Colorado Proud Newsletter
November 2008 Colorado Proud Newsletter
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Colorado Proud Restaurant Guide. I am organizing information for the 2009 Colorado Proud Restaurant Guide, which lists our member restaurants free of charge. The publication is distributed to chambers of commerce, visitor centers, welcome centers and other businesses across the state. All member restaurants should have received either an e-mail or mailing from me requesting information for the 2009 directory. If you are a Colorado Proud restaurant or caterer and did not receive the listing form, please contact Wendy at (303) 239-4119. Please complete and return forms no later than Friday, November 21.
Colorado Food & Beverage Gift Guide. The holidays are just around the corner and consumers are looking for great Colorado gifts. The Colorado Food & Beverage Gift guide lists food and agricultural products that are perfect for the gift-giving season. Visit www.coloradoproud.org and click on "Find a Colorado Gift" to complete the listing form to be included in the directory free of charge. For more information, contact Loretta Lopez at (303) 239-4115. Return the completed listing form by November 10.
Kudos Korner. Decadence Cheesecakeswas awarded 2nd place for their Cheesecakes in a Jar at the Spirit of Innovation Awards sponsored by Prepared Foods Magazine and Ventura Foods. High Country Orchards was featured in the national spice magazine, Penzeys One.
New Product News. The Chocolate Crisis Center is introducing two flavors of "Nut Case" chocolate and nut candy in Milk Chocolate Toffee Peanut and Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond. O'Hara's Jams and Jellies has teamed up with San Juan Mountain Mustard to create the new specialty food company, Durango's Finest Foods. The company's specialty jams and mustards are available nationwide through Bass Pro Shops and look for them soon in King Soopers, Albertson's and Whole Foods. They also have a new product, Wasabi Lime BBQ Marinade. Hog Heaven Bar-B-Que Restaurant is now bottling and selling their BBQ sauce.
What's New? Do you have new products coming soon or have you won an exciting award? If so, let me know! I'd love to hear about what is new. If you have news to share, contact Wendy at (303) 239-4119.
Member of the Month. Don't forget to visit the Member of the Month section at www.coloradoproud.org. November features Telluride Gift Baskets. Would you like to be showcased as the Member of the Month? Call Wendy at (303) 239-4119 to reserve a month.
Please Add Us to Your Press Release List. If you send out press releases to the media, please add Christi Lightcap, Director of Communications, and myself to your distribution list, Christi.Lightcap@ag.state.co.us and Wendy.White@ag.state.co.us. We may use your information in our Department newsletter.
Annual Photography Contest Celebrates Colorado Agriculture. To showcase the diversity of Colorado agriculture, the "Colorado...it's AgriCultural" photography contest is seeking entries for this year's contest. Entries must be submitted to the Colorado Department of Agriculture with an official entry form by December 31, 2008. All photographs must be taken in the 2008 calendar year and must relate to Colorado agriculture in some way. Prizes will be awarded in four subject areas: crops, livestock, people and agritourism. Judging will be based on theme, creativity and technical quality. The photographer whose picture best depicts the "spirit" of Colorado agriculture will receive a Kodak digital camera, and category winners will receive a "Colorado...it's AgriCultural" prize pack. All winning photographs will be displayed in the Beede-Hamil Agriculture Building at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo. Visit www.coloradoagriculture.com/aginsights or call (303) 239-4119 for complete contest rules and an entry form.
Co-Packers & Kitchens Needed! I get at least one call a day from start-up food processors looking for a co-packer or to rent commercial kitchen space to manufacture their product. I maintain the online "Colorado Co-Pack Directory," but I know there are other companies that provide these services. If you have kitchen space to rent or if you are a co-packer, please visit the Co-Pack Directory to make sure you are included. If you are not listed, complete and return the listing form available on the website. There is no cost to be included in this online directory.
Service Guide. Looking for label printers or a graphic designer? How about a web development company or food consultant? Be sure to visit the Colorado Proud Service Guide for a helpful list of contacts.
Looking for Grants? Visit www.grants.gov.
Financial Assistance Available for Organic Certification. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made $22 million in federal funds available for organic certification cost assistance. A portion of these funds will be available for producers and handlers of organic agricultural products in Colorado. Through these funds, the Colorado Department of Agriculture will be able to reimburse each eligible producer or handler up to 75 percent of its organic certification costs, not to exceed $750.
To be eligible for reimbursement, an organic production or handling operation
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must be located within Colorado;
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comply with the USDA National Organic Program regulations for organic production or handling; and
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receive certification or continuation of certification.
CDA will provide the producer/handler with a form to send in for reimbursement after the certification process is complete. Certification costs incurred from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009 will be eligible for reimbursement, but funds will not be available for distribution until the beginning of November.
CDA is accredited by the USDA as an organic state certifier under the National Organic Program and currently certifies approximately 185 Colorado facilities. Producers and handlers who use other certifying agencies may still qualify for this cost-share program but must contact CDA for the appropriate forms.
For copies of the cost assistance forms, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/dpi and click on "organic cost share reimbursement forms" or call Barbara Rosenbach at (303) 239-4139.
Grants Available to Market Colorado Agriculture. The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting grant applications for funding through its new "Ag Products Utilization & Marketing Program." Grant funds will assist Colorado companies to research and develop new uses and markets for food and agricultural products that are grown, raised or processed in Colorado. Projects eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, feasibility studies and technical projects such as assessing the potential of establishing an agricultural value-added business project; and marketing and promotion projects such as first-time participation in trade shows, new product launches and promotions supporting the development of new sales channels. Approximately $100,000 is available, and the maximum award per project is $20,000. A matching contribution of cash and in-kind resources equal to at least 50 percent of the total project budget is required. Applications may be submitted at anytime as there is no deadline to apply for funds. For an application and program guidelines, contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture Markets Division at (303) 239-4116 or visit www.coloradoagriculture.com. Contact Stacy Romero for fund availability before applying.
Vendors Wanted. CrazyQFarm is presenting their annual Holiday Gluten Free Food and Gift Fair on Saturday, November 22, 10am-2pm at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center. They are looking for a few good gluten and wheat free vendors that would like to sell or sample their food and gift products. Must be gluten and wheat free. The table space comes with one 5' table with linens (tablecloth and skirt) and some electricity is available. The cost is $50 for the first table and an additional table is available for $35. No sharing companies and space is limited. Contact Leslie at (303) 646-8511 or e-mail crazyQfarm@msn.com.
Mansion Market. The Boettcher Mansion on top of Lookout Mountain in Golden is launching a new program for local vendors. The first Market is December 1 and 2, 10am-6pm, and booth space is available for $200 (payment due by November 1). Each vendor will be provided with a 6' table and 2 chairs. The event will be advertised in local publications and posted on both the Mansion's and Jefferson County's website. The market is seeing vendors that represent at least one of the following categories: Apparel, Accessories, Baked/Canned Goods, Basketry, Beverages, Body/Skin Care, Botanicals, Children's Clothing, Fresh Foods, Gourmet Edibles, Jewelry, Knitworks, Linens, Metalwork, Paper Goods, Pottery, Textiles, Vintage Collectibles, Woodworking. Depending on the success of this show, other markets may be scheduled on a monthly or quarterly basis. For more information or to reserve space, contact Cynthia Shaw-McLaughlin at (720) 497-7632.
Winter Markets. The Northern Colorado Food Incubator is hosting five winter markets, November-March, and is looking for local food vendors. The markets will be held at the Opera Galleria in Fort Collins. For more information, visit www.nocofoodincubator.com.
Denver Gift, Home, Jewelry & Resort Show. The next gift show at the Denver Merchandise Mart is February 28-March 3, 2009. Colorado Proud will be unable to have a section at this show, but if you are interested in exhibiting, contact Bridget Oakes at (303) 292-6278 x5295 or visit www.denvermart.com. Booth prices begin at $1365.
Northern Colorado Be Local Coupon Book. The 3rd annual Be Local Coupon Book for Northern Colorado has been published and includes a new, updated Eat Local Food Map. Available for $10, the book includes more than $5000 in potential savings, plus helpful information. For outlets in Fort Collins, Loveland and Windsor visit www.belocalnc.org/outlets.php or for an online version of the Eat Local Food Map visit www.belocalnc.org/img/eat-local-food-map.jpg.
News From the Colorado Department of Agriculture
Q&A: Does the Colorado Farm Products Act Apply to You?
What Is The Farm Products Act?
The Colorado Farm Products Act is law designed to protect sellers of farm products. It is a system of licensing and bonding to assist the seller in getting paid.
What Is A Farm Product?
A farm product is an unprocessed product of the soil, livestock, milk, honey, and hay. It does not include poultry, nursery stock, timber products, commodities*, or livestock purchased and not resold or processed within 90 days.
Who Needs To Be Licensed?
Any person or company that is purchasing Colorado farm products for the purpose of resale or processing must be licensed as a farm products dealer.
How Does It Work?
The law requires that dealers and brokers license and bond with the Department of Agriculture. When a complaint is filed against a licensee, the Department investigates the complaint, and if the complaint is deemed to be valid, a claim will be made against the licensee's bond.
Are All Dealers Bonded?
No, the Act provides for the licensing of small volume dealers, who purchase less than $20,000 of farm products in any one year, with no one transaction exceeding $2,500.
How Is The Act Enforced?
A dealer that is operating without a license is committing a class 6 felony, and is subject to prosecution under the criminal statutes.
Are There Any Exceptions To The Requirement To License?
Restaurants, retail grocery stores, feedlots with a total linear feed bunk less 2500 feet, and any person or company that is purchasing farm products for their own consumption need not license.
Why Are Commodities Excluded From The Act?
They are covered under a similar act called the Commodities Act.
Examples:
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If you make sauces or salsas and you purchase whole unprocessed tomatoes from a Colorado producer or Colorado business, then you must have a license.
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If you make wine and you purchase grapes, fruit, or honey, then you must have a license.
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If you have a produce stand and you are selling produce that you did not grow yourself, then you must have a license.
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If you purchase Farm Products for either retail or for processing into your item and you did not produce (grow) that item yourself, then you must have a license.
For More Information:
Contact Mark Gallegos at (303) 477-0054 or visit http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1167928360764.
* Commodities are grain and dry edible beans.
Classifieds
If you have information you would like to include in the "Classifieds," please send a short paragraph to Wendy at Wendy.White@ag.state.co.us by the 25th of the month for inclusion in the newsletter.
Wanted. Looking to purchase a Denver-based food processing business with product presence in grocery stores or other retail outlets. If you have a business for sale, contact (303) 343-1359.
Looking for Kitchen Space or a Co-Packer? Visit our Colorado Co-Pack Directory online.
The Morrison Road Complex and Commissary now has a transformed contract packaging kitchen that has been specifically designed for co-packing and self participating co-packers. The bottling equipment, pump, and 60 & 80 gallon steam kettles have been remanufacturered to accommodate and expedite all your bottling needs, and the kitchen has also been laid out to improve your production flow. Our Autolabe labeling machine works harmoniously with our equipment to create an atmosphere of professionalism and food production. Your food production experience can now also be enhanced by the help of our FDA prescribed, Food Production Coordinator, Susan Darcy. Susan has completed the Better Process Control School and has been certified in processing system operations, acidified foods, aseptic processing and container closure inspections. For more information contact Dennis or Elaine McFerrin at (303) 922-0222 or e-mail ddmcferrin@aol.com.
Commercial Kitchen Space Available in Longmont. 2000 sq.ft. of primarily commercial baking space. Double stack convection oven, double stack deck oven (both gas powered), 4 burner gas stove, 3-bay veg prep sink, 3-bay dish sink (no dishwasher) and an 8x11 ft. walk-in. Looking for renters who want to work in the evenings and weekends. It may be possible to share the kitchen during the day depending on the kind of products produced, amount of staff, etc. The space is available on a 4 or 8 hour shift as few or many times a month as desired. Rates are determined by length of shift and frequency of rental. Call Elizabeth at (303) 684-6480 for more information.
FOR LEASE-Looking to have your very own Bakery/Food Processing Space? This 2200 square foot, health department approved, baking and food processing space is located south of downtown Denver near the intersection of Mississippi and Santa Fe. This facility is highly accessible to the major traffic corridors of I-25, Santa Fe and Broadway. The space comes equipped with a high production Reed 25 Pan Oven, triple sink, vegetable sink, walk-in refrigerator, heavy electric (220 and 3 phase), 11 foot ceilings, 450 sq.ft. office and rear delivery. There is an additional 1700 sq.ft. of additional adjoining space if you need a larger facility. For more information call Kevin Reish at (303) 669-0069 or e-mail kevinreish@gmail.com.
Commercial Kitchen for Lease. 2200 SF, has huge Reed Rollup oven, large 3-compartment sink, prep sink, walk-in refrigerator and more! Good for a large company or a few smaller companies sharing the rent. Located at 1176 S. Cherokee Street in Denver. Available now. Contact Bonnie at bonsgone@q.com or (720) 946-0455.
Space Available in Antique Mall. The Old Wagon Antique Mall on Brighton Blvd. in Henderson is inviting Colorado Proud companies to become vendors. The mall encompasses 24,000 sq. ft. with nearly 300 booths and plenty of showcases, and is open 7 days a week. For more information, contact Mickey Vanhalen at (720) 203-2982 or e-mail mas0202@hotmail.com.
Chickens For Sale. 200 young hens available (California Whites, SilLine, and Rhode Island Reds), ranging in age from two to four months. The cost is $3.50 to $4.00 for each bird. For more information contact Keith Penry at Kpenry1@msn.com.
Hot Sauce Food Processing Company For Sale. Local hot sauce company with three varieties of sauces. Sale includes customer base, inventory, website, training, and food show equipment. You can continue with our distributor or make deliveries on your own. We have contracts with local grocery stores and Wal-Mart. Currently, we are covering four Wal-Mart stores and we have a contract for 22 in the Front Range area, so five times the potential sales is in the future. As the owner I have established the business, developed the products, marketed the brand, and secured contracts. Other business opportunities are taking me out of town and I don't want to see this successful business of four years become neglected. The right owner will be able to operate this turn-key business with little or no experience and grow it into a potential market leader. It would also be perfect for an existing food company which wants to expand into Wal-Mart and other markets. People like our sauces and they return to the store to buy more, that means residual sales. If you are interested and want more information, contact Chris at (720) 296-5034.
For Sale. Simplex model "AS" wet filler with 10 gallon cone hopper, $2500; Sine pump model #SPS 25-MR, $3000; two 60 gallon Groen soup kettles stainless steel $500 each; Hobart food cutter model T8360-0 527.2615, $300; Versa fill 2000 Dry food semi/automatic filler, $1500; semi automatic labeler for round product, $2000; Detecto Scale AP-10 series with stainless top serial #9112-97, $150; 10' stainless steel table 36x120 flat top, $1000; triple sink with 2 drain boards rounded corners with back splash, $1500; also available, stainless steel pipe and heat flexible pipe to pump product from the vat to the filler. For more information, e-mail jkyzer@qwestoffice.net.
For Sale. Large Commercial Panini Grill with ribbed cast iron plates, $500; and Manitowoc 400 lb. ice machine, $400.00. For more information, call (303) 477-3900 or e-mail loredana@loredanas.com.
For Sale. SteamMaster gas, tilting braising pan with 40 gallon capacity and a modular enclosed cabinet base with a manual hydraulic tilt mechanism, $1200.00 or best offer. For more information, contact Shenoa French at (303) 850-3365 or e-mail sfrench@beef.org.
For Sale. 438 Pavestone Brighton Stone Terra Cotta Wall blocks, $3 each. 30 assorted sizes and colors and styles of Priefert gates. Commercial FOMO spray insulation, 300# tank canisters, complete w/all new 50' hoses, spray gun/tips, regulators $1,500. One 4' x 4' used Commercial Greenhouse fan, $300. One 4' x 4' Greenhouse Louvered air intake panel $200. Verti-Gro vertical tower Growing System styro planters 8" cubed, 50 cents each, 100's available (ideal for growing strawberries). Used Commercial Double-Door Refrigerator "True," Model T-35, Stainless exterior, white vinyl coated aluminum interior & shelves. $1,050. Good condition. Used VP-3 Green Machine 20 gal. lettuce/veggie drier $729. Professional Scaffolding with locking 8" castor wheels (1 set 7' l x 11.5' h x 28" w), $600. 1992 Kubota Tractor Model B2150HSD $18,500 with many quality implements and accessories 1030 hours. Ridgid TS2412 10" Belt Drive Table Saw $355. OBO on all items. Contact Susan at (303) 884-6506 or susan@gro.ws for more information.
For Sale. 6 ft. chest type freezer left. Was asking $400, but will take $275. Call Bonnie at (720) 946-0455 or e-mail bonsgone@q.com.
For Sale. 40 gallon self contained Hobart steam kettle built on wheels for easy movability, $3000. Hobart VCM 30 quart vertical, chopper mixer, $2500. Prices negotiable. Contact Sean Sorrin, Epic Valley Salsa, at (970) 209-7699 or e-mail epicvalley@hotmail.com.
For Sale. Crane Company 200 Series Gas Boiler, model #116-200-BTU 52500 Hrs. with 2-Groen Mfg. Co. Stainless Steel 30 gal. Pressure Pots, model #F30, $500.00. Commercial Metal Staircase Ladder, 8ft. high, $300. Older model electric Shrink Wrap Box, $25.00. Beautiful Oak display case with 2 glass sliding doors in front and 1/2 the top in glass, draws and cubby holes in the back of case. The measurements are 25 5/8" wide x 72" long, $500. Unique Antique glass display case with Roi Tan wrap around decal advertisement for 10 cent cigars, 24" wide x 48" long saved from the Old Queen Hotel, $500. Call Frank at (970) 663-0355 or e-mail fford1936@netzero.com.
Online Classifieds. VendorHippo.com now has a free classified area where members can buy, sell, or trade items. Traffic on the Hippo reaches over 500 per month. Those viewing the Hippo are vendors and market owners just like you so your items will be viewed by those in your target market. People are looking for a variety of items including tents, tables, and more. For more information contact Dan Borgmann at dan@vendorhippo.com or visit www.vendorhippo.com.
Press Releases Do Work--But They Are Work. If you lack time or energy to prepare your own releases, call professional writer Joslyn Green at (303) 293-9876 or e-mail jg@joslyng.com. She sows your news. You reap the benefits.
Looking for Help? This is for all companies/employers considering or looking to hire willing applicants who are Deaf. Angela Lee Taylor is a job/communication specialist who works closely with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. DVR and Angela collaborate services together and provide interpreting services for orientation, job training and staff meetings the first 90 days of employment. Angela also offers job coaching services for employers. Angela supports employers in communicating instructions to newly hired Deaf employees and follows through with those instructions if there is a misunderstanding. She teaches Deaf Culture Awareness to employers/employees and offers basic American Sign Language classes to those interested. For more information, please contact Angela through a video relay service by calling (866) 327-8877 (call this number first) then (719) 633-4779 (this is the number you give the video relay service listed above) or e-mail angie85isd@yahoo.com (please address in subject "job placement").
*Not all events are sponsored by Colorado Proud, and inclusion in the newsletter does not constitute an endorsement by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.