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Ecotech Institute will host a Friends and Family Open House for its students, families and the entire community on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the campus, located at 1400 S. Abilene Street in Aurora. The general public is invited to come spread holiday cheer and give back to the community. Ecotech will be serving delicious snacks and kids will have the opportunity to decorate ornaments and cookies.

Guests are invited (but not required) to bring a new, unwrapped toy. All toys collected during the event will be donated to Toys for Tots.

WHAT: Friends and Family Open House

DATE: Saturday, December 8, 2012

TIME: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Ecotech Campus, 1400 S. Abilene Street, Aurora, CO 80012

PRICE: Free admission; Open to the public

“We are opening our doors to the whole community to gather together and have some fun,” says Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech. “In addition, the toy drive will help make this holiday season a little brighter for children and their families.”

I’ll admit it. I have never done it. It was way too risky for me. Lack of protection and the aftermath if compromised has kept me from the experience. But, I am finally ready. The idea of trying something new is pretty exciting. It will be my first time and then I’ll no longer be a Cyber Virgin.

Cyber Monday which is November 26th, is the official kick-off to on-line holiday sales. This year promises to top previous years in the amount of deals offered and dollars spent. I plan to join in the fun.

I have never tickled my keyboard in hope of finding the perfect gift. Instead, I have stuck with the old school technique of driving to many different stores, perusing hundreds of racks and table displays while competing with aggressive crowds bustling through the aisles with their elbows out.

Last year, I held my breath as shoppers sneezed in my direction.No one wants to be sick during the holidays. After hours of shopping at the mall, I reached out and snatched the elusive purple studded phone case I had sought. The endorphin rush of scratching one more item off my list was tempered by sore eyes from florescent lights and aching feet. My arms strained under the weight of several bags as the handles cut into the palms of my hands. After pushing my way through the heavy glass doors, I struggled back to my car, jammed all of the bags into the back end, and slammed the hatch shut with a heavy sigh as the circulation rushed to my fingertips. After arriving back at home, I hid all of the gifts and then went into a wrapping frenzy on Christmas Eve.

Staying at home and avoiding the crowds while saving time and money has seduced me into Cyber Monday. Jeez! I am all about saving time and money. Some of the deals offered may even be better than Black Friday!

Some businesses offer free shipping and gift wrapping. That is a huge selling point for me.  I could actually enjoy Christmas Eve.

I will make my list tonight and will start researching the deals. My hands will sweat a little as I press Add to Cart. They will continue to tremble as I enter my credit card number. But I am looking forward to the endorphin rush after clicking Place Order. My eyes will relax in the comfort of natural lighting in my sunroom as I rest my slippered feet while my dog Roxy snuggles next to me. Carrying the shipped boxes from the front door to the basement will be the only strain. Hey! My husband Danny could do that for me. With the money I’ll save, maybe I will treat myself to a purple studded phone case. I am really looking forward to losing my virginity.

Safety tips for Cyber Monday shoppers from the Better Business Bureau:

http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2012/11/21/ten-tips-for-cyber-monday-shoppers.html

Are you a Cyber Monday Virgin?

To check out my other hangout click Here! 

The Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), which serves as the bridge between people 55 and older and opportunities that enable them to continue in productive activities, recently wrapped up its last meeting in the “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers” series. These meetings attracted more than 400 participants 50 and older to the four meetings in Kansas City, Mo., Boston, Chicago and Denver.

There are 78 million Baby Boomers (one-quarter of the total U.S. population) reaching the traditional retirement age of 65 at the rate of 4.2 million each year from 2011 through 2029. With unemployment high and economic growth low for the foreseeable future, new-business creation is a bright spot on a gloomy employment horizon for older people. A survey sponsored by AARP in 2011 indicated that 80 percent of the Baby Boomers surveyed intend to continue working after leaving their regular career jobs. This series of meetings is on the leading edge in encouraging Baby Boomers to consider the benefits and opportunities of new-business creation as they consider how to remain productively engaged.

This interest in entrepreneurship as a career after retirement is reflected in national research as well, with increasingly more people 55 and older creating their own businesses than people 20-34. In fact, according to Kauffman Foundation research, the relative percentage of entrepreneurs has increased by almost 7 percent for people 55-64 from 1996-2011, the largest increase among all age groups. By contrast, the percentage dropped about 5 percent for people 20-44.

“This is what built America! Individuality, capitalism, inventiveness, and the freedom to create your own business,” stated Karen Rose, a participant in the Denver meeting. “This meeting reignited passion in so many of us, along with providing educational avenues to turn passion into success.”

Tom Backhus, another participant in the Denver meeting, said, “The event has given me confidence in moving forward and ideas on the importance of writing my business concept.”

Each meeting had presentations by successful, highly visible entrepreneurs such as Jerry Kelly, CEO and Co-Founder, Silpada Designs, Doug Rauch, former President and CEO, Trader Joe’s, Larry Levy, Founder and Chairman of Levy Restaurants, and Alan Hall, Founder and Chairman, MarketStar.

Participants also attended interactive breakout sessions on topics relating to new-business creation and how to become an entrepreneur, including: risks and rewards, strategies for identifying and selecting potential business opportunities, developing a business plan or business concept statement, and exploring funding support.

Written evaluations from all of the meetings indicated that participants benefited and were even inspired by their experience. Almost all participants reported that it increased their understanding of the benefits and opportunities provided by entrepreneurship, and 74 percent stated they were now more likely to create a new business as a result of the meetings.

For more information on CPL, visit www.ctrpl.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTRPL. 

I have lived in Colorado all of my life and I love the state I love traveling through the state and finding new things that the state has to offer. So I decided to start a website to share my knowledge of Colorado it is called WeKnowColorado. I wish that all of you travelers check out the Best Colorado Guide that you can find in Colorado. Thanks a lot all of you Colorado Fans.

As a featured artist at Genentech/Livestrong Rev Forum,

Angela Canada Hopkins shared her inspiring work with global leaders in cancer care and treatment

Loveland, CO – Local artist Angela Canada Hopkins, whose work is inspired by cancer cells, had 40 pieces from her Cell Series of paintings displayed last month at the inaugural Rev Forum (http://www.rev-forum.com/) cancer symposium in Austin, Texas.

“I met an amazing variety of leaders, activists, survivors, researchers, and doctors,” notes Canada Hopkins. “It was an honor to be part of the event, and be involved in the discussion of the future of cancer research and treatment.”

The forum was an invitation-only event developed by Genentech & Livestrong that brought together thought leaders in the field of cancer research. Speakers included Siddhartha Mukherjee, cancer physician and researcher and Pulitzer Prize winning author of ‘Emperor of All Maladies’, and Dr. Jack West, cancer physician and founder of Global Resource for Advancing Cancer Education.

The event featured discussions on research and data sharing and their impact on cancer care and patient outcomes; how care providers and patient advocates can elevate patients’ voices and engage the public in the fight against cancer; and how government, industry, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can work together to collaborate and innovate. Canada Hopkins’ work was featured at both the day’s learning event at the Austin Convention Center, and at the evening social outing.

One of Angela’s collectors, Karin Dillon of Genentech, was also involved in planning the Rev Forum. She noted, “In addition to top-quality presenters, we were looking for featured artists to inspire attendees and renew their commitment to work together to overcome challenges the cancer community collectively faces. Angela's cell art was a perfect addition to the event. Many attendees were moved and inspired by her creations. We appreciate her help in making the event inspirational and memorable!”

Cures Rock! (http://curesrock.blogspot.com/) Founder and Chief Advocate Julie Wescott, who participated in the event, described Angela’s work as “gorgeous” and “emotional.”

About Angela Canada Hopkins

After her father succumbed to cancer in June 2001, Angela Canada Hopkins decided the best way to overcome her new "enemy" was by embracing it through her art. Each painting begins with a slide of a cancer cell, which she then deconstructs and reinterprets using triumphant colors and bold brush strokes. Each canvas telegraphs a message of hope to cancer sufferers, cancer survivors, and their loved ones. Canada Hopkins is a full-time artist and resides in Loveland, Colorado, with her husband, James. Her work is included in numerous private and public collections including South Bend Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana and Kettering Medical Center, Kettering, Ohio. It has also been featured been featured on the cover of Wavelength Journal and four issues of the Journal of Oncology Navigation and Survivorship. For more information, call 970. 689. 9841, email canadahopkins@gmail.com, visit www.CanadaHopkins.com, or connect at www.facebook.com/angelacanadahopkins and www.twitter.com/canadahopkins.

About Rev Forum

REV was co-developed by two leaders in the fight against cancer, Genentech® and LIVESTRONG™ to create a unique information and idea exchange that accelerates collaborative efforts, unconventional thinking, and innovative solutions. Attendees were an exclusive, invitation-only community of approximately 200 working to identify tangible goals and create plans to engage in change together, including opportunities for dialogue to continue beyond the event itself. Members were part of an inaugural event designed to be a driving force in advancing the fight against cancer through exchanging ideas; identifying new opportunities for collaboration; increasing awareness of activities in the fight against cancer from a wide range of expertise; relationship building/networking; and generating collaborative ideas and participating in a special event commemorating the 15-year anniversary of LIVESTRONG. Attendees used Twitter hashtags #REVforum and #REVmoments to share their experiences and insights during the event. For more information, visit http://www.rev-forum.com/.

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Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, is now taking applications for its new two-year Business Administration - Sustainability degree program. Unlike Ecotech’s other lab-centric offerings, this program is steeped in business education with a unique focus on sustainability. The program will launch in January 2013.

The Business Administration - Sustainability program provides students with knowledge and skills suitable for employment in a broad range of private and public sector organizations. Coursework includes accounting, financial analysis, human resources, project management, communications, customer service, sustainability, renewable energy and workplace ethics.

“There has been extensive research about the increasing importance of sustainability within organizations, and that requires business leaders who understand green technology, industry verbiage and implementation techniques,” says Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “National industry leaders helped us develop curriculum that focuses on applying sustainability knowledge within a business environment; this program is designed to educate specialized graduates who will stand out.”

Upon successful completion of the Business Administration - Sustainability program, students will be prepared to:

• Understand the various components of contemporary business administration;
• Communicate effectively and in a manner appropriate for a business setting;
• Demonstrate practical proficiency in the use and application of current business hardware and software;
• Operate cutting-edge business technology;
• Utilize project management skills;
• Demonstrate an understanding of employment relationships;
• Understand and demonstrate good customer service skills;
• Understand the basic principles of finance and accounting.

Ecotech Institute’s website outlines each of its programs to help answer common questions such as, “Is this program right for me?”, “What will I learn?” and “Why Ecotech?”  In addition to offering curriculum information, the site explains what to expect from the program, which skill sets are most desirable for this field of study, and what careers are available in cleantech industries.   Learn more about the Business Administration – Sustainability degree program.

Ecotech Institute also offers the following six programs:

• Solar Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Renewable Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Energy Efficiency Program, Associate of Applied Science
• Electrical Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Power Utility Technician, Associate of Applied Science

Along with the re-election of our President, Coloradans legalized marijuana. What does that mean? It is now legal to grow six plants in homes across the state. Adults over the age of 21 will be able to purchase an ounce from regulated retail stores, but publicly rolling a joint won’t be tolerated inside or outside.

I am sure that early revelers will be out and about smoking a bowl in celebration, but the amendment won’t be certified for up to two months according to the Boulder Daily Camera.

Personally, my lungs can’t handle cigarette smoke and I detest the stinky smell of weed, so I won’t be partying down.

Remember the characters Cheech and Chong? They were popular when I was in college. I can just imagine a conversation between the two of them.

Cheech: Dude! Did you read the paper today?

Chong: Papers? Dude, they’re right in front of you.

Cheech: No, the newspaper. It says that people can smoke weed in Colorado.

Chong: I thought we smoked weed the last time we were in Colorado.

Cheech: It’s legal now.

Chong: You mean we won’t get thrown in jail?

Cheech: Well, the DEA could still bust your ass.

Chong: So it’s illegal?

Cheech: No, it’s legal, I just told you.

Chong: Dude. Pass the bong. You’re giving me a headache.

~~~

After all the speculation and arguments on both sides, we’ll see what happens with tax revenues, dealers, and early drug use.

I wonder if John Denver is smiling down from heaven.

Click here for the YouTube video Rocky Mountain High

The top photo is a winter wheat crop. No marijuana fields yet.

Check out my blog at Susie Lindau's Wild Ride

Open Door HR offers options to provide local companies with custom service packages

November 5, 2012 – Fort Collins, CO - Open Door HR Solutions, LLC, a company focused on providing tools and resources for savvy employers, is launching new partnerships with TLC Payroll, jobZology™, and local insurance brokers to create more strategic HR solutions for local Colorado businesses. Open Door HR Solutions is excited to work with exceptional service partners to provide strategic human resources consulting, making HR and related services easier, more effective and more affordable for companies looking for answers to their HR challenges.

Through partnerships with experienced companies that offer strategic solutions, Open Door provides inclusive HR solutions, not just through consultation and mentoring, but also by delivering services important to business operations. Open Door HR also offers a complete HR package with payroll solutions from Fort-Collins-based TLC Payroll; and workers’ compensation and health insurance offerings from local insurance brokers. A partnership with jobZology™ - a local software firm spun off from CSU Ventures specializing in employee assessments and organizational impact - enables better employer/employee matches, as well as shaping current organizational structures to maximize productivity.

Mark Weaver of Open Door HR Solutions notes that, “By partnering with these excellent Northern Colorado companies, we are able to offer a wide range of services to meet employers’ and employees’ needs. Busy business owners and executives don’t have time to research and find the answers that this team can bring them. Many employers have historically turned to Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to assist in these areas. Now many are seeing increases in premiums for health insurance and workers’ compensation, as well as state unemployment tax rates that are beyond what they would be paying on their own. Some PEOs make it difficult to determine actual costs. Now, by partnering with us, employers can have access to the same kinds of service – without the confusion of co-employment – all with local expertise, frequently at a better price.”

Weaver has more than 30 years of human resources experience under his belt leading the HR function internally in organizations such as Poudre Valley Health Systems, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and Philip Crosby Associates. He has been in the outsourced HR consulting space for the last 12 years. With his experience and expertise in HR, Weaver has developed and implemented smarter, more efficient solutions for what are normally paper-intensive processes, using cloud-based technology, to create HR solutions.

Weaver believes that HR can be done in a way that empowers managers, engages employees, and aligns everyone with the mission, vision, and values of the organizations they serve. These new partnerships, paired with Weaver’s “7-keys to an Open Door,” help redefine and reposition HR and open doors to the kind of environment where great employees thrive and businesses succeed. Open Door HR Solutions is now even better positioned to assist clients who want to be successful as an employer and build a legacy.

About Open Door HR

Mark Weaver, a Senior Professional in Human Resources, developed Open Door HR Solutions to help clients enlist, envision, and engage passionate employees who share their values, get their mission, and see their vision. We use providers with local expertise and offer cloud-based tools that get HR out of the paperwork arena. Our approach is a unique mixture of HR, operations, and quality learned directly from bestselling author and quality guru Phillip Crosby. Find out more about Open Door HR services at http://www.opendoorhr.com/home or call 970-420-3187.

About jobZology™

jobZology™, a spinoff from CSU Ventures, is a web-based service and app that provides psychological assessments to individuals to aid in career decision-making and planning; and connects employers to job applicants on the basis of psychological fit to the vocation, role, team, organization or organizational context. By centering both individual (e.g., job seeker) and corporate (e.g., industries and businesses) services on psychological fit, jobZology™ helps individuals find meaningful and satisfying careers, and helps organizations attract and retain an engaged, passionate workforce. You can find more on jobZology™ online at http://www.jobzology.com/, or by contacting Mark at 970-420-3187.

About TLC Payroll

TLC Payroll is located in Old Town Fort Collins, CO, and is able to provide service in all 50 states and adhere rigorously to all federal, state, and local payroll requirements. TLC Payroll offers clients the complete, professional and personalized payroll service that includes check printing, laser check signing, direct deposit of paychecks, tax filings, HR compliance, 401k recordkeeping, merchant services and more. TLC hires experienced Payroll Managers rather than heads-down Payroll Processors. As a result, they have minimal staff turnover and minimal client turnover. Information about TLC Payroll is found online at http://tlcpayroll.com/, or by contacting Mark at 970-420-3187.

The American Legion Auxiliary HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR, in partnership with Tri-City Elks Lodge #2541 in Louisville, will be held November 17-18, 2012 from 9am-4pm AT THE TRI-CITY ELKS LODGE, 525 Main Street, Louisville.  Free Admission