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Colorado - Wed. 07/09/25 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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BEST CAMPGROUND IN THE U.S. IS IN COLORADO, ACCORDING TO CAMPING APP
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Hidden in Gunnison National Forest, Lost Lake Campground, 16 miles west of Crested Butte on Kebler Pass Road, earns top honors from The Dyrt for its “postcard-perfect” alpine scenery. Reviewers rave about wildflower meadows, mirror-like waters framed by peaks, well-maintained sites and friendly hosts. Open mid-June through September, the first-come, first-served site offers 18 campsites (including RV spots) equipped with fire rings and picnic tables for $20 per night. Beyond Lost Lake, visitors can fish nearby Dollar Lake, hike the Three Lakes Trail and Beckwith Pass, and marvel at July and August’s brief wildflower bloom. Also making The Dyrt’s top ten is Colorado’s White Star Campground near Mount Elbert (9,200 feet), featuring shaded loops, picnic tables, fire rings and plentiful trails, including the Continental Divide Trail, plus fishing, boating, wildlife viewing and stargazing opportunities.
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TSA WILL LET TRAVELERS KEEP THEIR SHOES ON AT AIRPORT SECURITY CHECKPOINTS
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The Transportation Security Administration will immediately end its nearly 20-year-old rule requiring most travelers to remove their shoes at U.S. airport security checkpoints, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The change, effective nationwide, reflects advances in screening technology and aims to streamline the travel experience without compromising safety. Since 2006, passengers were asked to take off shoes after Richard Reid’s 2001 “shoe bomber” attempt, but TSA PreCheck travelers have long been exempt. Last year, the agency screened an average of 2.5 million people per day. Noem highlighted upcoming events like next year’s World Cup as a catalyst for the update. Airlines for America—a coalition of carriers including American, Delta and United—welcomed the move, praising risk-based policies that leverage modern technology to deliver “smooth, seamless and secure travel.”
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NEW RULES FOR LAWN MOWERS
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Gas-powered lawn tools like two-stroke weed wackers and leaf blowers are “smog machines,” spewing nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that form ground-level ozone. One hour of a commercial leaf blower emits as much pollution as driving 1,100 miles, and around metro Denver these tools now out-pollute all vehicles combined. To tackle this, Colorado’s 2023 Regulation 29 bars public entities (school districts, parks departments) from using handheld gas equipment—leaf blowers, tillers and edgers—from June 1 to Aug. 31.
Rather than impose fines, the state emphasizes education and outreach and grants flexibility for budget-strained agencies like Denver Parks, which paused fleet upgrades while crafting an electric-transition plan. Contractors such as Designscapes have spent $50,000 on electric trimmers and battery-powered blowers—leveraging grants and tax credits—to comply and reduce noise and fumes. In November, regulators will consider expanding restrictions to commercial landscapers and retail sales. Industry groups warn that rapid mandates could burden small operators, while clean-air advocates urge a full shift to quiet, zero-emission equipment by 2027 to meet federal ozone limits.
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FOOD BANK OF THE ROCKIES BUILDS MASSIVE DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN AURORA
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Food Bank of the Rockies is completing a 270,000-square-foot distribution center in Aurora, set to open this winter as its consolidated headquarters. The $75 million build, 85 percent funded, with $12 million still needed, streamlines operations across half of Colorado and all of Wyoming, replacing its 116,000-square-foot Denver site. Highlights include 16,000 square feet of freezer space, a 9,000-square-foot cold dock, 33 truck-height and 13 ground-level doors to handle five to ten daily “surprise loads,” quadrupled kitchen space, 67 percent more storage (stacking five pallets vs. three), and a volunteer center tripling capacity.
Ahead of schedule and under budget, the project also supports the sale of existing facilities, saving $500,000 annually. Amid record demand and a 7 percent drop in donated food, 14,000 fewer meals daily, the new facility aims to enhance efficiency and meet rising community needs. The capital campaign offers a $500,000 matching gift; contributions can be made at foodbankrockies.org/fulfilled.
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK'S LARGEST CAMPGROUND REOPENS AFTER TWO YEARS
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For the first time in more than two years, Rocky Mountain National Park’s Moraine Park Campground will reopen this month after closing in 2023 for a major modernization project. The 244-site campground, over half of the park’s developed sites, was slated to reopen in 2024 but encountered construction delays that pushed its closure into a second summer. Beginning on Tuesday, a limited number of reservations will be offered for a two-week test period, during which park staff and contractors will verify the performance of new water and wastewater systems. Additional reservations will be released after successful testing.
The extensive upgrade relocated campsites away from wetlands, replaced failing water and sewer lines, buried three miles of power lines, and added 17 accessible sites. This infrastructure overhaul also encompasses improvements at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, the park headquarters, and other critical facilities, enhancing both visitor services and environmental protection.
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COLORADO HAS A NEW AREA CODE
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On July 7, Colorado’s long-standing 970 area code, covering communities from the Northern Plains through the Western Slope (Aspen, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Vail, etc.), was overlaid with the new 748 code. Existing 970 numbers don’t change; only new lines issued once 970 is exhausted (likely late 2025 or early 2026) will carry 748. To accommodate two area codes, all local calls, landline and cell, must now use 10-digit dialing, while 1 + 10 digits remains for long distance; three-digit emergency numbers aren’t affected. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission confirmed call rates and services won’t change. The overlay, mandated by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator due to population growth and multiple lines per user, is expected to provide number capacity for the next 38 years.
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RENOVATED MID-CENTURY MOTEL WILL HAVE A BAR & COFFEE SHOP ON EAST COLFAX
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Set to reopen this fall, Denver’s La Vista Motel at 5500 E. Colfax Ave. gets a mid-century makeover with El Piñon, a bar and coffee shop named for the pine nut. Co-founder of Ephemeral Rotating Taproom, Weston Scott, will operate El Piñon from the motel’s former check-in area, pouring Servants Coffee espressos and iced drinks by day and craft cocktails by night. Developer Nathan Beal, who acquired the 1930s–1960s U.S. 40 motor lodge in 2022, began renovations last year to revive Colfax’s neon-lit hospitality era. Scott envisions El Piñon as both an amenity for guests and a neighborhood gathering spot. Ephemeral’s flagship occupies the former Ben’s Market, founded in the 1940s by a Japanese American family released from the WWII Amache internment camp. El Piñon could open as soon as September.
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REDSTONE BRIDGE TO BE REPLACED OVER SUMMER 2026
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Pitkin County will fully replace the 1947 Redstone South Bridge during April–October 2026, its oldest span in the county’s inventory. To keep traffic, and summer tourists, moving through Redstone, all vehicles will detour one-way via the neighboring north bridge, with additional wayfinding directing drivers to Elk Park’s lot and a nearby pedestrian bridge. County staff are exploring contractor incentive pay (for example, $2,000 per day for early completion) to encourage finishing ahead of schedule. Public input is also being sought on the bridge’s “dog-house” decorative railings and color choice. A community engagement event is set for Thursday, July 10; details are available at pitkincounty.com/1633/Redstone-South-Bridge-Replacement.
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GJ'S SKYHOOK SOLAR WINS COLORADO COMPANIES TO WATCH AWARD
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Skyhook Solar, maker of transportable industrial-grade solar generators for EVs, micromobility, internet access, lighting and emergency services, was named a 2025 Colorado Company to Watch. After relocating its headquarters from Carbondale to Grand Junction in 2024 through Colorado’s Rural Jump-Start Program—with backing from the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, the company expects to create at least 38 primary jobs over four years. During R&D, Skyhook deployed 25 prototypes across the U.S. and Canada, plus five in Europe, powering bike-share stations in Aspen and Boulder and Lyft hubs in Washington, D.C. and Chicago. It has also partnered with Wallbox, SWTCH Energy and LG Electronics to expand EV charging in Colorado. CEO Daniel Delano said the award reflects Skyhook’s mission to make clean energy “accessible, flexible and scalable,” while GJEP director Curtis Englehart hailed the firm as proof that high-impact energy innovators can thrive in Western Colorado.
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TEN WESTERN SLOPE PROJECTS RECEIVE $50K IN AGNC GRANTS
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The Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC) announced Monday it has awarded $50,000 in grants to 10 Western Slope projects. The AGNC Mini-Grant Funding program is made possible through an Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) grant awarded to the AGNC by the Colorado Dept. of Local Affairs (DOLA).
2025 Mini-Grant recipients include:
- Yampa River Corridor Marketing in Craig
- The bike trail project in De Beque
- Security camera installation at the Fruita Community Center
- Economic Development Magazine in Meeker
- Main Street empty lot renovation in New Castle
- Museum signage and façade restoration in New Castle
- Economic Development and Planning Analytics Initiative in Palisade
- Dinosaur sculpture installation in Rangely
- A community survey in Rifle
- New electrical services at Veterans’ Park in Silt
“These projects reflect the creativity, leadership and commitment of local governments to invest in the future of their communities,” said AGNC Executive Director Tiffany Dickenson in a statement. “By securing DOLA’s support for this mini-grant program, AGNC is able to provide meaningful assistance directly to our members — allowing them to move forward with priority projects that enhance both economic opportunity and quality of life.”
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EAGLE COUNTY'S FIRE DANGER IS 'EXTREME' AT ALL ELEVATIONS
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Eagle County is facing “extreme” fire danger at all elevations, so county and partner fire agencies have suspended mutual-aid deployments and remain on heightened response locally. Since June 27, Stage 1 restrictions prohibit any outdoor fires outside designated pits or devices with shutoff valves, and ban fireworks, portable torches without extinguishers, and incendiary ammunition. Fire crews have battled five to six small roadside blazes along I-70 between Gypsum and Dotsero in recent weeks, most likely started by sparks from dragging trailer or snow-chain metal. To protect residents and summer visitors, officials will reroute chainsaw and welding operations only with proper safety gear, reinforce public outreach on securing vehicle chains, and keep response times fast. Sign up for Eagle County alerts at ECEmergency.org for the latest fire-restriction updates.
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ROUTT COUNTY, STEAMBOAT ENTER STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS TODAY
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Routt County and Steamboat Springs move into Stage 1 fire restrictions at midnight Wednesday due to rapidly drying fuels and above-normal temperatures. Campfires, charcoal grills and warming fires are only allowed in designated campgrounds or picnic areas; private backyard fires require a Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue permit. Smoking is banned except inside enclosed vehicles or in cleared three-foot areas, and chainsaw use demands a spark-arrestor and on-hand fire extinguisher. Weekly regional assessments of moisture, weather and response capacity guide these measures. A cool front on Thursday won’t bring rain, and officials warn more restrictions may follow if dry conditions continue. For details or alerts, call 970-879-7170 or visit Routt County’s emergency site at tinyUrl.com/mv5pbjtk.
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TYING THE KNOT? DON’T FORGET THE IRS
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Marriage brings exciting changes—including how you interact with the IRS. Handling a few tax tasks early can prevent future issues.
- Update Your Name and Address: If you change your name, file Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration. The SSA will notify the IRS, and your name must match their records to avoid refund delays. If your address changes, submit IRS Form 8822 to ensure you receive important correspondence. Also notify your employer so your tax forms match IRS records.
- Adjust Tax Withholding: Both spouses should submit a new Form W-4 to their employers within 10 days of getting married. Your combined income may push you into a higher tax bracket or trigger additional Medicare tax. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to adjust withholding accurately.
- Choose the Best Filing Status: Married couples can file jointly or separately. Filing jointly typically provides greater tax benefits but calculate both options to see which is better for you.
- For the IRS checklist and forms, visit https://bit.ly/44Rez0k.
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MOST VALUABLE SPORTS EMPIRES 2025
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As team values continue to rise — highlighted by the record $6.1 billion sale of the NBA’s Boston Celtics — sports empires are thriving. CNBC’s official sports empire valuations determined that the world’s 20 most valuable sports ownership groups are worth a combined $225 billion. The most valuable sports ownership portfolio, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, owned by Stanley Kroenke, stands well above the rest. Valued at $21.2 billion, the empire spans geography and sports. It includes the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and the Premier League’s Arsenal.
CNBC's Most Valuable Sports Empires 2025 with empire value, key operator(s), and notable sports properties:
- Kroenke Sports & Entertainment: $21.17 billion; Stanley Kroenke (owner, chairman), Josh Kroenke (vice chairman); NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, Premier League’s Arsenal
- The Jones Family: $15.53 billion; Jerry Jones (owner, president, general manager of the Dallas Cowboys); NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, Legends, The Star in Frisco
- Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment: $14.58 billion; Josh Harris (co-founder, co-owner), David Blitzer (co-founder, co-owner); NFL’s Washington Commanders, NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, NHL’s New Jersey Devils, Premier League’s Crystal Palace
- Fenway Sports Group: $14.19 billion; John Henry (co-founder, principal owner), Tom Werner (co-founder, chairman); MLB’s Boston Red Sox, Premier League’s Liverpool, NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, NESN, PGA Tour Enterprises
- Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.: $12.69 billion; James Dolan (executive chairman, CEO); NHL’s New York Rangers, NBA’s New York Knicks, AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack
- AEG Worldwide: $11.99 billion; Philip Anschutz (owner), Dan Beckerman (CEO); NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, MLS’ LA Galaxy, T-Mobile Arena, Crypto.com Arena, AXS
- Paul G. Allen Estate: $11.45 billion; Jody Allen (chair of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers); NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, MLS’ Seattle Sounders
- The Kraft Group: $11 billion; Robert Kraft (founder, owner, chairman), Jonathan Kraft (president); NFL’s New England Patriots, MLS’ New England Revolution, Kraft Analytics, Patriot Place
- Golden State: $10.85 billion; Joe Lacob (owner, co-executive chairman, CEO), Peter Guber (owner, co-executive chairman); NBA’s Golden State Warriors, WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries, Chase Center, Thrive City
- Yankee Global Enterprises: $10.48 billion; Hal Steinbrenner (owner, chairman, managing partner); MLB’s New York Yankees, MLS’ New York City FC, YES, Legends, Serie A’s AC Milan
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MARKET UPDATE - 07/08/2025 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 07/03/2025)
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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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