Business
Business News from companies in Boulder, Colorado
Obituary: George Washington Hunt “Buzz” 1938-2013
Dec 24th
George Washington Hunt “Buzz” Age 75 of Longmont, Colorado, peacefully passed away in his home on December 23, 2013 of natural causes. George was born on October 12, 1938 in Bradley, California. He is survived by his former wife and Betsy, sons Chris and John. He was preceded to Heaven by his son Peter. George served as a naval officer on cruisers and destroyers he held corporate positions for eight years, and worked as an entrepreneur in the health industry. He taught small business management and accounting as an adjunct professor at a college level for five years and started a health corporation in 1991 which became very profitable. He then sold it and retired in 2004. He was also a dedicated conservationist and in turn lost a career business because he stood up for nature rather than wealth.
Mr. Hunt did lots of personal research in religions and sciences, and through the years became very involved with uncovering details of corruption and possible conspiracies in the banking industry. He was devoted to bring this knowledge to people in effort to enlighten as many ears as he could. He created an informational website called www.TheBigBadBank.com where he hosted many videos and stories about his sociological findings in his focused interests in conservation, economic and technology industries.
George was a very charitable and friendly person and always helped those in need and made many friends through doing so.
ed note: We at Boulder Channel 1 were graced with his presence through helping him with creating his website and producing his videos which he will continue to distribute after his passing through his website and social media outlets. May his soul rest in peace.
CU report: Colorado economy to stay warm next year
Dec 11th
Positive, broad-based job growth forecast for Colorado in 2014, says CU Leeds School of Business Colorado will continue on the road to recovery and add a variety of jobs in 2014 across almost all business sectors following a positive year in 2013, according to economist Richard Wobbekind of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business. Wobbekind’s announcement is part of the 49th annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum to be delivered Dec. 9 by the Business Research Division of the Leeds School and presented by Noble Energy. The comprehensive outlook report for 2014 features forecasts and trends for 13 business sectors prepared by more than 100 key business, government and industry professionals. “With Colorado’s skilled workforce, high-tech diversified economy, relatively low cost of doing business, global economic access and exceptional quality of life, the state is poised for long-term economic growth,” Wobbekind wrote in the outlook. Wobbekind is the executive director of the Leeds School’s Business Research Division. 
Overall, the forecast calls for a gain of 61,300 jobs in 2014, compared with a gain of about 66,900 jobs this year. All sectors of the Colorado economy are predicted to grow in 2014 with the exception of the information sector, which includes publishing and telecommunications. Colorado is expected to be in the top five states for job growth in 2014 with workers added in both goods- and services-producing sectors. The strongest sector for projected job growth in Colorado in 2014 is the professional and business services sector, which is expected to add 14,200 jobs or grow by 3.8 percent. “Colorado has strategic advantages in the professional and business services sector given the highly educated workforce, innovative spirit and small business base that we have in the state,” said Wobbekind. “If national-level political and fiscal uncertainty subsides, we may see even stronger growth in this sector than what we’re currently projecting.” Other leading job growth sectors for 2014 include the construction sector, which is expected to add 11,000 jobs or grow by 8.7 percent; and the trade, transportation and utilities sector, which is expected to add 9,100 jobs or grow by 2.2 percent. Though it was one of the greatest casualties of the recession, the construction sector has exhibited strong growth in recent years in values, permits and employment, according to Wobbekind. Total value of construction is expected to reach the second highest level in the past decade, rising by 14.8 percent in 2014 with the largest increase due to residential construction. Total housing permits are expected to grow by 17.5 percent with gains in both single- and multifamily units. The trade, transportation and utilities sector is the largest provider of jobs in Colorado. It includes everything from wholesale and retail trade to a variety of transportation features such as Denver International Airport and gas pipelines, as well as utilities. DIA is expected to record more than 52 million passengers in 2014. Retail sales in the state are anticipated to rise by 5 percent in 2014, up from 4.2 percent growth in 2013. Colorado’s unemployment rate is expected to remain below 7 percent in 2014, which is comparatively better than the national unemployment rate. Commenting on the overall forecast, Wobbekind said, “After the deep recession we encountered as a state and a nation, it is really a relief to be reporting strong positive job growth in Colorado.” Risks to economic growth nationally include sequestration, the debt limit, government shutdown, Federal Reserve policy and health care reform, according to the outlook. Colorado’s population is the seventh fastest growing in the country by percentage and the ninth fastest growing in the country by number of residents. The state’s population is projected to grow by 1.7 percent to nearly 5.4 million people. To view the entire economic outlook for Colorado in 2014, including an overview of each of the state’s major economic sectors, visit http://leeds.colorado.edu/BRD. To follow the event on Twitter use #OutlookCO.
Overall, the forecast calls for a gain of 61,300 jobs in 2014, compared with a gain of about 66,900 jobs this year. All sectors of the Colorado economy are predicted to grow in 2014 with the exception of the information sector, which includes publishing and telecommunications. Colorado is expected to be in the top five states for job growth in 2014 with workers added in both goods- and services-producing sectors. The strongest sector for projected job growth in Colorado in 2014 is the professional and business services sector, which is expected to add 14,200 jobs or grow by 3.8 percent. “Colorado has strategic advantages in the professional and business services sector given the highly educated workforce, innovative spirit and small business base that we have in the state,” said Wobbekind. “If national-level political and fiscal uncertainty subsides, we may see even stronger growth in this sector than what we’re currently projecting.” Other leading job growth sectors for 2014 include the construction sector, which is expected to add 11,000 jobs or grow by 8.7 percent; and the trade, transportation and utilities sector, which is expected to add 9,100 jobs or grow by 2.2 percent. Though it was one of the greatest casualties of the recession, the construction sector has exhibited strong growth in recent years in values, permits and employment, according to Wobbekind. Total value of construction is expected to reach the second highest level in the past decade, rising by 14.8 percent in 2014 with the largest increase due to residential construction. Total housing permits are expected to grow by 17.5 percent with gains in both single- and multifamily units. The trade, transportation and utilities sector is the largest provider of jobs in Colorado. It includes everything from wholesale and retail trade to a variety of transportation features such as Denver International Airport and gas pipelines, as well as utilities. DIA is expected to record more than 52 million passengers in 2014. Retail sales in the state are anticipated to rise by 5 percent in 2014, up from 4.2 percent growth in 2013. Colorado’s unemployment rate is expected to remain below 7 percent in 2014, which is comparatively better than the national unemployment rate. Commenting on the overall forecast, Wobbekind said, “After the deep recession we encountered as a state and a nation, it is really a relief to be reporting strong positive job growth in Colorado.” Risks to economic growth nationally include sequestration, the debt limit, government shutdown, Federal Reserve policy and health care reform, according to the outlook. Colorado’s population is the seventh fastest growing in the country by percentage and the ninth fastest growing in the country by number of residents. The state’s population is projected to grow by 1.7 percent to nearly 5.4 million people. To view the entire economic outlook for Colorado in 2014, including an overview of each of the state’s major economic sectors, visit http://leeds.colorado.edu/BRD. To follow the event on Twitter use #OutlookCO.
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Gas “outage” comes at a bad time
Dec 6th
Boulder Fire-Rescue offers safety tips during gas outage
Xcel Energy is working to address a gas outage that is impacting a significant number of homes in parts of the city and Boulder County. Boulder Fire-Rescue is offering tips to help keep people safe during the outage.
ü If your pilot light is out after gas service is restored and you don’t know how to re-light it, you may contact Xcel to come to your home to relight the pilot for you. Xcel is asking individuals who need assistance to call 1-800-295-4999 to provide a cell phone for crews to contact you; if you will be home when crews come by, please leave your porch light. Call a professional contractor if you don’t wish to wait for Xcel.
A gas outage hit Boulder Friday
ü If your pipes freeze, avoid using blow torches or open flames to try to heat them. Just yesterday, Dec. 5, 2013, someone caused a fire in a mobile home while using a blow torch to heat frozen pipes. Although no one was injured, the mobile home suffered extensive damage from the fire.
ü If you have neighbors who are elderly or who are physically/mentally challenged, please check on them to make sure they’re okay. If they are in need of medical attention, call 9-1-1.
ü If you plan to use an electric space heater, consider the following precautions:
· Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture and bedding.
· Make sure to keep a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around space heaters and fires.
· Use space heaters only when you’re present in your home or business, and only while you’re awake. Never use space heaters while you sleep.
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which can be produced when a furnace or other appliances are not working properly. It can also be produced when wood-burning fireplaces are not vented properly.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, and inhaling it can cause death. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include feeling out of breath, dizziness, nausea and headaches. If you or any of your family members experience these symptoms, leave the building immediately and call 9-1-1.
ü Make sure to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home or business. Check the batteries regularly to ensure that it’s working properly.
ü Don’t use a charcoal or wood grill indoors or in a garage.
ü Never operate kerosene or propane heaters indoors without proper venting.
ü Never use your oven to heat your home.
Emergency Contacts and Shelter Information
In case of emergency, contact 9-1-1. For other calls, the non-emergency dispatch number is 303-441-3333. To report outages, please contact Xcel directly at 1-800-895-2999.
The American Red Cross will be opening a warm shelter for people impacted by this emergency. The shelter will be available starting at 3 p.m. today and is located at Douglass Elementary School, 840 75th St. near 75th Street and Baseline Road.
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