Denver Business Journal articles from March 2001

Denver Business Journal archives from March 2001

Qwest goes grassroots on Web.(Qwest Communications International Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Qwest Communications International Inc. is bankrolling a public relations campaign in 14 states but has it set up to look like an independent grassroots citizens effort advocating competitive telephone industry regulations. The corporate...

Heinrich maneuvers to fight growing cases of credit fraud.
March 2, 2001... When George Heinrich was Rocky Mountain BankCard's security chief in the 1960s, he walked into a room where the credit cards were processed one day after business hours. There, stacks of blank plastic cards sat unprotected on desks. The next...

$55M hotel subsidy challenged.
March 2, 2001... But Denver continues convention center job The city of Denver is moving ahead with work on the Colorado Convention Center expansion, despite efforts to challenge a $55 million urban renewal subsidy given to private developers of an adjacent...

Legislators want to bank on water rights.(water banking)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Two state lawmakers are hoping to create a "water bank" for rights holders in the Arkansas River basin that could save farms and ranchers as well as slake the Front Range's growing thirst for water. "It's intended to make the best use of...

Interest groups grapple over growth.(urban planning and environmental groups)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Homebuilders and environmentalists made strange bedfellows during last year's legislative session as the two disparate factions threw their support behind an ill-fated comprehensive growth bill. But the honeymoon is over. This year,...

Construction industry recruiting more women.(statistics show)(Statistical Data Included)
March 2, 2001... Rex Wiederspahn, president of Denver-based Quality Electric Inc., didn't set out to add women to his company's field staff, he just needed workers. "It was just trying to keep an open mind and keep our recruiting going out a bit further...

Meet the new school.(Amphion Group, Farm Creative Inc. and Matthews Bradford )
March 2, 2001... Fledgling ad firms hoping to buck the odds Despite rumblings of an economic downturn and shrinking advertising budgets, three new marketing firms opened for business within the past year to stake a claim on Denver's increasingly competitive...

Cleanup sparks debate.(Lowry Redevelopment Authority asking U.S. Air Force to allow clean-up by third party but remain liable)
March 2, 2001... The Lowry Redevelopment Authority's quest to privatize environmental cleanup at the former Air Force base has received guarded support from many individuals and community organizations. But members of one key organization, the Restoration...

Checking the telco hotels.(building that house computer and telecommunications network hardware place heavy demand on electric utilities)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... High-wired buildings pose problems for utilities A group in Boulder is trying to find out whether demanding telecommunications buildings that require mega-watts of power from utility companies are mega-pains in the neck. Telecom...

The empire shrinks back.(The Denver Post)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... The Denver Post, which for almost 50 years has called itself "The Voice of the Rocky Mountain Empire" is scaling back distribution of its Sunday newspaper in South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. A spokesman blamed the...

Homes built right on site is award-winning concept.(Residential Building System)
March 2, 2001... David and Roger Cohen spent half a million dollars demonstrating a new building technique at the old Stapleton International Airport. Their patented process, building homes and apartment buildings under the cover of an on-site, 50,000...

Corrections and Amplifications.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... * In the Feb. 23-March 1 issue, an article about plans for the El Jebel temple said that the building was recently purchased from the Gray Group. The Gray Group had that building under contract and was drawing up architectural plans when the...

Bringing it together.(Anark corp. to introduce software for integrated media platform development)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Software integrates disparate types of media A small Boulder software company hopes to make a big splash in the Internet media infrastructure market with new technologies that revolutionize the way people interact with machines. In the...

Blanket biz is warm, cozy for Denver entrepreneur.(Annie Blankets makes and sells blankets for children)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... For many kids, a baby blanket is an important childhood accessory. Along with imaginary friends, a first bike or a tree house, a blanket is an endearing symbol of simpler times and an important part of growing up. Catering to the...

Big names in retail sign up for space at Stapleton.(Forest City Enterprises to build shopping center and homes near former Stapleton Airport)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 2, 2001... Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Home Depot will be the anchor tenants for a regional retail center at the former Stapleton Airport development. The three stores will, occupy more than 60 percent of the 740,000-squar-foot regional center, called...

Manufacturer to open in Aurora, create 120 jobs.(Peco II Inc. to locate facility in Aurora, Colorado)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... PECO II Inc., a publicly held manufacturer of communications power systems and equipment and a services provider to the communications industry, announced plans to open a regional operations center in Aurora. PECO II, which trades on the...

Hospital moving sooner.(University of Colorado to expand inpatient pavilion at Fitzsimons Campus in Aurora)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... As expected, the University of Colorado Hospital Authority board voted to accelerate and expand the first phase of the hospital's inpatient pavilion at the Fitzsimons campus in Aurora. The board voted to increase the first phase of the...

Xcel to try wind energy.(Xcel Energy Inc. must include Enron Wind Corp.'s wind farm in capacity plans)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Wind generation got a huge boost Feb. 23 when state utility regulators forced Xcel Energy Inc. to include a 162 megawatt wind farm, built by Houston-based Enron Wind Corp. near Lamar, Colo., in its five-year plan to meet electricity demands in...

Two deals for Liberty.(Liberty Media Corop and Klesch and Co. buy stakes in six Deutsche Telekom AG cable television units)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Englewood-based Liberty Media Corp. made two investments in European cable television. Liberty, a media, entertainment and communications company run by John Malone, joined London investor group Klesch & Co. in buying 55 percent of six...

New boss of King Soopers.(Russell Dispense, King Soopers Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Russell Dispense is the new president of the Denver-based King Soopers grocery chain. Dispense, 53, who joined the company as a courtesy clerk in 1965, worked for King Soopers for 34 years. He returns to King Soopers after more than a year...

AT&T sells systems.(AT and T Broadband sells and swaps cable television systems)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Englewood-based AT&T Broadband will sell cable television systems in four states to Mediacom Communications Corp. The Middletown, N.Y-based company will pay $2.5 15 billion in cash for the systems. The systems serve about 840,000...

Qwest plots long distance.(Qwest Communications International Inc. to seek approval for long-distance telephone service)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Denver-based Qwcst Communications International Inc. expects to ask regulators to OK its offering long-distance service to customers in one state this summer. Qwest offers local telephone service in 14 states, including Colorado, but...

Metro Volunteers reaches out with classes for nonprofits.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... This spring, Metro Volunteers is launching a new series of technology workshops designed to help nonprofit organizations "professionalize" their operations. Metro Volunteers is a United Way partner agency that is committed to strengthening...

Online banking woes sniffed out by SysTest.(SysTest Labs LLC tests software, specializing in software used by banks)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Not long ago, a Canadian bank used a team of testers to evaluate its online trading system, only to realize that particular team didn't have expertise in that particular system. The bank, though, realized its mistake in time to avert major...

Name clash.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Boulder-based First National Bank of Colorado and First National Bank-Colorado in Fowler have such similar names some people have a hard time figuring out which bank is which, and the latter lender especially isn't happy about it. "We're...

Recycle, don't throw old computers away.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Firm prevents high-tech waste going to landfill Peer pressure is motivating Denver-based Technology Recycling LLC to take more garbage from its customers than ever before -- obsolete high-tech garbage, that is. "I've been driven by the...

Film society presses on at Tivoli.(Denver Film Society completes revitalization of movie theater in the Tivoli)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... It will soon be showtime for the new Starz Encore FilmCenter. Announced last November, the Starz Encore FilmCenter will take over the space formerly occupied by a multi-plex AMC Theater in the Tivoli at the Auraria Campus. Thanks to...

Oscar will make journey from Hollywood for party.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... When Hollywood celebrates the Academy Awards on March 25, Denver also will throw an Oscar party of its own. Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks probably won't be attending the Denver party, but at least 600 people are expected to attend the Denver...

New law would offer tax break for training.(Government Activity)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... A bill that would give a tax break to businesses that help provide education, including workplace training, to employees who need it is proceeding through House committees. The bill is sponsored by Democratic Rep. Fran Coleman of Denver. ...

Health care.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... A bill that would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from charging less for mail-order prescription drugs passed the House on Feb. 23. Sponsored by Rep. Lola Spradley, R-Beulah, and Sen. Terry Phillips, D-Louisville, House Bill 1320 is...

Recycling.(Government Activity)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Rep. Alice Madden, D-Boulder, hopes to create a pilot program that would encourage consumers and industry to recycle Cathode Ray Tube monitors and televisions. House Bill 1106, co-sponsored by Sen. Sue Windels, D-Arvada, was designed to...

Public speaking rights.(Government Activity)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... House Bill 1150, which supposedly would ensure that Coloradans are free to express themselves in a public forum under the First Amendment, passed the House floor on Feb. 20. It then went to the Senate. More specifically, the bill was...

Casino president proposes buying out the company.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Jeffrey Jacobs, chairman and president of a Black Hawk-based casino owner, wants to acquire the rest of the company. Jacobs owns a third of the the stock in Black Hawk Gaming & Development Co. He's asked the board to consider a buyout...

Women's Bean Project adds coffee to its mix.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Gourmet coffee company Dazbog is program's new partner Staying true to its bean theme, the Women's Bean Project is partnering with a local coffee company on a new line of products. The project, which was founded locally in 1989 as a...

Anschutz likely to buy soccer team D.C. United.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Following a prolonged wait, the soccer team D.C. United has officially found an ownership group -- the Denver-based entertainment company owned by billionaire Philip Anschutz. Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) entered into a multi-year...

Business-oriented airlines may vet get off the ground.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... HeartLand Airlines may not be grounded just yet. The Dayton, Ohio-based startup that announced Feb. 9 it was folding its wings said it has devised a new strategy to raise the capital it needs. The airline is courting three large investors...

Program sets aside contracts for women.(Government Activity)
March 2, 2001... Women own nearly 40 percent of America's businesses, but they received only 2.5 percent of the federal government's contract dollars in fiscal 1999 --only half of the 5 percent goal for women established by Congress in 1994. This disparity...

Leasing office equipment gains popularity.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... To buy or to lease is no longer the question. The answer is: "To lease." Denver professionals generally recommend leasing over buying when it comes to expensive office equipment, such as computers and copy machines. Experts like leasing...

Software company heads north.(Systemfusion moves headquarters from South Africa to Denver)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Systemfusion moves HQ from South Africa While more American companies are relying on overseas labor, one company -- with roots in South Africa -- is looking for employees right here in Denver. Systemsfusion, which specializes in...

SBA introduces global program.(Small Business Administration to offer loan guaranty program for businesses that want to export)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... The U.S. Small Business Administration has developed a loan guaranty program to assist small businesses interested in exporting their products or services abroad. Called Export Express, the program combines the agency's small-business...

Chamber releases economic forecast.(Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce issues forecast for area for 2001)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 2, 2001... Denver-area businesses should expect only slightly less of the same in 2001, according to an economic forecast published by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. The forecast projects continued economic growth in 2001 -- but at a slower...

State economist to discuss what lies ahead.
March 2, 2001... Julie Hart, senior economist for Gov. Bill Owens' office, will discuss the economy and Colorado's economic forecast before a meeting of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Community Association Institute. The breakfast meeting is scheduled...

Awards.(for various Denver area persons or companies)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... The National Credit Union Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Credit Union National Association, honored Carroll D. Beach, president of the Colorado and Wyoming Credit Union Leagues, with its 2001 Herb Wagner Memorial Award for Lifetime...

Research, patience are key to starting exports.(case study of exporting by EagleSpan Steel Structures Inc.)(Brief Article)(Column)
March 2, 2001... A look at one company s cautious steps Exporting is a lot like tap dancing: You have to master complex steps, modulate your moves to the tempo of an unfamiliar cultural beat and remain flexible and quick on your feet. If you are...

If you have a fear of flying, you're not alone.(tips for dealing with the problem)(Brief Article)(Column)
March 2, 2001... Most of us board an airplane with the intention of being able to relax and enjoy a typical flight. But did you know that one out of every six travelers can't relax? It is estimated that 40 million Americans suffer from some form of...

Hispanic business owner chosen to head SBA.(President George W. Bush picks Hector Barreto to head Small Business Administration)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Seven months before President Bush selected him to head the Small Business Administration, Bush's campaign picked Hector Barreto to represent small business in a prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention. Barreto, president...

IRS launches small-biz site.(Internal Revenue Service offers Web site to answer tax questions of small businesses)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... The Internet Revenue Service launched a new Web site that provides answers to basic tax questions facing small businesses and the self-employed. The site also features detailed information for the construction and restaurant industries, as...

Blackouts hit small firms.(survey of small business in California to assess views of electric utility deregulation)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 2, 2001... A survey of 523 small-business owners in California found that 44 percent believe that electricity deregulation was a bad idea that never should have been tried. Another 33 percent say electricity deregulation was a good idea that was...

Bank loan safe, sure route to financing business.(Brief Article)(Column)
March 2, 2001... With so much buzz about angel investors and venture capitalist, it's easy to forget a time hallowed yet still widely available method of underwriting new businesses: bank loans. Yes, banks are still known to occasionally dole out money to...

At some point in time, you'll need an attorney.(advice on how to select a corporate attorney)(Brief Article)(Column)
March 2, 2001... There are some ways you can save money Many small businesses will need legal counsel at some point, and it's nice to know that finding the right corporate attorney is not as difficult as one might think. Legal skills are just one of...

Knowledge is key when choosing a builder.(for a residence)(Brief Article)(Column)
March 2, 2001... Building a new home is often the biggest financial investment that a person makes in his or her lifetime. That's why hiring the right home builder is such a crucial step in the construction process. Making the right choice obviously makes...

Buying office chairs is like buying a car.(Brief Article)(Column)
March 2, 2001... In both cases, there has to be a middleman Buying office furniture is a lot like buying a car, according to a furniture industry trade group. Customers need to shop for models that meet their needs and fit the image they want to...

Don't leave big meeting plans in amateur's hands.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... That's a recipe for disaster in the making Selection of a meeting site entails myriad considerations, which may quickly boggle the mind of a first-timer. Karen Liechty, is a former full-time employee of the state of Wisconsin who...

It's tougher leasing office space than buying a home.(Colorado)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Attorney plays a larger role in office lease As in all areas of business, negotiations play a key role in helping businesses get what they want yen if it's as complex as finding the perfect location for the business, it is the initial...

Buying a phone system: Not rocket science, but close.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Telephones today can do everything but mix you a drink, it seems, so buying a phone system for a business can be a sobering experience. It's best to start with the fundamental questions: How many people will use your system, and how will...

Although analog is cheap, digital has clearer sound.(telephone systems)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... World is moving to digital cellular technology Cellular has become a catch-all word for mobile telephones, whether the service is based on analog or digital technology. Cell phones have become increasingly popular in the business world....

Know your business needs before finding a banker.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Finding a commercial bank is never easy, whether it's for an established business or a new one. Before looking for a bank, experts say, start by looking closely at your business. "Small businesses need to find out what they need from a...

Temps can fill more than just clerical jobs.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Maybe your company is growing so fast that it needs people this afternoon. Perhaps a competing firm raided some of your best talent and you need interim replacements. Or it could be that a key employee took a long-term leave and you need...

Most small businesses eligible for SBA loans.(Small Business Administration )(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of financing options for small businesses, comparable to those of a typical commercial bank. Whether you are looking for a long-term loan for renovations or equipment, a working...

Envision what workers do when planning space.(office space design)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Keep in mind that technology is changing To create the kind of space you want, the first task is to understand what the workers who use that space do on a daily basis and how work flows through the department or company. Many...

Video conferencing can save money, if done right.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... There are really two "how-to" questions when it comes to videoconferencing: the technical how-to and the presentation how-to. One is fairly straightforward, the other somewhat more subtle. On the technical side, there are a few basic...

Special day to recognize nonprofits statewide.(Colorado Association of Nonprofit Organizations )(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... The Colorado Association of Nonprofit Organizations will host the sixth annual Colorado Nonprofit Day luncheon on Thursday, March 29. This year's theme is "Giving Voice to Our Hearts." "Nonprofits are making a difference in our communities...

MS Walk planned for May.(Multiple Sclerosis Society)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... The Colorado Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society will host its annual MS Walk in 13 cities statewide this May. That includes two cities added this year: Longmont and Pueblo. Since Colorado has one of the highest rates of MS in the...

Farley to be honored.(J. Michael Farley awarded by Archdiocesan Housing Committee of Denver)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... The Archdiocesan Housing Committee of Denver will honor J. Michael Farley at its second annual fund-raising dinner on May 6 at 6 p.m. at the University Club, 1673 Sherman St. Farley was the first board president of the Archdiocesan Housing...

Doze for dollars.(fundraiser for QuaLife Wellness Community)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... QuaLife Wellness Community of Denver will hold its second annual NAPathon to raise funds for the 15-year-old nonprofit organization, which helps cancer patients. Participants can "doze for dollars" on April 2 by obtaining pledges for each...

Golf Benefit on the way.(Porter Care Foundation's fundraiser)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Porter Care Foundation's 14th annual Golf Benefit is just around the corner -- scheduled for May 14 at the Inverness Golf Club. The event, as in the past, will feature morning and afternoon shotgun starts, breakfast, lunch and an awards dinner....

Call for nominations.
March 2, 2001... The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Community Associations Institute is accepting nominations for the community association of the year. Eligible groups include condominium, homeowner, town-home and planned community associations that are members...

NEWSMAKERS.(multiple personnel changes)
March 2, 2001... Architecture and design Anne Weideman joined Facilitek Office Systems as interior design director. Weideman has seven years experience in both commercial and residential design. McDermott Planning & Design Inc., based in Englewood,...

'Catch Me If You Can' a good Playhouse catch.(Review)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... The Country Dinner Playhouse's traditional winter mystery this season, "Catch Me If You Can," adds comedy to what have normally been rather dry whodunits. The effect probably is more in tune with the Playhouse's normal audiences than some of...

Common sense gone; Oprah's a history course.(Oprah Winfrey history class)(Brief Article)(Column)
March 2, 2001... That's not thunder you're hearing. It's hoofbeats. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are bearing down on us like the final ticks in Brittney Spears' 15 minutes of fame. (God bless Andy Warhol for that saying. His art may have been...

No SUV yet, but VW now has an all-wheel-drive.(Volkswagen Passat wagon with 4Motion system)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... In Colorado, we set the trends for the rest of the country (or we like to think that we do). We made all-wheel drive cars like the Subaru trendy, and now every manufacturer is coming out with all-wheel-drive vehicles. Volvo has an...

DBJ STOCK REPORT.(Denver Business Journal local stock price movements)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 2, 2001... DBJ STOCK REPORT DBJ Index -4.3% 1692.66 NASDAQ -6.7% 2462.51 S&P 500 -4.2% 1245.86 Dow Jones Industrial -3.3% 10441.90 Close Net...

DBJ FUNDWATCH.(top Denver-managed mutual funds ranked by year-to-date total return)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 2, 2001... DBJ FUNDWATCH Our exclusive weekly report ranks the top Denver-managed mutual funds, ranked by year-to-date total return. The...

Health-care reforms can't wait till 2001.(Colorado's rural health insurance market)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Partisan politics and consumer distrust of health insurers combined this year to defeat some badly needed reforms in Colorado's rural health insurance market. But lawmakers still have time to bring the matter up for debate and hopefully a...

What's Anschutz up to now?(Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2001... Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz has something up his sleeve. Figure out what it is and you'll be rich. I'm not talking about Phil's generous gifts to the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He's probably done that for all the...

Think outside the power grid.(technology-based businesses increase electricity demand)(Brief Article)(Column)
March 2, 2001... As rolling blackouts shut off power to millions of individuals, families and businesses, Californians are turning to everything from candles to mini-generators to help them keep the lights on. The office lights probably may not dim while...

LETTERS.(Government Activity)(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
March 2, 2001... Editorial overlooked charter schools I read with interest your editorial on public education ("Public education can't be overlooked," Feb. 23-March 1). You are 100 percent correct when you say that the stakes are high in education, not...

Here's one idea.
March 9, 2001... Colorado Public Radio says it remains committed to creating a two-channel radio network after its bid to purchase Greeley public radio station KUNC fell through. CPR's board of directors offered to buy KUNC from the University of Northern...

Denver show gets air date.
March 9, 2001... The Denver episodes of "Antiques Roadshow" will air this month and next. The popular PBS show, which matches appraisers with people clutching either junk or treasure, will air March 26, April 2 and April 9. The air time is 7 p.m. for three...

Insurance industry robust.
March 9, 2001... The American insurance industry's first three quarters last year were relatively robust. Life, health and annuity insurers in this country reported total net profits of more than $20 billion for the first time in a third quarter, according...

NAWBO honors trio for accomplishments.
March 9, 2001... The local arm of the National Association of Women Business Owners honored three accomplished businesswomen and two corporate partners at its annual awards banquet on March 7. The winners, who were recognized for their exemplary and...

Shell bid for Barrett bodes well for region.
March 9, 2001... It's natural to view with a certain amount of trepidation announcements about takeovers of local companies by large multi-national interests. Such transactions often result in the erosion of local control and jobs lost. A local company's...

More spin than a top.
March 9, 2001... Propaganda: "Any systematic, widespread dissemination or promotion of particular ideas, doctrines, practices etc. to further one's own cause or to damage an opposing one... now often used disparagingly to connote deception or distortion." ...

Farewell to the free-spending era.
March 9, 2001... Economic slowdown may change attitudes In early 2000, before technology stocks got KO'd, money seemed abundant and easy to come by because of robust national and local economies. Many people in the Denver area had more money than ever,...