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Week of September 8, 2022
JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 12 | CALENDAR: PAGE 9 | SPORTS: PAGE 32
VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 12
Arvada Chamber of Commerce unveils B.O.L.D. campaign $2.275 million business initiative seeks to address talent, housing, childcare shortages BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As birthrates slow and the population ages, forecasts from Colo-
rado State Demographer Elizabeth Garner spell trouble down the line for the Jefferson County business community. In an effort to combat potential personnel, housing and childcare shortages, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce announced the B.O.L.D. 2026 campaign at Social Capitol on Aug. 25. The campaign seeks to raise $2.275 million by 2026, of which $2.1 million has already been secured, according to Arvada Chamber of Commerce President Kami Welch.
Arvada Mayor Marc Williams announced that the City of Arvada will commit $500,000 to the program, a decision city council unanimously supported. The initiative seeks to address four key areas; growing talent to meet staffing needs of employers, increasing the area’s stock of workforce housing, increasing childcare capacity for workers and strengthening the business environment. “Our mission as an organization is to solve the most critical issues
plaguing the community,” Welch said. “We have four goals in the B.O.L.D. initiative. These are wellvetted; we used a data-informed approach… There are multiple stakeholders and audiences that will benefit from this.” Welch said that the chamber’s team would be “calling elected officials more” and submitting grant applications in order to maintain the area as a “favorable place to do SEE BOLD, P3
STiX Crafthouse brings Ball Arena atmosphere Teachers, staff Hockey bar inspired by Avalanche in-game experience set to open Sept. 9
face uncertainty as consolidation decision looms
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
“Shot, goal!” The foghorn blares, the siren sounds, and 20,000 raucous fans rise to their feet in celebration. A scene familiar to hockey fans who’ve cheered an Avalanche goal at Ball Arena will be coming to Olde Town Arvada on Sept. 9 when STiX Crafthouse opens its doors for the first time. Founded by Jake Gross and Erin Beaudoin, STiX seeks to combine two things close to its founders’ hearts; the in-game atmosphere of an Avalanche game and craft beer. The pair met after Gross posted in an Avalanche fan Facebook group proposing to open an Avs-themed bar and Beaudoin responded. With Chef Keenan Cameron
As the Jefferson County Public School Board mulls Superintendent Tracy Dorland’s recommendation to close 16 elementary schools in the district, 422 full-time staff members — including 188 classroom teachers — face uncertainty about their job prospects within the district after the 2022-2023 school year. The board will vote on Dorland’s recommendation on Nov. 10. If the recommendation is passed, the 16 schools would close at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year. The district is working with its associations — the Jefferson County Educators Association and the Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association — to help staff
SEE STIX, P2
From left: Head Chef Keenan Cameron, Co-owner Jake Gross and Sous Chef Troy SanPHOTO BY RYLEE DUNN chez.
MANGO AROUND THE METRO For some local restaurants, the fruit serves as a sense of identity, cultural connection P12
SEE CONSOLIDATE, P4
Check out
HEALTH FALL 2022
Guide In this week’s paper!