As a majority woman-owned and operated business, based in Boulder, ERC Insulation was launched in answer to an unmet need in the marketplace.  And just three years from launching, ERC already has 18 employees and is still growing rapidly. 

The story surrounding the formation of ERC Insulation began in 2006, when Elton and Christine Randall formed Elton Construction and Design.  Elton had difficulty finding a spray foam contractor for his jobs, so he sought a solution to this problem. Elton purchased a trailer with a spray foam reactor, which he could use to do his own spray foam jobs.  "Elton used it a few times, and then, this massive piece of equipment sat in our driveway. We started getting more calls for spray foam subcontracting work and what I saw sitting in my driveway was an opportunity", recalls Christine.  Thus, ERC Insulation was born in 2010, and Christine became CEO.  Together, ERC and Elton Construction and Design, offer residents and small commercial businesses a one-stop-shop for energy evaluation and energy solutions implementation.

 Early in the company formation process, Christine attended the Leading Edge Entrepreneurship Series produced by the Boulder SBDC with sponsorship from the Colorado Green Building Guild. Christine was able to build a network of "like-minded" business people through the series, which became invaluable to her and the business. "The class facilitated our connection to a great group, and together we helped each other build our businesses".   

Since that series, Christine has continued to attend Boulder SBDC workshops and events such as the annual Contract Opportunities Fair, and she currently participates in the Colorado Emerging Ventures program. Christine takes advantage of the no cost, one-on-one consulting program where she has found Sharon King, Boulder SBDC Director, to be "supportive, knowledgeable, and inspirational."  Christine shares that "some people offer consulting from a place of never having done, and Sharon comes from a place of personal experience and knows how to help."

From its Boulder base, ERC Insulation serves Boulder, Denver, Jefferson, Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin Counties - and continues to grow.  In addition to great timing, mentors and partners like the Boulder SBDC, Christine attributes their success to a strong focus on quality products, installations and personal customer care.  Christine cares deeply about her community, is a mother, business leader and environmental advocate.  She is already thinking about their next company venture.  

Colorado Creative Industries is pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2013 Creative Industries Summit: Mapping Creative Communities, April 11-12. Register before March 15 and receive a special early bird price of $135! After March 15 the price will increase to $150. A price of $125 is available for students. Registration includes the full two-day program and the Governor's Arts Award Luncheon. Click here to see details and register. 

Pueblo's own Haunted Windchimes ,"popular among the grey hairs, green hairs, purple hairs and all over" according to Garrison Keillor of Prairie Home Companion, will perform during the luncheon celebrating winners Aspen and Pueblo. Registration is available for the Governor's Arts Award luncheon only at a cost of $40.

This event will include a full range of workshops covering creative entrepreneurship, arts in rural communities, creative districts, arts innovation and film tracks. In addition, the program will feature keynote speakers Ken Arkind and Bobby LeFebre of Slam Nuba and cultural experiences within the Pueblo Creative Corridor. View more info. 

Limited sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available. Contact Christy Costello at 402.639.3254 or Christy@eastendarts.com .

The annual Distillers Conference and Vendor Expo will be hosted in Denver this year, from April 1st - 4th.  The expo offers program seminars, panels, and workshops for all types of distillers; including those who are new to the industry and interested or considering starting a distillery, the new craft distiller looking to gain knowledge on production techniques and brand building, and the seasoned distillers who are seeking help in taking their brand to the next level.

More information and registration can be found here.

The National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) announces the return of the Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium (VETS) for the 3rd consecutive year at the Silver Legacy Hotel in Reno, Nevada from June 10-13, 2013.  

VETS2013 will assemble more than 500 stakeholders to discuss how to take full advantage of federally-mandated contracting opportunities specifically for veteran-owned small businesses. The event includes representatives from the veteran small business community, federal agencies and prime contractors who exchange knowledge and business opportunities in the classroom, exhibit hall and in the one-on-one business sessions.