2011 AEDA Annual Report

5
Arvada C O L O R A D O 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

description

Arvada Economic Development Association 2011 Annual Report

Transcript of 2011 AEDA Annual Report

Page 1: 2011 AEDA Annual Report

1

ArvadaC o l o r A d o

2 0 1 1 A n n u A l r e p o r t

Page 2: 2011 AEDA Annual Report

2 3

Message From Our President Executive Summary

This was an exciting year for the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA). With the retirement of a long-term staff member and career changes opted by others, we have several new staff members in the office these days - and they have “hit the ground running.” Ryan Stachelski, Allison Trembly,

and Melissa Marmitt have joined Lisa Kingston and Hazel Hartbarger. We are fortunate to have the right mix of talent, skills, and expertise to carry the organization forward in new ways. Their energy and focus on innovation resulted in many new ventures as we worked to serve the business community. Because of the diligence and dedication of the AEDA Board and Retention Committee along with previous and current staff, we implemented or laid the groundwork for several new programs, products and services which are summarized later in this report.

The Arvada City Council demonstrated its confidence in AEDA, as well as our track record for being prudent stewards of public funds, by providing $1.5 million intended for new financial assistance programs. This action confirmed City Council’s desire to encourage business growth and private sector investment. We are proud of our ability to work together with City officials and many other partners in this regard.

After reflection on where we have been and where we want to go, we reinforced for ourselves the importance and value placed on our many partners and relationships. Our successes during the year can be directly related to the combination of all of us working collaboratively together. In fact, this collaboration resulted in an international “Award for Excellence” in 2011 presented to AEDA and the City of Arvada by Business Retention Expansion International for “The Arvada Way” of doing business retention. It is now a model about which other communities inquire.

In addition to current City Council members, the AEDA Board was excited to work with newly elected City officials and the new City Manager. All have proven to be strong supporters of economic development, as has the past leadership of the City.

It has been my privilege and honor to serve as president of the Arvada Economic Development Association Board of Directors for the past two years. On behalf of the entire AEDA Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to welcome back Mike Litzau to serve as our 2012 AEDA president. Under his leadership, we will continue to strive for even greater achievements in 2012. It will undoubtedly be an action-packed year.

Please take a moment to review our brief summary of accomplishments noted in this 2011 Annual Report. Thank you for your interest in the Arvada Economic Development Association.

One of the highlights of the year was the $1.5 million allocation provided by the Arvada City Council to support business growth and encourage capital investment. With some of these funds, AEDA introduced a 50/50 matching grant pilot program designed to foster improved façade, landscaping, site improvements, and/or signage for commercial properties from stand-alone buildings to whole shopping centers. At year end, 14 properties were approved for a total of $139,508 in matching grants resulting in $832,067 in private sector investment.

Another program implemented in 2011 was a microloan program. AEDA used some of the additional funds from City Council to partner with Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) by contributing $200,000 toward a microloan program for businesses challenged by gaining access to capital. CEF matched the $200,000 resulting in a total of $400,000 available to Arvada businesses for loans ranging from $2,000 to $50,000. CEF also provides business counseling and assistance. Two Arvada businesses were able to obtain funding in 2011. Barry Gore of Adams County Economic Development wrote, “No surprise to find you at the head of the curve! I am very excited to see Arvada doing this!”

Commercial capital investment in the City of Arvada in 2011 totaled $8 million as a result of commercial development projects, business expansions, building upgrades, etc. This included 60 existing Arvada businesses, most of which invested nearly $5.5 million collectively. Forty-two of the 184 new businesses locating to Arvada invested over $2.5 million.

The total year end capital investment figure reported in 2011 for Arvada’s two Enterprise Zones was $3,275,015 with a total of 56 net new jobs.

AEDA’s business retention program received a prestigious award in 2011 from Business Retention Expansion International (BREI) for The Arvada Way 1. The Arvada Way was not a “program” but rather a corporate culture practiced by AEDA, the City of Arvada, and many partners. It remained a model that other communities wanted to learn more about, both nationally and locally. In fact, 16 communities requested information or counseling during the year regarding The Arvada Way of working with colleagues and businesses. Part of AEDA’s program incorporated economic gardening principles supplemented by tailored services for business.

At year end, 3,677 Arvada businesses were listed on www.aeda.biz, a keyword searchable website listing of all Arvada businesses. Business inquiries during the year seemed to be resolution of business-related issues/concerns, financial assistance, requests for general information on a wide variety of topics, and training opportunities.

An aggressive approach to attracting targeted retail for the City continued during the year through strategic relationship

building, marketing outreach, and participation at International Council of Shopping Center (ICSC) events.

Two initiatives were aggressively promoted: 1) the “Invest in Arvada! Shop Smart. Shop Local” campaign, and 2) the Business Education Series Training (BEST).

A total of 212 Arvada businesses were served through AEDA’s partnership with the Jefferson County Business Resource Center (JCBRC). A JCBRC satellite office was opened at the Arvada Chamber of Commerce in 2011.

The City of Arvada Sales Tax Division reported 111 home-based businesses opened in 2011 and 184 new Arvada businesses received new sales and use tax licenses.

In collaboration with the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, the third annual Leadership Arvada program was launched with 19 participants who committed to a nine-month education series and class project. The Apex Community Recreation Center nominated the Leadership Arvada Class of 2011 who received an “Outstanding Partnership” award through the Colorado Association of Senior Centers for its class project of improvements at the Center.

A new, more robust commercial property database was implemented in 2011 offered through Xceligent. At year end, there were 251 records of commercial properties for sale or for lease in Arvada.

During the year, AEDA staff reported over 47,000 multiple contacts with businesses, real estate representatives and other partners. Commercial real estate professionals continued to work collaboratively with AEDA to attract targeted and complementary businesses to the community, bringing additional jobs and revenue to the City.

The total commercial investment for 2011, as reported by the City’s Building Division, was $61,599,504 (over 2½ times higher than in 2010). This figure included all commercial capital investment, repairs, and maintenance costs, as well as new community projects such as the Apex Field House. For AEDA’s reporting purposes, only specific commercial capital investment (not repairs, maintenance, or non-profit projects) was included in the AEDA capital investment amount of $8 million.

Finally, AEDA achieved its 2011 goals about 5.8% under its approved operating budget of $701,591. A copy of AEDA’s 2011 Strategic Plan is available upon request.

For more information or questions, call 720.898.7010.

1 Term used by Castle Rock Economic Development Association

Frank Barone, President

Arvada Economic Development Association

A representative from York County Economic Development for the State of Virginia wrote, “I am impressed at how effectively AEDA and the City of Arvada work together to achieve important goals that ultimately affect economic development.”

Page 3: 2011 AEDA Annual Report

4 5

“I just keep thinking about how lovely everything looked for the awards breakfast and how fun the music and program was! You did such a wonderful job attending to every little detail! It was so fun! I loved the table decs and the flowers were beautiful! ...We are so blessed to have such great, lovely staff for AEDA!”

As of year end 2011, there were 3,677 Arvada businesses listed on www.aeda.biz, which included 176 primary employers reporting 5,698 employees and 1,378 home-based businesses. In 2011, AEDA had 16,231 documented multiple contacts/communications with these businesses. All businesses were contacted at least once during the year (not including The Arvada Report ) with relevant items of interest, distribution of materials, educational opportunities and information, invitations to events, website updates, communication outreach, promotions, programs, or through general inquiries. This number also included contacts made through a new program whereby welcome packets were hand-delivered to each new business location. New home-based businesses were mailed the packet.

Sixty existing Arvada retail, office, and industrial businesses expanded, upgraded space, or began an expansion process in 2011. Capital investments from existing businesses totaled $5,499,325. Most noteworthy was the completed King Soopers expansion project at W. 80th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard for a 124,000 sq. ft. store, as well as additional new

fuel stations in Arvada. Other investments were made by Colorado Precision (built a new 11,250 sq. ft. manufacturing building at 5355 Sheridan Boulevard ), A. L. Davis Building owners who attracted Arvada Beer Company and Manneken Frites, Meurer Research Inc., Quality Steel Rule Die, Ralston Business Park, and others.

AEDA hosted its 17th Annual Business Appreciation event during which 12 awards were presented. More than 220 business and community leaders attended.

Additional Arvada businesses receiving awards in 2011 were: Delta Disaster Services won a prestigious

Colorado Companies to Watch award, Moni Piz Wilson of Grandma’s Frozen Noodles was selected for a Jefferson County “Celebrate Women” award sponsored by the West Chamber, Barber Nichols, Inc. received an esteemed business award from JeffCo Economic Development Corporation, and Piper Electric received the Torch Award for Marketplace Trust from the Better Business Bureau. The company representative from Delta Disaster Services wrote, “We appreciate the City of Arvada nominating our company for this award.”

The Business Education Series Training (BEST) program resulted in staff time and financial savings for all participating municipalities and associated partners while increasing exposure and educational opportunities for Arvada businesses. The monthly sessions, sponsored and/or hosted by various organizations, continued to be a proven success as evidenced by the usually sold out events each month. In partnership with members of JCBRC, AEDA staff took the lead to produce a promotional video which was made available for Jefferson County municipal public television networks.

Participation increased again this year at other AEDA-sponsored events such as the Employment Law Seminar as part of the BEST series and three CEO Forums.

Promotion of the “Invest in Arvada” campaign, which began in 2009, continued through 2011. This was a collaborative effort with the City of Arvada, Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Historic Olde Town Arvada, business volunteers, and AEDA. It was an effort intended to educate citizens on the value of shopping local and supporting their business neighbors.

AEDA continued to enjoy a strong and collaborative partnership with the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. There were many occasions to combine resources to serve business in and for the community, including the formation of a joint Arvada marketing team. Under the Chamber’s leadership, a printed business directory featuring all Arvada businesses wanting to be listed was distributed to every

Employment Law Seminar

King Soopers

Moni Piz Wilson of Grandma’s Frozen Noodles

Business Retention

mail drop in the City in 2011. For more information about the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, visit www.arvadachamber.org or call 303.424.0313.

AEDA was an active partner with Historic Olde Town Arvada in 2011. The shopping district worked toward re-accreditation as a Colorado Main Street Community and participated in many successful programs and events during the year. AEDA facilitated a confidential business survey and sponsored a follow up business forum for the organization. For more information about the organization, visit www.historicarvada.org.

The Jefferson County Business Resource Center (JCBRC) remained an active partner with AEDA by offering counseling services and providing information to Arvada businesses. There were multiple interactions with 212 Arvada businesses during the year. JCBRC also participated

in a shopping center meeting for Arvada, a training session for Historic Olde Town Arvada, and provided the monthly “Business Intelligence Report” e-newsletter. AEDA staff distributed the publication to about 650 businesses each month in 2011.

Moni Piz WilsonGrandma’s Frozen Noodles

Dave Doherty Piper Electric Co., Inc.

Craig Kocian

5601 Garage

LT Environmental

Able Wellness Center

Steamers Coffee House,Jack’s Bar and Grill

Asana Yoga Studio

Noerr Program

Delta Disaster Services

Tokyo Joe’s

King Soopers

Business Appreciation Award Recipients

Business Honorees

entrepreneurial spirit Community spirit distinguisHed serviCe

According to Kelly Floyd of Arvada Beer Company, “Thank you for all the wonderful things you said about Cary and myself in the KATV interview. Your help has been invaluable to us and has helped us succeed. Thank you SO much. I cannot express how much we appreciate all that you do for us and Arvada Beer Company.”

Page 4: 2011 AEDA Annual Report

6 7

According to Katy Press, Principal of K/P Consulting and Associates, “AEDA has continued its aggressive interaction with retail to both recruit new retailers to the City of Arvada and assist existing retailers feeling the impact of the sluggish economy. Those efforts should be highlighted in 2012 when we see several new retailers open in Arvada.”

Sixty-one new office, industrial and non-retail companies3 located to Arvada during the year while others began the process to relocate. $1,150,731 in tenant finish and capital expenditures were reported in 2011 by 15 of these businesses.

Significant investments were made by Big Time Trampoline Fun, Bright Now Dental, Evergreen Packaging, Pathfinder Systems, Sound Body Sound Mind Fitness, West Metro Dentistry for Children, etc. A new 11,150 sq. ft. office/warehouse building was constructed for a machine shop.

An estimated 450 new non-retail jobs were created by 119 new office/industrial/R&D/service-type companies in Arvada through new business activity. This number included 56 new jobs reported in the Arvada Enterprise Zones. Companies with significant employment counts included AAA Service Plumbing, Evergreen Packaging, Fire Alarm Services, Parker Personal Care, and Pathfinder Systems. It should also be noted that AEDA worked collaboratively with many partners to minimize job losses.

County enterprise zone administrators reported the following in 2011 for Jefferson and Adams counties: Capital investments in the Arvada/Jefferson County Enterprise Zone were $3,139,981 and 52 net new jobs. Adams County Economic Development reported $135,034 in capital investment and 4 new jobs. The combined year end figure reported in 2011 for Arvada was $3,275,015 with a net total of 56 new jobs.

Development

There were 123 new retailers and restaurants2 that arrived in the Arvada community during 2011. New businesses included Arvada Beer Company, Bella A Boutique, Bliss Frozen Yogurt, Funky Finds Boutique, Larkburger, Manneken Frites, Fred Meyer Jewelry, Queen City Snacks, Silver Vines Winery, Tuesday Morning, etc.

$1,365,197 of capital investment was reported during 2011 for new retail/restaurant tenant finish and capital improvements.

AEDA’s aggressive approach to retail development resulted in continued renovation of the 11,000 sq. ft. historic commercial building at 5600 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard, the major expansion of King Soopers at W. 80th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, five significant retail/restaurant prospects including Walmart Neighborhood Market scheduled to open in mid-2012, and three shopping centers targeted for revitalization.

Will Damrath of Regency Centers commented, “It is really refreshing to see cities being proactive and requesting our input. We are glad to be a part of such a well run city!”

start with a phone call to the Arvada Economic Development Association when considering leasing or buying commercial real estate. AEDA has a passion

to see local businesses succeed. AEDA successfully works side by side with businesses to maneuver through the various departments typically inside municipal governments. AEDA has been extremely beneficial to my small and large business clients.” – Scott A. Marcum of Genesee Commercial Group

Retail Development

Building Commercial and Industrial Development

Marketing

AEDA generated a total of 31,183 multiple marketing contacts (158 retail, 138 office/R&D/industrial, and 30,887 marketing contacts which included 19,663 recipients of AEDA’s monthly newsletter). AEDA’s targeted audiences included real estate professionals, specific industries, businesses, developers/consultants, and trade show attendees. Other leads were generated through many of AEDA’s partnerships, as well as through direct mailings and general marketing inquiries.

An aggressive social media campaign began mid-year with the hiring of AEDA’s marketing/public relations staff person. As of year end, AEDA’s Facebook Fan

page had 109 fans and 272 followers were on Twitter. Many businesses and other followers re-tweeted AEDA’s information capitalizing on the strategy and increasing AEDA’s exposure in social media venues.

A more robust commercial property site database was offered through Xceligent. As of year end there were 251 records of properties for sale or for lease in Arvada. (61 properties were industrial, 44 properties were office spaces, 29 properties were flex space, 64 properties were retail, 42 properties were land, 6 properties were multi-family, and 5 were special use properties, i.e. schools, daycares, etc.).

The AEDA “business link” section of The Arvada Report, authored by AEDA staff, remained the main venue for the latest business information and news.

Each month AEDA authored and distributed its monthly commercial real estate newsletter to strategic partners in the commercial real estate industry. At year end, distribution of the newsletter was 1,634 mailed each month to real estate and community leaders (which included 116 distributed via email) for a total of 19,663 mailings for the year.

AEDA staff participated in the ICSC Western Regional Conference resulting in relationship building and working retail leads throughout the year. Stronger relationships with retail real estate professionals continued to be a focus for the year in an effort to attract targeted retailers. The effort was enhanced and facilitated with the assistance of K/P Consulting & Associates.

AEDA staff participated in other marketing venues such as the MDEDC Site Selection Conference, Rocky Mountain Commercial Real Estate Expo and Fall Forecast, Rocky Mountain Retail Conference, and various other events orchestrated by our economic development partners.

AEDA staff participated on a City team to orchestrate the Gold Line groundbreaking ceremony held on August 31. It consisted of three separate events combined to create an historic event to celebrate the receipt of Federal funding for the project. Federal delegates, as well as State and local officials attended. It was later reported that 4,088 visitors

toured the commuter rail display in Olde Town.

AEDA is known for its quality products, services and events, as well as relationship building, attention to details, and exceptional customer service. This is measured by the increased interest and positive comments received from customers and partners. Materials produced in 2011 included the 2011 Community Profile, monthly commercial real estate newsletter, annual view-at-a-glance calendar, and the 2010 AEDA Annual Report.

The information on www.aeda.biz, AEDA’s comprehensive website, was continually updated throughout the year and proved to be a valuable resource for businesses, citizens, and visitors. A significant overhaul of AEDA’s website is planned for 2012.

AEDA staff created a list of 137 media/partners contacts that received press releases and announcements by year end. In 2011, AEDA produced 25 press releases which were reproduced an average of 3-5 five times per month in various print and digital media, including Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation and JeffCo Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC) press rooms, as well as the Colorado Real Estate Journal. Several media interviews occurred in 2011 including the following: The Denver Business Journal, The Denver Post, Global Expansion Magazine, Arvada Press, and KATV.

AEDA also placed 16 advertisements in various print and digital media. AEDA continued to be proud of its ability to leverage marketing resources through calculated alliances with other organizations.

2011 Commercial Real Estate News,At-a-glance calendar, Community Profile, Arvada Report - BusinessLINK

C o l o r a d o

2 0 11A R V A D A C O M M U N I T Y P R O F I L E

ArvadaC o l o r A d o

2011

AEDA • 8101 Ralston Road • Arvada, Colorado 80 0 02 • 720 -898 -7010 www.aeda.biz • www.arvada.org

Black-eyed Susans, Columbines, Monarch Butterfly, and Hummingbird - Courtesy of Applewood Seed Company. Fox, Hawk, and Eagle - Courtesy of Arvada’s KATV. Grass, Geese, and Indian Tree Golf Course - Courtesy of Joan Chandler.

A U G U S TS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

J U L YS M T W T F S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 2324/31 25 26 27 28 29 30

Independence Day

S E P T E M B E RS M T W T F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30Rosh

Hashanah

J A N U A R YS M T W T F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 2223/30

24/31 25 26 27 28 29

New Year’s Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

F E B R U A R YS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28Presidents’

Day

M A R C HS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

A P R I LS M T W T F S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30Easter

Sunday

M A YS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

J U N ES M T W T F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

Flag Day

O C T O B E RS M T W T F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 2223/30

24/31 25 26 27 28 29

Columbus Day

N O V E M B E RS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

Veterans’ Day

Election Day

ThanksgivingDay

D E C E M B E RS M T W T F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31Hanukkah

ChristmasDay

New Year’sEve

Memorial Day

Mother’s Day

Father’s Day

Labor Day

Shavuot

PalmSunday

Passover

Yom Kippur

Daylight SavingsBegins

Daylight SavingsEnds

2, 3 Provided by the City of Arvada Finance Department

In This Issue

Real Estate NewsA R V A D A , C O L O R A D O

� Arvada Streets Division . . . . .1� New Arvada Properties . . . .2-3� Meet Mark G. Deven . . . . . . .3� EZ Zone Laws . . . . . . . . . . . .4� New AEDA Board Members . .5

Our Real Estate News is apublication of the Arvada EconomicDevelopment Association. Publishedmonthly, the newsletter is dedi-cated to our partners - the City ofArvada, real estate professionals,as well as business and communityleaders. We welcome your inputand newsworthy information forpublication.

BringingBusiness

Home

Volume 18 . Number 1 . January 2012

The Arvada EconomicDevelopment Association (AEDA)and the Arvada Chamber recognized the Arvada StreetsDivision with an award of appreciation for their exemplarywork. “It is important to acknowl-edge the Arvada Streets Divisionfor their greatness” said HazelHartbarger, Arvada EconomicDevelopment AssociationDirector. She added,“Consistently the Arvada StreetsDivision provides a stellar servicewhich in turn makes Arvada busi-ness operations run smoother.”

Arvada’s Streets Division hasbeen put to the test thus far thissnow season! A handful of pow-

erful snowstorms beginning inOctober have kept snow removalcrews busy keeping streets clearfor residents, visitors and busi-nesses alike. The City hasreceived many positive com-ments from citizens andbusinesses about the outstandingwork of the Streets division toremove snow throughout Arvada.

In September 2011, the skills andknowledge of equipment opera-tors from across the UnitedStates were tested at the NorthAmerican Snow and IceConference and National SnowRoadeo in Estes Park. Continued on Page 4...

Arvada Streets Division Recognized

The Arvada Report October/November 2011

Attention Arvada Retail Businesses:

The Arvada Chamber and Arvada Economic DevelopmentAssociation (AEDA) will host a meeting at the Indian Tree GolfClubhouse to discuss permitting transient vendors to set up atvarious locations in the City of Arvada. Your input is needed.The meeting will be held 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. on Thursday,October 27. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVPs arerequired. Call the Arvada Chamber of Commerce at 303-424-0313 or register with Dot Wright at [email protected].

Upcoming BEST Sessions

Take advantage of upcoming Business Education SeriesTraining (BEST) sessions offered through a partnership ofJefferson County municipalities and non-profit business organi-zations. Presented for the purpose of encouraging successfulgrowth in the present challenging business climate, these semi-nars are relevant, diverse and affordable!

Employment Law Update, Wednesday, October 19, ArvadaCity Council Chambers, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. This popular, freeworkshop, sponsored by the AEDA, includes topics from newenforcement efforts initiated by the Federal government, newand evolving civil rights protections, and trying to make senseof the blurry line between work and one’s private life. For moreinformation contact Lisa Kingston, 720-898-7010.

New Small Business Grant Program Launched

AEDA recently launched a pilot of the Arvada SmallBusiness Grant program, designed to support businesses thatinvest in their business and community. The matching grantprogram aims to help business and property owners improvecommercial buildings, grounds and signage in the City ofArvada. Funds allocated for this program are limited.

“I am excited about the grant program as I feel it willserve many purposes. It will help existing businesses expandby improving their store fronts, and benefit the City since thecommunity will be freshened up with new landscaping and bet-ter exteriors,” said Bob Dyer, AEDA board member and MayorPro Tem of the City of Arvada. “Add to that some of theimprovement work will be performed by local contractors, andit’s clear this grant program will help Arvada businessesthrive.”

The grant program leverages AEDA funds and private sec-tor investments to enhance commercial properties in Arvada.Applicants are required to meet grant funding criteria, submit anarrative description of the project and compose a conceptualdesign proposal. In addition, applicants must be prepared toprovide project costs upon request. Eligible uses for the grantprogram include signage, façade, landscaping and siteimprovements. The program eligibility requirements include:

• Businesses must be located in commercially and industrial-ly zoned property within the Arvada city limits. (Home-based businesses are not eligible.)

• Businesses located in multi-tenant shopping centers areonly eligible for signage grants.

• All businesses must have the property owner’s writtenapproval before they are eligible for the grant.

• The business must file all completed application informa-tion, and all projects must receive approval, prior to begin-ning improvements.

• All improvements must comply with the City of Arvadacodes and ordinances, and the business must be in goodstanding with the City.

Standalone businesses can receive a 50/50 matching grantamount equal to the actual cost of the project’s approvedimprovements, not to exceed $15,000. Shopping centers canreceive a 50/50 matching grant amount equal to the actual costof the project, not to exceed $50,000 of approved improve-ments. Businesses located in a shopping center can receive a50/50 matching grant for signage alone in an amount equal tothe actual cost of the project, not to exceed $4,000 of approvedimprovements.

The project representative making the qualifying improve-ments must submit documentation of paid receipts for projectcosts, which may be partially reimbursed up to two times overthe course of a project. For more detailed information and toapply for the grant, visit www.aeda.biz and click on financialassistance or call 720-898-7010.

New EZ Zone Electronic Certification

AEDA is pleased to inform you that for businesses locatedin an approved Colorado Enterprise Zone, the certification sys-tem is now electronic. All of the DR0074, DR0076, andDR0077 tax credits forms can be found at https://www.col-orado.gov/apps/oedit/enterpriseCert/home.jsf .

What is an EZ Zone?

The Colorado Enterprise Zone Program encourages job cre-ation and capital investment in economically depressed areasby providing tax credits to businesses and projects to promoteand encourage economic development activities. The programwas created in 1986 and is based on areas in Colorado thathave high unemployment rates and low per capita income. Isyour business in an EZ Zone? To check business status visithttp://jeffco.org/ez-search.asp.

Contact Leigh Seeger, Economic Development Specialist at720-544-5505 with any Colorado Enterprise Zone questions.

These two pages of The Arvada Reportare for and about Arvada businesses.

20

business link 2011

Page 5: 2011 AEDA Annual Report

2011 Board of Directors

AEDA President: Frank Barone, Barone, Inc. and City Council Appointed Representative

AEDA Vice President: Moni Piz Wilson, Grandma’s Frozen Noodles

AEDA Secretary/Treasurer: Emily Robinson, FirstBank-West

Fred Baker, United Properties/Ojala & Company

Page Bolin, Colorado State Land Board and AURA Representative (partial year)

Lori Burns, Red Rocks Community College

Steve Camins, Financial Dimensions and City Council Appointed Representative

John Carpenter, Thunderbolt Media Services and AURA Representative (partial year)

Maro Dimmer, Rheinlander Bakery

Dave Doherty, Piper Electric Co., Inc.

Bob Dyer, RCDyer Wealth Management, Inc. and Arvada City Council Representative

Brett Haigler, MyInterest Broker and City Council Appointed Representative

Paul Heller, Sopheon Corporation

C. Michael Litzau, Sooper Credit Union

Harry Mathews, Vintage Sales LLC and City Council Appointed Representative

Ken Olsen, B2B CFO

Dave Ten Eyck, CCW Products, Inc.

2011 Business Retention Committee

AEDA Retention Chairman: Hereford Percy

Aaron Azari, Colorado State Bank and Trust

Leann Canty, Canty’s Tax & Accounting Inc.

Paul Duncan, PIE Forensic Consultants

Dave Easter, Easter Owens

Luke Heesacker, Arvada Rent-Alls

Jeni Jankowski, Let’s Frame It (partial year)

Tom Jacobsen, Sportline, Inc.

Jerry Marks, Custom Environmental Services

Alan Parker, Citywide Bank of Arvada

Mark Stephenson, Creation Technologies (partial year)

Maggie Weakley, Colorado Weakley Properties

Arvada Economic Development Association Staff

Hazel Hartbarger, Director

Lila Nigh, Deputy Director (partial year)

Ryan Stachelski, Deputy Director (partial year)

Peggy Moya, Marketing Specialist (partial year)

Allison Trembly, Economic Development and Marketing Specialist (partial year)

Lisa Kingston, Business Marketing Coordinator

Melissa Marmitt, Business Marketing Coordinator (partial year)

2011 AEDA Organization

AEDA’s Mission: To sustain a planned and balanced community served by a supportive

government that provides quality, cost-effective service by facilitating industrial, business

and retail development that enhances the community and creates new, well-paying jobs;

helps existing businesses prosper and expand; and generates additional revenue to the City.

8101 Ralston Road • Arvada, Colorado 80002 • 720 . 898 . 7010 • www.aeda.biz

Photo Credits: Arvada Media Services, J. Chandler, Delta Disaster Services, The Denver Post, Scott A. Marcum, and Dot Wright