Business
In the brave new world of renewable energy, Braxis Energy, Inc., shines a light
Image:Summary:While the wave of interest in renewable energy is growing, the accompanying flood of information can seem like a wall of mud to the average homeowner. Braxis Energy, Inc. is not only helping consumers wade through the mud, but also tap in to the “power” that lies beneath. DURANGO, Colo. – Don’t look up to find the largest solar energy array in Durango. Look down. Indeed, the Earth absorbs 50 percent of the...
Alpine Bank offsets 100 percent of electricity with “Green Power”
Image:” GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. – All Alpine Bank locations across western Colorado have offset 100 percent of their electricity usage by purchasing ‘green’ power from local utility providers and through the Colorado Carbon Fund. Said John Gitchell, Alpine Bank’s Green Team environmental consultant and local business owner of Sustainable Business Solutions, “The emission of CO2 from the combustion of fossil...
Open Shutter Gallery, a “shining example” for retail success and sustainability
Pager item text :Open Shutter GalleryImage:Summary:Durango’s only fine art photography gallery, Open Shutter, not only “shines” as a retail success, it has also emerged as an example for energy efficiency and sustainability in Durango’s Historic Downtown. Open Shutter Gallery, a “shining example” for retail success and sustainability DURANGO, Colo. – A gallery is purportedly the most energy consumptive of retail...
Schluter Floral acquires April’s Garden
Image:Summary:Merged floral and gift shops to operate under April’s Garden moniker. ” DURANGO, Colo. – A transformation is underway in Durango’s florist industry, as Schluter Floral owners Amy and David Long have acquired April’s Garden, and will merge operations under the April’s Garden moniker, as of January 1, 2009. Schluter Floral, operating at the corner of 21st and Main Avenue, will become the new home for April’s Garden,...
Downtown Durango Market Assessment final report now available for review
Image:Summary:Visit www.downtowndurango.org for on-line version. ” DURANGO, Colo. – The completed Downtown Market Assessment, commissioned by the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) in cooperation with the City of Durango, La Plata Economic Development Action Partnership (LEAD) and members of the private sector, is now available for review. The complete 110-page study prepared by RRC Associates can be downloaded from the...
Trey & Lori Bennett make the optimistic leap with “Down to Earth,” Durango’s first Life is good® Genuine Neighborhood Shoppe
Pager item text :Down to Earth CompanyImage:Summary:Though the Life is good® corporate folks probably had no real knowledge of Durango and the passions of the people and the town, Trey and Lori Bennett saw it immediately. They now have opened “Down to Earth,” a new retail store promoting the Life is good® clothing line and optimism in a troubled world. Trey & Lori Bennett make the optimistic leap with “Down to Earth,”...
La Plata Electric announces “PURPA” findings and final determination
Image:” DURANGO, Colo. – Following public hearings and required review of the three standards laid out by the Public Utilities Regulation Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), the La Plata Electric Association board of directors has released its findings and final determination. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, adopted by Congress, requires that LPEA and similar utility companies consider and determine new PURPA standards: 1) the...
Steamworks Brewing Co.’s “The Conductor” receives European award
Image:” DURANGO, Colo. – Competing against breweries from throughout the world, Steamworks Brewing Co. has earned a Silver medal at the 2008 European Beer Star Award competition. “The Conductor” was recognized as among the finest in the world in the English-style India Pale Ale category. “The European Beer Star Award was created to acknowledge beers that are full of character and make the most out of the raw materials used,”...
Kogan Builders earns Green Building certification
Image:” DURANGO, Colo. – The management team at Kogan Builders has earned its Certified Green Professionals through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The Certified Green Professional is an exclusive designation offered by the NAHB, designed to teach industry professionals strategies for incorporating green design and building principles into homes using cost-effective options. Certification requires a minimum of...
“Buck” comes to town and requests: “Look Local First”
Image: Summary: Because of the potential economic impact, “Buy Local” is a mantra heard in communities large and small. In unique La Plata County fashion, however, the effort has a face, a personality and a name. Meet Buck… “Buck” comes to town and requests: “Look Local First” DURANGO, Colo. – He’s a stand-up guy, and, though he only recently arrived in town, he likes hanging around La Plata County. Locals are pleased to...
La Plata Electric Association announces rate increase
Image:Summary:Following comment period, rate increase is set to begin January 1, 2009. ” DURANGO, Colo. – La Plata Electric Association’s Board of Directors on Nov. 19, 2008, gave preliminary approval for an average electric rate increase of 5.6 percent. Specific increases will depend on the rate classification of each residential, commercial and industrial customer. The average residential customer is expected to notice an...
Desert Sun Coffee Roasters, perfecting a great-tasting and a sustainably “good” cup of coffee
For the past four years, Desert Sun Coffee Roasters has been perfecting that great-tasting cup of coffee. Now the Durango-based coffee roaster is endeavoring to also make an ethically and sustainably “good” cup of Joe. Desert Sun Coffee Roasters, perfecting a great-tasting and a sustainably “good” cup of coffee DURANGO, Colo. – It’s been said in a variety of ways that life’s joys and its most important lessons come from...
LPEA Director Jeff Berman earns electric utility credential
Receives Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate from NRECA. DURANGO, Colo. – Durango resident Jeff Berman, a director on the La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) board of directors representing District 3, has completed the required courses and earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Berman was recognized for his commitment to education at...
Historic Strater Hotel’s “behind the scenes” sustainability and “green” efforts come to light
Image: Summary: From the outside, the Strater Hotel is a visual centerpiece of Downtown Durango; but it’s what happening “behind the walls” that has made this historic landmark an example for 21st century sustainability in the hotel industry. Historic Strater Hotel’s “behind the scenes” sustainability and “green” efforts come to light DURANGO, Colo. – Recently, the Historic Strater Hotel, one of Downtown Durango’s...
Alpine Bank receives state environmental leadership award
Image:GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in cooperation with the Pollution Prevention Advisory Board and the Colorado Environmental Partnership, has designated Alpine Bank a “Gold Leader” for its environmental leadership. Alpine Bank is the first financial institution in Colorado to be recognized with this award by the State for its environmental commitment and continuous...
Ska Brewing Co. ushers in a new era with its 24,000 square foot “world headquarters”
Pager item text :Ska Brewing Co.Image:Summary:Several years ago, when it became clear to the partners of Ska Brewing Co. that they needed to expand the existing brewery or find a new home, they made the decision to do it “right.” Today, and after a nearly $5 million investment, Ska has opened its new 24,000 sq. ft. “world headquarters.” Ska Brewing Co. ushers in a new era with its 24,000 square foot “world headquarters”...
Seasons Rotisserie & Grill eyes Dec. 21, 2008 for the Phoenix to rise
Destroyed by the fire that tore through the 700 block of Main Avenue on Feb. 22, Seasons Rotisserie & Grill didn’t wallow in self-pity. Instead owner Karen Barger and her team got busy. Now they’ve got their eye on a Dec. 21 re-opening of the much beloved restaurant. ” DURANGO, Colo. – Feb. 22, 2008: a dreary, wet afternoon in Durango. Many restaurants in town were prepping for Chocolate Fantasia, a Volunteers...
The shop “Yarn” making sure “Life’s a Stitch” in Durango
Image:Summary:Kara Walecki and her “knitting” group weren’t inspired by the “old school” yarn offerings in the region, and they yearned for something more comprehensive. A year or so later, in spite of an unexpected loss, “Yarn” opened its doors in Durango. The shop “Yarn” making sure “Life’s a Stitch” in Durango DURANGO, Colo. – Kara Walecki never set out to be the proprietor of a yarn shop,...
Scooter’s Place refining “sound,” making “rock stars” in Durango
Image:Summary:Many Baby Boomers and generations younger have at some time in their lives entertained the fantasy of being a recording artist – or “a rock star.” Those who have succeeded will usually admit to assistance from experts behind the scenes. In Durango, “stars” and beyond are finding that support at “Scooter’s Place.” DURANGO, Colo. – Many Baby Boomers and generations younger have at some time in their lives entertained...
“Look Local First” campaign seeks to protect La Plata County’s economy
Pager item text : Look Local First Image: DURANGO, Colo. – As gas prices rise and financial markets slip, a diverse coalition is hoping to insulate La Plata County’s economy with a multifaceted campaign to explain the benefits of keeping purchases close to home. More than a year in the making, the “Look Local First” campaign is a joint effort of the Durango Chamber of Commerce, La Plata Economic Development Action Partnership...
