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Warm Hearts Cure Cold Feet on 12/12/12 for “No Socks to Work Day”

Campaign to gather sock donations for Denver’s homeless being spearheaded by the Sock-it-to-‘em Sock Campaign

A citywide effort to gather donations of socks for Denver’s homeless population is kicking off with the inaugural “No Socks to Work Day” on Dec. 12, 2012.  “No Socks to Work Day” asks workers to forego their socks for the day, donate a new pair of socks in their place, and sport bare ankles in the workplace in show of support for the campaign. The drive will be in full effect through Dec. 31, 2012.

The Sock-it-to-Em Socks Campaign™ was launched in 2011 by Sue Lee, CEO of EQ Media and creator of “I Believe in Me!” When the entrepreneur recognized how many Americans face the harsh winter cold and dampness with inadequate protection for their feet, she asked her friend Phillis Shimamoto to join her in 2012 to form Sock-it-to-Em and began soliciting fellow small business owners and others to pitch in.

This year, Lee and Shimamoto teamed with Small Business Drives America™, a nationwide program to highlight the contributions of small businesses to the nation’s economy, in launching the “No-Socks-To-Work™” Day drive. Thousands of businesses and other workplaces nationwide are expected to shed their socks and participate.

Denver’s homeless population is now twice what it was just a year ago.  The Sock-it-to-‘em Sock Campaign™ aims to cover the feet of as many of those in need as possible before the new year. No Socks to Work Day was the brainchild of Denver resident, Dean Rotbart, co-coordinator of the sock donation drive, and the force behind the Small Business Drives Colorado™ campaign.

“We want to launch the effort in Denver, but intend to encourage other cities around the country to join in,” said Sue Lee, Sock-it-to-‘em founder.  “Denver is a good place to start because of the growing homeless population who will have to endure bone-chilling temperatures during the holidays.  By encouraging the community to donate new and used socks to those in need, we hope to help everyone survive the cold.” 

“It’s estimated that one out of every four homeless individuals in Denver is a child – that’s just heartbreaking,” said Dean Rotbart.  “If we can make sure their feet are warm for the holidays, we will be doing something to help.”

The grassroots campaign has attracted the attention and support of several Denver-metro area sponsors, including:

• Crocs: Crocs Inc. will serve as a national co-sponsor of No Socks To Work™ Day, providing new pairs of Crocs in support of the no-socks drive and its celebrity participants, as well as making a donation of new shoes to the homeless.
• HomeSmart Realty Group: Donation of 501 pair of socks
• Marco’s Pizza Colorado: Two-for-one discount on pizza slices for anyone who brings in a sock donation
• Communications Strategy Group: Coordination of all media relations and promotion of No Socks to Work Day

Sock donations can be dropped off at any of these locations:

• MIYO’s Café - 858 W. Happy Canyon Road, Castle Rock, CO 80108
• Leading Edge Physical Therapy - 7280 Lagae Rd., Unit F (Castle Pines Parkway & Lagae)


• First Plymouth Congregational Church - 3501 S. Colorado Blvd., Englewood, CO 80113


• St. Andrews United Methodist Church - 9203 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126


• 100% Chiropractic, Belmar - 455 S. Teller St., Lakewood, CO 80226
• Heart of Oneness Center - 720 14th St. Golden, CO 80401
• Rainbow Rewards - 999 18th St., Ste 2250, Denver, CO 80202
• Communications Strategy Group  - 3225 E. 2^nd Ave., Denver, CO 80206
• Any Denver or Colorado Springs Marco’s Pizza location
• The Fragrance Factory - 45 Via Brianza, Suite 100, Henderson, NV 89011

Sock donations can also be mailed to:

Sock-it-to-em Socks Campaign™


Attn: Dean Rotbart


7581 E. Academy Blvd.  #D455


Denver, CO 80230

Everyone who plans to participate on December 12^th can take the “No-Socks-To-Work™” pledge on Twitter @NoSocksToWork.  See www.Twitter.com/nosockstowork.  Please tweet the following:  "I'm going sockless to work on 12/12/12 to support No-Socks-To-Work™ Day. I'll donate a pair of new socks to the homeless. #nosockstowork

Participants are also encouraged to connect with No Socks to Work on Facebook and post images of sockless employees: https://www.facebook.com/NoSocksToWorkDay

Additional information can be found at www.NoSocksToWork.org.  Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor or participating in “No-Socks-To-Work™” Day, may contact Rotbart at nosockstowork@gmail.com, or by phone at 303-296-1200.

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

Because Define Defense is an affiliate of TRX, we received a temporary discount code for their Suspension Trainers and Rip Trainers.

This promotion code is valid until 10/28/12 and you can use by clicking on the banner below, select what you would like and use the code TRXAFFIL15 when you check out.


http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-5716553-11188239

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, received accolades as a finalist for the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association’s National Cleantech Leadership Award on October 22. Ecotech congratulates all of the finalists and winners from the ceremony for helping cleantech industries continue to innovate and grow.

“We were absolutely thrilled to be recognized among so many fantastic cleantech innovators who deeply care about sustainable industries,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “Ecotech is committed to walking the talk as we educate future sustainability experts and we will continue to look to these peers for insights, guidance and support.”

During the third annual “Colorado Cleantech Industry Awards Celebration”, individuals and organizations were honored for their leadership in advancing cleantech job creation, corporate growth, individual effort and technical innovation.

The company finalists were selected based on their ability to impact the marketplace with innovative clean technologies, successful fundraising efforts, ability to scale their technology, and the company’s statewide job creation success. Individuals were selected for their commitment to expanding Colorado’s cleantech ecosystem and their devotion to the growth of their respective organizations. With the guidance of Deloitte, the finalists were selected by a group of industry peers consisting of entrepreneurial leaders, cleantech CEOs and former award recipients.

“For a school that has only been around a couple years, this nomination was a big accomplishment,” added Seifert. 

The 2012 Blue Sky Velo Cup will once again provide exciting cyclocross racing for everyone. 

Located on the legendary Xilinx campus, this year’s course is sure to offer nonstop excitement for both spectators and  racers alike!

Join in the fun, or watch as racers spring over barriers, trudge through sand-pits and charge over run-ups, obstacles sure to test the racer’s physical, technical and mental abilities—excitement for everyone at every twist and turn!

Expo Area will have face painting, chiropractic care, local vendors, and food & beverage booths. The talented Niwot Marching Band will be on-hand again to entertain and add to the excitement!

Come join us for a full day of fun for the entire family!

8AM -5PM at the Xilinx campus 

View Map

For more information, please see: http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2012/BSVCX_flyer.pdf

The Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), which serves as the bridge between older people and opportunities for them to continue in productive activities, is hosting its fourth meeting in the “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers” series on Thursday, November 15. This meeting, which is the final stop in the series, will be held at University College on the University of Denver campus. To register and view the agenda, visit http://www.ctrpl.org/november-15-2012. Participants must be 50 and older (50+).

The meetings are designed to contribute to a national momentum for new-business creation, which will help Baby Boomers remain productively engaged while reducing unemployment and increasing national economic growth. AARP, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and CPL are sponsors of the meeting, along with other organizations.

The day will include presentations from three successful entrepreneurs 50+ and two rounds of interactive breakout sessions on topics relating to new-business creation and how to become an entrepreneur.

The featured speakers include:

• Jody Holtzman, Senior Vice President–Thought Leadership, AARP, has more than two decades of experience helping companies develop and implement competitive strategies and achieve their strategic market goals. At AARP he leads AARP's new Thought Leadership efforts, which support the new brand positioning around a focus on living, not just aging, and for people 50+ to live their best lives.

• Courtney Price, President & CEO, VentureQuest Ltd., in the early ‘90s, founded the Entrepreneurial Education Foundation in Kansas City, MO, and co-founded FastTrac, which was selected to have the best materials for entrepreneurship training in the U.S.

• Alan Hall is Founder and Chairman of MarketStar Corporation, which is a global, outsourced sales and marketing company. MarketStar assists technology companies by increasing sales through the small to medium business sector. Omnicom Group (OMC) now owns MarketStar. He is also the Founder and President of Grow America, whose focus is on stimulating the growth and development of entrepreneurship throughout the U.S.

• Ding-Wen Hsu, President, Pacific West Technologies, has more than 30 years of MIS and managerial experience. A native of Taiwan, she has been very active in the Asian-American communities in Denver since she moved to Colorado in 1978. She is one of the founders of Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, the largest Asian American festival in the Rocky Mountain region. In addition, she is the co-founder of International Multi-Cultural Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes understanding and interaction among various cultures.

• Adam Swiecki, President, Swiecki Enterprises, founded Swiecki Enterprises in 2003 after serving as an Army Officer and financier. Focused on the action sport market, he has built leading ecommerce businesses in skate (SkateboardsEtc.com), surf (SurfboardsEtc.com), and snow (SkiGogglesEtc.com).

This meeting focuses on the reality that, with unemployment high and economic growth low for the foreseeable future, entrepreneurship is a bright spot on a gloomy employment horizon for Baby Boomers 50+.

Space for the meeting is limited, and people are encouraged to reserve a place as soon as possible. The charge of $35 per person covers a spouse, if desired, and a post-meeting workshop on the “how-tos” of creating a new business. Registrations should be made by November 1 at http://www.ctrpl.org/november-15-2012/registration.  They will be accepted thereafter on a first-come basis.

For more information on CPL and the senior entrepreneurship meetings, visit www.ctrpl.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTRPL. 

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, has named Chris Gorrie as the school’s new Academic Dean. Gorrie began at Ecotech as an instructor in 2010 and most recently served as the program director for the Electrical Engineering Technology Program.

“Chris Gorrie is a student favorite on our campus, bringing a great deal of knowledge and expertise,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “This is a perfect position for Chris, giving him the ability to make a difference for our entire student body.”

Gorrie studied Electrical Engineering, with an emphasis in semiconductor technology, at the University of Southern Maine and did his graduate work at the University of Florida where he received a full Alumni Fellowship.

His interest in renewable energy led to work at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he developed new materials for use in transparent electronics and photovoltaics. His passion for teaching brought him to Ecotech Institute where he has taught courses in circuits, power generation, programmable logic controllers, mathematics, physical science and photovoltaics.

“It’s a great honor to hold this position,” said Gorrie. “At Ecotech Institute, we’re helping to shape our country’s renewable energy future and changing students’ lives in the process. It’s an incredible opportunity and I look forward to the challenge.”

Fall is in full swing with winter just around the bend. And while the weather might start to get frightful, that doesn’t mean running outside can’t be delightful—thanks to FastForward Sports’ Holiday Program.

For the past eight years, the FastForward Sports Holiday Program has helped Boulder and Denver runners stay in shape and keep off the pounds during the holiday season when the days get shorter, the temperatures get colder… and the meals get bigger.

“The holiday season in Colorado is wonderful, but the cold and limited daylight can conspire against runners who aim for consistent exercise and weight management,” says FastForward owner and head coach Scott Fliegelman. “In all kinds of weather, FastForward runners gather with headlamps, lots of layers and a hearty attitude as they head out onto the trails for a shared fall/winter outdoor experience.”

The program runs from Halloween to New Year’s and helps bridge the gap after a summer of training and racing for runners of all abilities, offering camaraderie, accountability and expert coaching from FastForward’s cadre of more than 40 coaches. Workouts are not too long or too arduous, and runners often participate together in holiday 5Ks and fun runs throughout the fall and winter months.

Speaking of fun runs, the program kicks off with the annual Trick or Treat Trot on Halloween night, October 31, an easy 2-mile jog around North Boulder Park. This FREE event is open to adults and children and costumes are encouraged! In the spirit of Halloween, runners will enjoy candy aid stations and post-run refreshments.

FastForward Sports’ Holiday Program runs from October 31 – December 31. Groups meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. at North Boulder Park in Boulder and Washington Park in Denver. Saturday morning runs are held at assorted locations at 9 a.m. in both Boulder and Denver. Cost for the program is $99 through Oct. 19; then price goes up to $119.

Learn more about the FastForward Sports Holiday Program, and other year-round training programs, at www.fastforwardsports.net. 

3^rd annual fundraiser benefits A Kid’s Place, October 13, 2012

October 12, 2012 – Greeley, CO – Coyote’s Southwestern Grill is proud to support A Kid's Place, home of the Weld County Child Advocacy Center and the CASA Program, by competing in this year’s “Top Chef Northern Colorado” on Saturday, October 13^th, 2012 at the Island Grove Exhibition Hall. Music, cocktails and a silent auction start at 5:00 p.m. and the competition begins at 6:30 p.m. Chefs Trevor Schultze and Garrett Adler from Coyote’s look forward to a rematch from last year, helping a great cause, making great food and competing for the crown.

The 3^rd Annual Top Chef Northern Colorado promises heated competition with amazing food creations by local chefs. Along with newcomer to the event Chef Garrett Adler, Chef Schultze once again plans to bring his “A” game to compete for the title of NoCo Top Chef against chefs from restaurants such as Nordy’s, UNC Catering, The Tavern and last year’s Top Chef winner, Jason Rogers from Oskar Blues. Those attending will also enjoy sweet concoctions from dessert sponsor Santeramo’s. Come support A Kid’s Place with Coyote’s Southwestern Grill and make this the best Top Chef NoCo yet to support programs for child victims in the community. Tickets are $50, and include cocktails, soft drinks, appetizers, dinner, dessert, live music and a silent auction. You can get yours while they last by calling 970-353-5970 or emailing director@akidsplace.org.

Top Chef Northern Colorado Sponsors include First National Bank, Atmos Energy, Otter Cares, JBS, RE/MAX Alliance’s Debbie Calvin, First Bank, ci-media, Walmart, BMC, Kohl’s, COGA, Chiro Now!, Cache Bank & Trust, True Light Productions, Southwest Airlines, Interlock Construction Corp., Greeley HOG 1462, Girls with Guitars, Envirotech, Pepsi, Kenny’s Steakhouse, Westlake Wine & Spirits, Northern Colorado Paper, American Eagle Distributors, Fort Collins Brewery, Odell’s, New Belgium, and others.

About A Kid’s Place

On average there are 1.500 reports of abuse and neglect yearly in Weld County. A Kid’s Place is an essential partner in helping child victims and their families. The staff at A Kid’s Place works hard to make sure that a child’s life that may have been altered by abuse is not defined by it. Encompassing CASA of Weld County, which trains community volunteers to become court appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children, and the Child Advocacy Center, which is designed to be a safe haven for child victims of crime, A Kid’s Place responds to the needs of abused children and they can begin to heal. Visit www.akidsplace.org for more information.

About Coyote’s Southwestern Grill

Coyote’s serves fresh, authentic, made-from-scratch southwestern food at its 5250 West 9th Street Drive location in Greeley, Colorado, and offers catering and to-go service. The establishment’s eClub provides special discounts and insider information to subscribers. For more information, visit http://coyotesgreeley.com, or call (970) 336-1725. Like Coyote’s Southwestern Grill on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coyotes-Southwestern-Grill/115972958432086?fref=ts.

BOULDER, COLORADO – October, 9th 2012 Glider pilots from the Soaring Society of Boulder (SSB) have flown over 86,800 miles (almost 3.5 times around the World) this year hoping to become the highest ranked soaring club in the nation. Fifty one pilots flew 637 cross country flights during the soaring year which started in October 2011 and ended 52 weeks later in October 2012. All this without engines or consuming fuel!

With their best showing ever, glider pilots from the local soaring club in Boulder finished the season in 2nd place nationally and 14th internationally in gliding’s prestigious Online Contest (OLC). This contest was developed in Germany and is run internationally with scoring based on how far individual glider pilots fly cross country. Sophisticated GPS-loggers are carried to record the gliders movements. Encrypted flight log files are uploaded via the Internet to the Online Contest allowing glider pilots from all over the world to compare their flights. In the United States, glider pilots flew an astonishing 2,144,622 OLC miles cross country.

Soaring is a quiet but exciting sport with few spectators, crowds, or engines except for the tow plane which lifts the glider into the sky. After releasing from tow the soaring pilot is typically alone in his or her glider, climbing in columns of solar heated air currents called thermals and moving on cross country. Such a soaring flight can last from only a few minutes to up ten hours depending on the weather conditions and the glider pilot’s skills. In 2011, a Soaring Society of Boulder member, using only the sun’s energy, flew to Santa Fe, New Mexico from Boulderand returned completing a 650 mile flight non-stop.

Founded in 1959 the Soaring Society of Boulder is located on the Boulder Municipal Airport. The club is the largest soaring club in Colorado with about 170 members. A non-profit, the SSB has provided basic and advanced instruction and equipment including gliders to its members for over fifty years. The club owns six gliders, including two high performance gliders allowing members to compete in the worldwide OLC contest. Still most of the competition miles were flown by club members in private gliders based at the Boulder Airport. The club supports the member’s cross country flying by training with experienced instructor pilots in a high performance two seat and then in single seaters.

Like any other sport soaring offers a lot of different opportunities to compete from Regional, National and International competitions, to gain internationally recognized achievement badges or to just have fun together. In August 2012 the World Gliding Championship was held in Texas. 100 pilots from over 25 countries competed for the title of World Champion. Two Boulder club members have competed as members of the USand the Serbian team.

To see the Online Contest on the internet or contact the Soaring Society of Boulder please take a look at the club’s website http://soarboulder.org/