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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

Boulder Coaching Triathlon Camp (July 16-19)

Posted by Steve Walker on May 13, 2009 at 12:50pm

How would you like to train with Simon Lessing, Darren and Colleen De Reuck this summer? You can if you sign up for the Boulder Coaching Triathlon Camp to be held July 16-19 in Boulder, CO. All three of these superstars are Boulder residents. Simon Lessing is a five times World Champion, Darren De Reuck is an elite level coach & athlete (PB's: Marathon - 2:16; 5K - 14:18) and Colleen De Reuck is a former US Olympic Trials Marathon Champion ('04) and recently placed 4th overall at the US Pro 1/2 Marathon Championships running a 1:12:14 at 44yrs of age! Sign up at http://www.personalbestnutrition.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1239053951

Boulder Flatirons Rotary honors Justice High School juniors

Posted by Bill Hendrick on May 13, 2009 at 11:21am

The Rotary Club of Boulder Flatirons honored two juniors from Justice High School with the first club scholarships awarded in the club’s ten year history. Juanita Suarez and Nancy Cano each received $500 toward their participation in the Colorado College Summer Scholars program in Colorado Springs. Both are exceptional students and active in extracurricular activities such as the cheer/dance team and the tennis team. Juanita is the daughter of Maria Martinez. Nancy is the daughter of Jose and Martha Cano. Justice High School is a charter school in the Boulder Valley School District. Its mission is to provide year round college prep education for all enrolled Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley students. JHS targets students who are at risk due to being chronically truant, expelled, dropouts, or involved in the criminal justice system. Boulder Flatirons Rotary Club was chartered in 1997 and currently has 40 members. Among its ongoing projects is support of Justice High School, Meals on Wheels of Boulder, the Parenting Place and Attention Homes -- all in Boulder, as well as a hearing screening project in Mante, Mexico, and water projects in India, Rwanda and Ecuador. Members meet weekly on Wednesday mornings at East Boulder Senior Center. For more information about the club, visit www.boulderflatironsrotary.org. Information about other clubs in this area will be found at www.rotary5450.org.

LOCAL ARTIST UNVEILS INSPIRING SHOW AT SPICE OF LIFE EVENT CENTER

Posted by Allison Price on May 12, 2009 at 12:00pm

From whimsical, handpainted furniture to impressionist waterscapes to interactive environments, there is something for everyone in Chamberlain’s work. Boulder, CO – Join Boulder artist Denise Chamberlain for an opening reception of her exhibit, Everything I Love About Art, this Thursday, May 14 from 5-8 p.m. at Spice of Life Event Center at Flatirons Country Club. Featured in Boulder County Home & Garden and Architecture & Design of the West Magazines, Chamberlain’s work ranges from a sunrise faux finish in the four-story silo of a barn converted into a private residence, to installing a playhouse atop a real tree in a child’s bedroom, to creating an interactive sports bar mural within a lower-downtown Denver loft - complete with dart board, basketball hoop and hockey-stick wainscoting integrated into the Trompe L’Oeil mural. On display at the art show you will find some of her most recent work, including a custom, hand-painted “counting sheep” bed frame and faux-finished cabinetry representing an Italian villa, custom painted and distressed for the new Goldbranch Estates homes in Niwot. Available for custom jobs, Chamberlain integrates fun and creativity into any surrounding. Using artist-quality yet environmentally friendly paints, stains and sealers, she creates one-of-a-kind furniture, murals and faux finished spaces. If you don’t make it to the opening, stop by the Spice of Life Event Center before you tee up anytime between May 14 and August 15, 2009 to tour a smattering of Chamberlain’s art. For more information about the opening, visit www.aspiceoflife.com. For more information about the art, contact Denise Chamberlain at 720-352-2506 or visit her online studio at www.magicbrusharts.com.

The Academy for International Movement Studies - Thassos, Greece Summer Program

Posted by Shoshana Fanizza on May 12, 2009 at 11:59am

Contact: Wess Staats - phone: 720.317.7550 - email: info@aimsdance.com

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE ACADEMY FOR INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT STUDIES, SUMMER IN GREECE
AIMS Summer Program goes to Thassos, Greece – Enrollment Open Now!

Boulder, Colo.— This summer, The Academy for International Movement Studies will be based in the Kazavati region of Thassos, Greece. This is a very exciting opportunity for students to live, learn and travel abroad with the ability to express their passion of dance and other artistic pursuits in the performance arena.

The Academy for International Movement Studies (AIMS) is a unique learning institution that provides the opportunity for high school and pre-college students to live and travel abroad, focus on Movement Studies and Dance while obtaining a quality college preparatory education.

Throughout the year, AIMS takes educational advantage of a variety of vivacious cultures. Each location is carefully chosen for their cultural offerings of excellent movement studies, foreign language, varying biomes and historical value.

The AIMS academy life enhances leadership, international logistics planning and more. “We travel to wonderful performance venues where we dance, perform and learn about the various cultures and regions all while giving our students a quality academic education,”says Wess Staats, Founder and Director of The Academy.

“Thassos, Greece was selected for our program due to the fact that it is the only island that lies close enough to mainland Greece to allow the academy to take excursions to many archaeological sites and beautiful cities that are spread throughout Northern Greece (Macedonia),” explains Staats.

In the mornings, dance technique classes are scheduled at the amphitheater. During the day, regular academic classes are planned such as Introduction to Philosophy and The Greek Language. The evenings are when rehearsals take place, leading up to a performance at the end of the summer program. One day a week will be dedicated to excursions and volunteer work to allow the students to participate and become involved in the culture.

AIMS prides itself by fostering individuality, accountability, creativity, and international diplomacy through the everyday challenge of community living, international travel, dancing and performing. Staats states, “We give our students the opportunity to take advantage of cultural and educational offerings in a fashion that is both challenging and inspiring. We provide life altering and enhancing experiences and memories for a lifetime.”

For more information about this opportunity for young dancers and to enroll by the June 8, 2009 deadline, please visit The Academy for International Movement Studies' website at http://www.aimsdance.com or email Wess Staats, Founder and Director at info@aimsdance.com.

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Eating Recovery Center Offers Five Reasons Eating Disorders are among Most Dangerous Health Issues Facing Women - to Raise Awareness during National Women’s Health Week

Posted by Erik Keith on May 11, 2009 at 1:55pm

More than 10 million women in the United States struggle with an eating disorder. To raise awareness and understanding during National Women’s Health Week (May 10-16, 2009), Eating Recovery Center, the premier treatment center for eating recovery, shares the top five reasons, supported by statistics from the National Eating Disorders Association, that eating disorders are among the most dangerous health issues facing American women today.1. Eating disorders affect millions of women. 10 million women in the United States struggle with an eating disorder. 80 percent of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance. Four out of 10 Americans have either suffered or have known someone who has suffered from an eating disorder.2. Eating disorders are the deadliest mental illness with mortality rates of up to 20 percent. The mortality rate of eating disorders is 12 times higher than the annual death rate due to all causes of death among females ages 15-24 in the general population. Death is most commonly due to suicide, heart failure, or other medical complications associated with the eating disorder.3. Eating disorders can lead to significant health issues. When left unchecked, anorexia nervosa will starve the body of essential nutrients and can cause liver or kidney failure, heart problems and osteoporosis. Bulimia nervosa can do significant damage to the mouth, stomach and esophagus and can lead to serious dental problems, peptic ulcers or gastric and esophageal ruptures.4. Anorexia and bulimia have a high rate of relapse, as much as 30 to 50 percent. Because anorexia and bulimia are complicated, multi-faceted diseases, individuals with eating disorders may require ongoing treatment to achieve a lasting recovery.5. Eating disorders don’t discriminate. 27 percent of girls ages 12 to 18 have significant eating disorder symptoms. 31 percent of female college students have an eating disorder.“Eating disorders are complex conditions that can arise from a variety of potential causes and affect a wide demographic of American women – including children and teens,” explains Dr. Ken Weiner, medical director of the Eating Recovery Center and national expert in the treatment of eating disorders. “It’s vital that anyone dealing with these terrible diseases seek the appropriate treatment for their condition as soon as they can.”Early detection and intervention has been proven to increase the chance of full recovery. It is essential for the person with the illness to get a professional assessment from a practitioner trained in eating recovery. For more information, please call 877.825.8584 or visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com.About the Eating Recovery CenterLocated in the heart of Denver’s medical district, the Eating Recovery Center is the only facility in the Rocky Mountain region that offers adults a full spectrum of eating recovery treatment options. Services offered include inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient programs to meet each patient’s unique needs. The Eating Recovery Center combines highly-trained medical staff with a unique integrated treatment philosophy to make each patient's successful recovery a life-restoring event. For more information, visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com/.

Eating Recovery Center Recruits Impressive Lineup of Experts to Speak at First Annual “Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference”

Posted by Erik Keith on May 8, 2009 at 9:24am

Premier Center for Eating Recovery Hosts First Annual Conference for Eating Disorder Professionals at Exempla St. Joseph Hospital in Denver Multi-disciplinary treatment and innovative recovery strategies for eating disorders will be the focus of the first-ever Rocky Mountain Eating Disorder Conference, to be held August 14-15, 2009 at Exempla St. Joseph Hospital in Denver. Targeted to eating disorder specialists and medical professionals with an interest in eating disorders treatment, the conference is hosted by Denver’s Eating Recovery Center (www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com), the Rocky Mountain region’s premier treatment center for eating recovery. “It’s important to us to continuously foster dialogue among eating disorder professionals committed to education, leadership and best practice sharing,” said Dr. Kenneth L. Weiner, medical director of the Eating Recovery Center and nationally recognized expert with more than 25 years of experience in eating disorder treatment. “The goal of the Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference is to arm our colleagues with essential tools to take a multi-disciplinary approach to eating disorder treatment.” The conference, featuring an impressive lineup of nationally recognized eating disorder treatment experts, will include a series of presentations addressing the complexities of eating disorders and restoring healthy lives. Here is a sampling of the sessions: • Comprehensive Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: Food for Thought Ken Weiner, MD, Medical Director and Emmett R. Bishop, MD, Director of Research and Outpatient Services, Eating Recovery Center, Denver, Colo. • Will that Boat Float: Predictors of Outcome in the Treatment of Eating Disorders Craig Johnson, PhD, Director, Eating Disorder Program, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, Tulsa, Okla. • Diabetes Mellitus and Eating Disorder Syndrome Ovidio Burmudez, MD, FAAP, FSAM, FAED, CEDS, Medical Director, Eating Disorders Program, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, Tulsa, Okla. • Eating Disorders: The Mental Component Vicki Berkus, MD, PhD, CEDS, Consultant, Rosewood Eating Disorder Program, Wickenburg, Ariz. Roy Erlichman, PhD, LMFT, CAP, CEDS, Partner, ERE Associates, South Miami, Fla. • Neuropsychology of Appetite and Hunger: Insights to Contain the Urge to Over or Under Eat Ralph Carson, PhD, RD, LD, Clinical Nutritional Advisor, Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services, Hattiesburg, Miss. • Out of the "Stuck": Eclectic Perspectives and Thinking Skills That Actually Promote Change Sondra Kronberg, MS, RD, CDN, Founder, Co-Director and Nutritional Director, Eating Disorder Associates Treatment and Referral Centers, Westbury, N.Y. • Healing Our Patients, Healing Ourselves Carolyn Costin, MA, MEd, MFT, Executive Director and Owner, Monte Nido Treatment Center and Affiliates, Malibu, Calif. Registration for the conference is available online at https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/eating-disorder-summit.php or by phone at 877.218.1344. Medical professionals may register for the conference for $90 before June 1 and $110 after June 1. Registration includes entry to each of the sessions, a tour of the Eating Recovery Center, networking opportunities and meals. Continuing credit hours are available for multiple disciplines, pending application approval. Call 877.218.1344 for more information. About the Eating Recovery Center Located in the heart of Denver’s medical district, the Eating Recovery Center is the only facility in the Rocky Mountain region that offers adults a full spectrum of eating recovery treatment options. Services offered include inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient programs to meet each patient’s unique needs. The Eating Recovery Center combines highly-trained medical staff with a unique integrated treatment philosophy to make each patient's successful recovery a life-restoring event. For more information, visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com/.

Emerging Business of the Year Finalist

Posted by Fireside Production on May 7, 2009 at 2:14pm

Fireside Production is thrilled to be named a Finalist for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce 2009 Emerging Business of the Year.

LiveWell Colorado Launches Aggressive Plan to Reduce Obesity in Colorado

Posted by Erik Keith on May 7, 2009 at 1:55pm

Photo courtesy of Erik Keith Photography With Initial Funding Established and New Board of Directors and CEO in Place, LiveWell Colorado Evolves into Statewide Leader in Obesity Prevention LiveWell Colorado (http://www.livewellcolorado.org), a non-profit organization committed to reducing obesity in Colorado by inspiring healthy eating and active living, today announced the launch of an aggressive five-year strategy to improve the health of Coloradoans. Supported by a new, generous three-year, $17.1 million grant from The Colorado Health Foundation, as well as five-year funding of $16 million from Kaiser Permanente, and a $1 million grant from the Kresge Foundation, LiveWell Colorado today steps into a leadership role in Colorado’s commitment to obesity prevention. In April, LiveWell Colorado named its first president and CEO, Maren Stewart. Stewart and the newly appointed board of directors will begin leading obesity prevention efforts across the state, guided by the organization’s five-year strategic plan, Fostering Healthy People and Places: The Power of All of Us (http://www.livewellcolorado.org/about-us/strategic-plan). “Driven by a compelling mission and supported by an impressive board of directors, generous funders and engaged stakeholders, LiveWell Colorado has the potential to positively impact the lives of all Coloradoans,” said Stewart, president and CEO of LiveWell Colorado. “I am excited to lead this organization through its evolution into an independent non-profit that has the unique opportunity to truly make a difference in our communities.” LiveWell Colorado’s strategic plan sets forth an aggressive agenda for obesity prevention. LiveWell Colorado, the central coordinating body for statewide obesity prevention efforts, will work in concert with public and private entities, including the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, to address the behavioral, environmental and social roots of obesity. A compendium of input from experts in a variety of fields, the strategic plan lays out a comprehensive, results-oriented approach to the development of sustainable programs and policies that will work to reverse obesity trends. “Our commitment to LiveWell Colorado is built on our belief that this organization can drive positive change across all sectors of business, government and community,” said Anne Warhover, president and CEO of The Colorado Health Foundation. “Combating this obesity epidemic will take a collaborative movement of individuals and organizations across the state and it will get us closer to achieving our vision that, together, we will make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation.” An esteemed who’s who of leaders, the new LiveWell Colorado board of directors includes the following individuals: Ned Calonge - Chairman, Neil W. Bertrand, Tom Clark, Thomas G. Currigan, Jr., James O. Hill, John Hopkins, Grant Jones, Kurt Kennedy, Joyal Mulheron, Barbara O'Brien, Marguerite Salazar, Anne Warhover and Reginald L. Washington. Visit http://www.livewellcolorado.org/about-us/board-of-directors for complete bios. “Kaiser Permanente is focused on funding organizations and initiatives whose efforts are aimed at producing sustainable results and LiveWell Colorado is a solid example,” said Jandel Allen-Davis, MD, vice-president, government and external affairs for Kaiser Permanente of Colorado. “With a dedicated board of directors, a visionary strategic plan, a strong focus on evaluation and funding that allows for consistency, LiveWell Colorado is on track to take a leadership role in its commitment to reverse obesity trends across the state." According to data released May 1, 2009, by the Colorado Physical Activity and Nutrition Program and the Centers for Disease Control, Colorado’s 2008 adult obesity rate remained steady at 19.1 percent. In 2007, the adult obesity rate was 19.3 percent. The CDC data also show that in 2008, 55.3 percent of Colorado adults fell within the categories of overweight or obese, leaving only 44.7 percent of Coloradoans at a healthy weight. LiveWell Colorado has funded local community initiatives across the state since 2006. Today, LiveWell Colorado funds and provides technical assistance to 25 local community initiatives focused on implementing programs and policies that support healthy eating and active living. About LiveWell Colorado LiveWell Colorado aims to provide every Coloradoan with access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity in the places they live, work, learn and play. This non-profit organization will realize its vision by elevating health and wellness awareness, augmenting funding for the most promising obesity reduction strategies and leveraging investments and resources. With the launch of Colorado’s strategic plan, Fostering Healthy People and Places: The Power of All of Us, LiveWell Colorado and its board of directors will implement an aggressive, coordinated statewide intervention to address the human and economic tolls of overweight and obesity and improve the health and well being of all Coloradoans. For more information about LiveWell Colorado Community, visit www.livewellcolorado.org. About Kaiser Permanente Colorado Kaiser Permanente Colorado is the state's largest nonprofit health plan, proudly working to improve the lives and health of Denver, Boulder, and Southern Colorado area residents for 40 years. Kaiser Permanente Colorado provides comprehensive health care services to 480,000 members through 17 medical offices and a network of affiliated hospitals and physicians. The health plan was recently named “Highest in Member Satisfaction” among Commercial Health Plans by J.D. Power and Associates. It is also the top-ranked commercial and Medicare health plan in Colorado, according to U.S. News & World Report/National Committee for Quality Assurance. In 2007, Kaiser Permanente directed more than $42 million to community benefit programs to improve the health of all Coloradans. For more Kaiser Permanente news, visit kp.org/newscenter. About The Colorado Health Foundation The Colorado Health Foundation works to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation by increasing the number of Coloradans with health insurance, ensuring they have access to quality, coordinated care and encouraging healthy living. The Foundation invests in the community through grants and initiatives to health-related nonprofits that focus on these goals, as well as operating medical education programs to increase the health care workforce. The Foundation's assets of more than $900 million include an investment portfolio as well as an ownership interest in Denver’s HealthONE hospital system. For more information, please visit www.ColoradoHealth.org. About The Colorado Physical Activity and Nutrition (COPAN) Program An initiative of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Colorado Physical Activity and Nutrition Program’s mission is to prevent obesity and related chronic diseases and to promote healthy lifestyles for all Coloradans. A driving force of COPAN is its coalition—a group of more than 450 public and private partners working together to design, implement, coordinate and evaluate statewide interventions that are effective, widely accepted and culturally appropriate throughout the state. COPAN seeks to achieve these goals by building a comprehensive community approach to good health that supports individuals throughout the lifespan and involves all sectors of the community.

GOV. RITTER TRAVERSES BROOMFIELD TO SIGN BILLS

Posted by Dianne Primavera on May 5, 2009 at 5:57pm

(Gov. Ritter joined Rep. Dianne Primavera for a town hall meeting and bill-signing in the Broomfield City Council Chambers.)

Gov. Ritter joined state Rep. Dianne Primavera and Broomfield Mayor Pat Quinn at a town hall meeting to provide an overview of the nearly complete 2009 legislative session and answer questions from constituents. He signed three bills sponsored by Rep. Primavera into law: · HB 1059 (Primavera/M. Carroll), which provides health coverage during clinical trials. · HB 1164 (Primavera/Kester), which increases the surcharge on special breast cancer license plates in an effort to further the fight against breast cancer. · HB 1237 (Primavera/Shaffer), which streamlines and codifies the relationship between public and private funding for developmentally disabled children. “This session, we worked together to expand the circle of opportunity by saving and creating good jobs, providing support for struggling families, building a world-class education system, and expanding the New Energy Economy,” Rep. Primavera said. “We know times are tough, but so are Coloradans. As we look back, our work is not done, but we are doing more with less. I’m proud of that.”

Last Nite for the 08-09 school year!

Posted by Nite at the Rec on May 5, 2009 at 2:00pm

Make sure you come to the Louisville Recreation Center this Friday at 7pm for our last Nite of the school year! We will be having a Sock Hop with a DJ in the gym, awesome games and prizes and the GIANT slide.Make sure you fill out both sides of our participant evaluation and you can be entered to win a portable DVD player for all your fun summer road trips. Visit www.louisvillerecration.com/niteattherec for a form.See you there!

40th Anniversary of Mother's Day Fire, Remember the Cold War Veterans

Posted by Amber Cain on May 4, 2009 at 6:52pm

Imagine sitting down to a nice Mother’s Day dinner with your wife and children only to have the phone ring and interrupt your pleasant evening. You answer the phone and it’s your boss telling you to get to work immediately. When you do arrive at work, you wonder if you’ll see your family again. That happened to many young men back in 1969. 40 years ago May 11th (Mother’s Day) there was a fire at Rocky Flats that was almost Denver’s Chernobyl.At approximately 2 p.m. on May 11, 1969, in Building 776, plutonium in a glove box spontaneously combusted and began to burn slowly, like charcoal. The slow smoldering fire quickly spread to the plastic other flammable components surrounding the already burning plutonium in the glove box. The glove box had its own ventilation system that drew the fire up through it and allowed it to spread further along in Building 776 as well as spread into Building 777. The fire was contained around 6:40 p.m., and by 8 p.m. was determined to be extinguished; a few flare ups did occur well into the evening and the next morning because of the volatility of the plutonium.Plutonium is pyrophoric, meaning it will spontaneously catch fire when reacted with air or water. When the firefighters went to put out the plutonium fire, they first used carbon dioxide like they were taught to, but it didn’t quell the fire. So a decision was made to use water to put it out to contain it and keep it from spreading. (Water had successfully doused another bad plutonium fire in 1957.) With a whole lot of luck on the firefighter’s side, the water did extinguish the flames and a criticality (i.e. Chernobyl) was avoided.Many of these men have become gravely sick with an assortment of cancers that no one should ever have to endure, most are already dead. The Cold War Veterans seem to have been forgotten, even though they fought the good fight here at home to keep us safe. Even though Rocky Flats is officially closed, many of the men and women who worked there are getting sicker and sicker because of the work they did to protect us. On this Mother’s Day, while you are enjoying your dinner, remember those who’s dinner was interrupted to keep Denver safe, remember the Cold War Veterans.

NIST Physicist named to National Academy of Sciences

Posted by James Burrus on May 3, 2009 at 10:37am

Physicist James C. Bergquist, a Fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) whose research helped usher in the age of optical atomic clocks, has been elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences. http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=04282009 Election to the academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist or engineer. New members are elected by current members in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Bergquist is a world leader in laser science and optical frequency standards, the basis for the next generation of atomic clocks. Bergquist's experimental clock based on a single mercury ion (electrically charged atom) is the world's most precise timepiece, and would neither gain nor lose 1 second in 2 billion years. The mercury ion clock was the first clock to have a smaller measurement uncertainty than atomic clocks based on cesium atoms, which are still the international standard. http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/mercury_atomic_clock.htm Current time and frequency standards, such as the NIST-F1 cesium fountain clock, operate at microwave frequencies. Cesium atoms oscillate or "tick" more than 9 billion times per second. Mercury and some other atoms oscillate at optical frequencies-about 100,000 times faster than microwaves-so optical atomic clocks have long been recognized as having the potential for significantly more precision, by more finely dividing time into smaller units. "Jim has helped lead the way in translating the promise of optical clocks into reality," says NIST Fellow Dave Wineland, Bergquist's group leader. "His work in laser spectroscopy has paved the way on many fronts, leading most recently to the world's most precise atomic clock. Jim is also well-known for his unselfish willingness to help other research groups throughout the world, advancing the state-of-the-art on a global scale." Extreme measurement precision is critical to NIST's mission and to many applications requiring precise time and frequency, such as navigation and positioning, telecommunications, remote sensing and surveillance. To achieve continuous improvements in precision, Dr. Bergquist has pioneered a long string of advances in measurement science with broad applications, including the development of lasers with the world's narrowest linewidth (band of emitted frequencies) and techniques required for quantum information processing, among many other breakthroughs. Bergquist is a Colorado native and has worked at NIST Boulder since 1978. He received his doctorate in physics from the University of Colorado, where his thesis advisor was John (Jan) Hall of NIST, a 2005 Nobel Laureate in physics. Bergquist's previous honors include three Department of Commerce gold medals, the American Physical Society's Herbert P. Broida Prize and Arthur Schawlow Prize in Laser Science, NIST's Edward Uhler Condon Award and Samuel Wesley Stratton Award, the Optical Society of America's William F. Meggers Award, and the IEEE's I. I. Rabi Award. Bergquist joins seven other NIST scientists who are members of the NAS, a private organization of scientists and engineers established in 1863 dedicated to the furtherance of science and its use for the general welfare. Full Comments from NIST Fellow Dave Wineland, Bergquist's group leader:Jim's election is extremely well deserved. His work in laser spectroscopy has paved the way on many fronts, leading most recently to the world's most precise atomic clock. Jim is also well-known for his unselfish willingness to help other research groups throughout the world, advancing the state-of-the-art on a global scale. Personally, I consider myself very lucky to have worked with Jim as a colleague and friend for over 30 years. Comments from Katharine Gebbie, director of the NIST Physics Laboratory:Election to the Academy is a fitting and well-deserved honor for Jim. During his more than 30 years with NIST, he has been one of the pioneers in advancing precision measurement and developing standards and technology, including the world's narrowest linewidth lasers and the world's two most precise atomic clocks. We are all thrilled for him, both personally and professionally, and privileged to have him as a colleague at NIST.

Delaying Eating Disorder Treatment Can Be a Fatal Decision

Posted by Erik Keith on May 1, 2009 at 10:09am

Financial woes, family denial and fear are all factors that people with eating disorders and their loved ones may cite when avoiding treatment for their illness. According to the Eating Recovery Center (www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com), the premier treatment center for eating recovery, recent anecdotal evidence has shown that people with eating disorders are waiting longer to enter treatment, and are entering significantly sicker.“Waiting to seek treatment for an eating disorder can be a fatal decision,” said Dr. Kenneth L. Weiner, founder and medical director of the Eating Recovery Center. “As an eating disorder progresses, the likelihood that it will lead to serious medical problems grows exponentially. It’s important that anyone with an eating disorder seek help as soon as symptoms arise.”Eating disorder treatment is not the only medical area that has fallen victim to the recent economic decline; a recent poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that nearly half of Americans say someone in their family has skipped pills or postponed medical care because of the cost. According to Weiner, an individual’s fear of gaining weight or reluctance to come to terms with the underlying roots of the disease may also play a part in a decision to ward off treatment. Weiner has also witnessed many instances where families delay treatment because they deny the gravity of their loved one’s disease or they feel frustration with their long recovery timeframe.According to Weiner, eating disorders are serious and complex illnesses that require the attention of trained professionals. Although those with the disease may have the desire, it is almost impossible for “self treatment” to be effective; in fact, trying to go it alone will likely result in repeated failures. The Eating Recovery Center offers these top five reasons why anyone touched by an eating disorder should not put off treatment.1. Eating disorders are the deadliest mental illness with mortality rates 12 times higher than the annual death rate due to all causes of death among females ages 15-24 in the general population. Death is most commonly due to heart failure, suicide or other complications associated with the eating disorder.2. Eating disorders can lead to significant health issues. When left unchecked, anorexia nervosa will starve the body of essential nutrients and can cause liver or kidney failure, heart problems and osteoporosis. Bulimia nervosa can do significant damage to the mouth, stomach and esophagus and can lead to tooth decay, peptic ulcers or gastric and esophageal ruptures.3. Starvation can affect the brain’s ability to recover from the disease. Poor nutrition negatively impacts brain chemistry and functionality, leaving anyone at a very low weight less responsive to cognitive therapy or many pharmaceuticals. This can extend the life of a mental illness.4. Eating recovery is a long-term process, not a quick fix. A prior visit to treatment is not a reason to avoid going again. Anorexia and bulimia are complicated, multi-faceted diseases that have a high rate of relapse, at 30 to 50 percent. Individuals with eating disorders may require ongoing treatment to truly experience a long-term recovery.5. Eating recovery is an individualized process. Finding the best treatment option uniquely suited to each individual person may be a time-intensive process. The sooner this process begins, the better the outcome will be for the individual with the eating disorder.“I was given a death sentence when my eating disorder caused an infection that doctors couldn’t initially identify,” said Toni Saiber, anorexia survivor and founder of the Eating Disorder Foundation. “I was lucky. Thousands of people every year are not. It’s vital that people dealing with these terrible diseases seek the appropriate treatment for their situation as soon as they can.”Early detection and intervention has been proven to increase the chance of full recovery. It is essential for the person with the illness to get a professional assessment first, from a practitioner trained in eating recovery. For more information, please call 877.825.8584 or visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com.About the Eating Recovery CenterLocated in the heart of Denver’s medical district, the Eating Recovery Center is the only facility in the Rocky Mountain region that offers adults a full spectrum of eating recovery treatment options. From inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient programs to meet each patient’s unique needs, the Eating Recovery Center combines highly-trained medical staff with a unique integrated treatment philosophy to make each patient's successful recovery a life-restoring event. For more information, visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com/.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.