Underwriter of the Month
Home | News | Diverse Music | Programs | Community Events | Support | About KUNC | KUNC Membership Services
November's Underwriter of the Month




208 S College Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2811
(970) 472-8888


realtyx.com



Realty Executives Fort Collins was started in 1996. Ted Mares felt there was a need for a downtown store front Real Estate office. Everyone working at our office likes being a part of the downtown (Old Town) community.

What is your business or mission statement
At Realty Executives we strive to serve the public with the utmost professionalism, respect and integrity.

How many years has Realty Executives been in business  ?
Realty Executives has been in business since 1965 and our Fort Collins Location was started in 1996.

How is supporting KUNC important to Realty Executives?
At realty Executives we understand the importance of public radio.  As listeners we feel it part of our responsibility to help fund the programs we love.

What are some of your favorite KUNC programs?
There are many favorites around our office, a few of them are World Cafe, Prairie Home Companion, Car Talk and All Things Considered

What other programs or community events does Realty Executives supports or sponsors?
As an office we support Dance Express (an inclusive dance company for people with disabilities), Homeworks (a program to increase home ownership for teachers).  All individual Realtors at our office also have programs and events in which they participate and sponsor.

Any final thoughts? 
Our affiliation with KUNC felt like a natural fit with our similar public service philosophy.  Please stop by our office to pick up a free reusable grocery bag.




October's Underwriter of the Month

Based in Boulder, Colorado, NextFoods adheres to a mission that fosters the continuous improvement of human nutrition while demonstrating the values of “Right Livelihood” for responsible and conscious capitalism. Their team is committed to developing a series of world-class, highly nutritious, functional, “next generation” foods while using sustainable, socially responsible practices whenever possible.


How was the business started?
NextFoods is the new venture of Steve Demos, natural foods trailblazer and the founder and former president of WhiteWave Inc., and Todd Beckman, former Vice President of Business Development and Operations at WhiteWave Foods Company– the largest producer of soy based products in the United States.

Late in 2005, Steve Demos was off traveling and trekking, as he’s prone to do. This time to the headwaters of the Ganges River in India. As he walked along the riverbank, he thought of how his fellow generation of Baby Boomers will probably be the longest living yet, and if they are, they’re going to need some help living long and living well. So it was there, by the banks of the Ganges River that Steve had an epiphany: a whole generation of people like him are poised to take control of their health, but they need a means to do it. And Steve knew of a good way to provide that means.

Steve is a food and nutrition guy at heart; so it didn’t take him long to realize that he had the know-how and passion to create nutritious and tasty foods that would support healthy living. He was also connected to a talented group of pioneering veterans from all corners of the natural products industry, and he would call upon them to help breathe life into his vision. But first he would call up his go-to-guy and fellow innovator, Todd Beckman.

In October of 2006 Steve, Todd, and a standout team would create a new category of products: great-tasting foods that help support vigorous good health through the marriage of science and organics.

They called their new company “NextFoods,” for the next generation of food products - healthy, natural and organic food with a functional edge and scientifically substantiated health benefits. Their research led them first to a probiotic culture called Lp299v. With over 17 clinical trials and 15 years of documented safe and effective use, GoodBelly became their first product to market for a generation of people who were poised to take control of their health needed a powerful probiotic to aid them in their quest.

GoodBelly is the convergence of sustainable food practices and science - just the thing to give us that extra boost we need as we’re trekking along on our personal journeys toward good health and nutrition.
 
Years in business or service to the community?
18 months

How long have you been underwriting on KUNC?

12 months

Any examples or stories of KUNC listeners as customers/clients?
Customers frequently mention that they first heard about us on KUNC.  The moment they associate our brand with public radio, they know our values align with theirs.  We often hear from them that GoodBelly is a staple in their homes and that they love or smiley face when they open up the shot!

How is supporting KUNC important to your business?
Our customers are very educated and seek a lot of information about health and nutrition. The programming on KUNC is exactly what our customers appreciate listening to. And they’ve told us that they really like to support local businesses and especially those that support NPR radio.

Personal Favorite KUNC programs?
Where to begin! All of us at GoodBelly have our own favorites from Morning Edition and All Things Considered, to Fresh Air, you have us covered all day long!

Programs or Community Events that you support or sponsor?

We sample every week at the Boulder Farmer’s Market and have a huge following there! We also support Bike to Work Day, Bolder Boulder, the Boulder Creek Fest and many of the community events that our retailers sponsor.

Any final thoughts? 

We’re glad to be a part of helping Colorado become more knowledgeable about their digestive health and the impact it has on their overall health and immunity. And we’re especially glad to be able to support public radio as we grow!



September's Underwriter of the Month

Fort Collins' Lincoln Center


 

417 West Magnolia    
Fort Collins, CO 80521    
(970) 221-6735    
lctix.com


How was the business started? More than 35 years ago a group of community members identified a need for arts and culture in Fort Collins.  This group formed a committee called Design Tomorrow Today, which ultimately became known as DTSquared.  Their efforts ultimately lead to the creation of The Lincoln Center.

Business or mission statement

The mission of the Lincoln Center is to be a leader in cultural experience and make it an essential value to the community.  Read more

Years in business or service to the community?

31 years

How long have you been underwriting on KUNC?

For approximately 10 years

Any examples or stories of KUNC listeners as customers/clients?

Many of our patrons tell us that they hear our shows mentioned on KUNC.  We listen to it at work too!        

 

How is supporting KUNC important to your business?

It’s very important to us!  We know that arts patrons listen to public radio, and we hear from our patrons that they get their information about arts and culture from KUNC as well.  It’s very important to our marketing mix.  Plus, we feel good about supporting public radio, too!

Personal Favorite KUNC programs?

Morning Edition, Diverse Music, World Café – and, of course, E-Town!!!

Programs or Community Events that you support or sponsor?

We’re big fans of E-Town!

Any final thoughts? 

We’re very appreciative of our partnership with KUNC and look forward to continuing it for many years to come.   



July's Underwriter of the Month


Columbine Health Systems



947 Worthington Circle

Fort Collins, CO 80526
970-482-0198

columbinehealth.com

Mission Statement:

Columbine Health Systems distinguishes itself by providing a continuum of personalized, comprehensive, and professional residential and health care services. We do this through expertise, collaboration, and a commitment to excellent customer service.



Q:  How was the business started?

A:  Bob Wilson, the owner/operator of Columbine Health Systems bought Columbine Care Center East on June 22, 1971.  From there, Columbine Health Systems has grown into a 22-business senior health care organization located in Fort Collins and in Loveland.

 
Q:  How many years have you been in business?

A:  In a week – we will have served Northern Colorado for 38 years.

Q:  Do you have any examples or stories of KUNC listeners as customers/clients?
A:    We are always amazed at how many of our family members (of residents) or staff members comment that they “heard an ad for Columbine on NPR”.  We hear this comment at least weekly, if not more.

Q:  How is supporting KUNC important to Columbine Health?
A:  Our decision to support KUNC is multi-faceted.  First, KUNC is a community radio station, we are locally owned and operated so our missions are aligned – supporting our community. 


Q:  What Programs or Community Events does Columbine Health System supports or sponsors?
A:  Columbine Health Systems has been involved in many community efforts through out our 38 years.  Currently, we support the Alzheimer’s Association through their annual fundraising breakfast and this month (June) for their Memories in the Making Art Auction.  We sponsored the venue (Drake Centre) and all of the food and beverage.  We are also involved with Project SEARCH through a partnership with the Poudre School District.  We are an internship and education site for students with development disabilities.  We just completed the spring semester with 5 students.  In August, we will add 10 more students to our campus.  The goal is for the students to gain employment.  We hired 4 out of 5 students in the first class.  We are also very involved with workforce development efforts in our community as well as in the area of health care.  Our annual Lifestyle Centre Run/Walk will take place on June 27th.  The dollars raised are given to the Larimer County Parkinson’s Disease Support Group.  We also support many intern students from CSU, FRCC, UNC and AIMS.  Our staff, residents, and families will be participating in a supply drive for the Homeless Gear Program.  You truly just never know what we’ll be involved in…..

Q:     Any Final Thoughts?

A:    Our partnership with KUNC is a positive for our organization in that two local entities who truly care about our community can come together for education, great music, and support of local needs and events.




June's Underwriter of the Month


Old Firehouse Books

232 Walnut Street
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 484-7898




bookshopfortcollins.com



Recycle your books, refresh your mind!



How was the business started?
Old Firehouse Books began as the Book Rack in 1980.  It was purchased by Dick Sommerfeld and Susie Wilmer in 2001.  In April of 2009, the store moved to 232 Walnut Street and changed its name to Old Firehouse Books, in honor of the historic building which it now calls home.  The store began as a used bookstore, but began offering new books as well in response to customer demand, especially from book clubs, which receive 20% off their books if they register their selections with us.
       
Years in business or service to the community?
The store has been in business for almost 30 years.  Susie and Dick have owned the store for the last eight years.

How long have you been underwriting on KUNC?
Susie and Dick began underwriting KUNC in 1988.  21 years of support!   
Any examples or stories of KUNC listeners as customers/clients?
We play  KUNC in the store most days, and would certainly miss it if it wasn’t available.  We have frequently had customers come into the store and say that they have heard our radio ad.  We got an especially good response when we advertised with KUNC for a signing by the author Charles de Lint.


How is supporting KUNC important to your business?
We feel that public radio, like independent bookstores, offers a necessary, fresh source of news, culture, and entertainment.


Personal Favorite KUNC programs?
All Things Considered, Splendid Table, Fresh Air, Car Talk

Programs or Community Events that you support or sponsor?
We are a member of Be Local Colorado, and can’t say enough about what that membership has done for our business.  We are long-time supporter of Fort Collins Reads, and are involved in the library’s Summer Reading Program.  We sell IB books for Poudre High School at 15% off and book clubs registered with us get 20% off on their book club selections.  We recently joined the Downtown Business Association.


Any final thoughts? 
We have found that Fort Collins residents are proud to have an independent bookstore downtown again.  We hope to be here for many years to come, helping make the downtown community unique and a good home for independent businesses.  Look on the KUNC event schedule for signings and other events to show our involvement in the community!  If you’re not from Fort Collins, come visit us!



March's Underwriter of the Month:


Grant Family Farms




1020 WCR 72
Wellington, CO 80549
(970) 568-7654
grantfarms.com

"Grant Family Farms is located in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains north of Fort Collins and just south of the Wyoming border. We are deeply committed to growing healthy, delicious food and to being responsible stewards of our land and the people that work on the farm.

Starting in a very small way, Lewis Grant, a professor at Colorado State University and his young son, Andy, began to grow vegetables in the 1960’s. In 1974, Andy committed to transform the farm to organic growing methods. His commitment was revolutionary at the time.

Grant Family Farms was the first farm to be certified organic by the State of Colorado. The farm was instrumental in helping the State develop the process for Colorado organic certification in 1988. Now, more than three decades later, as we continue to be a national leader in the production of high quality organic produce, we invite our local neighbors in Colorado and Wyoming to be a part of our farm through our Community Supported Agriculture program."



How was the business started?  Dad started farming in Colorado in 1953…..I had my first organic field in 1974. When I graduated from CSU in 1980 I wanted to make farming my passion and profession

Business or mission statement  Hmm…..Give back more than you take in all things possible…especially in how you grow food

How long have you been underwriting on KUNC?  How long have you been listening?  Just started underwriting this winter…..have listened to KUNC for atleast 35 years?

Any examples or stories of KUNC listeners as customers/clients? ?  The folks who listen to KUNC seem to be conscious of their choices and how they effect the world around them, and these are the same people that understand the benefits to a CSA beyond the obvious of direct access to healthy, fresh food, but deeper into how it supports their local economy, local agriculture, reduce food miles and thus their carbon food print, etc.  WE have seen a great response to our farm and CSA  through working with KUNC.
 
How is supporting KUNC important to Grant Family Farms? KUNC is local like us……KUNC listeners are concerned and interested in many of the same things.   KUNC is a warm friend, a calm influence for the day.

Personal Favorite KUNC programs?  All Things Considered.   Tom Throgmortons pieces!!!! (awesome)

Programs or Community Events that Grant Family Farms supports or sponsors?    We have a presence at various Earth Day events, Pride in the Park, New West Fest, The Sustainable Living Fair, as well as events in and around Denver with Denver Botanic Gardens.

Any final thoughts?  We have been asked if the support for local food is simply a trend or something more, something here to stay.  We like to believe that it is the latter and is here to stay.  If we are correct, then this is an important time and one that will make very positive impacts on the health of our communities and our environments that will effect the quality of our lives, interactions and paths not only into our futures, but also for our future generations.  




February Underwriter of the Month:





compren.com/stores/ftcollins

Computer Renaissance offers:
  • High-value custom, new, and brand-name, factory-refurbished computer products.
  • Brand-name component parts for the do-it-yourself customer.
  • In-store and on-site service and repair for the home and small business.
  • Computer Renaissance Mission Statement: Quality products and outstanding customer service aren’t enough. We believe in doing what’s right, both in business and life. We want our customers to come back to us year after year for their computer needs.

    How was the business started?
    Computer Renaissance has had two owners.  The original owner saw a need for a ‘used’ computer store in Fort Collins when he tried to replace his old computer, and had to drive to Denver in order to trade it in on a new one.

    Years in Business or Service to the Community
    Computer Renaissance of Fort Collins had been in business for 11 years and look forward to the next 11.

    How long have you been underwriting on KUNC?
    Computer Renaissance has been a business supporter of KUNC for six months.
    I (Michael Stolz-Owner) was an NPR supporter for 10 years in Illinois.

    Any examples or stories of KUNC listeners as customers/clients?
    Customers consistently indicate that KUNC is their favorite station.

    How is KUNC important to your business?
    KUNC is my favorite station.  Based on my customer surveys, KUNC is also my customer’s favorite station.  When my customers and I have the same favorite station, how could I not support it!

    Personal Favorite KUNC Programs?
    “All Things Considered” and “Morning Edition” are especially my favorites.   KUNC is  my main source of current news.  Also, I like the Diverse Music Program – a much more enjoyable selection of music than the equivalent show in Chicago.

    Any Final Thoughts?
    Having been in Scouting for over 30 years, I expect myself, my store and my employees to display the following traits: be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, cheerful and thrifty.  As long as we continue to treat our customers this way, I believe we will stay in business for a long time.



    December Underwriter of the Month:


    25 Branches in Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, Boulder, Loveland, Greeley & Windsor.
    1stnationalbank.com


    To learn more about First National Bank, KUNC sat down with their Vice President of Marketing, Fred Jacobs.

    1)  What is the history of First National Bank, How, Where, and When was it founded?

    Since 1881, First National Bank has been helping the residents and businesses in Colorado meet all of their financial needs. Offering a wide array of products and services designed to make the banking experience as convenient and helpful as possible, we continue to let our customers know that "You're Always First With Us."

    As the First National family has grown throughout Colorado, we are incredibly proud of the relationships we have developed with our customers in all of the markets we serve. The "Circle One" brand continues to make a difference in more than 16 Colorado communities through more than 25 offices with combined assets of $2.5 billion, serving more than 90,000 households.

    First National Bank's strengths include a dominant market share, reputation and brand awareness, existing customer base and a stable, experienced, educated and friendly work force. We have built our reputation on service and work hard to provide both existing and new customers with the tools they need to make all of their financial dreams come true. We also make decisions locally through an experienced management team as well as through an active Board of Directors comprised of diverse and active leaders from the region.

    2)  How many Colorado locations?  In addition, how many employees?

    25 branches along the Front Range, more than 700 employees

    3)  What products and services does First National Bank offer?  

    A wide variety of checking, savings and loan products for consumers and businesses including free checking, online banking, mortgage lending, SBA loans, Investment Management & trust services, Private Banking and much more.

    4)  What awards or national achievements have First National Bank Achieved?

    Blue ribbon bank according to indepent evaluations of Veribanc Four-star bank rating by Bauerfinancial Leading bank in terms of FDIC-deposits in Northern Colorado (according to most recent FDIC report dated June 30, 2008)

    5)  How is First National Bank involved with the Northern Colorado Community?

    From the beginning, First National Bank has dedicated itself to the communities it calls home - after all, when the community thrives, so does its bank. This commitment includes being involved in some of the largest community outreach and development initiatives around.

    First National Bank is proud to be a leader in the charitable giving of financial support and volunteer hours in our community. Each year, First National Bank employees log countless hours in support of various events and organizations. Like you, we live and work in this community and care about the welfare of both its resources and people.

    6)  What do you wish everyone knew about First National Bank?

    First National Bank offers virtually any financial product or service you could imagine and allows the local decision-making that makes banking here so easy. As the FDIC leader in deposits (see above)it is apparent that a significant number of customers agree.

    7)  How does being an underwriter on KUNC help you connect with your customers?

    KUNc reaches a huge portion of our market and speaks very intelligently to our customer. KUNC listeners  are attentiove and passionate about their station and we believe they will feel similarly towards businesses that also support their station.

    8)  What are some your favorite shows or programs on KUNC.

    Marketplace at 5:30 PM puts many of the financial issues in the spotlight. Morning Edition is also a great and informative way to start each day.



    November Underwriter of the Month:

    305 Carpenter Road
    Fort Collins, CO


    hlchospice.org


    Pathways Hospice, formerly known as Hospice of Larimer County, provides compassionate care for those who have an advanced medical condition and for those who are grieving.

    Pathways Hospice is committed to being the region’s preferred provider of hospice services through excellent patient care in all settings, and comprehensive grief support. They educate about end-of-life care, partner with caregivers, remain good financial stewards, grow to meet our community’s needs, and strive to be an employer of choice.



    How was the business started?

     Pathways Hospice, formerly known as Hospice of Larimer County, began in October of 1978 in Loveland.  At that time, organized hospice care was a relatively new concept and wasn't available in either Loveland or Fort Collins.  In October of 1978 a Loveland nurse with late-stage breast cancer wished to die at home.  Her co-workers, also nurses, wanted to grant her this wish and cared for her on a volunteer basis in her home. This group, along with Dr. Jim Danforth who was the nurse's physician, believed that the community needed this type of compassionate end of life care and continued to meet in support of other patients.  Pathways Hospice continues to be a non-profit organization that serves the Northern Colorado community with a staff of 130 professionals and over 200 volunteers.

    Business or mission statement

    Honoring every moment of life, Pathways Hospice provides compassionate, excellent, comprehensive care for those who have an advanced medical condition and those who are grieving. 

    OUR VISION

    Pathways Hospice is committed to be the region’s preferred provider of hospice services through excellent patient care in all settings, and comprehensive grief support.  We educate about end-of-life care, partner with caregivers, remain good financial stewards, grow to meet our community’s needs, and strive to be an employer of choice. 

    OUR VALUES

    We honor life through:
    • Compassion
    • Respect
    • Integrity
    • Excellence
    • Stewardship

    Years in business or service to the community?

     In November Pathways Hospice is celebrating National Hospice Month and 30 years of service to the Northern Colorado Community.

    How long have you been underwriting on KUNC?
    Since 2001
         

    Any examples or stories of KUNC listeners as customers/clients?

    HIPA confidentiality rules prohibit us from divulging this information about our patients and families.     

    How is supporting KUNC important to Pathways?

    KUNC and Pathways Hospice have a shared focus; both in terms of serving the community and in providing useful information to Northern Colorado residents. 

    Personal Favorite KUNC programs?

    All Things Considered
         
    Programs or Community Events that you support or sponsor?

    Pathways Hospice offers a variety of Grief and Loss Support Programs which are available to anyone in the community. The holidays can be a very difficult time for those who are grieving.  Pathways Hospice is hosting the following presentation at two different times for bereaved persons providing ideas to navigate the Holiday season.

    Surviving the Holidays After the Death of a Loved One Wednesday, November 20, 3:00 - 4:40 PM Thursday, December 4, 6:30- 8:00 p.m., no fee, no registration necessary.  Sessions will be held at Pathways Hospice, 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins. For more information:  663-3500


    October Underwriter of the Month:





    P.O. Box 1963
    Fort Collins, CO 80522

    www.fcsymphony.org


    As the oldest established arts organization and the only professional symphonic orchestra in Larimer County, the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra maintains a significant presence in the cultural life of Fort Collins and its surrounding areas.


    KUNC visited with the new Executive Director of the Fort Collins Symphony, Terese Kaptur.

    Terese was with the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge for eight years, including five years as its executive director. While at NRO, she developed and grew the staff, budget, individual, corporate and grant income. Kaptur also advanced NRO's education and community engagement program. She simultaneously worked on special projects for the Pittsburgh Symphony in Education and Community Engagement and Artistic Planning.

    A composer and pianist, Kaptur holds a master of arts in music theory/composition from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.


    "I am thrilled to make my home in Fort Collins. The orchestra, community and environment all resonate with me in a very exciting and positive way," Kaptur said. "The Symphony's leadership's synergy -- combined with the potential for creative, responsible growth -- make this a special opportunity. "

    What is the mission or vision statement of the Fort Collins Symphony?

    The Fort Collins Symphony Association shall support and promote the efforts of the Fort Collins Symphony to provide orchestral music of the highest artistic standard for the purposes of entertainment, education and enhancement of the cultural environment.

    The Association envisions the Fort Collins Symphony as a premier cultural organization, an orchestra with a sense of joy and accomplishment. The FCSA shall use its passion and resources to create artistic environments in which the Symphony musicians are encouraged to reach their full potential. As a source of community pride, the Symphony will be the premier regional orchestra, acknowledged for excellence in performance, education, and outreach.

    Tell us about your Music Director, Wes Kenney.

    Mr. Kenney is currently in his sixth season as Music Director of the Fort Collins Symphony, an orchestra that has experienced unprecedented growth in the number of concerts and size of budget over the past five seasons. In the summer of 2004 he was named to an additional post of Music Director of Opera Fort Collins helping that organization establish a full season of three productions a season. His initiation of a concert performance of Carmen as a community collaboration between the Fort Collins Symphony, Opera Fort Collins, and Colorado State University, earning him the title of the area's "musical ambassador."

    In addition to the Masterworks series, the Fort Collins Symphony added, Friday Nite Lite Series.

    Yes, the series is geared towards those who desire a shorter, more casual yet top-quality live performance.   The Friday series-with its 7:00 p.m. starting time-is perfect for those people who want to relax and enjoy the University Center for the Art's Griffin Hall's outstanding acoustics.  It also allows concertgoers the time to catch a late dinner at a Fort Collins restaurant.

    When is the next Friday Nite Lite?

    Friday, November 21 featuring our annual concert “Mozart and More”, presenting the works: 

    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Contredanses K.609
    Franz Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 85 in B-flat Major La Reine
    Maurice Ravel: Mother Goose Suite
    Alberto Ginastera: Variaciones Concertante
    Note: The complete Fort Collins Symphony schedule is on-line at fcsymphony.org

    Tell us about some of your favorite KUNC programs.

    St. Paul Sunday, all classical music as part of Divers Music and information about upcoming cultural events.

    Why is underwriting on KUNC important to the Fort Collins Symphony?

    According to our surveys our audience listens to KUNC-FM regularly.  I know that to reach and enhance our cultural participation, our partnership is essential and vital. Thank you for sharing our word and all of the arts information for our community.