Serving the community since 1906
WEEK OF APRIL 17, 2025
VOLUME 118 | ISSUE 16
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Colorado businesses seek tariff certainty Leaders at local companies say they just want some accurate information BY TAMARA CHUANG THE COLORADO SUN
As yet another round of higher tariffs began and then were paused on Wednesday, Sandi Moilanen over at the World Trade Center was certain about one thing. “Right now, the biggest need is accurate information, not speculative information,” Moilanen said. “Our role is to disseminate information … and help them cut through the noise.” The local World Trade Center’s client base tends to be small-to-midsize companies trying to navigate the world of global trade. Building a manufacturing plant in the United States isn’t a financial possibility. Many already searched for a closer manufacturer but due to the high cost to make goods here or the specialized nature of their products, the search sent them to other countries where they found a way to build on their business. World Trade Center staff found themselves responding to the same questions for the past several days — were the new tariffs in addition to existing ones (yes, in most cases), what countries added retaliatory tariffs (staff can pull that up for clients) and what are ways to minimize fees (foreign trade zones might be an option). But finding answers in an everevolving trade war has been challenging with the abrupt policy switcharoos. Reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% started April 9, before President Donald Trump changed course and said around noon that day that he was lowering reciprocal tariffs to 10% on all countries for 90 days except for China. SEE TARIFF, P18
Weld County is accepting applications for food trucks and vendors for its 2025 county fair. COURTESY OF WELD COUNTY
Weld County Fair looking for food trucks, vendors BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Weld County is now accepting applications for food truck and vendors for its annual County Fair in late July. “We’re thrilled to once again collaborate with community partners to bring Weld County together for the 107th Weld County Fair,” said Fair Coordinator Mikayla Gabel. “This is a fantastic opportunity for vendors to be part of a fun, family-oriented event that brings people together and celebrates everything that makes Weld County strong and special.” The fair will be from July 19 through
July 28 with the National Sled Pullers Association (NSPA) Truck and Tractor Pull on Friday, Aug. 1 at Island Grove Regional Park. The fair is a great opportunity for food trucks and vendors to sell their products, services, and a variety of different types of foods and beverages. The Truck and Tractor pull events attract thousands of people and are also community events. According to officials, the fair this year will be bigger and better with many events and activities. Local and regional vendors are part of the fair’s annual tradition that serves a diverse audience. The county is accepting applications for
food, beverage and retail vendors, informational kiosks and food truck. Vendor application are due before midnight May 4, 2025. Weld County officials recommend vendors and food truck operators submit applications early due to space is limited. The county has openings for food trucks and vendors from July 23-27 and on Aug. 1, the date of the NSPA Truck and Tractor Pull at Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N. 14th Avenue in Greeley. For more information about vendor applications, booth availability, vendor rules, and events visit https://www.weldcountyfair.com/Get-Involved/Vendors.
Brighton unveils AI asssistant Bot to handle routine questions via web, text STAFF REPORT
City of Brighton launched Brightly, a 24/7 multilingual AI assistant on April 7 in an effort to enhance customer service. The new, fully integrated virtual assistant, Brightly, was developed in partnership with Citibot, a leader in AI-powered chat solutions for local government. Residents can access Brightly in two ways: Visit www.brightonco.gov on desktop or mobile and click the chat icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. They can also text “Hello” to (855) 62-BRGHT (74485) to start a conversation. Brighton is one of the first municipalities in Colorado to implement Citibot’s AI-powered customer service platform. Brighton’s virtual assistant is fully funded by a threeyear grant from the Colorado Statewide Internet Portal Authority. This automated assistant is available 24/7 on the city’s website and via text message,
WESTMINSTER INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 6 | CULTURE: PAGE 8 | SPORTS: PAGE 12
enables residents to get fast answers, submit requests and connect with city staff. Brightly, powered by the latest generative AI technology, is designed to handle routine inquiries and support residents with ease. With the ability to communicate in 75 languages, Brightly makes government resources more accessible and provides a seamless, inclusive experience for all users. “Brightly is an innovative feature that transforms the way in which we serve our residents and provide the community access to city information and services,” said Communications & Engagement Director Kristen Chernosky. “By partnering with Citibot, we’re able to offer a 24/7, user-friendly virtual assistant that answers questions in real-time, ensuring that our community can quickly obtain the resources they need. This AI tool is part of our ongoing commitment to customer service and making Brighton an even
A smiling dog is the logo for Brighton’s new AI ass COURTESY CITY OF BRIGHTON
more connected city.” “Municipal websites contain a wealth of information, which can sometimes make it hard for residents to locate what they need quickly,” said Bratton Riley, CEO of Citibot. “We’re thrilled to launch Brightly with the City of Brighton, providing an enhanced web and mobile experience while improving efficiency and customer service.” Learn more about Brightly at www. brightonco.gov or by texting “Hello” to (855) 62-BRGHT (74485).
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