It was so exciting to be a part of a large crowd on Friday, July 23, 2010, on a Montrose Regional Airport runway, to hear the announcement confirming that Extra Aircraft is the German aircraft manufacturing company that has chosen Montrose, Colorado to be its U.S. headquarters and assembly plant for its luxury business class single-engine turboprop, the EXTRA 500, and aerobatic airplane. Two of these planes were on display for the public to ooh and ahh over. This really is a big deal for Montrose, and quite a coup for the partnership of MEDC (Montrose Economic Development Corp.), the City of Montrose, the County of Montrose, and State of Colorado to bring this company to Montrose, which was in competition with about 7 other locations. It means the potential of 200+ jobs within the next 2-3 years, in addition to greater national and international attention for Montrose.

In this home made Flip Mino video of mine, I feature just a few of the speakers that presented at the ceremony. They include Sandy head, president of MEDC, Paul Matthews, Senior Sales Manager for Extra Aircraft, Errol Bader, V.P. of Corporate Development for Extra Aircraft, Ken Keith, Owner and CEO of Extra Aircraft, and Bruce Panter, of MEDC. There were many other speeches from proud representatives of the City, County, and the State and recognition of notable local players, which I did not include in the interest of time. I was so proud to be a MEDC Investor and Montrose area resident as I listened to all the complimentary things the folks from Extra Aircraft had to say about Montrose and the reasons they chose to locate their domestic facilities here, which are captured in part in this video.

Extra Aircraft will be at the upcoming aviation expo, AirVenture (http://www.airventure.org) in Oshkosh, WI (this coming week, where they will display the newly named “Spirit of Montrose” EXTRA 500 Aircraft and proudly promote Montrose, Colorado as their new U.S. location.

For more information on Extra Aircraft, visit their website at www.extraaircraft.com,
and their Youtube channel at
http://www.youtube.com/user/ExtraAirc…
and their Facebook Page at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hunxe-G…

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Last Saturday, July 17, 2010, was the 33rd annual Kendall Mountain Run in Silverton, CO. As I found out, it’s definitely for the fit and hardy, but for those of you like me, it can be done with the right mind-set and perseverance. Enjoy this video of my first KMR half marathon.  I can only go up from here, in more ways than one. LOL

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Last Thursday I attended the annual general membership meeting for the Montrose Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).  I have been an investor of MEDC for several years, but that is about as active as I’ve been, other than reading its newsletters.  I think that is going to change.

The first part of the program included the report of MEDC’s president, Sandy Head.  Her obvious dedication and enthusiasm for the accomplishments, projects, and goals of MEDC were very apparent.  Click here to get MEDC’s 2010 Annual Report, which is a great summary of MEDC’s efforts and accomplishments in 2009 and its ongoing projects and goals for the future.

The keynote speaker was Don Marostica, Director of the State of Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade.  Mr. Marostica was a dynamic speaker and a proclaimed optimist, although much of what he had to relay was rather disconcerting, if not downright depressing, regarding the state of the economy in Colorado and nationally.  Regarding economic development, as Sandy Head confirmed with respect to Montrose on a local level, it is a very competitive proposition to attract companies to Colorado.  We do not have the funds to offer huge, million-dollar incentives to the larger companies.  Therefore, we need to focus on companies that are smaller, unique, and who would relocate to Colorado mostly because they just want to be here. 

Mr. Marostica used Nucla and Naturita on the west side of Montrose County as examples of what happens when a primary industry leaves the area and which does not have a diverse economic/commercial base.  While the rest of Montrose County has enjoyed an increase in population over the past 2 decades, the population in Nucla and Naturita of declined, along with jobs.

Mr. Marostica pointed out that, in his experience, as long as a town has a major hospital and an institution of higher education, it will survive.  That was positive news, since Montrose does have a good hospital and ancillary medical facilities, and because MEDC is leading the efforts to bring a higher education campus to Montrose on land dedicated last year by the City of Montrose.  Currently, Montrose does have a satellite campus for Grand Junction-based Mesa State University.

On the economic side, Mr. Marostica shared with us that the State of Colorado has no economic strategic plan for the next year or 5 years out, well, actually, no plan whatsoever.  His intention is to put the feet of the new governor to the fire to come up with such a plan, which Mr. Marostica sees as crucial in light of the very difficult economic decisions that have to be made in the face of little to no  funding for other than federally-mandated programs.  He warned that counties and municipalities should not to count on much financial assistance from either the State or the Federal government.  The loss and lack of employment will continue to be a huge concern, which is causing a drain on the Unemployment Fund.  He said employers should expect to see an increase in their UI rate of 300% to 600%.  Yikes!

Despite this doom and gloom, Mr. Marostica is optimistic that Colorado will survive and is poised to do quite well on the economic development front, with many exciting prospects on the horizon.  The same can be said about Montrose.  The key he said, both locally and state-wide is retention, i.e., helping existing businesses to thrive in order to provide jobs and infuse more money into the local economies.  Raising money within local EDC’s will also be crucial, since state and federal assistance will be scarce, if non-existent.  One way that MEDC raises money is through its members or “investors,” who pledge a certain amount annually.

I learned a lot about MEDC and what any formal economic development organization or focus can do for a community.  This came on the heels of an EDC presentation in Ridgway by Deanna Sheriff of the Delta County Economic Development Corporation (DCED) a week earlier.  Ouray County does not have an EDC but is exploring the possibility, which I believe would be hugely beneficial to this very small, rural region.  My support for MEDC and a proposed EDC for Ouray County was certainly reinforced at the MEDC annual meeting.  As we continue to see business struggle and close down, leaving empty store fronts and lost jobs, all of which adversely affects the real estate industry, we need more than ever for businesses and community members to get more involved, educated, active, and financially invested in perserving and promoting our local economic health and development.

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I’m just having fun, now, but if you’ve heard, we’ve had a rash of summer thunder storms across Colorado. Yesterday, at home in Ridgway, one of the biggest downpours, with all the trimmings hit me at home. Here’s a short video I took out my back yard (my first video upload)!

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The 2nd annual Pickin’ in the Park in Ridgway, CO is underway.  This is my first year attending, and what a fun event!  This is a free 4-concert series that combines musical acts from around the country with local and regional opening acts.  The music, of course, is the main event, and the 2 concerts I’ve been to so far have been fabulous.  Last Thursday, I especially enjoyed Carrie Rodriguez, a singer, songwriter, and fiddler from Austin, TX.  She’s really more of a rocker who also plays guitar and electric mandolin with a fantastic backup band.  I was quite impressed that Ridgway could attract such a renowned artist.  And Carrie said that she was quite impressed with the “prettiest view from a stage” she’d ever seen.

The week before, I enjoyed the very unusual but very entertaining music of California based Fishtank Ensemble.  As described by Pickin’ Productions, this quartet’s music is rooted in gypsy jazz, featuring familiar and unfamiliar instruments played by colorful, energetic virtuosos.  I couldn’t describe it better!

As great as the music is, equally, if not more entertaining, is just watching all the local folk (with a few tourists thrown in) and running into friends and neighbors.  Kids run around having fun with the costumes and hula hoops provided for their entertainment.  Every fathomable type of dog can be seen strolling or hanging out with its owner(s).  Food and beer vendors add to the entertainment.  Plenty of room in front of the stage allows for dancing.  And, of course, the venue in Ridgway’s Town Park cannot be beat. 

Next up is a popular, local Bluegrass Band from Panoia, Sweet Sunny South with local picker, David Sneed opening the show.  If you’re in the area, do come out and enjoy the music and fun.  It starts at 6:00 p.m. and goes till dark.  This will be the last of the 4 concerts in Ridgway, but 4 more concerts will be held in the Paonia Town Park starting in August.  Be sure to check out the Pickin’ Productions’ website for the line-up in Paonia.

A special thanks to our Ridgway Town leaders for bringing this free event to Ridgway with the help of Pickin’ Productions and our local public radio stations KVNF, along with several other sponsors!  It’s great to be a Ridgway resident.

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The 2009 15th Annual Partners Challenge Ride (and Weekend Get-Away) has been set this year for the weekend of September 26-27.   This 2-day, 104-mile mountain bike ride is truly challenging, but a lot of fun, traversing some of the most spectacular mountain terrain and scenery in the country.   It is not a race.  Riders are supported all along the way by volunteers who work at the aid/food stations, patrol the route with sag wagons, and provide bike mechanic services. Click here for more information about the event and course description from last year.  Below is a map of the course.

Partners of Delta, Montrose and Ouray is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that mentors children in our area.   Youth aged 6-17 are referred to the program and then screened and matched with a trained adult volunteer.  The pair make a commitment to spend at least three hours a week together for one year.  The staff of Partners supports this relationship with weekly contact, monthly recreational activities and educational workshops.  Another component of the program focuses on teenagers through Art Partners.  Youth aged 12-17 are matched with a professional artist or crafter in a supported 3-month mentoring apprenticeship.  Partners has been in existence in our area since 1987, providing a huge value to our youth.  Partners does not charge for its services, but rather, relies on volunteers and donations.  For a good newspaper article on Partners, click here.

I am proud that my company this year will be entering a corporate team, which will be made up of 5 riders, including myself.  In addition, the non-riders will be volunteering to work the ride and/or help us to raise funds for Partners.  Our goal as a team is to raise at least $1,500.  If you would like to help us meet our goal, we would truly appreciate your tax deductible donation in any amount.  Please make your check payable to Partners and mail or deliver it to my office at 1245 E. Main St., Montrose, CO  81401, Attn: Partners. 

Alternatively, if you’d like to take the challenge, register as an individual or corporate team to participate in the ride.  The fee for individuals is $300, and for a team, $1,300, limited to 5 riders.  You should be able to download the registration form soon from the Partners’ website at www.Partners-West.org.  As of this post, it is not yet online, but should also be available soon through www.active.com.  Until then, feel free to call me, and I’ll be happy to mail you a registration form.  The ride is limited to the first 100 riders, but there’s no limit on donations!  I’ll keep you posted as I find more online about this event, and also, about my training.  I rode one day in the event 2 years ago, which convinced me I needed a new bike and a lot more training!  I’ve got the new bike, and have started the training.

~Ninah

My agents, Kylee Smith & Betsy Spitzer on Partners’ Ride 2007
coming down Owl Creek Pass, Chimney Rock in background

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I must admit I was a bit skeptical the first time I was encouraged to attend a performance of the Montrose Magic Circle Players.  I love legitimate theater and was quite spoiled having grown up in San Diego County with incredible live theater venues, like the Old Globe Theater and La Jolla Playhouse.  But my office adminstrative assistant, Kat Govan, who has been involved for years in anything musical or theatrical in Montrose, encouraged me to go and support it.  I finally saw my first production in May, 2007, of the musical comedy, Crazy For You, featuring the music of George Gershwin.  As it turned out, the leading role was played by a fellow Realtor, Denece Crowe, her first appearance with the Players.  I was blown away!  Not only by Denece’s incredible performance and voice, but the entire production, from the entire cast, set, costumes, lighting, music, and the obvious behind the scenes effort of directors and stage hands.  Another Realtor colleague, Diana Weaver, also had a fun part in the show as a quirky, bimbo blond chorus girl.  Boy, was I impressed!

Since then, I’ve seen every show from 2007 to the present, and have been thoroughly entertained and impressed with each show.  I’ve seen quite a few friends and colleagues who play a part in the production.  MCP welcomes anyone to audition and participate in anyway, regardless of prior experience.  In fact, those participating for the first time are given recognition.  The latest production is the musical comedy, Cinderella, which doesn’t dissapoint.  This weekend is the last chance to see it, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, at 2:00 p.m.  If you get the chance, go see it!  And if you miss this one, be sure to put future productions on your calendar. 

This year, MCP celebrates its 50th anniversary.  Click here for a nice article in the San Juan Silver Stage on its history.  A great article appears in the Spring/Summer edition of Destination Montrose, which hasn’t yet made it online, but keep a look out for it in the printed edition distributed throughout the Montrose area. I’m now a proud business patron of MCP.  And who knows?  Maybe some day I’ll be up there on that stage!

~Ninah

  Crazy for You-May 2007 Shenendoah-November 2007 Once Upon a Mattress-march 2008

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Congratulations to Judy Grubbs, the winner of the People’s Choice Trophy at the  Black Canyon Classics Car Club show held Sunday, May 17, 2009, in Montrose, Colorado.  Judy is a 8-year resident of Montrose, transplanted from “the other side of the mountain.”  Her winning entry is a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda.  The engine is a 426 Hemi 4-speed tranny.  She’s owned the car since 1981.  She gives credit to the lots of blood sweat and help from family and friends who got it into its present condition in 1989.   Judy has been showing it ever since and having lots of fun with it.  Here’s a photo of Judy and her Barracuda with trophy.

Here’s a photo of my friend, Randi Levine of Alpine Bank in Montrose, a first-time show entrant, with her 1981 Toyota pick up truck.  She’s a winner in my eyes!

And this is my friend, Jack Spiri (aka “Happy Jack”), a veteran at these shows, with his 1955 Porsche Spider, which as been a people’s choice winner many times.

For the classic car enthusiast, there is always such a variety of classic cars at these Black Canyon Classics Car Club shows.  So, check out their website for their scheduled events, occuring in different locations around Montrose and the Western Slope throughout the summer.  Enter your car, or just come to admire the great cars and cast your vote for your favorite.

Congratulations, again, to Judy!

~Ninah

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Congratulations to my broker associate, Kylee Smith, and her hockey broomball team, C 21 on Ice, this year’s Montrose/Ouray Hockey Broomball champions!  After a three year hiatus, the Montrose/Ouray County Hockey Broomball League was back on the ice again this year. This year’s league play consisted of nine teams organized by Michelle Hanes of Ouray.   Kylee explained it  to me as follows: Play included 2-3 game per week for five weeks with the single elimination “playoffs” Feb. 18, 2009 to determine the 2009 champions. Games were played by 5 players on ice, in boots, helmets and other protective gear with each player designing their own broom. Only 3 men were allowed to be on the ice at a time with one of those playing the goalie position. The other two positions were filled with females and/or children from 11-15 years. One “bonus” player 10 years and younger was allowed on  the ice at all times.  The games took place at the Ouray Rotary Club Ice Rink.  C 21 on Ice won in a sudden death play-off.

I’m ashamed to say that, despite Kylee’s encouragement, I didn’t participate this year.  Besides schedule constraints, I have to admit that I lost a of bit of enthusiasm after Kylee told me that, in addition to a broom, I should have a helmet, knee pads, shin pads, butt pad, wrist guards, and whatever other protection I could muster up.   Well, after winning the championship with a team name honoring our company,  I’m rethinking this broomball thing.  At least, now,  I’ve got a year to get my broom!

Front Row L to R: Mike Trickey, Glacier, Chase Darling, Mariah and Tyler Hilton
Back row L to R: Ben Tisdel, Kane Darling, Kjersten Davis, John Nixon, Steve Hilton, Kylee Smith, Michelle Hanes, organizer (Check out all those missing teeth!)

Congratulations, again, C 21 on Ice!

~Ninah

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