Business After Hours - Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce

Castle Rock Chamber of CommerceServing the Business Community Since 1955 • Representing 22,524 Member Employees December 2007, Volume 5, Number 12MoreNewsInsideCEO Focus.....................................3Networking.....................................6Members In the News........................8New Members and Anniversaries.......12Creating Leaders...........................13

The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce PresentsThe 2008 Front Range ShowcaseA Business to Consumer Expo forYour Business, Home, Garden and RecreationApril 11 and 12, 2008Douglas County Events Center500 Fairgrounds DriveFriday 2pm to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 5pmShowcase After Hours 5-7pm (Friday)Hosted by Flying Horse CateringF Early Bird Special E(Discount for current Chamber Members ONLY )$255 before Jan. 31st – reserves your booth space(After Jan 31st: Chamber member booth is $295)Non-members: $395For more information, call Todd: 303-688-4597or email: todd@castlerock.orgwww.castlerock.orgServing the legal needs of individuals andsmall to mid-sized businessesDeborah Kish Johansen, J.D., M.B.A.Licensed in Colorado & FloridaBusiness LawFormation & PlanningMergers & AcquisitionsGeneral Business ContractsCommercial DisputesReal EstateResidential & CommercialLeasesAreas of PracticeEmployment LawContracts & HandbooksNon-CompetesEmployee DisputesIndependent ContractorsEstates & TrustsWills & TrustsPower of Attorneys333 Perry Street, Suite 208, Castle Rock, CO 80104p.303.688.1381 f.303.688.1383 johansenlaw@mac.comGet in the Game...CEO FOCUS from p. 3ing planned for CDOT for the summer of 2008. CDOT has yet to communicatewith the Town its plans for widening I-25 to eight lanes to the north.Douglas County Business Alliance gets ready for the ‘08 Legislative SessionIn preparation for the upcoming legislative session, the DCBA board has beenentertaining presentations on the issues that will be addressed during the session.At the November board meeting, a debate was heard between Scott Groginsky,Colorado Children’s Campaign, and Representative Frank McNulty regarding theproperty tax impacts of SB07-199, the School Finance Act. The tax increase proposalwas under-estimated by $66 million during the first year. It is anticipatedthat property taxes will now increase to $114 million in year one. There is possiblelitigation pending on this issue.Other topics of interest heard by the board this past fall have been on the 2008Healthcare Commissions by Ralph Pollack, CACI and Josh Harwood, the Governor’sChief Economist on the status of Referendum C.Jointhe Chamber!303-688-4597www.castlerock.orgThe upcoming legislative session looks to be rather volatile and will affect the waywe all do business in the future. Main areas of focus will be healthcare, transportationfunding, or lack thereof, higher education funding and climate issues.The Douglas County Business Alliance (DCBA) – is a joint effort of the Chambers of Commerceof Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch and Parker; the Economic Development Councils ofCastle Rock and Parker; and the Southeast Business Partnership. Our focus is to unite andempower the businesses of Douglas County agencies with the means to educate and generatea strong voice for positive impact on state and federal policy, regulations and legislationthat affect business’ ability to succeed and add positively to our quality of life in DouglasCounty. Our Castle Rock representatives on the DCBA board are Pam Ridler, President ofthe Castle Rock Chamber and Chairwoman of DCBA; Jim Hunsaker, Grimshaw & Harring,P.C.; DJ Tedesco, Castle Rock Bank; Jim Riley, Castle Rock Development Company;Jim Folkestad, Folkestad, Fazekas, Barrick & Patoile, P.C. and David Mitchem, CastleRock Economic Development CouncilCastle Rock Chamber Business Voice • www.castlerock.org • For Advertising Info Call 303-663-6525

Members in the NewsLaurie Lewis Named InsurancePerson of the YearProfessional Independent InsuranceAgents of Colorado (PIIAC) recognizedLaurie Lewis, President of CoWestInsurance Group, as Insurance Personof the Year at its annual convention inColorado Springs on November 1, 2007.The Insurance Person of the Year is the highest honor awarded by PIIAC.The award is presented to a member who has demonstrated outstandingleadership efforts in support of the American Agency System.Laurie Lewis is President and CEO of CoWest Insurance Group with headquartersin Castle Rock. CoWest is one of Colorado’s largest independentinsurance agencies with over 30 offices. The business has continued stronggrowth through the leadership of Ms. Lewis.The Castle Rock Chamber congratulates Laurie, whose firm is also a partnerin the Chamber’s Workers Compensation Program. To find out more aboutthis Program, contact the Chamber at 303-688-4597.Automaster Hosts Toys for Tots FundraiserWe hope you will join us for a fun night of great food and drink, liveentertainment and dancing Friday, December 7th at the Castle Rock Eagles.There will be door prizes, a silent auction and a raffle.Doors open at 6:00 pm. Former Denver Broncos Dave Studdard and RalphTamm will be on hand for photos and autographs from 6:00 to 6:30 pm,dinner will be served at 6:30 pm.Tickets are available for $75 per couple, and can be purchased at Automasterat 1157 Caprice Drive or Black Jack Pizza, in the Safeway Plaza. Pleasebring a present for the kids!Toys for Tots Special at Automaster – bring in an unwrapped toy and save$10 on your next repair. This offer can be combined with other offers.Dream Pastries Crepe Café is Wifi Capable and Ready toHost Your Next MeetingEnjoy the luxury of an unhurried atmosphere blended with superior customerservice and the convenience of leaving the muss and fuss behind.Open: Monday – FridaySaturdaySunday8am to 3pm8am to 4pm9am to 3pmWe serve scrumptious breakfast and lunch crepes, as well as freshly madesoups, salads, sandwiches and designer coffees. Reward the success of yourmeeting with one of our enticing sweet offerings: melt in your mouthgelato, fresh pastries or one of our exquisite dessert crepes.Please call ahead to reserve your place: 720-733-1574A Special Chamber Thank You to Dream Pastries Crepe Café foragreeing to serve as the official Coffee Sponsor of the Castle RockChamber.Jonathan Buck Receives CRPC DesignationJonathan Buck of Merrill Lynch’s Englewood office has completed the Collegeof Financial Planning’s Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM(CRPC®) program and received the CRPC® designation.The designation is given to those financial advisors that successfully completethe required coursework and exams and commit to its code of ethicsand continuing education. Coursework focuses on the pre- and post-retirementneeds of individuals, especially asset management, distribution strategies,estate planning, tax planning, and long-term care issues.Mr. Buck is also an Ambassador for the Castle Rock Chamber, and a memberof the 2007-2008 class of Leadership Douglas County.Merrill Lynch is one of the world’s leading wealth management, capital markets andadvisory companies. For more information on Merrill Lynch, please visit www.ml.com.Storage SponsorRestaurant of the MonthFlorist SponsorPark Street/Jerry Street StorageMark Heath1500 N. Park StreetCastle Rock, CO303-688-2242Outback SteakhouseJoshua Carroll4687 Milestone LaneCastle Rock, CO303-814-0099Castle Pines Florist& GreenhouseChristina Michaels807 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock303.688.4563 Castle Rock Chamber Business Voice • www.castlerock.org • For Advertising Info Call 303-663-6525

Town &County2008 Town budget is designed to accomplish Council’score prioritiesDespite less-than-robust revenues, the Town is committed to achievingthe goals and projects Town Council established as priorities for 2008.Budget Highlights:• There will not be a tax increase in 2008, as has been the case since1994.• The Town’s property tax mill levy will decrease for the 16th consecutiveyear. The 2008 rate is estimated at 1.680 mills. At this property taxrate, a property owner with a home valued at $300,000 pays about $40annually to the Town to support services.• 2008 sales tax revenues are anticipated to increase 4.5 percent over therevised estimate for 2007.• The Town-wide 2008 expenditure budget includes $58.4 million inCapital Improvement Program costs and $83.1 million in operating costs.The budget is scheduled for its second and final reading Dec. 11th andpublic comment is welcome. Keep up with all the scheduled meetings atwww.CRgov.com or by calling the Town Clerk’s Office, 303-660-1367.For more details on the 2008 budget, go to www.CRgov.com, and clickon 2008 Proposed Budget on the left of the Web page or contact theFinance Division, 720-733-2227.Castle Rock View wins for keeping the community connectedThe Town of Castle Rock’s Castle Rock View television news magazineswept every award for community awareness in a national competition.The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors(NATOA) awarded Castle Rock View first, second and third place, plushonorable mention, in Community Awareness for programming with anoperating budget under $100,000. The show segments earning the honorswere “Cooking at The Grange: Odette’s Cuisine” (first place); “TABOR2A Update” (second place); “Greater Castle Rock Art Guild” (third place);“Castle Rock Starlighting History” (honorable mention); and “CastleRock’s 125th Anniversary” (honorable mention).Home-Based Business? This Information is for you –Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program approved Tuesdayby the Castle Rock Town CouncilThe program aims to improve situations where traffic is traveling too fast onresidential streets, where drivers are using residential streets as shortcuts,and congested main thoroughfares. Though it is not required, a roadwaywill be given greater consideration for improvements if there is aschool, park, trail crossing, recreation center/clubhouse or other facilitySee TOWN & COUNTRY p. 14Looking for a Sweet Deal?Call 303-663-6525for affordable ratesand advertise inBusiness VoiceYour ad will reach businesses in:~ Castle Rock ~ Parker~ Highlands Ranch ~ Littleton~ Lone Tree ~ Franktown~ Sedallia ~ Larkspur...and elsewhereAnniversary Sponsor Coffee Sponsor Beverage SponsorMountain ManNut & Fruit CompanyChris & Bernice Lucero224 Wilcox StreetCastle Rock303.660.4020Dream Pastries Crepes CafeSoraya Balleydier611 Wilcox Street, Unit ACastle Rock, CO720-733-1574The Pepsi BottlingCompany3801 Brighton Blvd.Denver, CO 80216Castle Rock Chamber Business Voice • www.castlerock.org • For Advertising Info Call 303-663-6525

Small Business Profile: COLORADOSmall businesses are the heart of Colorado’s economy.Research by the Office of Advocacy shows that smallbusinesses create most of the nation’s net new jobs,and they bring dynamic ideas, innovative services, and new products tothe marketplace. They account for almost all of the nation’s employerfirms and generate half of non-farm private output. New businesscreation is key to a state’sability to increase its gross state product, statepersonal income, and total state employment.1 This small business profileuses the most recent data available to demonstrate the valuable contributionsthat small businesses make to Colorado’s economic health.Number of Businesses. Colorado had an estimated total of 550,100small businesses.2 Employer firms totaled 156,900 in 2006, up 2.9 percentfrom the previous year. Of this total, an estimated 97.8 percent, or153,400 were small. Selfemployment (incorporated and unincorporated)totaled 338,800 in 2006, an increase from 334,700 in 2005. Nonemployerfirms totaled 401,100 in 2005, an increase of 4.1 percent since2004. (Sources: U.S. Dept. of Labor, Employment and Training Administration;U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau; U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of LaborStatistics.)Women-owned Firms. In 2002, businesses owned by women numbered135,200, represented 29.1 percent of the state’s 465,000 businesses, andgenerated $16.4 billion in revenues. Employer firms owned by women totaled21,500, an increase of 16.4 percent since 1997. Women numbered132,000 or 39.0 percent of the state’s self-employed persons in 2006, anincrease of 1.2 percent from the previous year. (Sources: U.S. Dept. of Labor,Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau.)Minority-owned Firms.3 In 2002, Asian-owned firms totaled 10,900,and 3,400 of them were employer firms; Black-owned firms numbered7,100, and 800 were employer firms; Hispanic-owned firms totaled24,100, and 4,100 were employer firms. American Indian and AlaskaNative-owned firms numbered 3,900, and 600 of them were employerfirms; while Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander-owned businessesnumbered 390, and 50 were employer firms. (Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce,Census Bureau.)Business Turnover. An estimated 22,708 new employer firms werecreated in 2006, which is 14.7 percent less than the number created in2005. Business bankruptcies totaled 435 in 2006, down from 1,120 theprevious year, while business terminations increased from 14,000 in 2005to 24,200 in 2006. (Sources: U.S. Dept. of Labor, Employment and TrainingAdministration; Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; U.S. Dept. of Commerce,Census Bureau.)Employment. Small firms employed 52.0 percent of the state’s non-farmprivate labor force in 2004, which was above the national average of 50.9percent.4 These 121,500 firms accounted for 97.8 percent of the state’semployer businesses, and they employed 991,900 people (Table 1). Smallbusinesses added a total of 25,400 net new jobs between 2003 and 2004(Table 2). (Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau,Statistics of U.S. Businesses.)Small Business Income. Non-farm proprietors’ income, which is a shareof small business income, increased by 5.4 percent, from $24.1 billion in2005 to $25.4 billion in 2006.5 (Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce.)Finance. Commercial banks and savings institutions continued to beimportant sources of small business financing. The number of lendinginstitution branches in the state increased in 2006 (Table 3). For a list offinancial institutions in the state that make the most loans to small businesses,visit www.sba.gov/advo/research/lending.html.To learn more about the Office of Advocacy’s data andanalyses of small business, visit www.sba.gov/advo/research,call (202) 205-6533, or email advocacy@sba.gov.Sign up at http://web.sba.gov/list for email delivery of:• Advocacy Newsletter• Advocacy Press• Advocacy Regulatory News• Advocacy ResearchFor RSS feeds, visit www.sba.gov/advo/rsslibrary.html.Pinnacol Assurance and CoWest Insurance Group have partnered with the Chamber to Provide reasonable rates and training in workers compensationto area businesses as a benefit of Chamber membership. The Castle Rock Chamber members in the program receive an extensive andunmatched array of services at no additional cost from Pinnacol Assurance. By combining the premium of program members, a larger premiumbase is established, thereby allowing Pinnacol Assurance to reduce costs and return dividends to members based on loss histories. In the past12 months, the Chamber’s program has returned a total of $34,823 to participants of the program. For more information about this beneficialprogram, call Pam at 303-688-4597, or pam@castlerock.org.2008 Brings Changes to Workers’ CompensationRules: Are You Ready?When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, more than just theyear on your calendar is going to change. Some workers’ compensationrules are also changing and Pinnacol Assurance wants you to be prepared.HB 1176, the Employee Choice of Physician law, requires Coloradoemployers to designate two medical providers to treat employees who areinjured on the job. The two medical providers must be at two distinctlocations without common ownership. In some cases, rural employers areexempt from the two-provider rule if there are a limited number of availableproviders. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2008.In mid October, Pinnacol put in place the following processes to ensurethat its policyholders do not incur fines and penalties due to non-compliancewith this new law:• A provider designation process that ensures all policyholders will alwayshave two providers listed on their policy.• A robust Web-based provider designation system that allows for quickand easy provider selection and management.If you have any questions about the Employee Choice of Physician legislationor Pinnacol’s provider designation process, please call 303-361-4960or 1-888-852-2289.10 Castle Rock Chamber Business Voice • www.castlerock.org • For Advertising Info Call 303-663-6525

Multi-page cover storypackages inMarketplace Magazinestart at a littleover $1000.00Real Estate & Land UsePurchase and Land Contracts, Leases,Annexations & Zoning, ConservationEasementsDivorce & Family LawDivorce, Child Support, Custody,Visitation, Paternity, Parental RightsWills, Trusts, and EstatesEstate Planning, Probate, Trusts,GuardianshipsContracts & LeasesBusiness, Employment, Real EstateCivil LitigationBusiness, Construction,Insurance, PersonalProperty Tax AppealsProperty Tax AssessmentsTraffic and Criminal DefenseJuvenile & Criminal Cases,Domestic Violence,DUI, DUSBusiness LawContracts, Corporations, Partnerships,Limited Liability CompaniesJames Folkestad ı Ernie Fazekas ı Aaron Barrick ı Marc PatoileJohn Clark ı Wendy Monteith ı Donna Stewart ı Heidi HandeFOLKESTAD FAZEKASF O L K E S T A D F A Z E K A S B A R R I C K & P A T O I L E , P. C .a t t o r n e y s a t l a w18 South Wilcox Street, Suite 200 ı Castle Rock, Colorado 80104-1909p. 303.688.3045 ı f. 303.688.3189 ı ffcolorado.comSAVE THE DATEIn Douglas County,the number one crime(other than traffic offenses)is domestic violence.Each victim of domesticviolence leaves an emptybowl at the dinner table.Proceeds from this eventwill go towards continuingand expanded services tobetter serve our community.The Eighth AnnualEmptyBowlFriday, March 7th, 2008 6pm - 9pmDouglas County Events CenterGeneral Admission Tickets$40 per person, in advance, $45 at the doorRes. Tables of 8 $375 (incl. bowls & dinner)Voices of BusinessThe Facts“Speak forThemselves...The Castle Rock areais a tremendouseconomic engine.The Chamber is a leader increating a strong localeconomy, promoting thecommunity, advocatingpolitical action, providingnetworking opportunities andrepresenting businessto government. ”The Ultimate Business Resource!Did you know the Castle Rock Chamber is an organizationof business leaders who work to improve theircommunity and the area’s business climate.Information 303-688-1094CALL CLICK CONNECT!303-688-4597 www.castlerock.orgCastle Rock Chamber Business Voice • www.castlerock.org • For Advertising Info Call 303-663-652511

4X4 Electric, LLCTony Durbin4833 Front St, Unit B 407Castle Rock, CO 80104(303) 981-3381TelecommunicationsA Repair Guy, Inc.Guy ShingletonCastle Rock, CO 80104(303) 814-2424Contractors – Roofing, Gutters &DownspoutsAGELKimberly SpringerCastle Rock, CO 80104(303) 349-7459NutritionAllstate Insurance-The Nagle AgencyJoslin Nagle1850 Woodmoor Dr.Monument, CO 80133(719) 481-4740Insurance, Financial ServicesBYG, Inc.Yolanda Bruce(303) 688-3509Promotional ProductsCastle Rock Eye WearCharlotte Mattox856 Happy Canyon Rd. Suite 110Castle Rock, CO 80108(303) 663-2034OpticiansCinemizeMike Parrett(303) 808-4827Home TheatresColorado Elite Soccer ClubLynn Gomez960 South 1-25 Suite CCastle Rock, CO 80104(303) 660-4839OrganizationsGubbels Law Office, P.C.Darrell Gubbels413 North Wilcox St. Suite 100Castle Rock, CO 80104(303) 660-4839Law Firm - LawyersLowe’sScott Parkin1360 New Beale St.Castle Rock, CO 80104(720) 239-0355HardwareMega Home & WeddingMaggie Ma5050 Factory Shops Blvd Suite 160Castle rock, CO 80108(303) 688-5688Floral- SilkThank Youfor YourContinuedSupportSunset StoneValerie Gullarian702 Prairie Hawk Dr.Castle Rock, CO 80109(303) 791-1233Stone - CastThe Sky Ridge Imaging Centerat Castle RockDamon Trahan1175 S. Perry St.Castle Rock, CO 80104(720) 225-1540HospitalsThe Castle Rock Chamber Board and StaffWish You a Prosperous New Year!Company NameNumber of Years with ChamberOakwood Dental33 YearsD & L Constructors, Inc.33 YearsAquila21 YearsGuaranty Bank & Trust Co., Castle Rock21 YearsRE/MAX Alliance21 YearsAcme Brick21 YearsDouble D Auto Repair, Inc.21 YearsFirstBank of Douglas County21 YearsArapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network21 YearsBumgarner & Linn, D.D.S., P.C.21 YearsCastle Pines Florist & Greenhouse21 YearsCastle Rock Construction Co. of Colorado LLC21 YearsSteele Tires, Inc.21 YearsFirstBank of Douglas County (Wilcox)20 YearsParty Time Rental, Inc14 YearsWells Fargo Bank11 YearsNike10 YearsNAPA Auto Parts10 YearsSeeley, Darold10 YearsJ. Hall Dental Artistry 08 YearsExclusive Tans - Allen StreetLewan & AssociatesTheatre of Dreams Arts and Event CenteColorado Benefit AdvisorsThe UPS StoreThe Country Club at Castle PineBlack-Eyed PeaCoWest Insurance AdvisorsThe GymInstant ImprintsNetwork Insurance Services, LLCState Farm Insurance - David TopolnickiKirkpatrick Bank - Castle RockOpen Circle AcupuncturNew England FinancialSignature AlertAllstate Insurance - Teri Ellis AgencyVictor Mitchell for State RepresentativeDonna Echeverria, SPHRMajestic ImagesSaguaro Family Clinic05 Years05 Years05 Years04 Years04 Years04 Years03 Years03 Years03 Years03 Years03 Years03 Years02 Years02 Years02 Years02 Years02 Years02 Years01 Years01 Years01 Years12 Castle Rock Chamber Business Voice • www.castlerock.org • For Advertising Info Call 303-663-6525

Ambassadorof the MonthMary KeckMary is enjoying her 17th year as aresident of Castle Rock. She loves thefriendly, smaller town atmosphere withits giant pine trees, which is much likethe small town of Paradise, Californiawhere she grew up. Mary may be thefirst to admit that Castle Rock is betterthan Paradise!AGELManfred & Janelle WillCastle Rock, CO 80104(303) 667-4309Health & WellnessR i b b o nC u t t i n g sMary has been a Chamber memberfor ten years and is starting her fifthyear as a Chamber Ambassador. Herenjoyment in meeting and getting to know many people bodeswell for her as an Ambassador as well as in her work.Mary is an international Business & Wellness Consultant affiliatedwith the only Total Health and Wellness Company in the world bythe name of Nikken. Mary shows people how they can constructa Wellness Home living a healthier lifestyle by utilizing wellnesstechnologies to improve the quality of their families’ health.Innovations for the essentials of life include pi mag water, negativeionization in air filtration, whole food nutrition, magnetic sleeptechnology, and fitness.In her leadership position as a Platinum Wellness ConsultantMary speaks nationally at Wellness Previews, educates othersin all settings, and trains whomever wishes to start their ownInternational Business, working from home if they so choose.Mary considers Chamber Ambassadorship a privilege thathas afforded her the opportunity to be involved in and buildrelationships with others in the community. Mary says, “Itcertainly helps me in my business to connect with more peoplesince there is such growing interest in health and many peopleneed assistance in knowing how to be more proactive inmaintaining their own wellness.”The Chamber has many venues for connecting. Mary findsribbon cuttings, Business After Hours and the many othernetworking opportunities of Chamber membership, great venuesfor interacting with others in the community and building solidrelationships over time. People do relate when they feel others care!Aside from Chamber affiliations Mary is active singing in avolunteer Community Christian Choir called Canto Deo. Weeklyrehearsals and numerous performances annually keep her busy aswell. Mary loves to spend time in the garden to unwind. Whennot singing, gardening, being involved with grand children, or thechamber she frequently is traveling with husband Sam.Mary feels blessed to live where she does and have gratifying workto do. True to her love of the outdoors Mary embraces the motto,“Bloom Where You Are Planted.”FedEx KinkosSteven Donoho4625 Trail Boss RoadCastle Rock, CO 80104(720) 733-6425Printing ServicesSky RidgePhysicians Offices4386 Trail BossCastle Rock, CO 80104PhysiciansCreative EdgeJeff FleckCastle Rock, CO 80104(720) 936-3539Promotional ProductsRags To RosesPam AndrewsCastle Rock, CO 80104(720) 384-4920Jewelry- Custom,Photographers,Stationery and CardsCastle Rock Chamber Business Voice • www.castlerock.org • For Advertising Info Call 303-663-652513

Creating LeadersLeadership Douglas CountyTopic: TransportationSpeakers:Jo Snell- Manager of Community and Public Relations for E-470PHACarla Perez- Governor’s Blue Ribbon Transportation PanelDuane Fellhauer, Douglas County Public Works DirectorKen DePinto, CDOTLarry Corcoran- Douglas County Public WorksDan Sailor- Town of Castle RockCarl Larson- Leadership Skill on “Personal Negotiation”Steering Committee Planners: Darren Duerksen and Justin Williams,Class of 2007.Program Sponsors: Douglas County Government, City of LoneTree, 1stBank, Douglas County Libraries, For Rent By Owner,The Meadows at Historic Castle Rock, Town of Castle Rock,Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, The Chamber of Commerceof Highlands Ranch, and the Parker Chamber of Commerce.The class gained valuable insight into transportation issues and technologyfor the Douglas County area and I-25 corridor, as well as fundingproblems for Colorado and the whole nation. The nature of fundingtransportation has changed significantly over the years and the burden isshifting to state and local government. To read more about the Governor’sBlue Ribbon Panel which is exploring funding and implementationoptions for Colorado’s transportation system, go to http://www.colorado.gov/governor and click on Blue Ribbon Transportation Panel. After learningthat there are 116 bridges in Colorado that are functionally obsoleteor structurally deficient (out of 3200 bridges), it was good to hear aboutthe projects that E-470 has in the works regarding safety precautions, including,cable barriers, the new flyby, incident management for employeesas well as a safety patrol.Looking at transportation with a view to the sky, did you know that CentennialAirport, an international airport, is ranked among the 30 busiestof all airports in the US? Economically, the airport has an annual payrollof over 100 million (with over 2,000 employees) and generates over $1billion annually in direct and indirect economic impact. The class touredthe airport, and learned that it is an important part of the economic backboneof Arapahoe County, Douglas County and the metro area.“The region’s current analysis of transportation needs is critical for oureconomic future. Leadership Douglas County gained a great deal of valuableinformation from state, county and local transportation leaders. It’sgood to know a great deal of long-term planning is being performed at alllevels of government.” Kathie Shandro, RE/MAX Alliance.TOWN & COUNTRY from p. 9that generates high pedestrian traffic nearby. For more information aboutthe Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, contact Transportation PlannerDusty Dunbar at 303-814-6410 or ddunbar@CRgov.com.Castle Rock residential, bulk water rates may change startingin ’08The proposed 2008 rates and the resulting average residential bills aregenerally comparable to Castle Rock’s neighboring communities that aresimilar in size and are working to secure long-term water solutions. Theaverage resident’s monthly water bill – not including sewer fees – wouldbe $37.67 in the winter and $87.74 in the summer next year, comparedto $35.58 and $75.60 in 2007. The last rate adjustment took effect in2006. In order to encourage continued water conservation, monthlyusage greater than 30,000 gallons will be assessed a surcharge. ContactUtilities Director Ron Redd at 720-733-6001 or rredd@CRgov.com ifyou have questions.Is Your Business Considering Land Development in PrebleMouse Country?Threatened and Endangered Species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicerecommended this week. The recommendation is not final. The Servicewill consider public comments through mid-January before issuing a finaldetermination, expected by mid-2008.Among other reasons, the species is considered significant because its presence,primarily along East Plum and Cherry Creeks, is believed to indicatethat the surrounding riparian ecosystem – where land and flowing watermeet – is healthy. In Colorado, development activity has severely alteredor destroyed the mouse’s riparian habitat.Comments regarding the classification can be e-mailed to FW6_PMJM@fws.gov or faxed to 303-236-4005 through Jan. 14, 2008. They also maybe mailed to Field Supervisor, Colorado Field Office, Ecological Services,P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225.An open house and public hearing regarding the proposed new classificationsalso will be held on Monday, Dec. 10. The open house will run from4 to 5 p.m., and the hearing from 6 to 8 p.m., both at the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service Regional Office at 134 Union Blvd. in Lakewood.A type of small, rare mouse that makes its home in Castle Rock andother Front Range communities should remain on the Federal List ofFor more information, visit http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/mammals/preble.14 Castle Rock Chamber Business Voice • www.castlerock.org • For Advertising Info Call 303-663-6525

Castle Rock Chamber Business Voice • www.castlerock.org • For Advertising Info Call 303-663-652515

MagazineThere really is a way to advertise toa huge audience in full color and at a low cost!Save big $$$and promote your business inDouglas County’s favorite full color monthly magazineCall 303-663-6525 or visit www.MarketplaceMag.comPRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAIDDENVER, COPERMIT NO. 5377