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Colorado - Fri. 11/21/25 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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JOBS REPORT SHOWS 119,000 ADDED IN SEPTEMBER, UNEMPLOYMENT RISES TO 4.4%
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The delayed September jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed nonfarm payrolls increasing by 119,000, beating expectations of 50,000, after August was revised to a loss of 4,000 jobs. The unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent, the highest since October 2021, while a broader measure edged lower to 8 percent. Average hourly earnings grew 0.2 percent for the month and 3.8 percent year over year, slightly below forecasts. Gains came from health care (43,000), bars and restaurants (37,000), and social assistance (14,000), while transportation and warehousing lost 25,000 and professional services fell 20,000. The household survey showed employment rising by 251,000 and labor force participation climbing to 62.4 percent, the highest since May. The report, delayed by a 44 day government shutdown, is the last before the Federal Reserve’s December meeting.
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MLB ANNOUNCES NEW MEDIA RIGHTS DEALS WITH NBC, ESPN & NETFLIX
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Major League Baseball confirmed a three-year media rights agreement beginning in 2026 with NBC, ESPN and Netflix, following ESPN’s decision to opt out of its Sunday Night Baseball package. NBC will now air Sunday night games and the entire Wild Card round, paying about $200 million annually. ESPN secured rights to MLB.TV, a 30-game midweek package, and distribution of MLB Network and select in market games, paying $550 million. Netflix will host the Home Run Derby, Opening Night, and deliver all 47 games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Japan, paying about $50 million yearly. The league’s overall media revenue rises, though the Sunday night package brings a $300 million haircut compared to ESPN’s prior deal. Commissioner Rob Manfred said the partnerships expand MLB’s reach through broadcast and streaming platforms, while positioning for a larger deal in 2028.
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DENVER RESTAURANTS RANK NEAR BOTTOM FOR SURVIVAL RATE ON DOORDASH
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New DoorDash data shows Denver restaurants had one of the lowest one year survival rates among major U.S. cities, with 90.5 percent remaining open compared to a national average of 93 percent. Fremont, California ranked lowest at 87.6 percent, while Lincoln, Nebraska was highest at 97.3 percent. Post pandemic challenges in Denver include high labor and goods costs, permitting delays, and downtown issues tied to homelessness, drug use, and crime. Many long standing eateries have closed, though new restaurants continue to open, with 18.3 percent joining DoorDash in 2024. Aurora fared better, with a 94.6 percent survival rate and lower meal costs averaging $14.54 compared to Denver’s $14.85. A bright spot locally is rising weekday lunch orders downtown as workers return to offices.
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CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING SEASON OPENS IN COLORADO NATIONAL FORESTS
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Colorado’s national forests have begun selling permits for holiday tree cutting, with rules varying by district. In the Arapaho and Roosevelt forests, permits cost $20 plus a $2.50 service fee, and trees must be six inches or less in diameter, cut close to the ground, and not taken near roads, trails, or recreation areas. White River National Forest permits cost $10, with restrictions including trees under 15 feet tall and bans on cutting Colorado Blue Spruce or in wilderness areas. Pike-San Isabel permits range from $10 to $20, requiring trees be at least 200 feet from main roads and 50 feet from trails or waterways. Fourth graders with Every Kid Outdoors passes may receive one free tree permit, though the $2.50 service fee still applies. Cutting is prohibited in Rocky Mountain National Park.
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STATE BOARD APPROVES SHOSHONE INSTREAM FLOW RIGHTS DEAL
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The Colorado Water Conservation Board unanimously approved a proposal to accept senior Shoshone hydroelectric water rights into its instream flow program, advancing a $99 million purchase agreement with Xcel Energy. The deal, co managed with the Colorado River District, secures flows of up to 1,250 cubic feet per second dating back to the early 1900s, protecting downstream communities, farms, and ecosystems even when the Glenwood Canyon plant is not operating. More than $57 million has been committed by state and Western Slope entities, though $40 million in federal funding remains under review. Front Range utilities raised concerns about shared management authority, but board members cited precedent for such agreements. The proposal must still be reviewed in water court, where historical use and co management provisions will be considered. Local officials hailed the decision as a historic step for Colorado River health and water security.
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UNITED WAY HOLDS SECOND WAVE OF WINTER SUPPLY DRIVE IN GRAND JUNCTION
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United Way of Mesa County, in partnership with Colorado Mesa University physician assistant students, is collecting coats, blankets, socks, hats, and gloves for unhoused residents after distributing supplies to 230 people in an earlier drive that ended November 10. Donations are accepted until noon Thursday at the United Way office, 750 Main Street, Suite 111, or at CMU’s Dominguez Hall. The nonprofit will deliver goods directly to local encampments using its mobile outreach vehicle, continuing efforts to provide food, water, and essentials twice weekly. Executive Coordinator Corbin Curtis emphasized the need for winter warmth supplies, while CMU student Aidan Quinn, who launched the effort, noted his personal motivation after losing an uncle to homelessness in Denver. Organizers hope to expand community support initiatives beyond the current drive.
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POWDERHORN RESORT DELAYS OPENING DAY AMID WARM WEATHER
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Powderhorn Mountain Resort announced Thursday that its planned opening has been postponed, with the new date still to be determined. Warmer fall temperatures and limited natural snowfall have prevented crews from building the necessary base depth, though recent weather shifts brought some snow and allowed snowmaking in select areas. Forecasts for cooler conditions next week could enable more production along Bill’s Run and the base area. Resort officials emphasized that all departments, from lifts and grooming to rentals and lodging, are prepared for the season and will open as soon as conditions allow. The update follows earlier optimism that natural snow would permit a November 21 start. Powderhorn said it looks forward to welcoming guests once wintry weather arrives.
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CATTLE DRIVES PROMPT SAFETY REMINDER FROM MONTEZUMA COUNTY SHERIFF
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The Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to slow down and share the road during seasonal cattle drives, which continue through early December. Sheriff Steve Nowlin emphasized that ranchers and cowhands have the legal right to move livestock on public roads, including cattle, horses, and sheep, often numbering 30 to 300 animals accompanied by dogs and riders. Drives occur along Colorado Highways 145 and 184, U.S. 160, and rural roads near Dolores and Mancos. Deputies assist with traffic control, when possible, but incidents arise when motorists refuse to yield, sometimes striking animals. Nowlin warned that negligence resulting in harm to livestock is a crime and honking only startles herds. Nighttime poses the greatest danger, as dark-colored animals are difficult to see. Drivers are advised to remain patient, avoid pushing herds, and expect activity even into the holiday season.
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VAIL TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES $135.7 MILLION BUDGET FOR 2026
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The Vail Town Council passed its 2026 budget totaling $135.7 million, down from the record $157.8 million in 2025 and roughly equal to 2024 levels. The plan allocates $82 million to municipal services, including $38.9 million for salaries, $12.3 million for benefits, $4 million in contributions, $3 million for special events, and $23.7 million in other operating costs. Capital spending includes $23.4 million for Timber Ridge unit purchases and $24.6 million for other projects. Revenues are projected at $142 million, allowing the town to avoid dipping into reserves, which fell to $56 million after heavy use in 2024. The budget adds about 20 new jobs, funded by programs such as summer parking and enhanced bus service. Late revisions shifted $1 million from bike lanes to a Main Vail underpass project and added $30,000 in matching funds for a new stewardship crew.
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STEAMBOAT RESORT TO OPEN SATURDAY WITH SNOWMAKING SUPPORT
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Steamboat Resort will open for the 2025 26 ski season at 8:30 a.m. Saturday despite limited natural snowfall, relying on expanded snowmaking from its Full Steam Ahead project. Guests can access Upper High Noon via the Wild Blue Gondola and Sunshine Express lift, while SnowSports school participants will use a dedicated beginner area at the top of Wild Blue. Opening festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. in Steamboat Square with mimosas, coffee, and doughnuts; the first 100 visitors will receive shirts designed by local business Ohana and Smartwool socks. Food and beverage services will be available at The Range, Timber and Torch, and Rendezvous Lodge, with Pickin’ On The Dead performing from 1 4 p.m. Resort officials said colder temperatures and incoming snow should allow more terrain to open soon, urging guests to respect closures for safety.
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MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SURVEY UNDER WAY IN THE YAMPA VALLEY
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Residents and workers in Moffat and Routt Counties are invited to take part in a new community‑wide survey designed to improve mental and behavioral health resources. Launched by the Yampa Valley Community Foundation with national research partner PRC and local agencies including The Health Partnership, REPS, Northwest Colorado Health, UCHealth YVMC, Health Solutions West, and Warhorse Ranch, the confidential survey asks about community connections, quality of life, and health needs related to mental health and alcohol use. Results will guide service providers in identifying gaps and strengthening programs.
The survey is available at prcsurvey.com/begin/YampaValley2026 until February 2026, with phone interviews of about 400 randomly selected households also conducted in English and Spanish. Leaders emphasize broad participation to create a holistic view of regional needs. The effort is part of YVCF’s collaboration with the Katz Amsterdam Foundation’s KAF Network, linking 11 rural resort communities to share data and strategies.
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THANKSGIVING DINNER COST DECLINES FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR
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The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th annual survey shows the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people is $55.18, down 5 percent from 2024 and marking the third consecutive year of declines. Turkey prices fell sharply, helping offset increases in fresh vegetables and sweet potatoes, which rose due to hurricane damage and supply chain disruptions. Regional averages varied, with the South most affordable at $50.01 and the West highest at $61.75. Adding ham, Russet potatoes, and green beans raises the expanded meal cost to $77.09.
Individual Prices:
- 16-pound turkey: $21.50 or $1.34 per pound (down 16.3 percent)
- 14 ounces cubed stuffing mix: $3.71 (down 9 percent)
- 2 frozen pie crusts: $3.37 (down 0.8 percent)
- Half pint whipping cream: $1.87 (up 3.2 percent)
- 1-pound frozen peas: $2.03 (up 17.2 percent)
- 1 dozen dinner rolls: $3.56 (down 14.6 percent)
- Misc. ingredients: $3.61 (down 4.7 percent)
- 30-ounce pumpkin pie mix: $4.16 (up 0.1 percent)
- 1-gallon whole milk: $3.73 (up 16.3 percent)
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes: $4.00 (up 37 percent)
- 1 pound veggie tray: $1.36 (up 61.3 percent)
- 12-ounce fresh cranberries: $2.28 (down 2.8 percent)
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MARKET UPDATE - 11/20/2025 Close
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(Courtesy of Alpine Bank Wealth Management*)
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Canadian dollar (per U.S. dollar)
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Mexican peso (per U.S. dollar)
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30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac 11/20/2025)
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*Not FDIC insured. May lose value. Not guaranteed by the bank.
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Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado's Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank serves customers with retail, business, wealth management*, mortgage and electronic banking services. Learn more at alpinebank.com.
*Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed by the bank.
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