|
Colorado - Fri. 09/18/26 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
|
|
View in Browser
|
|
|
| |
OUTDOOR RECREATION HIRING SOARS STATEWIDE AS RESTAURANT JOB LISTINGS DROP
|
| |
|
|
| |
Colorado's outdoor recreation industry has been adding jobs ahead of winter, but the state’s restaurants pulled back on hiring amid industry turmoil in the state’s biggest city. A report from the Colorado Chamber Foundation and Aspen-based labor market analytics company Aspen Technology Labs found that the state’s active job listings modestly grew in the second quarter of 2026, rising about 1.5 percent year over year. The growth was below the national increase of 3.7 percent in the second quarter. Leading industries growing through the quarter include engineering, up 19.5 percent year over year, information technology positions with a 14.1 percent increase, and the state’s outdoor recreation industry, which recorded a 17.3 percent year-over-year increase in active job listings.
The report, issued late last month, analyzed 50 outdoor recreation companies in the state and found that they posted 1,580 new jobs. Within the outdoor recreation industry, food and beverage positions accounted for 40 percent of the new jobs, lodging and guest services 16 percent and recreation-specific positions, like ski coaches, accounted for 8 percent. Colorado’s restaurant industry jobs, which declined 9.9 percent over the quarter, declined at a rate more than four times the national average of 2.3 percent.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
CORTEZ NON-PROFIT AIMS TO RECONNECT TRIBAL COMMUNITIES WITH BISON HERD
|
| |
|
|
| |
Here’s one way to take the “teach a man to fish” metaphor out of the water: Donate one bison to a food pantry and you provide up to 400 pounds of meat. But set up a system where ranchers can regularly donate meat from a herd, and you provide thousands of pounds of locally raised protein in perpetuity, while also helping ranchers sustain their business and reconnecting Indigenous communities with their culture. That’s the idea behind the Community Bison Program from Farming Hands Initiative, a newly established nonprofit in Yellow Jacket, just north of Cortez in Colorado’s southwest corner.
“I think post-COVID, more and more, we’re trying to figure out how we can be reliant on ourselves,” says Nicci Crowley, who’s lived in Cortez for 20 years. “And as SNAP benefits are reduced, all of our food pantries across the state are going to be drawing more from our food banks.” The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that nationwide SNAP participation fell by 12 percent — about 5 million people — between the July 2025 enactment of H.R. 1 and May 2026, the last month with data from every state. In Colorado, around 35,000 people lost SNAP access. Around 600,000 Coloradans rely on SNAP to keep food on their tables.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
ASPEN SISTER CITIES TO CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP
|
| |
|
|
| |
This September, Aspen Sister Cities marks 60 years with its first partner city, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, with a week of activities Sept. 22-26. Aspen Sister Cities is hosting a “Aspen Sister Cities Summit” from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at Paepcke Auditorium, 1000 N. Third St., along with the 12 delegates being hosted from the Bavarian Alps. The public can sit in on the day and later meet visitors over a taco-truck lunch for purchase at the Aspen Historical Society — events are free with registration. Highlights will include a panel, moderated by Len Olender, titled “Preparing our cities for a healthy tomorrow: Sports as a Catalyst,” and a panel with Deputy Mayor Claudia Zolk of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
According to Olender, the summit is an opportunity “to celebrate Aspen and Garmisch-Partenkirchen Sister City programs as a catalyst for diplomacy through the youth exchange, idea forums and to learn more about the Aspen Institute.” The delegates will also take part in a trip to the Maroon Bells, a gondola to the top of Ajax, a mayor’s lunch, tours of the Aspen Art Museum, the Wheeler/Stallard Museum and the Aspen Historical Society and a visit at the Snowmass Balloon Festival. A few delegates will attend the Keg Tapping Ceremony for Oktoberfest in Snowmass Village, running Sept. 26-27. The Aspen Sister Cities program now consists of seven cities including Davos, Switzerland; Chamonix, France; Shimukappu, Japan; Queenstown, New Zealand; Bariloche, Argentina; and Abetone, Italy — in addition to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. For more information, visit sistercities.org.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
FLYERS ARE HAPPIER WITH U.S. AIRPORTS, DESPITE NEAR RECORD TRAVEL LEVELS
|
| |
|
|
| |
Despite a near record number of people flying in the U.S., it appears travelers are happier with the airports they find themselves moving through. J.D. Power’s annual North America Airport Satisfaction Study, released Wednesday, reported that overall airport satisfaction increased significantly this year. Travelers gave higher ratings in part because of the newer gates and terminals many airports have opened in recent years. From New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport to Kansas City International to Pittsburgh International, airports large and small have opened or are building new facilities to accommodate more travelers. Often, the new terminals and gates are larger, with more light and upgraded amenities, and cost billions to build.
This is the third straight year the J.D. Power study has found an increase in airport satisfaction. The latest report is based on responses from more than 24,000 travelers. Among the largest airports, which handle more than 33 million passengers annually, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International received the top score. For airports that serve between 10 million and 32.9 million flyers annually, Tampa International was ranked No. 1, while Charleston International in South Carolina was rated the best among medium airports, which see 4.5 million to 9.9 million passengers a year.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
DIA'S PASSENGER SATISFACTION FALLS AMID GREAT HALL PROJECT, BUT BETTER DAYS ARE FORECAST
|
| |
|
|
| |
Denver International Airport's passenger satisfaction rankings have declined again, but better days are predicted ahead as major construction projects finish, and passenger volume continues to increase. Denver International Airport fell to No. 18, dropping five spots in J.D. Power’s 2026 annual satisfaction survey of the busiest airports in North America. DIA has seen a steady decline in recent years for the report’s “mega” airport size category, which measures the 20 busiest North American airports, those serving 33 million or more passengers per year. DIA recorded more than 82 million travelers in 2025, and that’s expected to increase this year. Denver’s airport ranked No. 13 the past two years but was No. 7 in 2023. The steady decline is largely attributed to disruptive capital improvement projects, primarily the Great Hall renovation in the main Jeppesen Terminal.
DIA's overall survey score actually increased six points from a year ago, but many other “mega category” airports finished large-scale construction projects in the past year that vaulted them ahead in the rankings. The average airport in Denver’s category increased its score by 14 points. The $2.1 billion Great Hall project started in 2018 and is expected to finish by the end of 2027. In recent years, DIA opened new east and west security checkpoints in the main terminal, with both projects totaling about $492 million. Those new security lines and check-in counters likely led to the slight increase in DIA’s passenger satisfaction.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
CITY OF STEAMBOAT SPRINGS SEES 4.76% DIP IN JULY SALES-TAX COLLECTIONS
|
| |
|
|
| |
The city of Steamboat Springs has released its final sales, use, accommodations and short-term rental tax report for the month of July, which showed a 4.76 percent decrease compared to the same month last year, or a reduction of around $173,800. Year-to-date collections are down roughly $950,300 compared to the same period last year. Because sales-tax revenue for 2025 was budgeted to be 1 percent below 2025 levels, final July collections fall short of the budgeted amount by 2.61 percent. Figures in the final report are slightly up from that of the July preliminary report, which showed a 5.6 percent dip for the month and a decrease in year-to-date collections of nearly $987,000.
Liquor and marijuana sales decreased by nearly 12 percent; sporting goods decreased by 11 percent; lodging decreased by 10 percent; construction decreased by almost 8 percent and grocery stores decreased by nearly 7 percent. Accommodations-tax revenues, which help fund parks, open space, environmental initiatives and community amenities, decreased by 13.5 percent, or approximately $18,400. Short-term rental tax is dedicated to retaining and expanding affordable housing incentives for projects such as Slate Creek/Brown Ranch. Final STR tax collections in July 2026 were down 23 percent, a decrease of just over $193,000. Building-use tax help fund projects within Steamboat Springs. For July 2026, final building-use tax collections decreased by nearly 75 percent from the previous July, or around $680,800. To view the full report, visit TinyUrl.com/bdcs3b2k.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
CMU RECEIVES RECORD-SETTING DONATION TO GROW STUDENT HOUSING
|
| |
|
|
| |
Colorado Mesa University has received its largest donation ever documented, school officials announced Wednesday, Sept. 16: a $10 million check from a group called ZOMALAB. Colorado Mesa University higher-ups joined a handful of economic development advocates on campus Wednesday to announce the gift, which they said would fund construction for the Formation Commons, a 288-bed dormitory that recently broke ground. ZOMALAB, a Denver-based philanthropic group that supports causes in Colorado and Chile, offered a prepared statement about its record-setting $10 million contribution to the university.
“This gift celebrates the innovative and unique ways CMU is meeting students’ needs,” said Ben Walton, principal of ZOMALAB. “Its willingness to think differently is driving growth and expanding opportunity in the region and across the state. We are proud to recognize that success and help the university build on its momentum so that even more students can benefit from its distinctive approach.” Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce President Candace Carnahan said the additional lodging could make a considerable dent in Grand Junction’s off-campus housing demand, which has long outpaced the local supply of affordable homes.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
YOUTH SPORTS FUNDRAISER COLLECTS $7.2 MILLION
|
| |
|
|
| |
Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day concluded its annual fundraiser Tuesday, Sept. 15, collecting about $7.2 million for nearly 350 local organizations that help youth access sports. The proceeds are estimated to support more than 500,000 Colorado youth athletes. Led primarily by the Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado, 2026 marked the fundraiser’s third year. “For the third year, Coloradans showed up in a big way to get more kids off the sidelines and into the game,” said Daniels Fund CEO and President Hanna Skandera Grady. “We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of donors who are helping open doors for young people to build the grit, resilience and confidence that stay with them for life.”
In total, there were 4,400 donations this year. Part of this fundraiser’s success could be attributed to more than $2 million in matching and incentive funds, such as a dollar-for-dollar match for the first $1 million raised. Various notable organizations in the state — including Alpine Bank, El Pomar Foundation, the Anschutz Foundation and UCHealth — funded the matching and incentive support. Since launching in 2024, Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day has raised just over $16 million and engaged just under 350 nonprofits serving youth across the state. To learn more, visit YouthSportsGivingDay.org.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST, LA PLATA COUNTY LIFT FIRE RESTRICTIONS
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Forest Service has rescinded all fire restrictions for the San Juan National Forest as of Wednesday, and La Plata County announced lifted restrictions that went into effect Thursday. While much of the Durango area received heavy rainfall early in the week, the recent precipitation is just one of the factors in the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to lift restrictions. The San Juan National Forest branch also looks at staff availability and the U.S. Forest Service’s ability to respond and attack a fire. The Swiss Roll Fire near Pagosa Springs is currently burning around 770 acres, though recent rains have moderated the fire. The ongoing fire doesn’t directly play into the decision to rescind fire restrictions, but the staff needed for it can.
Right now, the Forest Service has sufficient staffing to support the Swiss Roll Fire and still have enough staff remaining to respond to new incidents. For example, with the recent rain and storms, the San Juan National Forest has had lightning fires in the past several days, but forces have been able to respond and take care of them while they’re still small. La Plata County also announced that it will lift fire restrictions starting Thursday. It cited high precipitation, humidity and cooler weather behind the decision. The decision applies to unincorporated parts of the county.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
WESTERN RESILIENCE CENTER HOSTING ELECTRIC VEHICLE RIDE & DRIVE SEPT. 26
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Western Resilience Center, the City of Steamboat Springs and Clean Energy Economy for the Region have teamed up to host an electric vehicle ride and drive. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series parking lot at the base of Howelsen Hill. Interested individuals will be able to test a range of electric vehicles, meet current electric vehicle owners and have questions regarding electric vehicles and rebates answered. All members of the public are invited, and it will be held in conjunction with the Steamboat Springs Farmers Market — which is the final farmers market of the year.
Test driving and riding slots are available throughout the day. Represented manufacturers include Tesla, Lucid and Kia among others. There will also be an Electric Vehicle 101 workshop for 9 to 10 a.m. that Saturday in the upstairs meeting room at the Howelsen Hill Ice Arena. The meeting is hosted by Clean Energy Economy for the Region, a consulting firm based in Carbondale, Colorado. To register for the event and test drive slots, visit WesternResilience.org.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
GOVERNOR POLIS SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER AIMED AT PROTECTING POLLINATORS
|
| |
|
|
| |
Colorado’s pollinators are struggling. Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order Wednesday committing the state to a plan to restore pollinator habitats and protect the important species that “touch everything we love about Colorado,” he said. In 2024, the state released the 300-page Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Health Study, which showed that in the last 35 years, populations of some pollinator species in the state have dropped by more than half. The study, which was ordered by the legislature in 2022, was the first comprehensive report on the health and conservation status of Colorado’s native insects on a statewide level. It also called for the state to protect pollinators, protect and restore their habitats, mitigate environmental impacts, reduce pesticide risk and monitor pollinator health.
The order has three main points:
- Establish a statewide strategy: Polis said he wants to build on the 2024 study of pollinator health across the state by both continuing to track and measure how the state is doing and using that research to implement changes.
- Make state land more pollinator friendly: Polis will be directing the departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Transportation, Corrections, and Human Services to reduce harmful pesticide use and expand pollinator habitat on the lands they manage. Those agencies will now need to prioritize using pollinator-friendly options for pest control and reduce overall use of pesticides when possible. Polis also mentioned establishing pesticide-free buffer zones near “sensitive pollinator habitat.” They will also be required to consider pollinators when landscaping.
- Support local communities and farmers: “We want to make it easier for local governments and private landowners to take the steps needed to protect our plant habitat,” Polis said. He specifically pointed to giving communities and landowners the resources and tools they need to plant and protect pollinator habitats. Polis also encouraged homeowners to do their part.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
A RECORD 590 U.S. BILLIONAIRES AREN'T RICH ENOUGH TO MAKE THE FORBES 400 LIST
|
| |
|
|
| |
Money is the only thing that can buy you a spot on The Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans—but it takes a lot of it. With markets trading near all-time highs, the minimum net worth to rank among the top 400 people in the U.S. has skyrocketed to $4.4 billion, $600 million more than a year ago. That lofty cutoff has left a record 590 American billionaires too poor to make the list, up from 500 in 2025. Here are some of the most prominent American billionaires who aren’t rich enough to make the Forbes 400—at least yet:
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Net worth: $1 billion, Source of wealth: Entertainment
- Sanjay Mehrotra, Net worth: $1.2 billion, Source of wealth: Semiconductors
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, Net worth: $1.2 billion, Source of wealth: Media, investments
- LeBron James, Net worth: $1.4 billion, Source of wealth: Basketball
- Kim Kardashian, Net worth: $1.9 billion, Source of wealth: Skincare
- Taylor Swift, Net worth: $2 billion, Source of wealth: Music
- Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, Net worth: $2.9 billion, Source of wealth: Cryptocurrency
- Sam Altman, Net worth: $3.3 billion, Source of wealth: Venture capital
- Oprah Winfrey, Net worth: $3.4 billion, Source of wealth: Media and entertainment
- Dave Baszucki, Net worth: $3.4 billion, Source of Wealth: Gaming
Competition for a spot on the ranking is tough. Ninety percent of 2025 listees held onto their spot. Of the 34 billionaires who fell off the list, seven are actually richer than they were in 2025. That includes industrial tycoon Ira Rennert, hedge fund manager Scott Schleifer and casino mogul Steve Wynn. Two drop-offs saw no change in their fortune since last year; while 25 are poorer. An additional six members of last year’s list passed away.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
MARKET UPDATE - 09/17/2026 Close
|
| |
|
(Courtesy of Alpine Bank Wealth Management*)
|
| |
|
Canadian dollar (per U.S. dollar)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Mexican peso (per U.S. dollar)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac 09/17/2026)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
*Not FDIC insured. May lose value. Not guaranteed by the bank.
|
| |
|
| |
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.
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Make changes to your subscription or unsubscribe here. |
| © 2026 Alpine Bank. |
| |
|
|
