JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TAKE HISTORIC VOTE TO ELIMINATE THE COUNTY’S PORTION OF BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX

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(Golden, CO – September 18, 2018) – The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC), in collaboration with Jefferson County Commissioners Libby Szabo and Tina Francone, spearheaded a highly anticipated tax elimination for businesses on Tuesday during the Commissioners hearing. Tuesday’s vote eliminates the county’s portion of its business personal property tax (BPPT) payable to its general fund*, making Jefferson County the first county in Colorado to eliminate the tax.

“Today is a monumental day for Jefferson County. Jeffco EDC has been working for decades to eliminate this unfair tax on businesses. We are pleased that the Jefferson County Commissioners view themselves as partners with the business community by understanding that their investment will yield a greater return by eliminating this tax,” stated Kristi Pollard, Jeffco EDC’s President and CEO.

The BPPT is a burden for businesses and is an expense that must be paid, regardless of any profits they bring in. On average, large capital-intensive operations such as, manufacturing and R&D, pay more BPPT than businesses in other industries.
“I am thrilled to have been a champion of businesses. The business personal property tax is a bad tax that discourages businesses from growing and locating in Jefferson County. I have advocated for years to eliminate this job killing measure, and I am pleased to have been able to lead the charge at eliminating it in Jefferson County,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Libby Szabo.

Jeffco EDC asserts that the elimination of the tax will increase the county’s competitive advantage in attracting and expanding primary employers, encourage economic growth, and strengthening the county’s business-friendly environment. But more importantly, it supports the retention of the businesses that have already chosen Jefferson County as home.

“As a small business owner, and an advocate for business-friendly policies, I am elated to be part of this historical time in Jefferson County,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Tina Francone. “This tax unfairly burdens small businesses – folks who labor by the sweat of their brow to provide us everyday services. Eliminating this hated tax is a way to honor these unsung heroes of our local economy.”

The reduction of the overall tax is vital to the support of the county’s competitiveness for future projects, ultimately providing more revenue to Jefferson County.

* The elimination only applies to the county’s portion of its BPPT (general fund), and does not apply to other funds, including the development disability, library, R1 school district, urban renewal, and other special district funds.

Jeffco EDC is the premier economic development organization creating and enhancing the economic vitality for businesses and citizens of Jefferson County, Colorado through the retention, expansion, and attraction of primary jobs. To learn more, please visit Jeffco EDC’s website at www.jeffcoedc.org or follow us on social media @jeffcoedc.

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The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its second Business Academy! This four week course, October 24^th, 31^st, November 7^th, and 14^th, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am is open to all Jefferson County Business leaders and Owners. The Academy will be on the Jefferson County government campus and will cover topics pertaining to business such as Theft Prevention, Identity Theft, Counterfeit Bills, Shoplifting, Burglary and Robbery, Active Shooter Training, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, and Security Assessments! To RSVP, call 303-271-5859 or email crimeprevention@jeffco.us! Please provide your Business name and address, full name and title, and contact information. We hope to see you there!

Bring your creativity and fun to this unique experience. Connect with other WRBA members and non-members alike at very casual setting. Join us on Monday, October 29 at 6:30pm at Teller Street Gallery for a rotating canvas painting. $30 per person includes painting supplies and networking. Meal is not included but an option to order food from Right Coast Pizza. No artistic talent required.

To sign up, please contact Keifer or Katie at Teller Street Gallery & Studio (303) 424-9273
OR Sign up & Pay Online from THIS LINK NOW!

Date: Monday, October 29 at 6:30pm
Cost: $30 per person
Location: Teller Street Gallery & Studios
Address: 7190 W. 38th Ave. Unit A, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Contact: RSVP and Questions – Keifer or Katie at (303) 424-9273

Sign up & Pay Online from THIS LINK NOW!

*** Please RSVP for this meeting before 5pm on November 8 ***

Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Time: 7:00am-9:00am
Location: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO
Cost: $15 for WRBA Members and their guests, $18 for Non-members
Special Meeting – Approval of Bylaws updates

Speaker: Brad Herman, Jr, Crime Prevention Deputy, Jeffco Sheriff’s Office
Topic: “How to protect yourself from SCAMS”

You will learn:

• About new, fast emerging digital and phone threats that can fool the most savvy among us
• That the most targeted group is not seniors
• How to spot and proactively avoid Scams

Meeting Sponsor: Stefan Magyar, Ink It Over
Member Business Spotlight: Lori  Bush-Engel – Modern Woodman of America

November Speaker – Brad Herman, Jr, Crime Prevention Deputy, Jeffco Sheriff’s Office

Brad has been in law enforcement and with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for 11 years. He has worked in Detentions, Patrol, and now in Public Affairs. As a Crime Prevention Deputy, Brad focuses on education and community engagement, at safety fairs, community events, and Sheriff Office functions.

*** This is PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY Event. Please RSVP for this meeting before 5pm on December 6 ***

Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Time: 11:00am-1:00pm
Location: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO
Cost: $25 for BOTH WRBA Members and Non-members

Speaker: World-renowned guest speaker to be announced soon!

Thanks to Holiday Luncheon Sponsors!

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*** Please RSVP for this meeting before 5pm on January 3 ***

Date: Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Time: 7:00am-9:00am
Location: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO
Cost: $15 for WRBA Members and their guests, $18 for Non-members

Speaker: Joni Inman, founder and CEO of Joni Inman Consulting, LLC
Topic: “Beat the Clock – Beat the Competition!”

You will learn:

• How to determine what you should be doing vs delegating or dropping an activity altogether
• Identifying and pruning time wasters
• How to determine how much more money you would be making if working at your highest and best level of competency.

Meeting Sponsor: TBA
Member Business Spotlight: TBA

January Speaker – Joni Inman, founder and CEO of Joni Inman Consulting, LLC

Joni Inman is the founder and CEO of Joni Inman Consulting, LLC.  She leads a small team of business development specialists and researchers and has a cadre of trusted advisers and strategic partners to ensure the best tactical advice and guidance to clients.

Joni has a rich background that includes more than 20 years of experience in local government where she served as chief political adviser to four mayors and dozens of city council members, headed up economic development efforts, pioneered a sustainability program and oversaw public information and communications programs.  She has many years of experience as a legislative lobbyist, is an internationally recognized business coach, former vice president of public affairs for a major trauma hospital and owner of several small business ventures. She has led civic engagement projects in the fields of energy, education, pharmaceuticals and aviation.

WRBA is a member of the Jefferson County Business Lobby (JCBL). JCBL’s membership includes chambers of commerce and economic development organizations representing thousands of businesses in Jefferson County. JCBL’s membership includes executive leaders and board members from each respective organization focused on developing positions on legislation, crafting policy, and communicating with legislators on key issues.

As a part of membership in JCBL, all members of the WRBA are offered access to a unique grassroots advocacy system called “VoterVoice”. This system allows you, the voter to be notified when important issues come up, letting you know which elected officials to contact and voice your opinion. We encourage you to visit the JCBL site and sign up to receive notifications to stay informed. Many of issues you will be notified of pertain to you, the business owners of Jefferson County. This is a unique opportunity to collectively create impact on the issues discussed in legislative sessions, while letting our voice heard.

Sign up to be notified

The Zoning Code regulates the size and location of signs throughout the City of Wheat Ridge. This handout summarizes requirements for the most common types of signs in standard commercial, industrial, and mixed use zone districts. This handout does not address all types of signs; please refer to Section 26-709 to 26-711 of the Municipal Code or contact the Community Development Department.

View/download the document (PDF) >>

Please contact the Community Development Department for specific regulations or to ensure that your proposed sign conforms to the code.

City of Wheat Ridge Community Development Department
7500 W. 29th Avenue · Wheat Ridge, CO · 80033
303-235-2846 · www.ci.wheatridge.co.us

Jeffco Business Resource Center (Jeffco BRC) offers workshops and events for both startup and seasoned businesses in Jefferson County. Many workshops are offered with FREE of charge. Please visit Jeffco BRC website to see the events they host and take advantage to grow your business.

View the Jeffco BRC Events Calendar to Register >>

Bookkeeping 101:  Making Cents Out of Your Books

October 11, 2018
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Join us and learn how to set up basic bookkeeping for your small business.  This class will cover: Chart of Accounts, Organization, Balance Sheets, P & L, and MORE!

This class will be taught using Microsoft Excel.  Feel free to bring your laptop computers and work along with the instructor.

Plenty of time for Q & A

Cost: $10 with Advanced Registration or $20.00 at the door

Business Resource Training – Are You Taking Advantage of ALL the Free Tools Available to Help Your Business Succeed?
October 16^th – 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Jeffco BRC is partnering with the Jeffco Public Library for a workshop where you will learn about the numerous FREE and online research and resources tools available to help your small business succeed!  This workshop will cover:  Small Business Builder, Demographics Now, Reference USA, Gale Virtual Library, Book-A-Liberian and MORE!  

FREE Workshop but Advanced Registration is appreciated!

Getting Started with Constant Contact
October 24^th – 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm

New to Email Marketing?  Want to learn how to use Constant Contact? We’ll show you!
Brad Friedman will present this live, guided demonstration on the tools and features inside Constant Contact’s email marketing system. This 90-minute seminar is suitable for anyone new to Constant Contact, or who just wants a hand learning how to use our products. Some general knowledge of email marketing practices and concepts may be helpful.

Class is FREE But Advanced Registration is Appreciated!

Jeffco Head Shot Special!
Friday, October 26^th – 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Do you need a new head shot? Your professional image is imperative to your success!  You never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression!  Don’t let an outdated picture ruin your opportunities to make a new connection!  Photo shoots are taking place from early morning to early evening.  Appointment times are first come – first serve.  Once we receive your registration – You’ll receive a call to schedule!  It’s that easy and you are one click away from a new look!
Photo Special is ONLY $99.00 and includes your choice of background and two digital prints.  Advanced Registration is required

Speed Networking
November 1, 2018 – 8:00 am – 10:00
Wheat Ridge Rec Center
$10.00 with Advanced Registration or $20.00 at the Door
Building your business is a contact sport!  Join us on November 1st and meet more people before lunch, than you would normally in the entire week!

Speed Networking is a fast-paced and fun way to make a ton of initial contacts!  You talk for a minute, listen for a minute, exchange cards and then move on to the next person.  If you feel like you made a good contact, follow up with the person later.  It’s that simple!

View the Jeffco BRC Events Calendar to Register >>