Connect & Collaborate - Jim Salestrom

February 7, 2014 Tammy Schaffer

Music connects us in ways we may not even realize. Songs have the ability to tie us to others in our generation, to a shared experience. Music can transport us in time. We hear a certain tune and suddenly we're teenagers again. Music is collaborative. It's what is possible when musicians get together, combining their talents to create something beautiful.

So when we talk about Connection and Collaboration, musicians clearly fit the description. One of our favorite music makers is Jim Salestrom, an Emmy Award winning musician who has recorded and performed with such greats as John Denver, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton, and has appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, among many other accolades. As well as being a kind and gentle soul.

Jim considers himself lucky to follow his passion and make a living doing what he loves, writing and recording music since the age of thirteen. By the time he was eighteen-years-old he went on tour with Dolly Parton. He went on to perform for a number of presidents, and tour the world.

Jim shares his experience collaborating with various artists, with a subtle emphasis of their leadership qualities, from Dolly Parton's insistence on taking time for family, to John Denver's shared work ethic.

Join us for this engaging interview, if only to live vicariously through Jim's worldly life experience!

As a special treat, we give you a taste of the music video produced by ICOSA Media Services for Jim's son James and his band Electric Sunday.

Listen Saturday at 10:00 AM on KNUS 710 – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - Cultivate Relationships

January 31, 2014 Tammy Schaffer

Each month Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA features a Community Matters show focusing on compelling and collaborative stories about making a difference in the communities where we live and work. Because our communities do matter.

The moment she mentions it, you'll realize that you actually don't think about the quality of your relationships at work. That's a shame. Since we spend the majority of our time, day to day, week to week with our co-workers, it's important to consider the dynamics of those relationships. Be they employees, managers, whether they work with us or above us, work relationships impact our productivity and how feel about the time spent at our jobs. Once you think about it, it's rather obvious that we must make an effort to cultivate those important relationships.

This week Tammy Schmidt and Community Matters co-host Cristin Tarr, introduce you to Morag Barrett, CEO of SkyeTeam an international human resources and leadership development firm. We'll talk about her soon-to-be released book, Cultivate - The Power of Winning Relationships.

Morag has studied the culture of the workplace, and the relationships within. By doing so she has identified the personalities we will each encounter in the Relationship Ecosystem. Be sure to tune in to hear Morag describe these relationships, their significance, and how to best navigate your work environment for success.

Can you identify your ally at work? Are you an ally to most, an adversary to some? Learn how to improve those relationships, to get more done together, and avoid unnecessary conflict.

Connect & Collaborate - Gene Megyesy

January 23, 2014 Tammy Schaffer

"Hardship makes people more successful." Gene Megyesy tells us. It's hard to disagree. When one overcomes a setback, or survives an unlikely experience, they grow to appreciate what they have all the more. A grateful heart can achieve great things. Gene is a fine example of those words. As accomplished as he is, a lawyer with experience in the Colorado Attorney General's Office and the Environmental Protection Agency, he also served as Honorary Consul General of Hungary for Colorado and Wyoming.

His work has taken him all over the world, which sounds terribly glamorous. That life of travel began as a refugee in 1956, fleeing Hungary with his parents when his father was at risk of imprisonment for participating in the uprising against Russian occupation. After successful escape, his family lived in Vienna before moving on to the United States, which brought him to Colorado.

Once in Denver, he went to law school at Denver University, raised a family and was appointed Honorary Consul General to Hungary. Keeping connections between Denver and Hungary, Gene innovated programs to provide for the poor in his homeland - acquiring computers for the schools in Hungary and organizing the delivery of thousands of coats from Colorado ski areas - to Budapest and beyond.

Yet, he does not seek adulation for any of these endeavors, "I do get the satisfaction, ", Gene says "not day goes by in Budapest during the winter time when I don't see somebody in one of these Colorado jackets. So that's a good feeling."

We at ICOSA feel Gene is the example of a true leader. Not one to dwell on the hardships of his own life, he works to make life better for others. He's an example of hard work, humility and great kindness. He's a man we want to learn from, and we hope our conversation with him inspires you too.

Listen Saturday at 10:00 AM on KNUS 710 – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - Scott Vaughn

January 16, 2014 Tammy Schaffer

We can all learn something from the successes and failures of others. Not with judgmental scrutiny, but by simply exploring what works and what doesn't. Often, we can be inspired by a failed notion, make a change or adjustment, and find success. That is truly the way with entrepreneurs. We have an inspiring young entrepreneur, who has forged his own path, to introduce to you this weekend. Scott Vaughn is the owner and CEO of Widespread Electric. At the young age of 32, he has established his business and employs some management techniques that might leave more seasoned employers scratching or shaking their heads. But, there's no question, his methods work!

Scott started the electronics recycling, refurbishing and resale business out of his home while learning every aspect of running it inside and out. He used that time to create a business model that would allow for a web-based business, and the ability to run the company from anywhere in the world. (Wait 'til you hear where he chooses to work remotely!)

When he felt established enough to move Widespread Electric to a warehouse location, he designed a unique space incorporating what he considered a must-have - a skateboard park where he and his employees can exercise, blow off steam and relax before and after work hours. Scott maintains a casual work environment for his staff of millennial-generation employees - while still demanding a strong work-ethic, which he enjoys from all of his employees.

Tune in, as we'll spend the whole hour with Scott, learning about how he developed his business as well as his strategy.

Podcasts of the program will be linked here the Monday after the airdate. Be sure to come back and look for them.

Connect & Collaborate - Jamie Van Leeuwan

January 14, 2014 Tammy Schaffer

As we begin a new year, we at ICOSA hope to bring you more engaging conversations with great leaders in academia, business, and government. We promise to introduce you to the best and brightest, great thought leaders, and those who will share their best practices in business and collaboration. This week, we have an in-depth conversation with Jamie Van Leeuwan, Deputy Chief of Staff for Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. You'll want to hear about Jamie's impressive career, including his work with the poor - from working to end homelessness in Denver, to creating the Global Livingston Institute to impact the health and vitality of communities in East Africa - a mission summed up by the words; Listen. Think. Act.

Jamie stresses the importance of hearing the voices of the people who need help. He recognizes that too many of those who try to help, often force their own agenda rather than asking, and really considering what will truly help a community. Particularly one they only marginally know and comprehend. No one can understand a community until they are immersed in it and really know the people and their culture. We'll talk about the people he admires, how they have helped shape his journey.

Listen as Gayle extends an offer to match donations of $1000 to the Global Livingston Institute that mentions ICOSA or the Connect & Collaborate radio show. For information on how to donate go to www.globallivingston.org

Connect & Collaborate - Voices of Colorado's Governors

January 3, 2014 Tammy Schaffer

ICOSA Media had the honor, together with The Denver Forum, to sponsor a meeting of the minds like Colorado has never seen! Thanks to the great connections fostered by George Mitrovich, founder of the Denver Forum, all five of Colorado's living governors came together to share their thoughts on Colorado and the Governor's Office - past, present and future. It was an extraordinary event, packed with wisdom, and of course, humor as Dick Lamm, Roy Romer, Bill Owens, Bill Ritter and current Governor, John Hickenlooper reflect on an experience only they share.

We are pleased to share some highlights with our Connect & Collaborate radio listeners. So sit back and tune in to 710 KNUS on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at ten o'clock. Jim Kennel, a Denver Forum Sponsor, joins Gayle Dendinger and Tammy Schmidt to relive the engaging conversations between these great men.

"This state is blessed beyond measure. These five men, gave 38 years of their lives for service, to the people of this state."~ George Mitrovich

Connect & Collaborate - Economics & the Fiscal Cliff

December 27, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

When you’re looking out for local businesses, you must have your finger on the pulse of everything from laws and regulations, to transportation and energy, all while keeping on eye on the economy as it perches on the fiscal cliff. John Brackney, President and CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber manages to cover all these angles during his 70-hour work weeks, and he seems to enjoy every minute of it.

On this week’s Connect & Collaborate, ICOSA Media President and CEO, Gayle Dendinger talks with John Brackney – introducing our audience to a engaging and effective leaders in Colorado. You’ll want to tune in to meet John this Saturday, and in the future when he brings us more guests who make a difference in our state and in our communities.

They start with an introduction to the SMDC, and their mission to improve the economy through long term sustainability for Colorado and Denver. The discussion continues with an overview of the Colorado chapter of Fix the Debt, of which John is a member of the steering committee. Fix the Debt is a non-partisan movement to put America on a better fiscal and economic path. With a unique perspective, Brackney says the looming fiscal cliff is… ” Solvable if we do something now. It requires a dialogue not in, “I want” even if noble, that the left and right fight over, but we need to pull ourselves up. Go back a little bit in taking care of our own and be responsible to take care of someone else when we can.”

To further the discussion on leadership, Brackney talks about improving as a community to attract quality professionals, entrepreneurs, and various businesses. It takes a type of strategy, including the expansion of the oil and gas industry in business-friendly Colorado.

John and Gayle discuss these topics all while narrating their adventures with a rather aggressive moth in the studio. Join us for a lively discussion!

Listen Saturday at 10:00 AM on KNUS 710 – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - Hope for Brain Injury

December 18, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

The effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and mental illness are often devastating. These disorders not only make life difficult for the person afflicted, they also impact their family, friends and co-workers. The person with traumatic brain injury can experience memory loss, extreme personality changes and depression, among other behaviors. Before long they find they are not living the same quality of life they once were. In turn, their loved ones are living with a person quite unlike the person they have come to know and care about.

Unfortunately, these injuries are far too common among military veterans, who have suffered concussions while serving in theaters of war. The NFL and other sports organizations have also considered the impact of brain injury from frequent and repeated concussions. Children and young athletes are also susceptible to such injuries. CereScan is leading the way to finding proper treatment for these conditions.

This week on Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA, we talk with John Kelley, Chairman and CEO of CereScan. CereScan is a Denver-based company using new technology to help doctors see the behavior and activity of the working mind, in real time. This technology helps to identify ADD/ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia; anxiety disorder; bipolar disorder; depression; OCD; Parkinson disease; toxic brain injury; and traumatic brain injury.

Unlike an MRI, which looks at the physical structure of the brain, and helps to diagnose injuries or tumors, SPECT (SPECT, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a “single-photon emission computerized tomography) measures the glucose being employed by brain cells, revealing 5-7 million data points, which provide a more detailed picture of brain injury. With that information, doctors are able to determine more effective treatment.

This hour is packed with information on treatment for brain injury and the likelihood of success. If you know someone suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury or mental illness, you won’t want to miss it.

Connect & Collaborate - Accounting for Greatness

December 6, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

The business of business is money. Yes, every business has the potential to do good, but the bottom line matters. That's where the importance of accounting factors in, even if it's rarely considered the most fascinating aspect of business.

Dave Steiner, of EKS&H, an accounting and consulting firm brings a great perspective to income statements and balance sheets. As a partner at EKS&H, which is ranked as one of the top 50 U.S. accounting firms by Accounting Today's Top 100 Firms, and recognized as a Great Place to Work by The Denver Business Journal, Great Place to Work Institute and Entrepreneur and Fortune magazines, Dave is able to advise businesses about more than money.

On this week's show, Gayle Dendinger and Wendy Matthews, CAP Logistics' CPA talk with Dave about trends in business and accounting, and how EKS&H handles some of the changes in tax law, in terms of how new health laws impact businesses, and the recent increase in auditing at the state and local level.

Dave tells us, "There has been an absolute increase. As the states are looking for money, they are aggressively going after tax payers. We used to have two audits a year, now 200."

Dave explains how many businesses are losing potential tax savings because they are not aggressive in planning ahead, because they are looking backward at past spending, instead of working with their accountants to plan for tax incentives in future spending.

Listen to the full hour for insight on tax incentives that are due to retire at the end of this year, and how businesses can plan with their accountants to take advantage of significant savings.

Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - PROformance Meets Community

November 28, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

One key to building a successful local business, is devoted involvement in the community you serve.It's integral in growing business, and in building a community that you desire to serve.

Jeff Wasden, co-owner of PROformance Apparel in Littleton, lives this theory well, as a delegate for his neighborhood, for improving education, and involvement in advocacy groups. As the 2013 recipient of the Brian R. Vogt Community Leader of the Year award, Wasden has served on the South Metro Denver Chamber's Board of Directors and public policy committee.

This week, on Connect and Collaborate, your host Gayle Dendinger talks with Jeff about his philosophies on community. Primarily, he believes getting in the game, not trying to control things from the sidelines. Likewise, when it comes to political action, Wasden stresses the importance of respecting the differences of the people you're working with because it will impact how they vote. When you disagree, you still need to be able to move forward together in the future.

As a former teacher, Wasden has first-hand experience in education, and holds firm ideas of how to best serve the students, and how to address post-secondary education.

Be sure to listen as Jeff and Gayle expand upon these ideas.

Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - Multi-faceted Leader Norm Stucker

November 22, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

Some of the best opportunities come about, simply by being in the right place at the right time. Even so, such circumstances are not derived only by timing. It's every step, every hardship and success that came before, which put you in the right place at the right time. Our guest this week could write a book about how purposeful serendipity impacts his career. Norman Stucker, General Manager of Colorado PADT, joins our host, Gayle Dendinger to talk about making the most of the opportunities before us in career, in education, community and beyond. Suffice it to say he wears many hats.

Through the innovation of PADT, a mechanical services company, he is on the wave of 3D Printing, an industry which is getting world-wide attention as the next industrial revolution. PADT fuels the goal of innovation through the application of 3D printing, inspiring more workers in STEM fields. Likewise they direct technology and policy to affect change for the future.

His experience in engineering provides a platform for working in aerospace, including SpacePort Colorado - developing a hub for space transportation, research and development here on Colorado's front range. You'll want to hear the incredible story about his journey on that path, which launched with an encounter with Governor John Hickenlooper on a hiking trail!

Stucker is also an advocate in higher education, specifically cooperative education. Helping students get hands on experience while earning their degree makes a stunning difference in their careers.

He also supports his community through work with the Littleton business coalition - in uniting the business environment to solve problems in the community.

That's what we call multi-faceted! This is a very interesting interview and Norman is a wonderful storyteller! Don't miss it.

Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - Community First

November 8, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

When we make the effort to support those in need, and take care of our community in the ways our government can't (and probably shouldn't) we build stronger communities. Non-profit organizations are often formed because someone, some group of people, sees a need in the community that is overlooked. They strive to do good work, and good work requires funding. There has to be a way to support the work. Community First Foundation has answered that call. It began as the foundation for the Lutheran Medical Center, and has transitioned through the years to a community foundation. This year, Denver Business Journal boosted Community First Foundation's rankings from #17 to #7 in terms of assets. With increased assets of $275 million, due to a separation from, and settlement with the Sisters of Charity of Levenworth, the foundation is now poised with an asset base that allows them to serve the community with the knowledge of a secure future. They can be sure of of their impact, and their ability to grow.

On our show this week, Emily Haggstrom, ICOSA's Director of Marketing talks with Marla Williams, President and CEO of Community First Foundation. Together they discuss the mission of philanthropy and the creation of a nationally-recognized model for giving.

Marla points out that as a community foundation, it's their responsibility to keep a finger on the pulse on the community, to help people inspire philanthropy and connect people to causes that are meaningful for them. In doing so, you build a stronger community together.

One incredible way that they accomplish this mission is with the Colorado Gives website which catalogs hundreds of non profits. Each non-profit is reviewed to ensure they are legitimate organizations. ColoradoGives.org then creates a secure place to give online. Then, on Colorado Gives Day, they rally the city of Denver and all of Colorado to support those non-profits with a blast of generous giving.

Each year on Colorado Gives Day, the media pushes the message, driving everyone to the website to donate to their favorite non-profits. First Bank contributes an incentive fund to defray the cost of credit card fees, ensuring that every dollar donated goes straight to the organizations. In the first year, they surprised themselves by raising $8.4 million, far exceeding their anticipated goal. The response grows each year, to $12.4 million in 2o11, and$15.4 million in 2012.

Gives Day is so successful, that it's being copied in other cities and states around the country, and Community First Foundation has a hand in teaching them the model.

This year, Colorado Gives Day is on December 10th. Go ahead and check out www.ColoradoGives.org right now to search the organziations, choose a charity that speaks to you and prepare to give.

Be sure to listen to the full interview Saturday at 10:00 AM on KNUS 710 – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - Environmental Leadership

November 1, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

Once again, Cristin Tarr from Business Service Corps brings us inspiring leaders to continue the conversation about social responsibility.

There is often a connection between a business's efforts to manage costs, and decisions that prove to be environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. After all, when we look very closely at the bottom line, the waste is.... well, waste. Any way we can tighten up energy usage, recycling of materials, or reducing emissions is good for the community, and good for business.

Identifying the best employees for certain jobs can be seen the same way.

This week, our guests on Connect and Collaborate visit with Cristin Tarr about Community Matters; Chris Fagnant, Director of E. at Qualtek Manufacturing, and Drew Johnson of BlueStar Recyclers share their experience in Environmental Leadership. Both companies have been recognized by the Environmental Leadership Program, a statewide environmental recognition and reward program administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Qualtek was recently designated as a Silver Partner, BlueStar Recyclers has reached Gold Leader status after two years as a Silver partner.

Qualtek specializes in designing and manufacturing solutions for medical, automotive and aerospace components. Chris says that the regard for environmental improvements came in part from the need for environmental sustainability. Simply looking for ways to bring costs down, led them to monitor emissions, electricity use, and the company's over all impact on the community. Their findings, and resulting changes, lead them to form Q-munity, positioning themselves as a leader in creating sustainable communities.

BlueStar Recycling is a 501c3 social enterprise based in Colorado Springs, whose mission to reduce electronic waste and create jobs for adults with disabilities converged when BlueStar COE Bill Morris recognized the the unique skill set match that adults with Autism have for doing a repetitive, production oriented task. As a result, their workforce is made up of people with disabilities, employing a community that is often marginalized, giving them the gift of productivity, pride and disposable income. BlueStar Recyclers is a great model for helping community while building business.

You'll want to tune in for this entire hour, to learn how these two companies work together as mentors and profit partners, while building a non-profit and excelling at Corporate Social Responsibility.

Connect & Collaborate - Power in Working Together

October 25, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

This week, we take some time to share our ICOSA philosophy along with common strategies for connection and collaboration. You may know that ICOSA is short for Icosahedron, the 20-sided polyhedron made up of equilateral triangles. The icosahedron is symbolic in many ways, specifically, the icosahedron has no internal structure, the triangles themselves provide the support. This means each triangle is dependent upon its neighbor, a strength we at ICOSA see as an individual's or organization's unique strengths and talents, to support each other and to form its beautiful shape.

That's how we at ICOSA envision connection and collaboration. When each person brings their strengths, dreams and gifts - and likewise, supports the strengths and attributes of other groups, we can do something big, and create something beautiful. (This structure was reinvented as the Geodesic Dome by Buckminster Fuller - who inspired the ICOSA Prinicpals)

To expound upon the concept, Gayle talks with Christopher Pelley, CEO of CIMCO Private Wealth, and with Bill Eggers, Author of The Solution Revolution, How Business, Government and Social Enterprises are Teaming Up to Solve Society's Toughest Problems.

Chris Pelley is a private wealth advisor and is active in ACG, a global association for professionals in corporate growth, development, mergers and acquisitions. Connection and collaboration may just be his middle name.

Pelley makes a distinction between networking and connecting, "In networking, you have something to sell. Connectors have something to give."

Be sure to listen to learn more about how business leaders can inspire one another to do good, do better and make the world a better place by working together.

At the bottom of the hour, our guest is the author of The Solution Revolution, How Business, Government and Social Enterprises are Teaming Up to Solve Society's Toughest Problems, Bill Eggers. Eggers is one of the country's best-known authorities on government reform. He is the Global Research Director for Deloitte’s Public Sector practice, columnist and author of now, eight books.

In his latest book, Eggers suggests that a new breed of Wavemakers can revolutionize how society tackles social change, and improve conditions throughout the world.

Together, society is building the infrastructure to support social innovation, through financing from institutional investors and socially responsible investing creating funds, venture capitalists honing in on the social innovation front, along with crowd funding and crowd sourcing sites, and the U.S. and U.K. governments, all working on creating an environment for problem solvers to flourish.

Tune in to hear more about the Solution Revolution, and visit the website to learn if you're a Wavemaker!

Network... or connectors.

Connect & Collaborate - Culture and Commerce

October 18, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

Denver is a unique place, which draws people from all over the country and the world, first to visit, then they never leave. We're a home for entrepreneurs, smart people and citizen leaders. We're a city determined to do the best for everyone in the community.

That is how Mike Fitzgerald, President and CEO of the Denver South Economic Development Partnership, describes our fair city. In a Leader to Leader interview with Gayle Dendinger, President and CEO of ICOSA Media, they discuss the assets and challenges of continually building a great city.

Building jobs is of vital importance, which is done by growing businesses. As Fitzgerald says of the motto of the Denver South EPD, "If the economy is working well, businesses are prospering, growing diversifying creating jobs. And the economy is growing and diversifying then all other dreams are possible. If it isn't, they aren't."

Listen to the entire program to learn how Denver South from Belleview to Castle Rock and Santa Fe to Parker Road, is home to 20,000 businesses, 30 business parks, 3,000 employees, and seven of Colorado's ten Fortune 500 companies are located there. All of which contributes twenty-five to thirty percent of Colorado's total annual earnings. Just how big is Denver South? Picture 40 million square feet of commercial space, which is more than the whole in the City of Denver.

Mike and Gayle also discuss the concepts of ICOSA, as a hub of connection and collaboration. They explain the correlation while discussing this graphic, (below) which demonstrates how everyone from individual families, to regional and national governments are connected and support one another.

Connect & Collaborate - Leading the South Metro Denver Chamber

October 11, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

When you're looking out for local businesses, you must have your finger on the pulse of everything from laws and regulations, to transportation and energy, all while keeping on eye on the economy as it perches on the fiscal cliff. John Brackney, President and CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber manages to cover all these angles during his 70-hour work weeks, and he seems to enjoy every minute of it.

On this week's Connect & Collaborate, ICOSA Media President and CEO, Gayle Dendinger talks with John Brackney - introducing our audience to a engaging and effective leaders in Colorado. You'll want to tune in to meet John this Saturday, and in the future when he brings us more guests who make a difference in our state and in our communities.

They start with an introduction to the SMDC, and their mission to improve the economy through long term sustainability for Colorado and Denver. The discussion continues with an overview of the Colorado chapter of Fix the Debt, of which John is a member of the steering committee. Fix the Debt is a non-partisan movement to put America on a better fiscal and economic path. With a unique perspective, Brackney says the looming fiscal cliff is... " Solvable if we do something now. It requires a dialogue not in, "I want" even if noble, that the left and right fight over, but we need to pull ourselves up. Go back a little bit in taking care of our own and be responsible to take care of someone else when we can."

John and Gayle discuss these topics all while narrating their adventures with a rather aggressive moth in the studio. Join us for a lively discussion!

Connect & Collaborate - Helping Businesses Recover from Disaster

October 4, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

When we think of the effects of flooding and natural disasters, we immediately think of the homes and personal property that were wiped out. But we must also consider the impact of the loss to businesses. After all, if a community is going to recover, the regrowth of the business sector is critical.

This week in our Community Matters program, our guest is Kelly Manning, State Director of the Small Business Development Center, which has programs available to help businesses recover.

Because the state of Colorado was so to obtain Federal Disaster declaration, assistance became available soon after the flooding. Which also means that businesses have to move quickly to apply for funding. The deadline is 60 days after a disaster declaration, in this case November 14^th, for businesses that have been physically devastated by flooding to submit their applications.

The SBDC has consulting services available to help those businesses with the process – go to their website at www.coloradosbdc.org/consulting/disaster-relief

There are also Economic Injury Disaster loans (EIDL) available to businesses that suffer indirect impacts of the flooding, such as loss of customers or business, rather than physical damage. Of course, that impact may take some time to determine, which is why the due date for that application is June 16, 2014. Again, SBDC can help with the application process as well.

In the second half of our program, our guest is Sondra Smith of Level (3) Cares, a corporate social responsibility program that has provided assistance to Colorado flooding victims, Hurricane Sandy and the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.

Sondra explains the various social responsibility strategies that Level (3) employs, including collecting and matching donations, delivering needed supplies and providing volunteer opportunities for their employees that make a difference in the community.

Learn more about recovery efforts - Listen Saturday at 10:00 AM on KNUS 710 – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Community Matters is a monthly feature on Connect and Collaborate with Cristin Tarr, the Managing Director, and Co-Founder of Business Service Corps. Her company works with corporations on community and employee engagement strategy, offering educational workshops to build, support and measure Corporate Social Responsibility practices in the workplace.

Connect & Collaborate - Jamie Van Leeuwan

January 9, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

Energy 101 - Focus on Fracking

February 13, 2014 Tammy Schaffer

Our Energy 101 feature returns this week with our new contributor, Emily Haggstrom, who brings us a review of one of the most contentious topics in energy, hydraulic fracturing.

Our guest is Howard Rough, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Rockpile Energy Services. His hydraulic fracturing experience comes from more than thirty years in the field. Howard walks us through the difference between the completion process and the production process, concerns with fracking and the environment, as well as the basics of hydraulic fracturing.

Howard emphasizes the importance of understanding that there are separate components to oil recovery. Hydraulic fracturing is only one of these components which is often misconstrued to be the entire process of oil production.This process takes place miles underground, when large amounts of sand and water are pumped under high pressure to create fissures in the rock. There is also drilling and recovery, which are unrelated to fracking.

Take a look at the density of the rock that holds oil.

This Bakken rock is surprisingly heavy for it's size, and less porous than concrete. Drawing oil out of this stone requires high pressure water blasting to push the oil contained inside to the surface. Notice the black spots you see within the rock is oil.

Rough also brought us samples of propant, known to people outside of the industry as sand, which is part of the mixture that is pumped into the reservoir.

$Samples of sand types used in the fracking process.$

Here at ICOSA, we believe information is invaluable. When we listen to all sides of a story and work really hard to see around any media bias, we are more likely to encounter the truth.

The intention behind our Energy 101 show, is to educate our listeners with all the information needed to make intelligent, informed decisions concerning energy issues. For that reason, we bring you the voices of experts in their fields, unedited.

For more information on the hydraulic fracturing process and the chemicals that are used, visit www.StudyFracking.com and www.FracFocus.org

Connect & Collaborate - Mining Methods

November 14, 2013 Tammy Schaffer

Our modern lives would look nothing the same if we took mining out of the equation. Computers, smart phones, heat and electricity, even automobiles would disappear from our daily routines. Certainly, those conveniences and others would be hard to live without, yet so many of us take mining for granted. This week on Connect and Collaborate, we take a look at different types of mining. Including some processes you may have never thought of, such as Urban Mining, and Data Mining along with of course, traditional mining for natural resources.

We begin by talking with Creighton Bildstein, President of Urban Mining 2, a company that disassembles computer and electronic components to recycle the valuable materials such as gold and copper, without contributing to waste. Throughout their recycling efforts, Urban Mining 2 makes every effort to prevent the release of dangerous toxins from other components.

At the bottom of the hour, we talk with Kevin Kersting, President of CAP Logistics. As a freight forwarding company, CAP has realized the benefit of data mining to reduce risk and meet compliance issues. These efforts impact the company’s bottom line in terms of insurance, by having a conscious eye on safety ratings for drivers, and the criteria of carriers they may hire. This information is important to anyone engaged in the hiring of commercial carriers.

We complete the hour with Stuart Sanderson, President of the Colorado Mining Association, who brings us back to traditional mining and the resources we rely upon. With a look at the regulation of competition in mining and energy production, and how it impacts jobs.

Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.