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June's Underwriter of the Month 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 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 professionWellington, 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." 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: 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:  1stnationalbank.com25 Branches in Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, Boulder, Loveland, Greeley & Windsor. 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. 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:
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. |
