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Colorado - Wed. 02/04/26 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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WALMART REACHES $1 TRILLION MARKET CAP AS E-COMMERCE BOOMS
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Walmart has reached a $1 trillion market capitalization, becoming the first traditional retailer to hit the milestone and joining a small group of mostly technology companies with 13-figure valuations. Shares rose 2.9 percent Tuesday to close at $127.71, giving the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company a market value of about $1.018 trillion. The surge reflects investor enthusiasm for Walmart’s expanding e-commerce business, investments in automation and artificial intelligence, and its ability to attract shoppers seeking low prices, fast delivery and broad selection.
Walmart’s market value stood at $212 billion at the end of 2016, when some investors questioned whether heavy spending on wages, stores and online growth would pay off. Sales later accelerated through the pandemic and amid inflation as consumers hunted for bargains. Walmart now delivers same day orders to 95 percent of U.S. households, has automated warehouse operations to control costs, and expects its e-commerce business to be profitable as a stand-alone unit. The company recently moved its stock listing to Nasdaq and is navigating a leadership transition as longtime executive John Furner succeeds Doug McMillon as chief executive.
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BRONCOS PUSH AHEAD WITH LAND ACQUISITIONS NEAR BURNHAM YARD FOR NEW STADIUM
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The Denver Broncos have continued quietly acquiring properties around Burnham Yard, a former rail yard the team has identified as its preferred site for a new stadium, sparking mixed reactions from nearby businesses. The team has purchased more than 15 parcels over several years, with recent transactions totaling tens of millions of dollars and involving entities linked to the Broncos, though the team declined to comment. Some business owners expressed excitement about redevelopment, while others voiced concern about displacement and uncertainty, including Erickson Monuments, a century-old business forced to relocate after its leased property was sold. Additional parcels remain within gaps of the proposed stadium footprint, requiring further acquisitions.
The Broncos have filed an initial development plan with the city, targeting building permits in early 2027. As land purchases continue, discussions are also underway about infrastructure needs, historic preservation near the site, and a community benefits agreement for the surrounding La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood, alongside a city led small area planning process.
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EDDIE BAUER TO CLOSE ALL NORTH AMERICAN STORES, FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY
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Outdoor apparel retailer Eddie Bauer is expected to close all of its North American stores and file for bankruptcy, marking the company’s third bankruptcy after filings in 2003 and 2009. Founded in Seattle in 1920, Eddie Bauer currently operates more than 200 stores in North America, down from more than 600 international locations in the 1990s. Stores outside North America will not be affected by the bankruptcy, according to Women’s Wear Daily, and the company’s manufacturing, wholesale, and e-commerce operations are expected to continue. Catalyst Brands, which holds the rights to operate Eddie Bauer stores, is the entity filing for bankruptcy. Multiple parties are expected to bid for the rights to operate some or all of the stores, with a winning bidder potentially licensing the brand from Authentic Brands Group. Eddie Bauer is credited with inventing the quilted goose down jacket, patented in 1940, as brick-and-mortar retail continues to struggle in early 2026.
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LINDSEY VONN SAYS SHE TORE ACL IN CRASH; STILL HOPES TO COMPETE IN OLYMPICS
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Lindsey Vonn said she completely ruptured her ACL in a crash during a World Cup downhill race in Switzerland last Friday but still plans to try to compete in the upcoming Olympics. Speaking at a news conference in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, the American skiing star said she also has bone bruising and possible meniscal damage, though she has skied in recent days and feels stable despite not attempting a full-speed run. Vonn fell early in the race at Crans-Montana, the final World Cup downhill before the Olympics, and was later airlifted from the finish area. At 41, she is in the second year of a comeback after a five-year retirement and said her experience managing injuries gives her confidence. Vonn leads the World Cup downhill standings this season with two wins and five podiums and is considered an Olympic medal contender if healthy. She said upcoming training runs will determine her schedule but vowed to do everything possible to reach the starting gate.
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DISNEY NAMES PARKS BOSS JOSH D’AMARO AS ITS NEXT CEO
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Disney has named Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, as its next chief executive officer, succeeding Bob Iger effective March 18, ending a closely watched succession process. Iger will remain a Disney board member and senior adviser through the end of the year. The appointment marks the second time in six years that Disney has selected a successor to Iger, following the troubled tenure of Bob Chapek that led to Iger’s return in 2022.
Dana Walden, previously co-chair of Disney Entertainment, will become president and chief creative officer, reporting to D’Amaro and overseeing the company’s storytelling and content strategy. Disney’s board, led by Chairman James Gorman, said the search was extensive and included more than 100 potential candidates. D’Amaro takes over as Disney navigates challenges in traditional television, focuses on streaming profitability, and leans on strong performance from its theme parks and experiences division, which recently generated more than $10 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time.
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OFFICIALS SEEK MORE ‘ACTIVE MANAGEMENT’ AT SAND DUNES IN NORTHWEST COLORADO
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Federal and state land managers are planning increased “active management” at North Sand Hills, a remote sand dune area in northwest Colorado known as the state’s only open sand dune site for off-highway vehicle recreation. Officials with the Bureau of Land Management and Colorado Parks and Wildlife outlined the effort at a recent meeting in Walden, emphasizing the need for more on-site staffing to address emergency response, law enforcement, safety, and resource protection. Under a memorandum of understanding signed last year, CPW and the BLM will collaborate on recreation management, with CPW envisioning the area as a recreation site similar to those it manages within the state park system.
Managers said surveying will continue across the nearly 2,500-acre area to better understand current use, capacity, and environmental impacts, including habitat degradation. Public feedback is being collected through March 1, with additional meetings planned this summer, when visitors are expected to see a greater agency presence as the area opens seasonally to motorists.
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COLORADO & COALITION STRIKE DEAL WITH DRUG COMPANIES ACCUSED OF PRICE-FIXING
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Colorado and a coalition of 48 states and territories reached a $17.85 million settlement with drug manufacturers Lannett Company, Inc., Bausch Health US, LLC, and Bausch Health Americas, Inc., resolving allegations that the companies conspired to inflate and manipulate prices for several generic prescription drugs. States alleged the companies limited competition and restrained trade through coordinated pricing practices. Under the agreement, Lannett and Bausch will cooperate with ongoing antitrust litigation against other companies and executives and implement internal reforms to promote fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said consumers deserve fair prices for lifesaving medications, not costs driven by illegal deals.
People who purchased affected generic drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for compensation. Of the settlement, $12.6 million will be distributed among the states, with the remainder covering administrative and legal costs. Colorado and 41 other states also filed a separate lawsuit against Novartis and its generic subsidiary, Sandoz, while litigation continues against other companies that did not settle.
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ASPEN ADDS ‘ZIP’ TO ITS CAR-SHARING PROGRAM
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The city of Aspen will phase out its city-run Car To Go program and replace it with the national car-sharing service Zipcar beginning in May, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and congestion while expanding participation. The Aspen City Council approved a $384,300 contract with Boston-based Zipcar for a three-year pilot funded by short-term rental tax revenue dedicated to environmental projects. City staff said partnering with a national provider could grow membership, better serve tourists and second homeowners, and potentially expand car sharing regionally, while adding more electric and hybrid vehicles and tracking emissions reductions.
Aspen launched Car To Go in 2000 to support a car-free or car-light lifestyle, and the program has grown to seven hybrid and electric vehicles shared by about 300 members. However, expansion has been limited by funding constraints, staffing demands, and the loss of federal grants. City officials said outsourcing the service could improve customer experience and reduce staff workload, with incentives planned to help current members transition to Zipcar.
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ASPEN INCREASES PARKING RATES BEGINNING FEB. 16
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The city of Aspen will increase parking rates beginning Feb. 16 following a City Council decision aimed at encouraging higher turnover, improving access for downtown shoppers and diners, and supporting the city’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from single-occupant vehicle trips. This marks the first parking fee adjustment since 2018. During peak season, defined as January through March, June through September, and December, rates will be $5 per hour from 10 to 10:59 a.m., $7 per hour from 11 a.m. to 2:59 p.m., and $5 per hour from 3 to 5:59 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with free parking on Sundays. Off-season rates will range from $3 to $5 per hour during the same time blocks. Residential day passes will cost $9 Monday through Friday, with free parking on weekends and holidays. Vehicles will be limited to four hours per license plate per day to promote turnover.
The Rio Grande Parking Garage will also see higher rates, with the first 30 minutes remaining free and a daily maximum of $15. Electric vehicles will be required to pay for parking in all residential zones, and drivers using chargers must pay for both charging and parking. For more information and questions regarding parking rates or permits, visit aspen.gov/Parking.
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NEW BLUEGRASS TRAIN PULLING INTO DURANGO
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A new music‑on‑the‑rails experience is coming to southwest Colorado this spring with the debut of the Durango Bluegrass Train, a sister event to the long‑running Durango Blues Train. Produced by SBG Productions, the inaugural bluegrass run will take place May 28–30 aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, offering a three‑and‑a‑half‑hour round‑trip ride through the Animas Valley paired with live bluegrass, folk, and roots music. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Feb. 19, with the artist lineup to be announced Feb. 17.
Organizers say the event builds on the popular blues train format while tapping into Durango’s strong bluegrass following, positioning the new train at the start of the summer season and the blues train in August. Each evening will feature six live performances happening simultaneously in different rail cars, along with bar cars, merchandise, dance floors, quiet cars, and a sunset stop in Rockwood, creating what organizers describe as a moving music festival set against iconic mountain scenery.
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TRUSTED FIDUCIARY LEADER JOINS ALPINE BANK WEALTH MANAGEMENT
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Alpine Bank Wealth Management (ABWM) is excited to announce that Lorni Sharrow has joined the organization as vice president and senior fiduciary officer. Sharrow brings nearly three decades of experience in trust and estate law, fiduciary administration, mediation, and nonprofit leadership. A fifth-generation Coloradoan, she has spent her career advising families and organizations on complex legal, financial, tax, and legacy matters. In her role, Sharrow works closely with ABWM colleagues on trust and estate administration and fiduciary matters, with a focus on carrying out trust intent and balancing beneficiary needs with applicable trust and tax law.
Before joining ABWM, Sharrow practiced as a trust and estate attorney, served as a mediator, and held leadership roles at the University of Denver. Sharrow earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She remains active in her community through ongoing board service and volunteer work. Alpine Bank Wealth Management is proud to welcome Sharrow to the team. Learn more about Sharrow and Alpine Bank Wealth Management at the link below.
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PAYING YOUR IRS TAX BILL BY CARD? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW
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If you owe federal tax, you can generally pay the debt using a credit or debit card or through certain third-party apps. However, there are restrictions. The number of payments you can make when submitting tax forms is limited (for details: https://bit.ly/40tUTMM). Plus, there are processing fees. Depending on the processor, the cost of using a personal debit card is $2.10 or $2.15. It’s 1.75 percent or 1.85 percent of the total ($2.50 minimum) if you use a personal credit card. Be aware that any applicable penalties and interest will continue to grow until you pay the full balance. Employers can’t use credit or debit cards to pay federal tax deposits. For more information: https://bit.ly/3LJMrpv
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THE STATUS OF REGIONAL CDOT PROJECTS
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Transportation improvements across southwestern Colorado continue to move forward as the Colorado Dept. of Transportation balances routine maintenance with long-term infrastructure planning in District 8, which includes 13 rural counties. In a guest commentary, District 8 Transportation Commissioner Barbara McLachlan outlined recent project completions, ongoing priorities, and future investments, emphasizing that while the district lacks an interstate, its U.S. and state highways are essential corridors for residents, visitors, and freight. CDOT typically manages about 20 regional construction projects each season, along with more than 100 smaller maintenance efforts.
Several notable projects were completed in 2025, particularly in and near San Miguel County. Looking ahead, the southwest region is slated to receive $172 million in priority transportation funding through 2036 under the state’s 10 year plan, guided by long-range goals focused on road conditions, safety, and expanded transportation choices.
Recent and notable projects include:
- CO 145, Society Turn to Mountain Village: Approximately 3 miles of paving completed to address chronic potholing caused by moisture and extend roadway lifespan.
- CO 145, Dolores to Stoner: Asphalt overlays applied to short sections of highway during fall maintenance work.
- CO 141 Mesa Creek Bridge, Naturita to Gateway: Structural repairs to bridge piers and abutments, along with deck repaving, to improve safety and extend the bridge’s service life.
- Nucla Main Street: Replacement of aging sidewalks with new concrete, including ADA compliant ramps and pedestrian bump outs to improve walkability and accessibility.
- CO 145, Placerville: Installation of permanent speed radar signs to increase driver awareness and encourage compliance with posted speed limits.
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2026 STATE OF THE RIVER MEETINGS RETURN TO WESTERN COLORADO
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The Colorado River District is bringing its annual State of the River meeting series back to communities across western Colorado this spring, offering residents a chance to learn about local and regional water conditions, upcoming hydrology, and major issues facing West Slope water users. Hosted in partnership with local organizations in twelve watersheds, the evening meetings are designed as accessible, public information gatherings with dinner provided and time for questions and discussion. Registration is required, but attendance is free. The River District requests that all attendees register in advance at ColoradoRiverDistrict.org/2026-State-of-the-River-Meetings.
Key topics at all meetings include:
- River flow forecasts and upcoming hydrology
- Updates on the Colorado River system
- Local water projects and community priorities
- Current challenges facing Western Colorado water users
- Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Project updates
- The Colorado River District’s work to protect West Slope water
Meeting locations and dates:
- Upper Yampa River — Steamboat Springs, March 9
- Lower Yampa River — Craig, March 10
- Lower Gunnison River — Montrose, March 16
- Uncompahgre River — Ridgway, March 17
- Grand Valley — Grand Junction, April 7
- Middle Colorado River — Glenwood Springs, April 9
- White River — Meeker, April 16
- Roaring Fork River — Aspen, April 23
- Eagle River — Meeker, May 6
- Gunnison River — Meeker, May 13
- Blue River — Silverthorne, May 18
- Upper Colorado River — Winter Park, May 21
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MARKET UPDATE - 02/03/2026 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 01/29/2026)
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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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