tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-229640792011-11-02T11:22:52.232-06:00News, information and issues from the Business Desk of The Gazette.Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.comBlogger8991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-32475790787962386302008-08-26T09:14:00.000-06:002008-08-26T09:14:00.564-06:00

The Colorado Springs Economic Development Corp. has a new board chairman. Scott Bryan, president and chief executive officer of Bryan Construction Inc., will begin a one-year term Oct. 1 and serve through Sept. 30, 2009. The private, non-profit EDC is the Pikes Peak region's primary jobs-generating organization. “We are experiencing very challenging economic times and EDC is laying the

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-35252923197456210372008-08-25T11:50:00.000-06:002008-08-25T11:50:00.874-06:00

Two Colorado Springs residential real estate brokerages, Keller Williams Premier Realty and Hope Realty, have merged to create Keller Williams Hope Realty. “The merger helps us better serve our agents as well as our clients,” said Robert Edgin of Hope Realty. Said Gary Keller, founder and board chairman of Keller Williams International: “We view the Colorado Springs market as a market with a

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-68703824353445733182008-08-21T09:06:00.000-06:002008-08-21T09:06:00.130-06:00

Coloradans are concerned about the price of gasoline, and the majority support increasing the nation's supply of oil and natural gas resources, according to a survey commissioned by API. The July telephone poll of 501 registered Colorado voters showed 67 percent somewhat or strongly support increased access to domestic oil and natural gas resources; 20 percent said they oppose increased access.

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-46629745497842372702008-08-20T10:01:00.000-06:002008-08-20T10:01:00.251-06:00

Loyalton of Broadmoor will open a 40-suite building for Alzheimer's and memory care patients in mid- to late September, adjacent to its assisted living center at 615 Southpointe Court. "There's a tremendous need for memory care everywhere and specifically in Colorado Springs," said spokeswoman Dana Gardiner. "The population of people with Alzheimer's and dimentia in the city is astounding and

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-63320392568907174392008-08-18T11:49:00.000-06:002008-08-18T11:49:01.146-06:00

The Markets at Mesa Ridge shopping center in Fountain, south of Colorado Springs, is continuing its expansion. A groundbreaking took place Wednesday, Aug. 13, for the addition of an Ent Federal Credit Union, Little Caesars Pizza and Papa Murphy’s Pizza. Construction should be completed in February. The Markets at Mesa Ridge, at Mesa Ridge Parkway and Fountain Mesa Road, is a joint venture between

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-33848331957350889492008-08-14T09:03:00.000-06:002008-08-14T09:03:00.922-06:00

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is being transformed into a fund-raising vehicle -- literally -- for the Economic Development Council in Manitou Springs. A fundraiser for the organization starts with a social hour at 4:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at the Cog Railway Depot in Manitou Springs. At 4:45 p.m., participants will board the last Cog Railway train of the day, travel to Pikes Peak and return at 7:

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-87798328980503139342008-08-13T09:46:00.000-06:002008-08-13T09:46:01.174-06:00

Median single-family home prices fell to $200,922 in the second quarter in Colorado Springs, a 3.7 percent decline when compared with the same period a year ago, according to a report released Tuesday, Aug. 12, by Zillow, the Seattle-based Internet home-appraisal site. For all of El Paso County, which includes the Springs, second-quarter median prices fell 3.8 percent to $200,295. In Teller

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-45011219539710835962008-08-12T16:44:00.000-06:002008-08-12T16:44:02.385-06:00

We weren't able to reach Michael Patrick Garman while working on today's story on the plans to close the Michael Garman Gallery early next year, but we spoke with the younger Garman this morning. He said he'd love to carry on the family business, which he ran for five years before having a falling out with his father last December. "It was always my dream to run the company and continue on the

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-90408151782864737282008-08-12T09:29:00.000-06:002008-08-12T09:29:03.979-06:00

USAA insurance, a Fortune 150 financial services company that caters to the military and their families and has about 1,000 employees in Colorado Springs, has launched an online auto loan and car-buying service for members. The new services allow members to handle all the steps of car buying -- from selecting a vehicle to financing and obtaining insurance -- electronically and without having to

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-12273825589038489292008-08-11T12:45:00.001-06:002008-08-11T12:46:24.820-06:00

“I never had any idea it would get this far,” sculptor Michael Garman said, “I guess that’s why it got this far.” Garman, 70, flew into Colorado Springs on Monday for a press conference making official what fans of his work have been talking about for a week: Michael Garman Productions will stop making reproductions of Garman’s sculptures this winter and the gallery in Old Colorado City will

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-39612925689117733282008-08-07T13:30:00.002-06:002008-08-07T13:56:44.374-06:00

The Manitou Springs Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday approved the Cliff House’s proposed $15 million expansion around the historic Wheeler House by a 5-2 vote. The expansion will go before the city council on Aug. 26."This puts us in a position to go to city council in pretty good shape," said Paul York, general manager for the Cliff House.

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-4352606606863697292008-08-05T16:01:00.002-06:002008-08-05T16:07:20.195-06:00

Those Bennigan's gift cards are worth something after all.The restaurant chain filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection last week and said all company owned stores were closing. That included two locations in Colorado Springs. Those customers stuck with Bennigan's gift cards, though, can now exchange them at Texas Roadhouse restaurants for a free entrée certificate. The offer expires August 30.

Bill Radfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165719144660545209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-62520008627841438542008-08-05T13:04:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:41.467-07:00

The Northtree Ranch House (right), the first recreation center constructed in the massive Banning Lewis Ranch development that makes up most of Colorado Springs' east side, was recently honored as a 2008 Gold Nugget award recipient in the category of Best Public/Private Recreational Use Facility. The Gold Nugget awards, sponsored by the Pacific Coast Builders Conference trade association, have

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-53886922685097948832008-08-04T12:37:00.001-06:002008-08-04T12:38:14.604-06:00

Colorado Springs will lose an institution in November when the Michael Garman Gallery and Michael Garman Productions go out of business.Garman turned his aptitude for sculpture into a mass-production business that made him as much a businessman as an artist, and his Magic Town diorama in Old Colorado City grew into a local tourist attraction.Garman's health has been bad, store manager

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-48630823088854874332008-08-04T12:24:00.000-06:002008-08-04T12:24:00.738-06:00

NorthCare at St. Francis, an 80,000-square-foot, physician-owned medical office building linked via a skybridge to the new St. Francis Medical Center, opens today, Aug. 4.Many of the tenants are relocating to the new hospital campus at Woodmen Road and Powers Boulevard from the area surrounding Penrose Community Hospital on North Academy Boulevard. That hospital is closing Aug. 16, the day St.

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-69524647203005556102008-08-01T10:38:00.000-06:002008-08-01T10:38:01.005-06:00

Air Academy Federal Credit Union is creating a little more elbow room for the 100 employees at its Colorado Springs headquarters.In July, construction started on a building that will more than double its office space.The 45,000-member financial institution has grown by nearly 60 percent during the past five years to $385 million in assets spread among 12 branches. Glenn Strebe, Air Academy’s

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-33275016244078367122008-07-31T09:39:00.004-06:002008-07-31T09:40:51.735-06:00

Mortenson Construction has donated 1,150 tickets to this week’s U.S. Senior Open at The Broadmoor to active United States military personnel, including those with NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), NORTHCOM (United States Northern Command), Peterson Air Force Base, the United States Air Force Academy and Fort Carson. The First Army Division West, the U.S. Army Installation

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-46378943948448823382008-07-30T16:37:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:41.636-07:00

Classic Cos., Colorado Springs' largest privately held home builder, has merged with local builder Scott Building Inc. to create a custom home division, to be known as Flying Horse Signature Homes. Steve Scott of Scott Building has constructed custom homes for nearly 30 years in High Forest Ranch, Black Forest, Pine Creek and the Spires, among other communities; Classic previously had its own

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-54896859022322033582008-07-30T09:53:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:42.107-07:00

The 2008 Parade of Homes, sponsored by the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs, runs Aug. 8-24 and will feature 29 homes, including a dozen priced at $1 million and up. Thirteen of the 29 homes will be featured at two of the Springs' newest developments: Flying Horse on the city's far north side and the Banning Lewis Ranch, which makes up most of the Springs' east side. Tickets

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-41255415176885049492008-07-29T16:00:00.002-06:002008-07-29T16:03:49.287-06:00

Experience Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak, the local convention and visitors bureau, earned the Distinctive Achievement Award from the readers of Associated Conventions and Facilities magazine. Winners of the award will be honored in the magazine's August issue.

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-57647022311403200372008-07-29T13:30:00.002-06:002008-07-29T13:33:11.937-06:00

All of the restaurant chain's corporate-owned locations are closed, including two in Colorado Springs at 2540 Tenderfoot Hill St. and 3502 N Academy Blvd.

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-8306126592675566782008-07-29T09:08:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:42.261-07:00

Drive-In Autosound has won the firstannual Pioneer Community Give BackAward. The Colorado Springs-based mobile entertainment dealer, owned by Kevin and Scott Clark, will donate the $10,000 it received from the award to the Fort Carson Officer Spouses' Club Santa's Workshop. The presentation ceremony will take place Tuesday, July 29, at 4 p.m. at the store's 165 Motor Way location. Pioneer's new

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-13076947230147732932008-07-28T13:13:00.001-06:002008-11-13T01:10:42.379-07:00

It's possible to buy this sort of publicity for your city, but it's so much better when it comes for free. The Monday, July 28, Wall Street Journal includes a special six-page report on seven economic development success stories around the globe -- "seven places, seven ideas," as a Journal editor's note explain. Among the seven cities featured in the report: Colorado Springs and its successful

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-88823761750035951912008-07-25T11:11:00.000-06:002008-07-28T11:12:25.486-06:00

Mezyad Alterkawi, chief executive of the Riyadh Technology Incubation Center at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, is visiting the Colorado Springs Technology Incubator through Friday (Aug. 10) to learn more about how such facilities operate in the United States.Alterkawi arrived at the Springs incubator July 10 to gather information about technology entrepreneurs, private investing, venture

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-91061899259979272232008-07-25T09:47:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:42.539-07:00

Denver-based Guaranteed Recycling Xperts, which has an office in Colorado Springs, received the first Greenovation Award from CSIA, Colorado's largest technology association. The award honors an organization that is making a concerted effort to minimize and eliminate negative impact on the environment through sustainable and scientifically supported methods. Guaranteed Recycling Xperts is an

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-451801045355461712008-07-24T11:11:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:42.705-07:00

Commercial real estate professionals are a hearty lot. They recognize the worsening economic conditions nationally, but remain generally positive about the fortunes of their own companies. Those are some of the results of a survey of real estate professionals by accounting giant Grant Thornton LLP. In a survey this year, Grant Thornton found nearly six in 10 real estate executives -- 57 percent -

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-64595527820944836152008-07-22T13:51:00.000-06:002008-07-22T13:52:13.350-06:00

Hotel occupancy rates in Colorado Springs dropped by 1.6 percent in June compared with a year ago, according to the Rocky Mountain Lodging Report from the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association. The average room rate fell 2.07 percent to $93.41, its sharpest decline since 2005. Statewide, occupancy rates declined 3.4 percent to 71 percent, although room rates rose $5.06 to $123.82.

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-71116849516169795302008-07-18T09:21:00.002-06:002008-07-18T09:28:51.490-06:00

Local Starbucks devotees can relax. Starbucks Corp. has released a list of the 600 company-owned stores it plans to close beginning this month in its effort to dump unprofitable locations. There are nine Colorado stores on the list, but none in Colorado Springs. There are three stores in Denver, two in Loveland, and one each in Boomfield, Conifer, Lakewood and Longmont slated for closure. You can

Bill Radfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165719144660545209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-82402615746149557762008-07-17T15:13:00.000-06:002008-07-17T15:12:32.863-06:00

Got an amazing word-of-mouth marketing campaign?Here's your chance to showcase it nationally.The Word of Mouth Marketing Association has launched its third annual Wommie Awards, which recognize outstanding word-of-mouth marketing.Wommie winners will be selected by a peer review panel and recognized at the trade association's summit in November in Las Vegas.The deadline to submit a word-of-mouth

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-26193247796881067502008-07-17T11:12:00.002-06:002008-07-17T11:30:32.725-06:00

The three Cripple Creek casino managers ticketed for smoking in mid-June appeared in Teller County Court today. Two of the casinos, the Double Eagle and Bronco Billy's, asked for pre-trial conferences, which were set for late July. The third, the Midnight Rose, represented by manager Donald Rosen, pleaded "not guilty" and will go to court Sept. 11.For a short time, it looked like there would be

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-54478508920547256642008-07-17T06:11:00.000-06:002008-07-17T06:11:13.730-06:00

Colorado Springs-based brain training company, LearningRx, was featured in Fortune Small Business magazine in a cover story on customer satisfaction scoring.LearningRx was one of four companies featured because of its "net promoter score" of 72, with the average being 15. The company uses the net promoter score not only to determine success among clients but also to track the performance of

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-56515992316715340012008-07-16T05:51:00.000-06:002008-07-16T05:52:11.064-06:00

Government-backed lending to small businesses in El Paso County is on a pace to set a record in for a second consecutive year, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration for the first three quarters of the fiscal year.Thirty-four lenders have made 193 loans in the county totaling $44.8 million, which is on a pace to break last year’s county record of $57.5 million in SBA-backed

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-32685702614486224532008-07-15T16:22:00.001-06:002008-07-15T16:22:30.120-06:00

Ramtron International Corp. stock fell Tuesday to its lowest level in nearly nine months after it told stockholders Monday it may be liable for customer losses stemming from a manufacturing defect in a semiconductor produced by its primary vendor.Shares of the Colorado Springs-based semiconductor design company lost 57 cents, or 14.9 percent, to close at $3.25 in heavy trading on the Nasdaq Stock

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-31138202176519229122008-07-15T14:02:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:42.890-07:00

Colorado Springs ranked seventh in the nation in the percentage of its work force employed in high-technology industries during 2006, according to a report by the American Electronics Association using the most recent data available.That is down from fourth in 2001, mostly because the city had the second-highest percentage decline in technology employment among the 60 cities included in the

Wayne Heilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11636677071994781007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-69004316659638942782008-07-15T10:37:00.000-06:002008-07-15T10:37:00.422-06:00

Three local students have received scholarships from the National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation. The program awards scholarships toward tuition to universities, colleges, community colleges and vocational training programs to reward and encourage entrepreneruial talents among high school students. More than 8,000 students applied this year; 400 scholarships were

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-81733968225379441172008-07-14T14:04:00.001-06:002008-07-14T14:04:47.746-06:00

A fourth Cripple Creek casino is allowing smoking. On Friday, the Gold Rush Casino posted signs declaring that it was a cigar bar, an exemption under state’s smoking ban, and smoking was allowed. Cripple Creek police wrote one of the casino managers a $200 ticket on Saturday. That case won’t be heard in court until Sept. 29. Three other casinos that claimed the exemption in June — Bronco Billy’s,

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-86077708903491325572008-07-14T13:02:00.000-06:002008-07-14T13:02:00.146-06:00

Catholic Health Initiatives, the parent company of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, was the largest Catholic hospital in the nation last year, according to Modern Healthcare magazine. The system operates 72 hospitals in 19 states, including Colorado, and runs Centura Health through a joint operating agreement with PorterCare Adventist Health System. Health care systems were ranked by

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-754132095828303932008-07-14T11:29:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:43.062-07:00

A new E85 pump has opened at the Western Convenience store at 11515 N. Highway 83 in Parker for drivers who have flexible-fuel vehicles. Western Convenience has 17 locations that offer E85, including in El Paso and Teller counties.E85 contains 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.The Governor's Biofuels Coalition and the Colorado Corn Growers Association have provided funding for the

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-92138665572782297112008-07-11T11:18:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:43.295-07:00

Ron Covington, the former Colorado Springs division president of California-based John Laing Homes, has launched his own Springs homebuilding company: Ron Covington Homes. Covington is partnering with developer LandCo Equity Partners in the creation of the company, which will build in four Springs-area neighborhoods. Covington launched Estate Homes in 1998, which was later acquired and became the

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-89322890206517860452008-07-11T10:03:00.002-06:002008-07-11T10:06:58.937-06:00

Experience Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak, the local convention and visitors bureau, earned the Gold Service award from Meetings & Conventions magazine for the fourth straight year. Experience was one of 77 CVB's nationally to earn the honor, which is voted on by the magazine's readership.

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-15225830994981310922008-07-10T13:39:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:43.505-07:00

Home builders get style points for architecture, floor plans and amenities -- not spelling. In the unincorporated Falcon area of El Paso County, north of Meridian Road and Stapleton Drive, Denver-based builder Richmond American Homes has parked a large semi-tractor trailer that serves as a billboard-like advertisement for its houses being built in the Meridian Ranch development across the street.

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-34793967245998349502008-07-10T13:25:00.000-06:002008-07-10T13:25:00.509-06:00

Gov. Bill Ritter today praised a new report that names Colorado to CNBC’s prestigious annual list of America’s Top States for Business, which ranks Colorado No. 5 and specifically cites the state’s "new energy economy." CNBC analyzed 40 factors in 10 broad categories. Colorado’s highest rankings came in the categories of business friendliness (Colorado ranked 5t) and quality of life (

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-83352120716613798302008-07-09T10:31:00.000-06:002008-07-09T10:31:04.245-06:00

Central Bancorp Inc. completed its purchase of Van Gilder Insurance Corp.'s Colorado Springs office on July 1, making its CB Insurance unit one of the largest locally owned insurance brokers in the Colorado Springs area."This acquisition creates tremendous opportunities, both for our firm and our new insurance clients," said Steve Schneider, president of CB Insurance. "We are anxious to move

Wayne Heilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11636677071994781007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-38033889511641999802008-07-08T12:44:00.000-06:002008-07-08T12:44:24.224-06:00

Colorado ranks among the 20 best places for the biotechnology industry, according to Genome Technology magazine, a speciality print and online publication for molecular biology scientists, professionals and engineers.The publication listed the Denver-Boulder area as one of nine emerging biotechnology regions along with Alabama, New York, Tennessee, Texas, the St. Louis-Kansas City area; Oslo,

Wayne Heilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11636677071994781007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-4948652620359164182008-07-07T16:20:00.007-06:002008-11-13T01:10:43.722-07:00

Allegory Marketing, one of Colorado Springs largest advertising agencies, is changing hands as founder and president Tom DeNardin sells the company to Victoria Stone, president of ACTUATE Inc. and former marketing director for Todays Homes. Terms for the deal were not disclosed. Stone is merging Allegory and ACTUATE and will name the combined company Allegory Advertising. Allegory’s 10 employees

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-21815713772851504482008-07-03T16:40:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:43.984-07:00

High fuel prices could mean major reductions in airline service at the Colorado Springs Airport, according to an analysis published late last month by the Pennsylvania-based Business Travel Coalition.The group ranked the Springs as one of the 50 large markets most likely to lose some or all air service as a result of higher fuel prices. Among the factors making airports vulnerable to higher

Wayne Heilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11636677071994781007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-83308752970925084102008-07-03T10:57:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:44.085-07:00

Having a hard time dealing with rising fuel prices?Be glad you’re not trying to pay the fuel bills for Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Co., which operates a fleet of 10 300-ton dump trucks that haul gold ore from its open-pit mine between Cripple Creek and Victor to a nearby crushing facility. Each of the mine’s trucks burn three-quarters of a gallon of diesel fuel a minute, which means each

Wayne Heilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11636677071994781007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-31677306121739026302008-07-01T16:22:00.000-06:002008-07-01T16:23:10.703-06:00

Corporate Office Properties Trust, a Maryland-based real estate company, added to its local holdings Tuesday by paying $23.2 million for the Northrop Grumman building that opened in May in the Cresterra business park at the Colorado Springs Airport.The 124,305-square-foot building, southeast of Powers Boulevard and the Milton E. Proby Parkway, houses 400 of Northrop Grumman’s 1,150 local

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-37328430569023959052008-07-01T09:18:00.001-06:002008-07-01T09:18:57.513-06:00

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has released new data on hospital-acquired infections for Memorial and Penrose Hospitals. The information is available online at www.cdphe.state.co.us/hf/PatientSafety/HFAI/index.html.The semi-annual bulletin shows the first six months of data collected from a new reporting system established by a state law approved in 2006.

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-28771844421009983632008-06-30T16:40:00.000-06:002008-06-30T16:40:02.505-06:00

More than two months after Simtek Corp. turned down a $36.4 million acquisition offer from Cypress Semiconductor Corp., stockholders are still waiting for news about what comes next.Simtek Chairman Robert Pearson told stockholders at the company’s June 19 annual meeting in Colorado Springs that “the process is still very much alive and we are actively working with our (financial) advisers,” but

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-8301969892450777942008-06-30T13:18:00.000-06:002008-06-30T13:19:11.258-06:00

Deborah L. Chandler has been named executive vice president and chief executive officer of Colorado Springs Health Partners, the city’s largest physician-owned practice said Monday. Chandler previously served as chief executive of Anchor Health Centers in Florida. CSHP has 90 physicians and 11 locations.

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-88754409113065127022008-06-30T11:07:00.001-06:002008-06-30T11:12:29.620-06:00

Four years after he sold First National Bank of Colorado Springs to a Nebraska holding company, Rob Alexander is on his way back into the Colorado Springs banking industry.State Bank of Bartley, a Nebraska institution of which Alexander is chairman and co-owner, is acquiring one of two Colorado banking charters of the Evans-based Bank of Choice as a way for it to expand to Colorado Springs, where

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-332241534421920502008-06-26T16:23:00.000-06:002008-06-26T16:23:22.206-06:00

After bouncing in and out of the Russell 3000 index at least twice in recent years, Colorado Springs-based Westmoreland Coal Co. will be back in the popular stock market barometer as of June 27, based on preliminary calculations.Westmoreland and Springs-based Century Casinos Inc. were deleted last year from the index and instead became part of the Russell Microcap Index. Locally based

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-21036661214457383832008-06-26T11:18:00.001-06:002008-06-26T11:19:46.058-06:00

High gas prices apparently won’t keep people from traveling over the Fourth of July holiday. According to projections released Thursday by the American Automobile Association, a scant 0.8 percent fewer people in the western states were planning to travel this year compared with 2007. In total, AAA is projecting 10.48 million people in the West will leave home for the holiday. Nationwide, the

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-1416320510610632282008-06-25T14:36:00.000-06:002008-06-25T14:36:40.199-06:00

Spectranetics Corp. has made Fortune magazine’s annual list for a third time - a list of the nation’s fastest-growing small companies published by its small business sibling rather than the better-known list of 500 largest U.S. corporations.The Colorado Springs-based medical laser manufacturer ranked 33rd in the Fortune Small Business 100 list published in the magazine’s July-August issue.

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-91588733968620879702008-06-25T13:30:00.002-06:002008-06-25T13:37:50.227-06:00

Later this year, Sportique Scooters is moving from its current location at 431 E. Pikes Peak Ave. to a spot on S. Tejon St., across from McCabe's. Employees at Sportique said they'd planned to make the move sooner, but skyrocketing scooter sales - driven by $4 a gallon gasoline - will probably push the move off 'til the colder months.

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-28826485256973028502008-06-24T12:13:00.000-06:002008-06-24T12:14:04.649-06:00

Li'l Biggs is celebrating its recent opening with a grand opening celebration Friday and Saturday. Visitors will get free entrance to Little Biggtown, $5 in arcade credits and a free slice of pizza and a drink. Donations of $3 per person are encouraged; the money goes to the nonprofit America's Family. Li'l Biggs, a restaurant and fun center geared toward kids 10 and younger, is the latest brand

Bill Radfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165719144660545209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-40514696737036770422008-06-23T10:22:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:44.307-07:00

Colorado Springs might be getting a maintenance-free housing community for 55-and-older residents. Ohio-based Epcon Communities, which has developed similar projects in 30 states, plans to launch construction of an 80- to 120-home neighborhood in the Springs in 2009. The project isn't a done deal, yet; Epcon looks for franchisees to develop most of its properties, and is still talking to

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-9965894012956772262008-06-20T05:41:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:44.393-07:00

Panera Bread is rolling out a line of new breakfast sandwiches, and, in the process, hopes to help fill up the shelves at the Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado. Starting Friday, June 20, Panera Bread will launch a line of grilled breakfast sandwiches in Colorado Springs and around the state. Through June 29, Panera customers who donate a non-perishable breakfast item to Care and Share

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-80344208440284203532008-06-19T13:44:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:44.613-07:00

The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado is warning local residents not to fall for a new phone scam that uses the Wal-Mart name. According to the BBB, someone who identifies himself as "Victor Vasquez" and claiming to represent “Wal-Mart Computer Systems” has called area consumers to tell them they've won a second prize of $9.8 million in a Wal-Mart sweepstakes. To claim their winnings,

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-80820629789867125952008-06-18T15:47:00.004-06:002008-06-18T15:50:04.073-06:00

Electric Beach Tanning Salon has closed up shop, according to a sign posted on the 57443 N. Academy Blvd. site.“Due to a legal disagreement with our landlord we are forced to move our salon to a new location,” reads the sign. “...We have all your contact information and will be mailing you our new location info.” Meanwhile, Electric Beach's phone number has been disconnected and neighboring

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-16324903150540029122008-06-18T11:02:00.001-06:002008-06-18T11:03:42.096-06:00

A regional business alliance that hopes to foster better communication and speak with a common voice on business issues has added another member.The Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce agreed earlier this month to become the latest group to join the Pikes Peak Regional Business Partnership, which was formed a year ago, said Dave Csintyan, chief executive officer of the Greater Colorado

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-52401060941461870392008-06-17T14:06:00.002-06:002008-06-17T14:10:26.147-06:00

Colorado had its best season ever for tourism, both in terms of the number of visitors (28 million) and the amount of money they spent ($9.8 billion), according to the annual Longwoods International Colorado Travel Year 2007 Report released today by the Colorado Tourism Office.In addition to the raw numbers, Colorado's share of national tourism also grew, from 2.35 percent in 2006 to 2.5 percent

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-80369340665618301502008-06-17T10:26:00.001-06:002008-06-17T10:27:52.739-06:00

Porchlight Communications' plan to launch video service in some parts of Colorado Springs has been delayed to July 1. The company had planned to begin service June 16.

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-32358871429427959202008-06-13T17:05:00.000-06:002008-06-13T17:05:01.244-06:00

Though city auditor Jeff Litchfield found nine deficiencies in an audit of Memorial Health System's Workers' Compensation Fund from May 2005 through December 2006, the program is being handle properly, he said."They used proper underwriting techniques and claims' procedures," he said.Released April 30, the audit found such deficiences as:The 2006 Annual Review was not filed within 60 days of the

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-71842702089587825412008-06-13T11:06:00.002-06:002008-06-13T11:14:53.436-06:00

United Airlines' Hemisphere Magazine will be producing a 30-page special section on Colorado Springs in its September issue. The section will look at the city's economy, tourism, lifestyle and culture.Officials from the magazine's publisher, Pace Communications, were in town Tuesday night for a reception at the Fine Arts Center to kick off the project.They said the special section, which the

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-42638469084738197482008-06-13T09:52:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:44.861-07:00

Cheyenne Mountain Resort on Colorado Springs' southwest side has been named one of the "Best Companies to Work for in Colorado" for 2008. The resort is one of 15 companies in Colorado that made the list this year in the large companies category -- 250 employees or more. The award was made by Best Companies to Work for in Colorado, a collaborative effort whose partners include the Society for

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-23561497209312499902008-06-12T09:07:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:44.987-07:00

ECCO recently opened a store in Park Meadows Mall, 8401 Park Meadows Center Drive in Lone Tree.The store, one of 30 "partnership" stores in the United States, is designed around the company's Scandinavian heritage and uses an arena and gallery approach to showcase shoes for men, women and children. Selections include dress, casual and performance footwear, along with golf shoes. Hours are Mondays

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-6727550478325156352008-06-11T09:30:00.000-06:002008-06-11T09:40:15.044-06:00

More than half of nonprofits require financial contributions from board members, a trend expected to become increasingly more commonplace, according to a study released earlier this year by Grant Thornton LLP, an accounting, tax and business advisory company.Results of the fifth annual National Board Governance Survey for Not-for-Profit Organizations show that 54 percent of nonprofit

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-78420331103968921302008-06-10T11:08:00.000-06:002008-06-10T11:21:21.062-06:00

Kaiser Permanente approved nearly 300 Community Benefit grants and donations totaling $19 million nationwide in the first quarter of this year, the nonprofit health care insurer said.Locally, Kaiser awarded nearly $100,000 in the first grant cycle of the year to:Urban Peak's female health program for teensHarbor HouseEl Paso County Medical Society Prescription Assistance Solution ServicePikes

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-26165891651393880012008-06-10T08:39:00.002-06:002008-06-10T08:46:02.904-06:00

Four casinos allowing smoking, that is. First came the Wild Card in Black Hawk, then Bronco Billy's in Cripple Creek, then, on Saturday, the Midnight Rose in Cripple Creek (but not the other two-thirds of the Triple Crown casinos) and, on Monday, the Double Eagle lit up.Several other casinos the Gazette spoke with said that if local or county government officials don't take any action against the

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-52024728159770370702008-06-09T16:58:00.004-06:002008-11-13T01:10:45.174-07:00

No, not Putin. Vladimir Jones - the agency-formerly-known-as-Praco, today named Meredith Vaughan as president.Agency founder Nechie Hall, Vaughan's mother, keeps the CEO title.Vaughan had been the vice president for insight at the 38-year-old advertising and public relations company, overseeing strategic direction for clients. She's worked for Praco/Vladimir Jones since 2000.If you're living

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-8328762385679900202008-06-09T14:22:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:45.354-07:00

Metrostudy, a Houston-based housing market research firm, will provide an overview of Colorado Springs' new home market at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, at the Doubletree Hotel World Arena, 1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., on the Springs' south side. The cost is $20 and the event is limited to members of the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs, which is sponsoring the event. More

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-78991435834392201362008-06-09T10:53:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:45.577-07:00

Want to know what's good about living in Colorado Springs? Ask Mayor Lionel Rivera (right); he loves to talk about the city. Rivera will deliver his annual state of the city address at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, at the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce luncheon, to be held at the downtown Antlers Hilton Hotel, 2 S. Cascade Ave. Rivera is expected to discuss the city's progress and

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-54061699876047397822008-06-09T10:45:00.003-06:002008-06-09T10:49:53.453-06:00

On the biz e-mail this morning:"Colorado Opens an Official Welcome Center in AlamosaElected officials, community leaders, the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) and CTO Board of Directors will celebrate the opening of the State’s newest Welcome Center in Alamosa with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house.WHO: The grand opening will include remarks from· State Senator Gail Schwartz (

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-83847213960156934282008-06-05T16:38:00.005-06:002008-11-13T01:10:45.733-07:00

It's time for Bark at Briargate, and we don't mean griping about the quintessential suburban community on Colorado Springs' north side. The Promenade Shops at Briargate, the open-air, lifestyle shopping center southeast of Colorado Highway 83 and Briargate Barkway, er, Parkway, will host its third annual Bark at Briargate from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14. It's a chance for dog owners to

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-13512411345357621122008-06-05T15:04:00.001-06:002008-11-13T01:10:45.988-07:00

The Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs, which conducts a Parade of Homes annually to show off new houses and building techniques, is putting the spotlight on remodeling. The HBA will conduct its first-ever Remodeled Homes Tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 14-15, at 17 home sites in the Colorado Springs area. HBA officials want to promote remodeling, which industry experts say

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-26795925787197436802008-06-04T10:27:00.001-06:002008-06-04T10:28:43.977-06:00

Pinnacol Assurance, Colorado’s state-owned workers’ compensation insurer, paid $55 million in dividends in May to 58,000 businesses it insures.The payments went to 92 percent of Pinnacol’s policyholders, based on their safety records and claims costs. The dividend is the fourth consecutive annual payment to policyholders; Pinnacol has paid $227 million in dividends since 2005.Pinnacol paid $4.48

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-26354221525884574422008-06-03T13:37:00.000-06:002008-06-03T13:37:09.025-06:00

Verizon Wireless customers in southeast Colorado Springs and seven other Colorado cities will be more likely to answer yes when asked “Can you hear me now?”The company added a new cell tower site near Academy Boulevard and South Chelton Road along with seven others in Boulder, Denver, Greeley, Lakewood, Longmont, Northglenn and Thornton in response to rising demand for wireless voice, multimedia

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-80371316077487098022008-06-02T10:28:00.005-06:002008-06-02T10:39:21.998-06:00

Two new stores have opened at The Promenade Shops at Briargate. Bath & Body Works opened May 26, offering shower gels, lotions, candles and accessories. Colorado Co-Op, a contemporary lifestyle store, opened its doors Sunday. It's the second location for Colorado Co-Op; there's also a downtown shop.

Bill Radfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165719144660545209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-64921333882200547362008-06-02T08:37:00.001-06:002008-06-02T08:39:10.801-06:00

The agency-formerly-known-as-PRACO's new Web site is up at http://www.vladimirjones.com/.

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-47300921132414093802008-05-30T16:58:00.001-06:002008-05-30T17:00:29.463-06:00

Praco is no longer the largest, most successful advertising agency in Colorado Springs.It’s now Vladimir Jones.Who, or what, is that?After 38 years, Praco is changing its name. And it’s changing it to Jones, Vladimir Jones.Praco founder and CEO Nechie Hall and other agency officials could not be reached on Friday. In a press release, which was scheduled to be delivered on Monday, June 2, Hall

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-18512375630463545632008-05-30T13:35:00.003-06:002008-05-30T13:39:36.696-06:00

A press release from Colorado Springs ad agency PRACO announced the 38-year-old company had changed its name to... Vladimir Jones."I felt strongly that it was time to make some mammoth changes, including moving on from the 38-year-old name that we chose when we founded the company in our early twenties," PRACO founder Nechie Hall said in the release.The release came with a booklet dubbed "The Tao

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-50304455937030206932008-05-29T14:42:00.003-06:002008-05-29T14:49:49.594-06:00

The U.S. Bank branch at 3525 Hartsel Drive has two new drive-up lanes. People who open a U.S. Bank checking account during the grand opening celebration next week, June 2 through June 6, will receive a $10 King Soopers gas card while supplies last. Visitors to the branch also can register to win a summer prize pack including a gas barbecue grill and a $50 King Soopers gift card. The branch will

Bill Radfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165719144660545209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-36375708449231911792008-05-23T16:01:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:46.247-07:00

Colorado Springs' median home prices dropped 1.6 percent to $208,900 in the first quarter of 2008 when compared with the same period a year ago, according to recent figures released by the National Association of Realtors. The Springs fared better than some other cities in the state, according to the NAR; Denver's first-quarter median home prices fell 6.6 percent to $223,500 and Boulder's prices

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-52785373768836454062008-05-23T11:05:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:46.440-07:00

Four local dealerships have joined Chrysler's "Let's Refuel America" promotion: Lithia Colorado Springs Jeep-Chrysler, Perkins Motor Co., The Faricy Boys and Colorado Springs Dodge. Here's how it works: With the purchase of an eligible new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicles, buyers can receive a gas card that immediately lowers the price of gas to $2.99 a gallon -- and keeps it at that price for

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-44078825676497751592008-05-22T14:56:00.002-06:002008-11-13T01:10:46.565-07:00

At the risk of being picky, why can't some large, out-of-town corporations get street names and other landmarks accurate when they're talking about Colorado Springs? A few months ago, Costco Wholesale Club, based in suburban Seattle, described the location of its first Colorado Springs store as Colorado Springs East -- a location that, like Colorado Springs North and Colorado Springs South,

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-34015389787036261482008-05-22T09:37:00.000-06:002008-05-22T09:37:03.326-06:00

The U.S. Small Business Administration and FranNet are offering a free introduction to franchising course online.The course covers 10 essential areas related to franchising, including How to Choose a Franchise and Is Franchising Right for You? Options, strategies for growth and pitfalls also are covered. The course can be accessed from www.sba.gov, under the Free Online Training icon. Select

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-51788016747229703862008-05-21T15:55:00.000-06:002008-05-21T15:55:01.726-06:00

Google this week opened to the public an online personal health record service, www.GoogleHealth.The move comes after 18 months of development and a pilot program with 10,000 patients at the Cleveland Clinic. Google Health allows users to store their medical records and lab test results online, along with information about medications, vaccinations and allergies. Users can enter some information

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-76944887817116851122008-05-20T14:44:00.000-06:002008-05-20T14:44:01.123-06:00

Colorado exports to Mexico have grown an average of 13.8 percent a year in the 14 years since the North American Free Trade Agreement was enacted and totaled $949 million last year, said Eduardo Arnal, consul general of Mexico in Denver, Tuesday.The state's exports to Mexico have grown more than four times as fast as exports send to the rest of the world since NAFTA's 1994 enactment, helping

Wayne Heilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11636677071994781007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-38594531529327507922008-05-20T10:35:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:46.750-07:00

Some ribbon-cuttings can be routine affairs, but not when one of the world's biggest aerospace companies is involved and when in it's in your own back yard. Top executives from Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman Corp., along with state and city officials, will officially open Northrop Grumman's 130,000-square-foot office building at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Colorado Springs. The building is part of

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-40532626146419682292008-05-19T16:46:00.002-06:002008-05-19T16:49:34.949-06:00

One-stop shopping can be as important to business people as it is to consumers.So, when more than 200 Pikes Peak region businesses gather Thursday for the 24th annual Springs Business Expo, they’ll have the opportunity to meet one another, sample new products and exchange ideas — all under one roof.Hey, it’s better than a couple hundred power lunches, and nobody has to wrangle over who will pick

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-4581863677935016392008-05-19T11:34:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:46.921-07:00

The Apartment Association of Southern Colorado will hold its annual installation and awards banquet at 6 p.m. June 5 at the Doubletree Hotel World Arena, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., on Colorado Springs' south side. Amy Moore of Holland Residential Group will be installed as board president. The cost to attend is $50 per person. More information or to register: 264-9195; http://www.aacshq.org

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-75518585739776289392008-05-16T14:08:00.001-06:002008-05-16T14:11:58.284-06:00

Colorado casino revenues in April fell for the fourth straight month since the smoking ban took effect in January, dropping 7.1 percent from March and down 12.5 percent from April, 2007.It was the second-biggest year-to-year decrease ever, behind March. In Cripple Creek, revenue fell 6.4 percent to $10.7 million in April, off 13.3 percent from April, 2007.Cripple Creek casinos have brought in a

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-6532874838323434222008-05-16T12:05:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:47.308-07:00

Sparrow Hawk Cookware is moving - but not very far. Sam Eppley, owner of Sparrow Hawk at 12 E. Bijou St. downtown, bought the Pendleton building, 120 N. Tejon St., a few months ago. After renovating the main level, he plans to move Sparrow Hawk there at the start of August or so. He also owns the building on Bijou and will lease that space out. An architect's rendering of the new Sparrow Hawk is

Bill Radfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165719144660545209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-86048217748563458932008-05-15T15:04:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:47.461-07:00

The Colorado Springs-area apartment vacancy rate fell to 9 percent in the first quarter of 2008, down from the fourth quarter of last year and the first quarter of 2007, according to a new survey from the Apartment Association of Southern Colorado. But the area's economic vacancy rate is falling, too -- a sign that renter incentives are poised to disappear. The economic vacancy rate takes into

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-42130393311294010732008-05-15T09:02:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:47.559-07:00

Renters are more likely to flock to newer and larger apartment complexes, according to a new vacancy and rent survey by the Apartment Association of Southern Colorado. In its first-quarter survey of the Colorado Springs market, the Apartment Association found that apartments constructed from 1990 to 1999 had a vacancy rate of 5.3 percent and those built from 2000 to 2004 had a vacancy rate of 6.8

Rich Ladenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929165458184442757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-12923036109413029032008-05-14T08:57:00.000-06:002008-11-13T01:10:47.656-07:00

In a first-ever summer forecast for foreign travel, AAA Colorado expects 508,000 Coloradans will travel internationally this summer. That represents a 3.6 percent increase over the 468,000 who were estimated to have traveled overseas last summer. The report includes automobile and air travel outside the U.S. Colorado travelers will spend $622 million while traveling overseas in June, July and

Debbie Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568537188605773300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-55231472855366217422008-05-12T16:26:00.000-06:002008-05-12T16:27:05.860-06:00

The new Hollywood Theaters Interquest Stadium 14 on Interquest Boulevard will open May 21 (technically, midnight May 22) for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

AndyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06968502757216587629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22964079.post-32362157900670705922008-05-12T12:05:00.000-06:002008-05-12T12:05:00.269-06:00

CarMaxThe Auto Superstore will open its Colorado Springs store June 5 at 4011 Tutt Blvd., near Security Service Field.This will be the 96th store in the CarMax Inc. chain and the first in Colorado for the 15-year-old publicly traded company.“This is a growing community — it’s the right size for us — and with this addition we’ll be continuous from coast to coast,” said Craig Meeks, general manager

Joanna Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02825056299804858368noreply@blogger.com0