Aurora resident and World War II veteran Jim Hall, who retired as a Brigadier General in the Colorado Air National Guard, was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame and awarded the Air Force Legion of Merit, has finally written a book on his flying experiences and where his expertise in emergency parachuting all started. The book, Parachuting for Gold in Old Mexico, is a new publication and a new publishing company for the Halls.

Jim's wife, Georgann, has been attending seminars through Aurora Business Development to learn about what it takes to start and operate a business. She stated that the professional staff has been her "only connection to running a business. They certainly know what they're doing!" She's enjoying the new experience of starting Parachuting Associates with her husband.

We recommend you support your local business and grab a copy of Jim Hall's book about the author as a pioneer, an adventurer and his journey of a lifetime!  The Foreward is by former Governor Bill Owens, who encouraged Jim to write about his amazing accomplishments. The first chapter is "Welcome to Mexico" and 487 pages later, the Americano says "Adios" to the early chapter of his life and looks forward to the next. The pages between recount his great adventures in the Mexican backcountry and what it's like to 'fly' - - safely!

Issuing gift cards is a great way to increase business and bring in repeat customers, but be aware of the rules for gift cards issued on or after August 22nd:

• Cards must be good for at least five years after date of purchase;
• Any money added to the card must be good for at least five years;
• If money is left on the card after its expiration date, consumers may request a replacement card at no charge;
• Fees are now restricted with limits on dormancy or inactivity fees;
• Reloadable pre-paid cards that are not intended to be gifts are exempt from new rules;
• Disclosure of fees and terms is required.

Read more on "What You Need to Know"
Source: Board of Governors Federal Reserve

Hungry for revenue, Feds and state cracking down more than before. Author and HR expert Sarah Thoemke states, "Small business owners unknowingly violate employment laws and compliance requirements every day."  She makes the case that an employers' efforts to classify employees correctly will save money, because to routinely mis-classify employees or fill out employee forms improperly can be expensive and time-consuming if a business is audited.   It will be worth your time to read her article...

The city's business energy rebate cap is now $3,000 (up from $1,500) for Aurora business owners who make energy efficiency and conservation upgrades to their buildings. The city is layering these rebates on existing Xcel Energy rebates.

The Savvy Solar Consumer Workshop is Fri., Sept. 20th, 6:00 - 7:00 PM, and the Rebates Presentation for Contractors is Fri., Sept. 27th, 12:00 - 1:00 PM.  For all events, please RSVP to ( 303) 739-7483.

Read more about the various rebates, the Recharge Colorado campaign and related upcoming events at the city of Aurora Municipal Center.

Strategies for Growth and Competitiveness in 2010.  Each year for the past 28 years, the week-long celebration of the Minority Enterprise Development Week culminates in an awards ceremony recognizing minority businesses and corporate/community advocates of minority business development.

The 28th MED Week Business Awards Luncheon
Friday, September 17, 2010
Red Lion Inn, 4040 Quebec St., Denver, CO  80216.
Contact the MED Week Partners:
www.medweekcolorado.com or (303) 296-2969

Dept. of Revenue - Business Tax Symposium

Are you a business owner in Colorado, an out-of-state business selling/delivering tangible property to purchasers located in Colorado, or are you just interested in learning more about sales/use tax laws in Colorado? Do you prepare sales and/or use tax returns for business owners in Colorado?  If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you won’t want to miss this tax symposium presented by the Colorado Department of Revenue:

September 30th, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Continuing Education Credit (CPE): 7 Credits
Fee: $50/person; Pre-Registration is required and accepted by mail only.
Location: Denver City Marriott
Read more... Download the schedule and a registration form.