Del Norte home to Dun-Rite Glass New Business Owner

Dun-Rite Glass

Dun-Rite Glass, focusing on quality service, is now open at 520 Spruce Street in Del Norte.

Pete George and Elizabeth Weaver are owners of the new business. Pete George has 26 years in the glass business. Elizabeth manages the office.

Pete is a certified auto glass technician with Sika, DOW and Essex manufacturing corporations. He is also certified by AGRSS, the All Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council.

“I take pride in my work,” said Pete. “I feel a responsibility for the safety of my customers and will never take shortcuts when replacing and installing a windshield.” Many people don’t realize that a windshield is part of the structural integrity of a vehicle. If the windshield pops out, for instance in a roll over, the roof of the vehicle may be smashed, increasing the risk of serious injury to passengers. Air bag release on the passenger side could also cause an incorrectly installed windshield to pop out. Dun-Rite Glass uses only quality OEM products (Original Equipment Manufacturer), further adding to the safety features of their work. They provide a lifetime warranty on workmanship and also offer free chip repair for their windshields to the purchasing owner. They offer a $20 chip repair service for any windshield and can usually have the job done in a half hour.

Dun-Rite Glass has their focus on auto glass, residential and heavy equipment, but can accommodate just about any glass job you bring to them. They will do rescreening, thermal units for windows, glass or mirror cutting and will work with any glass. They are the subcontractors with A & M Vinyl in Monte Vista, handling the glass and screen work for the handmade windows. They are now setting up equipment to make folding “phantom” screens for patio doors.

Pete and Elizabeth have lived in Grand Junction and Denver, but decided to move back to the San Luis Valley where Elizabeth has family in South Fork. They like the friendliness and quiet of a small town and look forward to building their business in serving the entire valley.

They have joined the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce and are glad to be part of the community. Pete and Elizabeth met Donna Wehe, Small Business Development Center, at a Chamber meeting. From the SBDC they were able to receive assistance in the technical issues of getting a business set up such as registering with the state and getting bookkeeping methods in place.

Dun-Rite Glass will have a ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 15th. Their Grand Opening will be Saturday, July 17th with free hot dogs and a raffle. Stop by to visit them and find out what a quality glass service can offer to you. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. They also can provide service after 5 pm, by appointment.

Their phone number is 719-657-2000. Check out their website at www.dun-riteglass.com.

Leading Edge Business Seminar in Moffatt, Colorado

Valley’s Leading Edge Course Gives Lessons in Proven Business Methods


How can I manage my business like a true business professional if I don’t have any formal business training, and I don’t have time to go to college?

How can I plan for the growth of my company? How can I explain to my lender my need for financing and increase my chances of getting the loan approved?

If you have asked yourself questions like these, or you are an entrepreneur with a great idea for a business but no idea where to start, then you may want to consider enrolling in the Small Business Development Center’s Leading Edge course.

Leading Edge uses the NxLevel© curriculum and is one of the best and most affordable entrepreneurial training programs on the market today. It aims for these results:

1. Provide basic business skills training, including preparing a business plan.

2. Provide practical guidance in marketing, financial projections and negotiating with lenders.

Over 600 communities in 48 states use the NxLevel© training material, with an average graduation rate of 65%. Existing businesses that have completed the program see a 28% increase in sales, and on average, create one additional job within one year of graduation. Of those graduates not in business, 40% go on to start a new venture.

From a recent San Luis Valley participant’s evaluation:
“If someone has an idea about starting a business, this is the class for you. You have to start somewhere. I know I am going to start a business soon; I am thankful for the Leading Edge Course because it got my wheels turning.”

Leading Edge has been orchestrated in the San Luis Valley for over 25 years. Current classes are being conducted by the Small Business Development Center and participants are from all six counties in the SLV. Many local banks, businesses, government entities and educational institutions have contributed their resources to the success of this program.
Schedule for the Fall of 2010
Class will be co-taught between Certified Trainers Kim Smoyer, Lisa Cyriacks & Donna Wehe.  To register, contact Kim Smoyer at (719) 655-0104 or ksmoyer@centurylink.net

Classes will be on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Moffat School on Hwy 17, Moffat, Colorado.  The 12 week seminar costs $250 per business.  Up to 3 people per business may attend.  A possible $100 back-end scholarship may be available.

Schedule subject to change.

September 1     Introduction to Entrepreneurship
                          Understand business ownership, develop goals, objectives and mission statement
September 8     Planning and Research - this class will be at Adams State College Library in Alamosa
                           Use the resources at ASC to learn more about your industry, trends & demographics
September 15   Legal Structure and Management
                           Learn from an attorney and CPA how the legal structure chosen for your business
                          may help mitigate tax and other liabilities
September 22   Marketing Analysis
                            Use market analysis to develop your customer profile and analyze the competition
September 29    Marketing Strategies
                            Realize the importance of business image; learn what influences price/quality
                            relationship, and examine tools used to promote your business
October 6         Financial Overview
                           Gain an understanding of the basic financial statements and how they are used
                            Pricing your product strategies
October 13      Managing Money & Selling (Marketing)
                            Learn how budgets, sales forecasts and other tools provide performance feedback
                            Learn effective sales techniques from experienced business owner
October 20     Money Cash Flows & Effective Signage (Marketing)
                         Learn the concept of break-even, internal operation controls over cash &
                         develop cash flows (hands on activity to understand profit and loss statement)
                         Watch and discuss a 20 minute video about effective signage
October 27     Financial Statements & Ratios
                         Develop a pro forma balance sheet; learn and practice the important financial ratios
November 3    Financing Your Business (Lender Panel)
                         From Angel Investors to traditional commercial loans, discussion with a panel of
                        experts over ways to finance your business
November 10    Green Business & Human Resources & Insurance
                           Learn the necessity of "going green," employer responsibilities, business insurance
                           and financial planning options
November 17     Future Growth/Graduation
                            Now what?  Growing pains that face businesses and how to handle them; hear
                           the succes story of a local small business and how they got there.

New Niche Carpentry Business in Monte Vista, Colorado

New Niche Carpentry Business Opens in Monte Vista

New business owner Ben Beckner’s motto is “Delivering Quality Through Integrity.” Beckner comes from a lineage of talented carpenters and many locals might know of his grandfather Myron’s intricate work as a woodworker and craftsman.

While attending Leading Edge in the evenings, he was putting in long days doing the detailed finish work in the newly remodeled Bistro Rialto Restaurant on Main Street in Alamosa. Beckner Custom Carpentry, LLC, opened for business in the spring of 2010 in its first retail location, moving out of the 100 year old barn on his farmhouse. The new shop is in the Weiss Cleaner Building, behind Community Banks in Monte Vista.

The new site will be more central to the jobs he works on and will also provide a direct retail spot for anyone needing custom trim and woodworking. No job is too small or intricate for Ben. He loves the challenge of the “hard to match” or “make it look unique” jobs. He purchased a new molder that enables him to match trim and offers over 500 different profiles in almost any specie of wood; and next to his lovely wife Jennifer and four young children, it is his pride and joy. A satisfied customer commented, “He has lots of potential with his new molder for custom work to match vintage trim, to replace a piece of trim on furniture, or to make something unique for his customers. He can also use different types of wood than what may be available in a lumber yard.”

The phone number for his shop is 852-2992 and you can view his work and learn more about him at his website, becknercustomcarpentry.com.

New Art Gallery Opening in Monte Vista, Colorado

What’s the story behind the new gallery in Monte Vista? All Good Things, Gallery and Gift Boutique, is located at 1021 Second Avenue, across from the bowling alley and is owned by Jenna Ford. Jenna, who has a degree in art, has always had a real passion for art, and she has had an idea for an art gallery and gift boutique in Monte Vista for a long time. For the past eleven years she has been busy with her family potato farm and the Mansion Bed and Breakfast businesses. Jenna has been involved with the DREAM TEAM and Monte Vista Chamber as a volunteer and thought, there is something more that downtown Monte Vista deserves. Finally the timing felt right to Jenna and she acquired an 1896 home that she has been renovating, with as much emphasis on historical restoration as is feasible. Drawing inspiration from former owner Hope Ortiz, Jenna has completely rejuvenated this structure inside and out. While word spread around the community of a future showcase for artists, Jenna was busily scraping, sanding, texturing and painting. Her labor of love has now paid off with a beautiful gallery and gift shop. Many artisans are looking forward to displaying and selling their original artwork and unique gift items in this location and have already contacted her. Jenna wants to offer the possibility of themed shows and wants to tie in with Wild Thyme Gallery owned by Laura Murphy about six blocks away to market their shows and events together. Jenna strongly believes in giving back and getting involved in your community and encourages small business owners to join their chamber, Monte Arts Council, use resources like the SLV Small Business Development Center, or whatever groups that can help them advocate, teach and network their business. Jenna is also now selling the beautiful laser-cut panels designed by artist Tord Boontje that adorn her gallery windows. She can be contacted at (719) 849-0891 or www.goodthingsgallery.com for upcoming events. Don’t miss her Trunk Show and Open House featuring Autumn Teneyl clothing on Friday and Saturday, Memorial Day weekend. Free and confidential business counseling is available from the SLV SBDC at coloradosbdc.org or call Donna Wehe at 587-5151.

Shop Rite in Monte Vista, Colorado is a New Business

Shop Rite in Monte Vista

Monte Vista Shop Rite is not just another retail store; it is a discount specialty store that provides what the community wants and needs with unique products and services. With over 35 years of experience in retail, Anita Wazny, owner, said “I know that without customers there is no business. We are customer and market driven and will do what is necessary to maintain a good and healthy relationship with our clientele and will strive to find the right inventory to keep them happy.” She feels fortunate to have employed Erica Medina, who was manager of the former business at this location, and has been a tremendous help in getting the new store up and running. They share a vision to have the store be more like a trading post, catering to local needs. To fulfill this purpose, they have placed a suggestion board by the front door and ask customers for input on items they would like to see on the shelves. They offer free coffee and doughnuts daily to show appreciation for their customers.
The store carries new and unique items as well as much of your daily need items. Among the new products you will find in the store are Italian charms with which you can create a one-of-a-kind bracelet, watchband or keychain. The store is an outlet for fresh baked goods, jams & jellies from the Miller Family Bakery. There is also a consignment area for local craft items that now showcases “cut & curl” candles made by local artisan Bill Mathias. The parking lot has market space for vendors available for a minimal fee.


Anita currently lives in Albuquerque, but was born and raised in Montrose, Pueblo and Denver. She really likes being her own boss and has long wanted to move back to a small town in this state. When she saw this building was at auction, it seemed like the perfect fit for her. Anita contacted the Monte Vista Chamber for information, then followed with contacts with Dick Davidson of the SLV Development Resources Group and Donna Wehe at the Small Business Development Center for information and resources.

Donna and Deanne Elliott, SBDC Counselor for Rio Grande County, helped Anita to refine her business plan in preparation for a loan application, as well as shared marketing and merchandising information relating to our area. The SBDC offers free and confidential business assistance, runs low cost workshops and facilitates the Leading Edge Program. To contact the SBDC, call 719-587-5151 or go to www.coloradosbdc.org.

Anita feels it is important to be a contributing member of the community, so has enrolled Shop Rite as a member of the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce. The new business, located at 1935 Grande Avenue, is in a convenient location to the residents of the east side of Monte, but is worth the trip for everyone else. They look forward to seeing you soon for their Grand Opening.

The phone number for MV Shop Rite is 852-8850. The store is now open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Papers of Distinction in Alamosa, Colorado

Papers of Distinction, LLC
      Sally Lopez is not just another retailer in downtown Alamosa. This woman has many artistic talents that she has used to express her faith and give back to her community. She has operated her store for over 11 years and offers a wide variety of retail paper, scrapbooking, stamping and educational materials. She also can provide design and printing of business cards, flyers, invitations, laminating, color copies and book binding. She sells balloons and other special occasion products for the party planner as well.

La Capilla do Todos Santos, San Luis, Colorado

    But sitting on her counter near the cash register, one can't help but notice the beautifully arranged musical CD entitled, AGAPE, with a photo of the church that sits on the hill overlooking San Luis (La Capilla de Todos Los Santos). With each CD sale, the proceeds benefit the order of the Theatine Fathers who have served as parish priests in the San Luis Valley. Sally and the Agape Musicians recorded the CD at the Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church in San Luis and at Sally's Grandma Bea's home located across from the church. Then the final mixing and mastering was created by Don Richmond at Howlin' Dog Recording Studio in Alamosa. The music of Andy Manzanares, Jeffrey Jaquez, Sally Lopez, Brother Juan Marinoni Ruiz and Danny Quintana will fill you with the meaning of Agape: "The Love of God." You can find unique, religious "shaker" cards that Sally has created as well. So if you haven't frequented her store on State Avenue, stop by and browse around. Sally is full of surprises! Not to mention that she also plays guitar with Mariachi San Luis, a group well-known for their musical talents from ages 8 yrs. to 60 yrs!

Sandboarding at the Sand Dunes National Park

Sandboarding at the Great Sand Dunes National Park

NPS Photo by Patrick Myers. Woman carving a turn at Castle Creek Picnic Area. Sandboarding, sledding, or skiing on sand can be enjoyable - but only with the right gear and conditions.

Where can you rent a sandboard? One place locally is at Kristi Mountain Sports, located in the Villa Mall in West Alamosa. This business is known as the “specialists in human and gravity powered sports.” Owner, Eric Burt, said that “a small group from Adams State College came and rented the boards for their trip to the Dunes and they had a blast.”

These boards are designed differently from snowboards and rent for $18 per board per day and they have 7 boards available. They also have 2 sleds and a staff member said, “the people that rented the sleds said they had just has much fun on them as they did on the boards.” The sleds are the same rental fee.

Cardboard doesn’t work! Sandboarding, sledding, and skiing are permitted anywhere on the dunefield. From the main visitor parking area, it's a minimum 2/3 mile hike to get to the medium sized slopes. Have a great time enjoying this unique national treasure!

In April, 2010's edition of Oxygen Magazine, Stefani Jackenthal writes about sandboarding at the Sand Dunes. The article is located on page 132, and is titled "Total Body Fitness."  Local sandboarder and fitness enthusiast, Chelsea Vittoria, is quoted in the article as saying, "You think you're in good shape and then you hit the dunes! But it's so much fun and easier than snowboarding beacuse the boards are smaller and thinner, making them easy to turn - and the sand's so smooth."