Business Digest Radio

Jay Dial, CEO of The Pioneer Rodeo and Demolition Derby event joins host Dirk Hobbs on Business Digest Weekly on AM1460/101.1FM on Salem Media to talk about Colorado's rich history of rodeo.   The unique feature about The Pioneer is the addition of a Demolition Derby, Live Music and and all the events you'd expect at a professional rodeo.   Southern Coloradans have another reason to get out and enjoy our great summer season with this family-friendly event and enjoy a Taste of the O'l West. Mr. Dial has introduced the third in a trio of rodeos to be held at the Norris-Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs - August 15, 16 & 17.   Tickets are now on sales on the website: https://PioneerRodeo.com

Founded in 2017 by JW Roth, VENU started in Colorado Springs with Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse & Tavern and The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, quickly expanding to Gainesville, Georgia. They have established Themselves as leaders in entertainment and hospitality, and have recently expanded into Texas and Oklahoma. VENU Holding Corporation is a dynamic and rapidly growing US entertainment and hospitality company offering unique owner and membership opportunities. Nationwide, our captivating entertainment destinations offer a range of experiences. From luxury outdoor music venues (8,000-20,000 seats) like Sunset and Ford Amphitheaters to entertainment campuses featuring legendary restaurants (Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse & Tavern) and premium mid-size event centers and live music halls (Bourbon Brothers Presents), we fuel unforgettable experiences for all. These acclaimed destinations have earned recognition from industry leaders like The Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Variety, and VenuesNow. ----- Main website: https://venu.live/ Investor Relations Links: https://investors.venu.live/overview/default.aspx  AMEX: VENU Host: Dirk R. Hobbs, CEO - Colorado Media Group Production & Distribution

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs, most commonly the legs and feet. This reduced blood flow can cause pain, cramping, or aching, particularly during exercise, and is often relieved by rest. PAD is often caused by atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries. While PAD itself isn't usually life-threatening, it can be a warning sign of more serious cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke. Join host, Dirk Hobbs as he interviews this highly skilled, integrated care team at Colorado Springs Cardiology & Colorado Vascular Associates. Christopher Kovach, MD - Interventional Cardiologist and Endovascular Specialist at Colorado Springs Cardiology Danielle C. Smith, MD - Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at Colorado Vascular Associates David Feuer, MD - Vascular Surgeon and Endovascular Specialist at Colorado Vascular Associates Mark Baker, Ambulatory Surgery Center Administrator at Colorado Springs Cardiology Website: https://covascular.com/ 

Hard to believe, it's been twenty years since The Club at Flying Horse, now Flying Horse Resort opened it's doors. The renowned golf club and resort has become one of Colorado Springs’ most luxurious resorts. General Manager, Wendy McHenry and Director of Golf Jake O'Dell walk us through the early days, the covid days, the real estate boom of 2022-24 and how the resort is position to bring enjoyment for members and guests for the next 20-years.    The resort and club includes two private 18-hole championship signature golf courses: Flying Horse main, designed by Tom Weiskopf, and Flying Horse North is a Phil Smith Design The Club at Flying Horse offers state-of the art Athletic Club, luxuriously appointed guest rooms at The Lodge and is home to Colorado Springs’ newest Steakhouse.   Website: https://www.flyinghorsecolorado.com/ 

Colorado Springs Utilities chief executive officer, Travas Deal joins Business Digest Weekly and host, Dirk Hobbs to discuss how CSU is working for long term sustainability of the region's power and resource availability.  Travas addresses several key topics in this interview:  The importance and responsibility of laying a strong utilities foundation now for future generations of businesses and residents in the region - like our predecessors did for us. Eastern Wastewater System Expansion (EWSE) and who is paying for what Lower Arkansas Valley communities are joining forces and speaking up against new annexations in Co Springs, including the Karman Line annexation which will be voted on June 17.  The status of the research around working with nuclear power in the Pikes Peak Region Area developer initiatives and how they work Website: https://csu.org 

Garrison Ortiz, Ph.D. and chief financial officer for Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo) joins host, Dirk Hobbs on this edition of Business Digest Weekly.    Dr. Ortiz discusses economic development and opportunity in Pueblo County from a myriad of perspectives: Pueblo-native, former County Commissioner, higher education executive, business owner, economic development board member, family man, and community leader.    Garrison's rich knowledge of the community how the Steel City of the West has emerged as one of Colorado's most compelling markets for investment, new employer attraction and expansion, and emerging sectors, including technology and cyber. He also shares some of how CSU-Pueblo is planning for the additional acreage owned by the university just south of campus is shaping up.    The community is experiencing a renaissance in many areas of downtown and of course is capitalizing on the attraction of its renowned River Walk. Pueblo County also presents vast opportunity for AI and other data warehouses with its ample water resources, land availability and a inter-agency collaboration to make permitting and other approvals more streamlined for investors, businesses, and employers.    The University is also working closely with PEDCO and with employers to continue to create workforce readiness for new tech and cyber jobs,  renewable energy, long-rail, tourism, construction, and for would-be AI companies who take advantage of Pueblo's financial incentives, mild climate and expanding housing availability.    Learn more about CSU Pueblo and their Pueblo Development Project during this interview and by going to their website.    CSU-Pueblo web site: https://csupueblo.edu  | Brought to you by, Colorado Media Group, 45th U.S. Senior Open, Higginbotham, and Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group | csog.net

The Broadmoor Resort's Director of Golf, Russ Miller joins host Dirk Hobbs for a fun and insightful conversation about this year's U.S. Senior Open being hosted at the world-renowned destination. Enjoy learning about what it takes to prepare for one of the USGA's events, some of the conversations and experiences of The Broadmoor staff, and what life is like for the players and their families that week at the resort.   2025's event marks the fourth time the U.S. Senior Open has been hosted her in Colorado Springs and it is one of the region's great events scheduled this summer. 2025 U.S. Senior Open Championship June 25-29, 2025 The Broadmoor Golf Club is proud to host the 45th U.S. Senior Open Championship from June 25-29, 2025.   All-time, this will be the ninth USGA championship and the third U.S. Senior Open contested at our legendary resort. The East Course is nestled on the southern edge of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of more than 6,300 feet. Designed by Donald Ross and opened for play in 1918, it is now a combination of holes from Ross' original layout and holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1952.   TIX: https://www.broadmoor.com/usso2025

Michael Pepper, Managing Director - Investments at Virtuent Wealth Management Group joins host Dirk Hobbs to discuss the current economic landscape and some considerations for how investors can stay focused on the ultimate goals of the investor and how to view volatility.  About Mick Mick has served as a Financial Advisor since 2004, and transitioned his practice to Wells Fargo Advisors in 2008. Prior to his financial services industry career, he was the Senior Manager of Program Support at Verizon for 15 years. Mick is currently a member of the Investments and Wealth Institute. Mick grew up in Colorado Springs, CO and currently lives in Monument, CO. Website: https://www.virtuentwmg.com/team.htm 

Did you know?  Colorado ranks #2 behind California for being the most onerous for employers in regards to compliance and requirements to employ, legislative burden, and yet, our business economy is chugging along nicely. So what does that tell you? Employers want to be here, but they will not keep coming if we keep piling on the requirements for employment. Tyler Johnston, Sr. Partner and VP of Sales for Vida HR and Vida Benefits offerings pearls of experience into the realm of human resource outsourcing. Serving businesses in nearly every vertical, Vida HR helps small to midsize employers to navigate the complex landscape of human resources and all our current at-will state (Colorado) requires. Tyler helps listeners with the dos and don'ts and the formal processes required to properly create compensation plans, onboarding, training, payroll, compliance, retention, off-board employees, and so much more... Learn about the efforts to change legislation in Colorado from an "at-will" state to a fixed term employment agreement state that would be cost-prohibitive and to detriment of employers who would otherwise like to explore investment and/or expansion in the state's business ecosystems. Learn about this unique Colorado Companies which has been on of Colorado Companies to Watch and how they can serve your organization for a fraction of the cost of in-house HR. Website: https://www.vidahr.com

Aside from the "big three" - aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and cyber, there are several industry  sectors in southeast Colorado that continue to show signs of hiring for Q2, 2025:  Healthcare Tourism & Hospitality (seasonal jobs) Tech and Deep Tech The Trades General carpentry Electricians Plumbers Earth moving Traci also discusses something called an LER - Learned Education Record. These are the skills we learn along the way that are transferable from one industry to another.  Learn more about these topics and far more at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center website: https://ppwfc.org/ 

Host Dirk Hobbs meets up with founder Trent Urban and his son, Gavin Urban to showcase one of the region's top Home Services businesses, WireNut on this week's TrueNORTH and The So. Colorado Business Digest.  Learn the origins of the company as a family business that is this year, celebrating it's 20th anniversary. Keeping our home's core mechanical systems in tip top shape can help avoid costly repairs downstream and even keep our home values up when resale time comes around.  Looking for an opportunity? Hear about their desire to develop a locally based workforce in Pueblo.  Website: https://thewirenut.com/ 

Colorado Springs banking executive Brett Wyss discusses the rise of Integrity Bank from the early 2000s through the 2008 recession, covid and post-covid markets, and other hallmark seasons in the Colorado economy.  Brett explains the wisdom and disciplines gained through the more difficult seasons of banking and how those lessons shaped his leadership and keeping Integrity Bank strong for their customers regardless of external influences.  Wyss also shares some of his perspectives on the current economic climate, as well as the next 12-18 months for interest rates, the housing market, and more.  Website: https://www.integritybankandtrust.com/ 

About FLIGHTHOUND OUR MISSION Our mission is to provide innovative technologies, information and services that improve the quality and reliability of airline travel. In the event that something goes wrong, FlightHound will offer support for travelers, airlines and other parties involved to reach a fair and cost-effective resolution. PASSENGERS FlightHound will provide airline passengers with an efficient, transparent disruption claims process and improve their overall travel experience.  Providing immediate accurate delay compensation options will reduce financial consequences for passengers. AIRLINES FlightHound will provide airlines with real-time, quantifiable visibility to disruption analytics. Our claims submission process will give airlines immediate access to real-time actionable analytics.  This “service forward” strategy will bolster corporate responsibility, improve customer satisfaction and mitigate disruption impacts. PARTNERS FlightHound will provide online travel agencies(OTAs) disruption claim services creating additional revenue opportunities. Partnering with FlightHound will be highly advantageous to growing their customer base and offerings.   https://flighthound.app/about-us

A deep dive into several Colorado House Bills that are in this legislative session. Several of which have an impact on the physicians and health practices as explained from the lens of Legislative Action leaders from the El Paso County Medical Society, Dr. Brian Kilmartin and CEO, Natalie Myers.  Website: https://epcms.org 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) as we know of it today is here and touches nearly every aspect of our lives in some way, shape or form. But AI is not new when you look back at the tools we've used over the past half century. However, the kind of AI we talk about today does have far wider reaching implications than the "problem solving" and automation AI of the past.  Enter Motis OneAI - led by Dr. Rick Beaton and Dr. AnneMarie Artzen. Motis OneAI is a Strategy Consulting firm specializing in Human-Centered Change Solutions for workforce efficiency. ​We work with senior leaders to leverage the Power of AI, while integrating their Business, Technology, and Human Systems to improve productivity and optimize performance. This rich conversation will provide powerful insights into how organizations can prepare themselves for the intended and unintended consequences and change dynamics associated with the the installation of various artificial intelligence tools.   Motis OneAI. Experts in Business & People. Website: https://www.motisone.ai/ 

Optum Heath's Michael Harper, DO - Family Medicine, and Kendra Robison, MD - Senior Medical Director for Primary Care, discuss the ability to identify and manage the symptoms associated with seasonal depression.  Feeling blue and sluggish during the winter months for more than a few days may indicate you fighting seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But there are available solutions to help mitigate and even avoid intense bouts with SAD.  Listen in as Harper and Robison provide validating insights into how you may be feeling during the longer winter nights and mornings, and ideas to help manage the disorder to help improve work and home life interactions. And we'll also understand where the disorder may be an indication of something more substantial in your mental health.  Website: https://optum.com/colorado 

Vance Brown, founder of Colorado Springs' Exponential Impact (XI) named Max Cupp as Executive Director for one of the region's top business accelerators.   “From the first cohort in 2018 to today, XI has taken a holistic approach to creating community and a culture of innovation & collaboration. We develop founders and startups by equipping them with resources and expertise, then strengthen their connections to create exponential growth & enduring impact for their business. ” This informative interview with Cupp expounds on what XI is positioned to do for early stage companies located in the region. Here, we'll learn more about XI Accelerator offers multiple rigorous, holistic 12-week programs to support founders at every stage for emerging technology startups, from start to scale. At XI, we don’t just value profit - we value people., and XI Survive & Thrive a funding, mentorship, and programming for Colorado Springs-based entrepreneurs. To date, XI has infused $4 million into local businesses to spur economic growth in our region. Website: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/ 

Colorado’s second-stage companies are high-performing, innovative trailblazers, driving economic growth across every industry sector and region of the state. These companies not only provide thousands of high-quality jobs but also contribute billions of dollars back to our local economies, propelling Colorado’s economic landscape to take flight. Colorado Companies to Watch (CCTW) certifies and celebrates these transformative contributions. Since its inception, CCTW has honored nearly 800 companies, generating billions of dollars in economic impact and helping businesses soar to new heights of success. Launched in 2009 by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, community partners, and dedicated volunteers, CCTW continues to elevate its alumni network. By fostering collaboration, strategic partnerships, and leveraging vital resources, CCTW ensures these exceptional companies continue to grow, thrive, and take flight in shaping Colorado’s vibrant economic future. Business Digest Weekly welcomes guest, Jon-Michael Horst, Program Manager for CCTW to how CCTW is intentionally seeking out Stage II companies located in El Paso and Pueblo counties to create and develop further momentum for southeast Colorado business ecosystem.  Learn more about the Pikes Peak Chapter of Colorado Companies to Watch and how to get involved.  WEBSITE:  https://coloradocompaniestowatch.org/ 

Virtuent Wealth Management Group's Managing Director, T.H. Williams, Ph.D., CFP®  joins host Dirk Hobbs on Business Digest Weekly to discuss his popular article, "De-Dollarization: Should We be Concerned?" Williams lends an academic and practical perspective to any concerns about the value of the U.S. dollar falling into jeopardy anytime soon.  Williams explains what it takes to be a currency and why the U.S. dollar is uniquely positioned to reign supreme for the foreseeable future. Hear about:  Store of Value, Medium of Exchange, Unit of Measure, and Reliability & Stability Also: What About The BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India* (Iran), and China)? These nations continue to attempt to formulate a global currency in order to become less reliant on the U.S. dollar. Their common interest driving this ambition? Their mutual distain for the United States.  Enjoy this rich, educational piece with Dr. T.H. Williams and gain a more robust understanding of why and how the U.S. dollar is positioned well.  See full article here: https://issuu.com/healthycoloradanmediagroup/docs/north_oct-nov_rev_1032023 (Pages 10-11) *The nation of India has become far less defamatory in relation to the U.S. and its status as the standard for most global commerce infrastructure and value measurement. However, the nation of Iran has become far more defamatory and hostile to U.S. interest and its role in global markets.  NOTE: This interview and article are NOT financial advice. The contents of this interview are offered for educational purposes only and are specific the article offered above. For more information about your specific financial situation and goals, consult a certified financial planner (CFP®). To learn more about Virtuent, visit www.virtuentwmg.com

In fall 2024, the Comcast RISE program selected 100 small businesses in El Paso and Pueblo Counties to receive a generous tech and media package as well as a $5000 grant to strengthen their businesses.  Now in it’s fourth year, 14,000 recipients in 1,410 cities across 38 states were selected as Comcast RISE recipients, including a diverse roster from restaurants and barber shops, to professional services, childcare centers and retail shops. Recipients received: CONSULTATION: Assessment of business and tactical planning; business-to-business coaching; and mentorship to advise on how to grow business.   EDUCATION RESOURCES: Educational content and resources tailored to individual companies based on where they are in their business lifecycle.     MONETARY GRANT: $5,000 monetary grant to invest in growth and sustainability.   CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA: Turnkey production of a 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and 180-day media placement schedule. TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER: Computer equipment and Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for 12 months.