Colorado business responds: 9-11-2001.

Commercial jets used as weapons of mass destruction. Acts of war committed by affiliated groups not calling themselves a nation.

ColoradoBiz, like the rest of the nation and its business community, was shaken by the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C.

And like the rest of the nation, the magazine went about its business after Sept. 11. Conducted business. Faced the prospect that the attacks would hasten and possibly deepen a national recession. And took to the phones to gather information our readers in the business community might find illuminating.

In the aftermath of the attacks, we thought these business leaders' perspectives on their plans and prospects for the next six months might be of interest to others who run companies across Colorado.

So we asked 36 business leaders two questions:

How have the events of Sept. 11 changed the way you plan to run your business in the next six months? What actions, if any, have you already taken?

Here are their responses.

WELLINGTON WEBB

DENVER MAYOR

Denver's economy was traditionally based on two or three main industries. Fast forward to now, and it is easy to see that Denver's economy is much more diverse and much more resilient then ever before, and I believe it will be able to withstand both the effects of the terrorist attack on Sept. 11 and the talks of a slowing economy that preceded the attacks.

Nonetheless, we are doing everything we can to boost consumer confidence and are encouraging citizens to get back to normal in terms of their routines and in terms of their decisions. We want folks to feel safe flying, we want folks to continue spending money and planning for the future.

If we don't, in a very indirect way, the terrorists are accomplishing what they set out to do -- namely bruising our confidence, which could have a strong impact on the economy.

We as Americans must not let the terrorists win.

As a result of the attacks on Sept. 11, the city of Denver is on a high security alert and a special terrorism task force of local and federal officials is working diligently to prevent to the best of their ability such attacks from occurring in Denver.

ED MCVANEY

CHAIRMAN, CEO

J.D. EDWARDS & CO.

J.D. Edwards did not shut down that day. We carried on, pursuant to our belief in the critical importance of taking care of our customers, who depend on us for their mission-critical software 24 hours a day. Still, because of the significant travel involved in our line of business, we knew our employees would have concerns. So we took steps to ensure their safety, including modifying our travel policy to allow for ground transportation if desired.

It's undeniable that the world changed on Sept. 11. For J.D. Edwards, our mission was clear: protect our people, and always be there for our customers.

LEO KIELY

PRESIDENT, CEO

COORS BRE WINO CO.

Our first concern with regard to our business was around the safety of our people. The morning of the tragedy, we tried to track down everyone whom we knew was traveling on business to learn if they were safe and to help them get home. We also were in immediate contact with our D.C. and New York area offices to make sure everyone was safe and accounted for.

We'll be reviewing our security procedures and communication processes and enhancing them if needed. We'll try to conduct more business through teleconferences and video-conferences and less through air travel. We're also trying to make sure our people have the resources and outlets they need to cope with the tragedy.

We've provided coping and counseling information and classes to our people. We've also provided them ways to give to the relief efforts -- through blood drives and through a company matching donation program.

GAIL H. KLAPPER

MANAGING ATTORNEY

THE KLAPPER FIRM

The events of Sept. 11 have dramatically impacted the people in our office. The issues that seemed very important on Sept. 10th have been dwarfed by an overwhelming sadness and a consuming concern about what to expect next. We have curtailed travel, due in large part to the amount of time it takes to get through the airport. When we have to travel, we have actually decided to drive to places as far away as Texas and Arizona because of the limited flight schedules and long lines.

We are spending a lot of time talking about the financial impact on dues-paying organizations, political campaigns, and philanthropically based programs that we have supported in the past. We have become increasingly cautious about our fees. This year our holiday gifts will center around donations to needy families.

JAKE JABS

OWNER, AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE

Over the years I've endured many political crises and economic recessions -- the worst being 1984/85 (the only two years I have ever lost money). The secret for surviving all of them was my insistence on remaining the best operation in the marketplace. This meant making hard decisions about my business, employees and our market positioning -- but the company always emerged stronger. The businesses that will weather the current conditions are those who best take care of their customers. That's were my focus will be.

Immediately after Sept. 11th we adjusted some of our advertising away from sales promotions to raise money for the American Red Cross. On Sunday, 9/16 we used our full-page ad in The Denver Post to run an American flag. Being a highly visible part of Colorado means that I'm very concerned about our involvement in the community. However, because we still believe in Colorado's economy and feel that our company's best years are ahead, we are not going to allow current events to derail us.

LINDA G. ALVARADO

PRESIDENT

ALVARADO CONSTRUCTION INC.

Immediate concerns include the postponement of several projects that we have marketed. The stabilization of the economy is critical in order for contractors to meet next year's sales and profit plans. There is high anxiety among some employees who must travel to other locations. Additionally, it will affect productivity, as it will require a lot more time to get through security at the airports. Personally, I will be setting up my "other office" in the United Airlines Red Carpet Clubs.

DENNIS ORCUTT

PRESIDENT

U.S. RANK COLORADO

After we comforted each other and hugged loved ones, we immediately waived fees on services to help people impacted by the disaster or who were left stranded. We created emergency credit lines, opened a disaster relief fund and established an employee crisis line.

There are plenty of checks and balances in our system today. It's important that our customers know the industry is strong, our commitment to their business unwavering and their funds secure. We will not let acts of terrorism demoralize our employees and customers or disable our industry.

I am proud of how U.S. Bank employees came together under deplorable circumstances.

JAN ROEHL

LEADER

DENVER PRACTICE DELOITTE & TOUCHE

There will be limited changes to the way we actually run our business. We will continue to focus on our clients and our people. Additionally, we will continue to address the issues that are "top of mind" for our clients, such as disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

We are leveraging technology (e.g., video conferencing and "webinars") to reduce travel. Additionally, we have increased the staffing and availability of our employee-assistance programs to ensure our people have access to counseling. Finally, we are encouraging our professionals to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure their personal safety.

RICK PATCH

PARTNER, SEQUEL VENTURE PARTNERS

The impact on our firm will be determined by the firms and industries we've invested in and the fundamental strength of each firm. Some industries are clearly stronger now than others, and among the best are the industries we've invested in, such as computer storage and network security industries, as well as medical and life sciences industries.

We have helped our companies to re-budget to expect slower revenues, believing that in an uncertain environment it is always wise to be conservative.

Another issue we've looked at is whether the current environment will make it more difficult for Sequel to raise funding. Our belief is that a venture capital firm with a sound track record, such as we feel we have, will always be able to attract investors.

TOM PUCKETT

COO, BONFILS BLOOD CENTER

As the chief operating officer of Bonfils Blood Center, I am driven basically by two factors: social responsibility and public accountability. As we witnessed with the Columbine tragedy, the Oklahoma bombing tragedy, the Gulf War, and now with the terrorist acts in New York City and Washington D.C. on Sept. 11, the citizens of Colorado are willing to step up and be counted. We are very cognizant of our responsibility to be prepared for such occurrences in our community but also across this great nation. We train to be prepared for the unexpected. We continually challenge ourselves professionally and personally to handle the overwhelming outpouring of assistance our citizens are willing to give.

To date we have already improved our communication systems and begun the update of our disaster plan. We have increased the security within our facility. During the next six months we will be examining our performance during the week of Sept. 11-17 and evaluating our response to this tragedy.

F. DARYL GATEWOOD

PRESIDENT, OWNER

SNELLING PERSONNEL

Billings for the week of Sept. 10th were off approximately 35 percent for my company, but have rebounded, and are just slightly lower than the week prior to the tragic attacks. It is hard to say how the events of Sept. 11 will affect our business and our industry, and the adjustments we will need to make in the next six months. Unfortunately, with the massive layoffs in the airline industry and other related industries, and a very soft stock market, and hints that we are currently in a recession, job stability is a real issue. Unemployment is rising in the nation and in Colorado.

With all of these factors, the need for contract or temporary employees may decrease in many industries.

My firm recognized that the economic environment was slowing six months ago, even though it seemed Denver was not as affected as most other major cities. We have been aggressive with our sales and marketing plans and we focus on giving our existing clients the best service we possibly can. My staff and I believe in the old saying "The cream rises to the top." Snelling will survive and rise to the top in these tough economic times.

LAWRENCE GELFOND

DIRECTOR

GELFOND HOCHSTADT PANGBURN (ACCOUNTANTS)

We are obviously concerned and grieved by the events that occurred on Sept. 11. We will monitor our business and that of our clients to be heads-up for dramatic changes that will need immediate responses. Security issues will become more a way of life and an inconvenience we will put up with. As a professional firm we do not anticipate layoffs. We will actively recruit qualified professionals who may find themselves victims of layoffs. The actions we have taken to date are: We recently communicated to our clients and friends that we share in the grief our country is experiencing, and want them to know we are there as their trusted and loyal advisers. We show our support for the leaders of our country by conducting our business as usual and serving our clients as we do each and every day.

LARRY A. MIZEL

CHAIRMAN

MDC HOLDINGS

We have solidified our commitment to growing our business in a smart, measured and controlled manner, while at the same time preparing for an economic downturn. This means doing a better job of managing our financial resources, improving the quality and efficiency of our construction, marketing and merchandising efforts, and developing our employees. Since Sept. 11th, we have communicated extensively with our employees to help them cope with these tragic events, to assist them in supporting the victims through our company-matching Victims' Relief Fund program, and to keep them focused on achieving the goals and objectives of their jobs.

LARISSA HERDA

CHAIRMAN, CEO

TIME WARNER TELECOM INC.

The Time Warner Telecom network experienced limited damage from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Our disaster recovery plans were already in place and performed well. Fortunately, all our employees were safe. They have been helping to install and restore communications to others who lost service, including at New York City Hall, other city offices, various government agencies, end users and carriers. We plan to continue conducting business as usual.

We monitor and evaluate our security and disaster recovery procedures continually to ensure that we have safe working environments for all our employees and are able to deliver the highest quality services to our customers.

DOROTHY GRANDEOIS

PRESIDENT, OWNER

JOB STORE INC.

Job Store Staffing has a passionate, committed team focused on providing the best possible service to our customers. However, the events of Sept. 11th have strengthened everyone's determination to do even more for customers and associates. We have had to cut expenses (as we anticipate the Inevitable slowdowns), Increase staff training and cross-training and revisit our quality procedures. Our team has a renewed resolve to provide customers and employees alike with world-class service so they never have a reason to think about going elsewhere.

MARINER KEMPER

CHAIRMAN, CEO

UMB BANK

We certainly are rowing closer to shore, so to speak, but we're not really doing anything different from a day-to-day perspective as we operate our business. We do see signs that things could get tougher, and because of that we're being more cautious and careful. We have taken a different position on liquidity and have taken measures to step up liquidity. But as a banker, I'd say one of the important driving forces is consumer confidence. I think it's important to us as business leaders to hold the line and provide a level of confidence.

I think we were already in bit of an economic slowdown before Sept. 11. Obviously those events have had other effects on all of us.

We do notice people buying fewer cars and spending a little less money, but I think that'll rebound. We are resilient. We've shown it over and over again.

DAVE SCRUBY

VICE CHAIRMAN

ALPINE BANKS OF COLORADO

We were already preparing for a slowdown with some minor adjustments in our loan underwriting and fraud prevention procedures. The tragic events of Sept. 11th will only exacerbate weaknesses in our local economy as potential tourist activity wanes. We have heard of a few cancellations from resort associations, lodges, and other tourist-based industries for the coming winter; however, it certainly has not been a wholesale event. Also, there have been cancellations of real estate contracts, and in some cases, forfeiture of earnest-money deposits. Contrary to that reaction, we have heard of one real estate investor who called shortly after the terrorist attack to buy property "as far from New Jersey as possible."

We certainly feel the emotional impact of the attack, but remain optimistic that the economy will pull out of the current downturn in the spring of next year. We owe it to our customers not to overreact.

ROBERT POLK

PRESIDENT

POLK WORLD TRAVEL

The events of Sept. 11 have changed our industry more than other industries. Until Sept. 11, our constant plan has been focused on how to manage our business as the airlines continue to cut our revenues. We have never had to plan for revenue and sales decreases by such large amounts in such a short time span.

Three weeks later it is obvious that we are returning to "normal." Our future plans and actions will continue to focus on our talented travel professionals and customer service. At Polk Travel we are confident that our customers want personal professional service, especially when times are difficult. People love doing business with people. Never has this been truer than in the past three weeks.

MORLEY BALLANTINE

CHAIRMAN, EDITOR

THE DURANGO HERALD

The economic climate that was intensified by the events of Sept. 11 has led us to scrutinize our operations very carefully. Neither peace nor prosperity are abroad in the land after almost a decade of steady growth. As a target area for individuals wanting to live in mountain towns, our population will continue to grow. Threats of terrorism on both coasts may speed up that growth. We Coloradans should stay on course with growth-management plans. And budgets? We need to be leaner.

GERRY FREEMAN

CHAIRMAN

FREEMAN GROUP PUBLIC RELATIONS

I have not changed my business practices one iota since the tragedy in New York. My wife and I have not changed any of our national or international travel plans. We'll be flying, not traveling by donkey caravan.

My wife, Sharon, is my business partner. We are doing what we've been doing for decades -- giving our clients sage counsel, advancing their causes through aggressive publicity, working busily to find a marketing advantage.

I was born, raised and educated in New York. I owned and ran one of New York's largest PR firms before moving to Colorado for an alleged retirement. My son and one daughter have productive careers in downtown New York. They are back at work. Their routines are unchanged.

We all have many connections with those who died, and with the destroyed World Trade Center itself. But, we're all at work. Business as usual. Unchanged. Except in our hearts.

The aim of the terrorist is to terrify. As far as my family is concerned, they have lost. We will mourn but we will not be terrified.

BARRY HIRSCHFELD

PRESIDENT, CEO

A.B. HIRSCHFELD PRESS

Don't panic! Present yourself as a calming influence on your fellow workers.

Solicit input. Stress the importance of teamwork and bonding. Be appreciative of all acts, especially those of kindness. Communicate with customers and suppliers. Discuss strategies for the future, be upbeat. Stay lean and mean, focused and efficient. Don't take your eye off the ball. From crisis, opportunities flow -- opportunities to build lasting relationships and warm feelings.

SHERMAN MILLER

SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR

CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD

Real estate essentially is a local business, so most of our professional staff does not travel for business purposes on a regular basis. Because of the events of 9/11, we temporarily suspended air travel, but will resume flying as business and client services dictate, It is conceivable that we could expand the use of technology to include video-conferencing and enhance our software capabilities to send big electronic files, such as architectural drawings and space plans, via the Internet.

In the near term, Cushman & Wakefield professionals in the building management business will likely change some policies and procedures.

Foremost among them: Enhance already stringent building security measures, Access will likely be restricted to employees, approved vendors and expected guests. More surveillance equipment could be installed in commercial buildings. Parking in building basements could be limited to monthly pass holders. Our Asset Management group is evaluating all these options and will work closely with clients to determine the best course of action for each of the properties we manage.

BRIAN VOGT

PRESIDENT

SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER

The chamber has evolved in recent years to broaden what we offer not only to members but also to the community as a whole. While we sensed a recession looming, we also knew the power of businesses gathered to address important public issues. Specifically, we have launched a new and comprehensive program for business start-ups, a program to train business leaders in emergency preparedness, and also the South Metro Denver Convention and Visitors Bureau. Plus, our new Chamber Center serves as a gathering place for people to share their perspectives and ideas.

We went to sleep one night knowing peace and prosperity, waking to find recession and war. Business leadership will help craft a renewed sense of community, and that will fortify us in the challenging months ahead.

PAUL V. REILLY

CHAIRMAN, CEO

MAIL-WELL

The Attack on America has impacted both our professional and business lives. At Mail-Well, "Safety is First." Initially, Mail-Well confirmed the safety of all employees and expedited the return of all traveling employees to their homes. For a week, all air travel was banned and has been authorized to resume only on a restricted basis. Facility and other security issues were evaluated as well.

Today's circumstances are significantly different than prior to Sept. 11, because of increased uncertainty. These are unique times. No similar situation exists. No one can answer the following questions with certainty: How negatively will the economy be impacted? How quickly will the economy come back? How strong will the bounce be?

Within today's landscape, opportunities will be created that are similar to those Mail-Well has identified, such as an increased demand for American flag labels and envelopes for solicitations of charitable contributions.

These unique times require extra diligence. Rest assured, in spite of difficult times in the short-term, we all will survive and prosper in the long run.

DOAK JACOWAY

JACOWAY FINANCIAL CHAIR

METRO DENVER CHAMBER

I'm long-term planning oriented, and so the Sept. 11 events have not caused a significant change in way I conduct my business affairs. So there really are no changes I've implemented or anticipate implementing in the near future.

MICHAEL POLLAK

PRESIDENT

HYDE PARK JEWELERS

The tragic events that occurred on Sept. 11th have caused a great deal of self-reflection among the family of employees at Hyde Park. As we discuss the possible economic scenarios that may impact us and our community, on our core business principles and values. Changes under examination include:

Developing multiple revenue scenarios for merchandising, marketing, and store operating expenses; reviewing security at all locations; analyzing methods to add value in our customer relationships.

As we undergo this review, we are enthusiastically displaying the American flag as both a remembrance of our human losses and as a symbol of our faith in our country's boundless future.

STEVE SCHUCK

CHAIRMAN

BILL SCHUCK

PRESIDENT

THE SCHUCK CORP.

As land developers, we create product that generally takes about two years to get through the pipeline. Since we operate only in markets that have strong and diversified economies like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Portland, our strategy in response to the terrible tragedy of Sept. 11, is to redouble our current commitments. Many of our competitors are pulling back now in response to their customers doing the same, so we foresee an inventory shortage in 12 or 15 months. In order for us to "be there" with product when it is needed, we are going to be there" now.

SHARON LINHART

PRESIDINT

LINHART MCCLAIN PINLON PUBLIC RELATIONS

My plan for managing in the next six months:

1. Be aggressive in pursuit of new business and disciplined in controlling expenses.

2. Be prepared to help our clients adapt to changing conditions and market opportunities.

3. Be sensitive and compassionate to our staffs and clients' emotions.

4. Be decisive, yet flexible.

This is not a reaction to the barbaric events of Sept. 11, but the best way to run a profitable and respected business. I haven't deviated from this philosophy since I started the business in 1996 and believe it will continue to serve us well in the future, come what may.

HERMAN MALONE

PRESIDENT RMES COMMUNICATIONS., FORMER CHAIR, NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Because of our heavy reliance on airport revenues to fuel our business (RMES owns pay telephones at Denver International Airport), Sept. 11 has Caused us to reevaluate our operational costs by reducing and redirecting personnel. It also provided us with a heavy dose of realism by showing us that we were too dependent on the transportation industry even though all tracking and monitoring data indicated upward trends in travel.

The Sept. 11 terror also represented a very frightening awakening to what the world is really like, and how little control we have over what's taking place in our lives -- because they can be turned upside down by a fanatic act.

It has caused me to personally reassess my priorities, both spiritually and emotionally.

ROCKY SCOTT

PRESIDENT

GREATER COLORADO SPRINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.

We plan to continue on our pre-Sept. 11 business plan, which was based upon the expectation of a slowing economy. Colorado and Colorado Springs are well positioned to gain market share in a growing national and international economy when the economic rebound occurs. We have people with excellent skills, a growing number of available facilities, excellent telecommunications infrastructure, a solid entrepreneurial foundation, and a quality of life that others in the country value highly. In the aftermath of Sept. 11, a central U.S. location is increasingly attractive to those with personal security concerns.

BRENDA RIVERS

PRESIDENT, CEO

ANDAVO TRAVEL

Now, more than ever, corporations need a strong partnership with their travel provider as they examine the cost/benefit and risk of travel to their company. The aftermath of Sept. 11 has increased our value to the corporation, the traveler and the airline industry. Andavo is not making changes in the way we do business, but we are focusing more on communication, education, collaboration and alliance building, both internally with our employees and externally with our clients.

We must ensure that every travel dollar spent by our client yields the highest possible return. This is true for our corporate, meeting, incentive and leisure clients. Every travel dollar must be maximized. The travel experience has been dramatically changed, and it is up to us to enhance it in every way possible.

We are tightening our belt by working 36-hour weeks, job sharing and volunteering to take time off without pay. We recognize that we are all in this together -- clients and staff -- and we are doing a lot of supporting!

BOYD HOBACK

PRESIDENT, CEO

GOOD TIMES RESTAURANTS INC.

Having been in New York on Sept. 11 (although thankfully not in Manhattan), the attacks and subsequent effects have not had so much a material impact on our core strategic direction as a psychological and emotional impact on how we are moving forward as a company and as a management team. Even though we did not lose anyone directly associated with our company, the events of Sept. 11 coincided with our planning process and shook up our world enough for us to take stock in what is most important and rededicate ourselves to making our "culture" and "values" distinct, palpable and meaningful for each other and for those we touch in the course of our business.

The "who we are" is more important over the long haul than the "what we are." September 11 has probably infused more uncertainty than anything particularly negative or onerous into our business planning. The quick serve restaurant category is at the "bottom of the food chain" in pricing, and in tough economic times, people tend to trade down in their eating-out choice rather than eating out less often, depending on the severity of a recession.

We have stepped back through our supply chain to pinpoint any potential distribution, supply or pricing difficulties. We have cancelled some travel plans until air travel returns to some level of normalcy. We have not seen any opportunity or reason for heightened security at our restaurants.

WILL G. HOOVER

PRESIDENT, CEO

THE WILL HOOVER COMPANY

We will be much more careful with our data, storage, back-up, communications, at-home networks, etc.

We will be working much harder to attain the same new-client acquisition, and our Costs to achieve this will increase.

We will put our nose to the grindstone like never before. Keep our commitments at any cost, keep our word to go forward on any client projects, investments, whatever, with even greater conviction.

In other words, we will express a greater appreciation for what we currently enjoy and take our work even more seriously. We will alter our actual work product somewhat as well as the marketing schemes that revolve around such work product. Out of necessity, we will focus greater attention on catastrophe planning, bulletproofing, income, asset, investment "protection" planning. A more preservation approach vs. growth and disposition.

VIRGINIA BERKELEY

PRESIDENT

COLORADO BUSINESS BANK

After taking time to reflect on the events of Sept. 11, Colorado Business Bank is committed to not letting the tragedy change the way we do business. Banks play an important role in fueling this country's economic engine, and we believe that role is more important than ever.

We're not changing our lending or underwriting standards out of fear or uncertainty or stepping back from our continuing support of Colorado businesses. We are taking steps to accommodate customers who have been directly or economically impacted by the attacks.

This is a time for unity and support; Colorado Business Bank is doing what we can to foster that spirit in our customers, employees and community.

HANK BROWN

PRESIDENT

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO

For the university there will be minimal change. Although there will be a heightened sense of alert and awareness as to security issues, there will be no significant changes made in relation to jobs or enrollment. In fact, enrollments are a little better than projected this year.