Low head hydro potential

The Colorado Agricultural Value-Added Development Board of the Colorado Department of Agriculture has awarded $500,000 in Advancing Colorado's Renewable Energy (ACRE) Program grants to promote energy-related projects beneficial to Colorado's agriculture industry.

Applegate Group Inc. of Glenwood Springs and Denver, in partnership with the Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory at Colorado State University of Fort Collins, was awarded a $50,000 grant to research the viability of implementing low head hydro technologies in Colorado's existing irrigation infrastructure.

Low head hydro has historically been utilized in the state of Colorado, as early as the 1800s, but had not been implemented in recent years. According to Lindsay George, water resources engineer for Applegate Group, new technologies have been developed streamlining the infrastructure and equipment required to develop a Low Head Hydro site. “These new technologies have potential at sites previously considered unfeasible for hydro development because of a lack of significant elevation drop,” George said. “Irrigation canal drop and check structures, as well as existing diversion dams and outflows, may provide the drop necessary to implement these new low head hydro technologies.”

Through the study, general information will be solicited from many irrigation systems across the state, and a few will be considered in more depth. The project will result in specific recommendations for irrigation companies and an overall statewide potential for low head hydro development.

M3 Marketing takes a flexible approach

CARBONDALE — Maura McKenna Masters is pleased to announce she has created her own marketing company, M3 Marketing LLC. Specializing in public relations, advertising and special event planning, M3 Marketing will help local businesses achieve their 2010 marketing goals.

“Realizing the current economy has forced some local businesses to rethink their marketing plans, I am both flexible and accountable when my clients need help — whether it's setting a brand, designing a campaign, or producing an outreach event,” Masters said. “It's a complementary relationship.”

Most recently the marketing director at Komen Aspen, Masters has lived and worked in the Roaring Fork Valley for 20 years, and understands the nuances and challenges associated with successfully running both a nonprofit and a commercial business in a small, unique market.

M3 Marketing, LLC creates and implements public relations, advertising and special event plans to help local businesses achieve their marketing goals. For more information, call (970) 319-3171 or e-mail: m3@sopris.net.

Tops at Vicki Lee Green

Vicki Lee Green Realtors would like to congratulate Michelle James for being the top sales person for December with the top dollar volume in sales. Michelle has been selling real estate in Garfield County since 1993.

Vicki Lee Green Realtors would also like to congratulate Tonya Green-Nieslanik for being the top listing agent for December with the highest number of new listings. Tonya has been selling real estate in Garfield County since 1997.

Mitchell from Hot Springs Pool appointed to statewide post

The Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association (CH&LA) recently appointed Glenwood Hot Springs Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Kjell Mitchell to head the organization in 2010 beginning on Jan. 1. Mitchell takes over the reins from out-going chairman Dan Pirrallo, general manager of the Boulder Millennium Harvest House.

Mitchell will help further the goals of the CH&LA, which are to provide a voice for advocacy, information and industry service to Colorado's hotels and lodging establishments. The CH&LA seeks to be a proactive association, visible to its members and visible to the community by providing effective representation of the industry and communicating the value of membership. The CH&LA was founded in the late 1800s; Glenwood Hot Springs has been a member of the association for mor than 40 years.

“As the incoming chairman, my primary focus will be to grow membership by educating lodging properties about the benefits of CH&LA. Our goal is to safeguard the interests of our members while representing and advocating for them in governmental affairs. We will also continue to support hospitality as a career choice,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell brings his considerable experience in the hospitality business to this new task. He served as vice chair of the CH&LA in 2009, has been on the executive committee prior to 2009, and has been active in the organization for many years. At Glenwood Hot Springs, Mitchell oversees the operation of the world famous Hot Springs Pool, the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge and the Spa of the Rockies.

The Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association (CH&LA) has 375 members representing more than 37,000 guestrooms throughout the state of Colorado. Member properties include romantic bed and breakfast inns, luxury hotels, affordable motels, Colorado ski resorts, Rocky Mountain cabins, rustic guest ranches, relaxing spas, weekend getaway timeshares, and condominium and vacation rental services.

The CH&LA offers a leading searchable database of travel accommodations and vacation lodging in Colorado, from the Plains to the Front Range to the Rocky Mountains on the Western Slope.

Glenwood Appliance Center hosting green event

Gary Higginbotham, a nationally regarded expert in the field of green and sustainable home design, will be holding a major sustainable home design workshop Thursday, Jan. 28, at Glenwood Appliance Center. Higginbotham serves as the green building specialist for Alan Mascord Design Associates — one of the nation's most prominent home design firms, headquartered in Portland, Ore.

“We're delighted to bring Gary Higginbotham to speak on such an important topic as green and sustainable home design,” commented Ken Jensen, president & CEO of Glenwood Appliance Center. “Events like this give us an opportunity to provide measureable value to our growing list of customers that include builders, designers, remodelers and the general public.”

The event, co-sponsored by KitchenAid, begins at 4:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be provided by Bravo Catering. Admission is free.

Nearing its first year anniversary, Glenwood Appliance Center provides a full range of appliance solutions throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. The showroom features live kitchens that empower customers to actually see the full benefit of specific products.

For reservations and more information call: (970) 928-7155.

Funds available for Garfield County housing nonprofits

The Glenwood Springs Association of Realtors (GSAR) has announced it has funds available for qualified Garfield County nonprofit organizations that provide housing services to moderate to low-income persons. Grant applications will be accepted through Feb. 5.

“The Glenwood Springs Association of Realtors has grant monies available twice a year for local organizations,” said Mandy Murray, local chairperson of the GSAR Colorado Association of Realtors Housing Opportunity Foundation (CARHOF) Committee. “Some of those we've helped include Habitat for Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley, Catholic Charities, Feed My Sheep and Mountain Valley Developmental Services.”

To be eligible for funds, organizations must be based in Colorado, have a housing-related request, and be a nonprofit agency with a 501(c)3 status or a public agency. Applications and guidelines are found at www.carhof.org.

For more information on the local grants, call Mandy Murray, CARHOF committee chair, at 970-618-3444.

Paradise Spa helps Haiti effort

Enhance your looks at Paradise Day Spa and help the poor people of Haiti. A percentage of all proceeds for the next two weeks will go to The Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund. Paradise Day Spa offers haircuts, color enhancement, tanning, waxing (facial and body), manicures, pedicures, facials, anti-aging skin treatments and complimentary gourmet coffee or tea just for stopping by. Hours are Monday through Friday with evening appointments.

Call 928-9782 for an appointment (www.paradise-day-spa.com).

Junior Achievement volunteers

Cactus Valley Elementary: Poke Stiers of Tim's Tools in Silt completed teaching the JA course “Ourselves” to Ms. Wolfe's kindergarten class.

Crystal River Elementary: Julie Allen completed teaching “Our City” to the third grade class of Ms. Dameron.

Glenwood Springs Elementary: The program “Ourselves” was taught by Sanya Polar to Ms. Thompson's kindergarten class.

Sopris Elementary: Tamara Radtke completed teaching “Ourselves” to the kindergartners in Ms. Campbell's class.

“Ourselves” was taught to Ms. Robert's kindergarten class by Jennifer Flentge.

Jeni Harvey completed teaching “Ourselves” to the kindergarten class of Ms. Vennon.

To become involved with Junior Achievement, please contact Sharon Brady, District Manager at 404-7722. Congratulations and thank you, volunteers.

Armijo earns CRS designation

LaPriel Armijo, broker associate with Vicki Lee Green Realtors, has been awarded the Certificate Residential Specialist Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists.

Realtors who receive the CRS designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than 38,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential.

Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS designees subscribe to the strict Realtor code of ethics, have access to the latest technology and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying and selling a home.