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Boulder Surgeons Pay it Forward: Breast Cancer Survivor Returns the Favor in Kind

Posted by Emily O'Brien Jasiak on May 29, 2009 at 10:30am

Lynda Larsen is many things, a business owner of Bald Lady Coffee, a wife, a friend and a breast cancer survivor. Her primary battle with breast cancer began a few years ago when she was diagnosed. Her double mastectomy saved her life, yet there were some complications with radiation treatments that disfigured her initial breast reconstruction. Grateful for her life, she still struggled with the battle of feeling marked and scarred.Earlier this year, Boulder Plastic Surgery surgeons Dr. Hans Kuisle and Dr. Winfield Hartley were approached with Lynda’s plight and wanted to help. The surgeons waived the fees and went to work. They carefully removed the damaged implants and skillfully crafted new breasts for Lynda using an abdominal TRAM flap—helping improve circulation to Lynda’s damaged tissue and reconstructing both of her breasts with her own tissue from her abdomen.

“Healing the scars helps give survivors closure. Breast cancer survivors must go through various stages. If the stages are left incomplete, it is common to feel one’s bout with cancer isn’t quite over, “ said Dr. Hans Kuisle. “In Lynda’s case, we are so grateful to help give her that closure—to help her feel complete again and move on.”Lynda is thrilled with the results – physically and emotionally. “Happy is not even close to the right word… ecstatic maybe. It is the best experience without a doubt—I have a sense of touch back. I wake up and feel like it is me- not rubber and silicon. That makes all the difference in the world.”Lynda, who’s given to others her whole life, found it difficult to be the recipient of kindness and attention, “My most important thing in the whole journey from day one till now—you have to learn to receive. I was always a giver—my family, my husband, we have to thank the caregivers.”And this July, Lynda Larsen will do just that. She will walk alongside thousands of others in The American Cancer Society Relay For Life®. She’ll walk as a survivor as an inspiration of hope for many, and in thanks for so many who have reached out to her along the way.

The old is new again at the Molly Brown House

Posted by Howard Lorton Galleries on May 28, 2009 at 12:46pm

After almost 40 years with the same carpet, the Molly Brown House is replacing the Karastan Multicolor Panel Kirman with the same exact carpet. With an average of 40,000 visitors a year, the carpet at the Molly Brown House gets a lot of use, especially from schoolchildren visiting the historic home. The Karastan carpet has worn so well that they have chosen the same carpet to replace it.Howard Lorton Galleries provided the carpet both times, first in 1971 when the house was first opened to the public, and again in 2009. Located just a few blocks away from the Molly Brown House, Howard Lorton Galleries was around in Molly Brown's day. Howard Lorton opened his fine furniture store in 1927 and Molly Brown died in 1932.Howard Lorton's is proud to be active in the Golden Triangle neighborhood, bringing beauty, style and comfort to homes around Colorado for over 80 years.

Graduates Start New Life Via Second Life

Posted by Erik Keith on May 28, 2009 at 11:58am

The virtual world of Second Life has seen a host of experiences over the years, but on June 10th, the first Second Life college graduation will be held on the Second Life campus of the 150 year old Bryant & Stratton College. Approximately 40 graduates ranging in age from 25 to 45 will don their virtual cap and gown to receive their college degrees with all of the pomp and circumstance regularly witnessed in the real world, including the procession, the commencement speaker and the conferring of degrees.Second Life is an online virtual world where visitors, called Residents, can interact with each other through avatars. Residents can explore, meet other residents, socialize, participate in individual and group activities, and create and trade virtual property and services with one another, or travel throughout the world.Second Life has a large, active education community—with hundreds of higher education members (the likes of Harvard, MIT, Duke, and Penn State). Many of these forward thinking universities, including Bryant & Stratton, have set up virtual campuses where students can meet, attend classes, and create content together. In fact, recently Bryant & Stratton hosted its first open house to introduce the college to prospective students in the vibrant 3-D environment of Second Life. The school has already reaped the rewards by enrolling one student who came directly from that open house.Sheri Frost, a mother of four, went online for school and in the process also became engaged in Second Life. On June 10th, she will be one of the Bryant & Stratton graduates receiving her associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies. “Going to school online has fulfilled a long time dream of mine—achieving a degree and setting a good example for my children. To cap off the online education experience with a virtual graduation, with my family by my side, will be extremely rewarding.”The Bryant & Stratton Second Life graduation will only be open to graduates and their families. However, the school has built a viewing area for people to explore the Second Life experience at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/slgraduation.

New Survey Reveals Two In Three Could Easily “Break Up” With Their Current Bank

Posted by Erik Keith on May 28, 2009 at 11:30am

The most fundamental of American’s money relationships are with their banks, where a new study finds almost two in five Americans are unable to classify their current bank as “Mr. or Ms. Right,” with dissatisfaction higher among younger adults and those with most of their money in large banks.“Some relationships can lead in unhealthy directions without us even realizing it. The sad thing is, once it’s over you realize you should have packed up and left months ago,” said Gabe Krajicek, Chief Executive Officer of BancVue, the company that sponsored the research. “Unfortunately in the case of banking relationships, people don’t believe that there is a financial institution that can offer them what they really want—great products and great service—leading to paralysis.”Paralysis is of particular note among bank account holders with most of their money in large banks, such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America. Almost one in two (49%) big bank customers claim their current bank is far from “the one.” They’re more likely to see their banks as partners who are uncommitted or clingy. This dissatisfaction is also high among Americans ages 18-29, nearly half (45%) of which say they have yet to find their Mr. or Ms. Right of financial institutions.What is most telling, however, is that two-thirds (67%) of bank account-holding Americans admit they wouldn’t hesitate to consider a new banking relationship. This was confirmed by a recent J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Retail Banking Satisfaction Study which found that only 35 percent of customers are highly committed to their retail bank in 2009, compared with 37 percent in 2008 and 41 percent in 2007. This marks a two-year decline of 6 percentage points in customer commitment since the 2007 study. Again, according to the BancVue study, Americans with most of their money in large banks are antsy for a change – three in four (75%) would be willing to make a change, vs. 60 percent of those with their funds elsewhere.“Apparently, bigger isn’t better,” continued Krajicek. “With 70% of Americans’ deposits sitting in big banks, it may be time for people to heed the warning signs of their unhealthy relationship.”So what would make Americans break up with their banks? Just a few slight improvements, it seems. Less fees (39%) and higher interest rates (32%) top the list, with better banking products (29%) and ATM refunds (29%) also in demand.“Americans are fishing in the wrong pond. Mr./Ms. Right may actually be the guy or girl that has been right in front of you—the one you take for granted when you pass them each day,” says Krajicek. “And, in banking vernacular, Mr./Ms. Right is community financial institutions.”Selected community banks and credit unions are now meeting American’s banking dream of a perfect financial mate by providing the customer-centric service they are known for and offering a product that doesn’t just take, but gives back. Customers receive a free checking accounts with CD-like yields, no monthly fees and nationwide ATM fee refunds when they do simple activities, including accepting eStatements, utilizing direct deposit, accessing online banking, and increasing their debit card usage. All of these things help save the financial institutions money, and unlike the big banks that keep it for themselves, these financial institutions are returning to their account holders in the form of higher yields.www.CheckingFinder.com provides consumers a one-stop-shop for the best high-yield checking accounts among community banks and credit unions. The site enables consumers to search for a free, high-yield account by rate, distance from their home, and best annual return based on average account balance and ATM usage and then open the account online.“Now, those discontent with their banking relationship don’t have an excuse not to ‘break up’ with their bank,” concludes Krajicek.About BancVueBancVue is the leading provider of innovative products, marketing, and consulting solutions to community financial institutions nationwide. Serving over 600 community banks and credit unions around the country, BancVue’s solutions allow these institutions to compete and win in the war against the mega banks and net banks. Consumers benefit from the development and implementation of BancVue’s innovative products, including REWARDChecking®, a free high-yield checking account specifically designed for community banks and credit unions. For more information on BancVue, visit www.bancvue.com.MethodologyThe BancVue Survey was conducted by Kelton Research between April 14th and April 21st, 2009 using an email invitation and an online survey. 924 American bank account holders ages 18 and over responded to the survey. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. population ages 18 and over. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

2009 Clean Tech Open Announces Rocky Mountain Sponsors

Posted by Erik Keith on May 27, 2009 at 12:54pm

The Rocky Mountain chapter of the Clean Tech Open (www.cleantechopen.com), the nation’s leading clean tech business competition, announced that it has received strong support from the region’s business community, but is seeking additional sponsors for the competition.The law firm of Faegre & Benson is the Rocky Mountain region’s lead Gold sponsor. EKS&H, Hein & Associates, Van Gilder Insurance, and KPMG have also pledged support. Additional local sponsors include:• South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce• CORE--Connected Organizations for Responsible EconomyCleanSpark Colorado• ICOSA• 9 News• Cultivator• CSG|PR“We are very honored to have the support of these companies as we drive the development of a clean, sustainable economy in the Rocky Mountain west,” said Richard Franklin, co-chair of The Clean Tech Open, Rocky Mountain chapter. “As the competition moves forward, we welcome the participation of other sponsors who wish to take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage with some of the nation’s greatest thinkers in clean tech.”In addition to regional sponsors, Clean Tech Open is made possible by the generous support provided by National Expansion Sponsor, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Platinum Sponsor, PG&E; Gold Sponsors The Cleantech Circle, Google, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati; Silver Sponsors Accretive Solutions and RoseRyan; and Program Sponsors California Clean Energy Fund, Ernst & Young, and Korn/Ferry International.To help expand its reach, the Clean Tech Open is also partnering with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the largest U.S. foundation that focuses on advancing entrepreneurship and innovation.Clean Tech Contest Deadline ApproachingAs the leading clean tech business competition, the Clean Tech Open has already helped more than 120 entrepreneurs launch companies—and subsequently raise over $125 million in external funding—since its inception in 2006.Early-stage startups in the Rocky Mountain region are invited to enter in the competition from a variety of clean tech categories, including renewable energy, transportation, smart power, energy efficiency, green building, and air/water/waste management. More information on the competition is here: http://www.cleantechopen.com/competition.php?page=homeRocky Mountain startups will first compete for three regional prizes of cash and services worth $50,000. Similar regional competitions will also take place in California and the Pacific Northwest. Twelve regional winners will then face off in a national competition, vying for the Grand Prize of $250,000 in cash and services.In addition, semifinalists will be invited to participate in the Clean Tech Open Accelerator program, where they will be given hands-on training and experience in all aspects of starting and sustaining their businesses from national experts in venture capital, business, law, marketing and sustainability.Startups have until May 30, 2009 to submit entries. Semifinalists will be selected in each category and invited to participate in the Clean Tech Open Accelerator program, where they will be given hands-on training and experience in all aspects of starting and sustaining their businesses from national experts in venture capital, business, law, marketing and sustainability.About the Clean Tech OpenClean Tech Open is a catalyst for clean tech innovation, and the impetus behind the Clean Tech Open’s 100K Jobs Challenge. A non-profit organization founded in 2006, it provides today’s clean tech innovators with the tools, training and connections they need to become tomorrow's viable clean tech businesses. The core of Clean Tech Open is an annual business competition, supported by expert volunteers and mentors, which provides entrepreneurs with the crucial business training, services and insights they need to go to market successfully. The Clean Tech Open has assisted over 120 companies raise more than $125 million in external funding, and has spurred the creation of hundreds of jobs in California. Fueled by a network of over 400 volunteers and sponsors, the Clean Tech Open unites the public and private sectors in a shared vision for making America's clean tech sector a thriving economic engine. Past alumni successes include Adura Technologies, Cool Earth Solar and GreenVolts. To learn more, visit: www.cleantechopen.com.

Do Something Different This Summer!

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on May 27, 2009 at 7:38am

Sitting on the couch and playing video games or watching re-runs of survival shows like Survivorman and Man Vs. Wild is no way to spend the summer. Do something different this summer!

2009 SUMMER COURSES FOR TEENAGERS

Our unique courses range from the Stone Age Survival Project to the Endangered Wolves and Animal Tracking Project. All of our courses have an exciting blend of adventure, wilderness survival, and will inspire you to change the world! To view our full course schedule, Click Here.

Scholarships and Payments Plans and Gear Rental Plans are available so please contact us for more information. Also, High School and College Credit are available and our courses look great on college applications! Space is limited, so Register Today!

Spring Promotion: If you register by May 31, 2009 and bring a friend on your course, you will receive an Official Cottonwood Institute Survival Kit, valued at $75! Please note: this offer only applies to our 2009 Summer Courses for teenagers.

SUMMER COURSES FOR ADULTS

If you are obsessed with survival shows like Survivorman and Man Vs. Wild, and you are interested in getting outside to practice these survival skills yourself, then register for the Essential Survival Skills Overnight June 6 -7, 2009. You will learn survival priorities, survival shelters, and survival fires and participate in a 24-hour survival scenario to put your skills to the test. Space is limited, so Register Today!

Mt. Evans Volunteer Project: August 21 - 23, 2009, Mt. Evans near Idaho Springs, CO. This is a great chance to give back to the mountains and head to the high country in a spectacular setting. Grab a group of friends or co-workers and help make a difference on Colorado's 14,000 foot peaks this summer. Space is limited to the first 15 volunteers, so Register Today!

Please help us spread the word by Forwarding This Post To A friend. We hope to see you in the field with us soon! If you have any questions, please contact me via Email or by phone at 303.447.1076.

Thank you so much for all of your support!

Ford Church, Founder and Executive Director

Cottonwood Institute

Father's Day Music Festival at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch

Posted by Tami Inskeep on May 25, 2009 at 9:18am

Dad deserves the kind of day he can really enjoy! Bring him on June 21 to Sylvan Dale for aid back outdoor fun, BBQ and burgers, and toe-tappin’ music! He can bring his fishing pole, his appetite and the whole family for a relaxing time at the bend of the Big Thompson River. It’s a great way to salute Dad on FATHER’S DAY! Featuring music by: Bill Barwick and Friends, Cowtown, and Pete & Joan Wernick (Dr. & Nurse Banjo) Activities include: Fishing, Horse-Drawn Hayrides, Trail Rides, Lead-Around Rides, Horseshoes,Volleyball, Hiking, & Swimming - additional charge for some activities Bring folding chairs, sunscreen, and blankets! No outside food & drink allowed.Call 877-667-3999 for event schedule and advanced reservations!

Ranch Days for your Colorado Vacation!

Posted by Tami Inskeep on May 25, 2009 at 9:00am

Ranch Days at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch - June 21 – June 26 Agri- & Eco-Friendly Activities for All Ages! Treat yourself and your family to the best “Staycation” experience on the Front Range. Where else could you find so much fun so close to home? Opening Day - Sunday, June 21 with our Father’s Day Music Festival. Followed by a week of ranch-style FUN! Daily Activities may include: Hands-on Ranch Chores, Horses and More, Nature Awareness, Self-improvement Activities, Overnight Camp-outs, Old-fashioned Fun, Sustainable Practices, and Outdoor Adventures. Pick your package! Stay 1 night or all 6. Meals included. Call for daily schedule of activities and discount pricing. (970) 667-3915 or toll-free 877-667-3999. We can’t wait to share the beauty of Sylvan Dale with you!

Big Green Rabbit at Boulder Creek Festival this weekend

Posted by Cheryl on May 22, 2009 at 2:29pm

Join Charlie, the BIG GREEN RABBIT, and friends at the Boulder Creek Festival Memorial Day Weekend, May 23rd, 24th, and 25th.Stop by the Kids’ Area to meet Charlie, munch on a healthy carrot, and discover what’s new in the world of BIG GREEN RABBIT!Don’t miss Charlie, Isabelle, and the GREAT BIG GREEN DANCERS as they perform each day on the Kids’ Place Stage (13th and Arapahoe). Dance along with the songs you love from the BIG GREEN RABBIT television program on Rocky Mountain PBS, Channel 6.BIG GREEN RABBIT performances will be:* Saturday, May 23rd: 10:30 am and 12:30 pm * Sunday, May 24th: 10:00am and 3:00 pm * Monday, May 25th: 12:00 pm

Free Performance at Longmont Theatre

Posted by Tracy Cravens on May 21, 2009 at 2:49pm

Love Letters by A. R. GurneyJune 12 & 13, 20097:30 pmLongmont Theatre is showing it's appreciation to the community for their continued support of the arts in Longmont during these tough financial times by having Free Admission for these two nights of performances."Love Letters" is a play consisting of a lifetime of correspondence between a man and a woman. The play chronicles their lives, from the time when they are learning to write, till one of them dies. The humor, love and truth it reveals is in each of our lives in these simple letters.Performing in The Longmont Theatre's production is Steve Carver, LTC Board President as Andrew Ladd and Jennifer Gaydosh, LTC Board Vice President as Melissa Gardner."Love Letters" has been performed over the years by many famous actors as Elizabeth Taylor and James Earl Jones to Steven Weber and Laura Linney in the movie version.Longmont Theatre is a non-profit community theatre that has been doing productions for more than 50 years in Longmont. A donation would be greatly appreciated.http://www.longmonttheatre/.303-772-5200

Namasté Solar co-owner & education manager headlines Women’s Chamber North Lunch

Posted by Sanya Andersen-Vie on May 21, 2009 at 9:15am

Lauren Coyne, Co-Owner, Education & Outreach Manager for Namasté Solar will discuss her life story at the Women’s Chamber of Commerce North Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jun. 4 at Dave & Buster’s, 10667 Westminster #100, Westminster, CO.The luncheon is sponsored by Wealth Management Partners, Mass Mutual Financial. The cost is $27 for members and $37 for non-members and walk-ins. Attendees can register online at www.cwcc.org.Coyne is a co-owner and the Education and Outreach Manager for Namasté Solar. According to Coyne, her position allows her to combine her passion for environmental issues, her desire to educate the public about renewable energy, and her entrepreneurial spirit. She joined the company in 2007 with seven years of teaching and advocacy experience in Colorado and California. Working as a field representative for a state assembly member during the California energy crisis, Coyne learned first-hand that renewable energy is a key solution for the future of energy, the environment, and the economy.She returned home to Colorado in 2003. Prior to joining Namasté Solar, she spent two years teaching sixth grade at Kent Denver School in Englewood and two years teaching middle school English at St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Denver. Coyne volunteers on political campaigns and has been active in the passage of several important ballot issues, including Amendment 37 and FasTracks. She holds a B.A in Environmental Studies and Public Policy from Dartmouth College.For more information on the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, call 303.458.0220, e-mail info@cwcc.org or visit www.cwcc.org.

IAS Applying “Distressed” Methodology to Automated Real Estate Valuations

Posted by Erik Keith on May 20, 2009 at 10:56am

Integrated Asset Services®, LLC (IAS®) (www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, announced today the availability of a “distressed” valuation feature within the iValue suite of automated valuation products. This new feature is intended to help mortgage servicers around the country more accurately value distressed residential properties and loans associated with such collateral. Industry leaders anticipate an unprecedented volume of distressed properties and fluctuating loan-to-value ratios over the next several quarters as a flood of default and REO properties enter the market. “Financial institutions and mortgage servicers need a fast and affordable way to review their portfolios and make decisions for each individual loan,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “The distressed valuation feature is a way to individualize the value of each property according to the state of the local market and the property-specific factors that may negatively impact value.” iValue already delivers deeper business intelligence than any other single Automated Valuation Model (AVM) source in the market, reporting on subject value, median house price trends, and neighborhood intelligence. The new “distressed” feature extends the AVM to extract and weigh key data points that indicate whether a property is considered distressed within the iValue model. Other AVMs typically overlook a property’s state of distress; resulting in valuation error and greater portfolio risk. The iValue enhancement will identify and flag those properties that are in some state of distress, including notice of default, company-owned, abandoned and sheriff sale. The feature also applies neighborhood analytics to search and select area listings and sales that can be identified as distressed, enabling the AVM to utilize relevant comparables. The distressed methodology isolates and monitors price trends for distressed properties in a local market, allowing the model to accurately establish the spread between retail market value and distressed value. “An intelligent AVM is able to recognize a distressed property state, quantify the price pressure on a given market and value each asset accordingly,” said Ric Miles, CEO of IntelliReal, IAS’s technology partner. “Identifying the distressed value of a property within its local market will give servicers and mortgage traders the ability to more proactively strategize and manage portfolio risk.” iValue is one of several innovations introduced by IAS to assist financial institutions mitigate risk through a fast and low cost solution. The firm recently launched its monthly-reported IAS360 House Price Index last year. IAS’s high-tech and high-touch product lines (www.iasreo.com/iseries.html) offer an unmatched level of detail in a rapidly changing housing environment. About Integrated Asset Services, LLC IAS (www.iasreo.com) is a privately-held Colorado-based corporation specializing in default mortgage services including valuation, reconciliation and full cycle REO disposition. The Company’s advanced valuation and volatility technology combined with its expert professional services help its clients reduce exposure while expediting the entire asset management process. Founded by REO industry experts, IAS provides services that go beyond industry expectations, from the level of integrity of its employees to the measurably better service it routinely provides.

The Art Underground in Louisville Offers Unique and Affordable Camps for kids of all ages!

Posted by Claire Clurman on May 19, 2009 at 3:46pm

The Art Underground located at 901 Front St. in Historic Downtown Louisville is currently enrolling children of all ages in a wide variety of dance, theatre, music and visual arts camps for the summer. Over 30 classes will be taught by professional instructors and begin in early June. Call 303-229-1127 for more information or visit www.theartunderground.org.“Whether it’s music, art, cooking, dance, sewing or film production that interests your child” says Lori Jones, Founder and Executive Director of The Art Underground, “we have designed week-long camps and classes that will allow each child to explore his or her special talents. With our custom-designed dance studio and additional space for theatre, visual arts, sewing, music and cooking classes, we’ve been able to attract top-notch instructors. We’re thrilled to be in our 2nd year of offering fun and affordable opportunities for kids to experience the joy of the arts!”Pre-schoolers can experience Story Art where children create their own stories to be filmed based on beloved classics such as The Little Red Hen and Corduroy. Jungle Animal Mania will feature creative movement, cooking and art activities woven together with animal themes. Other offerings include the popular Polka Dot Art, Fanciful Fairy Camp and Camp Dynamite. Additional music classes will build a foundation of musical skills in young children.For teens and school age children, The Art Underground will feature Urban Arts Camp (June 22-26) where 8-12 year-olds experience the world of Hip Hop, Beat Box and Grafitti Art. Digital Music Creation lets kids create their own musical collage and composition, using specialized electronic software and hardware for recording and editing music and sounds. Art, Music and Science Express will bring impassioned teachers to explore each medium, culminating in a science, art and musical finale. Middle Schoolers in Runway Project Camp will design, sew and showcase their own creations in a final runway show. Irish Dance, CenterStage Theatre, Trash to Treasure Camp, Jewelry-Making, Digital Photography and the TAU Summer Film Festival are just a few of the many artistic opportunities available for teens to experience this summer. Dance classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and musical theatre will also be available.The Art Underground is a non-profit organization located in Historic Downtown Louisville that offers dance, theatre, music, photography, film and visual arts classes for all ages. Founded in 2007 by concerned parents and community leaders, The Art Underground also hosts art galleries/exhibitions and other events that promote opportunities for patrons and artists to connect and support a growing arts community in East Boulder County. TAU is honored to be a part of the Louisville Arts Hub which also includes CenterStage Theatre Company, Coal Creek Theatre Company, Louisville Art Association, and Louisville Cultural Council.

Seven Ways To Yelp for Success on Yelp.com - Yelping For Dollars

Posted by Jason Lancaster on May 19, 2009 at 9:00am

Since Yelp.com is growing rapidly in popularity - according to Quantcast.com, Yelp's traffic doubled from October 08' to March 09' - I'd like to discuss some strategies and tips for using Yelp.com to promote your business.

Step One: Get your business on the list. Start by registering on Yelp.com and searching the directory for a listing for your business. If you find one, claim it and set up your business' profile. If you don't find a profile, you can also create one. The best part? It's free.

Step Two: Begin Yelping. Set aside an hour a day each week to get used to how Yelp works. Get a feel of Yelp.com by reviewing a favorite bookstore or coffee shop. Get more perspective by reading other reviews by your fellow Yelpers.

Step Three: Get yourself reviewed. Once your business is listed, you can now get reviews. A good way to get positive reviews on your profile is to solicit them from your family and friends. There's nothing wrong with this (it's a good way to jump start your profile), but you must tread carefully. Yelp.com's system deletes reviews that don't seem "normal." Here's how you can make sure reviews from your friends and family aren't automatically deleted:

Yelp.com's platform works against spam reviews by deleting reviews from users who don't "act" like regular users, i.e. leaving only one review, never visiting the site more than once, only leaving positive reviews, etc. If you're going to solicit reviews from people close to you, make sure they act like "normal" Yelpers - ask them to review half-a-dozen or so other businesses (along with your business) over the course of a couple of weeks. This will likely keep Yelp's system from deleting reviews.

Step Four: Build a killer profile. Many business owners make the mistake of thinking that their business hours and products are enough for a good profile. This isn't so. Take the time to make your Yelp.com profile informative and interesting, and don't forget you can advertise a coupon for your business for free.

Step Five: Be active in the community. Your business profile allows you to recommend 5 other businesses. While it's most logical to recommend the businesses of your own acquaintances, it's actually a better practice to use your recommendations wisely and recognize other active Yelpers who would might reciprocate with a link or a good review.

Step Six: Keep the reviews coming. Spread the word around - ask your loyal patrons to stop by Yelp.com and leave a friendly review. Yelp gives your satisfied clients a venue to compliment you where they might otherwise be too shy to do so in person. Tell everyone that your business is on Yelp.com, and they will just do the rest.

Step Seven: Network. Networking is both fun and easy. You can exchange great feedback with other businesses. Utilize all of Yelps resources to the hilt. Gain more friends, and get them to have a taste of what your business can offer. Your profile is made all the better when you have a good network of friends on Yelp.com.

As Yelp continues to grow, complete business profiles with good reviews are leading to more and more new customers. Participating on Yelp.com now, and encouraging your customers to leave you positive reviews, will pay big dividends later as Yelp continues to grow.

Check out the SporkMarketing.com blog for more internet marketing tips.

Boulder Flatirons Rotary supports the Pocket Flag Project for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

Posted by Bill Hendrick on May 15, 2009 at 9:40am

The Patriot Committee of the Arapahoe Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) has been involved with the Pocket Flag Project. “While we are educating people about the flag and patriotism, our objective is to get as many pocket flags as we can into the pockets of our troops who are on the front lines. We want them to know that we care and that we keep them in our hearts and our prayers.” The sixth box of 300 flags was sent on January 30, 3009 to LCDR Thomas Ramar, a Rotarian from Flatirons Rotary in Boulder, serving in Iraq. Flatirons Rotary has contributed both money and effort, folding flags in this project. for more info click

2009 Clean Tech Open Makes Final Call for Entries

Posted by Erik Keith on May 14, 2009 at 1:36pm

The Clean Tech Open (www.cleantechopen.com), the innovation catalyst that helps great ideas become viable clean tech businesses, announced the deadline for entering this year’s competition is Saturday, May 30. Entrepreneurs in the five-state Rocky Mountain region, which includes Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, are encouraged to enroll soon in order to secure a place in the competition. Clean Tech start-ups from the region will compete against entrepreneurs from across the country for more than $1 million in prizes. “The Rocky Mountain region is rapidly becoming a clean tech hub, and a leader in turning good ideas into green collar jobs and sustainable businesses,” said Richard Franklin, co-chair of the Clean Tech Open, Rocky Mountain chapter, based in Denver. “We challenge clean tech entrepreneurs across the region to go from start-up to success with this competition.” A Proven Model As the leading clean tech business competition, the Clean Tech Open has already helped more than 120 entrepreneurs launch companies—and subsequently raise over $125 million in external funding—since its inception in 2006. Early-stage startups in the Rocky Mountain region are invited to enter in the competition from a variety of clean tech categories, including renewable energy, transportation, smart power, energy efficiency, green building, and air/water/waste management. More information on the competition is here: http://www.cleantechopen.com/competition.php?page=home Rocky Mountain startups will first compete for three regional prizes of cash and services worth $50,000. Similar regional competitions will also take place in California and the Pacific Northwest. Twelve regional winners will then face off in a national competition, vying for the Grand Prize of $250,000 in cash and services. In addition, semifinalists will be invited to participate in the Clean Tech Open Accelerator program, where they will be given hands-on training and experience in all aspects of starting and sustaining their businesses from national experts in venture capital, business, law, marketing and sustainability. The Clean Tech Open is made possible by the generous support provided by National Expansion Sponsor, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Platinum Sponsor, PG&E; Gold Sponsors The Cleantech Circle, Google, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati; Silver Sponsors Accretive Solutions and RoseRyan; and Program Sponsors California Clean Energy Fund, Ernst and Young, and Korn/Ferry International. The Clean Tech Open is also partnering with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the largest U.S. foundation that focuses on advancing entrepreneurship and innovation. About the Clean Tech Open Clean Tech Open is a catalyst for clean tech innovation, and the impetus behind the Clean Tech Open’s 100K Jobs Challenge. A non-profit organization founded in 2006, it provides today’s clean tech innovators with the tools, training and connections they need to become tomorrow's viable clean tech businesses. The core of Clean Tech Open is an annual business competition, supported by expert volunteers and mentors, that provides entrepreneurs with the crucial business training, services and insights they need to go to market successfully. The Clean Tech Open has assisted over 120 companies raise more than $125 million in external funding, and has spurred the creation of hundreds of jobs in California. Fueled by a network of over 400 volunteers and sponsors, the Clean Tech Open unites the public and private sectors in a shared vision for making America's clean tech sector a thriving economic engine. Past alumni successes include Adura Technologies, Cool Earth Solar and GreenVolts. To learn more, visit: www.cleantechopen.com. For More Information: Morrison Shafroth, Contact for general inquiries and Montana 720-470-3653 mshafroth@csg-pr.com Marie Rotter, Contact for Utah and New Mexico (303) 907-9826 marierotter@gmail.com Pam Peccolo, Contact for Colorado and Wyoming 303.521.8207 ppeccolo@aol.com

Why Yelp.com Can Be A Business Owner's BFF (Best Friend Forever)

Posted by Jason Lancaster on May 14, 2009 at 9:00am

We all like to be complimented for a job well done. It not only feels good, it also helps spur us on to continue performing. Best of all, compliments from satisfied customers are some of the best advertisements a business can hope for. What better way to let the world know how well the company is doing than by publicizing good compliments on our company website?

Testimonials about your company are good, yes, but when you really think about it, what company in their right mind would publish a negative comment on their company website? When you read other website testimonials, do you wonder if you're only getting half of the story? This is where Yelp.com comes in - to help people find compliments and testimonials about businesses that they can trust.

What Yelp.com is: A website that people can use to find and review businesses. People can review everything from their favorite coffee shop to their neighborhood doctor. Yelp is more than "just a review site," however. There's also a social network feature where individuals can compare their reviews, email each other, etc. Yelp is especially popular for reviewing restaurants, but it's becoming more and more common to see reviews for every type of business on the site.

Why Yelp.com is important: Yelp is experiencing phenomenal growth ? according to QuantCast.com, they've almost doubled in popularity between between October 2008 and March 2009. In March 2009, Yelp.com had more than 5.9 million visitors. Nuff' said.

Why Yelp.com will continue to grow: The best thing about Yelp is the social network. When people come to Yelp to find business reviews, they also have the opportunity to evaluate the reviewers themselves. Visitors can find out "Does the person who left this review seem like someone I would trust? Do they like the same things I do?" Yelp's strength is that visitors can evaluate both businesses AND the people who review them.

How your business can benefit from Yelp.com: How about using Yelp for free advertising? Setup a profile for your business for free, then encourage your customers to leave you a positive review. A good profile and positive reviews will drive customers to your business.

How Yelp.com can hurt you: Bad reviews, of course. Reviews aren't moderated on Yelp, so if an unhappy customer leaves you a scathing review, you'll have to deal with it. Yelp does give you a chance to respond to reviews, however, so make the most of it. Be honest if your business made a mistake, and do your best to fix the problem for the future. Take the high road no matter what you do when responding to a bad review.

If you haven't done so already, it's time to check out Yelp.com. Next week, I'll post another article about how to use Yelp for fun and profit.

Fostering Green Building Practices

Posted by Jennifer Blair on May 13, 2009 at 8:56pm

The 5 reasons to integrate green into your building practices.1. Expanding your business. Today’s consumers are more aware of the conscious choices they have in order to make a difference when it comes to home improvements and energy efficiency. You want to tap into that clientele. They are also savvy of the current stimulus plan offering the 2009 tax credits for these eco-improvements to their homes. As contractors, builders, and designers, you want to communicate what your business has to offer in the way of supporting these conscious choices. Give details to your existing clients as to how your green building services correspond with the home improvements that guarantee these tax credits being offered.2. Selling the experience of peace of mind while protecting the planet. Cultivate the clients experience as a competency every contractor, builder and designer needs to offer. Spend the time to do an energy audit of the client’s home to guide them through the inventories of their energy use, the energy losses, and the solutions to reduce utility bills. Explain to your clients the concept of the “Home Envelope” and how improvements of sealing and insulating can save them up to 20% on heating and cooling cost. This begins to speak to your company’s social responsibility. A motivating by-product of fostering your green building practices is the fact that employees will also benefit from the satisfaction that comes from their time spent working for a company that’s mindfully contributing to protecting the planet.3. Staying ahead of the competition. Continuing professional development to foster your companies green building practices can put your business on the leading edge. Look for certifications in residential green building to further your team’s knowledge. It is imperative to listen and speak your new customer’s language. Gain in-depth knowledge of your clients needs, the new green building technologies and the innovative green products available. This in turn will build the clients trust and confidence in your services. When you integrate green alternatives as services offered, you will differentiate your business from your competition.4. Join Green Building Associations. Building your credentials within the community is easy when you join a Green Building Association in your area. It’s all about networking. Getting involved in your community this way builds consumer awareness. Some memberships grant your business access to the latest building science discussions, new regulations/codes, green building techniques, and business management. The education and the resources available to your business are worth the membership fees. Additional benefits to joining these associations may include the use of the building association’s logo on your web site or company’s marketing materials which help distinguish your business from the competition.5. Become an “Environmental Business Leader”. New business models in the green building industry require a new breed of “Environmental Business Leaders”. Ones that can consciously re-invent themselves while being authentic about their sustainability efforts with detailed goals of helping their clients. As contractors, builders, and designers begin to demonstrate the known impacts of green building, they become a template for other business owners who are interested in raising their level of integrity and social responsibility. Social + environmental + economic = triple bottom lineEmerging into the new green economy can be a life changing experience. Take advantage of the opportunities to re-invent yourself and improve your business model. Who knew the work you do could save the planet!Jennifer BlairVP of Marketing and Business Developmentwww.greenbuilding.comjennifer@greenbuilding.com

Benefit for Social Services

Posted by Chicago Hair Salon on May 13, 2009 at 3:00pm

On April 26th we had a cut-a-thon to raise money to buy clothes for children in Boulder County Social Services. We thought of this idea when one of clients who works for Social Services told us she just placed two children who came to her with just the clothes on their backs. I guess I never really thought about how dire some situations are for children in our own community.Since talking to Brandy Queen that day I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot more about the services provided by Social Services. Another Chicago Hair client has just completed training in C.A.S.A. She will be a child advocate in court and legal settings. Ilene, has also been mentoring two young girls who are being raised by their Grandmother. Once a week she spends time with these girls and gives Grandma a well deserved break. We provide Gift Cards to Social Services and I was fortunate to cut the Grandmas hair. It was a honor to meet and talk to Connie. She is a long time Lafayette resident. I also live in Lafayette and she was able to teach me some of the history of the town I’ve raised my children in.Thomi Quakenbush (volunteer coordinator for Social Services) and I started planning this benefit in January. Thomi was a hairstylist for many years so we immediately hit off. Her enthusiasm and energy greatly increased the success of our benefit. Thomi worked the event with us. She helped sweep hair and do towels on her day off. We had a young lady in the salon who was placed in Social Services when she was four and now is a beautiful, successful 31 year old women. I’ve heard stories of Social Services employees in other communities who are jaded and too busy to do what is best for the children. In Boulder County these people care so much for these children. I hope we can all find some way to make these children know we care because after all they our children. The 1st annual benefit was a resounding success. In 6 hours 6 hairstylists raised $1200. Our hairstylists all donated a day of work. I’m one lucky salon owner to have such a caring staff. I can’t wait till next year. Anyone out there want to join us?

Networking Colorado Springs to help families in need!!!

Posted by American Charities on May 13, 2009 at 2:32pm

American Charities, Inc. is a Colorado based non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation. It is our mission to assist families needing immediate food and clothing. The funds that we raise in a community are directly put to use helping local families in need. We do not charge for clothing. Anyone in need is welcome with no questions asked.We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our cause. Most of our current volunteers work 3 to 4 hours a week. We are currently doing events at Wal Mart's around Colorado Springs every weekend. Typically we have two volunteers at a table handing out literature explaining our operation and asking for Food and Cash Donations.We are also in need of volunteers who can assist the families coming to the center by packing food bags for them and helping them with referral information.If anyone at the base would be interested in helping in their free time it would be greatly appreciated.Thank you for your consideration,Dave DiGiorgio

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.