01-20-12 CO Governor Hickenlooper announces TeleTech expansion and 500 jobs

DENVER ­— Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 — Gov. John Hickenlooper joined TeleTech CEO Ken Tuchman and Greeley Mayor Tom Norton today to announce the expansion of TeleTech’s new customer management delivery center in Greeley. The expansion will bring more than 500 new jobs to the area.

Today’s announcement follows the recent news of workforce expansions from Halliburton in the Denver-Julesburg Basin, Bal-Seal Engineering Inc. in Colorado Springs and Oil States International Inc. in Johnstown.

“Colorado’s collaborative approach to supporting business growth is paying off,” Hickenlooper said. “We’ve now seen four companies along the Front Range expand and create more than 1,500 jobs in just the past 60 days. Today’s announcement by TeleTech, which has a strong global footprint and stellar reputation, is another step in the right direction toward economic recovery in Colorado.”

TeleTech is one of the largest global providers of transformational customer experience strategy, technology and business process solutions. The company is headquartered in Englewood.

“TeleTech is committed to Colorado and is delighted to have selected Greeley, Colorado as the ideal location for our newest world-class facility. The high-caliber workforce with its integrity and honest work ethic combined with the growing economic presence are a winning combination for our business and the state,” said Ken Tuchman, Chairman and CEO, TeleTech Holdings.

Bal-Seal Engineering Inc. announced Dec. 6 it will embark on a multi-million dollar expansion of its Colorado Springs operation, doubling the company’s workforce. Once the plant is finished, Bal-Seal will grow again and expects to employ more than 200 by 2015. Bal-Seal manufactures spring-loaded connectors which are in high-demand by automotive and medical companies.

01-20-12 *NCBA Op-Ed* Terrorist Activity Has No Place in American Agriculture By NCBA President Bill Donald

One reward of ranch life in rural Montana is that after a hard-days’ work, I get to fall asleep listening to the bawl of mama cows near the house. I imagine farmers and ranchers across the nation can relate to that calming sound. While there are many sounds that come from farms and ranches, one thing we don’t expect to hear is the sound of our farm equipment exploding outside our windows. Unfortunately, for the men and women who make their home at or near the Harris Ranch feedyard in Fresno County, Calif., that is no longer a foreign sound. Early in the morning of Jan. 8, 2012, they were awakened to the sound of 14 cattle trucks exploding and burning near the feed yard.

I thank God that no person and no animals were injured in this senseless act. But make no mistake – this was a horrific act of terrorism against a fellow agricultural producer. Whoever is responsible – be it an individual or a group of people – they must be brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

America’s farmers and ranchers are some of the most honorable men and women around. We work seven days a week, 365 days a year regardless of weather extremes caring for our animals and our crops. We take pride in our chosen way of life because, after all, we’re feeding and clothing the world.

01-20-12 WHEAT RAIL TRANSPORTATION WORKGROUP CREATED IN COLORADO

January 20, 2012, Fort Collins, Colo. – The Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee (CWAC) and Colorado Association of Wheat Growers (CAWG), together with Union Pacific Railroad (UP) announce the creation of the CO/UP Wheat Workgroup.  The Workgroup will include members of CWAC and CAWG, Union Pacific’s Grain Team, the Colorado grain industry and Colorado transportation consultants who will work together on common understanding, accountability, education and discussion of rates and service issues.

“Working together will allow us to learn about the strengths and concerns of everyone concerned with rail shipping.  CWAC and CAWG want to ensure the availability of reliable and reasonable transportation options for Colorado wheat farmers, and this workgroup will lead to greater mutual understanding with and of our marketing partners.” said Dan Anderson, Haxtun, CWAC Past President, “We are glad UP wants to work together to further their understanding and knowledge of the Colorado wheat industry and its marketing partners and embrace the concept of working together to resolve differences.”

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“House Votes to Stop Increasing Federal Debt”

For the second time in five months, the U.S. House has passed a resolution disapproving a Debt Ceiling Limit Increase. H.J. Res. 98 disapproves of President Obama increasing our nation’s statutory debt limit by 1.2-trillion dollars. The vote was along party lines.  Frank Lucas, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, says – we cannot continue down this path of reckless spending in Washington.

Lucas says – Americans are constantly finding ways to balance their checkbooks and live within their means, and it is time for the federal government to do the same. Currently the nation’s debt is greater than the value of the entire U.S. economy. The Senate is expected to vote on its own resolution of disapproval next week.  But, it’s expected to fail.

Lucas challenged leaders in Washington to – come up with real common sense solutions for dealing with this enormous debt problem. We need to make serious cuts in government spending and stop allowing President Obama to borrow more money from the federal government.

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“Canada Looking to Expand Asian Oil Base”

After learning of President Obama’s decision to reject a permit for TransCanada Corporation’s Keystone XL oil pipeline, Canadian Natural Resource Minister Joe Oliver said relying less on the U.S. would help strengthen the country’s “financial security.”  According to Oliver, the – decision by the Obama administration underlines the importance of diversifying and expanding our markets, including the growing Asian market.