Business Digest Radio

Larry Plummer, Ph.D. joins host Dirk Hobbs to discuss the El Pomar Institute for Innovation and Commercialization (EPIIC) and some of the program's recent developments and successes.  Dr. Plummer shares valuable insights into the economic strengths and vulnerabilities of the southern Colorado employer ecosystem. Plummer also shares how overemphasis in specific sectors can lead to increased failure rates among early stage companies who spin out of established segments of this particular economy: aerospace, defense, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. A well thought out strategy and intentional diversification of economic strongholds can enhance a regional economy as various start-ups seek to take their intellectual property and solutions and pivot to serve other market verticals.  Dr. Plummer is the Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, El Pomar Chair of Business & Entrepreneurship, College of Business at UCCS in Colorado Springs.  EPIIC at UCCS: https://epiic.uccs.edu/ 

An experienced leader with a passion for business growth and development, Catalyst Campus Sr. Executive Director, Dawn Conley has a strong history of  success in her career. Dawn joins The Business Digest Weekly with host Dirk Hobbs to share how this unique innovation and entrepreneurial incubator and accelerator is further galvanizing the region's reputation as a magnet hub for organizations that intersect with aerospace and defense industries. Catalyst Campus Delivers an Ecosystem that Cultivates Partnerships & Sparks Innovation A collaborative ecosystem with best-in-class amenities where industry, small business, workforce training, entrepreneurs, startups, and venture capital intersect with the aerospace and defense industry to create community, spark innovation, and stimulate business growth. Organizational website: https://catalystcampus.org/

Pueblo born Jeff Crank joins the Business Digest Weekly to present his case for the votes of El Paso County residents to be sent to Washington, D.C. to take the seat currently being held by long-time Congressman, Doug Lamborn. With just a few weeks remaining in the campaign, Crank has visited the U.S./Mexico border twice, to gain a first hand account of the challenges the failed policies of the Biden Administration have incurred on Border Patrol as a policing force, and the economic and public safety issues of bordering and adjacent states, like Colorado.  Crank also unpacks his approach to working with the Washington apparatus to build consensus on common sense approaches to reducing the size and scope of the U.S. Government, and reducing/removing pork spending at the levels currently underway.  Crank has been endorsed by Lamborn and a number of other key constituent groups. He is conducting ongoing grass-roots efforts as well as mass presentations to residents leading all the way up to the campaign.  The Business Digest is a proud supporter of Jeff Crank and his desire to reduce government spending, to stopping the ongoing scope creep of government programs and overreach, and to collaborate with same and opposition party members to help Coloradans address the rising concerns around illegal immigration, crime, based on poor policy and enforcements of our laws, and cost of living based in part on current out-of-control spending.  Campaign site: https://jeffcrankforcongress.com/ 

Actively disengaged workers cost the U.S. upwards of $550 billion in lost productivity annually. This statistic is staggering — and one leaders should be paying attention to. Kerry Siggins is the CEO of StoneAge Tools, the leading global high-pressure industrial cleaning equipment manufacturer. Under her leadership, StoneAge transformed into a powerhouse in the industrial cleaning industry, disrupting how the world is cleaned. Kerry also led StoneAge’s transition to become 100% employee-owned, and StoneAge has won numerous awards, including Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work. An author of a best-selling book, The Ownership Mindset, and contributor for Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur Magazines, Kerry has become an in-demand speaker for businesses ranging in size from small to enterprise, across the country.

What's the buzz around the Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy? The Hotel Polaris (website) Find out from Director of Marketing & Sales, Kevin Barosso what makes this world-class facility at the Northgate entrance of the United States Air Force Academy extraordinary. Learn more about job opportunities, and the anticipated economic impact the hotel will have on the region's north end and beyond. Business Digest Weekly on Salem Media Group 3PM MST | AM1460/101.1FM | or Streaming @ AM1460THEANSWER.COM

Executive Director, Dr. William (Bill) Craighead discusses this year's 28th Annual Economic Forum being held September 26, 2024 at the ENT Center for Performing Arts from 12pm to 5pm. Registration is required: https://web.cvent.com/event/711a169b-e9a5-441c-b629-38e8833d395f/summary    The UCCS Economic Forum is the most widely attended expert economic overview in the region held annually in the fall.    The program begins at 1 pm with our keynote “Where do we Grow from Here?  Population Trends in Colorado and El Paso County” presented by State Demographer Elizabeth Garner.  That will be followed by two concurrent (choose one) panel discussions: “The Future of Downtowns and Commercial Real Estate” and “Small Business in the Pikes Peak Region: Opportunities and Challenges.”  Forum Director Dr. Bill Craighead will conclude the program with “The Economic Outlook for the Pikes Peak Region.” The forum will conclude with a Happy Hour reception from 4:00-5:00 pm. ---   ABOUT UCCS ECONOMIC FORUM Key Economic Metrics The UCCS Economic Forum provides and tracks key economic metrics to help gauge the economic health of the region.   Data Analysis The UCCS Economic Forum applies economic and statistical principles to analyze trends in local and national data.   Expert Commentary The UCCS Economic Forum is a trusted source for informed interpretations of economic news and data.

Colorado College is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary! Join Interim President, Dr. Manya Whitaker on #BusinessDigestWeekly as she sheds light on the college's array of access programs tailored for students aspiring to attain one of the finest liberal arts degrees in the nation. CC Website: https://coloradocollege.edu  Tune in to discover how Colorado College is strategically positioned within the community to equip the next generation workforce with Liberal Arts, Economics and Business degrees for the region's prominent industry employers in S. Colorado, spanning #Aerospace, #AdvancedManufacturing, and #Cyber sectors. Moreover, learn about CC's ongoing partnerships with major community endeavors such as #CityforChampions, Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. Don't miss out! Catch the discussion this Friday at 3PM on 101.1FM or AM1460, stream live on AM1460TheAnswer.com, or listen later on #Spotify, #iHeart, or #Apple podcasts. Search: "Business Digest Radio". Dr. Whitaker also joins me next Monday morning on Business First Look on KKTV 11 News and on KKTV.com

We hear about Crowdstrike, Target, United Airlines, and even UnitedHealth falling prey to cyber attacks in the news all the time.  What we don't hear so much about are the minions of small business owners that also find themselves sideways in a data-breech or outright ransom situation.  This army of cloaked criminals is growing at an astronomical rate and will continue create havoc on those businesses.  Today's hyper-reliance on cyber tools that keep businesses competitive also create exposure for wanting cyber thugs to poach your data, money and in worse case scenarios ones livelihood.  Certified Ethical Hacker, Rodney Gullatte, CEO of Firma IT Solutions, shares some pearls of first and second level steps you can take to reduce instances of cyber threats.  Website: https://FirmaITSS.com 

Executive Director, Jill Gaebler explains the organization's mission in fostering innovative and collaborative solutions that advance housing affordability, access, and production in the Pikes Peak Region. Understanding Housing Affordability & Attainability Economically, the more a household has to spend on housing the less money they have to spend on other products and services that contribute to their quality of life and support the entire community. Housing costs typically take precedence over other staples such as food, transportation and medical care. These factors lead to less community prosperity and individual wellness and increase trauma. Ultimately, this downward spiral leads to less stable housing conditions, workforce, families and neighborhoods. From an environmental perspective, a lack of housing ability options pushes our community members to housing further from where they work. This creates congestion on our roads and increased pollution, which damages the environment that the Pikes Peak Region cherishes. Pikes Peak Housing Network is the only nonprofit accomplishing this work in the state of Colorado and we need your support.  Learn more about the Pikes Peak Housing Network here: https://pphousingnetwork.org/ 

Colorado Springs Community Cultural Collective and Opus Creative Industries founder and CEO, Linda Weise shares how three unique creative workforce programs are making a significant impact in three key areas, all of which have wide-ranging implications for those in 1) the hospitality and 2) early childhood educator and care industries, and a third program for those who are passionate about the 3) creative technologies or media arts industries.  Hear Linda explain how these one-of-a-kind, earn-and-learn programs in partnership with Pikes Peak Workforce Center have put an innovation grant to work for hundreds of area adults who now have an opportunity for formal pre-apprentices with local industry partners helping prepare them for high-standard work opportunities.  Next is a world-class program around early-age child care and education where both working families with young children and those seeking opportunities in early childhood development gain opportunities. The program in part helps allow working members of the family to not have to call off or be late for work due to child-care challenges, and the child benefits from properly programmed, age-appropriate social interaction and engagement for their development, and allows for the development of formalized FFNs or Friends, Family and Neighbors child care programs. Learn more about Opus Creative Industries and how you can participate: https://communityculturalcollective.org/  #JointInitiatives, #PikesPeakWorkforceCenter, #BroadmoorResort, OpusCreativeIndustry, #SherryLynnBoyles, #BrotherLuck, #GoatPatchBrewery, #LindaWeise, #BusinessDigestWeekly, #DirkHobbs, #ColoradoHealthFoundation, #TraciMarques

We're on a bit of a marketing kick lately on Business Digest Weekly. It can be one of the most elusive topics for small business owners who struggle to find a balance between marketing and running the business. Then, what is good marketing? Targeting the right audiences? Using media? How much should I budget? And the list goes on.  Dawn Dawson, local marketing executive and Chief Marketing Officer for Mortgage Solutions Financial, (founded by Roy Clennan), talks about several key ares of marketing that small business owners and operators will want to better understand. In this interview, Dawn discusses the "dos and don'ts" of brand changes, how to vet, screen and hire a marketing team (internal or out-sourced), what your marketing spend should look like per $1M in revenues, and how to buy media and learn from local media reps how to optimize performance when media is purchased.  Enjoy this content-rich discussion that can help your business forward regardless of budget with insights from this highly experienced CMO! See Mortgage Solutions Financial here!  Listen to this podcast on Spotify: Business Digest Radio, iHeart: Business Digest Radio

What do you call a 109-layer pastry?  A delicious treat from Dad's Donuts! From Woodland Park to Hollywood, and back to COS, entrepreneur and partner at Colorado Springs' newest delectable retail spot, Dad's Donuts, James Anderson unpacks how this newest take on the all-American treat has been elevated to a near art form.  The Springs' downtown food options scene has been growing steadily for nearly seven years. Joining restauranteur, Mitch Yellen, James talks about the evolution and mission of this concept store located at 29 E Moreno in downtown Colorado Springs.  Taking the retail food service employment model into a mission to create great customer experiences at every opportunity, learn how this dynamic and visionary team has launched a local sensation. Website: https://dadsdonuts.com/   

Small Business support has never been more accessible than in today's world. Most small business owners are excellent at their specific niche or skill. But where does one go when help is needed for required business tasks with which a business owner is not well informed? Financials - Permitting - Real Estate - Marketing - Media - Legal issues, and the list goes on... Today's U.S. Small Business Administration is powerfully equipped to assist small businesses throughout southern Colorado no matter what phase your business is in: early stage, mature, succession planning and no matter what industry.  The best news is, these expert support resources are available to business owners and operators are at no charge to the business. Through each community's Small Business Development Center (the SBA's local outreach and support organizations), business owners can meet with industry experts who can coach leaders on topics they are not familiar with to advance their business.  Listen in as Region VIII Administrator Aikta Marcoulier unpacks the countless ways the SBA is here to help Colorado small businesses.  Website: https://sba.gov 

Chromatic Technologies, Inc., or CTI, was founded by Cornell University chemistry student Lyle Small in his dorm in 1993. After a long-shot pitch in 2002 and five long years of R&D later in 2007, Coors' brewery would adopt Small's thermo-chromic technology (temperature sensitive dye), moving the brand to become the second best selling domestic beer in the U.S.    Fast forward to an interaction Small had with a colleague who was demonstrating the dye's propensity to bond to nano particles of gold. While interesting, Small didn't give it much thought until he was happened to catch a 60 Minutes episode on cancer research just a few weeks later. This interaction in the lab, and the news report Small happened to catch on television proved to be a series of unusual, but fateful events.  Small's new cancer research company, Lahjavida (pronounced: la-yah-vē-da) meaning, Gift of Life (combination of Finnish & Portuguese) has developed proprietary technology that combines the dye and gold particles together using a specific chemical linkage that preserves the selective binding characteristics of the dye to cancer cells, providing a delivery system for the gold particles to kill tumor cells.  Listen in and learn more about this exciting new frontier in the fight against cancer. Visit https://www.lahjavida.com/home 

Pioneering K-12 Education Leaders in Colorado Springs Prepare to Launch Innovation Tech School - The Colorado Springs School of Technology.  Michael Gaal, Superintendent of Colorado Springs School District 11, Vance Brown, software executive/entrepreneur and co-founder of Exponential Impact, and experienced school principal Nathan Gorsch showcase how a vision for a fresh, new learning track for STEM-oriented students, has become a reality.  This unique learning environment places students in front of top educators who are intimately familiar with the region's tech ecosystem job requirements of a number of high-tech, cyber, and aerospace employers. Listen in as these dynamic leaders  unpack how they have partnered with area influencers like The U.S. Air Force Academy, Space ISAC, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Exponential Impact, and others have constructed the school into an active academic setting for kids who are interested and excited about the high tech jobs of tomorrow.  Learn more here and register for Fall 2024 semester. https://www.csrockets.org/ At COS School of Technology, OUR MISSION is to create an innovative learning environment where students excel in Space, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship, and Ethics, all while embracing character-based education. Our core values, emphasizing ethical leadership and social responsibility, are at the heart of our approach. Recognizing the vital role of humanities in our STEM curriculum, we integrate subjects like history, literature, philosophy, and the arts. This enriches students' understanding of human experiences, ethical dilemmas, and societal contexts. OUR VISION is to cultivate students who merge technical proficiency with ethical values, encouraging them to become pioneers in critical fields. CSST upholds our core principles in a holistic educational approach to unite forward-thinkers prepared to shape the future.  

The 42nd Mayor of the City of Colorado Springs Hon. Yemi Mobolade discusses important topics facing his the community and his Administration as of May 2024. Items include: EMS (emergency medical service) - Mayor Mobolade cites unacceptable response times (too high) and the rising costs, then unpacks what the City plans to do about it to ensure national standards for response. The Mayor also discusses child care shortage and how this dynamic impacts service member families, as well as civilian workforce and employers. Mobolade also share the progress on the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings project that got underway this month. Also: November ballot item #2C(road work), #housing (availability and affordability), #infrastructure, #economicdevelopment, #publicsafety, and more. To learn more about the Administration's work, utilities, and other matters the City of Colorado Springs it attending to, visit website: https://coloradosprings.gov 

President & CEO of Joint Initiatives, SherryLynn Boyles joins Business Digest Weekly to talk about the region's childcare coverage gap for children 5 years of age and younger, and what Pikes Peak Region leaders are doing together to address the problem.  There are nearly 45,000 children five years and younger in El Paso and Teller Counties. Only 16,000 spots exist for quality, certified child care. Of the 29,000 remaining, it is estimated 17,000 spots are need for working families.  The challenge impacts everyone involved: working parents, the children and employers.  Listen in as SherryLynn unpacks how we as a community can meet this economic and early childhood development requirement. Learn more: https://jointinitiatives.org 

Marketing vs. Branding Ten's of millions of dollars are spent annually on premature marketing endeavors on the part of small to mid-size businesses that feel the sense of urgency to get to market quickly and start to gain traction with prospective customers.  Speak, author and brand consultant Suzanne Tulien encourages business owners to examine their brand more closely - inside and out - before embarking on expensive marketing campaigns that may miss the mark. Not because the creative wasn't good or that particular medium doesn't work. Although that too may be a factor due to a lack of insight or awareness about how your brand is being experienced or perceived by audiences.  Great branding takes in to account a great many things including customer experience, internal culture, training of employees on your brand's unique position, messaging and experience, and so much more. Listen in to gain a few pearls of wisdom from this talented business coach on how to ready your business for marketing success by first examining your brand from head to toe - inside and out.  For more information or to pick up one of Suzanne's books, go to: https://brandascension.com/ 

Republican Congressman Doug Lamborn will not be seeking re-election in November to a seat he's held since winning his first bid in 2006 (January 3, 2007) - Colorado's 5th Congressional District. The seat represents the Colorado Springs area.  The announcement of Lamborn's departure from Washington, D.C. gave inspiration to Republican candidate, Jeff Crank who ran against Lamborn in 2006 primary race. Crank now has Lamborn's formal endorsement for the seat.  Jeff discusses his desire and strategy to take on several key points impacting southern Coloradans, including the porous southern border, the U.S. Department of Education, and his support for the economic drivers that have made Colorado Springs the headquarters for Space Comm, Space Force and a number of strong-sectors such as cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and aerospace and defense.   To learn more about Jeff's campaign, and how you can get involved, go to: https://jeffcrankforcongress.com/ 

City of Fountain Economic Development Commission specialist, Nathaniel (Nate) Schull joins EDC Board chair, Dan Osinski on this week's Business Digest Weekly to explain how the City of Fountain is in the early stages of a renaissance and a great location for manufacturing, distribution and cyber.  Learn about the City's Wayfinding sign plan, and other offerings by the EDC.   The City of Fountain serves as the Commercial Spine as a source of goods and lifestyle services to the greater Fountain Valley market.  Serving a broader population (109,639 pop.) than just the city limits and the ability to offer a bountiful array of sites for market-based business placement potential within the city and greater Valley community.