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Business Buzz: Bank of Colorado passes tax break to employees

Bank of Colorado is paying a special bonus of $1,000 to each full-time associate to share the benefit of the tax cut recently passed by Congress.

“We feel strongly that the message should be loud and clear that this is a tax cut that will benefit all Americans,” said President of Bank of Colorado Shawn Osthoff.

Bank of Colorado has 641 associates in Colorado and New Mexico. Customers will also benefit from the tax cut, as Bank of Colorado has raised interest rates on its money market accounts.

Bank of Colorado is part of Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc., a family owned business since 1938 and a $10.1 billion financial holding company. It operates 149 community banks in eight states, including 43 locations in Colorado. For more information, visit bankofcolorado.com.

Put financial fitness at the top of resolution list
When we think of New Year’s resolutions, often, the first on the list is to get physically fit. But, according to the Department of Regulatory Agencies, there’s another type of fitness goal that should be just as high on the resolution list — financial fitness.

In the midst of other resolutions, don’t forget to take a look at the money matters that tend to fall through the cracks. After all the excitement (and spending) of the holidays, it makes sense to take time in January to ensure the financial house is in order.

Following are four tips from DORA to get financially fit in 2018.

• Get organized: Create and carefully maintain an orderly system for current investments and money management accounts. Whether it’s a designated drawer with organized files, a computer program or one of the newer online personal finance tools and apps, keeping all affairs in a place that’s easy to access and review on a regular basis is the best way to monitor financial health.

• Be vigilant: If managing files on a computer, be vigilant about cybersecurity. Speaking with an expert who can analyze and recommend proper protections is a great place to start.

• Meet with a licensed financial professional: The beginning of a new year is a great time to take a look at how things were managed in the previous year. It can also be beneficial in getting an early start preparing for tax season. When meeting with a licensed financial professional, take a notebook to write down questions, notes and next steps so the discussion won’t be forgotten or overlooked once the meeting is done. It’s also helpful to review statements side-by-side with a professional. If anything isn’t clear, speak up. Ask questions, and don’t leave without clarity. This will create a dialogue with the professional and ensure decisions are based on what’s most suitable for the desired goals. It will also help with recognition if changes or issues arise in future statements.

• Get legal affairs in order: The beginning of a new year is always a good time to set up a meeting with an attorney or someone who helps manage legal affairs. Review documents pertaining to wishes for power of attorney, wills and other important considerations that would need to be in place in the event of an emergency.

If assistance is needed, ask DORA — the Division of Securities at the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Call the division at 303-894-2320 or the DORA Senior Hotline at 720-593-6720.

Annual Festival of Trees event ends Jan. 5

Christmas Around the World is the theme of the sixtth annual Festival of Trees, now on display in the atrium of the Moffat County Courthouse. The exhibit of trees, decorated by area nonprofits using the theme, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

United Way Grant applications close Jan. 12

Moffat County United Way, Moffat County Human Resource Council and the Key Club/Youth United Way are accepting applications for funding for 2018. One or all applications may be submitted by 5 p.m. Jan. 12 to United Way, located in Suite 2 at 504 W. Victory Way. Late applications will not be accepted. For more information, or to obtain an application, call Moffat County United Way Executive Director Amanda Arnold at 970-824-6222.

Economic Development Partnership board to meet Jan. 17

The Craig/Moffat Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors will host its annual meeting and regular board meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 17, both in room 175 at Colorado Northwestern Community College, 2801 West Ninth St.

“The annual meeting includes member representatives electing board members, approving the budget and hearing updates on 2017 and goals for 2018,” said CMEDP Executive Director Michelle Balleck. “We welcome community members to the meetings, as well, to learn about what we’re working on. We have made great strides in 2017 and have lofty goals for 2018, and I am excited to share those.”

For more information about CMEDP, call 970-620-4370 or email director@cmedp.com.

Register for tax help from United Way

Moffat County United Way is offering free income tax assistance for people who earn less than $54,000 per year and have simple tax returns. Appointments are required for the service, and most take less than 30 minutes.

Northwest Colorado Center for Independence is offering transportation for individuals who need it. Help will be given from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 and from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 9 in room 201 of the CNCC Bell Tower Building, 50 College Drive.

The services is free, but qualifying individuals must bring identification, Social Security numbers for family, and financial statements (W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, bank statements, total paid for day care, health insurance statements, etc.) to the appointment. To learn more and make an appointment, call Moffat County United Way Community Impact Coordinator Kristen Vigil at 970-326-6222.

Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant moving

Dec. 23 was the final day Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant operated out of the Centennial Mall. It will reopen in the new year — with a date yet to be determined — on the hill at 27015 W. Victory Way, Craig — the old Signal Hill Inn.


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