Restaurants, coffee shops, and local food businesses have long been gathering places that help define the character of a community. But behind every meal served and every cup poured, business owners are facing a growing list of challenges that are making it harder than ever to stay profitable. In this episode, we discuss the current state of the food and beverage industry, what it takes to operate a business in today's environment, and what local leaders can do to support the entrepreneurs and employers that help make Arvada thrive.

As Colorado experiences longer wildfire seasons and more extreme weather conditions, businesses are facing a new reality: the possibility of proactive power shutoffs to reduce wildfire risk. In this episode, Tyler Bryant of Xcel Energy joins us to explain Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), why they’re becoming part of Colorado’s wildfire mitigation strategy, and what factors determine when they occur. We explore how changing climate conditions are reshaping utility operations, what investments are being made to strengthen the grid, and what businesses can do now to prepare for potential outages. 

Subscribe to the Arvada Business Today podcast at arvadachamber.org/podcast.

This episode explores the rising cost of childcare and what’s driving it: new regulations and staffing challenges to increasing healthcare expenses and the realities of permitting and construction. Hear how these pressures are impacting providers, families, and employers, and what business leaders can do to support sustainable childcare solutions in their communities.

Subscribe to the Arvada Business Today podcast at arvadachamber.org/podcast.

As head of the bipartisan Weist Capitol Group, Jeff brings deep expertise across lobbying, coalition building, strategic communications, and legislative strategy.

In this episode, we’ll explore why the Capitol matters to your business, what’s happening this session, and how you can make your voice heard.

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This 21-minute conversation breaks down how tariffs on imported brewing ingredients are quietly reshaping the economics of craft breweries and other small businesses. While customers may not see these pressures at the taproom, they affect everything from ingredient sourcing to profit margins and pricing decisions.

Chris shares how Odyssey has navigated rising costs tied to Canadian imports, why revenue growth doesn’t always mean stronger profitability, and what it takes to hold the line on prices in a competitive and community-centered industry. The episode also offers practical lessons for business leaders managing supply chain volatility and policy-driven cost increases beyond their control.