Posted inBusiness, Coloradans, Economy, Housing, News, Outdoors

Big Agnes started by sketching plans on beer-stained napkins. 20 years later, the gear company is a local hero.

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Bill Gamber, co-owner, co-founder and president of tent, sleeping bag—and now, pack—maker Big Agnes, stoops over and picks up an empty Diet Coke can from a willow bush next to the bike path, just a block away from the company’s new headquarters. It’s a small gesture, really, but one that’s symbolic of […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Newsletters, Outsider, Transportation

An upgraded Grand Junction rail yard could accelerate Western Slope economic development

What if something as simple as getting freight trains to stop for a moment in Grand Junction could keep businesses and jobs on the Western Slope, support Grand Valley economic-development and reduce truck traffic on Interstate 70?  “It would be huge; an absolute game-changer for the Western Slope,” if rail owners Union Pacific and Burlington […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Newsletters, Outdoors, Outsider

“Outdoor Business Town USA”: Steamboat Springs has become a proving ground for outdoor innovation

With more than 90 and counting, Steamboat Springs is well known as a breeding ground for Olympians. But it’s also just as fertile an environment for outdoor businesses, nurturing them with all the right ingredients to succeed.   Forget its snappy “Ski Town USA” moniker. How about “Outdoor Business Town USA”? Somehow, a veritable Who’s Who […]