The South Side Business Blog

Job Opening - Mobile Mechanic, Colorado Springs, Fountain area

2012-01-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Sharon Thompson, Carson Bluffs Storage and Uhaul, Fountain, CO

U-Haul is hiring a mobile repair mechanic for our area.
This person repairs equipment either on site or in a break down emergency.
They can apply at uhaul.com under career opportunities and put in the title "mobile repair" or they can drop off a resume to our business (10055 S Charter Oak Ranch Rd, Fountain, 719-382-0999) and we will make sure it gets faxed to the right person.

Mobile Repair Specialist U-Haul Repair Facilities
Colorado Springs MRU
THORNTON , CO

Description:
Drive mobile repair truck to perform emergency road service repairs and/or preventive maintenance checks on U-HAUL® equipment. Tow vehicles to repair shops for major repairs. Position requires a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record to operate motor vehicles with both types of transmission (automatic or standard).

Giving back to our military
U-Haul has also been honored four times by G.I. Jobs as one of the “Top 100 Military Friendly Employers.” As a Company founded by a military veteran, this recognition shows our ongoing dedication to our military servicemen and women.

“As we seek talented individuals to fill the many positions we have available, our veterans have the skills and desire needed to be successful,” proclaimed Ed Custodio, military field recruiter for U-Haul HR. “It is amazing to have a chain of command that supports our efforts for our veterans and the many team members who have done so much to support the ongoing veteran initiatives we are involved with.”

For U-Haul, supporting our troops includes being a part of a program like Army PaYS. This program helps soldiers find a quality job after separating from the military.

“All veterans who apply for our positions are given hiring priority,” Custodio stated. “Today, our total workforce consists of 12 percent who are veterans and have served our country. It is important that we, as an organization, continue to recognize what these men and women have done for us and the freedom we enjoy today."

NOTE: If you have an area job opening, send it to Info@SouthSideBusiness.com. We'd be happy to post it here and share it with our Facebook and Twitter friends. (No MLM, commissioned sales or business opportunities please.)

SouthSideBusiness.com advertisers now get 500 business cards for just $15

2012-01-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

New SouthSideBusiness.com advertisers only deal

500 business cards, full color, gloss cover stock for just $15

Click on the image for details

To learn how to become a SouthSideBusiness.com advertiser, click here

December stats and insights for SouthSideBusiness.com

2012-01-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

*December 2011 was our best December ever with 3,174 visits and 9,257 page views. Average time on site per visit was over 5.5 minutes.

Facebook insights - Of course these numbers only apply to South Side Business News Facebook fans and not directly to the website, but for what they're worth: The majority of our fans are over 35-years old and pretty evenly split between male and female. About 7 percent are between 25 and 34, and almost none under 25.

*Explanation of terms. A unique visitor is a visit from one IP address. In other words, if you visit the site 3 times in one day, that's still one unique visitor. A visit is someone coming on site, whether they visit one page or ten, then exiting the site (that's one visit). A pageview is just what it sounds like, the number of pages within the site that were viewed. Robots and Spiders used by search engines to catalog sites, are not included in these numbers. I'm not reporting "hits" because it's not a useful number. A single visit to one page of a website can generate a dozen or more hits.

SouthsideBusiness.com Subscriber only special for December

2011-12-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

New feature - SouthSideBusiness.com Subscriber Specials.

We'll kick it off for December with Two For One Color Copies!
Minimum of 50 qty, 8.5 x 11, 20lb bond, one side. (regular price 30 cents each)

Must be a SouthSideBusiness.com subscriber at the time of purchase or order.
(hint, you can sign up Here)

Expires December 31, 2011

November traffic numbers for SouthSideBusiness.com

2011-12-01T08:18:00.000-08:00

If you liked the October numbers, you're going to love November's.
* see last paragraph for explanation of terms *

Total visits: 3828, Unique visitors: 2408, Pageviews: 11,477

That's 127 visits per day on average and 382 daily pageviews. Average time on site was just over 5 minutes per visit.

New additions to the site this month include a daily online crossword puzzle and the "subscribe" option, where visitors can register to receive weekly emails spotlighting new content.

Explanation of terms. A unique visitor is a visit from one IP address. In other words, if you visit the site 3 times in one day, that's still one unique visitor. A visit is someone coming on site, whether they visit one page or ten, then exiting the site (that's one visit). A pageview is just what it sounds like, the number of pages within the site that were viewed. Robots and Spiders used by search engines to catalog sites, are not included in these numbers. I'm not reporting "hits" because it's not a useful number. A single visit to one page of a website can generate a dozen or more hits.

October stats for SouthSideBusiness.com

2011-11-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

The official launch of the revamped SouthSideBusiness.com took place October 15, 2011, although we began working on the transition a few days before that. Traffic numbers for October are in. Note, available stats for comparison go back 13 months.

We had 1,165 unique visitors during the month. That is second only to February 2011 within the past 13 months. There were 2,162 visits, which is a 13-month high. Pageviews came in at 9,391, almost double the previous high. This is especially relevant in that banner ads now appear on every page.

Visits per visitor were 1.85 and pageviews per visit - 4.34, average duration of visit - 5.33 minutes, all 13-month highs.

Explanation of terms. A unique visitor is a visit from one IP address. In other words, if you visit the site 3 times in one day, that's still one unique visitor. A visit is someone coming on site, whether they visit one page or ten, then exiting the site (that's one visit). A pageview is just what it sounds like, the number of pages within the site that were viewed. Robots and Spiders used by search engines to catalog sites, are not included in these numbers. I'm not reporting "hits" because it's not a useful number. A single visit to one page of a website can generate a dozen or more hits.

A look back through the Way Back Machine

2011-10-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

This was our first public website, in May of 2000.
Welcome to Colorado Springs
Hosted by Tripod
Look back coutesy of web.archive.org

Southsidebusiness.com traffic already on the rise

2011-10-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

The official launch of the new SouthSideBusiness.com was less than 3 weeks ago. But October has already beat the previous 12 months in terms of visitors, number of visits, pageviews per visit and total pageviews. I'll post actual data on Tuesday.

The stat you've probably heard the most is "hits". I could post a very impressive number for "hits" as well, but it doesn't tell you a whole lot. A "hit" is any request for any file. If you have a page with 3 sections and a total of 10 images, a single 30 second visit to your page could generate at least 13 "hits".

We're off to a great start. I expect to see traffic continue to grow. Among other things, the new set-up allows for meta-tags and meta-descriptions for all articles, images, even ads. That makes the whole site much more search engine friendly. In the previous set up, the pages were displayed as jpg images, meaning the text within the pages would not turn up in searches, yet we still drew pretty good traffic.

Have a great weekend everyone, and a safe and fun Halloween!

Liquor Store for Sale in Fountain Colorado

2011-10-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

Established liquor store in Fountain for sale. Owner retiring.
Click on image for more info.

New site for SouthSideBusiness.com, new mission for the blog

2011-10-05T19:39:00.001-07:00

As you may have heard, the South Side Business News has gone all digital. The final hard copy issue was released this week.

That means more timely posting of stories, announcements, events and information, as well as expanded reach. The new site for SouthSideBusiness.com means a new mission for the South Side Business Blog.

The blog will now serve as a place to post updates, insights and information about SouthSideBusiness.com, rather than a place for posting stories that fall between, now obsolete, deadlines.

For example, SouthSideBusiness.com is running a special on its rotating banner ads, through October 15th (October 31st for current South Side advertisers), of $60 for 6 months. We have tracking capability, which means we can tell you how many times your banner ad was displayed and how many times it was clicked on.

But the blog wont just be about promoting ad sales. I can clue you in on why you might have clicked on one of the "see more photos here" links within some of the news stories only to find "page not found" at the top of your browser window. Yours truly is using Picassa to house web albums connected to stories, and I neglected to make them public before linking to them. That issue has been resolved.

The number of right side banner ads will be limited to 10 spaces and 50 ads (50 ads will rotate within the 10 spots). Hit the refresh button while on-site and you'll see what I mean. We'll later be breaking the right side ads into three pricing tiers, upper, middle and lower, probably with prices ranging from $25/month for the top 3 and $15 for the lower 4. Notice the right side ads are always there, no matter where you go within the website.

The mission is still the same as always, promoting and spotlighting the local small business community, while providing them with an affordable advertising venue. The trick is to keep it simple, while still keeping it entertaining and informative.

I'm sure the site and the blog will continue to evolve as technology and America do, but we'll never lose sight of why we do what we do as we change the way we do it.

2011-09-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced that this year’s Fall Business Expo will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the Valley Events Center, 6436 S. Hwy 85/87 (behind Applebees) from 10am to 5pm.

This year’s event will be held in the newly available, large event hall which can accomodate over 65 exhibitors. The Chamber invites the public to come and see what the Fountain Valley Business Community has to offer. Local businesses will be distributing information, coupons and of course SWAG (Stuff We All Get) such as key chains, pens, samples and other goodies. There will be food concessions and door prize drawings as well.

Businesses wishing to participate should contact the Chamber office at 719-382-3190. Early bird discounts are available through September 30th. If you participated in last year’s Expo, you can also qualify for a “grandfather” rate, if you act fast. All fees must be paid by October 14, 2011. Booth rates range from $200-$450. Spaces are reserved upon receipt of payment.You do not have to be a Chamber member to be an exhibitor, although you’ll get a discounted rate if you are.

Flyer and vendor application

Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce website

Carson Bluffs Uhaul and Storage now has Vans for rent

2011-09-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Carson Bluffs Uhaul and Storage, just west of I25 at Exit 128 in Fountain, now has Vans for rent.

Click on the image for details.

Soggy evening in Security

2011-09-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

As of 4:30 pm it's starting to get deep out there, and still coming down steady.

Film at...well, right now.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center Moving to Garden of the Gods Rd

2011-09-14T11:43:00.004-07:00

Colorado Springs, CO -- The Pikes Peak Workforce Center will close October 6 to move to the Citizens Service Center at 1675 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.

The Center will reopen at its new location on October 11, 2011.. Hours of operation will remain the same: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During the closure, job seekers can access many job search services online at www.ppwfc.org.

About PPWFC

The Pikes Peak Workforce Center connects vital businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services. More information about the Pikes Peak Workforce Center can be found online at www.ppwfc.org.

7th Annual Coats and Cans Drive

2011-09-14T11:33:00.001-07:00

Harris Group Realty, Inc. is teaming up with Catholic Charities and Lighthouse Ministries Pantry to promote their 7th Annual Coats & Cans Community Drive. Please help us assist needy families throughout Colorado Springs .

We’ll be collecting new or gently used clothing, coats, mittens, sweaters, scarves, snowsuits, hats and non perishable food items thru November 15th, 2011. Items can be dropped at our office at 2950 Professional Pl, Ste. 205 in the Kissing Camels Office Park, just east of Coronado High School on Fillmore from 8:30 to 4:00 M-F or at a south location at Easy Street Designs, 109 Kiva Road in Security from 8:30 to 6:00 M-F and 10:00 to 2:00 Saturday.

Thank you in advance for helping us help those in need this holiday season. For more information, please call us at 227-9900.

Scam Alert - Fake FTC Complaint Notice

2011-09-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Better Business Bureau warns consumers to avoid clicking on bogus FTC link

The Federal Trade Commission issued the alert below on September 1 warning consumers about a bogus email being falsely sent using their name and leading recipients to believe it is it is from them. In fact, it is not. Below is the legitimate email from the FTC.

FTC Warns Small Businesses: Don’t Open Email Falsely Claiming to be From FTC

The FTC is warning small businesses that an email with a subject line “URGENT: Pending Consumer Complaint” is not from the FTC. The email says that a complaint has been filed with the agency against their company. The FTC advises not to click on any of the links or attachments with the email. Clicking on the links may install a virus on the computer.

The FTC’s advice: Delete the email. For more information on malware, visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov/malware.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180

Below is the fake email. As you can see it looks legitimate. Do not click the link!

From: Federal Trade Commission [mailto:complaints@ftc.gov]
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:28 AM
Subject: URGENT : Pending consumer complaint!

Dear business owner,

A consumer complaint has been filled against your company.

Your company is being accused of trying to commit fraud against the complaint's filling party.
The full text of the complaint file can be viewed on the FTC website, in PDF format, by visiting the following link :
http://www.ftc.gov/complaint/view_complaint.aspx?complaint_id=9302&hash=7634902846982132319

An official response from your part is required, in order to take further action.
Please review the charges brought forward in the complaint file, and contact us as soon as possible by :

Phone: Call our toll-free helpline: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357);
TTY: 1-866-653-4261
Online: Use our secure complaint form ( https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ )
Email: complaints@ftc.gov

Thank you,
Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Protection Department

It is not uncommon for scammers to use the name of legitimate organizations, as well as use scare tactics such as those in the phony email above, to scare potential victims and illicit a response.

As always, your BBB urges consumers to use extreme caution when opening any email. It’s especially important not to click on links unless you are positive who sent the email.

Four Keynotes Slated for 6th Annual Author Fest of the Rockies

2011-09-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

Award-winning Colorado-based authors will speak at day-long conference.

The 6th Annual Author Fest of the Rockies remains true to a tradition of rich offerings, with a roster of four Colorado authors who will be speaking at the statewide literary conference from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 9, at the Historic Cliff House at Pikes Peak.

“We’re really excited about our keynotes for this year’s Author Fest,” said Natalie Johnson, Author Fest board member. “These authors are some of the most talented and prolific that Colorado has to offer. Author Fest attendees have come to expect a program that is educational as well as entertaining, and this year will not disappoint.”

Keynote Matt Moseley is a communications strategist and a principal at InterMountain Corporate Affairs in Denver. He has managed many communications projects for companies and organizations, and has worked on many political campaigns. He was the family spokesperson for Lisl Auman and was also hired by Johnny Depp to be the family spokesperson and communications director for Hunter S. Thompson’s funeral and ash-blast. He recently published Dear Dr. Thompson: Felony Murder, Hunter S. Thompson and the Last Gonzo Campaign, which was a finalist for the 2011 Colorado Book Award.
Keynote Barbara O’Neal fell in love with food and restaurants at the age of 15, when she landed a job in a Greek café and served baklava for the first time. She sold her first novel in her twenties, and has since won a plethora of awards, including two Colorado Book Awards and six prestigious RITAs, most recently one for The Lost Recipe for Happiness in 2010. Her novels have been published widely in Europe and Australia, and she travels internationally, presenting workshops, hiking hundreds of miles, and of course, eating. She lives with her partner, a British endurance athlete, and their collection of cats and dogs, in Colorado Springs.

Keynote Stephanie Barron was born in Binghamton, NY in 1963, the last of six girls. Her father was a retired general in the Air Force, her mother a beautiful woman who loved to dance. In 1981, she started college at Princeton—one of the most formative experiences of her life. There she learned to write news stories for The Daily Princetonian – a hobby that led to part-time jobs for The Miami Herald and The San Jose Mercury News. She majored in European History and spent three years at Stanford pursuing a doctorate in history; she failed to write her dissertation (on the Brazilian Bar Association under authoritarianism; can you blame her?) and left with a Master’s. She applied to the CIA, passed a polygraph test on her 26th birthday, and was immediately thrown into the Career Trainee program. Barron wrote her first book in 1992 and left the Agency a year later. Fifteen books have followed, along with sundry children, dogs and houses.

Keynote Erin Blakemore learned to drool over Darcy and cry over Little Women in suburban San Diego, California. These days, her inner heroine loves roller derby, running her own business, and hiking in her adopted hometown of Boulder, Colorado. Erin's debut book, The Heroine's Bookshelf, was published by HarperCollins in October, won the 2011 Colorado Book Award in the Nonfiction-General category, and will appear in paperback November 15.

In keeping with Author Fest’s Arts-in-Education component, the event will sponsor young adult author Laura Resau in the Manitou Springs schools. With a background in cultural anthropology and ESL-teaching, Laura Resau has lived and traveled in Latin America and Europe - experiences that inspired her books for young people. Her latest novel, The Queen of Water (co written with María Virginia Farinango) was praised as a "riveting tale...by turns heartbreaking, infuriating and ultimately inspiring" in a starred review by Kirkus. Resau lives with her husband and young son in Colorado. She donates a portion of her royalties to indigenous rights organizations in Latin America.
As a breakaway event from the Friends of the Manitou Springs Public Library, Author Fest is in its first year as a standalone nonprofit organization. Although it takes an abbreviated form this year, the all-volunteer board has endeavored to replicate the value attendees always gain from Author Fest. Tickets for the event are $75 and include lunch. Registration forms may be picked up at Black Cat Books or the Manitou Springs Public Library, or you can register online at www.authorfestoftherockies.org. Sponsorships for Author Fest will continue to be available this year. For more information about Author Fest of the Rockies, call Laura Ettinger at 719-231-7202, or email at laura.ettinger@authorfestoftherockies.org. “Like” us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/authorfestoftherockies) and follow us on Twitter (@AuthorFest).

About Author Fest
Author Fest of the Rockies, a 501(c)3, is a nonprofit organization in process that has as its signature event a statewide literary conference. This conference, also called Author Fest of the Rockies, is open to anyone interested in the written and spoken word. Author Fest is dedicated to keeping a strong arts-in-education component in its activities and to supporting the Manitou Springs Public Library. Visit www.authorfestoftherockies.org.

Cottonwood Artists' School Announces September & October Art Classes

2011-09-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

Cottonwood Artists' School announces its stellar lineup of September & October Classes. We are particularly proud to offer 2 classes by Rodney Wood, Rodney Wood ~ Promote Thy Art Self on 10/22 and Rodney Wood ~ “The Judge, the Jury and the Art of Self-Assessment” on 10/29 in conjunction with our 3rd Annual Day of the Dead celebration on 10/28 from 5pm to 8:30 pm.

Cottonwood Artists' SchoolCottonwood Center for the Arts
427 E. Colorado
Colorado Springs, CO

Please call (719) 520-1899 for additional information and to register.

September
Chris Alvarez ~ Plein Air Painting 9/13~ 10/6
Micheal Pach ~ Digital Photography 9/13~10/13
Karen Standridge ~ Fun With Watermedia 9/17
Kathleen Reed ~ Zen/Ikebana Floral Arranging 9/17
Trevor Thomas ~ Fundamentals in Figure Drawing 9/22~10/10
Lisa Hewett ~ Perfecting Facial Features 9/24 & 9/25

October
Rob Burrington ~ Capturing/Controlling Light 10/1 & 10/2
Sibyl Teague ~ Gelatin Monoprint 10/1
Rick Bongiovanni ~ Introduction to Life Casting 10/4 & 10/5
Jennifer Hanson ~ Throwing on the Wheels(ADDUCE Only) 10/1 & 10/2
Rob Burrington ~ Capturing Controlling Light 10/11-11/15
Jude Silva ~ Line Dance with Dry Point 10/8 &10/22
Kay Beaubian ~ Non-Toxic Mononprint 10/4-11/8
Lance Timco and Jennifer Hanson ~ Introduction to Raku (ADDUCE) 10/8 &10/9
R.W. Carlson ~ Expressive Skies 10/15
Chris Gilman ~ Cartooning Secrets 10/20-11/17
Rodney Wood ~ Promote Thy Art Self 10/22
Micheal Pach ~ Photoshop 10/20-11/17
Rodney Wood ~ “The Judge, the Jury and the Art of Self-Assessment” 10/29

For more information; http://cottonwoodcenterforthearts.wordpress.com/cottonwood-artists-school/

How to make your customers feel stupid

2011-09-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

From LauraBenjamin.com

We all know ways to make our customers feel stupid, don’t we? Sure we do! Do we want to make our customers feel stupid? Of course not! Do some of us do it by mistake while others give into “the dark side” and do it on purpose? Yep!

When I worked as a customer service agent for a check-printing company, we got calls from customers who had just received their box of checks in the mail.

They’d follow the instructions on the box and review the numbers of each pad to make sure no checks were missing. Then some would call us to say, “There’s a pad of checks missing from my box.”

So, we’d ask them to go back through the box and read the number printed at the top of each pad. When they read the number from the third pad from the bottom, they’d say, “See, I’m missing a pad of checks!”

Then we’d ask, “Can you lift up the top sheet on that third pad of checks and read me the number of the check just below it?”
(This was the magical moment when the agent could make the customer feel really stupid.)

There would be a very long pause, and then, in an embarrassed tone they’d say, “Ohhhhh….THERE it is!”

Yep. The reorder form is always on the third pad from the bottom and contains the beginning number of the NEXT check order.

It could have been real easy at that point to roll our eyes, sigh and use a condescending tone to make ‘em feel really, really stupid.
OR, we’d say, “That’s okay. You wouldn’t believe how many people make the same mistake!”

Then we’d laugh a little together about the crazy things humans do and end the call with a happy customer who was now more likely to order again.

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Are there times or circumstances when you can easily make your customers feel stupid? How do you avoid it? Are there people on your team who can’t resist? How do you “educate” them and redirect them to more respectful interactions?

————————————————
All material presented on Laura Benjamin’s Blog at LauraBenjamin.com is copyright. You are encouraged to share the contents with others with appropriate attribution. Creative Commons License applies.

Why is Bill Keller's communion comment offensive?

2011-08-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

I need some help wit this one. Outgoing NY Times Editor Bill Keller said the following in a reCent article.: “If a candidate for president said he believed that space aliens dwell among us, would that affect your willingness to vote for him? Personally, I might not disqualify him out of hand ... But I would certainly want to ask a few questions. Like, where does he get his information? Does he talk to the aliens? Do they have an economic plan? Yet when it comes to the religious beliefs of our would-be presidents, we are a little squeamish about probing too aggressively… I grew up believing that a priest could turn a bread wafer into the actual flesh of Christ.” — Outgoing NY Times editor Bill Keller

A lot of folks on the news are decrying this as an attack on Christianity. I'm not familiar with Mr. Keller or his politics, but I don't see what's offensive about this statement.

If you believe the communion wafer becomes the flesh of Christ, why would you be offended that someone pointed it out? If Keller got it wrong, correct him and point out his ignorance. If the whole question makes you uncomfortable, maybe you're really not sure what you believe.

Stolen Property Alert

2011-08-24T09:37:00.001-07:00

STOLEN PROPERTY

PPWFC Trailer Stolen from Parking Lot

August 24, 2011, Colorado Springs, CO – The Pikes Peak Workforce Center trailer used to transport equipment to and from its satellite offices was stolen from the PPWFC parking lot at 2306 E. Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 last night.

PPWFC is asking the public to be on the lookout for the missing trailer:

o 2005 Haulmark Trailer
o 7 X 14 feet
o White with PPWFC logo painted on each side
o Plate number CO 529JDE

The trailer was used to help job seekers and the unemployed and is, in essence, community property.

Anyone with any information about the trailer should contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at 444.7000.

Troops overseas duped into bogus baubles - BBB Alert

2011-08-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

from the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado

Gems aren’t all they are cut out to be

Your Better Business Bureau has learned that military personnel from Colorado Springs
stationed in Afghanistan are being duped into purchasing fake gems stones, with the promise of being able to sell them for a profit when they return stateside.

Janice Zerbe, owner of Zerbe’s Jewelers in Colorado Springs, has seen several of these fake stones when members of the military have come to her store recently to sell the “gems.” Unfortunately, the majority of the stones are fake, and even those that are authentic are not cut correctly, or are downright unattractive.

We are urging people who have family members stationed overseas, specifically in
Afghanistan, to alert their spouses of the scam and refuse to purchase gem stones from
un-known sources.

KKTV Fall Job Fair, Colorado Springs, Sept 15, 2011

2011-08-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

CALL FOR EMPLOYERS

PPWFC Fall Job Fair
Colorado Springs, CO (PPWFC)– The Pikes Peak Workforce Center is seeking employers who have open positions or plan to hire in the next month or two to participate in its Fall Job Fair.

WHO: Employers in the Pikes Peak region who have open positions or plan to hire in the next month or two.

WHAT: PPWFC Fall Job Fair sponsored by KKTV 11 News.

WHEN: Thursday, September 15, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Mr. Biggs Entertainment Center, 5825 Mark Dabling Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.

WHY: Employers can find the best people for their open positions, accept resumes, and interview on the spot in one place, at one time.

HOW: There is no charge for booth space, however, a $50 donation to Care and Share Food Bank or $50 worth of non-perishable food items for Care and Share is encouraged. To reserve a booth, please contact Duke at 719.667.3839 or Compton.d@ppwfc.org.

About PPWFC

The Pikes Peak Workforce Center connects vital businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services. More information about the Pikes Peak Workforce Center can be found online at www.ppwfc.org.

What Do You Know about Small Business Financials? Take this Quiz and Find Out.

2011-08-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

Press Release

Published author and small business financial expert Ruth King offers these realities about small business owners’ understanding of the financial segment of their company:

1. Most people start businesses to satisfy a need with their product or service – not to become financially savvy (unless they are a CPA or bookkeeper).

2. Most small business owners don’t pay attention to their financial statements until they start having cash flow problems.

3. Most small business owners don’t understand that cash isn’t profits. You need both profits and cash to be successful.

Take the quiz on the bottom of the home page of www.TurnOnMyFinancialLightbulb.com to you’re your small business financial aptitude.

“If you discover that you’ve flunked the quiz, you’re in good company. Most small business owners don’t grasp their financial statements at first. It takes taking a painful bookkeeping class, spending thousands of dollars of a CPA’s time to explain it to you, or an on-line class such as found at www.TurnOnMyFinancialLightbulb.com,” said King, CEO and chief evangelist of this website.

King has written financial applications for the iPhone, iPad, and Android as well as written Keeping Score: Financial Management for Entrepreneurs (FREE to anyone who sends her an-email) and The Ugly Truth about Small Business, a USA Best Books for Entrepreneurship award winner. For more information call 770-729-8000.

The Great Food Truck Race

2011-08-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Her Story Cafe in being nominated to compete for a spot on the Food Networks "Great Food Truck Race" season 3.

Here's the scoop from Channel 5 News.

You can cast up to 10 votes per day by internet or via text.

Craft Lager & Small Batch Festival 2011, August 13, 14, Manitou Springs

2011-08-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

From Red Energy PR

August 13th and 14th, 2011 from 1pm to 6pm

This year is the 9th annual Craft Lager Festival, held in Manitou Springs, Memorial Park.

This years festival is much bigger with even more to sample!

The Craft Lager & Small Batch Festival is an outdoor, two-day event and continues to grow each year. You'll enjoy great music, food and beer for MOST ages. Over the years, 18,000 people from all over the United States and Canada have included the Festival in their summer plans.

This year you'll not only taste the finest lagers from all over the country, Gluten Free Beer will also be onsite.

We hope to continue to enhance your experience at our event & believe that you'll enjoy sampling our many new additions this year!

For more information: http://www.craftlagerfestival.com

Better Business Bureau Fraud Alert

2011-08-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Watch Out for False Promises from OnlineBuinessScams.com

BBB cautions consumers to watch out for a website that is falsely charging for BBB
complaint resolution services. OnlineBusinessScams.com is charging consumers an
upfront fee of $1500 to $2000 for assistance in collecting money owed from
businesses only to forward consumers’ complaints to BBB.

OnlineBusinessScams.com told one consumer that in order to help him collect money
owed from a business he needed to pay 30 percent of the amount due. The site
requested half of the 30 percent upfront, which the consumer, unfortunately, paid.
After receiving the fee, OnlineBusinessScams.com asked the consumer to provide the
details of the dispute so the site could determine whether to handle the “case.”

Afterwards, the consumer received an information packet that included an envelope
addressed to the BBB. OnlineBusinessScams.com told the consumer that they would
recover his money within 90 days. It’s now been 90 days and the consumer has been
trying to contact OnlineBusinessScams.com to no avail.

Your BBB is reminding all consumers that its services are free. Consumers never have
to pay a third party in order to receive help from BBB. To file a complaint against a
business, please fill out BBB’s online form or contact your local BBB at
southerncolorado.bbb.org.

Pro Cycling Comes to Colorado Springs, August 22, 2011

2011-08-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

from the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau

Witness the world's best cyclists battle it out for bragging rights in the majestic Rocky Mountains. Set against Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge start is sure to be epic. With riders released at one-minute intervals, they will descend out of Garden of the Gods at an incredibly fast pace, reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour or more. Be sure to catch the action on August 22 in Colorado Springs.

For more information on the race visit: http://www.visitcos.com/colorado-springs/travel/summer-2011-events?utm_source=emaildelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=family&utm_content=eml-coscvb-aug2011

BRIDGING MILITARY TO COMMUNITY, August 9th, Colorado Springs

2011-07-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

Informational and Networking Opportunity

Colorado Springs, CO (ppwfc.org) – With six military installations and an associated workforce of over 60,000, Colorado Springs is definitely a military town!

How well is the military community integrated into Colorado Springs? To answer that question, the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum, in conjunction with USAA and Colorado Technical University, presents Bridging Military to Community, a day-long event focusing on the military in the Pikes Peak region.

WHO: Luncheon keynote speaker Mary Kelly will present “Lessons from the Dog.” Ms. Kelly is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and spent over 20 years on active duty in intelligence and logistics. She retired from the Navy as a commander and has master’s degrees in history and economics and a PhD in economics. (see attached flyer)

WHAT: Luncheon from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
Opening: Terrance McWilliams, El Pomar Foundation
Keynote speaker, Mary Kelly
Two panel discussions will be held:
Generations in the Military from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Transitioning to Civilian Life from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Networking from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 9, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Pikes Peak Regional Development Center, 2880 International Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80910

HOW: Reservations are required: info@cospdiversityforum.org

More information about Everybody Welcome Week, the Festival, the Cotton Club, or other Everybody Welcome Week events can be found at www.cospdiversityforum.org

Ribbon Cutting at MGM Colllision

2011-07-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

The Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Howells of Fountain and other members of the community welcomed MGM Collision to the neighborhood with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 26, 2011. This is the company's second location. The Fountain facility will employ 5 people.

Sunbelt Rentals Expands Into Colorado Springs With New General Tool Location

2011-07-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Press Release

Sunbelt Rentals celebrates the opening of its newest general tool location in Colorado Springs. Located at 5525 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, the new branch is easily accessible by I-25 and will serve all of central Colorado. The new location will be open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

“Introducing a new location in Colorado Springs provides an exciting opportunity for Sunbelt Rentals,” said Brendan Horgan, chief executive officer. “We look forward to expanding into this vibrant, growing city. The store is conveniently located and positioned us well to service contractors, military bases and homeowners throughout the area.”

The 18,000-square foot facility and accompanying four-acre yard will house more than $4 million in equipment fleet, comprised of a broad range of equipment for industrial, commercial, specialty contractors and do-it-yourselfers. Spanning more than 180 square miles, Colorado Springs is not only the Home of the U.S. Olympic Committee but also one of the top 100 places to live in the nation.

“With the addition of Colorado Springs into our footprint it not only strengthens our position within the Colorado market, but it adds a great to deal of value to our customer base,” said Sunbelt Rentals District Manager Nic DiPaolo.

ABOUT SUNBELT RENTALS
Sunbelt Rentals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashtead Group plc, is the second largest equipment rental company in the United States. Based in Fort Mill, SC, Sunbelt Rentals provides equipment rental solutions for the industrial, construction, and municipal markets, plus the DIY market, from its network of locations in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Sunbelt Rentals’ extensive equipment fleet includes a wide range of general construction and industrial equipment, and is further broadened by specialty businesses serving the Pump, Power, Trench Shoring and Scaffold markets. For more information, visit www.sunbeltrentals.com.

Restaurant equipment, furnishings, fixtures up for auction

2011-07-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

(Schur Success Auction & Appraisal, Inc.)

Well Known Local Business on the Auction Block – at least pieces of it are

On July 30th, 2011, Earl's Restaurant in Park Meadows will be closing for a major remodeling and renovation project. They are currently selling off just about everything in the building including tables, chairs, art, equipment, furnishings, and fixtures to make way for this project. This auction is open to the public and is already underway on-line.

Assistant Restaurant Leader Ben Barnett stated "many of our patrons have expressed an interest in owning pieces from our restaurant, and we felt an on-line auction was the best way to accomplish several goals". He added "this way we can get things sold without interrupting the daily business, and our patrons will have the chance to bid before we bring in the wreckers. We're even selling the front doors, the lights on the walls, just about everything!"

Earl's has selected Schur Success Auction & Appraisal of Colorado Springs to conduct the auction. Company President Shannon Schur said that “even with a large internet crowd, buyers should expect some incredible deals” and added that “if people come, they’ll find at least one thing they absolutely can’t live without”.

The Auction will be held exclusively on-line. The auction is now open for bidding and will remain open until July 28. Payment is due upon completion of the auction, and removal is limited to ONE DAY, Monday, August 1st. The demolition begins the 2nd. Earl's will remain open for regular business during the auction.

Details about the auction and registration can be found at www.SuccessAuctions.com.

Tea Party 1, O'Reilly 0

2011-07-22T19:12:00.000-07:00

On The O'Reilly Factor last night, Bill suggested that the Tea Party will be viewed as, and possibly are, unreasonable radicals if they don't compromise more with the President on the budget debate. He said they should recognize that they represent just 19% of the electorate and so should be more flexible.

Bill actually had to call in to his substitute tonight, on his day off, to throw some water on what must have been a firestorm of emails. Why would you back off in the face of criticism from a group you consider relatively insignificant? I think Bill realized fairly quickly that he had made a mistake.

People who identify themselves as Tea Party are perhaps the most engaged voting block there is. If You factor in voter turnout, they will be represented by far more than 19% of the vote. Now add in like minded people who don't choose to identify themselves as Tea Party and you likely have the largest voting block of any interest group, save male and female, and they overlap the tea party.

The Tea Party is flexing Its muscles right now, and their strength has been underestimated by everyone. Even Mr. Bill had to cry Uncle.

Everybody Welcome Week, Colorado Springs, August 2011

2011-07-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Springs Diversity Forum today announces the 5th Annual Everybody Welcome Week, running from August 7 through August 13, 2011.

Everybody Welcome Week kicks off with the Everybody Welcome Festival on Sunday,

August 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs. The Everybody Welcome Festival is a free family event, open to the public. All are invited to attend.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the diversity of talented local performers, artisans, cultural craftsmen through distinct activities and exhibits. The festival seeks to educate the community so that difference is viewed as an asset and curiosity and a desire to engage are the first responses to difference.

This year’s festival will feature two stages so that more entertainment can be enjoyed by more families. The entertainment features:

· Maori cultural dance by Pacific Pride and Island Hearts;

· East Indian dance by the Colorado Springs Indian Community;

· Senegalese performance by Dallo;

· African drumming and dance by Oluwaseyi;

· Halau Ilima, Hawaiian dance

· Brazilian and African Samba by Chris Sadeh;

· The music of Colorado Springs Indian Community Band,

· Special Blend

· Suga Bear and The Showtime Band;

· Lipstick Voodoo; and

· many more...

The festival will also include:

· Continental villages exhibiting local cultural groups, support groups and products for sale.

· Children’s Passports that let children (up to 16) take a free trip around the world; get their passports stamped for completing cultural activities at each continent; then enter a drawing for fabulous prizes.

· Ethnic food representing a variety of cultures will be available for purchase. Some vendors accept cash only.

· Closing ceremonies

· City Proclamation observance of Everybody Welcome: A Celebration of Culture and Diversity Week, August 7th through 13th, 2011

Last year over 10,000 people attend the Everybody Welcome Festival.

Other activities throughout Everybody Welcome Week include:

· Tuesday, August 9, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bridging Military to Community Workshops presented in partnership with USAA;

· Wednesday, August 10, 7 to 10 p.m., The Journey to Forgiveness: the Legacy of the Boarding School Documentary, a film followed by discussion at the Cornerstone Arts Center at Colorado College;

· Thursday, August 11, 12 noon to 1 p.m. The Diversity and Inclusion Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Colorado Springs Business Journal, recognizes local businesses that demonstrate and promote diversity and inclusion in both their internal operations and external civic engagement.

· Friday, August 12, 1 to 4 p.m. the Immigration Symposium, Local Asian History and Influence at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

The week culminates with The Cotton Club on Saturday August 13 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Stargazer’s Theatre. The Cotton Club, a celebration of our City’s vibrant history of inclusion, is a reenactment of Fannie Mae Duncan’s Cotton Club featuring Suga Bear and the Showtime Band and honoring local, historic proponent of inclusion Henry Sachs. Take a step back in time, don your Zoot-suit, hat and Cat-eye glasses, step into your dancing shoes and join in the fun! There is no charge to attend The Cotton Club.

More information about Everybody Welcome Week, the Festival, the Cotton Club, or other Everybody Welcome Week events can be found at www.cospdiversityforum.org

Collector cars no longer gridlocked in red tape

2011-07-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

By Debi Brazzale
(story and photo from ColoradoNewsAgency.com)

Rep Marsha Looper

Just about a year ago this week, Republican Rep. Marsha Looper, of Calhan, was approached by a group of her constituents who said they couldn’t make heads or tails of the laws governing collector cars—and neither could those responsible for administering the laws.

“Everybody complained,” says Harold Nabers, a regional representative for the Old Car Council of Colorado. “Even the legal authorities such as the Department of Revenue had difficulty getting answers for us because the laws were all over the place.”

Now, thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 31, sponsored by Sen. Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs, and Looper, who suggested the bill to Cadman, the laws will be consolidated under a single section once the measure becomes official in August.

The new law modifies titling and registration procedures in connection with older vehicles. Under current law, owners of vintage collector’s vehicles must possess a certificate of emissions although the vehicles are exempted from emissions testing. The new law removes the requirement to possess the certificate for such vehicles.

The measure also removes a surety-and-bond process when registering an older vehicle and allows certain older vehicles to use license plates consistent with the era in which they were manufactured.

Looper said she began to understand the frustration of her constituents when she ran a bill several years ago pertaining to collector cars and it took the bill drafter, a veteran staffer in legislative services, months to sort out where to place the proposed change in the law books.

“When they came to me, I thought it was a fabulous idea, and I set out to make it happen,” said Looper. “These are just regular folks who are trying to comply with the law and you’d have to be an attorney to find all the statutes that need to be followed.”

Nabers said Colorado could become an example for other states where the same problem exists.

“With this consolidation of old car collector laws, Colorado is getting closer to being one of the better states to work with. Everyone involved on the process has been great about it,” said Nabers.

Looper says it’s all a part of the job of being a legislator.

“This is hometown representation. It was really good people that had a really good idea that needed the attention of the legislature,” said Looper. “Car collectors over the whole state will benefit from an idea that came from my district–this is politics at its best.”

Shelter Insurance Receives Customer Service and Marketing Recognition

2011-07-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

Provided by Michele Thompson, Colorado Springs

Shelter Mutual Insurance ranks third in customer satisfaction

Shelter Mutual Insurance Company ranks third highest in customer satisfaction for auto insurance companies, according to J.D. Power and Associates’ Auto Insurance Study.

This recognition is based on the results of J.D. Power’s 2011 U.S. National Auto Insurance Study, in which Shelter ranked number three among auto insurers with highest customer satisfaction.

Shelter advanced one position over last year’s ranking of fourth place in the annual study.

The study, released on June 28, compiles results of more than 28,000 responses from auto insurance policyholders. It measures customer satisfaction with auto insurance companies across five factors. In order of importance, they are: interaction, price, policy offerings, billing and payment and claims.

Marketing group honors Shelter Insurance® for product videos

Shelter Insurance® has received the highest honor for audio/visual communication by the Insurance Marketing & Communication Association (IMCA).

Anna Hargis, Shelter's director of advertising, accepted the Best of Show Award at the IMCA's 2011 Showcase Awards ceremony in Toronto, Ontario, on June 28.

Shelter's winning entry, "Fun Stuff Boat Videos," was produced to help educate consumers about the importance of boat insurance. Two videos, posted on Shelter's public website, were written by Shelter staff and feature Shelter employees and family members. Both were produced on location at a Columbia lake.

IMCA is the oldest insurance marketing association in North America. It represents more than 120 insurance and financial services companies throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Bermuda. Each year, IMCA honors the insurance industry's best advertising and communication efforts in 35 different categories.

Bicycling Magazine Names Assault on the Peak “The Perfect Ride”

2011-06-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

One of 22 Cycling Trips Featured in July 2011 Issue

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – The July 2011 cover of Bicycling magazine features “The Perfect Ride: 22 Great Trips.” Included in this issue, is Summit Cycling Production’s very own Assault on the Peak. The article encourages cyclists to bag a “fourteener” (any mountain that exceeds a 14,000-foot elevation).

Scheduled for Sunday, August 28, the 2011 Assault on the Peak will provide cycling enthusiasts with the opportunity to ascend America's most famous mountain. The 24.5-mile route is one of the most challenging organized cycling events in the world, ascending close to 8,000 vertical feet from Manitou Springs, CO to the Pikes Peak summit at 14,115-feet.

The annual event will now include a running event. The Pikes Peak Road Ascent will be organized by the Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc./Triple Crown of Running. The two events will share the road, rest stops and post race party in Manitou Springs making this a truly unique participation event.

Last year, 340 riders from 18 states accepted the challenge to ride America's Mountain. The record time for a cyclist from the Manitou Springs start to the Summit is 2:17.33 by Leroy Popouski from Colorado Springs. Once again, this August, the Pikes Peak Highway, normally closed to public bicycle traffic, will be completely closed to motor vehicle traffic as cyclists and runners will climb the mountain on a securely closed course. The event expects to draw 500 riders for this year’s event.

Participants can register online at www.bikereg.com. More information on the 2011 Assault on the Peak and a full list of sponsors, visit www.ridespikespeak.com.

Governor’s Summer Job Hunt Program

2011-06-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

(COLORADO SPRINGS) – As the thirty-first season of the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt Program moves forward, job counselors who assist teens at the Pikes Peak Workforce Centers report that the summer of 2011 is shaping up to be a tough one – perhaps one of the toughest yet -- for high school and college students looking for work experience. Approximately 3,000 young people are currently registered and looking for a summer job with Pikes Peak Workforce Center in Colorado Springs and its satellite office in Cripple Creek. Connecting those young people with job opportunities is a challenge for Workforce Center staff.

Youth-friendly employers are the strength of the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt program. Without them, there are no summer jobs, no exposure to the world of work, no access to career track employment opportunities. The best of these participating local business people aren’t merely providing summer employment, they are help teens succeed, helping students take that first transitional step from school to career.

Last year, when the average annual unemployment rate for Colorado adults stood at 8.7 percent, the unemployment rate for 16 to19 year olds was 25.3 percent. To put some perspective on it, five years ago, the annual average unemployment rate for adults was 4.2 percent. But even in that strong economy, teens between the ages of 16 and 19 still had a much higher unemployment rate (15.9 percent).

The fact is, in good times and bad, high school and college students are always at a disadvantage because they are less experienced, less confident and are usually looking to work for a limited number of weeks. Just as they were last summer, these usual disadvantages are compounded by the economic downturn.

When employers can offer teens a place to earn and learn, they are investing in the workforce of the future and impacting those teen more than they could have realized. The Council of Economic Advisors wrote in a 2010 report that deep downturns in the economy have a particularly adverse effect on young Americans. “Teens who first enter the labor market during a recession can have trouble getting their feed onto the first rung of the career ladder, leaving them a step or more behind throughout their lives,” the report says.

“There’s no question that the outlook for work has improved over last summer,” says Department of Labor and Employment Executive Director Ellen Golombek, “but things haven’t improved to the point that there won’t still be challenges ahead.” She notes that the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt is important in tough economic times “because it helps teens learn of job opportunities and understand how to market themselves to employers.”

Teens can learn more about the program by visiting the Department of Labor and Employment’s website at http://www.colorado.gov/cdle/youth. Employers who can give young people an opportunity to learn, to put skills to use and see firsthand how a business operates, should contact the Pikes Peak Workforce Center at 2306 East Pikes Peak Avenue in Colorado Springs (phone: 719-667-3700) or at the Aspen Mine Community Center, 166 E Bennett Avenue in Cripple Creek (phone: 719-689-3584 x13; call for hours of operation in Cripple Creek). Or go to http://www.ppwfc.org/ and click on the Youth Zone link.

“Employer participation is critical,” stresses Ellen Golombek. “The Governor’s Summer Job Hunt is depending on every community-minded employer to find just one job for a teen. Whenever a young person is encouraged, enlightened or empowered, each of us everywhere is enriched.”

Colorado Springs Coin Show June 30, July 1 and July 2

2011-06-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

The annual Colorado Springs Coin Show will take place on Thursday June 30th from noon to 6pm, Friday and Saturday July 1 & 2 from 9am to 6pm, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs.

There is no fee for admission and parking is free.

Over 60 vendors and traders from across the country will be on hand to display, educate and trade. Door prizes every hour.

For more information visit: http://csns.anaclubs.org/cs_coin_show.htm

Free Family Friendly Comedy from Shed G

2011-06-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Stargazers, Colorado Springs, June 30th, 7-9pm

Click on the image for details

Colorado Springs Women’s Express Network Monthly Luncheon

2011-06-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

Colorado Springs (CO) –Calling all professional individuals who wish to develop enriching and empowering relationships with other community leaders.

Colorado Springs Women’s Express Network is a chapter of American Business Women’s Association, a non-profit organization connecting professionals of diversity.

The next luncheon is Friday, July 8, 2011 at 11:30 AM. Location is the Garden of the Gods Country Club.

For more information regarding this event, please visit www.cswen.org or call Becky Hume at (719) 632-4410.

Homes for Our Troops Event, Falcon, CO, July 16th

2011-06-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

(click on the flyer image to expand)

Submitted by Ann McNeill, Proforma.com

The Eastern Plains Chamber & the Falcon Lion’s Club are planning a Fundraiser Recycling Event slated for July 16^th, 2011 just behind the BIG R located at 14155 East HWY 24 in Falcon. It will run from 10AM-2PM. Bring things to recycle or a cash donation.

Homes For Our Troops has built an adapted home for SGT Jeffrey Adams in Latigo Trails located at 12360 Conestoga Trail North and as part of SGT Jeffrey Adams role in this project, he has to raise funds as well. To learn more about this project, please go to the link: http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer?pagename=JeffreyAdams

This Fundraiser Recycling Event is to benefit SGT Jeffrey Adams and his family’s home project in Latigo Trails. Also, there is a volunteer day on June 18^th to help with landscaping and clean-up around his new home and the key ceremony will be on June 25^th!

Many thanks and let’s welcome SGT Jeffrey Adams and his family into our community in style by making this event a HUGE SUCCESS!!!

Shredding helps end hunger

2011-06-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Marsha Looper

ElderWatch Colorado and the Black Forest AARP Chapter #1100 recently partnered with Shred-It Colorado to help defeat identity theft and collect food for Black Forest Cares, a local food bank. Volunteers met at the Old Black Forest Fire Station from 9 to noon on June 11 to serve 347 individuals who responded with their personal documents to be safely and professionally shredded.

Those who brought their items to be shredded helped themselves avoid personal identity theft and at the same time contributed a total of 593 pounds of non-perishable food and $238 to Black Forest Cares. The shredded documents, almost 8,500 pounds of paper, will be recycled. This will save many trees and help keep our country green.

Submitted by Marsha Looper

Sixty-two people also signed up for the Colorado and the national Do Not Call list. The Do Not Call list will reduce the number of unsolicited telephone calls they receive in the future.

A special thanks is extended to Shred-It Colorado for donating a shredding truck and operator, Wal-Mart and King Soopers for their donations of snacks and water for everyone, the Black Forest Fire and Rescue for providing the site and facilities, and to the 29 Black Forest AARP Chapter Members and ElderWatch Colorado members who volunteered their time and services to make this the best ever Black Forest Shredding Event.

The Black Forest AARP Chapter works hard to serve the local community. The chapter motto is "To Serve Not to Be Served". Anyone interested in participating in community service should call Chuck at 719-749-9227 to learn how you can become a chapter member. All are welcome. There are no age restrictions.

Security Farmers Market at Fountain Valley Shopping Center

2011-06-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Security Farmers Market began last week and will take place every Friday from 1pm to 7pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm through October 1, 2011.

If you're interested in being a vendor, contact Lisa at 719-375-5131.

Fountain Valley Shopping Center
5520 S. US Hwy 85/87 (Main Street and 8587)

7th Annual Dump & Donate Day!

2011-06-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 18th from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the Coronado High School parking lot, donations of gently used household goods & clothing will be accepted by Catholic Charities & Tax Receipts will be provided. Blue Star Recyclers will accept small appliances, washers, dryers & electronics such as computer components and AV Equip. **Note, due to their lead content, a fee will be charged for TV's & Computer Monitors. El Paso County Hazardous Waste will accept ONLY latex & oil based paint, household batteries & Fluorescent light bulbs, and The Springs Fire Dept will provide a chipper for tree branches up to 9" in diameter. Two Dumpsters will be available, however NO Tires, Refrigerators, Air Conditioners or Gas Powered Equip can be accepted. Please contact Harris Group Realty, Inc. at 719-227-9900 for more details.

Fountain Valley Senior Center BBQ, Friday June 24th

2011-06-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Fountain Valley Senior Center, 5745 Southmoor Drive in Fountain (behind Albertacos off Hwy 85/87) will be having a BBQ to support their drivers, transportation and RAMP Departments on Friday, June 24th.

There will be food, live music, kid stuff, games and prizes

Click on the image for more information.

Manitou Springs Downtown Enjoys Full Merchant Occupancy

2011-06-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Summer season kicks off in high style with new and expanded shops and restaurants for locals and tourists.

Manitou Springs, CO (Moxie Girl PR) -Though Manitou Springs has always been a popular seasonal destination, locals and visitors alike can now look forward to a summer filled with more---more shops, dining options, entertainment and natural beauty. The downtown district of Manitou is at full retail occupancy, with new stores and restaurants opening their doors for business. “The time, money and effort we’ve all put into Manitou’s infrastructure and downtown revitalization is really bearing fruit,” said Clint Hensley, President of the Business Improvement District and owner of The
Poppyseed and The Trippin’ Troll. “It’s vibrant, diverse and an exciting place in which to live, shop and play!”

Recently, the newly-consolidated Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau and Office of Economic Development adopted the name “iManitou” in which to operate. “We thought that with all the progress Manitou Springs is making in promoting tourism and the business climate in town, that we needed a name that captured that spirit,” said Dave Symonds, President of iManitou. “It is our hope that iManitou will be able to build on the success the Business Improvement District has had in keeping vacancies nearly non-existent.”

Among the newest endeavors are GreenSoul, Wish, Naturally’s Market and Café and the Quacker Gift Shop. GreenSoul is a locally-owned retail shop that specializes in environmentally-friendly, local and socially responsible products. “We love the rich diversity of residents, businesses and activities that Manitou Springs offers and are very happy to be a part of this community,” said Kristen Lee, owner of GreenSoul. Angela Guido, owner of Wish, chose Manitou Springs as the location for her new business because it was the “perfect place, not only for me, but for Manitou. I think Manitou needed Wish as well. I really studied the stores, so I could offer items that weren’t available anywhere else,” she says. “This way, as businesses we can all work together instead of competing against each other.” Ronda Burke, owner of Naturally’s Market and Café, is an example of the Manitou approach to doing business. “We wanted to create an environment that would allow our customers the opportunity to treat themselves naturally and holistically to the highest quality homemade, organic food in a comfortable, enjoyable atmosphere.”

Other well-known Manitou stores have responded to the economy in an innovative fashion. Black Cat Books and Safron of Manitou Springs recently merged spaces in the Black Cat store, creating a unique shopping experience where fashion and literature
collide, with delightful results. The Stagecoach Inn recently built a deck on their front lawn in order to expand outside dining options for their patrons. The owners of the Quacker Gift Shop, Jennifer Brown and Steve Kudron, looked all over the state before deciding on Manitou Springs as the ideal location for their second store. “We explored Estes Park, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs and Old Colorado City. What we found in Manitou was a year ‘round economy, reasonable rents and a welcoming
atmosphere.” Founded in 2006, the Quacker Gift Shop is America’s pre-eminent store in which to find rubber duckies of all styles and sizes.

Manitou Springs has its roots as a health resort and an artists’ colony and boasts a diverse population; support for the culinary, holistic, visual, literary and performing arts; and a colorful history. Lauded as one of the coolest small towns in
the country by Budget Travel magazine, Manitou lives up to its reputation with cool shopping/dining options, inviting art galleries and live entertainment venues.

About the Business Improvement District
It is the purpose of the Central Manitou Springs Business Improvement District to be a strong collaboration of business, government and community. Merchants in the district work together to insure a long-term goal of a clean, safe, vibrant
visitor destination area reflective of its historic heritage that is attractive and welcoming to both visitors and residents, and contributes to the economic prosperity of Manitou Springs. For more information, call Susan Wolbrueck at 685-2475 or email her at susan@caferace.com.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center Seeks Volunteers

2011-06-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Workforce Center Seeks Skilled Individuals
to Help with Workshops

Colorado Springs, CO - - The Pikes Peak Workforce Center is seeking skilled individuals to help with one-on-one resume review, mock interviewing, and employment workshops. These are volunteer positions.

Volunteers can be employed, unemployed, or underemployed, but must enjoy helping people. Volunteering is a great way for the unemployed to keep their skills current.

Interested persons should apply online. Go to www.ppwfc.org and click on about us, then on volunteer opportunities.

About PPWFC

The Pikes Peak Workforce Center connects vital businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services.

Curbow Recognized for Quality Service by Century 21

2011-06-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

Focus on Customer Satisfaction Earns CENTURY 21 Curbow Realty CENTURY 21® System’s National Quality Service Award

Colorado Springs,CO -- Century 21 Real Estate LLC, franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, has announced that CENTURY 21 Curbow Realty is a recipient of the 2010 CENTURY 21 Quality Service Office award for its commitment to providing quality customer service to its clients.

"Receiving this award is a great honor and a testament to the focus and attention we commit to our clients in ensuring that they understand each and every step of the home buying and selling process," stated Jacob & Mercie Curbow, owners of CENTURY 21 Curbow Realty. "This award is the collective result of the efforts of each and every member of our office."

Based on customer feedback received from the CENTURY 21 System’s Quality Service Survey (QSS), the award recognizes those CENTURY 21 System offices nationwide that earn a minimum customer satisfaction index of 85 percent or better on real estate transactions they closed from January 1, 2010 - October 31, 2010. The Internet-based survey is e-mailed to consumers immediately after the purchase or sale of a home through a CENTURY 21 System office.

"A commitment to quality customer service is crucial in today’s competitive real estate market," said Rick Davidson, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. "CENTURY 21 Curbow Realty has demonstrated the dedication to the consumer is the hallmark of the CENTURY 21® System’s franchise offices."

Located at 3659 Star Ranch Rd in Colorado Springs, CENTURY 21 Curbow Realty is a full service brokerage firm specializing in Residential and Property Management property listings helping first time home buyers, military, and relocation.

© 2011 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21® Is A Registered Trademark Licensed To Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Actors and Actresses Wanted - Colorado Springs

2011-06-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Gospel play "Speaking To The Heart Of A Man"

Casting Call

19 E. Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Seeking (Amateurs & Seasoned Actors):
• 9 African-American males ages 25 - 50
• 1 multi racial male age 35 - 50
• 8 African-American females of any size between the ages of 28 - 50
• 1 African-American plus-size female between the ages of 28 - 35
• 2 multi racial females between the ages of 28 - 50

Requirements:
• Must have a prepared monologue - no longer than 1.5 minutes
• Be prepared to do a Cold Reading from the script
• Bring a head shot to the audition - they do not have to be professional, but they must have good resolution

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 719-287-9100

Harrison High School Football Team Presents the Red, White, & Blue Car Show

2011-05-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Promotions by Mi Gente and Harrison High School

Harrison High School will be hosting a car show Fourth of July weekend. There will be live performances, activities for the whole family, and of course, cars! There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners determined by a panel of judges.

There will be two open registration dates. The first will be Saturday, June 4th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Mi Gente Custom Shop located at 2495 Arlington Dr. near S. Circle Dr. and Monterey Rd. The second date will be Friday, June 17th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Harrison High School located at 2755 Janitell Rd. near I-25 and the Circle exit. For more information please e-mail cbrennan_32@hotmail.com.

They are also looking for vendors to sell and/or promote their products and services. There will also be live performances from Flo-Logics and other local artists. There are still entertainment slots available.

Click on the image for registration info.

If you think your car has what it takes to win then come out and register on June 4th or 17th! For more information or questions please e-mail cbrennan_32@hotmail.com.

2d Annual Fountain City Dog Expo, June 25th

2011-05-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

Bark in the Park, will take place June 25th at Metcalfe Park, on Ohio Street in Fountain, from 10am to 4pm. The expo features vendors, vets, adoptions, micro chipping, doggie massage, police dog demonstrations, trainers, kids fun show, kids and dog custume parade and more.

If you'd like information on exhibition or vendor space contact Lois Landgraf at 392-2924 or email cmlandgraf@msn.com. Deadline to register as a vendor is June 10, 2011.

Chi Eta Phi Nursing Scholarhip Fundraiser, May 21st, Colorado Springs

2011-05-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Chi Eta Phi, Iota Eta Chapter presents
Jazzing and Praising Your Health

Gospel and Jazz Performances

May 21st 2011
6pm-9:30pm
Sunshine Studios
3970 Clearview Frontage Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
http://www.sunshinestudioslive.com

For more information, click on the image at right.

Fountain Students Seek Assistance from Local Businesses

2011-05-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

A group of Fountain Middle School Students needs to raise $9,000 within just a couple of weeks so that they can compete nationally in the Destination Imagination program.

The Fountain Middle School Destination ImagiNation team recently earned 1st place in the Pikes Peak Regional Tournament and a special Da Vinci Award for creativity. In addition, the team placed 2nd at the Colorado State DI Tournament, earning a trip to the Global Finals in Knoxville, Tennessee, from May 25-28. This DI team, made up of six 8th grade students and one 7th grade student, has been working together for three years. These students are on the Honor Roll and participate in Student Council, Band, Choir, Drama, and Athletics at Fountain Middle School.

Destination ImagiNation is an extra-curricular activity which requires problem solving, creativity and teamwork. Each team prepares a Team Challenge, requiring specific criteria which must be incorporated, and an Instant Challenge which introduces a surprise task or tasks which must be completed in a matter of minutes. The scores from the two challenges are averaged together for a final team score.

Click on the image at right for instructions on how you can help.

For more information on Destination Imagination visit www.extremecreativity.org

6th Annual Small Business Veterans Conference, Colorado Springs

2011-05-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Title: 6th Annual Small Business Veterans Conference

Date: Wednesday, May 25th- Thursday, May 26th

Sponsor: The Small Business Administration, The Small Business Development Center

Location: The Double Tree Hotel 1775 East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Time: 7:30am-5pm each day

Fees:

$65 Early Registration

$75 Walk-in

$125 Vendor (Admission for two and a table)

Registration Required: Register at www.coloradosbdc.org

Join us for “Real” Contracting Opportunities, educational seminars, one-on-one counseling, valuable networking opportunities, and exciting keynote speakers!

Highlights

¨ Meet Contract Specialist and learn expectations

¨ Multiple training sessions

¨ Different tracks to meet your needs

¨ Speakers with valuable knowledge

¨ Breakfast and lunch included

The purpose of the Veterans conference is to ensure that Veteran businesses successfully start, grow and prosper in Colorado. To help reach this goal, we are providing a 2-day event full of speakers, classes, counseling, resources, and networking. This event will include project-specific breakout sessions!

The unique difference in this conference is that we present opportunities specifically for Veteran's and then offer training/counseling on how to take advantage of those offerings. This conference is for Veterans, employee's of Veteran owned businesses and spouses/dependents of Veteran owned businesses. Veterans have made such an important sacrifice for your country and we want to ensure that they have a support system for their business when they come home!

Digital event flyer: http://www.coloradosbdc.org/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=1509

Toastmasters Open House

2011-05-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

The Fountain Valley Toastmasters will be holding an open house on May 10th at the Fountain Library. Come and learn what Toastmasters is all about. Free admission, snacks and beverages will be served.

click on the image for more details.

Fountain Fall Festival Grand Marshall Nominations Sought

2011-05-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Fountain Fall Festival committee is accepting nominations for this year’s Grand Marshal! If you have someone that you think should be honored, please send in your request to P.O. Box 201, Fountain, CO 80817. You can also drop it off at our office, 114 N. Main St. in Fountain. Please include names, addresses and phone numbers for both you and your nominee, along with some information on your reasons for nominating this person(s). Deadline will be June 1, 2011.

AspenPointe Teams Up With USA Pro Cycling Challenge To Promote Volunteerism

2011-05-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

April 29, 2011 – AspenPointe has teamed up with the USA Pro Cycling Challenge to promote volunteerism, which can positively impact wellness and mental health. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is a new professional stage cycling race coming to Colorado August 22-28, 2011.

AspenPointe, which began 135 years ago as the volunteer organization Colorado Springs Relief Society, has agreed to be volunteer sponsor for the seven-day race across Colorado that begins in Garden of the Gods on Aug. 22. More than 4,000 volunteers are needed to make the inaugural event a success.

“I can think of no better time to announce this partnership than in April, National Volunteer Appreciation Month,” said Morris L. Roth, president and CEO of AspenPointe. “We are very proud of the work our clients have done to make Colorado a better place. We want to highlight those remarkable efforts and encourage others to invest in their community.”

AspenPointe clients, some with severe and persistent mental illnesses that prevent them from working full time, volunteered more than 1,000 hours in 2010, earning them the Center for Nonprofit Excellence’s Volunteer of the Year Award for the Adult Group category. One of their projects involved packaging 12,000 sets of books that were delivered to new moms and dads in hospitals in an effort to improve child literacy.

Numerous studies, such as The Health Benefits of Volunteering:A Review of Recent Research, show a significant connection between volunteering, health and social functionality. Volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease, researchers concluded.

“Volunteering gives hope to others that people do care," said AspenPointe client Sally McDermitt, who volunteered 130 hours last year. "It helps build self-esteem, not just in myself but others. It’s helping others accomplish goals, which gives me courage to accomplish my goals.”

For more information on AspenPointe, go to www.AspenPointe.org, or call 1-800-285-1204. For additional information regarding volunteer opportunities for the 2011 USA Pro Challenge, please visit www.quiznosprochallenge.com/volunteer-registration.

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is expected to be the largest spectator event in Colorado history and one of the largest sporting events to ever take place in the United States. For seven consecutive days, 128 of the world’s top athletes will race across nearly 600 miles through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure, more than two miles in elevation. It’s the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a physically and mentally challenging course through some of America’s most beautiful scenery.

Business Networking Event, Colorado Springs May 24th

2011-04-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

Come network with
other awesome businesses.

Invite all the business people you know.
Only $5, includes a cocktail.

The Crystal Rose is going all out
with the food to impress you.
We know you'll come for the food,
but stay for the networking!

Don't be shy....Bring lots of business cards!

Tuesday, May 24th, 4:00PM - 7:00PM
At The Crystal Rose
2165 Academy Place
South of Maizeland, on the East side of Academy
For info, call Bob Clark 719-246-7047

Sponsored by TradeBank

Relay for Life Fund Raisers at UMB's Security Branch

2011-04-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

The following fund raising activities are scheduled for the UMB Bank branch at 502 Security Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80911

April 29, 2011----Hot Dog Sale $5.00, Hot dog, chips and drink through
the drive up.

May 6, 2011----- Window Washing at the drive up. Donations to the ACS

May 13, 2011---- Hot Dog sale $5.00, Hot Dog, Chips, soda through the
drive up.

May 20, 2011----Nacho Bar----$5.00.

May 27, 2011---- Bake Sale.

For more information call 719-390-7941

Urban League Housing Program Information Session -- April 20, 2011

2011-04-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in purchasing a home (now or in the future!) or are a homeowner struggling to make mortgage payments, come and get confidential help from onsite mortgage, credit counseling, short sale, foreclosure, and financing professionals.

Get information about programs that may help!

Learn about affordable homes in the Colorado Springs area!

The Urban League of the Pikes Peak Region

6 S. Tejon Street, 8th Floor

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

719-634-1525 p

719-634-3357 f

Credit Counseling
Financing options
Special programs such as First Look and Zero Down financing
Rebound/Starting Over Program for those recovering from financial problems
Foreclosure avoidance
Programs to help distressed homeowners remain in their homes

Yes there is such a thing as a Free Lunch!

2011-04-16T10:10:00.001-07:00

Her Story Cafe makes it's debut this week. The roving lunch mobile features home made soups by owner, Elizabeth Rozenbaum. Check their website for dates and locations.

On Saturday April 16th, the Her Story Cafe soup truck will be at Ranch Foods Direct, 2901 North El Paso Street, Colorado Springs from 9 am - 3 pm. The first five people to walk up and say "Easy Street Designs sent me" get a free cup of soup and a roll.

So hurry out and have some delicious home made soup on us.

Pikes Peak Ringers May 15th at Stargazers

2011-04-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

Pikes Peak Ringers Community Handbell Choir proudly presents "Encore," a musical celebration of our past 20 years ringing in the Southern Colorado area and around the country. Joining us for the concerts will be past PPR members, our very own Pikes Peak Youth Ringers, and the wonderful Colorado Springs Soli Deo Gloria choir. Come and experience virtuoso handbell ringing and beautiful music at its finest in an event not to be missed!

"Encore!"
20th Anniversary Celebration
Stargazers Theatre & Event Center
10 South Parkside Drive, Colorado Springs, CO
May 15, 2011, 2:30 and 6 p.m.

Advance tickets are available at www.pikespeakringers.com or 719-650-6298. $15/adult, $10 for 12-under and 65-older. Tickets will also be available at the door $20/adult, $15 for 12-under and 65-older.

Recognized worldwide as one of the premier handbell ensembles in North America , Pikes Peak Ringers are releasing their sixth studio CD, "Classics," at our concerts in May. "Classics" will include “Dona Nobis Pacem,” PPR’s track with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma that was released in December 2009 as part of Mr. Ma’s grammy-award-winning CD, “Songs of Joy and Peace.”

With an annual performance schedule that includes several local and out-of-state concerts, they have also been featured at national handbell events and on several promotional recordings, in addition to their own studio CDs, instructional DVD , and a live concert DVD of the world's first-ever classical concerto for handbells and orchestra.

Today, as a non-profit organization that includes two youth choirs, Pikes Peak Ringers continue to uphold McChesney's founding vision: to provide an outlet for advanced ringers in the greater Colorado Springs community, to teach others about handbells through workshops and other venues, and to create vivid performances that showcase the instrument of English handbells with the highest-quality presentation and musicianship. For more information, go to PikesPeakRingers.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

AspenPointe Receives Grant from Caring for Colorado Foundation

2011-04-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Caring for Colorado Foundation has awarded AspenPointe TeleCare a one year, $50,000 grant to expand its depression care management (DCM) program to serve uninsured adults.

DCM is a telephone-based program that supports individuals in their efforts to manage depression. It is a voluntary and confidential program that provides professional and compassionate one-to-one outreach, care coordination and ongoing support.

The grant will allow AspenPointe to serve between 90 and 120 uninsured adults during the course of a year. The average length of time a participant is enrolled in the program is about six months.

“This project seeks to expand our depression care program to serve those most in need in our community. Prior to receiving the grant, we were not able to support those without insurance,” said Robin Anderson, program manager for AspenPointe TeleCare. “This is also our first grant from the Caring for Colorado Foundation and we hope to continue the relationship.”

The Caring for Colorado Foundation, based in Denver, makes accessible healthcare a reality for people in Colorado through targeted grants that provide measurable health improvements. It aims to build healthcare capacity, strengthen existing healthcare systems and link people to care.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, depression affects about 1 in 5 people each year. It estimates that depression costs American businesses $63 billion each year, with $36.6 billion resulting from reduced productivity and increased absenteeism, not the cost of treatment.

AspenPointe TeleCare helps participants better manage their self-care to improve their overall physical and mental health. The added support improves quality of life and helps individuals feel better about themselves at home and in the workplace.

In addition to supporting members directly, AspenPointe TeleCare’s care managers communicate regularly with members’ healthcare providers to provide for optimum treatment.

For more information about AspenPointe TeleCare and the Depression Care Management program, please call (719) 572-6100 or visit www.aspenpointe.org.

Cottonwood's Veteran's Art Outreach Program update

2011-04-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to generous community support, Cottonwood Center for the Arts has added 3 new pottery wheels to our community clay room making us that much closer to finishing the clay room for our Veteran's Art Outreach Program. Fans and hoods for our kilns are the next step and should be installed in the next month.

Cottonwood's Veteran's Art Outreach Program will provide a free, supportive, relaxing place for veterans and their families to explore the pleasure that creating art makes possible. Local Colorado Springs artists are donating their time and skills to teach free art classes. Cottonwood and it's community partners are providing all the supplies and instruction. No experience is necessary and classes are informal.

Starting date (depending on construction) is planned to coordinate with Cottonwood's May 27th show "Brothers in Arms", an all media exhibition that examines the camaraderie of those in military service, our brothers in arms who face battle together in the ultimate sacrifice. The theme of this show is about the brotherhood relationship of men and women who battle in service together on behalf of our community.

For more information about our Veteran's Art Outreach Program, please contact Marie David at (719) 520-1899.

Colorado Springs Flames Football - 2011 schedule

2011-04-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Springs Flames, semi-pro football club, starts its regular season on May 7th with an away-game in Englewood against the Mile High Grizzlies. The Flames will play their four regular season home games at Cheyenne Mtn High School.

Click here for the complete schedule and more information.

Business After Hours, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce, April 14, 2011

2011-04-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

From the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce:

Please join us for the April 14, 2011 Business After Hours this evening!

This BAH is being hosted by Schramek Landscape Materials and begins at 6:00pm. We are joining them at their business located at 7395 Southmoor Drive in Fountain.

View Larger Map

For more details, or to R.S.V.P. call the office at 719/382-3190. Grab your business cards and head on over! Cost is $6 for members, $10 for non-members. Bring a non-member prospect and you get in free!

Free Cancer Screenings, Information and Resources, Colorado Springs

2011-04-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

April 16, 2011
Taking Care of Your Girls!
Tea and Mother-Daughter Fashion Show
Hillside Community center
925 S. Institute Street
11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Free
RSVP to Linda at 471.4429

This free event will include a panel discussion on genetics and family history, breast screenings, nutrition and general breast health. There will also be resources booth and education to help women understand and improve breast health.

Saturday May 7, 2011
Community Skin Cancer Screening
Peak Vista Community Health Center
225 S. Union Blvd.
8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m
FREE
Call to make an appointment
719.444.CARE

This free event will enable people to come see a dermatologist and get their skin checked for cancer. Additional info/resources will be available to help prevent skin cancer.

FREE Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings for qualifying women.
call 1.866.951.9355 (WELL)
or visit: www.WomensWellnessConnection.org

Pikes Peak IAAP Seminar and Luncheon 2011

2011-04-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Pikes Peak Chapter IAAP  Invites you to join us in honoring 
Administrative Professionals   2011

Administrative Professionals Day  Professional Education Seminar and Luncheon Wednesday, April 27, 2011
 The Crowne Plaza Hotel 
2886 S. Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO  

Morning Seminar Featuring:
 Todd Hunt, Motivational Speaker and Humorist
 "Communication Bleeps and Blunders in Business"
 Registration Begins at 8:00AM 
Seminar at 9:00AM

 You said one thing; your boss or coworker heard something else. Nobody was wrong, but now everybody's confused... and you have to fix it! Laugh and learn as Todd Hunt shares real-life examples from business, revealing how we can improve our communication with customers and colleagues to become more successful.  

Membership Presentation: 11:00AM – 11:30AM
  Luncheon Keynote Speaker: Diane Dillinger
 "Mind Reading is Not a Form of Office Communication"
 Registration Begins at 11:30AM
 Lunch and Program at Noon 

The key to successful communication involves a lot more than just talking and keeping your ear lids open. Learn some creative and practical ways for getting and giving messages in the business world. 

Luncheon program with special guest Emcee, Craig Coffey of Fox21 Morning News,
will include honoring:  
Executive of the Year, Administrative Professional of the Year, Pikes Peak Member of the Year,  and Pikes Peak Chapter Scholarship Award Recipient.

  Menu:
 Garden Fresh Greens with Cucumbers & Cherry Tomatoes served with Ranch or Raspberry Vinigrette Dressing, Roasted Baby Red Potatoes and a Bouquet of Vegetables, Assorted Dinner Rolls, Dessert, and Coffee, Hot Herbal Tea or Ice Tea. 

Entree Selections: 
Sliced London Broil with Teriyaki Glace, Fresh Herb Roasted Chicken Breast or
Pesto Pasta Primavera

  Deadline for Registration is April 18, 2011.  **No Refunds after that date**
 To register, please see our website at www.iaap-pikespeak.org

French Elementary Fundraiser, Saturday April 9th

2011-04-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

10am to 2pm
at French Elementary School,
5225 Alturas Drive, Colorado Springs

Come support the school and enjoy crafts,
games, prizes, food and family fun.

Colorado Springs Marketing Group seeks challenges

2011-04-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

press release

Got a marketing problem? Challenge Colorado Springs Marketing Group
Colorado Springs Marketing Group’s innovative Challenge Tuesdays provide cost-effective growth strategies for small businesses—and lunch is free.

Colorado Springs, CO – Go ahead. Challenge Colorado Springs Marketing Group. A full-service marketing consortium, CSMG is offering a limited number of small and medium-sized businesses an opportunity to participate in Business Challenge Tuesday. Continuing a tradition of innovation to help small and medium-sized businesses survive and thrive, Colorado Springs Marketing Group came up with the idea of a free, one-hour forum with its expert consultants, marketing strategists and business development experts. Afterward, the ideas continue to flow at lunch—and that’s free, too.

The Challenge: Generate ideas to help businesses find new opportunities in difficult times. The Winners: Everyone. After more than a dozen successful Challenge Tuesdays, this forum has generated novel ideas and solutions for a law firm, three software companies, two realty-industry firms, a publisher and small businesses like these:
A recent guest was worried about his customer base, which had dried up after several quarters of marketing cutbacks. Colorado Springs Marketing Group helped him repurpose old leads, content and strategic partnerships—a plan that yielded results within a record-breaking 48 hours.
The owner of a start-up Web site was concerned about how to build ad revenue before the site had generated enough traffic to support advertising. Colorado Springs Marketing Group pointed the way toward a sales and lead generation strategy as well as marketing to drive traffic to the site.
A financial services client needed to find new leads and improve sales workflow. Colorado Springs Marketing Group suggested ways to achieve 30% open rates and project a 20% conversion rate through a newly categorized prospect database.

“Business Challenge Tuesday is the latest way in which Colorado Springs Marketing Group is breaking the mold when it comes to marketing,” says Tom McClintock, Vice-President of Colorado Springs Marketing Group. “Our business model is different.
We want to get to know you, and for you to get to know us.”

Owners of small and medium-sized businesses are invited to apply for Business Challenge Tuesday. If accepted, owners will meet with Colorado Springs Marketing Group’s marketing experts to draw upon their knowledge and ideas ranging from
Website design and optimization to lead generation and social media strategy.

About The Colorado Springs Marketing Group Colorado Springs Marketing Group is something truly unique in Southern Colorado – a group of collaborative, high-powered
marketing companies focused on a variety of marketing disciplines, co-located under one roof. The advantage – speed, easier to work and meet with, quality of final product due to collaborative and innovative atmosphere.
www.coloradospringsmarketinggroup.com

Fountain to get a Denny's

2011-04-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

Fountain City Council gave final approval to construction of a new 5,000 square foot Denny's Restaurant on the southwest corner of Fountain Mesa Rd and Mesa Ridge Parkway.

The restaurant will feature an awesome view of Pikes Peak and the front range. City of Fountain Economic Development Coordinator, Lisa Cochrun also hopes it will help attract more hotels to the area.

The restaurant will be owned and operated by High Country Restaurant Holdings and will employ up to 30 people.

Help Wanted - Conductor/Music Director, Colorado Springs

2011-03-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

The Pikes Peak Philharmonic is auditioning for the position of Conductor/Music Director.

This is a paid position and each candidate selected to audition will conduct one concert during the 2011-2012 season.

For further information visit www.PikesPeakPhil.org

Coast Guard Auxilary offers Safe Boating Class in Colorado Springs

2011-03-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

Colorado Springs, CO – SAFE Boating Class on April the 7th, the Pikes Peak Flotilla of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be presenting an eight hour Safe Boating Class starting at 8:00 AM. To obtain more information and to register for the Class, call (719) 632-8129. Be side all of the information that you learn (safe boat operation, safety equipment, trailering, etc.).

Many marine insurance companies offer discounts for boat owners who complete an approved boating safety course, such as this.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary, America’s Volunteer Guardians, supports the Coast Guard in nearly all of the service's missions.

South Side Survey 3/11

2011-03-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

Announcing Date & Location for Pikes Peak Earth Day 2011

2011-03-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

April 16, 2011 Doherty High School

Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak Earth Day (PPED) has selected its date and location for this year’s event. Pikes Peak Earth Day will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at Doherty High School, 4515 Barnes Rd, Colorado Springs. For the first time, Pikes Peak Earth Day is being celebrated on the eastside of Colorado Springs.

This year’s Earth Day theme is “Earth Day – Why it matters.” To explore that theme, the event will focus on five areas of concern: energy, local foods, recycling, transportation and water.

Since Earth Day is a family event, we will have kid’s activities that include guest presenters, as well as the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's black-footed ferret and other animals. There will even be a project making paper from Elephant dung!

PPED is hosting a High School Sustainability Summit and encouraging all high school Eco/Green/Sustainability/Environmental Clubs to participate. Clubs will have an opportunity to: share and discuss their club’s accomplishments, talk about future sustainability projects/plans, discuss the potential for a High School Sustainability Competition for 2012, discuss ideas on how to involve Junior Highs and Grade Schools as well as gain information & ideas from Earth Day sponsors/vendors and events. Sustainability representatives from the local colleges, the city, CSU and the school districts have also been invited to interact with the high school club members.

The food will be catered by District 11’s Farm to School Program. District 11 will feature some of the great menu items from its “Good Food Project.”

There will be will more than 50 vendors who will be talking about “Why Earth Day matters to them and to us?” The first 100 families to attend the event will receive a reusable “Chico bag” printed with the Pikes Peak Earth Day logo. Additional bags will be available for a $5.00 suggested donation. Our goal is to encourage people to bring their own bag on all shopping trips and eliminate the one-use plastic bag habit.

Pikes Peak Earth Day and El Paso County are also proud to be co-sponsoring the second annual “Colorado Springs Recycles” event on April 9th, 9 AM – 1 PM, at the El Paso County Household Chemical Waste Collection Facility, 3255 Akers Drive. We will be recycling, household chemical wastes, and other materials. This is a free event, but Pikes Peak Earth Day will be encouraging folks to make a financial contribution to support Care and Share’s greenhouse project.

Learn more about Pikes Peak Earth Day by visiting our website at www.PikesPeakEarthDay.org. You can also follow us on Twitter, http://twitter.com/#!/ppearthday, and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=90334925800&ref=ts

3 for 1 event at Fountain Valley Shopping Center today

2011-03-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Three of the businesses in the Fountain Valley Shopping Center on Hwy 85/87 in Fountain are having events today from 9am to 4pm.

Definition Design (clothing boutique) and The Shops at Main Street (mini mall and cafe) are both having their Grand Openings.

Peakview Windows and Siding is having their annual Spring Customer Appreciation Day with food from Popeye's and Citadel Crossing Chipotle, refreshments, and local radio personality Handyman Ken Moon is on hand.

Lots of free stuff and great deals. Peakview does request that you bring a canned good for their charity drive.

Lion's Club St. Patrick's Day Annual Holiday Dinner Fundraiser

2011-03-07T12:45:00.001-08:00

Saturday, March 12th at 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Mesa Ridge High School Cafeteria, 6070 Mesa Ridge Parkway

Traditional Irish Stew or Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy

Proceeds support Fountain Valley Kidspree program (school clothes for children) and Colorado Lions Camp (camper grant for disabled kids)

Tickets are $5 in advance or $6 at the door
Call 238-9818 for more information.

Colorado Springs Flames Open 22nd Training Camp

2011-03-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

The Colorado Springs Flames Football Club will open its 22^nd football training camp on March 13, 2011 at the Cheyenne Mountain High School. The camp is scheduled to take place at 11:00 a.m. and is open to the public. The Flames has been in existence in Colorado Springs since 1987 and promotes the sport of football in a minor league setting. The team supports a winning tradition having won seven Colorado Football Conference (CFC) championships and has went undefeated in league play the past three years. It is a pay to play armature league where players from the local community and military bases actually pays to play the game of football. Now that’s commitment! This year the Flames have moved its home base and games to Cheyenne Mountain H.S. and the regular season starts May 7, 2011. Interested players, fans and sponsors may contact representatives of the team by going on the teams’ website www.flamesfootball.com or attend the games and training camp on the aforementioned date and time.

FOUNTAiN VALLEY NATIVES OPEN DESIGNER BOUTIQUE IN THE FOUNTAIN VALLEY SHOPPING CENTER

2011-02-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

Company press release

Definitions Design Wear owned and operated by local Fountain Valley Residents and Widefield High School Alumni, Jerome Vargas, Lisa Vargas and Debbie Montoya will open for Business on March 2, 2011. Their Grand Opening Kick Off will be held on Saturday March 5, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The grand opening celebration will include registration for a custom Prom Dress Giveaway and other specials. Exquisite formal dresses are featured in the store and are also available as custom orders.

Definition Design Wear showcases an eclectic collection of original and creative clothing and accessory designs. This unique boutique brings a refreshing modern shopping alternative to the Fountain Valley area and offers an ever changing inventory. Original designed Italian Leather Handbags are among the companies branded merchandise. Definition Jeans, will arrive in April and are sure to entice jean aficionados’ everywhere. To ensure a unique shopping experience the inventory includes only small quantities of each item and new items will be added almost daily.

The owners of the company hope to partner with the local high school’s marketing and merchandising programs in an effort to create opportunities for future fashion designers and anticipate forming many community partnerships that will make a positive impact on the Fountain Valley area.

FOUNTAiN VALLEY NATIVES OPEN DESIGNER BOUTIQUE IN THE FOUNTAIN VALLEY SHOPPING CENTER

2011-02-24T22:16:00.000-08:00

Company Press Release

Definitions Design Wear owned and operated by local Fountain Valley Residents and Widefield High School Alumni, Jerome Vargas, Lisa Vargas and Debbie Montoya will open for Business on March 2, 2011. Their Grand Opening Kick Off will be held on Saturday March 5, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The grand opening celebration will include registration for a custom Prom Dress Giveaway and other specials. Exquisite formal dresses are featured in the store and are also available as custom orders.

Definition Design Wear showcases an eclectic collection of original and creative clothing and accessory designs. This unique boutique brings a refreshing modern shopping alternative to the Fountain Valley area and offers an ever changing inventory. Original designed Italian Leather Handbags are among the companies branded merchandise. Definition Jeans, will arrive in April and are sure to entice jean aficionados’ everywhere. To ensure a unique shopping experience the inventory includes only small quantities of each item and new items will be added almost daily.

The owners of the company hope to partner with the local high school’s marketing and merchandising programs in an effort to create opportunities for future fashion designers and anticipate forming many community partnerships that will make a positive impact on the Fountain Valley area.

New Colorado Springs Public Relations Firm

2011-02-24T21:37:00.000-08:00

Former Business Journal editor launches Daily Planet PR

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – Allen Greenberg, the former editor the Colorado Springs Business Journal, has opened his own public relations and communications firm, Daily Planet PR.

The firm will provide PR services to small and medium-sized businesses, associations and foundations.

It will focus on the defense, homeland security, amateur sports, healthcare, real estate and hospitality industries.

“The Pikes Peak region is home to so many really interesting emerging-growth companies and their stories need to be told properly,” Greenberg said. “Daily Planet’s mission will be to help these businesses communicate with their stakeholders, enhance their images, reach new markets and grow.”

Daily Planet will be based in Colorado Springs but will work with clients along the Front Range and in surrounding states.

“The quality of life in this region is really unparalleled, and as the economy rebounds, new and exciting opportunities will present themselves to those who are ready,” Greenberg said. “Daily Planet will help these companies seize those opportunities.”

Daily Planet will provide strategic communications planning, public relations, media relations, internal communications/employee relations, and crisis communications.

Greenberg has more than 20 years of experience in journalism, politics and business at the national, regional and state levels. He has led newsrooms at dailies, online operations and weeklies in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Indianapolis. During his tenure as editor of the Colorado Springs Business Journal, the paper placed an emphasis on the small-business realm, expanded its coverage into the defense/aerospace and hospitality sectors, among others, and re-engineered and expanded its social media and other digital initiatives.

Why I’m A Conservative

2011-02-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

Guest editorial by
Virg Collins

What makes one person a conservative and another liberal? Are all conservatives republican and are all liberals’ democrats? It seems that our system is divided along such lines. I realize there are Rinos and Dinos so if I use the words Republican and conservative interchangeably and do the same with Democrat and liberal, I do so for convenience only. I would readily vote for a Democrat if that person held more conservative views. I wasn’t old enough to vote at the time but I would have voted for President John F. Kennedy in a heartbeat, but never for Senator Edward Kennedy.

According to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary the definition of Conservatism is: “a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change.”

While concise, it doesn’t adequately define the conservative mind-set. I am all for tradition and social stability and I certainly prefer gradual development to abrupt change especially if it hasn’t been well thought out such as the recently passed healthcare legislation. The problem with quickly instituted change without benefit of ample study is that once passed into law it is seldom changed and never repealed, even if later determined to be a poor idea. But these only scratch the surface. My own reasons go much deeper but space is limited so I would like to hit the one thing I believe to be a factor for all conservatives. I think one ideal that all conservatives uphold is the concept of personal responsibility.

I believe many my age and older may claim to be democrat without thinking it through. My father and some of his brothers claimed Democratic affiliation of the New Deal variety. They lived through the Depression and believed in FDRs programs. They supported President John F. Kennedy but to a man gave that same support to the Presidency of Ronald Reagan. Like many of their time my father and uncles believed in the cornerstones of conservative thinking. They were anti-socialist and believed in free enterprise. They firmly believed that each person should support his family without dependence on government welfare as well as take responsibility for their own actions to include obeying the law. They favored capital punishment for heinous crimes and their belief in the United States as the greatest country in history was unwavering. One of my father’s biggest disappointments was that he couldn’t join the armed forces during World War II because of his eyes. Several uncles did serve their country and without a draftee in the bunch.

Other than the obvious, like smaller government, smaller deficit and constitutional compliance, my main reason for conservative leanings is a strong belief in personal responsibility. Almost all other views such as foreign aid, gun control, welfare, abortions, and a host of others follow directly from ones thoughts of personal responsibility. The far left doesn’t want personal responsibility clouding the issue. They seem to think it is better to have a nanny-state so everyone is taken care of from cradle to grave.

Most conservatives believe we each create our own successes and failures by individual actions. I do not believe I should judge other’s actions or decisions by my own standard but I do believe they are responsible for the outcome of their decisions for good or ill. Without exception I believe that everything that has happened in my life is a direct result of decisions I have made.

As an example, I smoked heavily for about thirty years and finally quit about twenty-five years ago. While I am certain that my lungs are in far greater shape now than they were when I used tobacco products, I could still be subject to lung cancer. If that occurred one may reasonably relate that outcome to my decision to start and continue smoking for so long.

Many are willing to accept responsibility for their successes but want to look for someone else to blame for their failings. We blame teachers if students don't do well in school. It’s easy to blame society for crime, or how about blaming the rich for the poverty that exists. Let’s blame the stores for high prices and it is certainly McDonalds and Burger Kings fault that so many people are fat. Let’s blame them so we don't have to carry the burden of any personal responsibility. I carry more weight on my frame than I should and I like a good burger as much as anyone but I have a news flash for you, It isn't McDonalds fault that I'm overweight and I'm not going to sue Burger King for my own lack of self-control.

Are there bad teachers out there? Of course there are, just like there are incompetent people in every profession. Is that justification for a student not putting forth the required effort to learn? Absolutely not, they have a personal responsibility to take the required steps to learn and their parents have the responsibility of supporting them. If we feel all teachers or the institutions are bad then let's take steps to change the system, which many already believe we should do.

It is obvious that our father, mother or society is to blame because children turn into juvenile delinquents and later hardened criminals. Sorry, that doesn't wash. Our environment certainly has an influence on our growth and maturity but at least by the age of ten most of us knew the difference between right and wrong. If you are allowed to get away with it young, you only go downward from there until the big one that gets someone's attention. Now let me do a quick about face and say that many parents don’t help by thinking their poor little baby can do no wrong and try protect them from a good dose of personal responsibility, or even worse, just don’t care.

Another tool of the far left that would fall under the speeding bus of personal responsibility is victimhood. It is impossible be a victim if you are responsible for your own actions. (Now there is a future subject).

It is unwise to depend on the government or anyone else to take care of all areas of life. In general everything the government gets involved in fails. Social Security is broken, Medicare is broken. The purpose of the federal government is to deliver our mail and protect our borders and they are failing miserably at those tasks. All other government actions should be handled at the state level with occasional help as needed (seldom please) from the federal government.

The road we are following will not take us where we wish to go.

Some conservatives like to bait the far left just to hear them squeal. Not me of course, but I might offer a suggestion. As much as Sarah Palin or (soon) Michele Bachmann raises the shrillness, how about we just nominate Ann Coulter or Michelle Malkin for president and watch the left really go ballistic.

All in all its "Just One Man's Opinion".

Developmental Disabilities Health Center - Grand Opening/Open House

2011-02-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

The Resource Exchange and Peak Vista Community Health Centers have initiated a collaborative effort to provide comprehensive health care services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Members of the media are invited to meet with key personnel and tour the facility.

WHAT: Grand Opening of the Developmental Disabilities Health Center, a new and unprecedented model for delivering complete health care to meet the unique needs of people with developmental disabilities.

WHO: A collaborative effort of The Resource Exchange, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, AspenPointe, Memorial Health System, Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs.

WHEN: Thursday, February 10, 2011

Media Conference/Tours, 3:30 p.m.

Open House and Tours, 4:30 p.m.

Program, 5:15 p.m.

WHERE: Developmental Disabilities Health Center

2502 East Pikes Peak Avenue, 4th Floor

Colorado Springs

WHY: Adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, especially those on Medicaid, often face unique challenges when seeking health care services. The opening of the Developmental Disabilities Health Center in Colorado Springs marks a great collaboration between the partner entities to provide comprehensive health care services to people with developmental disabilities.

Services to be provided include primary health care, integrated behavioral health, wellness and health promotion and referrals to specialty care providers - all with care coordination.

Members of the news media will have the opportunity to talk to the leadership of the respective organizations as well as key staff involved in providing services. Tours of the facility will be available. Media members are also invited to the public opening and dedication of the Center immediately following the media conference.

About The Resource Exchange

The Resource Exchange (TRE) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build independence for people with developmental disabilities. TRE supports clients and their families in El Paso, Park and Teller Counties. The Resource Exchange offers an array of services and supports to individuals who are diagnosed with a developmental disability and are eligible for services. TRE serves more than 2,500 people with its services and those of its partner agencies. For more information go to www.tre.org or call 719-785-6440.

About Peak Vista Community Health Centers

Peak Vista Community Health Centers is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide exceptional healthcare for people facing access barriers. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2011, Peak Vista annually offers primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services to more than 60,000 El Paso and Teller residents…most from working families without health insurance. To learn more about Peak Vista, visit www.peakvista.org or contact Lynn Pelz at 344-6606.

Now Hiring Colorado Springs

2011-01-31T14:01:00.000-08:00

Canvassers Needed!

Looking for reliable marketing canvassers! Job Duties: you will be in a neighborhood canvassing with a company team. Training and script will be provided to set appointments for free estimates on residential exterior maintenance.

Requirements: Must be neat in appearance; Have a cell phone; Able to speak to people! Money motivated!!! Base pay plus bonuses.

Start part time 25 hours a week with the potential to
increased hours and hired on permanently with client.
Contact me at number below.

Josie Caruso-Rathe
Account Executive, Goodwill Staffing
719-380-8855 ext. 15611

New Home for Rent - Woodland Park

2011-01-31T13:36:00.000-08:00

We have a brand New Home for Rent, Woodland Park, Mountain living/views of Pikes Peak with easy access to CS, 3 Bed, 2 bath, Hardwood Floors/Tile, Vaulted Ceiling, Gas Fireplace, over ½ acre, Large Deck, partially covered, Pet negotiable, $1199 per month. We are managing for a military family/old client that was transferred. Please pass on to anyone that may be interested. Picture attached.

Sterling Campbell
Certified Mortgage Planner
Air Academy Federal Credit Union
Phone (719) 535-8723
Toll Free (800) 223-1983 ext 8723
Fax (719) 535-8760

Colorado Springs Women’s Express Network January Luncheon

2011-01-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

Colorado Springs (CO) –Calling all professional individuals who wish to develop enriching and empowering relationships with other community leaders.

Colorado Springs Women’s Express Network is a chapter of American Business Women’s Association, connecting professionals of diversity.

The next luncheon is Friday January 14, 2011 at 11:30 AM. Location is the Garden of the Gods Country Club.

For more information regarding this event, please visit www.cswen.org or call Becky Hume at (719) 632-4410.

2011 Ice on the Avenue Festival, Old Colorado City

2011-01-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

Colorado Springs, CO (Kaiser Advertising) — The Old Colorado City Association of merchants is proud to provide a preview of the upcoming 2011 ICE ON THE AVENUE Ice Festival which will be held in Old Colorado City on January 15th & 16th from 11am to 6pm. Most of the Ice Sculptures will be in Bancroft Park, and in front of shops between 24th street and 28th street in Historic Old Colorado City just 2 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs.

The 2011 ICE ON THE AVENUE Ice Festival will feature an interactive checkers and chess ice game, ice horse and cowboy and cowgirl for photo opportunities in Bancroft Park. Blocks of ice with each weighing 300 pounds will be used during the two-day event. There are plans to have an Ice Media Desk where 12 blocks of ice will be used to create an outdoor media set big enough for local newscasters can report the day’s events and action live from the ice festival.

Care and Share will also doing fundraising as well, with Ice Piggy Banks where cash donations can be made.

“We had close to 20,000 people come out for the 2010 Ice on the Avenue and we look forward to another large crowd in 2011,” said Don Wick, President of the OCCA merchants group.

Ice Sculptor William Sandusky, the 3rd Place Winner at the 2009 BP World Ice Art Championship which was held in Alaska will be doing most of the sculpting again this year. You will want to be here on the 15th and 16th of January to witness Art, Ice and Ambience.

For more information on the 2011 ICE ON THE AVENUE Ice Festival, please contact Gina Kaiser at 719-339-9017 or go online at www.ShopOldColoradoCity.com.

Maximized living makeover event - Fountain Chiropractic

2010-12-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

"Do chemicals make you fat? Why are 70% of Mississippi residents obese or overweight? Why has obesity tripled in the
last generation? Why are as many as 30% of children now overweight - the highest percentage in history?"

These are just a few of the questions that Dr. Moran will address in his upcoming seminar:

Maximized living with Dr. Arnold Moran
Saturday January 8th, 1pm to 4pm at the Fountain Valley Library (230 S Main St, Fountain)
call 719-799-6555 or email drmoran@fountaincitychiro,com to register for this event.
Registration fee includes: event/book/recipes/biggest loser competition ($25)

Tiz the season to buy appliances

2010-12-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

(company press release)

Black Friday Prices and Better on Appliances for Week after Christmas

Although consumer purchasing increases greatly right after Christmas, some Colorado retailers are hesitating on dropping prices for consumers. Despite this, few people realize that the week after the holiday is the largest shopping period for appliances, and when some of the best values and biggest sales happen in that industry.

“This is the number one time for consumers to buy appliances,” said Chuck Ewing, CEO of Appliance Factory Outlet, a local retailer with 11 locations throughout Colorado, including Denver, the Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction.

“Consumers return the luxuries they don’t need and buy the necessities they do need,” said Ewing. In addition, many scrimp and save during the holidays, and once they’ve gotten through Christmas, they’ll take the extra money they have and buy something that they do need, he said.

“It’s an ideal time for them to shop, fix up their kitchen, and buy appliances for the New Year,” he said.

Given the increasing demand for appliances, manufacturers and retailers are in tremendous competition for customers, which creates immense value for the consumers during this time of year.

Appliance Factory Outlet is running a 50 percent-off sale, bring back Black Friday pricing for the week after Christmas. Just like Black Friday, this is the best time for consumers to take advantage of the low prices retailers are offering, and for consumers that are looking to buy but missed out on Black Friday deals.

Free Learn-to-Swim Day on December 18 Open to the Public

2010-12-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Colorado Springs Swim School (CSSS)will once again be offering a Free Learn-to-Swim Day at the Colorado Springs Recreation Center (280 S. Union Blvd. in Memorial Park) on Saturday, December 18 from 12-1pm. In an effort to reduce drowning rates in our community, CSSS holds Free Learn-to-Swim Days periodically to encourage swimming as a year-round activity and not just a summer activity.

The event is open to the public and is limited to 50 students. The free learn-to-swim session is designed to introduce the children to swimming lessons and refine current swimming skills. Registration is required and interested participants should call CSSS at 719-385-5984 to sign up. The class will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

CSSS is an official Make a Splash local partner. Make a Splash is the national, child-focused, water safety initiative of the USA Swimming Foundation, headquartered in Colorado Springs. Make a Splash works by educating parents through a national awareness campaign, and by providing opportunities for kids to learn to swim through its growing network of providers.

Currently there are 260 Make a Splash local partner programs in 43 states, and the number continues to grow. Local Partners around the country include a variety of organizations, community centers and privately-owned swim schools. To qualify as a local partner, the organizations must offer a percentage of their lessons for low or no cost, or provide water safety education to their community at no charge.

The initiative also focuses on ethnically diverse areas. Research shows that drowning statistics are far worse in African- American and Hispanic communities where children drown at a rate almost three times higher than Caucasian children in similar age groups.

For more information on Make a Splash and to how to find or become a local partner program or to sponsor a swim lesson, visit www.makeasplash.org. For more information on the Colorado Springs Swim School, visit www.csswimschool.com.

About the USA Swimming Foundation
The USA Swimming Foundation was established in 2004 with the purpose of using the sport of swimming to improve lives and make communities stronger. The Foundation focuses its resources in three main areas: making children safer in and around the water to reduce drowning; encouraging diversity in the sport of swimming; and using swimming to promote a healthy lifestyle to combat issues such as childhood obesity. The USA Swimming Foundation is the premier charitable organization that supports the sport of swimming in the United States from grassroots to gold medals and is recognized as a national leadership organization for promoting water safety. It is the Foundation's ongoing goal to teach every child in America how to swim. To help, to donate or for information: www.swimfoundation.org

About the Colorado Springs Swim School
The Colorado Springs Swim School is the city's #1Learn-to-Swim School. Established in 1992, CSSS has taught thousands of individuals how to swim and better enjoy all things aquatics. CSSS is devoted to Enriching Lives through Aquatic Programming and Instruction. www.csswimschool.com.

Lions Club Christmas Trees on Sale Now

2010-11-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

Support your local Lions and get in the traditional holiday spirit with a real tree this year.

The Security Lions Club will be selling Christmas trees beginning Friday, November 26. They've set up shop on Hwy 85/87 at the Fountain Valley Shopping Center, between Independent Records and Albertacos.

Trees range in price from $30 to $80 depending on the type and size. Proceeds benefit the Security Lions Club. The Lions hope to sell around 300 trees between Black Friday and December 19th.

Flip them the bird!

2010-11-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

God's Pantry, 102 N. Main Street in Fountain, CO is hosting a Turkey Dinner for struggling families in the area, but they NEED TURKEYS. If you can spare one, please make your donation to God's Pantry in downtown Fountain.

Turkeys are on sale just about everywhere right now. You can likely pick one up for between $5 and $7. For more information call God's Pantry at (719) 382-0643.

Tree lighting ceremony, Fountain Colorado, Friday, November 19th

2010-11-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

The Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce will once again host the annual tree lighting ceremony at 7pm at Mayors Park (Caboose Park) on North Santa Fe Ave in Fountain (at Iris and Hwy 85/87, north of the middle school).

It's free to the public, and yes, there will be free cookies,hot chocolate and hot apple cider. Of course Santa Clause will be on hand as well.

For more information call the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce office at 382-3190 (before 2pm)

American Airlines Awards Colorado Springs Airport Employees for Improved Customer Service

2010-11-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 13 November 2010 (PR-Canada.net)

American Airlines employees in Colorado Springs celebrated their second customer service victory this year as American announced the top five airports to be honored for improved customer experience and innovative problem solving for the third quarter of 2010. The program is called the Customer Cup, and the winners are announced each quarter.

"We created the 'Customer Cup' to build competition between airport station teams who are focused on bettering processes, products and interactions to deliver an improved customer experience," said Mark Mitchell, American's Managing Director – Customer Experience. "A good customer experience is the foundation for building customer loyalty, and we recognize five stations each quarter that are making measured improvements in enhancing the travel experience for our customers."

Customer Cups are categorized and awarded by market size from largest to smallest stations according to flight activity. The award recognizes stations for their performance in serving customers at the airport across six primary customer touch points, including gate interactions, the boarding experience, delays and delay management, onboard interactions, baggage handling and baggage resolution. Colorado Springs was awarded the Customer Cup this quarter for significantly improving internal customer satisfaction ratings in several categories, including an 8 point increase in boarding efficiency and 3 point increase in delivering relevant information to customers at the gate. Other winners this quarter include Dallas/Fort Worth, Dayton, Ohio, Liberia, Costa Rica and San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico.

This second victory marks consistent improvement and continued dedication from employees in Colorado Springs. Employees at the station focus on details that matter to customers at the airport, while taking time for personal customer interactions. The team works to provide frequent updates at the gate that keep travelers well informed of their flight's status and their options in case of delays.

"Winning the Customer Cup for a second time this year is a great honor because it comes right from the customer," said Lothar von Wolfseck, American's General Manager – Colorado Springs. "Our employees recognize the importance of providing exceptional service and we are working very hard every day to deliver on our standard of customer service. Our win this quarter gives us additional motivation to keep raising the bar for our customers."

The Customer Cup is part of a broader focus the airline has put toward improving the experience for its customers. With more than 250 employee teams across the network, the airline encourages all employees to bring forward ideas and solutions to improve the travel experience. With stations competing for the Customer Cup honor quarterly, employees who contribute earn network bragging rights and a party in their honor for working hard to improve the airlines' customer service rankings.

"Given the challenges the industry faces, the Cup is a great way to recognize the accomplishments of our employees," Mitchell added. "It's through their dedication and ingenuity we can deliver exceptional travel experiences of our customers."

Colorado Springs Recreation Center expands programming and events

2010-11-13T11:53:00.000-08:00

press release

Providing the community with multiple recreation options

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The Colorado Springs Recreation Center has expanded it's programming and events to better serve the Colorado Springs Community. The Recreation Center opened this past September and is ideally located only 1.5 miles from Downtown in beautiful Memorial Park. The Recreation Center now boasts a plethora of programming designed to fit the Recreation needs of all ages.

The Recreation Center is one of three City facilities the Colorado Springs Swim School (CSSS) saved from closure due to City budget cuts. As part of an agreement with the City of Colorado Springs, the Colorado Springs Swim School also took over management of Wilson Ranch Pool and Portal Pool, originally scheduled to be closed due to City budget cuts.

Youth Sports Camps - Starting with the Thanksgiving Holiday season (Nov 22-24 & 26) and continuing through the winter holidays, the Recreation Center will offer Youth Sports Camps. Youth Sports Camps, scheduled during local school holidays are an ideal alternative to Day Care. Designed to both introduce and build new sport and activity skills, children will spend a fun-filled active day with us. The camps are designed for school-aged children between 5-12 and are scheduled between 8:30am-3:30pm with options for early drop off and late pick up.

Parent's Night Out is being held the third Friday of every month and is designed to provide parents the opportunity to spend an evening out without their children. Parent's Night Out is from 5:00pm-8:30pm and children will be treated to a fun evening of sports and recreational activities under the watchful eyes of the Recreation Center Staff. The next two Parent's Night Out will be held November 19 and December 17 serving as an ideal time for some holiday shopping without the kids. Children ages 6-weeks to 12-years are welcome.

Aquatic Turkey Trot and Turkey Trot Predict - Two great events on the same day, November 20. These two events will take place in and around the Recreation Center and are fun ways to ward off those unwanted holiday pounds before the big meal. The Aquatic Turkey Trot (9:00am) will be a fun water workout taking place in the Recreation Center Pool, and the Turkey Trot Predict (10:00am) will take place outside the Recreation Center utilizing the park's trail systems.

Aquatic Fitness - Multiple aquatic fitness workouts are now being offered at the Recreation Center. From Ai Chi, to Low Impact Aquatic Exercise, and Monthly Back to Basics classes, the expertise of the Colorado Springs Swim School staff is able to meet the aquatic fitness needs of a wide range of fitness individuals.

Child Care in the PlayRoom - Starting on Monday, November 15, the Colorado Springs Recreation Center will begin offering Child Care in the PlayRoom. Child Care will be offered from 7-11am Mon-Friday and is for children 6-weeks of age and older. Call the Recreation Center at 719-385-5984 for more details.

Learn-to-Swim Lessons - The staple of the Colorado Springs Swim School, our Learn-to-Swim lessons boast the smallest student to teacher ratio (3:1 for 3-5 yr. olds and 5:1 for 6+) of any group lessons in the community. Parents learn why CSSS is a Swim School, and not just another facility offering lessons. School Holiday lessons are now available on the Swim School site at www.csswimschool.com.

Masters Swimming - Every weekday morning, the Recreation Center hosts Coached Masters Swimming workouts. The Masters Swimming workouts are designed for adult (18+) swimmers of all abilities. Workouts take place from 6:00-7:30am.

Holiday Drives - The Colorado Springs Recreation Center is an official drop off location for Care and Share and Toys for Tots. Please bring non-perishable food items and new unwrapped toys to the Recreation Center and let's all help those in need in our community.

American Red Cross GuardStart, Lifeguard and CPR classes are now offered at the Recreation Center. Registration is available from the home page of the Colorado Springs Swim School. CPR classes will be held the 2nd Thursday of every month at 5:00pm.

About the Colorado Springs Recreation Center
The Colorado Springs Recreation Center opened in September of 2010 under the management of the Colorado Springs Swim School. Designed to offer the Colorado Springs community with and abundance of recreational opportunities, the Recreation Centers mission is "Keeping our Community Healthy, Fit and Safe."
About the Colorado Springs Swim School
The Colorado Springs Swim School is the City's leading Learn-to-Swim School. Established in 1992, CSSS has taught thousands of individuals how to swim and better enjoy all things aquatics, and is responsible for providing the residents of Colorado Springs with the only outdoor public aquatic facilities. CSSS is devoted to "Enriching Lives through Aquatic Programming and Instruction."

South Side Business News adds Safeways and Valeros to distribution locations

2010-11-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

Beginning with the December 2010 issue, the South Side Business News will be available in three Colorado Springs and Fountain Safeway stores - 6520 S. Academy, 6925 Mesa Ridge Parkway (Fountain) and 1920 S. Nevada Avenue. It will also be adding 5 Valero (Diamond Shamrock) convenience store racks, 1801 Main Street and 205 Main Street in Security, 1740 Jet Wing Drive, 1760 S. Nevada Ave and 715 Cheyenne Meadows Road in Colorado Springs.

The monthly paper, which spotlights the area's small business community is already available in 12 south side 7-11's and over 100 other local businesses and offices. You can also access the paper and archives, online at www.SouthSideBusiness.com (no registration required).

Community Honors CVB President & CEO Terry Sullivan

2010-11-11T10:54:00.000-08:00

Colorado Springs Colorado – November 11, 2010 - On Wednesday, November 10, 2010, the Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau commemorated President & CEO Terry Sullivan’s retirement along with his 20 years of service to the tourism industry. The theme of this grand event was “Celebrating Mr. Tourism: A World of Thanks for Terry Sullivan.” As Mr. Sullivan will officially retire on December 31, 2010, more than 500 local, regional and national industry partners, colleagues, friends and family gathered to honor Mr. Sullivan and his contributions throughout his years of service.

The celebration held at Cheyenne Mountain Resort featured Mr. Sullivan’s tales of challenges and accomplishments beginning in June of 1990 and ending this December of 2010. Mr. Sullivan’s two children, Ryan Sullivan and Deirdre Campbell, paid comical tribute to their father and CVB Board Chair Susan Edmondson presented Mr. Sullivan with the Tourism Industry Award. A bench in America the Beautiful Park was dedicated to Mr. Sullivan, as known fondly as Mr. Tourism, by the City of Colorado Springs. Mr. Sullivan will hold his final Board meeting on Tuesday, November 16, 2010. Photos of the event can be viewed here and are available in high resolution upon request.

The CVB would like to thank event sponsors Cheyenne Mountain Resort, The Broadmoor, Miller Lite, Coca-Cola, Outlets at Castle Rock, Ent Business Banking, DocuMart, Texas Monthly, Internet Honey, Pikes Peak Country Attractions Association, Marvel’s Cake Boutique, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corporation, the Colorado Tourism Office, MMG Worldwide, Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs, M & C, Successful Meetings, Marco Hernandez Creative, Efficient Media Solutions, Pikes Peak Lodging Association, Colorado Restaurant Association, Colorado Springs Marriott, A.S. Enterprise, Colorado Springs Airport, Schneider Publishing and Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs.

New Colorado Springs Company offers Armed Defense Training

2010-11-10T17:08:00.000-08:00

image - Daniel C. Lanotte, Carpenters Mate Consulting

Colorado Springs - (Proforma Mark-It Pros) Carpenter’s Mate Consulting, Personal Protection Group serves the citizens of El Paso County in the areas of basic firearms instruction and personal protection. The offer courses which concentrate on safety and proficiency in firearms use.

Instruction is client paced, ensuring each student is comfortable with the information presented. Many students are experiencing shooting for the first time, while some are experienced shooters who need to satisfy the requirement for the Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit. Whichever the case, each student receives the personal attention required.

Personal Protection In the Home is taught in a home setting. If desired, this training can be done in the student’s home, allowing the client to develop strategies in his/her personal residence, providing the ideal situation to brainstorm and enact various scenarios for safety and feasibility. The additional range work is designed to be as realistic as possible.

Personal Protection Outside the Home is a true concealed carry course. All range work is performed from a concealed carry purse or a holster and a covering garment . Clearly, it’s best to avoid altercation; however, if that is not possible, students can learn a variety of strategies to mitigate the threat.

A new area of concentration for the Personal Protection Group is that of Business Watch. The company consults with business groups to assist them in learning how to reduce crime in their areas.

Personal Protection Group also speaks to Neighborhood Watch groups to assist in their mission to reduce crime in the local community. It seems that every day there is a new report about another break-in, home invasion, or abduction. Neighborhood Watch groups have proven to drastically reduce these and other crimes in neighborhoods.

The two “Watch” programs are not intended to supplant law enforcement involvement but rather to augment it.

One course that is still in development is Church Security Team Training. Unfortunately, many houses of worship have found it necessary to develop their own Safety and Security programs. This is an area in which few churches have any expertise. Personal Protection Group can assist in compiling the governing guidelines and policies and then establish training programs in line with the adopted plan.

For more information, please contact Daniel C. Lanotte at Carpenter’s Mate Consulting, dlanotte@carpmateconsulting.com
(719) 661-1318

Expressions of Hope 2011: Clients’ Artwork on Display in Annual Calendar

2010-11-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

AspenPointe press release – “Expressions of Hope,” the 2011 art calendar featuring paintings by consumers of ASPENPOINTE, is now available online.

The artwork is created as part of the organization’s creative expression programs, which help adults as well as children cope with a variety of ailments. This year’s calendar also includes the artwork of wounded soldiers from Fort Carson, who take classes through a collaboration with the Bemis School of Art at the Fine Arts Center of Colorado Springs.

All proceeds from the sales will go back to the creative expression programs and help with the purchase of supplies.

“Sometimes people associate mental illness with crazy ideas; treat it as a negative,” says art therapist Kim Nguyen. “But (the clients) are full of creativity and an abundance of beauty. With the right direction, they can flourish.”
Such was the case with Tisha Gutierrez. For several years, she battled the stigma and denied herself treatment out of fear of retribution and losing her four children. After a nervous breakdown in 2004, Gutierrez started treatment at ASPENPOINTE and one of her most effective treatments is paint and canvas.

“Once I get it out on the canvas, it’s not trapped,” she says. “It’s put on the wall and not stored away in my mind.”

Gutierrez’s work is again featured in the 2011 calendar. It can be purchased for $10 and viewed online at www.AspenPointe.org or by clicking here.

To order by phone, and for more information about creative expression and other ASPENPOINTE programs, call (719) 572-6100