How to (and not to) PR by Shannon Marketing Communications

High Plains Environmental Center hosts leaders in wildflower conservation

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:15:28 +0000

You are warmly invited to attend an evening reception with presentations by Susan Reiff, Executive Director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas – Scott LaFleur Horticulture Director and Curator of the New England Wildflower Society Garden in the Woods Botanic Garden in Framingham, MA – and Jim Tolstrup, Executive Director of the High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland, Colorado.

Come and learn how wildflower conservation has been implemented in other parts of the country as a means to sustain wildlife and promote regional identity and how you can preserve a part of Colorado’s unique natural beauty (right in your own backyard)

September 15th – 7:00 – 9:00 pm at High Plains Environmental Center

www.suburbitat.org

Directions to High Plains Environmental Center
High Plains Environmental Center is conveniently located off I-25 and Hwy 34 in Loveland, Colorado.
Take exit 257 and head west on Hwy 34. Turn right at McWhinney Blvd . Take your second left on Piney River Drive. Address is 1854 Piney River Drive. Parking is north of the building or on the street.

Jim Tolstrup

Executive Director
High Plains Environmental Center
1854 Piney River Drive.
Loveland CO 80538
Phone: (970) 622-9676
Fax (970) 613-1380
————————————————————————————
“When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect”
Aldo Leopold

Onward and Upward in 2010 Business Planning and People Strategies for Success

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:30:36 +0000

How prepared are you for the economic turnaround?

LOCATION:
The Group Inc., 2803 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins

Please join Employer Solutions Group (ESG) (www.esghr.com) for our ongoing educational seminar presented each month. We provide lunch and useful educational materials that you can take back to your business and apply immediately.

11:30 – 11:40 Lunch served
11:40 – 11:45 Brief Introductions
11:45 Seminar commences
1:00 Completion of Seminar

An RSVP by Monday of the week of the event is required.

Please note: Out of respect to The Group’s clients, please do not park in the spaces directly in front of their building. The seminar will be held in the classroom downstairs.

June 17: Important New Employer-Related Legislation
The first part of 2010 has seen more legislation passed that impacts employers than in any time in history. When added to everything else you must do to run your business, it can seem overwhelming, and hard to interpret and implement. In this comprehensive overview session, make sure you don’t leave money on the table by missing tax credits available through the HIRE Act and WOTC; understand your rights and responsibilities under Health Care Reform; and keep your health plan in compliance base on CHIPRA.

About ESG
Employer Solutions Group (ESG) enables its clients to cost-effectively outsource the Administration of human resources, employee benefits, payroll and related tax compliance, and Workers’ compensation. Specializing in these specific employer needs allows ESG to efficiently deliver a tailored package of services to its clients. ESG client’s then are able to focus on growing and operating their businesses, rather than worrying about HR. The company’s Loveland, Colorado-based professional staff serves companies that range in size from a handful of employees to hundreds. For more information, visit www.esghr.com, email sstolen@esghr.com or call 970-612-2022.

Employer Solutions Group is a client of Shannon Marketing Communications

Advantage Automotive Completes Move to New Loveland Location

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 20:34:01 +0000

New building ownership allows for expansion, added services, more parking
Loveland, Colo. — Advantage Automotive Inc. (www.autorepairloveland.com), a locally owned Loveland business that provides full-service auto repairs and preventative maintenance for all types of vehicles since 1998, has completed its relocation to a new, larger facility.
The new home for the company is the former Ferrero building at 2650 North Lincoln in Loveland, purchased earlier this year from the Chrysler Corporation in a deal brokered by Loveland Commercial Realty. Advantage Automotive Owner Tyler Kreikemeier said, “This new location gives us triple the space of our old facility on North Garfield Avenue. We now have 12,000 square feet and we’ve expanded from 6 repair bays to 10 to serve more customers.”
The business has also added a quick lube oil change service, and will provide oil changes with no appointment necessary. The larger space also includes a wash bay, and customers’ cars will now be washed after they’ve been serviced.
Tubes N’ Hoses, a second business also owned by Kreikemeier, shared the old Garfield Avenue location and has also relocated to the new facility, in the space where the parts and service department was when the building was a car dealership. Tubes N’ Hoses will continue to provide on-site and mobile services for a variety of applications, from stainless steel parts for Ball Aerospace satellites to hydraulics lines, air conditioner parts, DOT brake lines, custom tubing for street rods, and more.
Kreikemeier noted that when work is complete on the new location in mid-June, it will offer plenty of perks for customers — from an improved waiting area to better access. “We’ll have a bigger, nicer area for people to lounge, have coffee, watch TV, and enjoy free WiFi. Customers will also find it easier to get in and out of the new location. It’s just a short jog off of 287, which means traffic flow is more manageable. We’re also excited about the fact that we have at least ten times the parking space that we had at the old location.”
Advantage Automotive purchased the property for $550,000, aided in part by an SBA loan. Kreikemeier said, “The SBA loan was a great opportunity for us, covering 40 percent of the total purchase price. We were able to put down 10 percent, and obtained financing for 50 percent through the Loveland Bank of Commerce. It’s a great feeling to own our space, instead of leasing.”
Kreikemeier has a series of improvements underway at the building, including a new façade with a parapet wall. Ric Hattman’s architectural firm Hattman & Associates did the design, and Ted Goggin’s Mountain States Contracting (http://mountainstatescontracting.com) has been selected to complete work on the building’s exterior and interior work. Electrical work has been handled by Elite Electric, while Handy Glass has replaced windows damaged by vandals while the building was vacant.
“We’re now up and running at the new location, and we’re planning a grand opening event,” said Kreikemeier. “We’re also planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Business After Hours event through the Chamber for late summer. We look forward to getting more people in to check out the new place.”
Kreikemeier noted that Advantage Automotive currently has seven employees. One new employee — Gerald Nolt, who left the area after operating Auto Diagnostics for several years — will be added this summer upon his return to Loveland. Kreikemeier hopes to add more jobs in the future, and plans to eventually add pre-owned vehicle sales. “It’s exciting to be growing and expanding at this time. The new location, added space and additional services will help us take better care of customers, while creating job opportunities as well,” said Kreikemeier.
About Advantage Automotive
Advantage Automotive was founded in 1998 by Tyler Kreikemeier. The company provides repair and service for all domestic and imported vehicles — including heating and cooling work, undercar, electrical, transmission, electronic and internal engine services. Advantage also offers a Car Care Club Card, towing services, and a courtesy shuttle service for customers. The business provides a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty on parts, and an 18-month/18,000-mile warranty on labor.
Advantage Automotive was recently named Loveland’s “Best Auto Repair” center by the Loveland Connection. The company is independently owned and operated, and accepts cash, check, and all major credit cards. For more information, visit www.AutoRepairLoveland.com or call 970-663-5399. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Advantage Automotive. Quality and Service to Your Advantage.

Advantage Automotive is a client of Shannon Marketing Communications

HIRE Act – Tax Credits Available to Hiring Employers

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 03:39:31 +0000

New legislation provides tax holiday and credit related to new hires

Loveland, Colo. — Employer Solutions Group (www.esghr.com), a human resources outsourcing company that serves businesses of all types and sizes, wants to ensure that local employers are aware of a recent change in legislation that can benefit them financially. With multiple law changes that seem to be occurring on a daily basis, it’s not surprising that headlines don’t always capture every new piece of legislation. However, one recent change in employment law seems to have been overlooked.

On March 18th, 2010, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act was signed into law to create incentives for employers to hire unemployed workers. The HIRE Act contains two significant tax benefits for employers:
A payroll tax holiday on the employer portion of the Social Security tax; and
Credit on taxes for new hires that are retained for 52 weeks.

Employers are able to participate in this benefit if they hire someone who has worked less than 40 hours in the last 60 days AND if the new hire represents an addition to their workforce or as a replacement for someone who quit or was fired for cause. The employee must be hired after February 3, 2010 and before January 1, 2011. If such employees are retained continuously for 52 weeks, employers can take a tax credit on their 2011 corporate taxes for the lesser amount, either the Social Security tax saved on that employees’ wages, or $1,000.

For more information on how to take advantage of the HIRE Act, employers are invited to contact a Human Resources Consultant at Employer Solutions Group (ESG) at 970-612-2022 (toll free 888-810-8187).

Helping employers understand and manage the impact of legislation on their organizations is just one of the ways that ESG helps local business owners navigate through the business of being an employer. For more information on this and other important issues for employers, please visit www.esghr.com.

About Employer Solutions Group
Employer Solutions Group (ESG) enables its clients to cost-effectively outsource the administration of human resources, employee benefits, payroll and related tax compliance, and Workers’ compensation. Specializing in these specific employer needs allows ESG to efficiently deliver a tailored package of services to its clients. ESG clients are then able to focus on growing and operating their businesses, rather than worrying about HR. The company’s Loveland, Colorado-based professional staff serves companies that range in size from a handful of employees to hundreds. ESG is a member of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (www.napeo.com). For more information, visit www.esghr.com, email sstolen@esghr.com or call 970-612-2022.

Employer Solutions Group Seminar / Lunch

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:56:15 +0000

Please join Employer Solutions Group for an educational seminar on Exit Strategies. Learn how to avoid legal issues and use the right tactics in letting an employee go. No cost, lunch is provided. RSVP by Monday, May 17.
Early registration is recommended.

When: May 20, 2010, 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: The Group Realtors
2803 Harmony Rd.
Fort Collins, CO 80528

Web site: www.esghr.com

Stacy Stolen
sstolen@esghr.com
970-612-2022

Employer Solutions Group is a client of Shannon Marketing Communications

Loveland Mountain View Rotary Presents 3rd Annual Charity Hoedown Event, at Ellis Ranch & Event Center, benefits Partners Mentoring Youth

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:21:05 +0000

Loveland, Colo. — Loveland Mountain View Rotary is proud to present its 3rd Annual Charity Hoedown, a joint fundraiser between the Loveland Mountain View Rotary Club and Partners Mentoring Youth. The event will be held at Ellis Ranch and Events Center on April 9 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, and $75 per couple. Boots, buckles and cowboy hats are welcome.

Entertainment will be provided by Woodie Procell & the Snowy River Band (http://woodieprocell.com/), and a variety of prizes and silent auction items will be offered. Sponsorship packages are available, contact Mountain View Rotary for details.

This night of great food, live music and dancing will raise money to support Partners Mentoring Youth. The evening’s schedule will include:
5:30 Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres & Silent Auction
7:00 Western Dinner
8:30 Woodie Procell & the Snowy River Band

For more information on the 3rd Annual Charity Hoedown, to order tickets, or to inquire about sponsorships or donations, contact Monica Graham at 970-690-1576 or graham@carpetnetworkco.com, or visit http://lovelandmountainviewrotary.org/Hoedown.aspx.

Ellis Ranch and Event Center is located at 2333 Ellis Ranch Lane, Loveland, CO 80538. For a map to the venue, visit http://www.ellisrancheventcenter.com/map.asp. You can also call 970-593-9570 or email Info@EllisRanchEventCenter.com.

About Partners Mentoring Youth
The mission of Partners is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships between positive adult role models and youth facing challenges in their personal, social and academic lives. Partners supports over 300 children per year in its mentoring program which targets youth, male and female, ages 7-17. Your dollars will be used to support the one-to-one mentoring program, which have a variety of costs and components, including screening adult volunteers, intensive case management time, activity and insurance costs, and training and evaluation. It costs Partners approximately $1,500 per year to support one youth in the mentoring program. Not a bad investment when you consider the fact that you are changing a child’s life and building a stronger community. For more information, or to volunteer, visit www.partnersmentoringyouth.org.

About Loveland Mountain View Rotary
The Mountain View Rotary Club was chartered in 2007. Members are professionals in Northern Colorado interested in serving our local community and establishing lasting relationships with other Rotarians. The club meets on Wednesdays at noon at the Best Western Crossroads Inn & Conference Center at I-25 and US-34. For more information, visit http://lovelandmountainviewrotary.org.

Rotary International is the world’s first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self. More information is available at www.rotary.org.

About Woodie Procell and the Snowy River Band
The Snowy River Band is led by former professional rodeo clown, Woodie Procell. This talented bunch of guys has a varied music list that includes high-energy country, cajun, bluegrass and rock & roll, with a few rodeo favorites added in. Members include: Barry Wadley on Lead Guitar & Vocals; Chris Duke on Fiddle & Vocals; Woodie Procell on Guitar & Lead Vocals; Al Roller on Bass; Phil Howland on Bass; Robert “Skunk” Honeycutt on Drums & Vocals. For more information or to book the band, call (970) 689-5802 or visit http://www.woodieprocell.com/TheBand.html.

Employer Solutions Group Seminar / Lunch

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:02:58 +0000

Please join Employer Solutions Group for an educational seminar on Performance Management. Learn how the right goals, expectations, and encouragement can bring out the best in a staff member. No cost, lunch is provided. RSVP by Monday, April 12.
Early registration is recommended.

When: April 15, 2010, 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: New York Life
3003 E. Harmony Rd. #110
Fort Collins, CO 80528

Web site: www.esghr.com

Stacy Stolen
sstolen@esghr.com
970-612-2022

Employer Solutions Group is a client of Shannon Marketing Communications

“Marketing Intervention – Stop the waste. Regain control!” Workshop by Phil Schwolert

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:21:31 +0000

When: Friday, April 2, 2010 Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: MacKenzie Place, Lodge Room 4750 Pleasant Oak Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80525

Cost: $97.00

Contact:
Phil Schwolert Speaker, Trainer, Edu-tainer Flame Communications, LLC www.SmallBizFuel.com 970-402-3270
Registration, Web site: www.smallbizfuel.com/marketing-intervention/

8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Open Networking – Complementary beverages and snacks

8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Session 1: Marketing Dysfunction – Discover why the “system” makes your marketing Sick!

a) Understanding the Marketplace Business Owners
Media Owners/Sellers
Agencies

b) Accessing the Marketplace
Word of Mouth
The Media
Advertising

c) Working Your Markets
Customers
Prospects
Referral sources

10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Break and Partnership Exploration – Finding those with common interests

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Session 2: Marketing Amnesia – Discover what makes your message First or Forgotten!

a) Discovering Your Prospect Pools Current Customers
Others’ Customers
No One’s Customers

b) Trusting Your Product
Major Purchases
Minor Purchases

c) Identifying Your First Factors Relationship
Primacy
Quality
Convenience
Price

12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch (on your own or with others, to make the most of it).

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Session 3: Marketing Nutrition – Discover how to feed your marketing Response!

a) Establishing Your Response Elements Audience Identification and Definition Message Content
Message Format
Media/Tactic Selection

3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Break and Partnership Connections

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Session 4: Marketing Monitors – Discover how tracking makes your marketing Flourish!
a) Designing Your Response Tracking Quantity
Quality
Timing
Systems
4:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Wrap up, Evaluations, Give-Aways!

Cornerstone Farm Announces 2010 Summer Horsemanship Camp Schedules

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:36:40 +0000

Cornerstone Farm Announces 2010 Summer Horsemanship Camp Schedules

Local business offers summer camps, horseback riding instruction & horse training services

Longmont, Colo. – The snow is not gone yet, but it’s time to start thinking about summer! Specifically, it is time to start planning what camp you will choose to make your summer one you always remember. Cornerstone Farm (www.cornerstonefarminc.com), a local business offering horseback riding lessons and horse training services to area residents for 13 years, has announced its 2010 summer horsemanship camp schedule. Cornerstone Farm specializes in hunter/jumper instruction for beginning through advanced riders on all breeds of horses, and offers camps, lessons and training at Triple Creek Ranch (www.triplecreek-ranch.com), 4255 Nelson Road in Longmont.

Three types of camps are offered: an Introductory camp for beginners; Beginner 2 for those who can walk and trot and know their way around the barn a little; and Advanced for more experienced riders who can already walk, trot and canter. Two week-long Introductory sessions will be offered, along with two Beginner 2 sessions; and two sessions will be open to advanced riders. Instruction is tailored to each student’s needs and riding ability, and enrollment is limited.

Camp sessions run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Each day includes a formal riding lesson, an interactive stable management session, recreation time and responsibility time. For advanced camp sessions, riders will participate in a formal schooling horse show on the Saturday following camp. Advanced campers must be able to walk, trot and canter comfortably, and some jumping experience is recommended. Camp is open to children eight years of age and older for $350 for the week, plus show entry and coaching fees for advanced campers.

2010 Cornerstone Farm Summer Horsemanship Camps
June 7-11 – Introductory camp – for campers with little to no riding experience
June 14-19 – Advanced camp – riders must be able to walk, trot, canter; show 6/19
June 21-25 – Beginner 2 camp – riders must be able to walk and trot
July 5-10 – Advanced camp; show 7/10
July 12-16 – Introductory camp
August 2-6 – Beginner 2 camp

Camp with Cornerstone Farm is designed to teach English riding and stable management skills in a safe, friendly and fun learning environment. A time-tested program teaches not only horsemanship but also teamwork, confidence and self-reliance. Knowledgeable instructors guide campers to develop new skills, both on and off the horses. Cornerstone Farm school horses are trustworthy and kind, and come in a variety of sizes and ability levels.

Cornerstone Farm is run by Head Instructor Jennifer Shannon, a graduate of the Colorado State University equine science program (http://equinescience.colostate.edu/) and a certified English and Western riding instructor. She has been riding for more than 27 years, and has taught riding and trained horses for 18 years. She specializes in hunter/jumper instruction, and offers private and group lessons, as well as horse training services. Lessons can be taught on one of Cornerstone Farm’s trustworthy horses, or riders can take lessons atop their own horse.

The facility, Triple Creek Ranch, features two outdoor arenas and one indoor arena, access to trails and a cross-country course, allowing students to ride rain or shine and learn in different environments.

For more detailed information on lessons, training or camps, contact Cornerstone Farm at (303) 828-9040, email jennikay@frii.com or visit www.cornerstonefarminc.com. Find Cornerstone Farm on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CornerstoneFarm.

Directions
From Longmont, take Nelson Road west approximately five miles from Hover Road and look for the Triple Creek Ranch sign on the north side of the road. For more information, visit www.triplecreek-ranch.com.

About Triple Creek Ranch
Triple Creek Ranch, located at 4255 Nelson Road in Longmont, was established in 1991 and is one of Colorado’s premier equestrian facilities. The beautiful 64-acre facility is along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just north of Boulder on the west side of Longmont. Triple Creek Ranch is owned and operated by Lynn McChesney, and features two outdoor arenas and one indoor arena, access to trails and a cross-country course. Full service boarding and training is available, along with dressage and hunter/jumper lessons for children and adults, beginning through advanced levels, in private or group class settings. Lesson horses are available. For more information, call 303-444-4291, email lynntriplecreek@cs.com or visit www.triplecreek-ranch.com.

Cornerstone Farm is a client of Shannon Marketing Communications.

Fundraiser Hoedown at Ellis Ranch for Partners Mentoring Youth of Larimer County

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:03:46 +0000

A night of great food, live music and dancing, hosted by Ellis Ranch, to benefit Partners Mentoring Youth of Larimer County.

April 9, 2010

5:30 Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres & Silent Auction

7:00 Western Dinner

8:30 Woodie Procell & the Snowy River Band

$50/person, $75/couple

http://lovelandmountainviewrotary.org/

For tickets contact:
970-690-1576
graham@carpetnetworkco.com

Ellis Ranch & Events Center

2333 Ellis Ranch Lane

Loveland, Co 80528