ColoradoBiz articles from August 2003

ColoradoBiz archives from August 2003

Qwest's low point in tech era.(Commentary)(Broadbandits: Inside the $750 Billion Telecom Heist)(Book Review)
August 1, 2003... WHEN IT LANDED ON MY DESK, THE TITLE OF THE BOOK, "Broadbandits: Inside the $750 Billion Telecom Heist," by Om Malik, a San Francisco writer for Business 2.0 magazine, told me some good Denver writers got scooped. More than a year ago, I...

Appreciating Wiesner.(readers respond)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... Your recent "Everybody pick up a rock" piece (Pat Wiesner, June) will no doubt move another (column) aside on my top 10 list of favorites. Not sure when I first started paying attention to your editorials, but I'm guessing it was at least...

Bullish on Montrose.(readers respond)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... Your story about Montrose (Stephen Titus, "Who Owns Colorado," April) was very perceptive in highlighting the tremendous quality-of-life potential and the city's commitment to growth. The commercial development will make Montrose a retailing...

More cause for quarantine.(readers respond)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... In response to Jeff Rundles' July column, "Quarantine this": How about a quarantine on: * Folks who swear to defend the Constitution and then don't bother to read it? * Folks who start the change of our country into Orwell's...

Frankenscorekeeper: one type of corporate Frankenstein found in growing numbers today is the scorekeeper who can think of nothing but numbers.(Commentary)
August 1, 2003... WHAT'S WORSE TO A MANAGER TRYING to operate in a soft economy than someone pounding on him or her without end about reaching unreachable numbers? A friend of mine once described to me his reason for quitting a high level job he had had for...

Now hear this: invention result of desperation.(Pulling The Strings; innovation in hearing aids field)(Company Profile)
August 1, 2003... WHEN JO WALDRON WAS IN A CAR WRECK earlier this year, she grabbed her wireless phone and called the police, responding easily to their queries about location and possible injuries. So easily, in fact, that the responding officer may not have...

Trujillo takes helm of telecom.(Playmakers)(Sol Trujillo)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... SOL TRUJILLO, former chairman, CEO and president of Denver-based telephone giant U.S. West, made the cover of Hispanic Business magazine's June issue for being named the new CEO of Orange Inc., a worldwide telecom company that is majority-owned...

On July 1, John J. Hansen, Colorado's Chief Technology Officer, was named Gov. Bill Owens' new Secretary of Technology.(Playmakers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... On July 1, JOHN J. HANSEN, Colorado's Chief Technology Officer, was named Gov. Bill Owens' new Secretary of Technology. Colorado is one of only two states nationwide to elevate technology economic growth management to a Cabinet level. Owens...

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.(Playmakers)(Ned Minor)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... NED MINOR, president of Minor and Brown PC, a law firm focused on business owners, has been named chair-elect of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Recognized as one of the region's top merger and acquisition attorneys,...

Coleman Natural Meats.(Playmakers)(Petaluma Holdings Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Coleman Natural Meats, now owned corporately, nonetheless continues its family legacy as "Junior" has been named its chairman. Petaluma Holdings Inc. named MEL COLEMAN JR. to succeed his father--the company's namesake. Mel Coleman Sr. passed...

Women's Regional Publications of America.(Playmakers)(named Judy Taylor president)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... JUDY TAYLOR, president and CEO of Zenith Media Group Inc. in Parker, was named president of the national Women's Regional Publications of America, a trade association, at its annual meeting in Memphis. Zenith Woman, Taylor's principal magazine,...

Batter up for women's pro softball.(Attitude at altitude)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... INDOOR FOOTBALL, LACROSSE, AND, NOW, FASTPITCH SOFTBALL. Joining several other new Denver professional sports franchises, the Colorado-based women's professional fastpitch softball league National Pro Fastpitch has announced that Denver,...

August.(Coming Soon)(Calendar)
August 1, 2003... 3-7 SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, the 8th Annual Oil & Gas Conference, Denver's largest energy investment conference, founded by EnerCom Inc. To register call (303) 296-8834 or register online at www.theoilandgasconference.com 4-6 MONDAY...

The national Associated Builders and Contractors honored David Greiner of Littleton-based Greiner Electric, and a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of ABC.(Construction)(honored David Greiner )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The national Associated Builders and Contractors honored David Greiner of Littleton-based Greiner Electric, and a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of ABC, with its Grassroots Member of the Year award, for his work for election of...

Hispanic Magazine.(Construction)(named Linda Alvarado one of its 100 top Latinas)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Hispanic Magazine named Linda Alvarado, president of Denver-based Alvarado Construction Inc. and co-owner of the Colorado Rockies, one of its 100 top Latinas in its June 2003 edition.

In an effort to boost Colorado by using Colorado companies, the Colorado Tourism Office used Greenwood Village-based PRACO Advertising and Citizen Pictures of Denver to produce the commercials in its new television campaign.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... In an effort to boost Colorado by using Colorado companies, the Colorado Tourism Office used Greenwood Village-based PRACO Advertising and Citizen Pictures of Denver to produce the commercials in its new television campaign. Citizen Pictures...

Powderhorn Industries Inc., based in Montrose, figures to capitalize on long-term investors' hopes for the future by marketing investment advisory firms on baby bibs.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Powderhorn Industries Inc., based in Montrose, figures to capitalize on long-term investors' hopes for the future by marketing investment advisory firms on baby bibs. Attendees of baby fairs get bibs as free gifts, and the infants become long...

Wind Point Partners, of Chicago and Southfield, Mich., purchased Denver-based VICORP Restaurants, Inc., which owns and franchises 371 Village Inn and Bakers Square restaurants.(Hospitality)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Wind Point Partners, of Chicago and Southfield, Mich., purchased Denver-based VICORP Restaurants, Inc., which owns and franchises 371 Village Inn and Bakers Square restaurants. Wind Point Partners will receive $24 million from Allied Capital to...

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs celebrated its 85th anniversary in June.(Hospitality)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs celebrated its 85th anniversary in June. The five-star resort completed a two-year $75 million renovation, including $36 million in improvements to the Main building.

Pentax U.S.A. Inc. is moving its U.S. corporate headquarters to Clear Creek Square in Golden from Englewood.(Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Pentax U.S.A. Inc. is moving its U.S. corporate headquarters to Clear Creek Square in Golden from Englewood, allowing the further consolidation of Pentax U.S.A. and the subsidiary formerly know as Pentax Technologies Corp.

Dallas-based Dean Foods will purchase the 87 percent equity interest that it does not already own in Boulder-based Horizon Organic Holding Corp.(Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Dallas-based Dean Foods will purchase the 87 percent equity interest that it does not already own in Boulder-based Horizon Organic Holding Corp. Dean Foods will pay $216 million to gain full control of the leading organic foods brand in the...

Denver-based CH2M Hill will oversee two desalination plants in Hong Kong in a 30-month pilot program.(Manufacturing)
August 1, 2003... Denver-based CH2M Hill will oversee two desalination plants in Hong Kong in a 30-month pilot program. The program may lead to full-scale desalination to ensure sustainable, potable water for Hong Kong.

Golden-based Generation21 Learning Systems, a developer of e-learning software, has been selected to provide training for the 27,000 members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.(Technology)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Golden-based Generation21 Learning Systems, a developer of e-learning software, has been selected to provide training for the 27,000 members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Generation21 systems will allow academy members to access...

Fort Collins-based Red Hen Systems released VMS Mobile, an add-on video module that will allow users with a digital video camera and GPS receiver to build digital, interactive maps.(Technology)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Fort Collins-based Red Hen Systems released VMS Mobile, an add-on video module that will allow users with a digital video camera and GPS receiver to build digital, interactive maps. The maps will be useful for customers in the natural...

Louisville-based Medivance will sell its patient-warming business to Kimberly-Clark Health Care for $10 million up front and $7 million in deferred payments.(Health Care)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Louisville-based Medivance will sell its patient-warming business to Kimberly-Clark Health Care for $10 million up front and $7 million in deferred payments. Medivance's Arctic Sun Model 100 Temperature Management System reduces hypothermia for...

Corporate Board Member Magazine.(Legal)(announced the top five corporate law firms)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Corporate Board Member Magazine announced the top five corporate law firms in Denver in 2003: Holme Roberts & Owen; Davis Graham & Stubbs; Holland & Hart; Brownstein Hyatt & Farber; and Sherman & Howard.

Liberty Media Corp. will purchase Comcast's 57 percent ownership in QVC Inc., an e-commerce and electronics retail leader, for $7.9 billion.(Telecommunications)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Liberty Media Corp. will purchase Comcast's 57 percent ownership in QVC Inc., an e-commerce and electronics retail leader, for $7.9 billion. The deal will make QVC a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media.

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings Inc., now offers three daily flights from Denver to Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport.(Aviation)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings Inc., now offers three daily flights from Denver to Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. The airline also added Los Angeles and Las Vegas to its network this summer.

Frontier Airlines will expand its service to Milwaukee and Orange County beginning Aug. 31.(Aviation)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Frontier Airlines will expand its service to Milwaukee and Orange County beginning Aug. 31. It also plans to expand its Mexico service to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas this winter.

Galaxy Energy Corp. has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 206,000 acres in Montana from Sheridan, Wyo.-based Quaneco LLC.(Energy)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Galaxy Energy Corp. has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 206,000 acres in Montana from Sheridan, Wyo.-based Quaneco LLC. Galaxy Energy will drill for coalbed methane in the purchase area in the Powder River basin.

A new energy curriculum will be available to environmental studies graduate students.(Energy)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A new energy curriculum will be available to environmental studies graduate students at CU Boulder in the fall.

Denver-based Inland Resources Inc., an energy company with most of its property in the Monument Butte Field in Utah.(Energy)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Denver-based Inland Resources Inc., an energy company with most of its property in the Monument Butte Field in Utah, will become privately held through a $126 million restructuring agreement.

Dueling developers: students compete for best Gates plan.(Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge)
August 1, 2003... CU business graduate student Kiely Wilson stood in front of about 200 real-estate developers--his future colleagues--in the United Center at Invesco Field at Mile High. With a full view of the Denver skyline from the eastern wall of...

Business at its best: Colorado's top companies take a bow.
August 1, 2003... CH2M Hill has undertaken engineering and construction projects all over the world, and as close to home as Rocky Flats, which it has been entrusted to clean up. But the project closest to company Chairman Ralph Peterson's heart was neither his...

Medical Modeling: reproducing skulls and brains.(hightech)
August 1, 2003... It would be impossible to ignore the vacant eye sockets of the skulls lining the conference room walls at Medical Modeling LLC, if it weren't for the brains on the table. The folds and crevices are eerily realistic in their minute detail,...

Tech startup of the month.(hightech)(Boulder energy consultants)
August 1, 2003... TEXTURE MEDIA INC. DENVER WWW.TEXTUREMEDIA.COM FOUNDED: 2000 INITIAL LIGHTBULB: A group of Boulder energy consultants jumped careers three years ago and launched a tech-savvy multimedia design house and integrated marketing agency...

Journal cites Greeley firm's emergence.(Ebuzz)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... For unemployed techies who are wondering desperately when Colorado's high-tech economy is going to revive, the July 7 front page of The Wall Street Journal must have offered some welcome hope. Greg Ip, one of the Journal's senior...

HP and Jabber make deal.(Ebuzz)(Hewlett-Packard Co.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Hewlett-Packard will be a worldwide distribution and development partner with Denver-based Jabber Inc., developer of platforms for instant messaging. Jabber also recently has made its platforms available for wireless devices.

Fast, flexible mapping.(Ebuzz)(IntraSearch Inc.'s MapMart.com is partnering with Tele Atlas)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Englewood-based IntraSearch Inc.'s MapMart.com is partnering with Tele Atlas of California to create maps in real time from geographic data. The team will offer customers increased flexibility and speed because customers will be able to select...

State money for startups: CAPCO program sparks debate.(Certified Capital Companies Program)
August 1, 2003... Boon or boondoggle? That was the question proposed to Colorado legislators last spring when conservative lawmakers took aim at a $200 million program designed to finance the growth of small, usually technology-oriented businesses in...

How to build an urban neighborhood: a short course for new developers.(Special Advertising Section)
August 1, 2003... Step 1. Make sure it has a past. Anyone can stack up a few rough bricks, pick a historic name, call it a warehouse district and chances are, it will sell like crazy. But we've found that, over the long haul, our particular breed of neighbors...

University reborn: building spree marks Du turnaround.(Who owns Colorado?)(University of Denver. College of Law)
August 1, 2003... MARY RICKETS, DEAN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER'S COLLEGE OF LAW, IS GRINNING. Sitting in the Mary Reed Building's historic library, she lovingly describes her school's new home, scheduled to open this month. The $63 million new law school...

Executive education: in the world of higher education, Colorado colleges, universities, and specialty schools are leaders in their offerings of a wide array of innovative and contemporary curriculums.(special advertising section)
August 1, 2003... The private business community and their executives have responded to these offerings with interest and enthusiasm. Poised for growth and reception of traditional and non-traditional students, Colorado executive education is at the top of its...

Selling weight loss without effort.(money matters)(Colorado Altitude Training)
August 1, 2003... COLORADO ALTITUDE TRAINING BILLS itself as "the world leader in altitude simulation systems," which is a lofty title but leads you to wonder why anyone other than a Mount Everest climber would want to simulate life at high altitude where oxygen...

The Colorado Trail: the Official Guidebook.(cool Colorado stuff)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... THE COLORADO TRAIL: THE OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK: The Colorado Trail runs from Denver to Durango, taking thousands of hikers into the heart of the Rocky Mountains every year. With so much outdoors and so little time, The Colorado Trail: The Official...

StoneCreek designs.(cool Colorado stuff)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
August 1, 2003... STONECREEK DESIGNS: When Coleman moved its Golden prototyping facility to Boston in 1999, employee Sharon Sherman took destiny into her own hands and started her own backpack manufacturer. Sherman, who has been sewing "since before I started...

Honey Stingers.(cool Colorado stuff)(by En-R-G Foods Inc.)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
August 1, 2003... HONEY STINGERS: En-R-G Foods Is a joint venture between two Bill Gambers--Sr. and Jr.--who deal in honey and outdoor gear, respectively, along with beekeeper John Miller and food scientist Bob Stahl. The company was launched last year to...

Portafire.(cool Colorado stuff)(propane-fueled device)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... PORTAFIRE: In 1997, engineer Howard Oliver went camping with his family at Rampart Range Reservoir, only to find that a fire ban was in effect. The ever-resourceful Oliver quickly went home and returned with his propane grill to use as a heat...

George Burnett: reinventing The Yellow Pages.(executive edge)(Dex Media Inc. chief executive officer)
August 1, 2003... TO HEAR GEORGE BURNETT TALK ABOUT THE LATEST VERSION of QwestDex, you'd think he just won the lottery. The president and CEO of Dex Media Inc. gets excited to the say the least, rattling off a host of innovations since he came aboard in 2000....

Deliver me from evil.(Commentary)(telemarketing registry)
August 1, 2003... Two YEARS AGO I WAS ANGRY MOST OF THE TIME when I answered my home phone. The unbelievable barrage of telemarketing calls was reaching its peak, and asking politely to have my name removed from the call list only seemed to encourage more calls....