting lighting fixtures, sinks, and other remodeling treasures. Habitat for Humanity operates building materials thrift stores up and down the Front Range, and all the money you spend goes to help build Habitat homes.

5. 5. Efficient cabinet design

A good kitchen designer can save you hundreds—even thousands— of dollars on your kitchen cabinets. Drawers are more expensive than cabinets with doors, for example, so if your budget is tight, a good designer will use drawers judiciously. Wood and finish choices also radically affect cost. Don’t skimp where it counts, though. Make sure your new cabinets are built to last. Visit schrollcabinets.com/cabinets/craftsmanship/joint_types/ for a primer on what to look for in quality cabinet construction.

Western Union wins wire transfer seizure ruling

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU), a global leader in money transfer services, issued the following statement in reaction to today’s Arizona Supreme Court ruling that Arizona exceeded its authority in attempting to seize Western Union wire transfers sent from other states to locations in Mexico:

We are pleased that the Arizona Supreme Court has agreed with us. While this decision prohibits the seizure of out-of-state transactions, we will continue to work with Arizona to combat illegal activity.

At its heart, this matter involved Western Union protecting the interest of our consumers. The Arizona Supreme Court found that the seizure warrant here went too far, exceeding Arizona’s legal authority and interfering with legitimate transactions by consumers across the United States.

Western Union fully supports law enforcement goals, and over the years we have worked cooperatively with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office in attempting to ensure that our services are compliant and used appropriately.

To obtain a copy of The Arizona Supreme Court ruling, please visit:

http://www.supreme.state.az.us/opin/pdf2009/WesternUnionOpinion%20FINAL.pdf

Background

In September 2006, the Arizona Attorney General obtained a warrant seeking to seize all Western Union money transfers above $500 sent from anyone in 29 U.S. states for which payment was requested at any of 26 agent locations in Sonora, Mexico.

Western Union obtained a temporary restraining order blocking the seizures. The TRO was later affirmed by the Arizona Superior Court, which quashed the warrant.

The State appealed, and the Court of Appeals reversed the Superior Court decision. Western Union appealed to the Arizona Supreme Court, resulting in today’s decision, in which the Supreme Court upheld Western Union’s position.

Colorado Taxpayer Transparency Act

From the desk of Marsha Looper

TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT…

The 2008-2009 State Operating Budget had an $18.61 billion dollars price tag. Do you know where all of that money was spent? Until now, it is has been difficult, if not impossible to locate any information on the State’s spending policies. Now, with the passage of HB09-1288, taxpayers throughout Colorado will have an opportunity to view first-hand where their money is being spent!

Many people want to know where Colorado State Government is spending their hard earned money and with the enactment of HB1288, citizens will now have the option to view the state’s checkbook, including the total amount of revenue collected and the total amount of revenue spent by the Legislature, Department of Personnel and Governor’s Office. Some of the provisions for the website include:

· State expenditure and revenue data-commonly known as the financial data warehouse;

· Expenditure and revenue data will be updated every 5th business day;

· Download options;

· 10 years of archived revenue and expenditure data;

· Feedback option for users of the website;

· Information shall be available by the Internet by January 1, 2010.

As co-sponsor of the Colorado Taxpayers Transparency Act, it is my intent to allow everyone the opportunity to view and comment on the state’s spending and revenue collection policies. The information listed on the states website (www.leg.state.co.us) provides citizens one more measure of transparency in government so desperately needed in these challenging financial times.

For additional information on HB1288 and other state policy please contact me at MarshaLooper@gmail.com or contact me directly at 719-238-5600. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the Colorado House of Representatives.

Marsha Looper ( R )
Colorado State Representative HD#19
Email-MarshaLooper@gmail.com
Website:www.gomarsha.org, 719-238-5600

MicroPhage Doubles Offices and Laboratories, Eyes Future Growth

Company Press Release

LONGMONT, COLORADO , MAY 28 – Despite the state of today’s economy, one rising star of Boulder County ’s burgeoning medical diagnostic community is growing. MicroPhage, Inc. announced today its expansion of its facilities in the Trade Centre Park in Longmont to accommodate company expansion through 2009. The move makes the Colorado medical diagnostic company the largest tenant in the building, occupying approximately half of the high tech-incubator facility. The Company intends to use the space to facilitate growth in both office based employees and laboratory staff in 2009, including an FDA registered manufacturing facility.

“When MicroPhage moved into Longmont in November 2004 the company had only 4 full-time employees and today we currently have 25 dedicated people,” said MicroPhage COO, Alene Campbell. “ Longmont has been a good choice for us to find high quality staff from a growing biotechnology industry.”

The growth in biotechnology development in Longmont is one of many for property owners, Circle Capital Property Management, LLC who owns the Trade Centre Park in Longmont . Details of the expansion deal and plans were not made available.

Expansion of Laboratory, Manufacturing Space

MicroPhage is doubling its laboratory space with this new deal. The expansion includes additional Research and Development laboratory space, laboratory support space, and a new manufacturing suite. The manufacturing suite will support the Company’s manufacturing of its platform medical diagnostic products for the rapid and easy to use identification of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that are expected to be on the US market early next year.

In order to facilitate commercial product launch and future growth, MicroPhage needed to expand and upgrade its capabilities. The company is in the process of fully implementing their Quality Management System to comply with FDA and International Organization for Standards (ISO) requirements, in addition to physical infrastructure improvements.

“Creating a high quality manufacturing suite is a huge step forward for the company on our way to commercial product launch. We now have the capability, equipment, flexibility and control to reliably manufacture our products.” said Preston Brown, MicroPhage’s Director of Manufacturing.

MicroPhage anticipates receiving ISO 13485 certification and CE marking in September, which will allow for sales and marketing of its first product in the EU and Canada .

Expansion of Office Space

The expansion includes the addition of more office space for the early stage company, including several offices added earlier in the year. The expansion includes additional office space, an expanded company conference space, as well as a donation room for the company’s ongoing onsite clinical work with volunteer subjects. The company intends to hire additional staff over the next year, including manufacturing, research, sales & marketing, and quality control.

Funding in Hard Times

Though the emerging medical technology sector has taken a hit because of the tightening of the venture capital market, long-term prospects for investments in healthcare continue to be highly rated. MicroPhage has developed a large network of Angel Investors, primarily high net-worth individuals, to fund the company since 2003, rather than relying on the often venture capital. “We really owe our success to our investors,” says MicroPhage CEO, Steve Lundy, “In these hard financial times, MicroPhage, like many early-stage companies could have folded because of the lack of capital in the markets. Our investors really believe in our technology, our product, and our vision to make a difference in healthcare by bringing diagnostics closer to patients and their physicians and out of the lab. It is because of their continued support we can not just survive, but continue to grow through this period.”

About MicroPhage

MicroPhage is based in Longmont , Colorado and is privately held by a network of Angel Investors, many of whom are Colorado residents. The core technology, bacteriophage amplification, was first described at the Colorado School of Mines and MicroPhage holds an exclusive worldwide license on the technology. The company is working to be a global leader in developing rapid diagnostics products for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility/resistance testing. Using its bacteriophage-based amplification platform, the company has developed a patented process that is a product platform for rapid, easy-to-use, inexpensive diagnostic tests. Its first products, expected in late 2009, will set a new standard for clinicians in MRSA identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing, and are designed to fit the demands of hospitals and laboratories of all sizes. F or further inf or mation, go to www.microphage.com.

Salute to Seniors Expo - Denver, June 3d, 2009

Denver, CO. Shirley Jones, Oscar Award winner for best supporting actress in Elmer Gantry, star of the TV show The Partridge Family, and as well as one of the leading female roles the Broadway musical Oklahoma! is coming to the 20th Annual Salute to Seniors on June 3, 2009 at the Colorado Convention Center, Denver. She will be performing on the main stage at 10 am and at 1 pm.

More than 130 vendors will display products and services aimed towards seniors and their families, while sporting this year’s theme: Movies of the 1950’s. Hundreds of prizes will be given away throughout the day from the vendors.

Informational programs include: Hearing Aid Technology, Identity Theft, and Financial Planning for Long Term Care. New this year, a health fair will offer free bone density tests, glucose tests, cholesterol levels, and other tests. Cardiovascular screenings will be available for $30. In addition, pharmacists will be on hand to safely dispose of out of date medications and medication related waste.

Some vendors will also be recruiting seniors who are looking for full or part time work.

Patrons can play 1950’s trivia bingo and win fresh flowers, free books, gift certificates to restaurants, retail shops and theatre tickets. The grand prize of the day is a three-day cruise with airfare.

Baby boomers all across Colorado are faced with questions about where to turn for help for a parent. But, little things such as picking up medications, quickly become chaotic for families. A stop at the store means Mom might be left alone for too long.

If you see yourself in this situation, take a power hour and attend the elder care fair which offers one-stop shopping for baby boomers that are looking to manage a parent’s life, as well as ways to avoid this horribly scary situation for their own retirement. Experts are ready to answer questions, present solutions, and increase awareness about problems facing the senior population.

Doors open at 8:30 am and close at 4:00 pm. The first ticket costs $7 and the second ticket is $3.50; groups of 10 or more are $5 per ticket. Call 303-333-3482 to buy a ticket or visit www.senioranswers.org

Carbondale Events and Festivities - June 2009

Summer in Carbondale is made for festivals, concerts, and fairs. Our love of music has spawned season after season of performances in venues from parks to streets to pubs. The rodeo, classic car rallies, and local farmers' market bring lively color to the town. Join us this summer at the many events Carbondale has to offer!

Upcoming Carbondale Events:

* May 30: La Dolce Vita, formerly Cajun Clay Night, is very popular, with people lining up at the door; this Carbondale Clay Center annual event has great Cajun food, a costume contest, drinks, live music, and local pottery. Located at 135 Main Street in Carbondale. Click here for more information, or call the Clay Center at (970) 963-2529.

* June 5-6: Valley Cruisers Car Show. This antique car show and parade is held on Main Street in historic downtown Carbondale. Enjoy food, prizes, and fun! Click here for more information.


* June 12-13: Annual Music & Lobster Fest. Feast on fresh lobster flown in from Maine and enjoy the music of many local bands and performers. Take in local food vendors, locally grown farmers' market, and kid's carnival. Located in Sopris Park. For more information, click here, or call at (970) 963-3304.

* June 13: Great Balls of Fire. Fancy crockery and crystal will be replaced by ordinary plates and humble vessels. The "Bailout" band will play music to move locals from the dinner table to the dance floor. Barter and bargain hunters will be presented with a roomful of items and services for the silent auction and a select few gems will be auctioned off live. Click here for more information.

Cougar Canyon and McGetrick Golf Academy Join Forces

Press Release

Colorado’s #1 Public Access Course Teams-Up with Colorado’s #1 Golf School

Whoever said “great things come in pairs” must have said it with great golf in mind. Beginning in May, Cougar Canyon and McGetrick Golf Academy will be offering the “Colorado’s Best Golf Getaway” weekend package. “It was a natural fit. Both Cougar Canyon and McGetrick Golf agree that we only want to do business with the best,” said Cougar Canyon’s Marketing Director, Michael Butcher. In March of this year, Cougar Canyon Golf Links won “#1 Best Course You Can Play in Colorado” by Golfweek Magazine.

McGetrick Golf Academy also has won its share of accolades. The academy was recently named one of the “Top 25 Golf Schools in America” by GOLF Magazine, and the school has a national following. In fact, many consider the academy to be one of the top ten in the country. According to the owner of McGetrick Golf Academy, Brian Thomson, PGA and LPGA touring pros under McGetrick Golf Academy instruction have won more professional tournaments than pros at the other top ten golf schools combined.

So, what can the non-pros expect when they visit Cougar Canyon? For less than $500, guests will enjoy three hours of instruction from an academy staff professional; a night’s stay, greens’ fees and cart; unlimited range time, and a gourmet lunch and dinner by Cougar Canyon’s Executive Chef, Dan Goodrum. Throw in a customized bag tag, a McGetrick Game Improvement Journal, and a copy of Mike McGetrick’s book, The Scrambler’s Dozen, and you have an amazing golf outing at an unbeatable value.

However, “Colorado’s Best Golf Getaway” may just be the beginning. Cougar Canyon and McGetrick are currently reviewing plans for potential weekend corporate events and a junior academy program. “Hopefully, the getaway weekend package is just the beginning of our partnership with McGetrick,” said Butcher.

For more information, please visit http://www.cougarcanyonliving.com/main/golf/academy or call (877) 547-7455.

Cougar Canyon To Host “Goose” Gossage

Major League Hall of Famer Will Be in Trinidad
to Support the Trinidad Community Foundation

One of the best closing pitchers in Major League history will be opening his golf bag for a good cause next month in Trinidad, Colorado. Richard “Goose” Gossage, a 2008 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, will play in the 3rd Annual City of Champions Golf Tournament at Cougar Canyon Golf Links on May 17th to support the Trinidad Community Foundation. Gossage will also be the keynote speaker at a charity dinner for the organization on Saturday, May 16th, the day before the tournament.

The organization for which Gossage is appearing, The Trinidad Community Foundation (TCF), is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting other non-profits in and around Trinidad. Established just three years ago, TCF has already funneled more than $125,000 into local area causes such as the Purgatoire River project and Cimino Park, a new Trinidad city park dedicated to Trinidad native and TCF founding member, Jay Cimino. Cimino, who owns the Phil Long Dealerships, donated a large portion of the required funds through TCF. “The [Trinidad Community] Foundation is made up of a group of people who care about Trinidad and want to support its greatest resource: the people of Trinidad and Las Animas County,” said Howard Lackey, past president and current TCF board member. “We can’t tell you how excited we are to host Goose Gossage. His visit will go a long way to help us meet our goals this year,” Lackey went on to say.

Gossage is a Colorado Springs native who played Major League baseball for nine different teams during his 21-season career including the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The Goose earned nine All-Star appearances and pitched in three World Series including the 1978 World Series for the New York Yankees in which they won. After retiring in 1994, Gossage returned to Colorado Springs where he is very active in promoting youth sports. In early 2008, Gossage was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his ninth year on the ballot.

The golf course hosting the tournament, Cougar Canyon Golf Links, has also had its share of national recognition. Since opening less than two years ago, Cougar Canyon has garnered no less than five national awards including Golf Digest Magazine’s “#3 Best New Course of the Year” in 2008 and Golfweek Magazine’s “#1 in Colorado – Best Courses You Can Play” 2008 award. “It’s only appropriate that the City of Champions Golf Tournament hosts one of the greatest Major League Baseball players of all time on the golf course that has won more awards than any other in Colorado in the past two years,” said Scott Candland, Cougar Canyon’s Managing Director.

To register for the 3rd Annual City of Champions Golf Tournament and Banquet, please call (719) 846-3943 or email to info@trinidadcf.org.

For more information about Cougar Canyon, please visit www.CougarCanyonLiving.com or call (877) 547-7455.

Upcoming Events in Montrose, CO - May 2009

MONTROSE WINE FESTIVAL


The sixth (6th) annual Montrose Wine Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 15th and 16th at the Montrose Holiday Inn Express. The event will commence with the Grand Tasting on Friday at 6:30 PM. This event is open to the public and tickets may be purchased for $35.00 at Corks Fine Wine and Spirits, Canyon Creek Bed and Breakfast, Coffee Trader, the Holiday Inn Express and the Montrose Chamber of Commerce. The Reserve Tasting will begin on Saturday at 4:30 PM and be followed by a Reserve dinner. Sponsorships for the Reserve events can be obtained by calling 252-0800. All proceeds benefit the Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club and Voices for Children. For more information, visit www. montrosewinefestival.com.

The Moving Wall Comes to Montrose

“The Moving Wall,” a half-size replica of the Washington, DC, Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be on display at Cerise Park in Montrose, Colorado, starting Thursday, May 14, 2009 through 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2009. “The Moving Wall” has been on display traveling around the United States since October 1983. It was last in Montrose, Colorado, in 1987. This is the only stop “The Moving Wall” will make in Colorado in 2009.

A special ceremony to honor Armed Forces Day and acknowledge “The Moving Wall” exhibit will take place in Cerise Park on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

Tax-deductible donations to assist in this charitable purpose, bringing “The Moving Wall” to Montrose, may be made payable to Montrose Community Foundation. Please note “Moving Wall Component Fund” on your check and mail to the Montrose Community Foundation, P.O. Box 3020, Montrose, CO 81402.

For further information, call Jenni Sopsic at Montrose Visitors & Convention Bureau, (970) 252-0505, or Randy Havens (970) 240-5489 or visit www.visitmontrose.net.

Youth Game Corps

Youth Game Corps™

Entrepreneur and Leadership Development Program
Do you know an exceptional person in high school or college that is looking for a unique challenge? If so, please act now and forward this opportunity to them!

Youth Game Corps is looking for exceptional and motivated high school and college students to participate in this entrepreneur and leadership development program. The Youth Game Corps team will receive coaching and education from local, volunteer experts including Dr. Robert Blattberg. Dr. Blattberg is a visiting Professor of Marketing at the Tepper School, Carnegie-Mellon University and the Director of the newly created Center of Marketing Technology and Information at Carnegie-Mellon University. He was formerly the Polk Bros. Distinguished Professor of Retailing at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

Applications are being taken from high school and college students until April 30, 2009. To learn more about Youth Game Corps and to apply for this opportunity click here.

Youthentity™, formerly Computers for Kids Foundation, is giving local youth an opportunity to develop and run one of the most fun and dynamic businesses in its organization. Youth Game Corps™ is a video gaming business in the Partnering for Success™ Center in Carbondale. Profits from the game room are used to support the non profit mission of Youthentity™, a 501 (c)(3) organization.

Rapid Pro - Company Profile

Spirit of the American Dream

The story begins in 1994 when an engineer with a dream started his own company in his garage. He had the education, a little cash and the desire to succeed. He took out a loan and bought a piece of prototyping equipment called a stereo-lithography machine. (Laser process) He then leased an office in south Longmont, hired a couple of employees and began to build his business. Later, the business was moved to a prominent location on the I-25 Frontage Road for better visibility and access to corporate traffic from Denver to Ft. Collins. By 2001 the company had grown to $1,500,000 in annual sales.

At that time a local man named Ron Angstead was working as a production manager and Vice President at InterMountain Railway Company when he found out Rapid Prototyping Corporation was for sale. InterMountain is a high quality model train company. They design, produce and assemble model trains and distribute them to hobby stores across the USA and Canada.

In July of 2001 the founder of RPC contacted Ron Angstead and notified him that RPC was for sale. Ron was interested in the cutting edge technology and excited about the possibility of becoming involved with the high tech prototyping firm. He talked to his associates and found that his business partner from Boston was interested. Angstead put the deal together and the new company was born!

Mr. J.P. Barger bought RPC on August 21st, 2001 with the understanding that Ron Angstead would take over as the President and CEO to manage the company. Angstead was excited and enthusiastic as he met his new staff of 15 employees. He began to run the struggling company under a new plan for growth and change. Three weeks later our country and the world would change forever. The World Trade Center in New York City was attacked and the economy across the country took a dive. The new start instantly became an extremely difficult struggle. Through the adversity came a need for quick decisions in order to overcome the new obstacles. Angstead needed to buy some time so he and a few of his friends and business partners rallied together to loan the company $100,000 that would later be converted to stock purchases. This capital would get the company through for a few weeks until they could recover orders that had been frozen or cancelled. The economic paralysis did not last long and soon the orders started to come in again and an aggressive marketing campaign would yield good results over time. The addition of new manufacturing processes and an increase in outsourcing allowed RPC to grow quickly. Angstead changed the name to a more appropriate RapidPro Manufacturing Corporation and by 2005 the sales had reach almost $3,000,000. (Almost double what it had been in 2001.)

RapidPro and some of their customers found a common goal in working together and created partnership agreements. These deals help the customers benefit from the experience, knowledge or financing they need while RPM gets an opportunity to retain the business and share in a percentage of profits as the products begin to sell. The true meaning of a win-win situation!

One such customer is private inventor journeyman carpenter, Anthony Whitemiller, who co-invented a product with Angstead called the SpeedRocker utility knife. The SpeedRocker is a specialty drywall knife with multiple functions to work faster and more efficiently with drywall. Anthony and Ron became partners in 2001 and then made a deal with a worldwide distributor from Chicago. Since 2004, they have sold about 150,000 knives in the retailers such as Lowes, Home Depot and Ace Hardware. They are working on some additional new products for release later this year.

Another inventor and landscape professional named Eric Houseman came to RapidPro to develop a hand tool for the installation and repair of sprinkler systems. Houseman and Angstead became partners and co-invented the Poly-Gator which became the Poly-Pro and a second variation, the PVC-Pro. They successfully launched the products into Ace Hardware, Home Depot and will go into every one of Lowes’ 1,645 stores this spring. With a little help from the retailers the tools should sell well.

John Herman of Boss Outfitter invented several unique Hunting & Fishing Products with RapidPro’s help and now sells through RapidPro’s websites, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman’s Warehouse and many more.

RPM has become a qualified vendor for many of the most prominent Fortune 500 companies along the front range of Colorado. Over the past couple of years, this corporate business has been downsized significantly. The economic conditions in 2007 and 2008 have reversed the company’s growth trend and RPM’s sales dropped back to near its level from 2001. Several of RPM’s customers have gone out of business and most have scaled back. The new development work will need to pick up again in the near future for these companies to remain competitive. With reduced internal resources, they will rely even more heavily on companies like RapidPro for their outsourced product development. Angstead and his staff meet and plan with these customers regularly to gear up for new projects that are coming down the pipe.

RapidPro has also recently launched a new Sporting Goods website, www.rapidprosports.com. They use this site to introduce and sell new, innovative athletic products to the public. The company sells Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hunting & Fishing, Soccer and Golf products. RapidPro Sports specializes in unique training aids and accessory products that increase the skill level of young athletes.

While once again faced with adverse conditions, Angstead’s attitude remains very positive. “Difficult challenges do not determine the outcome of a situation,” says Angstead, “it’s the way you react and adjust to handle those challenges that will determine your level of success.”

Angstead believes that one of his most powerful assets is his ability to pull people together and strive toward a common goal. He says, “We have a fantastic team including our staff, suppliers and customers and are all working together on exciting new projects.” He is in the process of restructuring and refinancing the company to give it a new, more profitable start. Now profitable again, the future looks bright on the horizon. Within this small privately owned company and thousands more like it across the country, the “Spirit of the American Dream” is alive and well and will prevail in these changing times.

Angstead likens his business to “a maternity ward for new products and start-up companies. This is where the Spirit of the American Dream is born!”

To contact Ron Angstead and RapidPro for product development, manufacturing services or other business opportunities, please call or email.


RapidPro Manufacturing Corporation Email: ron@rapidpro.com
Ron Angstead, President, CEO www.rapidpro.com
14478 I-25 Frontage Road www.rapidprosports.com
Longmont, Colorado 80504 Office: 970-535-0550