The Acumen - January 2025

Welcome to The Acumen, a Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce monthly publication. Stay up-to-date with the latest news for Black business in Colorado. Read, enjoy, and share with your networks!

THE ACUMEN C elebrating CBCC’s 40th Anniversary January 2025

BANKING ON CHANGE A Conversation With Malcolm Evans BY DR. ANGELIC COLE

DENVER ART MUSEUM COMPOSING COLOR: ALMA THOMAS

DALE R. HUNTER THE BUSINESS OF WATER

CLYFFORD STILL MUSEUM NEW EXHIBIT: HELD IMPERMANENCE

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The Acumen

CONTENTS

9 PRESIDENT’S CORNER Dr. Angelic Cole explains the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. day. 6 UPCOMING EVENTS Explore exciting new offerings from the CBCC.

22 BANKING ON CHANGE A conversation about leadership with Malcom Evans of Wintrust Bank. 30 HELD IMPERMANENCE Clyfford Still Museum explores competing desires in the new exhibition. 14 COMPOSING COLOR Video with Black Creatives Explores Alma Thomas Exhibition at the DAM.

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Dale Hunter examines the impact of water on business.

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WINTER SERIES

Black Construction Group Monthly Meeting

Hosted by: Whiting-Turner

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 4:30pm - 6pm

The Whiting-Turner Denver Office 7800 E. Union Ave.

RSVP via QR Code or link below.

https://tinyurl.com/4csrjym4

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Editor Alisha Harris, Original Account Strategies Photographer Shameka McBoat, McBoat Photography Contributing Writers Sanya Andersen-Vie, Carleen Brice, Dr. Angelic Cole, Dale R. Hunter, Hamza Rohtua, Andy Sinclair Contributors

Contributing Member Companies

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Dear Reader: Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement, is widely known for his efforts to advance civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience. While his contributions to the fight for equality are well- documented, his impact on small Black-owned businesses is often overlooked. This article explores how King’s work and legacy have influenced the growth and success of Black- owned businesses. Early Support for Black Businesses During the civil rights movement, small Black- owned businesses played a crucial role in supporting the cause. For example, during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Black-owned taxi companies provided transportation for those refusing to use segregated buses. This support was instrumental in sustaining the boycott and demonstrating the economic power of the Black community. Economic Empowerment King’s vision of economic empowerment was central to his message. He believed that economic independence was essential for achieving true equality. By advocating for fair wages, job opportunities, and access to capital, King laid the groundwork for Black entrepreneurs to thrive. His efforts helped to create a more level playing field for Black-owned businesses. Community Support and Collaboration King’s leadership inspired a sense of community and collaboration among Black business owners. He encouraged them to support each other and work together to overcome economic challenges. This spirit of unity and mutual support has continued to benefit Black-owned businesses, fostering a strong network of entrepreneurs who can rely on each other for guidance and assistance. Legacy of Advocacy King’s legacy of advocacy for economic justice has had a lasting impact on Black-owned President’s Corner Martin Luther King Jr. and His Impact on Small Black- Owned Businesses

businesses. His work to dismantle systemic barriers and promote economic opportunities has paved the way for future generations of Black entrepreneurs. Today, organizations like the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce continue to build on King’s legacy by providing resources, support, and advocacy for Black-owned businesses. Challenges and Progress Despite the progress made, Black-owned businesses still face significant challenges, including access to capital, discrimination, and economic disparities. However, the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience. His message of hope and determination continues to inspire Black entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Conclusion Martin Luther King Jr.’s impact on small Black- owned businesses is a testament to his vision of economic empowerment and equality. His advocacy for fair wages, job opportunities, and access to capital has laid the foundation for the growth and success of Black-owned businesses. As we celebrate his legacy, we must continue to support and uplift Black entrepreneurs, ensuring that his vision of economic justice is realized.

Dr. Angelic Cole President & CEO Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce

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The Business of... Water

Water is the lifeline of our great state. All Coloradans must work together to preserve and protect this precious resource. Our food, economy, culture and survival depend on abundant, clean and affordable water. Period. Full Stop. The precious liquid gold that starts high in the Rockies and meanders to the great Colorado River is ultimately stored, transported, and delivered to us as drinking water. Getting the fresh, sparkling mountain water from where it is, to where it’s needed is the great challenge and mission of the Colorado water industry. Yes, there is a water industry. Much like the banking, healthcare, oil and gas industries. The business side of water is the buying, selling, storing, infrastructures, cleaning and distributing this precious natural resource. Understandably, most tend to focus on water quality, rates, droughts and floods. That said, the US water industry is massive. According to a 2023 report, the water and wastewater treatment market was valued at $113 billion and expected to grow to $206 billion by 2032. In 2019, the US water and wastewater treatment technologies market was valued at $280 billion and is expected to grow to $440 billion by 2031. The water industry provides drinking water, wastewater services and sewage treatments to residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors of the economy. Typically, public utilities operate water supply networks. The water industry includes, but not limited to, water engineering, operations, water and wastewater construction, equipment supplies and specialists in water treatment chemicals. The water industry does not include manufacturers or suppliers of bottled water. That’s an aspect of beverage production and belongs to the food industry.

The sprawling US water system is central to the national economy. Chronic underinvestment, increasing demand and the consequences of climate change have revealed the systems weakness. A 2020 study by water utilities, engineers and advocacy groups estimated that making all the needed investments in the US water infrastructure would add $4.5 trillion and 800,000 jobs to the US economy by 2039. A recent “state of the water industry” survey revealed that water industry optimism is on the rise. Even in the face of aging infrastructure, threat to water supply and other obstacles. As a member of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, I encourage you to consider the Colorado Water Industry and the unique employment and potential business opportunities available. Consider joining the BUSINESS of Water.

THG is a government relations consulting firm that specializes in water and energy issues.

www.thg.consulting

Dale R. Hunter Founder, The Hunter Group (THG).

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Place Your Ad Here!

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Gallery view of the Space and Sky section of Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Photo courtesy of the Denver Art Museum. Artworks © Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Video with Black Creatives Explores Alma Thomas Exhibition at the DAM

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The Denver Art Museum recently collaborated with several Black women creatives and business owners on a video project to help introduce Denver to an iconic Black woman artist. Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas from the Smithsonian American Art Museum is a traveling exhibition from Washington, D.C., that explores the life of the groundbreaking artist and educator. “Alma Thomas was a fearless American artist who boldly broke out of every confine her environment ever tried to impose on her, overcoming barriers and forging new paths for Black women artists,” said Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the DAM. “Following up on impactful shows by Jordan Casteel, Shantell Martin and Senga Nengudi, this exhibition is the next of many presentations

D.C., with her family when she was a teenager. She became Howard University’s first student to earn a degree in fine art in 1924 and went on to teach art in D.C. public schools for more than 30 years, as well as serving as vice president of the Barnett Aden Gallery, one of the nation’s first racially integrated and Black-owned art galleries. At the age of 80, in 1972, Thomas presented solo exhibitions at both the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, earning her unprecedented recognition for a Black woman artist. For the video, the museum was inspired by three themes in the exhibition—music and nature, space and sky and earth and seasons—to invite renowned choreographer and dancer Cleo Parker Robinson, Denver-born artist Jordan Casteel and Dr. Breigh Jones-Coplin, owner of Black + Blossomed floral shop, to tour the exhibition with Rory Padeken, the DAM’s Vicki and Kent Logan Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art and local curator for Composing Color. The DAM

highlighting the creativity and artistic contributions of Black women artists.”

Alma Woodsey Thomas was born in 1891 in Columbus, Georgia, and moved to Washington,

Graphic of Alma Thomas painting in her kitchen studio. Courtesy of the Denver Art Museum.

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Visitors in Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Photo courtesy of the Denver Art Museum. Artworks © Smithsonian American Art Museum.

hired Human-Focused Media, a Black-owned local video production company we’ve worked with on multiple occasions, to create the video. Padeken discusses the 19 paintings in the show, which the iconic artist created in her most fruitful and generative period between the 1960s and late 1970s, creating a style of her own with dazzling interplays of patterns and colors. “Thomas’s exuberant art shows her love of how living things grow, change and renew themselves,” Padeken said. “Her art practice blossomed in the 1960s and her vibrant artworks transcended established genres, reflecting the everchanging colors and sounds of her surroundings. Her artistic evolution reflected her belief in the need for new art expressions to represent a new era of world history.” In the section of the exhibition inspired in part by Thomas’s love of music, Cleo Parker Robinson related to the sense of movement in the work. Speaking about a painting called Wind and Crepe Myrtle Concerto, 1973, Robinson said, “There’s this kind of background and then there’s

this coming forward. So you almost have this chorus, and then you have that soloist coming out and it’s wonderful. I feel like the leaves are really speaking. They’re moving. The pink is almost like the sky to me, how the sky can turn all those different colors. So hearing where she has taken her inspiration from, it just expands the imagination.” Padeken also explained that “Alma saw her art as forward looking. She aligned it with the scientific advancements of her day. She wanted to create a new art for a new future. Space was a place of liberation, right?,” he said. “It was a space of freedom. So through painting that she could imagine another kind of world that was quite different than what was happening in our country.” Jordan Casteel marveled at the trailblazing artist. “She is really charting a path at a very difficult time for Black artists, for people like me and artists like me to kind of exist now,” she said. “That there’s a real honoring that I have for her and her ability to see my future as being so

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From left to right: Jordan Casteel, Cleo Parker Robinson, Breigh Jones-Coplin and Rory Padeken. Courtesy of the Denver Art Museum.

“Alma saw her art as forward looking. She aligned it with the scientific advancements of her day. She wanted to create a new art for a new future. Space was a place of liberation, right?”

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Alma Thomas, Wind and Crepe Myrtle Concerto , 1973. Acrylic paint on canvas; 35 x 52 in. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Vincent Melzac, 1975.92.2.

beautiful and bright. It’s absolutely a gift that she is giving us.” Dr. Jones-Coplin, who in addition to her floral design business has a doctorate in clinical psychology, noted that, “Art is healing. Taking something that comes from within you and being able to externalize that mental health difficulty and allowing other people to hold it and share it with you.” Alma Thomas’s constant source of inspiration was nature, whether seen through her kitchen window or from outer space. Throughout politically charged times in American history and life, Thomas maintained her belief in the healing power of beauty and dedicated her life to its cultivation and expression through art— something that feels especially important in today’s world. As Thomas said, “Love comes from looking.” Watch the video and then explore Composing Color for yourself—it’s on view at the DAM

through January 12, 2025, and is included with general admission, which is free for members and everyone 18 and under. Please also support the work of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Black + Blossomed, Jordan Casteel and Human-Focused Media. Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas is organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Generous support has been provided by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, Chris G. Harris, the Wolf Kahn Foundation and Susan Talley. Support for the presentation at the Denver Art Museum is provided by the Birnbaum Social Discourse Project, the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine and CBS Colorado. Carleen Brice is Associate Director of Content at the DAM. Andy Sinclair is Communications and Media Relations Manager at the DAM.

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Black Professional Services Group MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP & JOIN A CBCC SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

Meets every fourth Thursday at 4:30 pm PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS GROWTH SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT AND MORE!

For more information, email Dale Hunter at Dale.Hunter@cbcc.biz

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Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce CONNECT. GROW. THRIVE.

CBCC empowers African American-owned businesses and the communities they serve by providing access to economic opportunities, advocacy, and a strong network of professionals.

Benefits of Membership Empowering Programs & Services that support business growth, including our signature Special Interest Groups. Exclusive Networking with Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners. Resources & Advocacy that foster economic development for Black-owned businesses and their communities. Strategic Partnerships with corporations that strengthen the Black business ecosystem.

» Black Construction Group » Black Professional Services Group » Black Retailer’s Group Looking to meet like- minded individuals? Learn more about our Special Interest Groups.

At CBCC, we’re not just a network—we’re your partner in building a thriving business and community. For more information, email us: contact@cbcc.biz

(303) 831-0746 https://cbcc.biz JOIN US TODAY!

cbcc C O L O R A D O of COMMERCE C H A M B E R B L A C K

A Conversation with Malcolm Evans By DR.ANGELIC COLE Leadership in Banking and Beyond

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Cole: What would you say is the primary motivating factor behind your leadership? Evans: Let me answer the question from two positions of leadership. First as Managing Director for Wintrust Commercial Banking, my motivation lies primarily in being in a position to provide high-level commercial and personal banking services to minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. This was especially essential during the COVID pandemic when many small, minority-owned businesses were unable to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from some of the larger banks. During this period, many business owners realized that just because they maintained a depository (checking) account with their bank, didn’t necessarily mean that they had a “banking relationship” with that particular institution allowing them access to the full suite of products and services offered to large corporate clients.

As Chair of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, I garner motivation from the importance of ensuring that the chamber unwaveringly and steadfastly continues its role and mission of being a strong business advocate for its small business and corporate members and continues to provide them with educational resources and business growth opportunities through relationship building. Cole: Who are your role models, and what life- changing lessons did you pick up from them? Evans: My life role models were my parents and maternal grandparents. My mom and dad taught me the values of education and hard work. They pushed me to always thrive for being in the top quartile in both my academic and professional achievements. My grandparents taught me the importance of honesty, integrity, and commitment. As a result of their efforts, I was the first in my family to graduate college.

Photo: McBoat Photography

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Photo: McBoat Photography

Cole: What inspired you to pursue a career in the banking field, and how did you get started? Evans: From an early age, my parents instilled in me the importance of education, so I never considered not pursuing a college degree. In my junior year in high school, I began to explore career options. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in business but was uncertain as to what area of focus. This was a time before Google of course, so I went to the public library and checked out a copy of the “Job Outlook Handbook” published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now I think it’s referred to as the “Occupational Outlook Handbook”. This periodical provides a description of the occupation, future outlook for the occupation and salary range. I focused on the Business and Financial section, ultimately landing on commercial banking. My major was Finance and Commercial Banking with a minor in Economics.

Cole: What do you believe to be the most important piece of advice for a leader to follow? Evans: I believe it’s important to lead by example. To me that means not simply instructing someone on what to do, but rather being willing to work along side them to accomplish said goal. Cole: How can you inspire others while also maintaining that you continue to be inspired by Wintrust Bank’s overall mission? Evans: I continue to garner inspiration from the sacrifices made by my parents in support of my educational pursuit, the encouragement provided by my high school math teacher Mr. Washington, who saw and fostered my financial acumen early, and the overall need to provide financial advice and services to many underserved communities who otherwise would be subject to increase risk of predatory lending practices.

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Cole: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the banking industry today, and how do you see Wintrust overcoming them? Evans: The advent of the smart phone has led to a major shift in how customers transfer currency and process transactions. There aren’t many reasons now to visit a bank branch. When I started my career in banking as a part-time teller in college, I would process an average of 150 transactions a day. Now the average teller transacts fewer than 20 transactions a day. The ability to transfer money via Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, etc., is super convenient. With this convenience comes the increased risk of fraud, which I view as one of the biggest challenges for the banking industry presently. I always encourage young people today to obtain and use a credit card instead of a debit card. If your credit card is stolen or comprised, it’s the bank’s money and not your money. Of course, you have to use the credit card wisely and try and pay off all charges monthly.

Throughout my career, I’ve been diligent in shying away from the large banks and seeking career opportunities with smaller, regional banks. I find that with the large banks it’s process over people more often than not. Whereas with the smaller more nimble banks, it’s people over process. It’s also important for me to work for an organization that exhibits a great culture from the top down. It’s important as well for me to meet and know the leader of that organization. That’s not often possible with large institutions. Cole: How do you prioritize work-life balance, and what advice do you have for junior professionals who are struggling to find balance? Evans: It’s important for me to “semi- unplug” on weekends from my day job at Wintrust. Semi- unplugged for me means responding to two or three emails over the weekend and attending one or two client weekend social/entertainment events monthly. I currently serve on five nonprofit boards and Wintrust is great with encouraging and being supportive of my board service and those organizations I’m affiliated with. For junior banking professionals, I say your profession has to be just that—a profession/ career and not just a job. You should find something that rewards you financially as well as personally and emotionally. Cole: As an African American leader, what do you consider to be one of the most difficult obstacles you’ve faced? Evans: As a commercial banker, I’m often the only person of color in the room. That can lend itself to isolationism and/or intended or unintended micro aggressions. Growing up as an only sibling, I developed a fairly strong sense of independence and confidence early on and try not to allow negative energy to impede my mission and/or objective

Photo: McBoat Photography

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Photo: McBoat Photography

Cole: In what direction does Wintrust Bank see itself going? Evans: Since I joined Wintrust three years ago, we’ve grown from $50 billion in total assets to $64 billion, or 28 percent. We opened the Denver office in September 2021 with $0 loans and $0 deposits and one employee. We’ve grown Denver to over $500 million in new loan commitments and $100 million in new deposits and now have 10 full-time employees. We plan to continue to expand our presence in the metro Denver market by adding a second location within the next 12 to 24 months. Let’s switch gears and end with you as Board Chair of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce providing a positive and forward- looking statement about the Black Chamber’s future. I joined the board of the Colorado Black Chamber in 2012 and have served as Chair since 2016. One of my key objectives after assuming the role of Board Chair was to bring a level of

Advances in technology have led to fewer community banks as they tend to not be in a position financially to keep pace with the latest technological advances. The larger banks typically don’t provide the best customer service to small and moderate sized businesses. Like many larger corporations, it can be challenging to find an individual to take ownership of the problem and get a satisfactory resolution quickly. Cole: How clear is your vision for what the future of community responsibility should look like at Wintrust Bank? Evans: At Wintrust, we believe corporate responsibility is vital in demonstrating our commitment to the communities we serve. We support local nonprofits through board service, donations and sponsorships and matching individual gifts donated by our employees.

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consistency, accountability, and responsiveness to the Chamber. With that perspective in mind, we brought on Lee Gash-Maxey in April 2016. Lee led the efforts to rebuild the Chamber’s relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders. Lee served as Executive Director until April 2023 and left the organization on solid footing. Dr. Cole, you assume the role of President in April of 2023 and immediately looked to build on the momentum from Lee’s tenure. Under your watch we’ve redesigned our website, increased our social media presence, established our monthly e-magazine with excellent and informative content, and formed two new special interest groups under the Chamber’s umbrella. I see the Chamber continuing to expand our value proposition to its members. We serve a vital role in the Denver Metro business community, connecting our African American business members with opportunities through relationship building with our corporate members. In addition, we serve as the premier business advocacy organization focusing on entrepreneurial development and business-oriented public policy issues. We have to be unwavering and intentional on both fronts.

Photo: McBoat Photography

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BLACK RETAILERS GROUP CBCC SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

Meets every first Monday at 4:30 pm

Market Insights & Trends Collective Marketing Efforts

Peer Support System and so much more!

For more info, contact Dale Hunter. Dale.Hunter@cbcc.biz

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Guest curator Katherine Simone Reynolds with CSM director Joyce Tsa. Image captured by Fireside Production. Photo: Clyfford Still Museum.

Clyfford Still Museum explores competing desires in the new guest-curated exhibition, Held Impermanence, on view January–September By SANYA ANDERSEN-VIE

The Clyfford Still Museum (CSM)’s new guest- curated exhibition, Held Impermanence (Artists Select: Katherine Simóne Reynolds) , illuminates multiple competing desires held in constant tension within the Museum. Organized by award- winning filmmaker, artist, and curator Katherine Simóne Reynolds , the exhibition draws deeply on CSM’s collections. Reynolds is an artist, scholar, and curator who investigates emotional dialects and psychogeographies of Blackness within the Black Midwestern landscape. Her art physicalizes emotions and experiences through photo-based works, film, choreography, sculpture, and anxious writing practice. Reynolds has exhibited and performed work at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, Museum of Modern Art, New York, The Luminary, and the Graham Foundation. She has exhibited

in national and international group and solo shows. She has spoken at the Contemporary Art Museum, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Black Midwest Initiative at the University of Minnesota. She was also the 2022 fellow at the Graham Foundation. Alongside her visual art practice, she has embarked on curatorial projects at The Luminary, SculptureCenter, and exhibitions for Counterpublic 2023, the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, and the Clyfford Still Museum. According to Reynolds, the Clyfford Still Museum collection testifies to Still’s ambitious attempt to keep his entire corpus intact. The commitment to the integrity of that body of work allows viewers to see not only the acclaimed masterpieces but also paintings made in painful transitions and others that bear the scars of time. Artworks

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change over time; their materials carry the stain of what conservators describe as inherent vice. Viewers see paintings that need to rest and heal, bearing marks that suggest, through their surfaces, condition, and textures, metaphors of viscera, bile, and wounds. In the Museum’s six largest galleries, Reynolds’s exhibition asks viewers how they view healing over time, respond with their bodies to this corpus, and how they might approach Still’s achievements from a perspective that contends with his and their own senses of mortality—and with it, a shared desire to hold impermanence. “The exhibition is a poetic meditation on love, grief, and care manifest on the surfaces of Still’s paintings, in conservation records, and inscribed within the most personal and intimate pages written by him and his wife housed in the Archives,” says Joyce Tsai, CSM director. “Still’s art and archives are refracted here through Reynolds’s art and thought, whose work has drawn sustenance from authors Still could never have known. The exhibition illuminates new ways we might all learn to draw strength from Still’s art.” Exhibition Details The exhibition runs from January 25 to September 14. The Still will host various programs and events during the exhibition, including a performance lecture with Reynolds on February 5. Visit clyffordstillmuseum.org/events for a schedule of upcoming programs. Reynolds chose several paintings with condition issues to highlight the impact of conservation throughout the exhibition. One exhibition gallery features the absence of PH-247, known by many as “Big Blue,” which went off view in 2022 after more than a decade on display in the galleries. For the artworks in the collection to maintain and project their visual and emotional power, they must go off view periodically to limit the chemical and physical changes caused by excessive light exposure. Several works on paper, which are particularly light-sensitive, will also be on view in one of the skylit galleries (behind curtains to protect them from excess exposure). Museum

staff tracks the light exposure of paintings and works on paper as part of its ongoing conservation practice. Additionally, Reynolds selected an intriguing collection of archival photographs, letters, and notes to demonstrate the themes and emotions throughout the exhibition. The show also includes two original archival objects, including a barn nail from Still’s studio in Maryland and an exhibition banner of Still’s that hung outside the Met in 1979. The exhibition also features several letters by Patricia Still, including a note about grass growing over the spot where Still’s demolished studio once stood and a page from Patricia’s diary recording Clyfford’s death. The Museum expands on exhibition content in its free mobile guide on Bloomberg Connects. The guide includes audio and video content, plus insights about Reynolds’s curatorial process through the voice of her mother, Margery Handy, alongside archival letters and audio featuring Clyfford Still and his eldest daughter, Sandra. The guide also includes poetry excerpts and behind-the-scenes video highlights. The Held Impermanence guide is available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language, as well as over forty additional languages via Google Translate. Two resources with additional support and insights are available in the exhibition’s first gallery in a wall pocket. Essays on Held Impermanence, a companion booklet to the exhibition, offers an in-depth look at the way this project came into being, as well as how questions of love, grief, rest, and healing are visible in Still’s work; in Patricia Still’s stewardship of his legacy; and in museum practice. In addition to a director’s introduction, curator’s essay, and gallery overview, the booklet features an extended conversation among guest curator Katherine Simóne Reynolds; chief conservator James Squires; Tom Learner, head of the Getty Conservation Institute; and Joyce Tsai, CSM director, that explores philosophical and emotional questions this exhibition raises for the field of art conservation. The Exploring Feelings and Art: A Family Guide provides conversation starters to help guide

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Clyfford Still, PP-734, 1975 (detail). Pastel on paper, 18 x 12 in. Clyfford Still Museum, Denver CO. © City and County of Denver / ARS, NY

caregivers and their child(ren) through the exhibition, as visitors may find this exhibition brings up heavy emotions for them or their child(ren). Held Impermanence follows a chronological display of Still’s works in the Museum’s first three galleries. About the Clyfford Still Museum Designed specifically to display Clyfford Still’s art, the award-winning Clyfford Still Museum is home to nearly everything he created, approximately 3,125 pieces representing 93% of his lifetime of work. The Museum supports new artistic endeavors, inviting visitors to draw strength from Still’s art and life. At the Still, visitors will find a world-class collection gifted to the City and County of Denver, award-winning architecture, cross-disciplinary programs for all ages, and opportunities for visitors to explore their own creativity. Exhibitions stimulate curiosity, arouse emotions, and explore multiple perspectives. The Still invites visitors to refresh, recharge, and reconnect with joy. Connect with the Clyfford Still Museum on Facebook , Twitter/X , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube , or at clyffordstillmuseum.org .

Katherine Simóne Reynolds self-portrait.

Share Your Story with Us! Are you making an impact for Black- owned Business in Colorado? We’re seeking submissions for our “Black Businesses on the Move” section! In 500-1,000 words, tell us what sets your business apart, your contributions to the community, and any challenges you’ve overcome. Please include relevant photos and/or bios to accompany your story. Send your submissions to: TheAcumen@cbcc.biz. Let’s celebrate your achievements and inspire our community together!

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ENGAGE WITH YOUR MEMEBERSHIP BY JOINING A SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

Black Construction Group

Meets every second Tuesday at 4:30 pm.

Networking Opportunities

Policy Advocacy and Representation

Resource and Information Sharing

Industry Specific Insights

... and more!

Join Today!

For more information, contact Dale Hunter Dale.Hunter@cbcc.biz

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Image: Adobe.

10 Techniques for Achieving a Lean and Efficient Supply Chain By HAMZA ROHTUA

1. Implement Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory Management Adopt Just-In-Time inventory strategies to reduce waste and enhance efficiency. This method ensures that goods are received only as they are needed in the production process, thereby reducing inventory costs and minimizing stock holding. This sharp focus on inventory levels necessitates precise demand forecasting and responsive supplier relationships.

In every growing business, a lean and efficient supply chain is crucial for maintaining profitability and customer satisfaction. Achieving this requires deliberate strategies and continuous improvement. These techniques will guide you in optimizing your supply chain, making it not only more efficient but also more responsive to the shifting market demands. Read on for e-commerce solutions.

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2. Optimize Transportation and Route Planning Effective transportation and route planning significantly reduce logistics costs and improve service levels. Utilizing advanced transportation management systems can help in optimizing shipping routes, improving delivery times, and lowering fuel consumption. Often, companies engaged in comprehensive logistics consultants services embrace these technologies to offer better solutions. 3. Enhance Supplier Relationships Developing strong relationships with reliable suppliers leads to better pricing, quality, and inventory availability. Implement regular performance reviews and collaborate on continuous improvement plans. Strong partnerships encourage mutual benefits and can lead to innovations in product and process improvements that enhance overall supply chain efficiency. 4. Streamline Processes Through Technology Integration of advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain can dramatically improve supply chain operations. These technologies facilitate better tracking, forecasting, and management of resources. By enhancing visibility and accountability, technology ensures that every piece of the supply chain communicates seamlessly and operates efficiently. 5. Focus on Quality Management Ensure that quality control is a central aspect of the supply chain. Initiatives such as Total Quality Management (TQM) can be instrumental in identifying areas for improvement and preventing defects. High-quality products reduce returns and increase customer satisfaction, thereby supporting a leaner supply chain. 6. Adopt Lean Manufacturing Principles

waste without sacrificing productivity. Implement principles like Kaizen (continuous improvement), 5S (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain) and Six Sigma to improve efficiency and effectiveness in your production processes. These practices not only streamline operations but also boost worker morale and product quality. 7. Continuously Train and Empower Employees Employees who are knowledgeable and empowered contribute positively to the efficiency of the supply chain. Offer ongoing training and development programs to ensure they are skilled in the latest techniques and technologies. Empowered employees are more likely to take initiative and identify improvements within their own spheres of influence. 8. Utilize Demand Forecasting and Responsiveness Sophisticated demand forecasting tools allow for better planning and stock allocation. The more accurately a company can predict consumer demand, the more efficiently it can operate its supply chain. Make use of predictive analytics to optimize inventory levels and reduce holding costs. 9. Implement Cross-Docking Cross-docking is an effective logistics strategy that reduces storage needs and streamlines the supply chain. Goods are unloaded directly from suppliers or manufacturing plants to outbound trucks, trailers, or railcars without long-term storage. This process reduces handling times and storage fees, resulting in a more lean supply chain. 10. Measure and Analyze Supply Chain Performance Regular evaluation and analysis of your supply chain are essential for sustaining a lean operation. Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) like inventory turnover rates, order accuracy, and delivery times to track

Lean manufacturing focuses on minimizing

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performance. Using these metrics allows for continuous improvement and helps in identifying areas that require attention. To achieve a well-optimized and efficient supply chain, it’s essential to focus on continuous improvement and adapt to new challenges as they arise. Consider consulting with experienced logistics consultants to get personalized advice and strategies tailored to your specific needs. Remember, a lean supply chain not only reduces operational costs but also enhances customer satisfaction and business agility. E-commerce solutions Stay proactive in your approach and welcome the integration of new technologies and methodologies into your operations. Every step you take toward optimizing your supply chain can significantly impact your company’s success and competitiveness in the market.

Image: Adobe.

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37 The Acumen

Editorial and Deadline Calendar Featured Topic Space Reservations

Materials Due

January 2025

Tuesday December 10

Friday, December 13

A Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Black History Month February 2025

Friday, January 17

Tuesday, January 14

March 2025

International Women’s Day

Tuesday, February 11

Friday, February 14

April 2025

Black Women’s Month

Tuesday, March 18

Friday, March 21

May 2025

National Small Business Month

Friday, April 18

Tuesday, April 15

June 2025

Juneteenth

Tuesday, May 13

Friday, May 16

July 2025

International Day of Cooperatives

Tuesday, June 17

Friday, June 20

August 2025

National Black Business Month

Friday, July 19

Tuesday, July 16

September 2025

911 Memorial

Tuesday, August 13

Friday, August 16

October 2025

Health

Friday, September 19

Tuesday, September 16

November 2025

Tuesday, October 14

Friday, October 17

Youth Entrepreneurs

December 2024

Tuesday, November 11

Friday, November 14

National Write a Business Plan Month

38 The Acumen